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 3 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 3 of 4)

Mandragoras mas is called albus, as the Fæmina is called niger, which titles of blacke and white, are referred vnto the colour of the leaues: the female is called also Thridacias, from the likenesse of Lettice, whereunto they say in forme it doth carry some similitude. Dioscorides saith, that in his time the male was called Morion, and both of them Antimelum, and Circæa. Wee call them in English, The male, and the female Mandrake.

The Vertues.

The leaues haue a cooling and drying qualitie, fit for the oyntment Populeon, wherein it is put. But the Apples haue a soporiferous propertie, as Leuinus Lemnius maketh mention in his Herball to the Bible, of an experiment of his owne. Besides, as Dioscorides first, and then Serapio, Auicen, Paulus Ægineta, and others also do declare, they conduce much to the cooling and cleansing of an hot matrix. And it is probable, that Rachel knowing that they might be profitable for her hot and dry body, was the more earnest with Leah for her Sonne Rubens Apples, as it is set downe Genesis 30. verse 14. The strong sent of these apples is remembred also, Cant. 7. 13. although some would diuert the signification of the Hebrew word, דודאים, vnto Violets, or some other sweet flowers, in the former place of Genesis, and the fruit of Musa, or Adams Apples in this place of the Canticles. Hamilcar the Carthaginian Captaine is said to haue infected the wine of the Lybians (his enemies against whom he fought) with the apples of Mandrake, whereby they being made exceeding drowsie, he obtained a famous victory ouer them.

CHAP. XCVI.

Pomum Amoris. Loue Apples.

Although the beautie of this plant consisteth not in the flower, but fruit, yet giue me leaue to insert it here, lest otherwise it haue no place: whereof there are two especiall sorts, which wee comprehend in one Chapter, and distinguish them by maius and minus, greater and smaller: yet of the greater kinde, we haue noursed vp in our Gardens two sorts, that differ only in the colour of the fruite, and in nothing else.

Pomum Amoris maius fructu rubro. Great Apple of Loue the ordinary red sort.

This greater kinde of Loue Apples, which hath beene most frequently cherished with vs, hath diuers long and trayling branches, leaning or spreading vpon the ground, not able to sustaine themselues, whereon doe grow many long winged leaues, that is, many leaues set on both sides, and all along a middle ribbe, some being greater, and others lesse, iagged also and dented about the edges, of a grayish ouer-worne greene colour, somewhat rough or hairy in handling; from among the leaues and the branches come forth long stalkes, with diuers flowers set thereon, vpon seuerall short footstalks, consisting of sixe, and sometimes of eight small long yellow leaues, with a middle pricke or vmbone, which after the flowers are fallen, riseth to be the fruite, which are of the bignesse of a small or meane Pippin, vneuenly bunched out in diuers places, and scarce any full round without bunches, of a faire pale reddish colour, or somewhat deeper, like vnto an Orenge, full of a slimie iuice and watery pulpe, wherein the seede lyeth, which is white, flat and somewhat rough: the roote shooteth with many small strings and bigger branches vnder ground, but perisheth at the first feeling of our winter weather. The fruite hereof by often sowing it in our Land, is become much smaller then I haue here described it: but was at the first, and so for two or three yeares after, as bigge as I haue related it.

Pomum Amoris maius fructu luteo. Yellow Amorous Apples.

Of the same kinde is this other sort of Amorous Apples, differing in nothing but the colour of the fruite, which is of a pale yellow colour, hauing bunches or lobes in the same manner, and seede also like the former.

Pomum Amoris minus, siue Mala Ethiopica parua. Small Loue Apples.

The small Apples of Loue in the very like manner, haue long weake trayling branches, beset with such like leaues as the greater kinde hath, but smaller in euery part: the flowers also stand many together on a long stalke, and yellow as the former, but much smaller: the fruite are small, round, yellowish red berries, not much bigger then great grapes, wherein are contained white flat seede, like the other, but smaller: the roote perisheth in like manner euery yeare, and therefore must bee new sowen euery spring, if you will haue the pleasure of their sight in the garden; yet some yeares I haue known them rise of their owne sowing in my garden.

The Place.

They growe naturally in the hot Countries of Barbary, and Ethiopia; yet some report them to be first brought from Peru, a Prouince of the West Indies. Wee onely haue them for curiosity in our Gardens, and for the amorous aspect or beauty of the fruit.

The Time.

They flower in Iuly and August, and their fruit is ripe in the middle or end of September for the most part.

The Names.

The first is named diuersly by diuers Authors; for Lobel, Camerarius, and others, call them Poma amoris. Dodonæus Aurea Mala. Gesnerus first, and Bauhinus after him, make it to be a kinde of Solanum Pomiferum. Anguillara taketh it to be Lycopersicum of Galen. Others thinke it to bee Glaucium of Dioscorides. The last is called Mala Æthiopica parua, and by that title was first sent vnto vs, as if the former were of the same kinde and country. We call them in English, Apples of Loue, Loue-Apples, Golden Apples, or Amorous Apples, and all as much to one purpose as another, more then for their beautifull aspect.

The Vertues.

In the hot Countries where they naturally growe, they are much eaten of the people, to coole and quench the heate and thirst of their hot stomaches. The Apples also boyled, or infused in oyle in the sunne, is thought to be good to cure the itch, assuredly it will allay the heate thereof.

CHAP. XCVII.

Digitalis. Foxegloue.

There are three principall sorts of Foxegloues, a greater, a middle or meane sort, and a lesser, and of them, three especiall colours, that is, purple, white, and yellow; the common purple kinde that groweth abroad in the fields, I leaue to his wilde habitation: and of the rest as followeth.

1. Digitalis maxima ferruginea. Dun coloured Foxegloues.

The leaues of this Foxegloue are long and large, of a grayish green colour, finely cut or dented about the edges, like the teeth of a fine sawe; among which commeth vp a strong tall stalke, which when it was full growne, and with ripe seede thereon, I haue measured to be seuen foot high at the least, whereon grow an innumerable company (as I may so say, in respect of the aboundance) of flowers, nothing so large as the common purple kinde, that groweth wilde euery where in our owne Countrey, and of a kinde of browne or yellowish dunne colour, with a long lippe at euery flower; after them come seede, like the common kinde, but in smaller heads: the rootes are stringie like the ordinary, but doe vsually perish, or seldome abide after it hath giuen seed.

2. Digitalis maior flore carneo. Blush coloured Foxegloues.

This kinde of Foxegloues hath reasonable large leaues, yet not altogether so large as the common field kinde: the flowers are also smaller then the common sort, but of a blush colour.

3. Digitalis media flore luteo rubente. Orenge tawnie Foxegloue.

As this Foxegloue is none of the greatest, so also is it none of the smallest; but a sort betweene both, hauing leaues in some proportion correspondent to the lesser yellow Foxegloue, but not so large as the lesser white: the flowers are long and narrow, almost as large as the last white, but nothing so large as the first white, of a faire yellowish browne colour, as if the yellow were ouershadowed with a reddish colour, and is that colour wee vsually call an Orenge tawnie colour: the seede is like the former: the rootes perish euery yeare that they beare seede, which is vsually the second yeare of the springing.

4. Digitalis maior alba. The greater white Foxegloue.

This white Foxegloue is in all things so like vnto the purple wilde kinde, that it can hardly be distinguished from it, vnlesse it be in the fresher greennesse and largenesse of the leaues: the flowers are as great in a manner as the purple, but wholly white, without any spot in them: the seed and other things agree in all points.

5. Digitalis alba altera seu minor. The lesser white Foxegloue.

We haue in our Gardens another sort of white Foxegloue, whose leaues are like vnto the last described, but not altogether so long or large, and of a darker greene colour: the stalke groweth not so high, as not full three foote: the flowers are pure white, fashioned like vnto the former, but not so great or large, in all other things alike: the rootes hereof did abide sometime in our Gardens, but since perished, and the seede also, since when we neuer could obtaine from any our friends of that kinde againe.

6. Digitalis maior lutea flore amplo. The great yellow Foxegloue.

The leaues of this greater yellow Foxegloue, are in forme somewhat like vnto the common purple kinde, but not altogether so large: the stalke groweth to bee three or foure foote high, whereon stand many long hollow pendulous flowers, in shape like the ordinary purple: but somewhat shorter, and more large and open at the brimmes, of a faire yellow colour, wherein are long threads, like as in the others: the roote hereof is greater at the head, and more wooddy then any of the rest, with many smaller fibres, spreading themselues in the ground, and abideth almost as well as our common purple kinde.

7. Digitalis minor lutea siue pallida. The small pale yellow Foxegloue.

This small pale yellow Foxegloue hath somewhat short, broad, smooth and darke greene leaues, snipt or dented about the edges very finely: the stalke is two foot high, beset with such like leaues, but lesser: the flowers are more in number then in any of the rest, except the first and greatest, and growe along the vpper part of the stalke, being long and hollow, like the other, but very small, and of a pale yellow colour almost white: the seede vessels are small like the former, wherein are contained seede like the rest, but smaller: the rootes are stringy, but durable, and seldome perish with any iniury of the extreamest frosts.

The Place.

The great white kinde hath been often, and in many places found wilde in our owne Country, among or hard by the common purple kinde. All the rest are strangers, but cherished in our Gardens.

The Time.

They flower in Iune and Iuly, and some in August, their seede becomming ripe quickly after.

The Names.

Onely the name Digitalis, is of all Writers giuen vnto these plants; for it is not knowne to bee remembred of any of the old Authors. Wee call them generally in English, Foxegloue; but some (as thinking it to bee too foolish a name) doe call them Finger-flowers, because they are like vnto the fingers of a gloue, the ends cut off.

The Vertues.

Foxegloues are not vsed in Physicke by any iudicious man that I know; yet some Italians of Bononia, as Camerarius saith, in his time vsed it as a wound herbe.

CHAP. XCVIII.

Verbascum. Mullein.

There be diuers kindes of Mullein, as white Mullein, blacke Mullein, wooddy Mullein, base Mullein, Moth Mullein, and Ethiopian Mullein, all which to distinguish or to describe, is neither my purpose, nor the intent of this worke, which is to store a Garden with flowers of delight, and sequester others not worthy of that honour. Those that are fit to bee brought to your consideration in this place, are first, the Blattarias, or Moth Mulleins, and then the wooddy Mullein, which otherwise is called French Sage, and lastly, the Ethiopian Mullein, whose beauty consisteth not in the flower, but in the whole plant; yet if it please you not, take it according to his Country for a Moore, an Infidell, a Slaue, and so vse it.

1. Blattaria lutea odorata. Sweete yellow Moth Mullein.

The yellow Moth Mullein whose flower is sweete, hath many hard grayish greene leaues lying on the ground, somewhat long and broad, and pointed at the end: the stalks are two or three foot high, with some leaues on them, & branching out from the middle vpwards into many long branches, stored with many small pale yellow flowers, of a pretty sweete sent, somewhat stronger then in the other sorts, which seldome giueth seede, but abideth in the roote, during many yeares, which few or none of the others doe.

2. Blattaria lutea maior siue Hispanica. The great yellow Moth Mullein.

This Spanish kinde hath larger and greener leaues then the former, and rounder and larger then the next that followeth: the stalke is higher than in any of the Moth Mulleins, being for the most part foure or fiue foote high, whereon toward the toppe growe many goodly yellow flowers, consisting of fiue leaues, as all the rest doe, not so thicke set as the former, but much larger, with some small purplish threads in the middle: the ends whereof are fashioned somewhat like as if a Flie were creeping vp the flower, which turne into round heads, sometimes two or three or more standing together, but vsually one, wherein lye small duskie seed: the roote is not great nor full of threads, and doth perish most vsually hauing giuen seede, except the Winter bee very milde.

3. Blattaria lutea altera vulgatior. The ordinary yellow Moth Mullein.

This yellow Moth Mullein (which is the most frequent in our Gardens) hath longer, and narrower leaues then any of the former, and roundly notched or dented on the edges, of a darke greene colour: the stalke is sometimes branched, but most vsually single, whereon stand many gold yellow flowers, not fully so large as the Spanish kinde, but with the like purple threads in the middle: the seede is small, and contained in the like round heads, but alwaies euery one single by it selfe: the roote perisheth euery yeare that it beareth seede.

4. Blattaria flore luteo purpurascente. Cloth of gold Moth Mullein.

The greatest point of difference betweene this and the last described, consisteth chiefly in the colour of the flower, which in this is of the colour of cloth of gold, that is, the ground yellow, and ouershadowed with a bright crimson colour, which is a fine colour of much delight: the threads in the middle are not so purple red as in the former, but much about the colour of the flower: this is not so willing to giue seede, and will as hardly abide in the roote, and hath out of question risen from the seede of the former.

5. Blattaria flore albo. White Moth Mullein.

The leaues of the white Moth Mullein are somewhat like vnto the yellow, yet not altogether so much roundly notched about the edges, but rather a little dented, with sharper notches: the stalke riseth as high as the yellow, and hath now and then some branches about it: the flowers hereof are pure white, as large and great as the ordinary yellow, or somewhat larger, with the like purple threads in the middle, as are in the yellow: the seed is like the other; the root perisheth in like manner, and will not endure.

6. Blattaria flore purpureo. Purple Moth Mullein.

The Purple Moth Mullein hath his leaues lying on the ground, broader and shorter then any of the other, of a more grayish greene colour, and without any denting for the most part about the edges, sharpe pointed also at the end of the leafe; among the leaues riseth vp the stalke, not so high as either the white or the yellow, and many times branched, bearing many flowers thereon, of the same fashion, and no whit smaller, of a faire deepe blewish colour tending to rednesse, the threads in the middle of the flowers being yellow: the seede vessels hereof are somewhat smaller then any of the former, except the first sweete yellow kinde: the roote hereof is long, thicke, and blackish on the outside, abiding very well from yeare to yeare, and riseth well also from the sowing of the seede.

7. Blattaria flore cæruleo. Blew Moth Mullein.

This blew Moth Mullein is in all respects like vnto the former purple kinde, sauing onely in the colour of the flower, which is of a blewish violet colour, and is not much inferiour either in greatnesse of the plant, or in the largenesse of the flower, vnto the former purple kinde, and endureth many yeares in the like manner. And these be all the sorts of this kinde of Moth Mullein, that I haue seene and noursed vp for this my Garden, without interposing any vnknowne, not seene, or vnworthy.

8. Verbascum siluestre siue quartum Matthioli. Wooddy Mullein or French Sage.

Wooddy Mullein or French Sage, hath diuers wooddy branches two or three foot high, very hoary or white, whereon at seuerall ioynts stand diuers thicke leaues, white also and hoary, long, somewhat broad, round pointed, and rough, somewhat resembling the leaues of Sage in the forme and roughnesse, but not in the sent, whereof our people gaue it the name of Sage, calling it French Sage (when as it is as great a stranger in France as in England, yet they doe with this as with many other things, calling them French, which come from beyond the Seas; as for example, all or most of our bulbous flowers, they call French flowers, &c.) at the toppes of the stalkes and branches, at certaine distances, are placed round about them many gaping flowers, like vnto the flowers of Sage, but yellow: after which now and then come seede, somewhat bigger then the Moth Mulleins, and lesse then the next Mullein of Ethiopia: the roote is wooddy at the toppe, with diuers blackish strings growing from it, and endureth as well aboue ground with his leaues, as vnder it with his rootes.

9. Æthiopis. Ethiopian Mullein.

This Mullein of Ethiopia hath many great, broad, and large leaues lying on the ground, rent or torne in diuers of them very much on the sides, of so hoary a white greene colour, that it farre passeth any of the white Mulleins, that growe wilde abroad in our owne Country; for they are of a yellowish white hoarinesse, nothing so pleasant to looke on as this: in the middle of these leaues riseth vp a square strong stalke, foure or fiue foote high, set full of such like leaues as growe belowe, but much lesser, and lesser still vp to the toppe, all hoary and woolly, as the rest, and diuided into manie branches, spreading farre, and taking vp a great compasse of ground, more then any one roote of Garden Clary, or other such like plant: at each of the stalkes and branches are set two small leaues, and with them, round about the stalkes, stand many small gaping flowers, of a pale bleake blew colour: the seede is almost as large as Garden Clary seede, and of the same forme and colour: the roote is wooddy, and perisheth as soone as it hath borne seede, which is vsually the second yeare after the sowing; for the first yeare it seldome runneth vp to flower.

10. Lamium Pannonicum siue Galeopsis Pannonica. Hungary dead Nettle or the Dragon flower.

Let mee thrust this plant into this place, rather then make a peculiar Chapter, because I haue no other of the same stocke or kindred to be ioyned with it, and is a pretty ornament in a Garden. The leaues whereof are very large, round, and great, rough or full of veines, which make it seeme crumpled, dented or deepely notched about the edges, and of a very darke greene colour, and some times brownish, or of a darke reddish colour withall, euery one standing on a long foote-stalke, very like in forme vnto the great white Arch-Angell leaues, but farre larger and blacker: the stalkes are great and foure square, hauing leaues and flowers standing round about them at the ioynts like coronets, which flowers are very great, long, and wide gaping open, of a darke red or purple colour, with some whitenesse or spots in the iawes, and some hairinesse also on the sides, which stand in full flower two or three moneths most vsually, and sometimes longer, after which come brownish seede: the roote is a great tuft or bush of long whitish strings, and encreaseth euery yeare, not fearing the greatest iniuries of our coldest and extreamest Winters.

The Place.

All these plants are strangers in our Countrey, and onely preserued in Gardens, to furnish them with variety; but (as I said) the cloth of gold Moth Mullein hath been raised from seed in our owne Country.

The Time.

The last flowreth first, before all the rest, beginning in Aprill. The Moth Mulleins in May and Iune. The French Sage in Iuly.

The Names.

All the sorts of Blattaria may bee comprehended vnder the kindes of Verbascum nigrum, as any one but meanely exercised in the knowledge of plants, may discerne. And although Plinie saith, that Moths doe most frequently haunt where Blattaria either groweth, or is laid, yet it is not obserued sufficiently in our Country so to doe, notwithstanding the name of Moth Mullein is generally giuen them. The last is generally called with vs Lamium Pannonicum, but certainely it is the Galeosis maxima Pannonica of Clusius.

The Vertues.

Other qualities I haue not found hath been alloted vnto the Blattaria or Moth Mullein, then those of Plinie, to engender Moths. Wee vse none of these plants in Physicke in these daies.

CHAP. XCIX.

Valeriana. Valerian.

The many sorts of Valerian (or Set-wall as many doe call them) are fitter for a generall worke, or a generall Physicall Garden of Simples, then this of delightfull flowers. I will therefore select out a few, worthy of the place, and offer them to your considerations.

1. Valeriana rubra Dodonæi. Red Valerian.

This Valerian hath diuers hard, but brittle whitish greene stalkes, rising from the roote, full of tuberous or swelling ioynts, whereat stand two leaues, on each side one, and now and then some small leaues from betweene them, which are somewhat long and narrow, broadest in the middle, and small at both ends, without either diuision or incisure on the edges, of a pale greene colour: the stalkes are branched at the top into diuers parts, at the ends whereof stand many flowers together, as it were in an vmbell or tuft, somewhat like vnto the flowers of our ordinary Valerian, but with longer neckes, and of a fine red colour, very pleasant to behold, but of no sent of any Valerian: after these flowers haue stood blowne a very great while, they sodainely fall away, and the seede is ripe very quickly after, which is whitish, standing vpon the branches naked, as the Valerians doe, and very like vnto them, with a little white doune at the end of euery one of them, whereby they are soone carried away with the winde: the roote is great, thicke, and white, continuing long, and shooting out new branches euery yeare, and smelling somewhat like a Valerian.

2. Nardus Montana tuberosa. Knobbed Mountaine Valerian.

This kinde of Valerian or Spiknard, if you will so call it, hath his first leaues lying on the ground, without any diuision in them at all, being smooth, and of a darke greene colour, which so abide all the winter; but those that spring vp after, and when it runneth vp to flower, are cut in on the edges, very like vnto the iagged leaues of the great garden Valerian, and so the elder they grow, the more cut and iagged they are: the stalke and flowers are very like the stalke with flowers of the garden Valerian, but of a darke or deepe red colour, and more store of them thrust together, by double the number almost: the seede is like the seede of the great Valerian: the root is tuberous, or knobbed in many parts, round about, aboue and below also, with some fibres shooting from them, whereby it is encreased, and smelleth very like the roote of the garden Setwall, or not altogether so strong.

3. Valeriana Græca. Greeke Valerian.

The Greek Valerian hath many winged leaues lying vpon the ground, that is, many small leaues set on both sides of a middle ribbe, very like vnto the wilde Valerian, that groweth by the ditch sides, but much smaller and tenderer, among which rise vp one or two round brittle stalkes, two foote high or thereabouts, whereon are set at the ioynts, such like leaues as grow below, but smaller: the toppes of the stalkes are diuided into many small branches, thicke set together, full with flowers, consisting of fiue small round leaues a peece, layd open like vnto the Cinquefoile flower, with some white threds in the middle, tipt with yellow pendents: the colour of these flowers in some plants, is of a faire bleake blew colour, and in others pure white: And I doe heare of one beyond the Seas (if the report bee true, for I haue not seene such a one) which should beare red flowers: after the flowers are past, there come vp in their places small hard huskes or heads, containing small blackish seedes: the roote is composed of a number of small long blackish threds, fastened together at the head, without any sent at all of a Valerian, eyther in roote or leafe; and why it should bee called a Valerian I see no great reason, for it agreeth with none of them, in flower or seede, and but onely with the wilde Valerian in leafe, as I said before: but as it is, we so giue it you, and for the flowers sake is receiued into our gardens, to helpe to fill vp the number of natures rarities and varieties.

The Place.

All these Valerians are strangers, but endenizond for their beauties sake in our Gardens. The Mountaine Valerian I had of the liberalitie of my louing friend Iohn Tradescante, who in his trauaile, and search of natures varieties, met with it, and imparted thereof vnto me.

The Time.

They flower in the Summer moneths, and seed quickly after.

The Names.

The first is generally called of most, Valeriana rubra Dodonæi, who saith also that some would haue it to be Behen rubrum. Some call it Valerianthon, others make it a kinde of Ocimastrum, and some Saponaria altera, with other names, which are to no great purpose to set downe in this place, it beeing fitter for a generall worke to discusse of names, wherein both reading, knowledge and iudgement must bee shewen, to correct errours, and set downe the truth, that one may rest thereon. The others haue their names in their titles sufficient to distinguish them.

The Vertues.

The Mountaine Valerian is of all the rest here set downe of most vse in Physicke, the rest hauing little or none that I know, although it be much weaker then the great garden kinde, or the Indian Nardus, in whose steed anciently it was vsed, in oyles, oyntments, &c.

CHAP. C.

Cardamine. Cuckow flowers, or Ladies smockes.

Of the common sorts of Cuckow flowers that grow by ditch-sides, or in moist medowes, & wet grounds, it is not my purpose here to write, but of one or two other, the most specious or faire of all the tribe, that doe best befit this garden.

1. Cardamine flore pleno. Double Cuckow flowers.

The double Cardamine hath a few winged leaues, weake and tender, lying on the ground, very like vnto the single medow kinde; from among which riseth vp a round greene stalke, set here and there, with the like leaues that grow below, the top whereof hath a few branches, whereon stand diuers flowers, euery one vpon a small footestalk, consisting of many small whitish round leaues, a little dasht ouer with a shew of blush, set round together, which make a double flower: the roote creepeth vnder ground, sending forth small white fibres, and shooteth vp in diuers places.

2. Cardamine trifolia. Trefoile Ladies smockes.

This small plant hath diuers hard, darke round greene leaues, somewhat vneuen about the edges, alwayes three set together on a blackish small footstalke, among which rise vp small round blackish stalkes, halfe a foote high, with three small leaues at the ioynts, where they branch forth; at the toppes whereof stand many flowers, consisting of foure leaues a peece, of a whitish or blush colour very pale: after which come vp small, thicke and long pods, wherein is contained small round seede: the root is composed of many white threds, from the heads whereof runne out small strings, of a dark purple colour, whereby it encreaseth.

The Place.

The first with the double flower is found in diuers places of our owne Countrey, as neere Micham about eight miles from London; also in Lancashire, from whence I receiued a plant, which perished, but was found by the industrie of a worthy Gentlewoman, dwelling in those parts heretofore remembred, called Mistresse Thomasin Tunstall, a great louer of these delights. The other was sent me by my especiall good friend Iohn Tradescante, who brought it among other dainty plants from beyond the Seas, and imparted thereof a roote to me.

The Time.

The last most vsually flowreth before the former, yet not much differing, that is, in the end of Aprill or in May.

The Names.

The first is a double kinde of that plant, that growing wilde abroade, is vsually called Cardamine altera, and Sisymbrium alterum of Dioscorides, and of some Flos cuculi, but not fitly; for that name is more vsually giuen vnto the wilde featherd Campion, both single and double, as is before expressed: yet for want of a fitter name, wee may call it in English, eyther Cuckowe flower, or Ladyes smockes which you will. The second hath beene sent vnder the name of Sanicula trifolia, but the most frequent name now receiued, is Cardamine trifolia, and in English Trefoile Ladies smockes.

The Vertues.

The double Ladies smockes are of the same qualitie with the single, and is thought to be as effectuall as Watercresses. The propertie of the other I thinke is not much knowne, although some would make it a wound herbe.

CHAP. CI.

Thlaspi Creticum. Candy Tufts.

Of the many sorts of Thlaspi it is not the scope of this worke to relate, I will select but onely two or three, which for their beautie are fit to bee inserted into this garden.

Thlaspi Creticum vmbellatum flore albo & purpureo. Candy Tufts white and purple.

This small plant riseth seldome aboue a foote and a halfe high, hauing small, narrow, long and whitish greene leaues, notched or dented with three or foure notches on each side, from the middle to the point-wards; from among which rise vp the stalkes, branched from the bottome almost into diuers small branches, at the toppes whereof stand many small flowers, thick thrust together in an vmbell or tuft, making them seeme to be small, round, double flowers of many leaues, when as euery flower is single, and standeth a part by it selfe, of a faire white colour in some plants, without any spot, and in others with a purplish spot in the centre or middle, as if some of the middle leaues were purple; in others agane the whole flower is purplish all ouer, which make a pretty shew in a garden: the seede is contained in many small and flat seed vessels, which stand together in an vmbell, as the flowers did, in which are contained somewhat reddish seede, like vnto some other sorts of Thlaspi, called Treakle Mustards: the roote is small and hard, and perisheth euery yeare hauing giuen seede.

[Sidenote: Thlaspi Marinum Bæticum.]

We haue another sort, whose leaues before it sendeth forth any stalke, are a little toothed, or finely dented about the edges, and brancheth not so much out, but carryeth an vmbell of purplish flowers like vnto the former, and paler yellow seede.

The Place.

These doe grow in Spaine and Candie, not farre from the Sea side.

The Time.

These Thlaspi giue not their flowers vntill the end of Iune, or beginning of Iuly, and the seed is ripe soone after.

The Names.

The first is named by some, Draba, or Arabis, as Dodonæus, but Draba is another plant differing much from this. Wee call one sort, Thlaspi Creticum, and the other Thlaspi Bæticum marinum, because the one came from Spaine, and the other from Candy; we giue it in English, the name of Tufts, because it doth fit the forme of the flowers best, although ordinarily all the Thlaspi are Englished Wilde Mustardes.

The Vertues.

Candy, or Spanish Tufts, is not so sharpe biting in taste, as some other of the Thlaspies are, and therefore is not to be vsed in medicines, where Thlaspi should be in the stead thereof.

CHAP. CII.

Clematis. Clamberers, or Creepers.

Hauing shewed you all my store of herbes bearing fine flowers, let mee now bring to your consideration the rest of those plants, be they Shrubs or Trees, that are cherished in our garden, for the beauty of their flowers chiefly, or for some other beautifull respect: and first I will begin with such as creepe on the ground, without climing, and then such as clime vp by poles, or other things, that are set or grow neere them, fit to make Bowers, and Arbours, or else are like them in forme, in name, or some other such qualitie or propertie.

1. Clematis Daphnoides, siue Vinca peruinca simplex minor diuersorum colorum. Single Perwinkle of diuers colours.

The smaller Perwinkle which not onely groweth wilde in many places, but is most vsuall in our Gardens, hath diuers creeping branches, trayling or running vpon the ground, shooting out small fibres at the ioynts, as it creepeth, taking thereby hold in the ground, and rooteth in diuers places: at the ioynts of these branches stand two small darke greene shining leaues, somewhat like vnto small Baye leaues, but smaller, and at the ioynts likewise with the leaues, come forth the flowers, one at a ioynt, standing vpon a tender footestalke, being somewhat long and hollow, parted at the brims, sometimes into foure leaues, and sometimes into fiue, the most ordinary sort is of a pale or bleake blew colour, but some are pure white, and some of a darke reddish purple colour: the root is in the body of it, little bigger then a rush, bushing in the ground, and creeping with his branches farre about, taking roote in many places, whereby it quickely possesseth a great compasse; and is therefore most vsually planted vnder hedges, or where it may haue roome to runne.

2. Vinca peruinca flore duplici purpureo. Double purple Perwinkle.

The double Perwinkle is like vnto the former single kinde, in all things except in the flower, which is of that darke reddish purple colour that is in one of the single kindes; but this hath another row of leaues within the flower, so that the two rowes of leaues causeth it to be called double, but the leaues of these are lesser then the single. I haue heard of one with a double white flower, but I haue not yet seene it.

3. Clematis Daphnoides siue Peruinca maior. The greater Perwinkle.

This greater Perwinkle is somewhat like the former, but greater, yet his branches creepe not in that manner, but stand more vpright, or lesse creeping at the least: the leaues also hereof stand by couples at the ioynts, but they are broader and larger by the halfe: the flowers are larger, consisting of fiue leaues that are blew, a little deeper then the former blew: this plant is farre tenderer to keepe then the other, and therefore would stand warme, as well as in a moist shadowie place.

4. Clematis altera siue vrens flore albo. Burning Clamberer, or Virgins Bower.

This Causticke or burning Climer, hath very long and climing tender branches, yet somewhat woody below, which winde about those things that stand neere it, couered with a brownish greene barke, from the ioynts whereof shoote forth many winged leaues, consisting for the most part of fiue single leaues, that is two and two together, and one at the end, which are a little cut in or notched on the edges here and there, but euery part of them is lesser then the leaues of the next following Climer, without any clasping tendrels to winde about any thing at all: towards the vpper part of the branches, with the said leaues, come forth long stalks, whereon stand many white flowers clustering together, opening the brims into sixe or eight small leaues, spreading like a starre, very sweet of smell, or rather of a strong heady sent, which after turne into flattish and blackish seede, plumed at the head, which plume or feather flyeth away with the winde after it hath stood long, and leaueth the seede naked or bare: the roote is white and thicke, fleshie and tender, or easie to be broken, as my selfe can well testifie, in that desiring to take a sucker from the roote, I could not handle it so tenderly, but that it broke notwithstanding all my care. Master Gerard in his Herball maketh mention of one of this kinde with double white flowers, which hee saith he recouered from the seede was sent him from Argentine, that is Strasborough, whereof hee setteth forth the figure with double flowers: but I neuer saw any such with him, neither did I euer heare of any of this kinde with double flowers. Clusius indeed saith, that hee receiued from a friend some seede vnder the name of Clematis flore albo pleno: but he doubteth whether there bee any such: the plants that sprang with him from that seede, were like vnto the vpright kinde called Flammila Matthioli, or Iouis cresta, as he there saith: but assuredly I haue beene informed from some of my especiall friends beyond Sea, that they haue a double white Clematis, and haue promised to send it; but whether it will be of the climing or vpright sort, I cannot tell vntill I see it: but surely I doe much doubt whether the double will giue any good seede.

5. Clematis altera siue peregrina flore rubro. Red Ladies Bower.

This Climer hath many limber and weake climing branches like the former, couered with a browne thin outer barke, and greene vnderneath: the leaues stand at the ioynts, consisting but of three leaues or parts, whereof some are notched on one side, and some on both, without any clasping tendrels also, but winding with his branches about any thing standeth next vnto it: the flowers in like manner come from the same ioynts with the leaues, but not so many together as the former vpon long footstalkes, consisting of foure leaues a peece, standing like a crosse, of a darke red colour; the seed is flat and round, and pointed at the end, three or foure or more standing close together vpon one stalk, without any doune vpon them at all, as in the former: the roots are a bundell of brownish yellow strong strings, running down deep into the ground, from a bigge head aboue.

6. Clematis peregrina flore purpureo simplici. Single purple Ladies Bower.

This Ladies Bower differeth in nothing from the last described, but onely in the colour of the flower, which is of a sad blewish purple colour; so that the one is not possible to be known from the other, vntill they be in flower.

7. Clematis peregrina flore purpurea pleno. Double flowred purple Ladies Bower.

This double Clematis hath branches and leaues so neere resembling the single kinds, that there can be knowne no difference, vnlesse it be, that this groweth more goale and great, and yeeldeth both more store of branches from the ground, and more spreading aboue: the chiefest marke to distinguish it is the flower, which in this is very thicke and double, consisting of a number of smaller leaues, set close together in order in the middle, the foure outermost leaues that encompasse them, being much broader and larger then any of the inward, but all of a dull or sad blewish purple colour, the points or ends of the leaues seeming a little darker then the middle of them: this beareth no seede that euer I could see, heare of, or learne by any of credit, that haue noursed it a great while; and therefore the tales of false deceitfull gardiners, and others, that diliuer such for truth, to deceiue persons ignorant thereof, must not bee credulously entertained.

[Sidenote: Clematis peregrina flore carneo pleno.]

In the great booke of the Garden of the Bishop of Eystot (which place is neere vnto Noromberg) in Germany, I reade of a Clematis of this former kinde, whose figure is thereto also annexed, with double flowers of an incarnate, or pale purple tending to a blush colour, whereof I haue not heard from any other place.

8. Flammula Iouis erecta. Vpright Virgins Bower.

This kinde of Clematis hath diuers more vpright stalkes then any of the foure last described, sometimes foure or fiue foote high, or more: yet leaning or bending a little, so that it had some neede of sustaining, couered with a brownish barke; from whence come forth on all sides diuers winged leaues, consisting of fiue or seuen leaues, set on both sides of a middle ribbe, whereof one is at the end: the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many branches, bearing many white sweet smelling flowers on them, like in fashion vnto the white Virgins Bower; after which come such like feather topt seede, which remaine and shew themselues, being flat like the other, when the plumes are blowne abroad: the roote spreadeth in the ground from a thicke head, into many long strings, and fasteneth it selfe strongly in the earth; but all the stalkes dye downe euery yeare, and spring afresh in the beginning of the next.

9. Clematis cærulea Pannonica. The Hungarian Climer.

The stalks of this plant stand vpright, & are foure square, bearing at euery ioynt two leaues, which at the first are closed together, and after they are open, are somewhat like vnto the leaues of Asclepias, or Swallow-wort: from the tops of the stalks, and sometimes also from the sides by the leaues commeth forth one flower, bending the head downward, consisting of foure leaues, somewhat long & narrow, standing like a crosse, and turning vp their ends a little againe, of a faire blew or skie colour, with a thicke pale yellow short thrumme, made like a head in the middle: after the flower is past, the head turneth into such a like round feather topt ball, as is to be seene in the Trauellers ioy, or Viorna (as it is called) that groweth plentifully in Kent, and in other places by the way sides, and in the hedges, wherein is included such like flat seede. These stalkes (like as the last) dye downe to the ground euery yeare, and rise againe in the Spring following, shooting out new branches, and therby encreaseth in the root.

10. Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana. The Virginia Climer.

Because this braue and too much desired plant doth in some things resemble the former Climers, so that vnto what other family or kindred I might better conioyne it I know not; let me I pray insert it in the end of their Chapter, with this description. It riseth out of the ground (very late in the yeare, about the beginning of May, if it be a plant hath risen from the seed of our owne sowing, and if it be an old one, such as hath been brought to vs from Virginia, not till the end thereof) with a round stalke, not aboue a yard and a halfe high (in any that I haue seene) but in hotter Countries, as some Authors haue set it downe, much higher, bearing one leafe at euery ioynt, which from the ground to the middle thereof hath no claspers, but from thence vpwards hath at the same ioynt with the leafe both a small twining clasper, like vnto a Vine, and a flower also: euery leafe is broad at the stalke thereof, and diuided about the middle on both sides, making it somewhat resemble a Figge leafe, ending in three points, whereof the middlemost is longest: the bud of the flower, before it doe open, is very like vnto the head or seede vessell of the ordinary single Nigella, hauing at the head or top fiue small crooked hornes, which when this bud openeth, are the ends or points of fiue leaues, that are white on the inside, and lay themselues flat, like vnto an Anemone, and are a little hollow like a scoope at the end, with fiue other smaller leaues, and whiter then they lying betweene them, which were hid in the bud before it opened, so that this flower being full blowne open, consisteth of ten white leaues, laide in order round one by another: from the bottome of these leaues on the inside, rise diuers twined threads, which spread and lay themselues all ouer these white leaues, reaching beyond the points of them a little, and are of a reddish peach colour: towards the bottomes likewise of these white leaues there are two red circles, about the breadth of an Oten strawe, one distant from another (and in some flowers there is but one circle seen) which adde a great grace vnto the flower; for the white leaues shew their colour through the peach coloured threads, and these red circles or rings vpon them being also perspicuous, make a tripartite shew of colours most delightfull: the middle part of this flower is hollow, and yellowish; in the bottome whereof riseth vp an vmbone, or round stile, somewhat bigge, of a whitish greene colour, spotted with reddish spots like the stalkes of Dragons, with fiue round threads or chiues, spotted in the like manner, and tipt at the ends with yellow pendents, standing about the middle part of the said vmbone, and from thence rising higher, endeth in three long crooked hornes most vsually (but sometimes in foure, as hath beene obserued in Rome by Dʳ. Aldine, that set forth some principall things of Cardinall Farnesius his Garden) spotted like the rest, hauing three round greene buttons at their ends: these flowers are of a comfortable sweete sent, very acceptable, which perish without yeelding fruit with vs, because it flowreth so late: but in the naturall place, and in hot Countries, it beareth a small round whitish fruit, with a crowne at the toppe thereof, wherein is contained (while it is fresh, and before it be ouer dried) a sweet liquor, but when it is dry, the seede within it, which is small, flat, somewhat rough and blacke, will make a ratling noise: the rootes are composed of a number of exceeding long and round yellowish browne strings, spreading farre abroad vnder the ground (I haue seene some rootes that haue beene brought ouer, that were as long as any rootes of Sarsaparilla, and a great deale bigger, which to be handsomely laid into the ground, were faine to be coyled like a cable) and shooting vp in seuerall places a good distance one from another, whereby it may be well encreased.

The Place.

The first blew Perwinkle groweth in many Woods and Orchards, by the hedge sides in England, and so doth the white here and there, but the other single and double purple are in our Gardens onely. The great Perwinkle groweth in Prouence of France, in Spaine, and Italy, and other hot Countries, where also growe all the twining Clamberers, as well single as double: but both the vpright ones doe growe in Hungary and there abouts. The surpassing delight of all flowers came from Virginia. Wee preserue them all in our Gardens.

The Time.

The Perwinkles doe flower in March and Aprill. The Climers not vntill the end of Iune, or in Iuly, and sometimes in August. The Virginian somewhat later in August; yet sometimes I haue knowne the flower to shew it selfe in Iuly.

The Names.

The first is out of question the first Clematis of Dioscorides, and called of many Clematis Daphnoides (but not that plant that is simply called Daphnoides, for that is Laureola) and is vsually called Vinca pervinca: but it is not Chamædaphne, for that is another plant, as shall be shewed in his place; some call it Centunculus: In English wee call it Perwinkle. The other is Clematis altera of Dioscorides, and is called also Clematis peregrina, whose distinctions are set downe in their titles: In English, Ladies Bower, or Virgins Bower, because they are fit to growe by Arbours, to couer them. The first vpright Clamberer is called, and that rightly of some, Clematis erecta, or surrecta. Of others, Flammula frutex, and Flammula Iouis, or surrecta: In English, Vpright Virgins Bower. The next is called by Clusius, Clematis Pannonica cæulea, who thought it to be Climeni species, by the relation of others, at the first, but after entituled it, Clematis: In English, the Hungarian Climer. The last may be called in Latine, Clematis Virginiana: In English, The Virgin or Virginian Climer; of the Virginians, Maracoc: of the Spaniards in the West Indies Granadillo, because the fruit (as is before said) is in some fashion like a small Pomegranate on the outside; yet the seede within is flattish, round, and blackish. Some superstitious Iesuite would faine make men beleeue, that in the flower of this plant are to be seene all the markes of our Sauiours Passion; and therefore call it Flos Passionis: and to that end haue caused figures to be drawne, and printed, with all the parts proportioned out, as thornes, nailes, speare, whippe, pillar, &c. in it, and all as true as the Sea burnes, which you may well perceiue by the true figure, taken to the life of the plant, compared with the figures set forth by the Iesuites, which I haue placed here likewise for euery one to see: but these bee their aduantagious lies (which with them are tolerable, or rather pious and meritorious) wherewith they vse to instruct their people; but I dare say, God neuer willed his Priests to instruct his people with lyes: for they come from the Diuell, the author of them. But you may say I am beside my Text, and I am in doubt you will thinke, I am in this besides my selfe, and so nothing to be beleeued herein that I say. For, for the most part, it is an inherent errour in all of that side, to beleeue nothing, be it neuer so true, that any of our side shall affirme, that contrarieth the assertions of any of their Fathers, as they call them: but I must referre them to God, and hee knoweth the truth, and will reforme or deforme them in his time. In regard whereof I could not but speake (the occasion being thus offered) against such an erroneous opinion (which euen Dʳ. Aldine at Rome, before remembred, disproued, and contraried both the said figures and name) and seek to disproue it, as doth (I say not almost, but I am affraid altogether) leade many to adore the very picture of such things, as are but the fictions of superstitious brains: for the flower it selfe is farre differing from their figure, as both Aldine in the aforesaid booke, and Robinus at Paris in his Theatrum Floræ, doe set forth; the flowers and leaues being drawne to the life, and there exhibited, which I hope may satisfie all men, that will not be perpetually obstinate and contentious.

The Vertues.

Costæus saith hee hath often seene, that the leaues of Perwinkle held in the mouth, hath stayed the bleeding at the nose. The French doe vse it to stay the menstruall fluxes. The other are causticke plants, that is, fiery hot, and blistering the skinne; and therefore (as Dioscorides saith) is profitable to take away the scurfe, leprye, or such like deformities of the skin. What property that of Virginia hath, is not knowne to any with vs I thinke, more then that the liquor in the greene fruit is pleasant in taste; but assuredly it cannot be without some speciall properties, if they were knowne.

CHAP. CIII.

Chamælæa. Dwarfe Spurge Oliue, or Dwarfe Baye.

I haue three sorts of Chamælæa to bring to your consideration, euery one differing notably from other; two of them of great beauty in their flowers, as well as in the whole plant: the third abiding with greene leaues, although it haue no beauty in the flower, yet worthy of the place it holds. And vnto these I must adioyne another plant, as comming nearest vnto them in the brauery of the flowers.

1. Chamælæa Germanica siue Mezereon floribus dilutioris coloris & saturatioris. Dwarfe Bay, or flowring Spurge Oliue.

We haue two sorts of this Spurge Oliue or Dwarfe Baye, differing onely in the colour of the flowers. They both rise vp with a thicke wooddy stemme, fiue or six foot high sometimes, or more, and of the thicknesse (if they be very old) of a mans wrest at the ground, spreading into many flexible long branches, couered with a tough grayish barke, beset with small long leaues, somewhat like vnto Priuet leaues, but smaller and paler, and in a manner round pointed: the flowers are small, consisting of foure leaues, many growing together sometimes, and breaking out of the branches by themselues: in the one sort of a pale red at the first blowing, and more white afterwards; the other of a deeper red in the blossome, and continuing of a deeper red colour all the time of the flowring, both of them very sweete in smell: after the flowers are past, come the berries, which are greene at the first, and very red afterwards, turning blackish red, if they stand too long vpon the branches: the rootes spread into many tough long branches, couered with a yellowish barke.

2. Chamælæa Alpina. Mountaine Spurge Oliue.

This Mountaine Laurell riseth vp with a small wooddy stemme, three or foure foot high, or more, branching forth towards the vpper parts into many slender and tough branches, couered with a rough hoary greene barke, beset at the ends thereof with flatter, fuller, and smaller round pointed leaues then the former, of a grayish greene colour on the vpperside, and hoary vnderneath, which abide on the branches in Winter, and fall not away as the former: the flowers are many set together at the ends of the branches, greater then the former, and consisting of foure leaues a peece, of a light blush colour, standing in small grayish huskes, of little or no sent at all: the fruit followeth, which are small long graines or berries, of an excellent red colour, which afterwards turne blacke: the roote is long, and spreadeth about vnder the vpper part of the earth.

3. Chamælæa tricoccos. Widowe Wayle.

This three berried Spurge Oliue hath no great stemme at all, but the whole plant spreadeth from the ground into many flexible tough greene branches, whereon are set diuers narrow, long, darke greene leaues all along the branches, which abide greene all the Winter: the flowers are very small, scarce to be seene, and come forth between the leaues and the stalke, of a pale yellow colour, made of three leaues; after which come small blackish berries, three vsually set together; the roote spreadeth it selfe in the ground not very farre, being hard and wooddy, and often dyeth, if it bee not well defended from the extremity of our sharpe Winters.

4. Cneorum Matthioli. Small Rocke Roses.

I was long in doubt in what place I should dispose of this plant, whether among the Campions, as Bauhinus, or among these, as Clusius doth; but lest my Garden should want it wholly, let it take vp roome for this time here. This gallant plant hath diuers long, weake, slender, but yet tough branches lying vpon the ground, diuided vsually into other smaller branches, whereon growe many, small, long, and somewhat thicke leaues, somewhat like vnto the leaues of the former Mezereon, set without any order to the very tops, from whence doe come forth a tuft of many small flowers together, made or consisting of foure leaues a peece, of a bright red or carnation colour, and very sweete withall, which turne into small round whitish berries, wherein is contained small round seede, couered with a grayish coate or skinne: the roote is long and yellowish, spreading diuers wayes vnder the ground, and abideth many yeares shooting forth new branches.

[Sidenote: Flore albo.]

It hath beene obserued in some of these plants, to bring forth white flowers, not differing in any thing else.

The Place.

The first sorts growe plentifully in many places of Germany. The second in the mountaines by Sauoye. The third in Prouence and Spaine. The last in diuers parts of Germany, Bohemia, and Austria, and about Franckford.

The Time.

The two first sorts are most vsually in flower about Christmas, or in Ianuary, if the weather be not violent, and sometimes not vntill February. The second flowreth not vntill Aprill. The third in May. The berries of them ripen some in Iune and Iuly; some in August and September, as their flowring is earlier or later. The last flowreth as well in the Spring as in Autumne, so apt and plentifull it is in bearing, and the seede at both times doth ripen soone after.

The Names.

The first is called of some Chamælæa, with this addition Germanica, that it may differ from the third, which is the true Chamælæa of Dioscorides, as all the best Authors doe agree, and is also called Piper montanum of the Italians. It is generally called Mezereon, and is indeede the true Mezereon of the Arabians, and so vsed in our Apothecaries shops, wheresoeuer the Arabians Mezereon is appointed, although the Arabians are so intricate and vncertaine in the descriptions of their plants, confounding Chamælæa and Thymælæa together. Matthiolus maketh it to be Daphnoides of Dioscorides; but in my opinion he is therein mistaken: for all our best moderne Writers doe account our Laureola, which hath blacke berries, to bee the true Daphnoides: the errour of his Countrey might peraduenture drawe him thereunto; but if hee had better considered the text of Dioscorides, that giueth black berries to Daphnoides, and red to Chamædaphne, he would not so haue written; and truly, I should thinke (as Lobel doth) with better reason, that this Chamælæa were Dioscorides Chamædaphne, then hee to say it were Daphnoides: for the description of Chamædaphne, may in all parts be very fitly applyed to this Chamælæa: and euen these words, Semen annexum folijs, wherein may be the greatest doubt in the description, may not vnfitly bee construed, that as is seene in the plant, the berries growe at the foote of the leaues, about the branches: the faculties indeede that Dioscorides giueth to Chamædaphne, are (if any repugnancie be) the greatest let or hinderance, that this Chamælæa should not be it: but I leaue the discussing of these and others of the like nature, to our learned Physitians; for I deale not so much with vertues as with descriptions. The second is called of Lobel Chamælæa Alpine incana, of Clusius Chamælæa secunda, and saith hee had it out of Italy. Wee may call it in English, Mountaine Spurge Oliue, as it is in the description, or Mountaine Laurell, which you will. The last hath the name of Cneorum, first giuen it by Matthiolus, which since is continued by all others. Bauhinus (as I said) referreth it to the Mountaine Campions, but Clusius (as I doe) to the kindes of Chamælæa or Thymælæa. For want of an English name I haue (as you see, and that is according to the name the Germane women, as Clusius saith, doe call it) entituled it the Small Rocke Rose; which may abide vntill a fitter may be conferred vpon it.

The Vertues.

All these plants except the last, as well leaues as berries, are violent purgers, and therefore great caution is to bee had in the vse of them. The last hath not beene applyed for any disease that I know.

CHAP. CIIIA.

Laurus. The Bay Tree.

My meaning is not to make any description of our ordinary Bayes in this place (for as all may very well know, they may be for an Orchard or Courtyard, and not for this Garden) but of two or three other kindes, whose beautifull aspect haue caused them to be worthy of a place therein: the one is called Laurus Tinus, The wilde Baye: the other Laurus Rosea or Oleander, The Rose Bay: and a third is Laurocerasus, The Cherry Bay; which may haue not onely some respect for his long bush of sweet smelling flowers, but especially for the comely statelinesse of his gallant euer fresh greene leaues; and the rather, because with vs in most places, it doth but frutescere, vse to bee Shrub high, not arborescere, Tree high, which is the more fit for this Garden.

1. Laurus Tinus siue siluestris. The wilde Bay tree.

This wilde Baye groweth seldome to bee a tree of any height, but abideth for the most part low, shooting forth diuers slender branches, whereon at euery ioynt stand two leaues, long, smooth, and of a darke greene colour, somewhat like vnto the leaues of the Female Cornell tree, or between that and Baye leaues: at the toppes of the branches stand many small white sweete smelling flowers, thrusting together, as it were in an vmbell or tuft, consisting of fiue leaues a peece, the edges whereof haue a shew of a wash purple, or light blush in them, which for the most part fall away without bearing any perfect ripe fruit in our Countrey: Yet sometimes it hath small black berries, as if they were good, but are not. In his naturall place it beareth small, round, hard and pointed berries, of a shining blacke colour, for such haue come often to my hands (yet Clusius writeth they are blew); but I could neuer see any spring that I put into the ground. This that I here describe, seemeth to me to be neither of both those that Clusius saw growing in Spain and Portugall, but that other, that (as he saith) sprang in the low Countreyes of Italian seede.

2. Laurus Rosea siue Oleander. The Rose Bay.

Of the Rose Bay there are two sorts, one bearing crimson coloured flowers, which is more frequent, and the other white, which is more rare. They are so like in all other things, that they neede but one description for both. The stemme or trunke is many times with vs, as bigge at the bottome as a good mans thumbe, but growing vp smaller, it diuideth it selfe into branches, three for the most part comming from one ioynt or place, and those branches againe doe likewise diuide themselues into three other, and so by degrees from three to three, as long as it groweth: the lowest of these are bare of leaues, hauing shed or lost them by the cold of winters, keeping onely leaues on the vppermost branches, which are long, and somewhat narrow, like in forme vnto Peach leaues, but thicker, harder, and of a darke greene colour on the vpperside, and yellowish greene vnderneath: at the tops of the young branches come forth the flowers, which in the one sort before they are open, are of an excellent bright crimson colour, and being blowen, consist of foure long and narrow leaues, round pointed, somewhat twining themselues, of a paler red colour, almost tending to blush, and in the other are white, the greene leaues also being of a little fresher colour: after the flowers are past, in the hot countries, but neuer in ours, there come vp long bending or crooked flat pods, whose outward shell is hard, almost woody, and of a browne colour, wherein is contained small flat brownish seede, wrapped in a great deale of a brownish yellow doune, as fine almost as silke, somewhat like vnto the huskes of Asclepias, or Periploca, but larger, flatter and harder; as my selfe can testifie, who had some of the pods of this Rose bay, brought mee out of Spaine, by Master Doctor Iohn More, the seedes whereof I sowed, and had diuers plants that I raised vp vnto a reasonable height, but they require, as well old as young, to bee defended from the colde of our winters.

3. Laurocerasus. The Bay Cherry.

This beautifull bay in his naturall place of growing, groweth to bee a tree of a reasonable bignesse and height, and oftentimes with vs also if it bee pruined from the lower branches; but more vsually in these colder Countries, it groweth as a shrub or hedge bush, shooting forth many branches, whereof the greater and lower are couered with a darke grayish greene barke, but the young ones are very greene, whereon are set many goodly, faire, large, thicke and long leaues, a little dented about the edges, of a more excellent fresh shining greene colour, and farre larger then any Bay leafe, and compared by many to the leaues of the Pomeritron tree (which because wee haue none in our Countrey, cannot be so well known) both for colour and largenesse, which yeeld a most gracefull aspect: it beareth long stalkes of whitish flowers, at the ioynts of the leaues both along the branches and towards the ends of them also, like vnto the Birds Cherry or Padus Theophrasti, which the French men call Putier & Cerisier blanc, but larger and greater, consisting of fiue leaues with many threds in the middle: after which commeth the fruite or berries, as large or great as Flanders Cherries, many growing together one by another on a long stalke, as the flowers did, which are very blacke and shining on the outside, with a little point at the end, and reasonable sweete in taste, wherein is contained a hard round stone, very like vnto a Cherry stone, as I haue obserued as well by those I receiued out of Italie, as by them I had of Master Iames Cole a Merchant of London lately deceased, which grew at his house in Highgate, where there is a faire tree which hee defended from the bitternesse of the weather in winter by casting a blanket ouer the toppe thereof euery yeare, thereby the better to preserue it.

The Place.

The first is not certainly knowne from whence it came, and is communicated by the suckers it yeeldeth. The second groweth in Spaine, Italie, Grece, and many other places: that with white flowers is recorded by Bellonius, to grow in Candy. The last, as Matthiolus, and after him Clusius report, came first from Constantinople: I had a plant hereof by the friendly gift of Master Iames Cole, the Merchant before remembred, a great louer of all rarities, who had it growing with him at his countrey house in Highgate aforesaid, where it hath flowred diuers times, and borne ripe fruit also.

The Time.

The first flowreth many times in the end of the yeare before Christmas, and often also in Ianuary, but the most kindly time is in March and Aprill, when the flowers are sweetest. The second flowreth not vntill Iuly. The last in May, and the fruit is ripe in August and September.

The Names.

The first is called Laurus siluestris, and Laurus Tinus: in English Wilde Bay, or Sweete flowring Bay. The second is called Laurus Rosea, Oleander, Nerium, and Rhododendros: in English The Rose Bay, and Oleander. The last was sent by the name of Trebezon Curmasi, that is to say, Dactylus Trapezuntina, but not hauing any affinitie with any kinde of Bay. Bellonius as I thinke first named it Laurocerasus, and Cerasus Trapezuntina. Dalechampius thinketh it to bee Lotus Aphricana, but Clusius refuteth it. Those stones or kernels that were sent me out of Italie, came by the name of Laurus Regia, The Kings Bay. Wee may most properly call it according to the Latine name in the title, The Cherry bay, or Bay Cherry, because his leaues are like vnto Bay-leaues, and both flowers and fruit like vnto the Birdes Cherry or Cluster Cherry, for the manner of the growing; and therefore I might more fitly I confesse haue placed it in my Orchard among the sorts of Cherries: but the beautifulnesse of the plant caused mee rather to insert it here.

The Vertues.

The wilde Bay hath no propertie allotted vnto it in Physicke, but that it is not to be endured, the berries being chewed declare it to be so violent hot and choking. The Rose Bay is said by Dioscorides, to be death to all foure footed beasts, but contrariwise to man it is a remedie against the poison of Serpents, but especially if Rue bee added vnto it. The Cherry Bay is not knowne with vs to what physicke vse it may be applyed.

CHAP. CIIII.

Cerasus flore multiplici. The Rose or double blossomd Cherry. Malus flore multiplici. The double blossomd Apple tree. And Malus Persica flore multiplici. The double blossomd Peach tree.

The beautifull shew of these three sorts of flowers, hath made me to insert them into this garden, in that for their worthinesse I am vnwilling to bee without them, although the rest of their kindes I haue transferred into the Orchard, where among other fruit trees, they shall be remembred: for all these here set downe, seldome or neuer beare any fruite, and therefore more fit for a Garden of flowers, then an Orchard of fruite.

Cerasus flore pleno vel multiplici. The Rose Cherry, or Double blossomd Cherry.

The double blossomed Cherry tree is of two sorts for the flower, but not differing in any other part, from the ordinary English or Flanders Cherry tree, growing in very like manner: the difference consisteth in this, that the one of these two sorts hath white flowers lesse double, that is, of two rowes or more of leaues, and the other more double, or with more rowes of leaues, and besides I haue obserued in this greater double blossomd Cherry, that some yeares most of the flowers haue had another smaller and double flower, rising vp out of the middle of the other, like as is to bee seene in the double English Crow-foote, and double redde Ranunculus or Crowfoote, before described: this I say doth not happen euery yeare, but sometimes. Sometimes also these trees will giue a few berries, here and there scattered, and that with lesse double flowers more often, which are like vnto our English Cherries both for taste and bignesse. These be very fit to be set by Arbours.

Malus flore multiplici. The double blossomd Apple tree.

This double blossomd Apple tree is altogether like vnto our ordinary Pippin tree in body, branch and leafe, the only difference is in the flower, which is altogether whitish, sauing that the inner leaues towards the middle are more reddish, but as double and thicke as our double Damaske Roses, which fall away without bearing fruit.

Malus Persica flore multiplici. The double blossomd Peach tree.

This Peach tree for the manner of growing, is so like vnto an ordinary Peach tree, that vntill you see it in blossome you can perceiue no difference: the flower is of the same colour with the blossomes of the Peach, but consisting of three or foure, or more rowes of leaues, which fall often away likewise without bearing any fruite; but after it hath abiden some yeares in a place doth forme into fruite, especially being planted against a wall.

The Place.

Both the Cherry trees are frequent in many places of England, noursed for their pleasant flowers. The Apple is as yet a stranger. And the Peach, hath not been seen or knowne, long before the writing hereof.

The Time.

They all flower in April & May, which are the times of their other kinds.

The Names.

Their names are also sufficiently expressed to know them by.

The Vertues.

Cherries, Peaches and Apples, are recorded in our Orchard, and there you shall finde the properties of their fruit: for in that these beare none or very few, their blossomes are of most vse to grace and decke the persons of those that will weare or beare them.

CHAP. CV.

Periclymenum. Honysuckles.

The Honisuckle that groweth wilde in euery hedge, although it be very sweete, yet doe I not bring into my garden, but let it rest in his owne place, to serue their senses that trauell by it, or haue no garden. I haue three other that furnish my Garden, one that is called double, whose branches spreade far, and being very fit for an arbour will soone couer it: the other two stand vpright, and spreade not any way far, yet their flowers declaring them to be Honisuckles, but of lesse delight, I consort them with the other.

Periclymenum perfoliatum siue Italicum. The double Honisuckle.

The truncke or body of the double Honisuckle, is oftentimes of the bignesse of a good staffe, running out into many long spreading branches, couered with a whitish barke, which had neede of some thing to sustaine them, or else they will fall down to the ground (and therefore it is vsually planted at an arbour, that it may run thereon, or against a house wall, and fastened thereto in diuers places with nailes) from whence spring forth at seuerall distances, and at the ioynts, two leaues, being like in forme vnto the wilde Honisuckles, and round pointed for the most part; these branches diuiding themselues diuers wayes, haue at the toppes of them many flowers, set at certaine distances one aboue another, with two greene leaues at euery place, where the flowers doe stand, ioyned so close at the bottome, and so round and hollow in the middle, that it seemeth like a hollow cuppe or sawcer of flowers: the flowers stand round about the middle of these cuppes or sawcers, being long, hollow, and of a whitish yellow colour, with open mouthes dasht ouer with a light shew of purple, and some threds within them, very sweet in smell, like both in forme and colour vnto the common Honisuckles, but that these cuppes with the flowers in them are two or three standing one aboue another (which make a far better shew then the common, which come forth all at the heade of the branches, without any greene leaues or cuppes vnder them) and therefore these were called double Honisuckles.

Periclymenum rectum fructu rubro. Red Honisuckles.

This vpright Woodbinde hath a straight woody stemme, diuided into seuerall branches, about three or foure foote high, couered with a very thinne whitish barke, whereon stand two leaues together at the ioynts, being lesser then the former, smooth and plaine, and a little pointed: the flowers come forth vpon slender long footstalks at the ioynts where the leaues stand, alwayes two set together, and neuer more, but seldome one alone, which are much smaller then the former, but of the same fashion, with a little button at the foote of the flower; the buds of the flowers before they are open are very reddish, but being open are not so red, but tending to a kinde of yellowish blush colour: after which come in their places two small red berries, the one withered for the most part, or at least smaller then the other, but (as Clusius saith) in their naturall places they are both full and of one bignesse.

Periclymenum rectum fructu cæruleo. Blew berried Honisuckles.

This other vpright Woodbinde groweth vp as high as the former, or rather somewhat higher, couered with a blackish rugged barke, chapping in diuers places, the younger branches whereof are somewhat reddish, and couered with an hoary doune: the leaues stand two together at the ioints, somewhat larger then the former, and more whitish vnderneath: the flowers are likewise two standing together, at the end of a slender footestalke, of a pale yellowish colour when they are blowne, but more reddish in the bud: the berries stand two together as the former, of a darke blewish colour when they are fully ripe, and full of a red liquour or iuice, of a pleasant taste, which doth not only dye the hands of them that gather them, but serueth for a dying colour to the inhabitants where they grow plentifully, wherein are contained many flat seede: The roote is woody as the former is.

The Place.

The first groweth in Italie, Spaine, and Prouence of France, but not in the colder countreyes, vnlesse it be there planted, as is most frequent in our countrey. The others grow in Austria, and Stiria, as Clusius saith, and are entertained into their gardens onely that are curious.

The Time.

The first flowreth vsually in Aprill, the rest in May.

The Names.

The first is called Periclymenum, Caprifolium perfoliatum, and Italicum, as a difference from the common kinde: In English Double Woodbinde, or double Honisuckles. The others, as they are rare, and little knowne, so are their names also: yet according to their Latine, I haue giuen them English names.

The Vertues.

The double Honisuckle is as effectuall in all things, as the single wilde kinde, and besides, is an especiall good wound herbe for the head or other parts. I haue not knowne the vpright kindes vsed in Physicke.

CHAP. CVI.

Iasminum siue Gelseminum. Iasmine or Gesmine.

We haue but one sort of true Iasmine ordinarily in our Gardens throughout the whole Land; but there is another greater sort, which is farre more tender, brought out of Spaine, and will hardly endure any long time with vs, vnlesse it be very carefully preserued. Wee haue a third kinde called a yellow Iasmine, but differeth much from their tribe in many notable points: but because the flowers haue some likenesse with the flowers of the true Iasmine, it hath been vsually called a Iasmine; and therefore I am content for this Garden to conioyne them in one Chapter.

1. Iasminum album. The white Iasmine.

The white Iasmine hath many twiggy flexible greene branches, comming forth of the sundry bigger boughes or stems, that rise from the roote, which are couered with a grayish darke coloured barke, hauing a white pith within it like the Elder, but not so much: the winged leaues stand alwaies two together at the ioynts, being made of manie small and pointed leaues, set on each side of a middle ribbe, six most vsually on both sides, with one at the end, which is larger, more pointed then any of the rest, and of a darke greene colour: at the toppes of the young branches stand diuers flowers together, as it were in an vmbell or tuft, each whereof standeth on a long greene stalke, comming out of a small huske, being small, long, and hollow belowe, opening into fiue white small, pointed leaues, of a very strong sweete smell, which fall away without bearing any fruit at all, that euer I could learne in our Country; but in the hot Countries where it is naturall, it is said to beare flat fruit, like Lupines: the rootes spread farre and deepe, and are long and hard to growe, vntill they haue taken strong hold in the ground.

2. Iasminum Catalonicum. The Spanish Iasmine.

This Catalonia Iasmine groweth lower then the former, neuer rising halfe so high, and hath slender long greene branches, rising from the toppe of the wooddy stemme, with such like leaues set on them as the former, but somewhat shorter and larger: the flowers also are like vnto the former, and stand in the same manner at the end of the branches, but are much larger, being of a blush colour before they are blowne, and white with blush edges when they are open, exceeding sweete of smell, more strong then the former.

3. Iasminum luteum, siue Trifolium fruticans alijs Polemonium. The yellow Iasmine.

This that is called the yellow Iasmine, hath many long slender twiggy branches rising from the roote, greene at the first, and couered with a darke grayish barke afterwards, whereon are set at certaine distances, three small darke greene leaues together, the end leafe being alwaies the biggest: at the ioynts where the leaues come forth, stand long stalkes, bearing long hollow flowers, ending in fiue, and some in six leaues, very like vnto the flowers of the first Iasmine, but yellow, whereupon it is vsually called the Yellow Iasmine: after the flowers are past, there come in their places round blacke shining berries, of the bignesse of a great Pease, or bigger, full of a purplish iuyce, which will dye ones fingers that bruise them but a little: the roote is tough, and white, creeping farre about vnder the ground, shooting forth plentifully, whereby it greatly encreaseth.

The Place.

The first is verily thought to haue been first brought to Spaine out of Syria, or thereabouts, and from Spaine to vs, and is to be seene very often, and in many of our Country Gardens. The second hath his breeding in Spaine also, but whether it be his originall place we know not, and is scarce yet made well acquainted with our English ayre. The third groweth plentifully about Mompelier, and will well abide in our London Gardens, and any where else.

The Time.

The first flowreth not vntill the end of Iuly. The second somewhat earlier. The third in Iuly also.

The Names.

The first is generally called Iasminum album, and Gelseminum album: In English, The white Iasmine. The second hath his name in his title, as much as may be said of it. The third hath been taken of some to be a Cytisus, others iudge it to be Polemonium, but the truest name is Trifolium fruticans, although many call it Iasminum luteum: In English most vsually, The yellow Iasmine, for the reasons aforesaid; or else after the Latine name, Shrubbie Trefoile, or Make-bate.

The Vertues.

The white Iasmines haue beene in all times accepted into outward medicines, eyther for the pleasure of the sweete sent, or profit of the warming properties. And is in these dayes onely vsed as an ornament in Gardens, or for sent of the flowers in the house, &c. The yellow Iasmine, although some haue adiudged it to be the Polemonium of Dioscorides, yet it is not vsed to those purposes by any that I know.

CHAP. CVII.

Syringa. The Pipe tree.

Vnder the name of Syringa, is contained two speciall kinds of Shrubs or Trees, differing one from another; namely, the Lilac of Matthiolus, which is called Syringa cærulea, and is of two or three sorts: And the Syringa alba, which also is of two sorts, as shall bee declared.

1. Lilac siue Syringa cærulea. The blew Pipe tree.

The blew Pipe tree riseth sometimes to be a great tree, as high and bigge in the bodie as a reasonable Apple tree (as I haue in some places seene and obserued) but most vsually groweth lower, with many twigs or branches rising from the roote, hauing as much pith in the middle of them as the Elder hath, couered with a grayish greene barke, but darker in the elder branches, with ioynts set at a good distance one from another, and two leaues at euery ioynt, which are large, broad, and pointed at the ends, many of them turning or folding both the sides inward, and standing on long foote stalkes: at the toppes of the branches come forth many flowers, growing spike-fashion, that is, a long branch of flowers vpon a stalke, each of these flowers are small, long, and hollow belowe, ending aboue in a pale blewish flower, consisting of foure small leaues, of a pretty small sent: after the flowers are past, there come sometimes (but it is not often in our Country, vnlesse the tree haue stood long, and is grown great, the suckers being continually taken away, that it may growe the better) long and flat cods, consisting as it were of two sides, a thin skinne being in the midst, wherein are contained two long flattish red seede: the rootes are strong, and growe deepe in the ground.

2. Syringa flore lacteo siue argenteo. The siluer coloured Pipe tree.

This Pipe tree differeth not from the former blew Pipe tree, either in stemme or branches, either in leaues or flowers, or manner of growing, but onely in the colour of the flower, which in this is of a milke, or siluer colour, which is a kinde of white, wherein there is a thinne wash, or light shew of blew shed therein, comming somewhat neare vnto an ash-colour.

3. Lilac lacimatis folijs. The blew Pipe tree with cut leaues.

This Pipe tree should not differ from the first in any other thing then in the leaues, which are said to be cut in on the edges into seuerall parts, as the relation is giuen à viris fide dignis; for as yet I neuer saw any such; but I here am bold to set it downe, to induce and prouoke some louer of plants to obtaine it for his pleasure, and others also.

4. Syringa flore albo simplici. The single white Pipe tree.

The single white Pipe tree or bush, neuer commeth to that height of the former, but abideth alwaies like a hedge tree or bush, full of shootes or suckers from the roote, much more then the former: the young shootes hereof are reddish on the outside, and afterward reddish at the ioynts, and grayish all the rest ouer: the young as well as the old branches, haue some pith in the middle of them, like as the Elder hath: the leaues stand two at a ioynt, somewhat like the former, but more rugged or crumpled, as also a little pointed, and dented about the edges: the flowers growe at the toppes of the branches, diuers standing together, consisting of foure white leaues, like vnto small Muske Roses, and of the same creame colour, as I may call it, with many small yellowish threads in the middle, and are of a strong, full, or heady sent, not pleasing to a great many, by reason of the strange quicknesse of the sent: the fruit followeth, being flat at the head, with many leafie shels or scales compassing it, wherein is enclosed small long seede: the rootes runne not deepe, but spread vnder the ground, with many fibres annexed vnto them.

5. Syringa Arabica flore albo duplici. The double white Pipe tree.

This Pipe tree hath diuers long and slender branches, whereon growe large leaues, somewhat like vnto the leaues of the former single white kinde, but not so rough or hard, and not at all dented about the edges, two alwaies standing one against another at euery ioynt of the stalke, but set or disposed on contrary sides, and not all vpon one side; at the ends whereof come forth diuers flowers, euery one standing on his owne foote-stalke, the hose or huske being long and hollow, like vnto the white Iasmine, and the flowers therein consisting of a double rowe of white and round pointed leaues, fiue or six in a rowe, with some yellownesse in the middle, which is hollow, of a very strong and heady sweet sent, and abiding a long time flowring, especially in the hotter Countries, but is very tender, and not able to abide any the least cold weather with vs; for the cold windes will (as I vnderstand) greatly molest it: and therefore must as charily be kept as Orenge trees with vs, if wee will haue it to abide.

The Place.

The first groweth in Arabia (as Matthiolus thinketh, that had it from Constantinople.) We haue it plentifully in our Gardens. The second and third are strangers with vs as yet. The fourth is as frequent as the first, or rather more, but his originall is not knowne. The last hath his originall from Arabia, as his name importeth.

The Time.

The first, second, and third flower in Aprill, the other two not vntill May.

The Names.

The first is called of Matthiolus Lilac, and by that name is most vsually called in all parts. It is also called Syringa cærulea, because it commeth nearest vnto those woods, which for their pithy substance, were made hollow into pipes. It is called of all in English, The blew Pipe tree. It seemeth likely, that Petrus Bellonius in his third Booke and fiftieth Chapter of his obseruations (making mention of a shrubbe that the Turkes haue, with Iuie leaues alwaies greene, bearing blew or violet coloured flowers on a long stalke, of the bignesse and fashion of a Foxe taile, and thereupon called in their language a Foxe taile) doth vnderstand this plant here expressed. The certainty whereof might easily be knowne, if any of our Merchants there residing, would but call for such a shrubbe, by the name of a Foxe taile in the Turkish tongue, and take care to send a young roote, in a small tubbe or basket with earth by Sea, vnto vs here at London, which would be performed with a very little paines and cost. The second and third, as kindes thereof, haue their names in their titles. The fourth is called by Clusius and others, Frutex Coronarius; some doe call it Lilac flore albo, but that name is not proper, in that it doth confound both kindes together. Lobel calleth it Syringa Italica. It is now generally called of all Syringa alba, that is in English, The white Pipe tree. Some would haue it to bee Ostrys of Theophrastus, but Clusius hath sufficiently cleared that doubt. Of others Ligustrum Orientale, which it cannot be neither; for the Cyprus of Plinie is Dioscorides his Ligustrum, which may be called Orientale, in that it is most proper to the Easterne Countries, and is very sweete, whose seede is like vnto Coriander seede. The last is called by diuers Syringa Arabica flore albo duplici, as most fitly agreeing thereunto. Of Basilius Beslerus that set forth the great booke of the Bishop of Eystot in Germany his Garden, Syringa Italica flore albo pleno, because, as it is likely, hee had it from Italy. It is very likely, that Prosper Alpinus in his booke of Egyptian plants, doth meane this plant, which hee there calleth Sambach, siue Iasminum Arabicum. Matthæus Caccini of Florence in his letter to Clusius entituleth it Syringa Arabica, siue Iasminum Arabicum, siue Iasminum ex Gine, whereby hee declareth that it may not vnfitly be referred to either of them both. We may call it in English as it is in the title, The double white Pipe tree.

The Vertues.

We haue no vse of these in Physicke that I know, although Prosper Alpinus saith, the double white Pipe tree is much vsed in Egypt to help women in their trauailes of childbirth.

CHAP. CVIII.

Sambucus Rosea. The Elder or Gelder Rose.

Although there be diuers kindes of Elders, yet there is but one kinde of Elder Rose, whereof I meane to intreate in this Chapter, being of neare affinity in some things vnto the former Pipe trees, and which for the beauty of it deserueth to be remembred among the delights of a Garden.

Sambucus Rosea. The Gelder Rose.

The Gelder Rose (as it is called) groweth to a reasonable height, standing like a tree, with a trunke as bigge as any mans arme, couered with a darke grayish barke, somewhat rugged and very knotty: the younger branches are smooth and white, with a pithy substance in the middle, as the Elders haue, to shew that it is a kind thereof, whereon are set broad leaues, diuided into three parts or diuisions, somewhat like vnto a Vine leafe, but smaller, and more rugged or crumpled, iagged or cut also about the edges: at the toppes of euery one of the young branches, most vsually commeth forth a great tuft, or ball as it were, of many white flowers, set so close together, that there can be no distinction of any seuerall flower seene, nor doth it seeme like the double flower of any other plant, that hath many rowes of leaues set together, but is a cluster of white leaued flowers set together vpon the stalke that vpholdeth them, of a small sent, which fall away without bearing any fruit in our Country, that euer I could obserue or learne: The roote spreadeth neither farre nor deepe, but shooteth many small rootes and fibres, whereby it is fastened in the ground, and draweth nourishment to it, and sometimes yeeldeth suckers from it.

The Place.

It should seeme, that the naturall place of this Elder is wet and moist grounds, because it is so like vnto the Marsh Elder, which is the single kind hereof. It is onely noursed vp in Gardens in all our Country.

The Time.

It flowreth in May, much about the time of the double Peony flower, both which being set together, make a pleasant variety, to decke vp the windowes of a house.

The Names.

It is generally called Sambucus Rosea: In English, The Elder Rose, and more commonly after the Dutch name, the Gelder Rose. Dalechampius seemeth to make it Thraupalus of Theophrastus, or rather the single Marsh Elder; for I thinke this double kinde was not knowne in Theophrastus his time.

The Vertues.

It is not applyed to any Physicall vse that I know.

CHAP. CIX.

Rosa. The Rose tree or bush.

The great varietie of Roses is much to be admired, beeing more then is to bee seene in any other shrubby plant that I know, both for colour, forme and smell. I haue to furnish this garden thirty sorts at the least, euery one notably differing from the other, and all fit to be here entertained: for there are some other, that being wilde and of no beautie or smell, we forbeare, and leaue to their wilde habitations. To distinguish them by their colours, as white, red, incarnate, and yellow, were a way that many might take, but I hold it not so conuenient for diuers respects: for so I should confound those of diuers sorts one among another, and I should not keepe that methode which to me seemeth most conuenient, which is, to place and ranke euery kinde, whether single or double, one next vnto the other, that so you may the better vnderstand their varieties and differences: I will therefore beginne with the most ancient, and knowne Roses to our Countrey, whether naturall or no I know not, but assumed by our precedent Kings of all others, to bee cognisances of their dignitie, the white Rose and the red, whom shall follow the damaske, of the finest sent, and most vse of all the other sorts, and the rest in their order.

1. Rosa Anglica alba. The English white Rose.

The white Rose is of two kindes, the one more thicke and double then the other: The one riseth vp in some shadowie places, vnto eight or ten foote high, with a stocke of a great bignesse for a Rose. The other growing seldome higher then a Damaske Rose. Some doe iudge both these to be but one kinde, the diuersitie happening by the ayre, or ground, or both. Both these Roses haue somewhat smaller and whiter greene leaues then in many other Roses, fiue most vsually set on a stalke, and more white vnderneath, as also a whiter greene barke, armed with sharpe thornes or prickles, whereby they are soone known from other Roses, although the one not so easily from the other: the flowers in the one are whitish, with an eye or shew of a blush, especially towards the ground or bottome of the flower, very thicke double, and close set together, and for the most part not opening it selfe so largely and fully as eyther the Red or Damaske Rose. The other more white, lesse thicke and double, and opening it selfe more, and some so little double as but of two or three rowes, that they might be held to be single, yet all of little or no smell at all. To describe you all the seuerall parts of the Rose, as the bud, the beards, the threds &c. were needlesse, they are so conuersant in euery ones hand, that I shall not neede but to touch the most speciall parts of the varieties of them, and leaue a more exact relation of all things incident vnto them, vnto a generall worke.

2. Rosa Incarnata. The Carnation Rose.

The Carnation Rose is in most things like vnto the lesser white rose, both for the growing of the stocke, and bignesse of the flower, but that it is more spreade abroade when it is blown then the white is, and is of a pale blush colour all the flower thoroughout, of as small a sent as the white one is almost.

[Sidenote: Rosa Belgica siue Vitrea.]

This kinde of Rose is not very great, but very thicke and double, and is very variable in the flowers, in that they will be so different one from another: some being paler then others, and some as it were blasted, which commeth not casually, but naturally to this rose: but the best flowers (whereof there will bee still some) will be of a bright pale murrey colour, neere vnto the Veluet rose, but nothing so darke a colour.

3. Rosa Anglica rubra. The English red Rose.

The red Rose (which I call English not only for the reason before expressed, but because (as I take it) this Rose is more frequent and vsed in England, then in other places) neuer groweth so high as the damaske Rose bush, but most vsually abideth low, and shooteth forth many branches from the roote (and is but seldome suffered to grow vp as the damaske Rose into standards) with a greene barke, thinner set with prickles, and larger and greener leaues on the vpperside then in the white, yet with an eye of white vpon them, fiue likewise most vsually set vpon a stalke, and grayish or whitish vnderneath. The Roses or Flowers doe very much vary, according to their site and abiding; for some are of an orient, red or deepe crimson colour, and very double (although neuer so double as the white) which when it is full blowne hath the largest leaues of any other Rose; some of them againe are paler, tending somewhat to a damaske; and some are of so pale a red, as that it is rather of the colour of the canker Rose, yet all for the most part with larger leaues then the damaske, and with many more yellow threds in the middle: the sent hereof is much better then in the white, but not comparable to the excellencie of the damaske Rose, yet this Rose being well dryed and well kept, will hold both colour and sent longer then the damaske, bee it neuer so well kept.

4. Rosa Damascena. The Damaske Rose.

The Damaske Rose bush is more vsually noursed vp to a competent height to stand alone, (which we call Standards) then any other Rose: the barke both of the stocke and branches, is not fully so greene as the red or white Rose: the leaues are greene with an eye of white vpon them, so like vnto the red Rose, that there is no great difference betweene them, but that the leaues of the red Rose seeme to bee of a darker greene. The flowers are of a fine deepe blush colour, as all know, with some pale yellow threds in the middle, and are not so thicke and double as the white, not being blowne, with so large and great leaues as the red, but of the most excellent sweet pleasant sent, far surpassing all other Roses or Flowers, being neyther heady nor too strong, nor stuffing or vnpleasant sweet, as many other flowers.

5. Rosa Prouincialis siue Hollandica Damascena. The great double Damaske Prouince or Holland Rose.

This Rose (that some call Centifolia Batauica incarnata) hath his barke of a reddish or browne colour, whereby it is soone discerned from other Roses. The leaues are likewise more reddish then in others, and somewhat larger, it vsually groweth very like the Damaske rose, and much to the same height: the flowers or roses are of the same deepe blush colour that the damaske roses are, or rather somewhat deeper, but much thicker, broader, and more double, or fuller of leaues by three parts almost, the outer leaues turning themselues backe, when the flower hath stood long blowne, the middle part it selfe (which in all other roses almost haue some yellow threds in them to be seene) being folded hard with small leaues, without any yellow almost at all to be seene, the sent whereof commeth neerest vnto the damaske rose, but yet is short of it by much, howsoeuer many doe thinke it as good as the damask, and to that end I haue known some Gentlewomen haue caused all their damaske stockes to bee grafted with prouince Roses, hoping to haue as good water, and more store of them then of damask Roses; but in my opinion it is not of halfe so good a sent as the water of damaske Roses: let euery one follow their own fancie.

6. Rosa Prouincialis rubra. The red Prouince Rose.

As the former was called incarnata, so this is called Batauica centifolia rubra, the difference being not very great: the stemme or stocke, and the branches also in this, seeming not to be so great but greener, the barke being not so red; the leaues of the same largenesse with the former damaske Prouince. The flowers are not altogether so large, thicke and double, and of a little deeper damaske or blush colour, turning to a red Rose, but not comming neere the full colour of the best red Rose, of a sent not so sweete as the damaske Prouince, but comming somewhat neere the sent of the ordinary red rose, yet exceeding it. This rose is not so plentifull in bearing as the damaske Prouince.

7. Rosa Prouincialis alba. The white Prouince Rose.

It is said of diuers, that there is a white Prouince Rose, whereof I am not oculatus testis, and therefore I dare not giue it you for a certaintie, and indeed I haue some doubt, that it is the greater and more double white rose, whereof I gaue you the knowledge in the beginning: when I am my selfe better satisfied, I shall bee ready to satisfie others.

8. Rosa versicolor. The party coloured Rose, of some Yorke and Lancaster.

This Rose in the forme and order of the growing, is neerest vnto the ordinary damaske rose, both for stemme, branch, leafe and flower: the difference consisting in this, that the flower (being of the same largenesse and doublenesse as the damask rose) hath the one halfe of it, sometimes of a pale whitish colour, and the other halfe, of a paler damaske colour then the ordinary; this happeneth so many times, and sometimes also the flower hath diuers stripes, and markes in it, as one leafe white, or striped with white, and the other halfe blush, or striped with blush, sometimes also all striped, or spotted ouer, and other times little or no stripes or markes at all, as nature listeth to play with varieties, in this as in other flowers: yet this I haue obserued, that the longer it abideth blowen open in the sun, the paler and the fewer stripes, markes or spots will be seene in it: the smell whereof is of a weake damaske rose sent.

9. Rosea Chrystallina. The Chrystall Rose.

This Rose is very like vnto the last described, both for stocke, branch and leafe: the flower hereof is not much different from it, being no great large or double Rose, but of a meane size, striped and marked with a deeper blush or red, vpon the pale coloured leafe, that it seemeth in the marking and beauty thereof, to bee of as much delight as the Chrystall Gilloflower: this, euen like the former, soone fadeth and passeth away, not yeelding any great store of flowers any yeare.

10. Rosa rubra humilis siue pumilio. The dwarfe red Rose, or Gilloflower Rose.

This Rose groweth alwayes low and small, otherwise in most respects like vnto the ordinary redde Rose, and with few or no thornes vpon it: the Flowers or Roses are double, thicke, small and close, not so much spread open as the ordinary red, but somewhat like vnto the first double white Rose before expressed; yet in some places I haue seene them more layde open then these, as they grew in my garden, being so euen at the toppes of the leaues, as if they had been clipt off with a paire of sheeres, and are not fully of so red a colour as the red Prouince Rose, and of as small or weak sent as the ordinary red Rose, or not so much.

11. Rosa Francafurtensis. The Franckford Rose.

The young shootes of this Rose are couered with a pale purplish barke, set with a number of small prickes like haires, and the elder haue but very few thornes: the flower or rose it selfe hath a very great bud or button vnder it, more then in any other rose, and is thicke and double as a red rose, but so strongly swelling in the bud, that many of them breake before they can be full blowen, and then they are of a pale red rose colour, that is, betweene a red and a damaske, with a very thicke broade and hard vmbone of short yellow threds or thrumes in the middle, the huske of the flower hauing long ends, which are called the beards of the rose, which in all other are iagged in some of them, in this hath no iagge at all; the smell is neerest vnto a red Rose.

12. Rosa Hungarica. The Hungarian Rose.

The Hungarian Rose hath greene shootes slenderly set with prickes, and seldome groweth higher then ordinarily the red Rose doth; the stemme or stocke being much about that bignesse: the flower or rose is as great, thicke and double, as the ordinary red Rose, and of the same fashion, of a paler red colour, and beeing neerely looked vpon is finely spotted with faint spots, as it were spreade ouer the red; the smell wherof is somewhat better then the smell of the ordinary red Rose of the best kinde.

13. Rosa Holoserica simplex & multiplex. The Veluet Rose single and double.

The old stemme or stock of the veluet Rose is couered with a dark coloured barke, and the young shootes of a sad greene with very few or no thornes at all vpon them: the leaues are of a sadder greene colour then in most sorts of Roses, and very often seuen on a stalke, many of the rest hauing but fiue: the Rose is eyther single or double: the single is a broade spread flower, consisting of fiue or sixe broade leaues with many yellow threds in the middle: the double hath two rowes of leaues, the one large, which are outermost, the other smaller within, of a very deepe red crimson colour like vnto crimson veluet, with many yellow threds also in the middle; and yet for all the double rowe of leaues, these Roses stand but like single flowers: but there is another double kinde that is more double then this last, consisting oftentimes of sixteene leaues or more in a flower, and most of them of an equall bignesse, of the colour of the first single rose of this kinde, or somewhat fresher; but all of them of a smaller sent then the ordinary red Rose.

14. Rosa siue spinis simplex & multiplex. The Rose without thornes single and double.

The Rose without thornes hath diuers greene smooth shootes, rising from the root, without any pricke or thorne at all vpon them, eyther young or old: the leaues are not fully so large as of the red rose: the flowers or roses are not much bigger then those of the double Cinamon Rose, thicke set together and short, of a pale red Rose colour, with diuers pale coloured veines through euery leafe of the flower, which hath caused some to call it The marbled Rose, and is of a small sent, not fully equall to the red Rose. The single of this kinde differeth not in any other thing from the former, then in the doublenesse or singlenesse of the flowers which in this are not halfe so double, nor yet fully single, and are of a paler red colour.

[Sidenote: Rosa siue spina flore albo.]

I haue heard likewise of a white Rose of this kinde, but I haue seene none such as yet, therefore I can say no more thereof.

15. Rosa Cinamomea simplex & multiplex. The Cinamon Rose single and double.

The single Cinamon Rose hath his shootes somewhat red, yet not so red as the double kinde, armed with great thornes, like almost vnto the Eglantine bush thereby showing, as well by the multiplicitie of his shootes as the quicknesse and height of his shooting, his wilde nature: On the stemme and branches stand winged leaues, sometimes seuen or more together, which are small and greene, yet like vnto other Roses. The Roses are single, of fiue leaues a peece, somewhat large, and of a pale red colour, like vnto the double kinde, which is in shootes redder, and in all other things like vnto the single, but bearing small, short, thicke and double Roses, somewhat like vnto the Rose without thornes, but a little lesser, of a paler red colour at the end of the leaues, and somewhat redder and brighter toward the middle of them, with many yellow short thrumes; the small sent of Cinamon that is found in the flowers hath caused it to beare the name.

16. Rosa lutea simplex. The single yellow Rose.

This single yellow Rose is planted rather for variety then any other good vse. It often groweth to a good height, his stemme being great and wooddy, with few or no prickes vpon the old wood, but with a number of small prickes like haires, thicke set, vpon the younger branches, of a darke colour somewhat reddish, the barke of the young shootes being of a sad greene reddish colour: the leaues of this Rose bush are smaller, rounder pointed, of a paler greene colour, yet finely snipt about the edges, and more in number, that is, seuen or nine on a stalke or ribbe, then in any other Garden kinde, except the double of the same kinde that followeth next: the flower is a small single Rose, consisting of fiue leaues, not so large as the single Spanish Muske Rose, but somewhat bigger then the Eglantine or sweete Briar Rose, of a fine pale yellow colour, without any great sent at all while it is fresh, but a little more, yet small and weake when it is dryed.

17. Rosa lutea multiplex siue flore pleno. The double yellow Rose.

The double yellow Rose is of great account, both for the rarity, and doublenesse of the flower, and had it sent to the rest, would of all other be of highest esteeme. The stemme or stocke, the young shoots or branches, the small hairy prickes, and the small winged leaues, are in all parts like vnto the former single kinde; the chiefest difference consisteth in the doublenesse of the flower or Rose, which is so thicke and double, that very often it breaketh out on one side or another, and but a few of them abiding whole and faire in our Countrey, the cause whereof wee doe imagine to bee the much moisture of our Countrey, and the time of flowring being subiect to much raine and showers; many therefore doe either plant it against a wall, or other wayes defend it by couering: againe, it is so plentifull in young shootes or branches, as also in flowers at the toppe or euery branch, which are small and weake for the most part, that they are not able to bring all the flowers to ripenesse; and therefore most of them fall or wither away without comming to perfection (the remedy that many doe vse for this inconuenience last recited is, that they nippe away most of the buds, leauing but some few vpon it, that so the vigour of the plant may be collected into a few flowers, whereby they may the better come to perfection, and yet euen thus it is hardly effected) which are of a yellowish greene colour in the bud, and before they be blowne open, but then are of a faire yellow colour, very full of leaues, with many short haires rather then leaues in the middle, and hauing short, round, greene, smooth buttons, almost flat vnder them: the flower being faire blowne open, doth scarce giue place for largenesse, thicknesse, and doublenesse, vnto the great Prouence or Holland Rose. This Rose bush or plant is very tender with vs here about London, and will require some more care and keeping then the single of this kinde, which is hardy enough; for I haue lost many my selfe, and I know but a few about this towne that can nourse it vp kindly, to beare or scarce to abide without perishing; but abideth well in euery free aire of all or the most parts of this Kingdome: but (as I heare) not so well in the North.

18. Rosa Moschata simplex & multiplex. The Muske Rose single and double.

The Muske Rose both single and double, rise vp oftentimes to a very great height, that it ouergroweth any arbour in a Garden, or being set by an house side, to bee ten or twelue foote high, or more, but more especially the single kinde, with many green farre spread branches, armed with a few sharpe great thornes, as the wilder sorts of Roses are, whereof these are accounted to be kindes, hauing small darke greene leaues on them, not much bigger then the leaues of Eglantine: the flowers come forth at the toppes of the branches, many together as it were in an vmbell or tuft which for the most part doe flower all at a time, or not long one after another, euery one standing on a pretty long stalke, and are of a pale whitish or creame colour, both the single and the double; the single being small flowers, consisting of fiue leaues, with many yellow threads in the middle: and the double bearing more double flowers, as if they were once or twice more double then the single, with yellow thrummes also in the middle, both of them of a very sweete and pleasing smell, resembling Muske: some there be that haue auouched, that the chiefest sent of these Roses consisteth not in the leaues, but in the threads of the flowers.

19. Rosa Moschata multiplex altera: alijs Damascena alba, vel verisimilior Cinamomea flore pleno albo. The double white Damaske Muske Rose.

This other kinde of Muske Rose (which with some is called the white Damaske Muske, but more truely the double white Cinamon Rose) hath his stemme and branches also shorter then the former, but as greene: the leaues are somewhat larger, and of a whiter greene colour; the flowers also are somewhat larger then the former double kinde, but standing in vmbels after the same manner, or somewhat thicker, and of the same whitish colour, or a little whiter, and somewhat, although but a little, neare the smell of the other, but nothing so strong. This flowreth at the time of other Roses, or somewhat later, yet much before the former two sorts of Muske Roses, which flower not vntill the end of Summer, and in Autumne; both which things, that is, the time of the flowring, and the sent being both different, shew plainly it cannot be of the tribe of the Muske Roses.

20. Rosa Hispanica Moschata simplex. The Spanish Muske Rose.

This Spanish Rose riseth to the height of the Eglantine, and sometimes higher, with diuers great greene branches, the leaues whereof are larger and greener then of the former kindes: the flowers are single Roses, consisting of fiue whiter leaues then in any of the former Muske Roses, and much larger, hauing sometimes an eye of a blush in the white, of a very sweete smell, comming nearest vnto the last recited Muske Rose, as also for the time of the flowring.

21. Rosa Pomifera maior. The great Apple Rose.

The stemme or stocke of this Rose is great, couered with a darke grayish barke, but the younger branches are somewhat reddish, armed here and there with great and sharpe thornes, but nothing so great or plentifull as in the Eglantine, although it be a wilde kinde: the leaues are of a whitish greene colour, almost like vnto the first white Rose, and fiue alwaies set together, but seldome seuen: the flowers are small and single, consisting of fiue leaues, without any sent, or very little, and little bigger then those of the Eglantine bush, and of the very same deepe blush colour, euery one standing vpon a rough or prickly button, bearded in the manner of other Roses, which when the flowers are fallen growe great, somewhat long and round, peare-fashion, bearing the beards on the tops of them; and being full ripe are very red, keeping the small prickles still on them, wherein are many white, hard, and roundish seedes, very like vnto the seede of the Heppes or Eglantine Berries, lying in a soft pulpe, like vnto the Hawthorne berries or Hawes: the whole beauty of this plant consisteth more in the gracefull aspect of the red apples or fruit hanging vpon the bushes, then in the flowers, or any other thing. It seemeth to be the same that Clusius calleth Rosa Pumila, but that with me it groweth much higher and greater then he saith his doth.

22. Rosa siluestris odora siue Eglenteria simplex. The single Eglantine or sweete Briar bush.

The sweete Briar or Eglantine Rose is so well knowne, being not onely planted in Gardens, for the sweetenesse of the leaues, but growing wilde in many woods and hedges, that I thinke it lost time to describe it; for that all know it hath exceeding long greene shootes, armed with the cruellest sharpe and strong thornes, and thicker set then is in any Rose either wilde or tame: the leaues are smaller then in most of those that are noursed vp in Gardens, seuen or nine most vsually set together on a ribbe or stalke, very greene and sweete in smell, aboue the leaues of any other kinde of Rose: the flowers are small single blush Roses, of little or no sent at all, which turne into reddish berries, stuffed within with a dounie or flock matter or substance, wherein doth lye white hard seede.

23. Rosa siluestris odora siue Eglenteria flore duplici. The double Eglantine.

The double Eglantine is in all the places that I haue seene it a grafted Rose, (but I doubt not, but that his originall was naturall, and that it may be made naturall againe, as diuers other Roses are.) It groweth and spreadeth very well, and with a great head of branches, whereon stand such like leaues as are in the single kinde, but a little larger, not smelling fully so sweete as it: the flowers are somewhat bigger then the single, but not much, hauing but one other rowe of leaues onely more then the former, which are smaller, and the outer leaues larger, but of the same pale reddish purple colour, and smelleth somewhat better then the single.

24. Rosa semper virens. The euer greene Rose bush.

This Rose or bush is very like vnto a wilde single Eglantine bush in many respects, hauing many very long greene branches, but more slender and weake, so that many times they bend downe againe, not able to sustaine themselues without some helpe, and armed with hooked thornes as other Roses be; the winged leaues consist of seuen for the most part, whereof those two that are lowest and opposite, are smallest, the next two bigger then they, the third couple bigger then any of the rest belowe, and the end leafe biggest of all: this proportion generally it holdeth in euery winged leafe through the whole plant, which at the first comming forth are somewhat reddish, with the young branch that shooteth out with them, but being full growne, are of a deepe greene colour, and somewhat shining, dented about the edges, and fall not away from the branches as other Roses doe, but abide thereon for the most part all the Winter: the flowers stand foure or fiue together at the tops of the branches, being single Roses, made of fiue leaues a peece, of a pure white colour, much larger then the ordinary Muske Rose, and of a fine sent, comming nearest thereunto, with many yellow chiues or threads in the middle.

The Place.

Some of these Roses had their originall, as is thought in England, as the first and second; for these dryed red Roses that come ouer to vs from beyond the Seas, are not of the kinde of our red Rose, as may well be perceiued by them that will compare our English dryed leaues with those. Some in Germany, Spaine, and Italy. Some againe in Turkie, as the double yellow Rose, which first was procured to be brought into England, by Master Nicholas Lete, a worthy Merchant of London, and a great louer of flowers, from Constantinople, which (as wee heare) was first brought thither from Syria; but perished quickly both with him, and with all other to whom hee imparted it: yet afterwards it was sent to Master Iohn de Franqueuille, a Merchant also of London, and a great louer of all rare plants, as well as flowers, from which is sprung the greatest store, that is now flourishing in this Kingdome.

The Time.

The Cinamon Rose is the earliest for the most part, which flowreth with vs about the middle of May, and sometimes in the beginning. The ordinary Muske Roses both single and double flower latest, as is said. All the other flower much about one time, in the beginning of Iune, or thereabouts, and continue flowring all that moneth, and the next throughout for the most part, and the red vntill August be halfe past.

The Names.

The seuerall names, whereby they are most commonly knowne vnto vs in this Countrey, are expressed in their titles; but they are much differing from what they are called in other Countries neare vnto vs, which to compare, conferre, and agree together, were a worke of more paines then vse: But to proportion them vnto the names set downe by Theophrastus, Pliny, and the rest of the ancient Authors, were a worke, wherein I might be sure not to escape without falling into errour, as I verily beleeue many others haue done, that haue vndertaken to doe it: I will therefore for this worke desire that you will rest contented, with so much as hath already been deliuered, and expect an exact definition and complete satisfaction by such a methodicall course as a generall History will require, to be performed by them that shall publish it.

The Vertues.

The Rose is of exceeding great vse with vs; for the Damaske Rose (besides the superexcellent sweete water it yeeldeth being distilled, or the perfume of the leaues being dryed, seruing to fill sweete bags) serueth to cause solublenesse of the body, made into a Syrupe, or preserued with Sugar moist or dry candid. The Damaske Prouince Rose, is not onely for sent nearest of all other Roses vnto the Damaske, but in the operation of solubility also. The red Rose hath many Physicall vses much more then any other, seruing for many sorts of compositions, both cordiall and cooling, both binding and loosing. The white Rose is much vsed for the cooling of heate in the eyes: diuers doe make an excellent yellow colour of the iuyce of white Roses, wherein some Allome is dissolued, to paint or colour flowers or pictures, or any other such things. There is little vse of any other sort of Roses; yet some affirme, that the Muske Roses are as strong in operation to open or loosen the belly as the Damaske Rose or Prouince.

CHAP. CXI.

Cistus. The Holly Rose or Sage Rose.

There are three principall kindes of Cistus, the male, the female, and the gumme or sweete smelling Cistus bearing Ladanum, called Ledon. Of each of these three there are also diuers sorts: Of them all to intreate in this Worke is not my minde, I will onely select out of the multitude some few that are fit for this our Garden, and leaue the rest to a greater.

1. Cistus mas. The male Holly Rose or Sage Rose.

The male Cistus that is most familiar vnto our Countrey, I meane that will best abide, is a small shrubby plant, growing seldome aboue three or foure foote high with vs, hauing many slender brittle wooddy branches, couered with a whitish barke, whereon are set many whitish greene leaues, long and somewhat narrow, crumpled or wrinckled as it were with veines, and somewhat hard in handling, especially the old ones; for the young ones are softer, somewhat like vnto Sage leaues for the forme and colour, but much smaller, two alwaies set together at a ioynt: the flowers stand at the toppe of the branches, three or foure together vpon seuerall slender footstalkes, consisting of fiue small round leaues a peece, somewhat like vnto a small single Rose, of a fine reddish purple colour, with many yellow threads in the middle, without any sent at all, and quickly fading or falling away, abiding seldome one whole day blowne at the most: after the flowers are past, there come vp round hard hairie heads in their places, containing small brownish seede: the roote is wooddy, and will abide some yeares with vs, if there be some care had to keepe it from the extreamity of our Winters frostes, which both this, and many of the other sorts and kinds, will not abide doe what we can.

2. Cistus fæmina. The female Holly Rose.

The female Holly Rose groweth lower, and smaller then the former male kinde, hauing blackish branches, lesse woody, but not lesse brittle then it: the leaues are somewhat rounder and greener, but a little hard or rough withall, growing in the same manner vpon the branches by couples: the flowers grow at the toppes of the branches, like vnto the former, consisting of fiue leaues, but somewhat lesser, and wholly white, with yellow threds in the middle, as quickly fading, and of as little sent as the former: the heads and seede are somewhat bigger then in the former.

3. Chamæcistus Frisicus. The dwarfe Holly Rose of Friseland.

This dwarfe Cistus is a small low plant, hauing diuers shootes from the rootes, full of leaues that are long and narrow, very like vnto the leaues of the French Spikenard or Spica Celtica; from among which leaues shoote forth short stalkes, not aboue a span high, with a few smaller leaues thereon; and at the toppes diuers small flowers one aboue another, consisting of six small round leaues, of a yellow colour, hauing two circles of reddish spots round about the bottome of the leaues, a little distant one from another, which adde much grace to the flower: after the flowers are past, there come in their places small round heads, being two forked at the end containing within them small brownish chaffie seede: the roote is small and slender, with many fibres thereat creeping vnder ground, and shooting forth in diuers places, whereby it much encreaseth: the whole plant, and euery part of it, smelleth strong without any pleasant sent.

4. Cistus annuus. The Holly Rose of a yeare.

This small Cistus that endureth but a year (and will require to be sowne euery year, if ye will haue it) riseth vp with straight, but slender hard stalkes, set here and there confusedly with long and narrow greenish leaues, very like vnto the leaues of the Gum Cistus or Ledon, being a little clammy withall: at the toppe of the stalkes, and at the ioynts with the leaues, stand two or three pale yellow flowers, consisting of fiue leaues a peece, with a reddish spot neere the bottome of euery leafe of the flower, as quickely fading as any of the former: after which follow small three square heades, containing small seede, like vnto the first female kinde, but somewhat paler or yellower: the root is small and woody, and perisheth as soone as it hath borne seede.

5. Cistus Ledon. The Gum Cistus, or Sweete Holly Rose.

This sweete Holly Rose or Gum Cistus, riseth higher, and spreadeth larger then the former male kind doth, with many blackish woody branches, whereon are set diuers long and narrow darke greene leaues, but whitish vnderneath, two alwayes standing together at a ioint, both stalks and leaues bedeawed as it were continually with a clammy sweete moisture (which in the hot Countries is both more plentifull, and more sweet then in ours) almost transparent, and which being gathered by the inhabitants, with certaine instruments for that purpose (which in some places are leather thongs, drawne ouer the bushes, and after scraped off from the thongs againe, and put together) is that kind of blacke sweet gum, which is called Ladanum in the Apothecaries shops; at the tops of the branches stand single white flowers, like vnto single Roses, being larger then in any of the former kindes, consisting of fiue leaues, whereof euery one hath at the bottome a dark purplish spot, broad below, and small pointed vpwards, with some yellow threds in the middle: after which are past, there arise cornered heads, containing such small brownish seede as is in the former male kinde: the roote is woody, and spreadeth vnder ground, abiding some yeares, if it be placed vnder a wall, where it may bee defended from the windes that often breake it, and from the extremitie of our winters, and especially the snow, if it lye vpon it, which quickly causeth it to perish.

6. Ledum Alpinum seu Rosa Alpina. The Mountaine sweet Holly Rose.

The fragrant smell with properties correspondent of two other plants, causeth me to insert them in this Chapter, and to bring them to your knowledge, as well worthy a fit place in our Garden. The first of them hath diuers slender woody branches, two foote high or thereabouts, couered with a grayish coloured barke, and many times leaning downe to the ground, whereby it taketh roote againe: vpon these branches grow many thicke, short, hard greene leaues, thicke set together, confusedly without order, sometimes whitish vnderneath, and sometimes yellowish: the toppes of the branches are loden with many flowers, which cause them to bend downwards, being long, hollow and reddish, opening into fiue corners, spotted on the outside with many white spots, and of a paler red colour on the inside, of a fine sweet sent: after the flowers are past, there follow small heads, containing small brownish seede: the root is long, hard and woody, abiding better if it comprehend in the ground, then some of the former, because his originall is out of a colder country.

7. Ledum Silesiacum. The sweete Mary Rose, or Rosemary of Silesia.

This other sweete plante riseth vp with woody ash-coloured branches two foote high or more, which shoote forth other branches, of a reddish or purplish colour, couered with a brownish yellow hoarinesse, on which are set many narrow long greene leaues, like vnto Rosemary leaues, but couered with the like hoarinesse as the stalks are (especially in the naturall places, but not so much being transplanted) and folding the sides of the leaues so close together, that they seeme nothing but ribbes, or stalkes, of an excellent sweet and pleasant sent; at the ends of the branches there grow certaine brownish scaly heads, made of many small leaues set thicke together, out of which breake forth many flowers, standing in a tuft together, yet seuerally euery one vpon his owne footstalke, consisting of fiue white leaues, with certaine white threds in the middle, smelling very sweete: after which rise small greene heads, spotted with brownish spots, wherein is contained very small, long, yellowish seede: the roote is hard and woodie.

The Place.

The first, second, fourth and fifth, grow in the hot Countries, as Italie, Spaine, &c. The third, and the two last in the colder Countries, as Friseland, Germanie, Bohemia.

The Time.

They do all flower in the Summer moneths of Iune, Iuly and August, and their seede is ripe quickly after.

The Names.

The first, second, fourth and fift, haue their names sufficiently expressed in their descriptions. The third was sent vnto Clusius, vnder the name of Hirculus Frisicus, because of the strong sent: but he referreth it to the kinds of Chamæcistus, that is, dwarfe or low Cistus, both for the low growth, and for the flowers and seede sake. The sixt is diuersly called; for Clusius calleth it Ledum Alpinum: others, Nerium Alpinum, making it to bee a Rose Bay. Gesner according to the Countrey peoples name, Rosa Alpina, and Rosa Montana. Lobel calleth it Balsamum Alpinum, of the fragrant smell it hath, and Chamærhododendros Chamælææfolio. And some haue called it Euonymus, without all manner of iudgement. In English wee may call it, The Mountaine Rose, vntill a fitter name be giuen it. The last is called of Matthiolus, Rosmarinum siluestre, but of Clusius Ledum, referring it to their kindred; and Silesiacum, because he found it in that Countrey; or for distinction sake, as he saith, it may bee called, Ledum folijs Rosmarini, or Ledum Bohemicum. Cordus, as it seemeth in his History of Plants, calleth it Chamæpeuce, as though he did account it a kinde of low Pine, or Pitch tree.

The Vertues.

The first, second, and fift, are very astringent, effectuall for all sorts of fluxes of humours. The sweet Gum called Ladanum, made artificially into oyle, is of singular vse for Alopecia, or falling of the haire. The seed of the fourth is much commended against the stone of the Kidneyes. The sweete Rosemary of Silesia is vsed of the inhabitants, where it naturally groweth, against the shrinking of sinewes, crampes, or other such like diseases, whereof their daily experience makes it familiar, being vsed in bathing or otherwise.

CHAP. CXII.

Rosmarinum. Rosemary.

There hath beene vsually knowne but one sort of Rosemary, which is frequent through all this Country: but there are some other sorts not so well known; the one is called Gilded Rosemary; the other broade leafed Rosemary; a third I will adioyne, as more rare then all the other, called Double flowred Rosmary, because few haue heard thereof, much lesse seene it, and my selfe am not well acquainted with it, but am bold to deliuer it vpon credit.

1. Libanotis Coronaria siue Rosmarinum vulgare. Our Common Rosmary.

This common Rosemary is so well knowne through all our Land, being in euery womans garden, that it were sufficient but to name it as an ornament among other sweete herbes and flowers in our Garden, seeing euery one can describe it: but that I may say something of it, It is well obserued, as well in this our Land (where it hath been planted in Noblemens, and great mens gardens against bricke wals, and there continued long) as beyond the Seas, in the naturall places where it groweth, that it riseth vp in time vnto a very great height, with a great and woody stemme (of that compasse, that (being clouen out into thin boards) it hath serued to make lutes, or such like instruments, and here with vs Carpenters rules, and to diuers other purposes) branching out into diuers and sundry armes that extend a great way, and from them againe into many other smaller branches, whereon are set at seueral distances, at the ioynts, many very narrow long leaues, greene aboue, and whitish vnderneath; among which come forth towards the toppes of the stalkes, diuers sweet gaping flowers, of a pale or bleake blewish colour, many set together, standing in whitish huskes; the seed is small and red, but thereof seldome doth any plants arise that will abide without extraordinary care; for although it will spring of the seede reasonable well, yet it is so small and tender the first yeare, that a sharpe winter killeth it quickly, vnlesse it be very well defended: the whole plant as well leaues as flowery smelleth exceeding sweete.

2. Rosmarinum striatum, siue aureum. Gilded Rosemary.

This Rosemary differeth not from the former, in forme or manner of growing, nor in the forme or colour of the flower, but only in the leaues, which are edged, or striped, or pointed with a faire gold yellow colour, which so continueth all the yeare throughout, yet fresher and fairer in Summer then in Winter; for then it will looke of a deader colour, yet so, that it may be discerned to be of two colours, green & yellow.

3. Rosmarinum latifolium. Broade leafed Rosemary.

This broad leafed Rosemary groweth in the same manner that the former doth, but that we haue not seene it in our Countrey since we had it to grow so great, or with such woody stemmes: the leaues stand together vpon the long branches after the same fashion, but larger, broader and greener then the other, and little or nothing whitish vnderneath: the flowers likewise are of the same forme and colour with the ordinary, but larger, and herein consisteth the difference.

4. Rosmarinum flore duplici. Double flowred Rosmary.

The double flowred Rosmary thus far differeth from the former, that it hath stronger stalkes, not so easie to breake, fairer, bigger and larger leaues, of a faire greene colour, and the flowers are double, as the Larkes heele or spurre: This I haue onely by relation, which I pray you accept, vntill I may by sight better enforme you.

The Place.

Our ordinary Rosmary groweth in Spaine, and Prouence of France, and in others of those hot Countryes, neere the Sea side. It will not abide (vnlesse kept in stoues) in many places of Germany, Denmarke, and those colder Countries. And in some extreame hard winters, it hath well neere perished here in England with vs, at the least in many places: but by slipping it is vsually, and yearly encreased, to replenish any garden.

The Time.

It flowreth oftentimes twice in the yeare; in the Spring first, from April vntill the end of May or Iune, and in August and September after, if the yeare before haue been temperate.

The Names.

Rosmary is called of the ancient Writers, Libanotis, but with this distinction, Stephanomatica, that is, Coronaria, because there were other plants called Libanotis, that were for other vses, as this for garlands, where flowers and sweete herbes were put together. The Latines call it Rosmarinum. Some would make it to be Cneorum nigrum of Theophrastus, as they would make Lauander to bee his Cneorum album, but Matthiolus hath sufficiently confuted that errour.

The Vertues.

Rosmary is almost of as great vse as Bayes, or any other herbe both for inward and outward remedies, and as well for ciuill as physicall purposes. Inwardly for the head and heart; outwardly for the sinewes and ioynts: for ciuill vses, as all doe know, at weddings, funerals, &c. to bestow among friends: and the physicall are so many, that you might bee as well tyred in the reading, as I in the writing, if I should set down all that might be said of it. I will therefore onely giue you a taste of some, desiring you will be content therewith. There is an excellent oyle drawne from the flowers alone by the heate of the Sunne, auaileable for many diseases both inward and outward, and accounted a soueraigne Balsame: it is also good to helpe dimnesse of sight, and to take away spots, markes and scarres from the skin; and is made in this manner. Take a quantitie of the flowers of Rosemary, according to your owne will eyther more or lesse, put them into a strong glasse close stopped, set them in hot horse dung to digest for fourteene dayes, which then being taken forth of the dung, and vnstopped, tye a fine linnen cloth ouer the mouth, and turne downe the mouth thereof into the mouth of another strong glasse, which being set in the hot Sun, an oyle will distill downe into the lower glasse; which preserue as precious for the vses before recited, and many more, as experience by practice may enforme diuers.

There is another oyle Chymically drawne, auaileable in the like manner for many the same inward and outward diseases, viz. for the heart, rheumaticke braines, and to strengthen the memory, outwardly to warme and comfort cold benummed sinewes, whereof many of good iudgement haue had much experience.

CHAP. CXIII.

Myrtus. The Mirtle tree or bush.

In the hot Countreyes, there haue been many sorts of Mirtles found out, naturally growing there, which will not fructifie in this of ours, nor yet abide without extraordinary care, and conueniencie withall, to preserue them from the sharpenesse of our winters. I shall only bring you to view three sorts in this my Garden, the one with a greater, the other two with lesser leaues, as the remainder of others which wee haue had, and which are preserued from time to time, not without much paine and trouble.

1. Myrtus latifolia. The greater leafed Mirtle.

The broader leafed Mirtle riseth vp to the height of foure or fiue foote at the most with vs, full of branches and leaues growing like a small bush, the stemme and elder branches whereof are couered with a dark coloured bark, but the young with a green, and some with a red, especially vpon the first shooting forth, whereon are set many fresh greene leaues, very sweet in smell, and very pleasant to behold, so neer resembling the leaues of the Pomegranate tree that groweth with vs, that they soone deceiue many that are not expert therein, being somewhat broade and long, and pointed at the ends, abiding alwaies green: at the ioynts of the branches where the leaues stand, come forth the flowers vpon small footestalkes, euery one by it selfe consisting of fiue small white leaues, with white threds in the middle, smelling also very sweet; after the flowers are past, there doe arise in the hot Countries, where they are naturall, round blacke berries, when they are ripe, wherein are contained many hard white crooked seedes, but neuer in this Countrey, as I said before: the roote disperseth it selfe into many branches, with many fibres annexed thereto.

2. Myrtus minor, seu minore folio. The smaller leafed Mirtle.

The smaller leafed Mirtle is a low shrub or bush, like vnto the former, but scarce rising so high, with branches spreading about the stemme, much thicker set with leaues then the former, smaller also, and pointed at the ends, of a little deeper greene colour, abiding greene also winter and summer, and very sweete likewise: the flowers are white like vnto the former, and as sweete, but shew not themselues so plentifull on the branches: the fruit is blacke in his naturall places, with seedes therein as the former.

3. Myrtus minor rotundiore folio. Boxe Mirtle.

Wee haue another sort of this small kinde of Mirtle, so like vnto the former both for smalnesse, deepe greene colour of the leaues, and thicke growing of the branches, that it will be thought of most, without good heede, and comparing the one with the other, to be the very same with the former: but if it bee well viewed, it will shew, by the roundnesse at the ends of the leaues very like vnto the small Boxe leaues, to be another differing kinde, although in nothing else. Wee nourse them with great care, for the beautifull aspect, sweete sent and raritie, as delights and ornaments for a garden of pleasure, wherein nothing should be wanting that art, care and cost might produce and preserue: as also to set among other euer greene plants to sort with them.

The Place.

These, and many other sorts of Mirtles grow in Spaine, Portugall, Italie, and other hot Countries in great aboundance, where they make their hedges of them: wee (as I said) keepe them in this Countrey, with very great care and diligence.

The Time.

The Mirtles doe flower very late with vs, not vntill August at the soonest, which is the cause of their not fructifying.

The Names.

They are called in Latine Myrtus, and in English Mirtle tree, without any other diuersitie of names, for the generall title. Yet the seuerall kindes haue had seuerall denominations, in Plinies time, and others, as Romana, Coniugala, Tarentina, Egyptia, alba, nigra, &c. which haue noted the differences, euen then well obserued.

The Vertues.

The Mirtle is of an astringent qualitie, and wholly vsed for such purposes.

CHAP. CXIIII.

Malus Punica siue Granata. The Pomegranet tree.

There are two kindes of Pomegranet trees, The one tame or manured, bearing fruit, which is distinguished of some into two sorts, of others into three, that is, into sower, and sweet, and into sower sweete. The other wilde, which beareth no fruite, because it beareth double flowers, like as the Cherry, Apple, and Peach tree with double blossomes, before described, and is also distinguished into two sorts, the one bearing larger, the other lesser flowers. Of the manured kinde wee haue onely one sort (so farre as we know, for it neuer beareth ripe fruit in this our Countrey) which for the beautifull aspect, both of the greene verdure of the leaues, and faire proportion and colour of the flowers, as also for the raritie, are noursed in some few of their gardens that delight in such rarities: for in regard of the tendernesse, there is neede of diligent care, that is, to plant it against a brick wall, and defend it conueniently from the sharpenesse of our winters, to giue his Master some pleasure in seeing it beare flowers: And of the double kinde we haue as yet obtained but one sort, although I shall giue you the knowledge and description of another.

1. Malus Punica satiua. The tame Pomegranet tree.

This Pomegranet tree groweth not very high in his naturall places, and with vs somtimes it shooteth forth from the roote many brownish twigges or branches, or if it bee pruned from them, and suffered to grow vp, it riseth to bee seuen or eight foote high, spreading into many small and slender branches, here and there set with thornes, and with many very faire greene shining leaues, like in forme and bignesse vnto the leaues of the larger Myrtle before described, euery one hauing a small reddish foote-stalke vpon these branches: among the leaues come forth here and there, long, hard, and hollow reddish cups, diuided at the brimmes, wherein doe stand large single flowers, euery one consisting of one whole leafe, smaller at the bottome then at the brimme, like bels, diuided as it were at the edges into fiue or six parts, of an orient red or crimson colour in the hotter Countries; but in this it is much more delayed, and tendeth neare vnto a blush, with diuers threads in the middle. The fruit is great and round, hauing as it were a crowne on the head of it, with a thicke tough hard skinne or rinde, of a brownish red colour on the outside, and yellow within, stuffed or packt full of small graines, euery one encompast with a thin skin, wherein is contained a clear red iuyce or liquor, either of a sweet (as said before) or sower taste, or betweene them both of a winie taste: the roote disperseth it selfe very much vnder ground.

2. Balaustium maius siue Malus Punica siluestris maior. The greater wilde or double blossomd Pomegranet tree.

The wilde Pomegranet is like vnto the tame in the number of purplish branches, hauing thornes, and shining faire greene leaues, somewhat larger then the former: from the branches likewise shoote forth flowers, farre more beautifull then those of the same or manured sort, because they are double, and as large as a double Prouince Rose, or rather more double, of an excellent bright crimson colour, tending to a silken carnation, standing in brownish cups or huskes, diuided at the brims vsually into foure or fiue seuerall points, like vnto the former, but that in this kinde there neuer followeth any fruit, no not in the Country, where it is naturally wilde.

3. Balaustium minus. The smaller wilde Pomegranet tree.

This smaller kinde differeth from the former in his leaues, being of a darker greene colour, but not in the height of the stemme, or purplishnesse of his branches, or thorns vpon them; for this doth shew it selfe more like vnto a wilde kind then it: the flowers hereof are much smaller, and not so thicke and double, of a deeper or sadder red Orenge tawny colour, set also in such like cups or huskes.

The Place.

The tame or manured kinde groweth plentifully in Spaine, Portugall, and Italy, and other in other warme and hot countries. Wee (as I said before) preserue it with great care. The wilde I thinke was neuer seene in England, before Iohn Tradescante my very louing good friend brought it from the parts beyond the Seas, and planted it in his Lords Garden at Canterbury.

The Time.

They flower very late with vs, that is, not vntill the middle or end of August, and the cold euenings or frosts comming so soone vpon it, doth not onely hinder it from bearing, but many times the sharpe winters so pinch it, that it withereth it downe to the ground, so that oftentimes it hardly springeth againe.

The Names.

The name Malus Punica for the tree, and Malum Punicum for the fruit, or Malus Granata, and Malum Granatum, is the common name giuen vnto this tree, which is called in English the Pomegarnet or Pomegranet tree. The flowers of the tame kinde are called Cytini, as Dioscorides saith, although Plinie seemeth either to make Cytinus to be the flower of the wilde kinde, or Balaustium to be the flower of both tame and wilde kinde: but properly, as I take it, Cytinus is the cup wherein the flower as well of the tame as wilde kinde doth stand; for vnto the similitude of them, both the flowers of Asarum, and the seede vessels of Hyosciamus are compared and resembled, and not vnto the whole flower: the barke or rinde of the fruit is called of diuers Sidion, and in the Apothecaries shops Psidium, and cortex Granatorum. The wilde kinde is called Malus Punica siluestris: In English, The wilde Pomegranet tree; the flower thereof is properly called Balaustium. The lesser kind is vsually called Balaustium Romanum, as the greater is called Creticum and Cyprium, because they growe in Candy and Cyprus.

The Vertues.

The vse of all these Pomegranets is very much in Physicke, to coole and binde all fluxibility both of body and humours: they are also of singular effect in all vlcers of the mouth, and other parts of the body, both of man and woman. There is no part of them but is applyed for some of these respects. The rinde also of the Pomegranet is vsed of diuers in stead of Gaules, to make the best sort of writing Inke, which is durable to the worlds end.

CHAP. CXV.

Amomum Plinij seu Pseudocapsicum. Tree Night shade or the Winter Cherry tree.

I haue adioyned this plant, for the pleasurable beauty of the greene leaues, and red berries. It groweth vp to be a yard or foure foote high at the most, hauing a small wooddy stemme or stocke, as bigge as ones finger or thumbe, couered with a whitish greene barke, set full of greene branches, and faire greene leaues, somewhat vneuen sometimes on the edges, narrower then any Night shade leaues, and very neare resembling the leaues of the Capsicum, or Ginny pepper, but smaller and narrower, falling away in the Winter, and shooting fresh in the Spring of the yeare: the flowers growe often two or three together, at the ioynts of the branches with the leaues, being white, opening starre-fashion, and sometimes turning themselues backe, with a yellow pointell in the middle, very like vnto the flowers of Night shade: after the flowers are past, come forth in their stead small greene buttons, which after turne to be pleasant round red berries, of the bignesse of small Cherries when they are ripe, which with vs vsually ripen not vntill the Winter, or about Christmas, wherein are contained many small whitish seede that are flat: all the whole plant, as well leaues and flowers as seede, are without either smell or taste: the roote hath many yellowish strings and fibres annexed vnto it.

The Place.

The originall place hereof is not well knowne, but is thought to bee the West Indies. It hath been planted of long time in most of these Countries, where it abideth reasonable well, so that some care bee had thereof in the extreamity of the Winter.

The Time.

It flowreth sometimes it Iune but vsually in Iuly and August, and the fruit is not ripe (as is said) vntill the Winter.

The Names.

This plant hath diuers names; for it is thought to be that kinde of Amomum that Plinie setteth downe. Dodonæus calleth it Pseudocapsicum, for some likenesse in the leafe and fruit vnto the small Capsicum or Ginnie Pepper, although much vnlike in the taste and property. Others doe call it Strichnodendron, that is, Solanum arborescens, and wee in English according thereunto, Tree Night shade. But some Latin asses corrupting the Latine word Amomum, doe call it the Mumme tree. Dalechampius calleth it Solanum Americum, seu Indicum, and saith the Spaniards call it in their tongue, Guindas de las Indias, that is, Cerasa Indiana, Indian Cherries, which if any would follow, I would not bee much against it: but many Gentlewomen, doe call them Winter Cherries, because the fruit is not throughly ripe vntill Winter.

The Vertues.

I finde no physicall property allotted vnto it, more then that by reason of the insipidity, it is held to be cooling.

CHAP. CXVI.

Ficus Indica minor. The smaller Indian Figge tree.

This Indian Figge tree, if you will call it a tree (because in our Country it is not so, although it groweth in the naturall hot Countries from a wooddy stemme or body into leaues) is a plant consisting only of leaues, one springing out of another, into many branches of leaues, and all of them growing out of one leafe, put into the ground halfe way, which taking roote, all the rest rise out thereof, those belowe for the most part being larger then those aboue; yet all of them somewhat long, flat, and round pointed, of the thicknesse of a finger vsually, and smallest at the lower end, where they are ioyned or spring out of the other leaues, hauing at their first breaking out a shew of small, red, or browne prickes, thicke set ouer all the vpper side of the leaues, but with vs falling away quickly, leauing onely the markes where they stood: but they haue besides this shew of great prickes, a few very fine, and small, hard, white, and sharpe, almost insensible prickes, being not so bigge as haires on the vnderside, which will often sticke in their fingers that handle them vnaduisedly, neither are they to be discerned vnlesse one look precisely for them: the leaues on the vnderside hauing none of those other great pricks or marks at all, being of a faire fresh pale green colour: out of the vppermost leaues breake forth certaine greene heads, very like vnto leaues (so that many are deceiued, thinking them to be leaues, vntill they marke them better, and be better experienced in them) but that they growe round and not flat, and are broad at the toppe; for that out of the tops of euery of them shooteth out a pale yellow flower, consisting of two rowes of leaues, each containing fiue leaues a peece, laid open with certaine yellow threads, tipt with red in the middle: this greene head, vntill the flower be past, is not of halfe that bignesse that it attaineth vnto after, yet seldome or neuer commeth vnto perfection with vs, being long and round, like vnto a Figge, small belowe, and greater aboue, bearing vpon the flat or broad head the marke of the flower; some holding still on them the dryed leaues, and others hauing lost them shew the hollownesse which they haue in the toppe or middle of the head, the sides round about being raised or standing vp higher: this head or figge in our Country abideth greene on the outside, and little or nothing reddish within (although it abide all the Winter, and the Summer following, as sometimes it doth) for want of that heate and comfort of the Sunne it hath in his naturall place, where it groweth reddish on the outside, and containing within it a bloudy red clammy iuyce, making the vrine of them that eate of them as red as bloud, which many seeing, were in doubt of themselues, lest their vrine were not very bloud; of what sweetnesse, like a figge, in the naturall places, I am not well assured, yet affirmed: but those that haue beene brought vnto me, whose colour on the outside was greenish, were of a reddish purple within, and contained within them round, small, hard seede, the taste was flat, waterish, or insipide: the roote is neither great, nor disperseth it selfe very deepe or farre, but shooteth many small rootes vnder the vpper crust of the earth.

There is a greater kinde hereof, whose leaues are twice or thrice as bigge, which hauing been often brought vs, will seldome abide more then one Summer with vs, our Winters alwaies rotting the leaues, that it could not be longer kept.

The Place.

This Indian Figge tree groweth dispersedly in many places of America, generally called the West Indies: The greater kinde in the more remote and hot Countries, as Mexico, Florida, &c. and in the Bermudas or Summer Islands, from whence wee haue often had it. The lesser in Virginia, and those other Countries that are nearer vnto vs, which better endureth with vs.

The Time.

It flowreth with vs sometimes in May, or Iune; but (as I said) the fruit neuer commeth to perfection in this Country.

The Names.

Diuers doe take it to bee Opuntia Plinij, whereof hee speaketh in the 21. Booke and 17. Chapter of his Naturall History: but he there saith, Opuntia is an herbe, sweete and pleasant to be eaten, and that it is a wonder that the roote should come from the leafe, and so to growe; which words although they descipher out the manner of the growing of this plant, yet because this is a kinde of tree, and not an herbe, nor to be eaten, it cannot bee the same: but especially because there is an herbe which groweth in the same manner, or very neare vnto it, one leafe standing on the toppe or side of another, being a Sea plant, fit to be eaten with vinegar and oyle (as many other herbes are that growe in the salt marshes, or neare the Sea, whereof Sea Purslane is one) which Clusius calleth Lychen Marinus, and (as Clusius saith) Cortusus very fitly called Opuntia marina, and out of doubt is the verie same Opuntia that Theophrastus maketh mention of, and Plinie out of him. Our English people in Virginia, and the Bermuda Island, where it groweth plentifully, because of the form of the fruit, which is somewhat like to a Peare, & not being so familiarly acquainted with the growing of Figs, sent it vnto vs by the name of the prickly Peare, from which name many haue supposed it to be a Peare indeede, but were therein deceiued.

The Vertues.

There is no other especiall property giuen hereunto, by any that haue written of the West Indies, then of the colouring of the vrine, as is before said.

CHAP. CXVII.

Yuca siue Iucca. The supposed Indian Iucca.

This rare Indian plant hath a great thicke tuberous roote (spreading in time into many tuberous heads) from the head whereof shooteth forth many long, hard, and guttured leaues, very sharpe pointed, compassing as it were one another at the bottome, of a grayish greene colour, which doe not fall away, but abide euer greene on the plant; from the middle whereof springeth forth (now and then, but not euery yeare) a strong round stalke, diuided into diuers branches, whereon stand diuers white, and somewhat large flowers, hanging downe their heads, consisting of six leaues, with diuers veines, of a weake reddish or blush colour, spread on the backe of the three outer leaues, especially from the middle of the leaues to the bottome, and not rising to the edge of the leafe of any flower, which fall away without bearing any seede in our Country, as farre as euer could be obserued either in the plant that Master Gerard kept a long time by him, or by Robinus at Paris his plant, which Master Gerard sent vnto him, or yet by that plant, that Vespasian Robin the sonne of old Robin sent vnto Master Iohn de Franqueuille, and now abideth and flourisheth in my Garden.

The Place.

It was first brought into England (as Master Gerard saith) from the West Indies, by a seruant of Master Thomas Edwards, an Apothecary of Exeter, and imparted to him, who kept it vnto his death: but perished with him that got it from his widow, intending to send it to his Country house.

The Time.

It flowreth not vntill Iuly, and the flowers fall away sodainely, after they haue beene blowne open a while.

The Names.

Master Gerard first as I thinke called it Iucca, supposing it to bee the true Yuca of Theuet, wherewith the Indians make bread, called Cassaua: but the true Iucca is described to haue a leafe diuided into seuen or nine parts, which this hath not: Yet not knowing by what better name to call it, let it hold still his first imposition, vntill a fitter may be giuen it.

The Vertues.

Wee haue not heard of any, that hath either read, heard, or experimented the faculties hereof, nor yet whether it hath good or euill taste; for being rare, and possessed but by a few, they that haue it are loth to cut any thereof, for feare of spoiling and losing the whole roote.

Some haue affirmed, that in some parts of Turkie, where as they say this plant groweth, they make a kinde of cloth from the threads are found running through the leaues; but I finde the threads are so strong and hard, that this cannot be that plant the relators meane is vsed in that manner.

CHAP. CXVIII.

Arbor vitæ. The tree of life.

The tree of life riseth vp in some places where it hath stood long, to be a tree of a reasonable great bignesse and height, couered with a redder barke then any other tree in our Country that I know, the wood whereof is firme and hard, and spreadeth abroad many armes and branches, which againe send forth many smaller twigges, bending downewards; from which twiggy or slender branches, being flat themselues like the leaues, come forth on both sides many flat winged leaues, somewhat like vnto Sauine, being short and small, but not pricking, seeming as if they were brayded or folded like vnto a lace or point, of a darke yellowish greene colour, abiding greene on the branches Winter and Summer, of a strong resinous taste, not pleasing to most, but in some ready to procure casting, yet very cordiall and pectorall also to them that can endure it: at the toppes of the branches stand small yellowish dounie flowers, set in small scaly heads, wherein lye small, long, brownish seede, which ripen well in many places, and being sowne, doe spring and bring forth plants, which with some small care will abide the extreamest Winters we haue.

The Place.

The first or originall place where it naturally groweth, as farre as I can learne or vnderstand, is that part of America which the French doe inhabite, about the riuer of Canada, which is at the backe of Virginia Northward, and as it seemeth, first brought by them from thence into Europe, in the time of Francis the first French King, where it hath so plentifully encreased, and so largely beene distributed, that now few Gardens of respect, either in France, Germany, the Lowe Countries, or England, are without it.

The Time.

It flowreth in the end of May, and in Iune; the fruit is ripe in the end of August and September.

The Names.

All the Writers that haue written of it, since it was first knowne, haue made it to be Thuyæ genus, a kinde of Thuya, which Theophrastus compareth vnto a Cypresse tree, in his fifth Book and fifth Chapter: but Omne simile non est idem, and although it haue some likenesse, yet I verily beleeue it is proprium sui genus, a proper kinde of it owne, not to bee paralleld with any other. For wee finde but very few trees, herbes, or plants in America, like vnto those that growe in Europe, the hither part of Africa, or in the lesser Asia, as experience testifieth. Some would make it to be Cedrus Lycia, but so it cannot be. The French that first brought it, called it Arbor vitæ, with what reason or vpon what ground I know not; but euer since it hath continued vnder the title of the Tree of life.

The Vertues.

It hath beene found by often experience, that the leaues hereof chewed in the morning fasting, for some few dayes together, haue done much good to diuers, that haue beene troubled with shortnesse of breath, and to helpe to expectorate thinne purulentous matter stuffing the lungs. Other properties I haue not heard that it hath; but doubtlesse, the hot resinous smell and taste it hath, both while it is fresh, and after it hath beene long kept dry, doth euidently declare his tenuity of parts, a digesting and cleansing quality it is possessed with, which if any industrious would make tryall, hee should finde the effects.

CHAP. CXIX.

Arbor Iudæ. Iudas tree.

Iudas tree riseth vp in some places, where it standeth open from a wall, and alone free from other trees (as in a Garden at Batthersey, which sometimes agoe belonged to Master Morgan, Apothecary to the late Queene Elizabeth of famous memory) to be a very great and tall tree, exceeding any Apple tree in height, and equall in bignesse of body thereunto (as my selfe can testifie, being an eye witnesse thereof) when as it had many stalkes of flowers, being in the bud, breaking out of the body of the tree through the barke in diuers places, when as there was no bough or branch near them by a yard at the least, or yet any leafe vpon the tree, (which they gathered to put among other flowers, for Nosegayes) and in other places it groweth to bee but an hedge bush, or plant, with many suckers and shootes from belowe, couered with a darke reddish barke, the young branches being more red or purplish: the flowers on the branches come forth before any shew or budding of leaues, three or foure standing together vpon a small foote-stalke, which are in fashion like vnto Pease blossomes, but of an excellent deepe purplish crimson colour: after which come in their places so many long, flat, large, and thinne cods, of a brownish colour, wherein are contained small, blackish browne, flat, and hard seede: the roote is great, and runneth both deepe, and farre spreading in the earth: the leaues come forth by themselues, euery one standing on a long stalke, being hard & very round, like vnto the leafe of the largest Asarum, but not so thick, of a whitish green on the vpper side, and grayish vnderneath, which fall away euery yeare, and spring a fresh after the Spring is well come in, and the buds of flowers are sprung.

[Sidenote: Flore albo.]

There is another of this kinde, growing in some places very high, somewhat like the former, and in other places also full of twiggy branches, which are greener then the former, as the leaues are likewise: the flowers of this kinde are wholly white, and the cods nothing so red or browne, in all other things agreeing together.

The Place.

The former groweth plentifully in many places of Spaine, Italy, Prouence in France, and in many other places. The other hath beene sent vs out of Italy many times, and the seede hath sprung very well with vs, but it is somewhat tender to keepe in the Winter.

The Time.

The flowers (as I said) appeare before the leaues, and come forth in Aprill and May, and often sooner also, the leaues following shortly after; but neither of them beareth perfect seede in our Country, that euer I could learne, or know by mine owne or others experience.

The Names.

Some would referre this to Cercis, whereof Theophrastus maketh mention in his first Booke and eighteenth Chapter, among those trees that beare their fruit in cods, like as Pulse doe: and hee remembreth it againe in the fourteenth Chapter of his third Booke, and maketh it not vnlike the white Poplar tree, both in greatnesse and whitenesse of the branches, with the leafe of an Iuie, without corners on the one part, cornered on the other, and sharpe pointed, greene on both sides almost alike, hauing so slender long footestalkes that the leaues cannot stand forthright, but bend downwards, with a more rugged barke then the white Poplar tree. Clusius thinketh this large description is but an ample description of the third kinde of Poplar, called Lybica, the Aspen tree, which Gaza translateth Alpina: but who so will well consider it, shall finde it neyther answerable to any Poplar tree, in that it beareth not cods as Cercis doth; nor vnto this Arbor Iudæ, because it beareth not white branches. Clusius saith also, that the learned of Mompelier in his time, referred it to Colytea of Theophrastus in his third booke and seuenteenth chapter, where he doth liken it to the leaues of the broadest leafed Bay tree, but larger and rounder, green on the vpperside, and whitish vnderneath, and whereunto (as he saith) Theophrastus giueth cods in the fourteenth chapter of the same third booke: and by the contracting of their descriptions both together, saith, they agree vnto this Iudas tree. But I find some doubts and differences in these places: for the Colutæa that Theophrastus mentioneth in the said fourteenth chapter of his third booke, hath (as he saith there) a leafe like vnto the Willow, and therefore cannot bee the same Colutæa mentioned in the seuenteenth chapter of the same third book, which hath a broade Bay leafe: indeede hee giueth seede in cods: but that with broade Bay leaues is (as he saith) without eyther flower or fruite; and besides all this, he saith the rootes are very yellow, which is not to bee found in this Arbor Iudæ, or Iudas tree: let others now iudge if these things can bee well reconciled together. Some haue for the likenesse of the cods vnto Beane cods, called it Fabago. And Clusius called it Siliqua siluestris. It is generally in these dayes called Arbor Iudæ, and in English after the Latine name, vntill a fitter may be had, Iudas tree.

The Vertues.

There is nothing extant in any Author of any Physicall vse it hath, neyther hath any later experience found out any.

CHAP. CXX.

Laburnum. Beane Trefoile.

There be three sorts of these codded trees or plants, one neere resembling another, whereof Anagyris of Dioscorides is one. The other two are called Laburnum; the larger whereof Matthiolus calleth Anagyris altera, and so doe some others also: the third is of the same kinde with the second, but smaller. I shall not for this our Garden trouble you or my selfe with any more of them then one, which is the lesser of the two Laburnum, in that it is more frequent, and that it will far better abide then the Anagyris, which is so tender, that it will hardly endure the winters of our Countrey: and the greater Laburnum is not so easily to be had.

Laburnum. Beane Trefoile.

This codded tree riseth vp with vs like vnto a tall tree, with a reasonable great body, if it abide any long time in a place, couered with a smooth greene barke; the branches are very long, greene, pliant, and bending any way, whereon are set here and there diuers leaues, three alwaies standing together vpon a long stalk, being somewhat long, and not very narrow, pointed at the ends, greene on the vpperside, and of a siluer shining colour vnderneath, without any smell at all: at the ioynts of these branches, where the leaues stand, come forth many flowers, much like vnto broome flowers, but not so large or open, growing about a very long branch or stalke, sometimes a good span or more in length, and of a faire yellow colour, but not very deepe; after which come flat thin cods, not very long or broade, but as tough and hard as the cods of Broome; wherein are contained blackish seede, like, but much lesse then the seede of Anagyris vera (which are as big as a kidney beane, purplish and spotted): the roote thrusteth down deepe into the ground, spreading also farre, and is of a yellowish colour.

The Place.

This tree groweth naturally in many of the woods of Italie, and vpon the Alpes also, and is therefore still accounted to be that Laburnum that Plinie calleth Arbor Alpina. It groweth in many gardens with vs.

The Time.

It flowreth in May, the fruit or cods, and the seedes therein are ripe in the end of August, or in September.

The Names.

This tree (as I said before) is called of Matthiolus Anagyris altera, siue secunda, of Cordus, Gesner and others, especially of most now adayes, Laburnum. It is probable in my opinion, that this should bee that Colutæa of Theophrastus, mentioned in the fourteenth Chapter of his third book with the leafe of a Willow; for if you take any one leafe by it selfe, it may well resemble a Willow leafe both for forme and colour, and beareth small seed in cods like vnto pulse as that doth. Of some it hath beene taken for a kinde of Cytisus, but not truely. We call it in English, Beane Trefoile, in regard of his cods and seede therein, somewhat like vnto Kidney Beanes, and of the leaues, three alwayes standing together, vntill a more proper name may bee giuen it.

The Vertues.

There is no vse hereof in Physicke with vs, nor in the naturall place of the growing, saue only to prouoke a vomit, which it will doe very strongly.

CHAP. CXXI.

Cytisus. Tree Trefoile.

There are so many sorts of Cytisus or Tree trefoiles, that if I should relate them all, I should weary the Reader to ouerlooke them, whereof the most part pertaine rather to a generall worke then to this abstract. I shall not therefore trouble you with any superfluous, but only with two, which we haue noursed vp to furnish waste places in a garden.

Cytisus Maranthe. Horned Tree Trefoile.

This Tree Trefoile which is held of most Herbarists to bee the true Cytisus of Dioscorides, riseth vp to the height of a man at the most, with a body of the bignesse of a mans thumbe, couered with a whitish bark, breaking forth into many whitish branches spreading farre, beset in many places with small leaues, three alwayes set together vpon a small short footestalke, which are rounder, and whiter then the leaues of Beane Trefoile: at the ends of the branches for the most part, come forth the flowers three or foure together, of a fine gold colour, and of the fashion of Broome flowers, but not so large: after the flowers are past, there come in their places crooked flat thinne cods, of the fashion of a halfe moone, or crooked horne, whitish when they are ripe, wherein are contained blackish seede: the roote is hard and woody, spreading diuers wayes vnder the ground: the whole plant hath a pretty small hot sent.

Cytisus vulgatior. The common Tree Trefoile.

This Cytisus is the most common in this Land, of any the other sorts of tree trefoiles, hauing a blackish coloured barke, the stemme or body whereof is larger then the former, both for height and spreading, bearing also three leaues together, but smaller and greener then the former: the flowers are smaller, but of the same fashion and colour: the cods blackish and thin, and not very long, or great, but lesser then Broome cods, wherein there lyeth small blackish hard seede: the roote is diuersly dispersed in the ground.

The Place.

The first groweth in the kingdome of Naples, and no doubt in many other places of Italie, as Matthiolus saith. The other groweth in diuers places of France.

The Time.

They flower for the most part in May or Iune: the seede is ripe in August or September.

The Names.

The first (as I said) is thought of most to be the true Cytisus of Dioscorides, and as is thought, was in these later dayes first found by Bartholomæus Maranta of Naples, who sent it first to Matthiolus, and thereupon hath euer since beene called after his name, Cytisus Maranthæ. Some doe call it Cytisus Lunatus, because the cods are made somewhat like vnto an halfe Moone. We call it in English, Horned Tree Trefoile. The other is called Cytisus vulgaris or vulgatior; in English, The common Tree Trefoile, because we haue not any other so common.

The Vertues.

The chiefest vertues that are appropriate to these plants, are to procure milke in womens breasts, to fatten pullen, sheep &c. and to be good for bees.

CHAP. CXXII.

Colutæa. The Bastard Sena Tree.

Wee haue in our Gardens two or three sorts of the Bastard Sena tree; a greater as I may so call it, and two lesser: the one with round thin transparent skins like bladders, wherein are the seede: the other with long round cods, the one bunched out or swelling in diuers places, like vnto a Scorpions tale, wherein is the seede, and the other very like vnto it, but smaller.

1. Colutæa Vesicaria. The greater Bastard Sena with bladders.

This shrub or tree, or shrubby tree, which you please to call it, riseth vp to the height of a pretty tree, the stemme or stock being sometimes of the bignesse of a mans arme, couered with a blackish greene rugged barke, the wood whereof is harder then of an Elder, but with an hollownesse like a pith in the heart or middle of the branches, which are diuided many wayes, and whereon are set at seuerall distances, diuers winged leaues, composed of many small round pointed, or rather flat pointed leaues, one set against another, like vnto Licoris, or the Hatchet Fitch; among these leaues come forth the flowers, in fashion like vnto Broome flowers, and as large, of a very yellow colour: after which appeare cleare thinne swelling cods like vnto thinne transparent bladders, wherein are contained blacke seede, set vpon a middle ribbe or sinew in the middle of the bladder, which if it be a little crushed betweene the fingers, will giue a cracke, like as a bladder full of winde. The roote groweth branched and woody.

2. Colutæa Scorpioides maior. The greater Scorpion podded Bastard Sena.

This Bastard Sena groweth nothing so great or tall, but shooteth out diuersly, like vnto a shrub, with many shoots springing from the root: the branches are greener, but more rugged, hauing a white barke on the best part of the elder growne branches; for the young are greene, and haue such like winged leaues set on them as are to be seen in the former, but smaller, greener, and more pointed: the flowers are yellow, but much smaller, fashioned somewhat like vnto the former, with a reddish stripe downe the backe of the vppermost leafe: the long cods that follow are small, long and round, distinguished into many diuisions or dents, like vnto a Scorpions tayle, from whence hath risen the name: in these seuerall diuisions lye seuerall blacke seede, like vnto the seede of Fenigrecke: the roote is white and long, but not so woody as the former.

3. Colutæa Scorpioides minor. The lesser Scorpion Bastard Sena.

This lesser Bastard Sena is in all things like the former, but somewhat lower, and smaller both in leafe, flower, and cods of seede, which haue not such eminent bunches on the cods to be seene as the former.

The Place.

They grow as Matthiolus saith about Trent in Italie, and in other places: the former is frequent enough through all our Countrey, but the others are more rare.

The Time.

They flower about the middle or end of May, and their seede is ripe in August. The bladders of the first will abide a great while on the tree, if they be suffered, and vntill the winde cause them to rattle, and afterwards the skins opening, the seede will fall away.

The Names.

The name Colutæa is imposed on them, and by the iudgement of most writers, the first is taken to bee that Colutæa of Lipara that Theophrastus maketh mention of, in the seuenteenth chapter of his third booke. But I should rather thinke that the Scorpioides were the truer Colutæa of Theophrastus, because the long pods thereof are more properly to bee accounted filiquæ, then the former which are vesicæ tumentes, windy bladders, and not filiquæ: and no doubt but Theophrastus would haue giuen some peculiar note of difference if he had meant those bladders, and not these cods. Let others of iudgement be vmpeeres in this case; although I know the currant of writers since Matthiolus, doe all hold the former Colutæa vesicaria to be the true Colutæa Liparæ of Theophrastus. Wee call it in English, Bastard Sena, from Ruellius, who as I thinke first called it Sena, from the forme of the leaues. The second and third (as I said before) from the forme of the cods receiued their names, as it is in the titles and descriptions; yet they may as properly be called Siliquosæ, for that their fruite are long cods.

The Vertues.

Theophrastus saith it doth wonderfully helpe to fatten sheepe: But sure it is found by experience, that if it be giuen to man it causeth strong purgings both vpwards and downwards; and therefore let euery one beware that they vse not this in steede of good Sena, lest they feele to their cost the force thereof.

CHAP. CXXIII.

Spartum Hispanicum frutex. Spanish Broome.

Although Clusius and others haue found diuers sorts of this shrubby Spartum or Spanish Broome, yet because our Climate will nourse vp none of them, and euen this very hardly, I shall leaue all others, and describe vnto you this one only in this manner: Spanish Broome groweth to bee fiue or sixe foote high, with a woody stemme below, couered with a darke gray, or ash-coloured barke, and hauing aboue many pliant, long and slender greene twigs, whereon in the beginning of the yeare are set many small long greene leaues, which fall away quickly, not abiding long on; towards the tops of these branches grow the flowers, fashioned like vnto Broom flowers, but larger, as yellow as they, and smelling very well; after which come small long cods, crested at the backe, wherein is contained blackish flat seede, fashioned very like vnto the Kidney beanes: the roote is woody, dispersing it selfe diuers waies.

The Place.

This groweth naturally in many places of France, Spaine and Italie, wee haue it as an ornament in our Gardens, among other delightfull plants, to please the senses of sight and smelling.

The Time.

It flowreth in the end of May, or beginning of Iune, and beareth seede, which ripeneth not with vs vntill it be late.

The Names.

It is called Spartium Græcorum, and Spartum frutex, to distinguish it from the sedge or rush, that is so called also. Of some it is called Genista, and thought not to differ from the other Genista, but they are much deceiued; for euen in Spaine and Italie, the ordinary Genista or Broome groweth with it, which is not pliant, and fit to binde Vines, or such like things withall as this is.

The Vertues.

There is little vse hereof in Physicke, by reason of the dangerous qualitie of vomiting, which it doth procure to them that take it inwardly: but being applyed outwardly, it is found to helpe the Sciaticæ or paine of the hippes.

CHAP. CXXIIII.

Periploca recta Virginiana. Virginian Silke.

Lest this stranger should find no hospitality with vs, being so beautifull a plant, or not finde place in this Garden, let him be here receiued, although with the last, rather then not at all. It riseth vp with one or more strong and round stalkes, three or foure foote high, whereon are set at the seuerall ioynts thereof two faire, long, and broad leaues, round pointed, with many veines therein, growing close to the stemme, without any foote-stalke: at the tops of the stalkes, and some times at the ioynts of the leaues, groweth forth a great bush of flowers out of a thinne skinne, to the number of twenty, and sometimes thirty or forty, euery one with a long foote-stalke, hanging downe their heads for the most part, especially those that are outermost, euery one standing within a small huske of greene leaues, turned to the stalkeward, like vnto the Lysimachia flower of Virginia before described, and each of them consisting of fiue small leaues a peece, of a pale-purplish colour on the vpperside, and of a pale yellowish purple vnderneath, both sides of each leafe being as it were folded together, making them seeme hollow and pointed, with a few short chiues in the middle: after which come long and crooked pointed cods standing vpright, wherein are contained flat brownish seede, dispersedly lying within a great deale of fine, soft, and whitish browne silke, very like vnto the cods, seede, and silke of Asclepias, or Swallow-wort, but that the cods are greater and more crooked, and harder also in the outer shell: the roote is long and white, of the bignesse of a mans thumbe, running vnder ground very far, and shooting vp in diuers places, the heads being set full of small white grumes or knots, yeelding forth many branches, if it stand any time in a place: the whole plant, as well leaues as stalkes, being broken, yeeld a pale milke.

The Place.

It came to me from Virginia, where it groweth aboundantly, being raised vp from the seede I receiued.

The Time.

It flowreth in Iuly, and the seede is ripe in August.

The Names.

It may seeme very probable to many, that this plant is the same that Prosper Alpinus in the twenty fift Chapter of his Booke of Egyptian plants, nameth Beidelsar; and Honorius Bellus in his third and fourth Epistles vnto Clusius (which are at the end of his History of plants) calleth Ossar frutex: And Clusius himselfe in the same Booke calleth Apocynum Syriacum, Palæstinum, and Ægyptiacum, because this agreeth with theirs in very many and notable parts; yet verily I thinke this plant is not the same, but rather another kinde of it selfe: First, because it is not frutex, a shrub or wooddy plant, nor keepeth his leaues all the yeare, but loseth both leaues and stalks, dying down to the ground euery yeare: Secondly, the milke is not causticke or violent, as Alpinus and Bellus say Ossar is: Thirdly, the cods are more crooked then those of Clusius, or of Alpinus, which Honorius Bellus acknowledgeth to be right, although greater then those he had out of Egypt: And lastly, the rootes of these doe runne, whereof none of them make any mention. Gerard in his herball giueth a rude figure of the plant, but a very true figure of the cods with seede, and saith the Virginians call it Wisanck, and referreth it to the Asclepias, for the likenesse of the cods stuffed with silken doune. But what reason Caspar Bauhinus in his Pinax Theatri Botanici had, to call it (for it is Clusius his Apocynum Syriacum) by the name of Lapathum Ægyptiacum lactescens siliqua Asclepiadis, I know none in the world: for but that he would shew an extreame singularity in giuing names to plants, contrary to all others (which is very frequent with him) how could he thinke, that this plant could haue any likenesse or correspondencie, with any of the kindes of Dockes, that euer he had seene, read, or heard of, in face, or shew of leaues, flowers, or seede; but especially in giuing milke. I haue you see (and that not without iust and euident cause) giuen it a differing Latine name from Gerard, because the Asclepias giueth no milke, but the Periploca or Apocymum doth; and therefore fitter to be referred to this then to that. And because it should not want an English name answerable to some peculiar property thereof, I haue from the silken doune called it Virginian Silke: but I know there is another plant growing in Virginia, called Silke Grasse, which is much differing from this.

The Vertues.

I know not of any in our Land hath made any tryall of the properties hereof. Captaine Iohn Smith in his booke of the discouery and description of Virginia, saith, that the Virginians vse the rootes hereof (if his be the same with this) being bruised and applyed to cure their hurts & diseases.

CHAP. CXXV.

Ligustrum. Primme or Priuet.

Because the vse of this plant is so much, and so frequent throughout all this Land, although for no other purpose but to make hedges or arbours in Gardens, &c. whereunto it is so apt, that no other can be like vnto it, to bee cut, lead, and drawne into what forme one will, either of beasts, birds, or men armed, or otherwise: I could not forget it, although it be so well knowne vnto all, to be an hedge bush growing from a wooddy white roote, spreading much within the ground, and bearing manie long, tough, and plyant sprigs and branches, whereon are set long, narrow, and pointed sad greene leaues by couples at euery ioynt: at the tops whereof breake forth great tufts of sweete smelling white flowers, which when they are fallen, turne into small blacke berries, hauing a purple iuyce within them, and small seede, flat on the one side, with an hole or dent therein: this is seene in those branches that are not cut, but suffered to beare out their flowers and fruit.

The Place.

This bush groweth as plentifully in the Woods of our owne Countrey, as in any other beyond the Seas.

The Time.

It flowreth sometimes in Iune,and in Iuly; the fruit is ripe in August and September.

The Names.

There is great controuersie among the moderne Writers concerning this plant, some taking it to be κύπρος of Dioscorides, other to be Phillyrea of Dioscorides, which followeth next after Cyprus. Plinie maketh mention of Cyprus in two places; in the one he saith Cyprus hath the leafe of Ziziphus, or the Iuiube tree: in the other he saith, that certain do affirme, that the Cyprus of the East Country, and the Ligustrum of Italy is one and the same plant: whereby you may plainly see, that our Priuet which is Ligustrum, cannot be that Cyprus of Plinie with Iuiube leaues: Besides, both Dioscorides & Plinie say, that Cyprus is a tree; but all know that Ligustrum, Priuet, is but an hedge bush: Againe, Dioscorides saith, that the leaues of Cyprus giue a red colour, but Priuet giueth none. Bellonius and Prosper Alpinus haue both recorded, that the true Cyprus of Dioscorides groweth plentifully in Egypt, Syria, and those Easterne Countries, and noursed vp also in Constantinople, and other parts of Greece, being a merchandise of much worth, in that they transport the leaues, and young branches dryed, which laid in water giue a yellow colour, wherewith the Turkish women colour the nailes of their hands, and some other parts of their bodies likewise, delighting much therein: and that it is not our Ligustrum, or Priuet, because Cyprus beareth round white seede, like Coriander seede, and the leaues abide greene alwaies vpon the tree, which groweth (if it bee not cut or pruined) to the height of the Pomegranet tree. I haue (I confesse) beyond the limits I set for this worke spoken concerning our Priuet, because I haue had the seede of the true Cyprus of Dioscorides sent mee, which was much differing from our Priuet, and although it sprang vp, yet would not abide any time, whereas if it had beene our Priuet, it would haue beene familiar enough to our Countrey.

The Vertues.

It is of small vse in physicke, yet some doe vse the leaues in Lotions, that serue to coole and dry fluxes or sores in diuers parts.

CHAP. CXXVI.

Saluia variegata. Party coloured Sage. And Maiorana versicolor siue aurea. Yellow or golden Marierome.

Vnto all these flowers of beauty and rarity, I must adioyne two other plants, whose beauty consisteth in their leaues, and not in their flowers: as also to separate them from the others of their tribe, to place them here in one Chapter, before the sweete herbes that shall follow, as is fittest to furnish this our Garden of pleasure. This kinde of Sage groweth with branches and leaues, very like the ordinary Sage, but somewhat smaller, the chiefest difference consisteth in the colour of the leaues, being diuersly marked and spotted with white and red among the greene: for vpon one branch you shall haue the leaues seuerally marked one from another, as the one halfe of the leafe white, and the other halfe greene, with red shadowed ouer them both, or more white then greene, with some red in it, either parted or shadowed, or dasht here and there, or more greene then white, and red therein eyther in the middle or end of the leafe, or more or lesse parted or striped with white and red in the greene, or else sometimes wholly greene the whole branch together, as nature listeth to play with such varieties: which manner of growing rising from one and the same plant, because it is the more variable, is the more delightfull and much respected.

There is another speckled Sage parted with white and greene, but it is nothing of that beauty to this, because this hath three colours euidently to bee discerned in euery leafe almost, the red adding a superaboundant grace to the rest.

Maiorana aurea siue versicolor. Yellow or golden Marierome.

This kinde of Marierome belongeth to that sort is called in Latine Maiorana latifolia, which Lobel setteth forth for Hyssopus Græcorum genuina: In English Winter Marierome, or pot Marierome: for it hath broader and greater leaues then the sweete Marierome, and a different vmbell or tuft of flowers. The difference of this from that set forth in the Kitchin Garden, consisteth chiefly in the leaues, which are in Summer wholly yellow in some, or but a little greene, or parted with yellow and greene more or lesse, as nature listeth to play: but in Winter they are of a darke or dead greene colour, yet recouering it selfe againe: the sent hereof is all one with the pot Marierome.

Wee haue another parted with white and greene, much after the manner with the former.

The Place, Time, Names, and Vertues of both these plants, shall be declared where the others of their kindes are specified hereafter, and in the Kitchen Garden; for they differ not in properties.

CHAP. CXXVII.

Lauendula. Lauender Spike.

After all these faire and sweete flowers before specified, I must needes adde a few sweete herbes, both to accomplish this Garden, and to please your senses, by placing them in your Nosegays, or else where, as you list. And although I bring them in the end or last place, yet are they not of the least account.

1. Lauendula maior. Garden Lauender.

Our ordinary Garden Lauender riseth vp with a hard wooddy stemme aboue the ground, parted into many small branches, whereon are set whitish, long, and narrow leaues, by couples one against another; from among which riseth vp naked square stalkes, with two leaues at a ioynt, and at the toppe diuers small huskes standing round about them, formed in long and round heads or spikes, with purple gaping flowers springing out of each of them: the roote is wooddy, and spreadeth in the ground: The whole plant is of a strong sweete sent, but the heads of flowers much more, and more piercing the senses, which are much vsed to bee put among linnen and apparrell.

[Sidenote: Flore albo.]

There is a kinde hereof that beareth white flowers, and somewhat broader leaues, but it is very rare, and seene but in few places with vs, because it is more tender, and will not so well endure our cold Winters.

2. Lauendula minor seu Spica. Small Lauender or Spike.

The Spike or small Lauender is very like vnto the former, but groweth not so high, neither is the head or spike so great and long, but shorter and smaller, and of a more purplish colour in the flower: the leaues also are a little harder, whiter, and shorter then the former; the sent also is somewhat sharper and stronger. This is not so frequent as the first, and is nourished but in some places that are warme, and where they delight in rare herbes and plants.

The Place.

Lauender groweth in Spaine aboundantly, in many places so wilde, and little regarded, that many haue gone, and abiden there to distill the oyle thereof whereof great quantity now commeth ouer from thence vnto vs: and also in Lanquedocke, and Prouence in France.

The Time.

It flowreth early in those hot Countries, but with vs not vntill Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

It is called of some Nardus Italica, and Lauendula, the greater is called Fæmina, and the lesser Mas. We doe call them generally Lauender, or Lauender Spike, and the lesser Spike, without any other addition.

The Vertues.

Lauender is little vsed in inward physicke, but outwardly; the oyle for cold and benummed parts, and is almost wholly spent with vs, for to perfume linnen, apparrell, gloues, leather, &c., and the dryed flowers to comfort and dry vp the moisture of a cold braine.

CHAP. CXXVIII.

Stœchas. Sticadoue, Cassidony, or French Lauender.

Cassidony that groweth in the Gardens of our Countrey, may peraduenture somewhat differ in colour, as well as in strength, from that which groweth in hotter Countries; but as it is with vs, it is more tender a great deale then Lauender, and groweth rather like an herbe then a bush or shrub, not aboue a foote and a halfe high, or thereabouts, hauing many narrow long greene leaues like Lauender, but softer and smaller, set at seuerall distances together about the stalkes, which spread abroad into branches: at the tops whereof stand long and round, and sometimes foure square heads, of a darke greenish purple colour, compact of many scales set together; from among which come forth the flowers, of a blewish purple colour, after which follow seede vessels, which are somewhat whitish when they are ripe, containing blackish browne seede within them: the roote is somewhat wooddy, and will hardly abide the iniuries of our cold Winters, except in some places onely, or before it haue flowred: The whole plant is somewhat sweete, but nothing so much as Lauender.

The Place.

Cassidony groweth in the Islands Stæchades, which are ouer against Marselles, and in Arabia also: we keep it with great care in our Gardens.

The Time.

It flowreth the next yeare after it is sowne, in the end of May, which is a moneth before any Lauender.

The Names.

It is called of some Lauendula siluestris, but most vsually Stæchas in English, of some Stichadoue, or French Lauender; and in many parts of England, Cassidony.

The Vertues.

It is of much more vse in physicke then Lauender, and is much vsed for old paines in the head. It is also held to be good for to open obstructions, to expell melancholy, to cleanse and strengthen the liuer, and other inward parts, and to be a Pectorall also.

CHAP. CXXIX.

Abrotanum fæmina siue Santolina. Lauender Cotton.

This Lauender Cotton hath many wooddy, but brittle branches, hoary or of a whitish colour, whereon are set many leaues, which are little, long, and foure square, dented or notched on all edges, and whitish also: at the tops of these branches stand naked stalkes, bearing on euery one of them a larger yellow head or flower, then eyther Tansie or Maudeline, whereunto they are somewhat like, wherein is contained small darke coloured seede: the roote is hard, and spreadeth abroad with many fibres: the whole plant is of a strong sweete sent, but not vnpleasant, and is in many places planted in Gardens, to border knots with, for which it will abide to be cut into what forme you thinke best; for it groweth thicke and bushy, very fit for such workes, besides the comely shew the plant it selfe thus wrought doth yeeld, being alwayes greene, and of a sweet sent; but because it quickly groweth great, and will soone runne out of forme, it must be euery second or third yeare taken vp, and new planted.

The Place.

It is onely planted in Gardens with vs, for the vses aforesaid especially.

The Time.

It flowreth in Iuly, and standeth long in the hot time of the yeare in his colour, and so will doe, if it be gathered before it haue stood ouer long.

The Names.

Diuers doe call it as Matthiolus doth, Abrotanum fæmina, and Santolina; and some call it Chamæcyparissus, because the leaues thereof, are somewhat like the leaues of the Cypresse tree: Wee call it in English generally Lauender Cotton.

The Vertues.

This is vsually put among other hot herbes, eyther into bathes, ointments, or other things, that are vsed for cold causes. The seede also is much vsed for the wormes.

CHAP. CXXX.

Ocimum. Bassill.

Bassill is of two sorts (besides other kindes) for this our Garden, the one whereof is greater, the other lesse in euery part thereof; as shall be shewed.

1. Ocimum Citratum. Common Bassill.

Our ordinary Garden Bassill hath one stalke rising from the root, diuersly branched out, whereon are set two leaues alwayes at a ioynt, which are broad, somewhat round, and pointed, of a pale greene colour, but fresh, a little snipt or dented about the edges, and of a strong or heady sent, somewhat like a Pomecitron, as many haue compared it, and thereof call it Citratum: the flowers are small and white, standing at the tops of the branches, with two smal leaues at euery ioynt vnder them, in some plants green, in others browne vnder them: after which commeth blacke seede: the roote perisheth at the first approach of winter weather, and is to be new sowen euery yeare.

2. Ocimum minimum siue Gariophyllatum. Bush Basill.

The bush Basill groweth not altogether so high, but is thicker spreade out into branches, whereon grow smaller leaues, and thicker set then the former, but of a more excellent and pleasant smell by much: the flowers are white like the former, and the seede blacke also like it, and perisheth as suddenly, or rather sooner then it, so that it requireth more paines to get it, and more care to nourse it, because we seldome or neuer haue any seede of it.

Ocimum Indicum. Indian Basill.

The Indian Basill hath a square reddish greene stalke, a foote high or better, from the ioynts whereof spreade out many branches, with broade flat leaues set thereon, two alwayes together at the ioynt, one against another, as other Basils haue, but somewhat deepely cut in on the edges, and oftentimes a little crumpled, standing vpon long reddish footestalkes, of a darke purple colour, spotted with deeper purple spots, in some greater, in others lesser: the flowers stand at the tops of the stalkes spike-fashion, which are of a white colour, with reddish stripes and veines running through them, set or placed in darke purple coloured huskes: the seede is greater and rounder then the former, and somewhat long withall: the roote perisheth in like manner as the other former doe. The whole plant smelleth strong, like vnto the other Basils.

The Place.

The two last sorts of Basils are greater strangers in our Country then the first which is frequent, and only sowen and planted in curious gardens. The last came first out of the West Indies.

The Time.

They all flower in August, or Iuly at the soonest, and that but by degrees, and not all at once.

The Names.

The first is vsually called Ocimum vulgare, or vulgatius, and Ocimum Citratum. In English, Common or Garden Basill. The other is called Ocimum minimum, or Gariophyllatum, Cloue Basill, or Bush Basill. The last eyther of his place, or forme of his leaues, being spotted and curled, or all, is called Ocimum Indicum maculatum, latifolium & crispum. In English according to the Latine, Indian Basill, broade leafed Basill, spotted or curled Basill, which you please.

The Vertues.

The ordinary Basill is in a manner wholly spent to make sweet, or washing waters, among other sweet herbes, yet sometimes it is put into nosegayes. The Physicall properties are, to procure a cheerefull and merry heart, whervnto the seede is chiefly vsed in pouder, &c. and is most vsed to that, and to no other purpose.

CHAP. CXXXI.

Maiorana. Sweete Marierome.

Wee haue many sorts of Marierome; some that are sweete, and but Summer plants; others that are greater and not so sweet; and some also that are wilde. Of all these I will onely select some of the choisest that are fit for this place, and leaue the other for the next garden, and the garden of simples, or a generall worke: yet hereunto I will adioyne another sweete plant called Masticke, as participating neerer with them then with Time, whereunto many doe referre it.

1. Maiorana maior æstiua. Common sweet Marierome.

The sweet Marierome that is most frequently sowen in our Country, is a low herbe little aboue a foote high when it is at the highest, full of branches, and small whitish soft roundish leaues, smelling very sweet: at the toppes of the branches stand diuers small scaly heads, like vnto knots, (and therefore of some called knotted Marierome) of a whitish greene colour, out of which come here and there small white flowers, and afterwards small reddish seede: the roote is composed of many small threds or strings, which perish with the whole plant euery yeare.

2. Maiorana tenuifolia. Marierome gentle.

This Marierome hath likewise diuers small branches, growing low, and not higher then the former, but hauing finer and smaller leaues, hoary and soft, but much sweeter: the heads are like vnto the former, and so are the flowers and seede, and the whole plant abiding but a Summer in the like manner.

3. Marum. Herbe Masticke.

The neerer resemblance that this herbe hath with Marierome then with Tyme (as I said before) hath made me place it next vnto the small sweet Marierome. It riseth vp with a greater, and a more woody stalke then Marierome, two foote high or better in some places, where it liketh the ground and ayre, branching out on all sides towards the vpper part, leauing the stemme bare below, if it bee old, otherwise being young, thinly furnishing the branches from the bottome with small greene leaues, bigger then the leaues of any Tyme, and comming neere vnto the bignesse and forme of the last recited finer Marierome, but of a greener colour: at the toppes of the branches stand small white flowers on a head, which afterwards turne into a loose tuft of a long white hoary matter, like vnto soft doune, with some leaues vnderneath and about it, which abide not long on the stalkes, but are blowne away with the winde: the seede is so small if it haue any, that I haue not obserued it: the roote is threddy: the whole plant is of a sweete resinous sent, stronger then the Marierome, and abideth our winters, if it be carefully planted and regarded.

The Place.

The sweete Marieromes grow naturally in hot Countreyes: the first in Spaine &c. the second is thought to come out of Syria, or Persia first into Italie, where they much esteeme it, and plant it curiously and carefully in pots, and set them in their windowes, beeing much delighted therewith for the sweet sent it hath. The first is vsually sowen euery yeare in most gardens with vs: but the second is very rare and daintie, and must as daintely be preserued being more tender then the former. The herbe Masticke is thought to be first brought out of Candie, Clusius saith he found it in Spaine: It is planted by slippes, (and not sowen) in many gardens, and is much replanted for increase, but prospereth onely, or more frequently, in loamie or clay grounds then in any other soyle.

The Time.

The sweete Marieromes beare their knots or scaly heads in the end of Iuly, or in August. Herbe Masticke in Iune many times, or in the beginning of Iuly.

The Names.

The first of the two sweet Marieromes called Maiorana in Latine à maiore cura, is taken of most writers to be the Amaracus or Sampsuchum of Dioscorides, Theophrastus and Plinie, although Galen doth seem a little to dissent therefrom. The other sweet Marierome hath his name in his title as much as can be said of it. The next is thought by the best of the moderne Writers to be the true Marum that Galen preferreth for the excellent sweetnesse, before the former Marierome in making the Oleum, or vnguentum Amaricinum, and seemeth to incline to their opinion that thought Amaracus was deriued from Marum. It is the same also that Galen and others of the ancient Writers make mention of, to go into the composition of the Trochisci Hedychroi, as well as Amaracus among the ingredients of the Theriaca Andromachi. In English we call it Masticke simply, or Herbe Mastick, both to distinguish it from that Tyme that is called Masticke Tyme, and from the Masticke Tree, or Gum, so called. Some of later times, and Clusius with them, haue thought this to be Dioscorides his Tragoriganum, which doth somewhat resemble it: but there is another plant that Matthiolus setteth forth for Marum, that in Lobels opinion and mine is the truest Tragoriganum, and this the truest Marum.

The Vertues.

The sweete Marieromes are not onely much vsed to please the outward senses in nosegayes, and in the windowes of houses, as also in sweete pouders, sweete bags, and sweete washing waters, but are also of much vse in Physicke, both to comfort the outward members, or parts of the body, and the inward also: to prouoke vrine being stopped, and to ease the paines thereof, and to cause the feminine courses. Herbe Masticke is of greater force to helpe the stopping of vrine, then the Marierome, and is put into Antidotes, as a remedie against the poyson of venemous Beasts.

CHAP. CXXXI.

Thymum. Tyme.

There are many kindes of Tyme, as they are vsually called, with vs, some are called of the garden, and others wilde, which yet for their sweetnesse are brought into gardens, as Muske Tyme, and Lemon Tyme; and some for their beauty, as embroidered or gold yellow Tyme, and white Tyme. But the true Tyme of the ancient Writers, called Capitatum, as a speciall note of distinction from all other kindes of Tyme, is very rare to be seene with vs here in England, by reason of the tendernesse, that it will not abide our Winters. And all the other sorts that with vs are called garden Tymes, are indeede but kindes of wilde Tyme, although in the defect or want of the true Tyme, they are vsed in the stead of it. With the Tymes I must doe as I did with the Marieromes in the Chapter before, that is, reserue the most common in vse, for the common vse of the Kitchen, and shew you only those here, that are not put to that vse: and first with the true Tyme, because it is knowne but to a few.

1. Thymum legitimum capitatum. The true Tyme.

The true Tyme is a very tender plant, hauing hard and hoary brittle branches, spreading from a small wooddy stemme, about a foote and a halfe high, whereon are set at seuerall ioynts, and by spaces, many small, long, whitish, or hoary greene leaues, of a quicke sent and taste: at the tops of the branches stand small long whitish greene heads, somewhat like vnto the heads of Stæchas, made as it were of many leaues or scales, out of which start forth small purplish flowers (and in some white, as Bellonius saith) after which commeth small seede, that soone falleth out, and if it be not carefully gathered, is soone lost, which made (I thinke) Theophrastus to write, that this Tyme was to be sowne of the flowers, as not hauing any other seede: the root is small and wooddy. This holdeth not his leaues in Winter, no not about Seuill in Spaine, where it groweth aboundantly, as Clusius recordeth, finding it there naked or spoiled of leaues. And will not abide our Winters, but perisheth wholly, roote and all.

2. Serpillum hortense siue maius. Garden wilde Tyme.

The wilde Tyme that is cherished in gardens groweth vpright, but yet is lowe, with diuers slender branches, and small round greene leaues, somewhat like vnto small fine Marierome, and smelling somewhat like vnto it: the flowers growe in roundels at the toppes of the branches, of a purplish colour: And in another of this kinde they are of a pure white colour.

There is another also like hereunto, that smelleth somewhat like vnto Muske; and therefore called Muske Tyme, whose greene leaues are not so small as the former, but larger and longer.

3. Serpillum Citratum. Lemon Tyme.

The wilde Tyme that smelleth like vnto a Pomecitron or Lemon, hath many weake branches trayling on the ground, like vnto the first described wilde Tyme, with small darke greene leaues, thinly or sparsedly set on them, and smelling like vnto a Lemon, with whitish flowers at the toppes in roundels or spikes.

4. Serpillum aureum siue versicolor. Guilded or embroidered Tyme.

This kinde of wilde Tyme hath small hard branches lying or leaning to the ground, with small party coloured leaues vpon them, diuided into stripes or edges, of a gold yellow colour, the rest of the leafe abiding greene, which for the variable mixture or placing of the yellow, hath caused it to be called embroidered or guilded Tyme.

The Place.

The first groweth as is said before, about Seuill in Spaine, in very great aboundance as Clusius saith; and as Bellonius saith, very plentifully on the mountaines through all Greece. The others growe some in this Country, and some in others: but wee preserue them with all the care wee can in our gardens, for the sweete and pleasant sents and varieties they yeeld.

The Time.

The first flowreth not vntill August; the rest in Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

Their names are seuerally set downe in their titles, as is sufficient to distinguish them; and therefore I shall not neede to trouble you any further with them.

The Vertues.

The true Tyme is a speciall helpe to melancholicke and spleneticke diseases, as also to flatulent humours, either in the vpper or lower parts of the body. The oyle that is Chimically drawne out of ordinary Tyme, is vsed (as the whole herbe is, in the stead of the true) in pils for the head and stomach. It is also much vsed for the toothach, as many other such like hot oyles are.

CHAP. CXXXII.

Hyssopus. Hyssope.

There are many varieties of Hyssope, beside the common or ordinary, which I reserue for the Kitchen garden, and intend onely in this place to giue you the knowledge of some more rare: viz. of such as are noursed vp by those that are curious, and fit for this garden: for there are some other, that must be remembred in the Physicke garden, or Garden of Simples, or else in a generall worke.

1. Hyssopus folijs niueis. White Hyssope.

This white Hyssope is of the same kinde and smell with the common Hyssope; but differeth, in that this many times hath diuers leaues, that are wholly of a white colour, with part of the stalke also: others are parted, the one halfe white, the other halfe greene, and some are wholly greene, or with some spots or stripes of white within the greene, which makes it delightfull to most Gentlewomen.

2. Hyssopus folijs cinereis. Russet Hyssope.

As the last hath party coloured leaues, white and greene, so this hath his leaues of an ash-colour, which of some is called russet; and hath no other difference either in forme or smell.

3. Hyssopus aureus. Yellow or golden Hyssope.

All the leaues of this Hyssope are wholly yellow, or but a little greene in them, and are of so pleasant a colour, especially in Summer, that they prouoke many Gentlewomen to weare them in their heads, and on their armes, with as much delight as many fine flowers can giue: but in Winter their beautifull colour is much decayed, being of a whitish greene, yet recouer themselues againe the next Summer.

4. Hyssopus surculis densis. Double Hyssope.

As this kinde of Hyssope groweth lower then the former or ordinary kinde, so it hath more branches, slenderer, and not so wooddy, leaning somewhat downe toward the ground, so wonderfully thicke set with leaues, that are like vnto the other, but of a darker greene colour, and somewhat thicker withall, that it is the onely fine sweete herbe, that I know fittest (if any be minded to plant herbes) to set or border a knot of herbes or flowers, because it will well abide, and not growe too wooddy or great, nor be thinne of leaues in one part, when it is thicke in another, so that it may be kept with cutting as smooth and plaine as a table. If it be suffered to growe vp of it selfe alone, it riseth with leaues as before is specified, and flowreth as the common doth, and of the same sent also, not differing in any thing, but in the thicknesse of the leaues on the stalkes and branches, and the aptnesse to be ordered as the keeper pleaseth.

Chamædrys. Germander.

Lest Germander should be vtterly forgotten, as not worthy of our Garden, seeing many (as I said in my treatise or introduction to this Garden) doe border knots therewith: let me at the least giue it a place, although the last, being more vsed as a strewing herbe for the house, then for any other vse. It is (I thinke) sufficiently knowne to haue many branches, with small and somewhat round endented leaues on them, and purplish gaping flowers: the rootes spreading far abroad, and rising vp againe in many places.

The Place.

These Hyssopes haue beene most of them noursed vp of long time in our English Gardens, but from whence their first originall should be, is not well knowne. The Germander also is onely in Gardens, and not wilde.

The Time.

They flower in Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

The seuerall names whereby they are knowne to vs, are set forth in their titles; and therefore I neede not here say more of them then onely this, that neyther they here set downe, nor the common or ordinary sort, nor any of the rest not here expressed, are any of them the true Hyssope of the ancient Greeke Writers, but supposititiæ, vsed in the stead thereof. The Germander, from the forme of the leaues like vnto small oaken leaues, had the name Chamædrys giuen it, which signifieth a dwarfe Oake.

The Vertues.

The common Hyssope is much vsed in all pectorall medicines, to cut fleagme, and to cause it easily to be auoided. It is vsed of many people in the Country, to be laid vnto cuts or fresh wounds, being bruised, and applyed eyther alone, or with a little Sugar. It is much vsed as a sweet herbe, to be in the windowes of an house. I finde it much commended against the Falling Sicknesse, especially being made into Pils after this manner: Of Hyssope, Horhound, and Castor, of each halfe a dramme, of Peony rootes (the male kinde is onely fit to be vsed for this purpose) two drams, of Assafætida one scruple: Let them be beaten, and made into pils with the iuyce of Hyssope; which being taken for seuen dayes together at night going to bed, is held to be effectual to giue much ease, if not thoroughly to cure those that are troubled with that disease. The vse of Germander ordinarily is as Tyme, Hyssope, and other such herbes, to border a knot, whereunto it is often appropriate, and the rather, that it might be cut to serue (as I said) for a strewing herbe for the house among others. For the physicall vse it serueth in diseases of the splene, and the stopping of vrine, and to procure womens courses.

* * * * *

Thus haue I led you through all my Garden of Pleasure, and shewed you all the varieties of nature noursed therein, pointing vnto them, and describing them one after another. And how lastly (according to the vse of our old ancient Fathers) I bring you to rest on the Grasse, which yet shall not be without some delight, and that not the least of all the rest.

CHAP. CXXXIII.

Gramina. Grasses.

There are among an infinite number (as I may so say) of Grasses, a few onely which I thinke fit to be planted in this Garden, both for the rarity of them, and also for your delight, and the excellent beauty that is in them aboue many other plants. One of them hath long agoe bin respected, and cherished in the country gardens of many Gentlewomen, and others. The others are knowne but vnto a few.

1. Gramen striatum. Painted Grasse or Ladies laces.

This kinde of Grasse hath many stiffe, hard, round stalkes, full of ioynts, whereon are set at euery ioynt one long leafe, somewhat broad at the bottome, where it compasseth the stalke, and smaller to the end, where it is sharpe pointed, hard or rough in handling, and striped all the length of the leafe with white streakes or lines, that they seeme party coloured laces of white and greene: the tops of the stalkes are furnished with long spikie tufts, like vnto the tufts of Couch Grasse: the rootes are small, white, and threddy, like the rootes of other Grasses.

2. Gramen Plumarium minus. The lesser Feather-Grasse.

This lesser Feather-Grasse hath many small, round, and very long leaues or blades, growing in tufts, much finer and smaller then any other Grasse that I know, being almost like vnto haires, and of a fresh greene colour in Summer, but changing into gray, like old hay in Winter, being indeede all dead, and neuer reuiuing; yet hardly to be plucked away vntill the Spring, and then other greene leaues or rushes rise vp by them, and in their stead, and are aboue a foote in length: from the middle of these tufts come forth rounder and bigger rushes, which are the stalkes, and which haue a chaffie round eare about the middle thereof, which when it is full growne, is somewhat higher then the toppes of the leaues or rushes, opening it selfe (being before close) at the top, and shewing forth three or foure long ayles or beards, one aboue another, which bend themselues a little downewards (if they stand ouer long before they are gathered, and will fall off, and be blowne away with the winde) being so finely feathered on both sides, all the length of the beard, and of a pale or grayish colour, that no feather in the taile of the Bird of Paradise can be finer, or to be compared with them, hauing sticking at the end of euery one of them, within the eare, a small, long, whitish, round, hard, and very sharpe pointed graine, like vnto an oaten graine, that part of the stalke of the feather that is next vnder it, and aboue the seede for some two or three inches, being stiffe and hard, and twining or curling it selfe, if it be suffered to stand too long, or to fall away, otherwise being straight as the feather it selfe: the roote is composed of many long, hard, small threddy strings, which runne deepe and far, and will not willingly be remoued, in that it gaineth strength euery yeare by standing.

3. Gramen Plumarium maius. The greater Feather-Grasse.

The greater Feather-Grasse is like vnto the lesser, but that both the leaues and the feathers, are greater, and nothing so fine, grosser also, and of lesse beauty and respect, though whiter then it; and therefore is not so much regarded: for I haue knowne, that many Gentlewomen haue vsed the former lesser kinde, being tyed in tufts, to set them in stead of feathers about their beds, where they haue lyen after childe-bearing, and at other times also, when as they haue been much admired of the Ladies and Gentles that haue come to visit them.

The Place.

The first of these Grasses, as Lobel saith, groweth naturally in the woods and hils of Sauoy. It hath long agoe beene receiued into our English gardens. The second, as Clusius saith, in Austria, from whence also (as I take it) the greater came, and are both in the gardens of those, that are curious obseruers of these delights.

The Time.

The first is in its pride for the leaues all the Spring and Summer, yeelding his bush in Iune. The other giue their feather-like sprigs in Iuly and August, and quickly (as I said) are shed, if they be not carefully gathered.

The Names.

The first is called by Lobel Gramen sulcatum, or striatum album; of others Gramen pictum. The French call it Aiguellettes d’armes, of the fashion that their Ensignes, Pennons, or Streamers vsed in wars were of, that is, like vnto a party coloured curtaine. In English vsually Ladies laces, and Painted Grasse. The first of the other two is called Gramen plumarium or plumosum, and minus is added for the distinction of it. Clusius calleth it Spartum Austriacum, of the likenesse and place where he found it. The last is, called Gramen plumarium, or plumosum maius, The greater Feather-Grasse.

The Vertues.

These kindes of Grasses are not in any time or place that I doe heare of applyed to any Physicall vse; and therefore of them I will say no more: but here I will end the prime part of this worke.

THE ORDERING OF THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

CHAP. I.

The situation of a Kitchen Garden, or Garden of Herbes, and what sort of manure is fittest to helpe the decaying of the soyle thereof.

Hauing giuen you the best rules and instructions that I can for your flower Garden, and all the flowers that are fit to furnish it, I now proceede to your herbe garden, which is not of the least respect belonging to any mans house, nor vtterly to bee neglected for the many vtilities are to be had from it, both for the Masters profit and pleasure, and the meynies content and nourishment: all which if I should here set down, I had a large field to wander in, and matter sufficient to entreat of, but this worke permitteth not that libertie: and I thinke there are but few but eyther know it already, or conceiue it sufficiently in their minds. Passing therefore no further in such discourses, I come to the matter in hand, which is to shew you where the fittest place is for an herbe garden. As before I shewed you that the beautie of any worthy house is much the more commended for the pleasant situation of the garden of flowers, or of pleasure, to be in the sight and full prospect of all the chiefe and choisest roomes of the house; so contrariwise, your herbe garden should bee on the one or other side of the house, and those best and choyse roomes: for the many different sents that arise from the herbes, as Cabbages, Onions, &c. are scarce well pleasing to perfume the lodgings of any house; and the many ouertures and breaches as it were of many of the beds thereof, which must necessarily bee, are also as little pleasant to the sight. But for priuate mens houses, who must like their habitations as they fall vnto them, and cannot haue time or meanes to alter them, they must make a vertue of necessity, and conuert their places to their best aduantage, by making their profit their chiefest pleasure, and making one place serue for all vses. The choyce of ground for this Garden, is (as I said before) where it is fat, fertill and good, there needeth the lesse labour and cost; and contrariwise, where it is cold, wet, dry or barren, there must bee the more helpes still added to keepe it in heart. For this Garden by reason of the much and continuall stirring therein, the herbes and rootes drawing out the substance of the fertilitie thereof more aboundantly then in the former, must be continually holpen with soyle, or else few things of goodnesse or worth will come forward therein. The stable soyle of horses is best and most proper for any colde grounds, for being the hottest, it will cause any the seedes for this Garden to prosper well, and be more forward then in any other ground that is not so holpen. The stable soyle of Cattell is of a colder and moister nature, and is therefore more proper for the hot sandy or grauelly grounds, and although it bee longer before it bee brought to mould then that of horses, yet it will outlast it more then twice so long. Let euery one therefore take according to the nature of the ground such helpes as are most fit and conuenient, as I haue here and before shewed. But I doe here ingenuously confesse my opinion of these forcings and helpings of ground, that howsoeuer it doth much good to some particular things, which because they delight in heate, and cannot be brought to perfection without it in this our Countrey, which is colder then their naturall from whence they are brought, must therefore haue artificiall helpes to forward them; yet for many other things the compost doth much alter and abate the naturall vigour, and quickenesse of taste, that is perceiued in them that grow in a naturall fat or sandy soile that is not so holpen.

CHAP. II.

The forme of a Garden of herbes for necessary vses, with the ordering thereof.

As our former Garden of pleasure is wholly formable in euery part with squares, trayles, and knots, and to bee still maintained in their due forme and beautie: so on the contrary side this Garden cannot long conserue any forme, for that euery part thereof is subiect to mutation and alteration. For although it is conuenient that many herbes doe grow by themselues on beds, cast out into some proportion fit for them, as Tyme, Hissope, Sage, &c. yet many others may bee sowen together on a plot of ground of that largenesse that may serue euery mans particular vse as he shall haue occasion to employ it, as Reddish, Lettice and Onions, which after they are growne vp together may be drawne vp and taken away, as there is occasion to spend them: but Carrots or Parsneps being sowen with others must bee suffered to grow last, because they require a longer time before they be fit to be taken vp. Other herbes require some large compasse of ground whereon they may grow of themselues without any other herbes growing among them, as Artichokes, Cowcumbers, Melons, Pompions. And some will doe so with their Cabbages also, but the best and most frugall way now vsed, is to plant them round about the border of your plot or ground whereon you plant Cowcumbers, Pompions, or other things, in that by this meanes so much ground will be well saued, and the other things be no whit hindered thereby, which else a great deale of ground must be employed for them apart. So that by this that I haue here said, you may perceiue the forme of this Garden is for the most part, to bee still out of forme and order, in that the continuall taking vp of the herbes and rootes that are sowen and planted, causeth the beds or parts of this Garden to lye broken, dismembered, and out of the order that at the first it was put into. Remember herewithall that (as I said before) this Garden requireth the continuall helpe of soyle to be brought into it, in that the plenty of these manner of herbes and rootes doe so much waste the fertilitie and fatnesse of the ground, that without continuall refreshing it would quickly become so poore and barren, that it would not yeelde the worth of the seede. The ordinary time to soyle a Garden, is to bring in manure or dung before Christmas, and eyther bury at some small depth, not too deepe, or else to lay it vpon the ground that the winter frostes may pierce it, and then turne it shallow into the ground to sow your seeds in the Spring.

CHAP. III.

How to order diuers Garden herbes, both for their sowing, spending, and gathering of the seede.

Ovr chiefest and greatest Gardiners now adaies, doe so prouide for themselues euery yeare, that from their owne grounds they gather the seede of many herbes that they sowe againe: for hauing gained the best kind of diuers herbes, they will be still furnished with the same, and be not to seeke euery yeare for new that oftentimes will not yeelde them halfe the profit that their choyce seede will: I say of many herbes, but not of all; for the best of them all hath not ground sufficient for all sorts, nor will our climate bring some to that perfection that other forraine doth, and therefore the seede of some things are continually brought from beyond Sea vnto vs. And againe although our chiefe Gardiners doe still prouide their owne seede of diuers things from their owne ground, because as I said it is of the best kinde, yet you must vnderstand also, that good store of the same sortes of seeds are brought from beyond the Seas, for that which is gathered in this Land is not sufficient to serue euery mans vse in the whole Kingdome by many parts; yet still it is true, that our English seede of many things is better then any that commeth from beyond the Seas: as for example, Reddish, Lettice, Carrots, Parsneps, Turneps, Cabbages, and Leekes, of all which I intend to write in this place; for these are by them so husbanded, that they doe not sow their owne grounds with any other seede of these sorts but their owne: which that you may know the manner how to doe, I will here set it downe, that euery one may haue the best directions if they will follow them. Of Reddish there are two sorts, one more early then the other: they vse therefore to sow their early Reddish first, that they may haue the earliest profit of them, which is more worth in one fortnight, then in a moneth after. And to effect this they haue some artificiall helps also; which are these: They vse to digge vp a large plot of ground where they intend to sow their seede a little before or after Christmas, casting it into high bankes or ridges fiue or sixe foote asunder, which they suffer to lye and take all the extreame frosts in Ianuary to mellow the earth, and when the frostes are past, they then beginne to bring into it good store of fresh stable dung, which they laye neyther too deepe nor too thicke, and couer it with the mould a hand breadth thicknesse aboue the dung, which doth giue such a warmth and comfort to whatsoeuer is sowen thereon, that it forceth it forward much sooner then any other way can doe: And to preuent both the frostes, and the cold bitter windes which often spoyle their seede new sprung vp, they vse to set great high and large mattes made of reedes, tyed together, and fastened vnto strong stakes, thrust into the ground to keepe them vp from falling, or being blowne down with the winde; which mattes they place on the North and East side to breake the force of these winds, and are so sure and safe a defence, that a bricke wall cannot better defend anything vnder it, then this fence will. In this manner they doe euery yeare to bring forward their seede to gaine the more by them, and they that will haue Reddish early, must take the same course. The other sort of Reddish for the most part is sowen in Februarie, a fortnight after the other at the least, and likewise euery moneth after vnto September, that they may haue young continually. For the blacke Reddish, although many in many places doe sowe it in the same time, and in the same manner that the ordinary is sowen, yet the nature thereof is to runne vp to seede more speedily then the other, if it haue so rich ground to grow vpon, and therefore the best time to sow it is in August, that so it may abide all winter, therein is the chiefest time for the spending thereof, and to keepe it vntill the beginning of the next yeare from running vp to seed: the gathering whereof, as also of the other sort, is all after one manner, that is, to be pulled vp when the pods change whitish, and then hanged vpon bushes, pales, or such other thing, vntill they bee thorough dry, and then beaten or thrashed out vpon a smooth plancher, or vpon clothes, as euery ones store is, and their conueniencie. Lettice is sowen oftentimes with the early Reddish, in the same manner before said, that they may haue Lettice likewise as early as the time of the year will permit them, which they pull vp where they grow too thicke, spending them first, and so taking vp from time to time, vntill they stand two foote in sunder one from another, and beginne to spindle and shoote vp for seede. In this is vsed some arte to make the plants strong to giue the better seede without danger of rotting or spoyling with the wet, which often happeneth to those about whom this caution is not obserued: Before your Lettice is shot vp, marke out the choysest and strongest plantes which are fittest to grow for seede, and from those when they are a foote high, strippe away with your hand the leaues that grow lowest vpon the stalke next the ground, which might rot, spoyle or hinder them from bearing so good seede; which when it is neere to be ripe, the stalkes must be cut off about the middle, and layde vpon mats or clothes in the Sunne, that it may there fully ripen and be gathered; for it would be blowne away with the winde if it should be suffered to abide on the stalkes long. Parsneps must be sowen on a deep trenched mellow ground, otherwise they may run to seede the first yeare, which then are nothing worth: or else the rootes will be small staruelings and short, and runne into many spires or branches, whereby they will not bee of halfe the worth. Some vse to sow them in August and September, that so they may bee well growne to serue to spend in Lent following, but their best time is in February, that the Summers growth may make them the fairer and greater. When they runne vp to seede you shall take the principall or middle heades, for those carry the Master seede, which is the best, and will produce the fairest rootes againe. You shall hardly haue all the seede ripe at one instant, for vsually the chiefest heads will be fallen before the other are ripe: you must therefore still looke them ouer, and cut them as they ripen. Carrots are vsually sowen in March and Aprill, and if it chance that some of them doe runne vp for seede the same year, they are to be weeded out, for neyther the seed nor roots of them are good: You must likewise pull them vp when they are too thicke, if you will haue them grow fair, or for seed, that they may grow at the least three or foure foot in sunder: the stalkes of Carrots are limber, and fall downe to the ground; they must therefore be sustained by poles layde acrosse on stalkes thrust into the ground, and tyed to the poles and stalkes to keepe them vp from rotting or spoyling vpon the ground: the seed hereof is not all ripe at once, but must be tended and gathered as it ripeneth, and layd to dry in some dry chamber or floore, and then beaten out with a stick, and winnowed from the refuse. Turneps are sowne by themselues vpon a good ground in the end of Iuly, and beginning of August, to haue their rootes best to spend in winter; for it often happeneth that those seedes of Turneps that are sowen in the Spring, runne vp to seede the same yeare, and then it is not accounted good. Many doe vse to sow Turneps on those grounds from whence the same yeare they haue taken off Reddish and Lettice, to make the greater profit of the ground, by hauing two crops of increase in one yeare. The stalkes of Turneps will bend downe to the ground, as Carrots doe, but yet must not be bound or ordered in that manner, but suffered to grow without staking or binding, so as they grow of some good distance in sunder: when the seede beginneth to grow ripe, be very carefull to preserue it from the birds, which will be most busie to deuour them. You shall vnderstand likewise that many doe account the best way to haue the fairest and most principall seede from all these fore-recited herbes, that after they are sowen and risen to a reasonable growth, they be transplanted into fresh ground. Cabbages also are not only sowen for the vse of their heads to spend for meat, but to gather their seede likewise, which howsoeuer some haue endeauoured to doe, yet few haue gained good seede, because our sharpe hard frostes in winter haue spoyled and rotted their stockes they preserued for the purpose; but others haue found out a better and a more sure way, which is, to take vp your stocks that are fittest to be preserued, and bring them into the house, and there wrap them eyther in clothes, or other things to defend them from the cold, and hang them vp in a dry place, vntill the beginning of March following, then planting them in the ground, and a little defend them at the first with straw cast ouer them from the cold nights, thereby you may be sure to haue perfect good seede, if your kinde be of the best: Sowe your seed in the moneths of February or March, and transplant them in May where they may stand to grow for your vse, but be carefull to kill the wormes or Caterpillers that else will deuoure all your leaues, and be carefull also that none of the leaues bee broken in the planting, or otherwise rubbed, for that oftentimes hindereth the well closing of them. Leekes are for the most part wholly noursed vp from the seede that is here gathered; and because there is not so much store of them either sowne or spent, as there is of Onions by the twentieth part, we are still the more carefull to be prouided from our owne labours; yet there be diuers Gardiners in this Kingdome, that doe gather some small quantity of Onion seede also for their owne or their priuate friends spending. The sowing of them both is much about one time and manner, yet most vsually Leeks are sowne later then Onions, and both before the end of March at the furthest; yet some sowe Onions from the end of Iuly to the beginning of September, for their Winter prouision. Those that are sowne in the Spring, are to be taken vp and transplanted on a fresh bed prepared for the purpose, or else they will hardly abide a Winter; but hauing taken roote before Winter, they will beare good seede in the Summer following: You must stake both your Leekes and your Onion beds, and with poles laid a crosse, binde your lopple headed stalkes vnto them, on high as well as belowe, or else the winde and their owne weight will beare them downe to the ground, and spoile your seede. You must thinne them, that is, pull vp continually after they are first sprung vp those that growe too thicke, as you doe with all the other herbes before spoken of, that they may haue the more roome to thriue. Of all these herbes and rootes before spoken of, you must take the likeliest and fairest to keepe for your seede; for if you should not take the best, what hope of good seede can you expect? The time for the spending of these herbes and rootes, not particularly mentioned, is vntill they begin to runne vp for seede, or vntill they are to be transplanted for seede, or else vntill Winter, while they are good, as euery one shall see cause.

CHAP. IIII.

How to order Artichokes, Melons, Cowcumbers, and Pompions.

There are certaine other herbes to be spoken of, which are wholly noursed vp for their fruit sake, of whom I shall not need to say much, being they are so frequent in euery place. Artichokes being planted of faire and large slips, taken from the roote in September and October (yet not too late) will most of them beare fruit the next yeare, so that they be planted in well dunged ground, and the earth raised vp like vnto an Anthill round about each roote, to defend them the better from the extreame frosts in Winter. Others plant slips in March and Aprill, or sooner, but although some of them will beare fruit the same yeare, yet all will not. And indeede many doe rather choose to plant in the spring then in the fall, for that oftentimes an extreame hard Winter following the new setting of slips, when they haue not taken sufficient heart and roote in the ground, doth vtterly pierce and perish them, when as they that are set in the Spring haue the whole Summers growth, to make them strong before they feele any sharpe frosts, which by that time they are the better able to beare. Muske Melons haue beene begun to bee noursed vp but of late dayes in this Land, wherein although many haue tryed and endeauoured to bring them to perfection, yet few haue attained vnto it: but those rules and orders which the best and skilfullest haue vsed, I will here set downe, that who so will, may haue as good and ripe Melons as any other in this Land. The first thing you are to looke vnto, is to prouide you a peece of ground fit for the purpose, which is either a sloping or sheluing banke, lying open and opposite to the South Sunne, or some other fit place not sheluing, and this ground also you must so prepare, that all the art you can vse about it to make it rich is little enough; and therefore you must raise it with meere stable soyle, thorough rotten & well turned vp, that it may be at the least three foote deepe thereof, which you must cast also into high beds or balkes, with deepe trenches or furrowes betweene, so as the ridges may be at the least a foot and a halfe higher then the furrowes; for otherwise it is not possible to haue good Melons growe ripe. The choise of your seede also is another thing of especiall regard, and the best is held to be Spanish, and not French, which hauing once gained, be sure to haue still of the same while they last good, that you may haue the seede of your owne ripe Melons from them that haue eaten them, or saue some of the best your selfe for the purpose. I say while they last good; for many are of opinion, that no seede of Muske Melons gathered in England, will endure good to sowe againe here aboue the third yeare, but still they must be renewed from whence you had your choisest before. Then hauing prepared a hot bed of dung in Aprill, set your seedes therein to raise them vp, and couer them, and order them with as great care or greater then Cowcumbers, &c. are vsed, that when they are ready, they may be transplanted vpon the beds or balkes of that ground you had before prepared for them, and set them at the least two yards in sunder, euery one as it were in a hole, with a circle of dung about them, which vpon the setting being watered with water that hath stood in the Sunne a day or two, and so as often as neede is to water, couer them with strawe (some vse great hollow glasses like vnto bell heads) or some such other things, to defend them both from the cold euenings or dayes, and the heate of the Sunne, while they are young and new planted. There are some that take vpon them great skill, that mislike of the raising vp of Melons, as they doe also of Cowcumbers, on a hot bed of horse dung, but will put two or three seedes in a place in the very ground where they shall stand and growe, and thinke without that former manner of forcing them forwards, that this their manner of planting will bring them on fast and sure enough, in that they will plucke away some of the worst and weakest, if too many rise vp together in a place; but let them know for certaine, that howsoeuer for Cowcumbers their purpose and order may doe reasonable well, where the ground is rich and good, and where they striue not to haue them so early, as they that vse the other way, for Muske Melons, which are a more tender fruit, requiring greater care and trouble in the noursing, and greater and stronger heate for the ripening, they must in our cold climate haue all the art vsed vnto them that may be, to bring them on the more early, and haue the more comfort of the Sunne to ripen them kindly, or else they will not bee worth the labour and ground. After you haue planted them as aforesaid, some of good skill doe aduise, that you be carefull in any dry season, to giue them water twice or thrice euery weeke while they are young, but more afterward when they are more growne, and that in the morning especially, yea and when the fruit is growne somewhat great, to water the fruit it selfe with a watering pot in the heate of the day, is of so good effect, that it ripeneth them much faster, and will giue them the better taste and smell, as they say. To take likewise the fruit, and gather it at the full time of his ripenesse is no small art; for if it be gathered before his due time to be presently eaten, it will be hard and greene, and not eate kindly; and likewise if it be suffered too long, the whole goodnesse will be lost: You shall therefore know, that it is full time to gather them to spend presently, when they begin to looke a little yellowish on the outside, and doe smell full and strong; but if you be to send them farre off, or keepe them long vpon any occasion, you shall then gather them so much the earlier, that according to the time of the carriage and spending, they may ripen in the lying, being kept dry, and couered with woollen clothes: When you cut one to eate, you shall know it to be ripe and good, if the seede and pulpe about them in the middle be very waterish, and will easily be separated from the meate, and likewise if the meate looke yellow, and be mellow, and not hard or greene, and taste full and pleasant, and not waterish: The vsuall manner to eate them is with pepper and salt, being pared and sliced, and to drowne them in wine, for feare of doing more harme. Cowcumbers and Pompions, after they are noursed vp in the bed of hot dung, are to be seuerally transplanted, each of them on a large plot of ground, a good distance in sunder: but the Pompions more, because their branches take vp a great deale more ground, & besides, will require a great deale more watering, because the fruit is greater. And thus haue you the ordering of those fruits which are of much esteeme, especially the two former, with all the better sort of persons; and the third kinde is not wholly refused of any, although it serueth most vsually for the meaner and poorer sort of people, after the first early ripe are spent.

CHAP. V.

The ordering of diuers sorts of herbes for the pot, for meate, and for the table.

Tyme, Sauory, and Hyssope, are vsually sowne in the Spring on beds by themselues, euerie one a part; but they that make a gaine by selling to others the young rootes, to set the knots or borders of Gardens, doe for the most part sowe them in Iuly and August, that so being sprung vp before Winter, they will be the fitter to be taken vp in the Spring following, to serue any mans vse that would haue them. Sage, Lauender, and Rosemary, are altogether set in the Spring, by slipping the old stalkes, and taking the youngest and likeliest of them, thrusting them either twined or otherwise halfe a foote deepe into the ground, and well watered vpon the setting; if any seasonable weather doe follow, there is no doubt of their well thriuing: the hot Sunne and piercing drying Windes are the greatest hinderances to them; and therefore I doe aduise none to set too soone in the Spring, nor yet in Autumne, as many doe practise: for I could neuer see such come to good, for the extremity of the Winter comming vpon them so soone after their setting, will not suffer their young shootes to abide, not hauing taken sufficient strength in the ground, to maintain themselues against such violence, which doth often pierce the strongest plants. Marierome and Bassill are sowne in the Spring, yet not too early; for they are tender plants, and doe not spring vntill the weather bee somewhat warme: but Bassill would bee sowne dry, and not haue any water of two or three daies after the sowing, else the seede will turne to a gelly in the ground. Some vse to sowe the seed of Rosemary, but it seldome abideth the first Winter, because the young plants being small, and not of sufficient strength, cannot abide the sharpnesse of some Winters, notwithstanding the couering of them, which killeth many old plants; but the vsuall way is to slippe and set, and so they thriue well. Many doe vse to sowe all or the most sorts of Pot-herbes together on one plot of ground, that they neede not to goe farre to gather all the sorts they would vse. There are many sorts of them well knowne vnto all, yet few or none doe vse all sorts, but as euery one liketh; some vse those that others refuse, and some esteem those not to bee wholesome and of a good rellish, which others make no scruple of. The names of them are as followeth, and a short relation of their sowing or planting.

Rosemary, Tyme, and Sauorie are spoken of before, and Onions, and Leekes.

Mints are to bee set with their rootes in some by-place, for that their rootes doe creepe so farre vnder ground, that they quickly fill vp the places neare adioyning, if they be not puld vp.

Clarie is to be sowne, and seedeth and dyeth the next yeare, the herbe is strong, and therefore a little thereof is sufficient.

Nep is sowne, and dyeth often after seeding, few doe vse it, and that but a little at a time: both it and Clarie are more vsed in Tansies then in Broths.

Costmarie is to be set of rootes, the leaues are vsed with some in their Broths, but with more in their Ale.

Pot Marierome is set of rootes, being separated in sunder.

Penniroyall is to be set of the small heads that haue rootes, it creepeth and spreadeth quickly.

Allisanders are to be sowne of seede, the tops of the rootes with the greene leaues are vsed in Lent especially.

Parsley is a common herbe, and is sowne of seede, it seedeth the next yeare and dyeth: the rootes are more vsed in broths then the leaues, and the leaues almost with all sorts of meates.

Fennell is sowne of seede, and abideth many yeares yeelding seede; the rootes also are vsed in broths, and the leaues more seldome, yet serue to trimme vp many fish meates.

Borage is sowne of seede, and dyeth the next yeare after, yet once being suffered to seede in a Garden, will still come of it owne shedding.

Buglosse commeth of seede, but abideth many yeares after it hath giuen seede, if it stand not in the coldest place of the Garden.

Marigolds are sowne of seede, and may be after transplanted, they abide two or three yeares, if they be not set in too cold a place: the leaues and flowers are both vsed.

Langedebeefe is sowne of seede, which shedding it selfe will hardly be destroyed in a Garden.

Arrach is to be sowne of seede, this likewise will rise euery yeare of it owne seed, if it be suffered to shed it selfe.

Beetes are sowne of seede, and abideth some yeares after, still giuing seede.

Blites are vsed but in some places, for there is a generall opinion held of them, that they are naught for the eyes: they are sowne euery yeare of seede.

Bloodwort once sowne abideth many yeares, if the extremity of the frosts kill it not, and seedeth plentifully.

Patience is of the same nature, and vsed in the same manner.

French Mallowes are to be sowne of seede, and will come of it owne sowing, if it be suffered to shed it selfe.

Ciues are planted onely by parting the rootes; for it neuer giueth any seede at all.

Garlicke is ordered in the same manner, by parting and planting the rootes euerie yeare.

These be all the sorts are vsed with vs for that purpose, whereas I said before, none vseth all, but euery one will vse those they like best: and so much shall suffice for pot-herbes.

CHAP. VI.

The manner and ordering of many sorts of herbes and rootes for Sallets.

If I should set downe all the sorts of herbes that are vsually gathered for Sallets, I should not onely speake of Garden herbes, but of many herbes, &c. that growe wilde in the fields, or else be but weedes in a Garden; for the vsuall manner with many, is to take the young buds and leaues of euery thing almost that groweth, as well in the Garden as in the Fields, and put them all together, that the taste of the one may amend the rellish of the other: But I will only shew you those that are sown or planted in gardens for that purpose. Asparagus is a principall & delectable Sallet herbe, whose young shootes when they are a good handfull high aboue the ground, are cut an inch within the ground, which being boyled, are eaten with a little vinegar and butter, as a Sallet of great delight. Their ordering with the best Gardiners is on this wise: When you haue prouided seede of the best kinde, you must sowe it either before Christmas, as most doe, or before the end of February; the later you sowe, the later and the more hardly will they spring: after they are growne vp, they are to be transplanted in Autumne on a bed well trenched in with dung; for else they will not bee worth your labour, and set about a foote distance in sunder, and looke that the more carefull you are in the replanting of them, the better they will thriue, and the sooner growe great: after fiue or six yeares standing they vsually doe decay; and therefore they that striue to haue continually faire and great heads, doe from seede raise vp young for their store. You must likewise see that you cut not your heads or young shoote too nigh, or too much, that is, to take away too many heads from a roote, but to leaue a sufficient number vncut, otherwise it will kill the heart of your rootes the sooner, causing them to dye, or to giue very small heads or shootes; for you may well consider with your selfe, that if the roote haue not head enough left it aboue the ground to shoote greene this yeare, it will not, nor cannot prosper vnder ground to giue encrease the next yeare. The ordering of Lettice I haue spoken of before, and shall not neede here to repeate what hath beene already said, but referre you thereunto for the sowing, planting, &c. onely I will here shew you the manner of ordering them for Sallets. There are some sorts of Lettice that growe very great, and close their heads, which are called Cabbage Lettice, both ordinary and extraordinary, and there are other sorts of great Lettice that are open, and close not, or cabbage not at all, which yet are of an excellent kinde, if they be vsed after that especiall manner is fit for them, which is, That when they are planted (for after they are sowne, they must be transplanted) of a reasonable distance in sunder, and growne to be of some bignesse, euery one of them must bee tyed together with bast or thread toward the toppes of the leaues, that by this meanes all the inner leaues may growe whitish, which then are to be cut vp and vsed: for the keeping of the leaues close doth make them taste delicately, and to bee very tender. And these sorts of Lettice for the most part are spent after Summer is past, when other Lettice are not to be had. Lambes Lettice or Corne Sallet is an herbe, which abiding all Winter, is the first Sallet herbe of the yeare that is vsed before any ordinarie Lettice is ready; it is therefore vsually sowne in August, when the seede thereof is ripe. Purslane is a Summer Sallet herbe, and is to be sowne in the Spring, yet somewhat late, because it is tender, and ioyeth in warmth; and therefore diuers haue sowne it vpon those beddes of dung, whereon they noursed vp their Cowcumbers, &c. after they are taken away, which being well and often watered, hath yeelded Sallet vntill the end of the yeare. Spinach is sowne in the Spring, of all for the most part that vse it, but yet if it be sowne in Summer it will abide greene all the Winter, and then seedeth quickly: it is a Sallet that hath little or no taste at all therein, like as Lettice and Purslane, and therefore Cookes know how to make many a good dish of meate with it, by putting Sugar and Spice thereto. Coleworts are of diuers kinds, and although some of them are wholly spent among the poorer sort of people, yet some kindes of them may be dressed and ordered as may delight a curious palate, which is, that being boyled tender, the middle ribs are taken cold, and laid in dishes, and vinegar and oyle poured thereon, and so eaten. Coleflowers are to be had in this Countrey but very seldome, for that it is harde to meete with good seede: it must bee sowne on beds of dung to force it forward, or else it would perish with the frost before it had giuen his head of flowers, and transplanted into verie good and rich ground, lest you lose the benefit of your labours. Endiue is of two sorts, the ordinary, and another that hath the edges of the leaues curld or crumpled; it is to be whited, to make it the more dainty Sallet, which is vsually done in this manner: After they are grown to some reasonable greatnesse (but in any case before they shoote forth a stalke in the midst for seede) they are to be taken vp, and the rootes being cut away, lay them to dry or wither for three or foure houres, and then bury them in sand, so as none of them lye one vpon another, or if you can, one to touch another, which by this meanes will change whitish, and thereby become verie tender, and is a Sallet both for Autumne and Winter. Succorie is vsed by some in the same manner, but because it is more bitter then Endiue, it is not so generally vsed, or rather vsed but of a verie few: and whereas Endiue will seede the same yeare it is sowne, and then dye, Succorie abideth manie yeares, the bitternesse thereof causing it to be more Physicall to open obstructions; and therefore the flowers pickled vp, as diuers other flowers are vsed to be now adaies, make a delicate Sallet at all times when there is occasion to vse them. Of red Beetes, the rootes are onely vsed both boyled and eaten cold with vinegar and oyle, and is also vsed to trimme vp or garnish forth manie sorts of dishes of meate: the seede of the best kinde will not abide good with vs aboue three yeares, but will degenerate and growe worse; and therefore those that delight therein must be curious, to be prouided from beyond Sea, that they may haue such as will giue delight. Sorrell is an herbe so common, and the vse so well knowne, both for sawce, and to season broths and meates for the sound as well as sicke persons, that I shall not neede to say anie more thereof. Cheruill is a Sallet herbe of much vse, both with French and Dutch, who doe much more delight in herbes of stronger taste then the English doe: it is sowne early, and vsed but a while, because it quickly runneth vp to seede. Sweete Cheruill,or as some call it, Sweete Cis, is so like in taste vnto Anise seede, that it much delighteth the taste among other herbes in a Sallet: the seede is long, thicke, blacke, and cornered, and must be sowne in the end of Autumne, that it may lye in the ground all the Winter, and then it will shoote out in the Spring, or else if it be sowne in the Spring, it will not spring vp that yeare vntill the next: the leaues (as I said before) are vsed among other herbes: the rootes likewise are not onely cordiall, but also held to be preseruatiue against the Plague, either greene, dryed, or preserued with sugar. Rampion rootes are a kinde of Sallet with a great many, being boyled tender, and eaten cold with vinegar and pepper. Cresses is an herbe of easie and quick growth, and while it is young eaten eyther alone, or with parsley and other herbes: it is of a strong taste to them that are not accustomed thereunto, but it is much vsed of strangers. Rocket is of the same nature and qualitie, but somewhat stronger in taste: they are both sowen in the Spring, and rise, seede and dye the same yeare. Tarragon is an herbe of as strong a taste as eyther Rocket or Cresses, it abideth and dyeth not euery yeare, nor yet giueth ripe seede (as far as euer could bee found with vs) any yeare, but maketh sufficient increase within the ground, spreading his roots all abroad a great way off. Mustard is a common sawce both with fish and flesh, and the seede thereof (and no part of the plant besides) is well knowne how to be vsed being grownded, as euery one I thinke knoweth. The rootes of horse Radish likewise beeing grownd like Mustard, is vsed both of strangers and our owne nation, as sawce for fish. Tansie is of great vse, almost with all manner of persons in the Spring of the yeare: it is more vsually planted of the rootes then otherwise; for in that the rootes spread far and neere they may be easily taken away, without any hurt to the rest of the rootes. Burnet, although it be more vsed in wine in the Summer time then any way else, yet it is likewise made a sallet herbe with many, to amend the harm or weak rellish of some other herbs. Skirrets are better to be sowen of the seed then planted from the roots, and will come on more speedily, and be fairer rootes: they are as often eaten cold as a Sallet, being boyled and the pith taken out, as stewed with butter and eaten warme. Let not Parsley and Fenell be forgotten among your other Sallet herbes, whereof I haue spoken before, and therefore need say no more of them. The flowers of Marigolds pickt cleane from the heads, and pickled vp against winter, make an excellent Sallet when no flowers are to be had in a garden. Cloue Gilloflowers likewise preserued or pickled vp in the same manner (which is stratum super stratum, a lay of flowers, and then strawed ouer with fine dry and poudered Sugar, and so lay after lay strawed ouer, vntill the pot bee full you meane to keepe them in, and after filled vp or couered ouer with vinegar) make a Sallet now adayes in the highest esteeme with Gentles and Ladies of the greatest note: the planting and ordering of them both is spoken of seuerally in their proper places. Goates bearde that groweth in Gardens only, as well as that which groweth wilde in Medowes, &c. bearing a yellow flower, are vsed as a Sallet, the rootes beeing boyled and pared are eaten cold with vinegar, oyle and pepper; or else stewed with butter and eaten warme as Skirrets, Parsneps &c. And thus haue you here set downe all those most vsuall Sallets are vsed in this Kingdome: I say the most vsuall, or that are noursed vp in Gardens; for I know there are some other wilde herbes and rootes, as Dandelion &c. but they are vsed onely of strangers, and of those whose curiositie searcheth out the whole worke of nature to satisfie their desires.

CHAP. VII.

Of diuers Physicall herbes fit to be planted in Gardens, to serue for the especiall vses of a familie.

Hauing thus shewed you all the herbes that are most vsually planted in Kitchen Gardens for ordinary vses, let mee also adde a few other that are also noursed vp by many in their Gardens, to preserue health, and helpe to cure such small diseases as are often within the compasse of the Gentlewomens skils, who, to helpe their owne family, and their poore neighbours that are farre remote from Physitians and Chirurgions, take much paines both to doe good vnto them, and to plant those herbes that are conducing to their desires. And although I doe recite some that are mentioned in other places, yet I thought it meete to remember them altogether in one place. Angelica, the garden kinde, is so good an herbe, that there is no part thereof but is of much vse, and all cordiall and preseruatiue from infectious or contagious diseases, whether you will distill the water of the herbe, or preserue or candie the rootes or the greene stalkes, or vse the seede in pouder or in distillations, or decoctions with other things: it is sowen of seede, and will abide vntill it giue seede, and then dyeth. Rue or Herbe grace is a strong herbe, yet vsed inwardly against the plague as an Antidote with Figs and Wall-nuts, and helpeth much against windy bodies: outwardly it is vsed to bee layde to the wrestes of the hands, to driue away agues: it is more vsually planted of slips then raised from seede, and abideth long if sharpe frostes kill it not. Dragons being distilled are held to be good to expell any euill thing from the heart: they are altogether planted of the rootes. Setwall, Valerian, or Capons tayle, the herbe often, but the roote much better, is vsed to prouoke sweating, thereby to expell euill vapours that might annoy the heart: it is only planted of the rootes when they are taken vp, and the young replanted. Asarabacca, the leaues are often vsed to procure vomiting being stamped, and the strained iuice to a little quantitie, put into a draught of ale and drunke, thereby to ease the stomacke of many euill and grosse humours that there lye and offend it; diuers also take the leaues and rootes a little boyled in wine, with a little spice added thereunto, to expell both tertian and quartan agues: the rootes of our English growing is more auaileable for these purposes then any outlandish: it is planted by the roote; for I could neuer see it spring of seede. Masterwort commeth somewhat neere in propertie vnto Angelica, and besides very effectuall to disperse winde in the bodie, whether of the colicke or otherwise; as also very profitable to comfort in all cold causes: it yeeldeth seede, but yet is more vsually planted from the rootes being parted. Balme is a cordiall herbe both in smell and taste, and is wholly vsed for those purposes, that is, to comfort the heart being distilled into water either simple or compound, or the herbe dryed and vsed: it is set of the rootes being parted, because it giueth no seede that euer I could obserue. Camomill is a common herbe well knowne, and is planted of the rootes in alleyes, in walkes, and on bankes to sit on, for that the more it is troden on, and pressed downe in dry weather, the closer it groweth, and the better it will thriue: the vse thereof is very much, both to warme and comfort, and to ease paines being applyed outwardly after many fashions: the decoction also of the flowers prouoketh sweat, and they are much vsed against agues. Featherfew is an herbe of greater vse for women then for men, to dissolue flatulent or windy humours, which causeth the paines of the mother: some vse to take the iuice thereof in drinke for agues: it is as well sowen of the seede as planted of the rootes. Costmary is vsed among those herbes that are put into ale to cause it haue a good rellish, and to be somewhat physicall in the moneth of May, and doth helpe to prouoke vrine: it is set of the rootes being parted. Maudlin is held to be a principall good herbe to open and cleanse the liuer, and for that purpose is vsed many wayes, as in ale, in tansies, and in broths &c. the seed also is vsed, and so is the herbe also sometimes, to kill the wormes in children: it is sowen of the seede, and planted also of the separated rootes. Cassidonie is a small kinde of Lauender, but differing both in forme and qualitie: it is much vsed for the head to ease paines thereof, as also put among other things to purge melancholicke diseases: it is sowen of seede, and abideth not a winter vnlesse it bee well defended, and yet hardly giueth ripe seede againe with vs. Smallage is a great opening herbe, and much more then eyther Parsley or Fenell, and the rootes of them all are often vsed together in medicines: it is sowen of seede, and will not bee wanting in a Garden if once you suffer it to sow it selfe. Cardus Benedictus, or the Blessed Thistle, is much vsed in the time of any infection or plague, as also to expell any euill symptome from the heart at all other times. It is vsed likewise to be boyled in posset drink, & giuen to them that haue an ague, to help to cure it by sweating or otherwise. It is vsually sowen of seed, and dyeth when it hath giuen seed. Winter Cherries are likewise nursed vp in diuers gardens, for that their propertie is to giue helpe to them that are troubled eyther with the stopping or heate or their vrine: the herbe and berries are often distilled, but the berries alone are more often vsed: after it is once planted in a garden it will runne vnder ground, & abide well enough. Celondine is held to bee good for the iaundise, it is much vsed for to cleere dim eyes, eyther the iuice or the water dropped into them: it is sowen of seede, and being once brought into a garden, will hardly be weeded out; the seede that sheddeth will so sow it selfe, and therefore some corner in a garden is the fittest place for it. Tabacco is of two sorts, and both vsed to be planted in Gardens, yet the English kinde (as it is called) is more to be found in our Countrey Gardens then the Indian sort: the leaues of both sorts indifferently, that is, of eyther of which is next at hand, being stamped and boyled eyther by it selfe, or with other herbes in oyle or hogs suet, doe make an excellent salue for greene wounds, and also to clense old vlcers or sores; the iuice of the greene leaues drunke in ale, or a dryed leafe steeped in wine or ale for a night, and the wine or ale drunke in the morning, prouoketh to cast, but the dryed leafe much stronger then the greene: they are sowen of seede, but the Indian kinde is more tender, and will not abide a winter with vs abroade. Spurge that vsually groweth in Gardens, is a violent purger, and therefore it is needfull to be very carefull how it is vsed: the seede is more ordinarily vsed then any other part of the plant, which purgeth by vomiting in some, and both vpwards and downwards in many; the iuice of the herbe, but especially the milke thereof, is vsed to kill wartes: it is sowen of seede, and when it doth once shed it selfe, it will still continue springing of the fallen seede. Bearefoote is sowen of seed, and will hardly abide transplanting vnlesse it bee while it is young; yet abideth diuers yeares, if it stand not in too cold a place. This I speake of the greater kinde; for the lower small wilde kinde (which is the most ordinary in this land) will neuer decay: the leaues are sometimes vsed greene, but most vsually dryed and poudered, and giuen in drinke to them that haue the wormes: it purgeth melancholy, but especially the roots. In many Countries of this Land, and elsewhere, they vse to thrust the stalk of the great kinde through the eare or dewlap of Kine and Cattell, to cure them of many diseases. Salomons Seale, or (as some call it) Ladder to heauen, although it doth grow wilde in many places of this Land, yet is planted in Gardens: it is accounted an excellent wound herbe to consolidate, and binde, insomuch that many vse it with good successe to cure ruptures, and to slay both the white and the red fluxe in women: it is planted altogether of the rootes, for I could neuer finde it spring from the seede, it is so strong. Comfry likewise is found growing wilde in many places by ditch sides, and in moist places, and therefore requireth some moist places of the garden: it is wholly vsed for knitting, binding, and consolidating fluxes and wounds, to be applyed either inwardly or outwardly: The rootes are stronger for those purposes then any other parts of the plant. Licoris is much vsed now adaies to bee planted in great quantitie, euen to fill many acres of ground, whereof riseth a great deale of profit to those that know how to order it, and haue fit grounds for it to thriue in; for euery ground will not be aduantagious: It will require a very rich, deepe and mellow ground, eyther naturall or artificiall; but for a priuate house where a small quantitie will serue, there needeth not so much curiositie: it is vsually planted of the top heads, when the lower rootes (which are the Licoris that is vsed) and the runners are cut from them. Some vse to make an ordinary drinke or beuerage of Licoris, boyled in water as our vsuall ale or beere is with malt, which fermented with barme in the same manner, and tunned vp, serueth in stead thereof, as I am credibly informed: It is otherwise in a manner wholly spent for colds, coughes and rheumes, to expectorate flegme, but vsed in diuers formes, as in iuice, in decoctions, syrrups, roules, trochisces, and the greene or dryed roote of it selfe.

And these are the most ordinary Physicall herbes that are vsed to be planted in gardens for the vse of any Country familie, that is (as I said before) farre remote from Physitians or Chirurgions abidings, that they may vse as occasion serueth for themselues or their neighbours, and by a little care and paines in the applying may doe a great deale of good, and sometimes to them that haue not wherewith to spend on themselues, much lesse on Physitians or Chirurgions, or if they haue, may oftentimes receiue lesse good at their hands then at others that are taught by experience in their owne families, to be the more able to giue helpe to others.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

THE SECOND PART,

Containing as well all sorts of herbes, as rootes and fruits, that are vsually planted in Gardens, to serue for the vse of the Table whether of the poore or rich of our Countrey: but herein I intend not to bring any fruite bearing trees, shrubbes, or bushes; for I reserue them for my Orchard, wherin they shal be set forth. So that in these three parts, I suppose the exquisite ornament of any worthy house is consummate for the exteriour bounds, the benefit of their riches extending also to the furnishing of the most worthy inward parts thereof: but because many take pleasure in the sight and knowledge of other herbes that are Physicall, and much more in their properties and vertues, if vnto these three I should adde a Physicke Garden, or Garden of Simples, there would be a quadripartite complement, of whatsoeuer arte or nature, necessitie or delight could affect: which to effect (as many my friends haue, intreated it at my hands) will require more paines and time then all this worke together: yet to satisfie their desires and all others herein, that would bee enformed in the truth, and reformed of the many errours and slips set forth and published heretofore of plants by diuers, I shall (God assisting and granting life) labour to performe, that it may shew it selfe to the light in due conueniencie, if these bee well and gratefully accepted. And because I ended with some sweete herbes in the former part, I will in this part beginne with the rest, which I reserued for this place, as fitter for the pot and kitchen then for the hand or bosome, and so descend to other herbes that are for meat or sallets: and after them to those rootes that are to be eaten, as meate or as sallets: and lastly the fruits that grow neere, or vpon the ground, or not much aboue it; as the Artichoke, &c. in which I make a shorter description then I did in the former, rather endeauouring to shew what they are, and whereunto they are vsed, then the whole varietie or any exact declaration: which methode, although in some sort it may bee fitting for this purpose, yet it is not for an history or herball: I shall therefore require their good acceptance for whose sake I doe it, not doubting, but that I, or others, if they write againe of this subiect, may polish and amende what formerly hath beene eyther mis set, or not so thoroughly expressed, besides some additions of new conceits; seeing I treade out a new path, and therefore those that follow may the easilier see the Meanders, and so goe on in a direct line.

CHAP. I.

Maiorana latifolia, siue maior Anglica. Winter, or pot Marierome.

Winter Marierome is a small bushie herbe like vnto sweete Marierome, being parted or diuided into many branches, whereon doe grow broader and greener leaues, set by couples, with some small leaues likewise at the seuerall ioynts all along the branches: at the tops whereof grow a number of small purplish white flowers set together in a tuft, which turne into small and round seed, bigger then sweet Marierome seede: the whole plant is of a small and fine sent, but much inferiour to the other, and is nothing so bitter as the sweete Marierome, and thereby both the fitter and more willingly vsed for meates: the roote is white and threddy, and perisheth not as the former, but abideth many yeares.

The Vse of winter Marierome.

The vse of this Marierome is more frequent in our Land then in others, being put among other pot-herbes and farsing (or faseting herbes as they are called) and may to good profit bee applyed in inward as well as outward griefes for to comfort the parts, although weaker in effect then sweete Marieromes.

CHAP. II.

Thymum vulgatius siue durius. Ordinary Garden Tyme.

The ordinary Garden Tyme is a small low wooddy plant with brittle branches, and small hard greene leaues, as euery one knoweth, hauing small white purplish flowers, standing round about the tops of the stalkes: the seed is small and browne, darker then Marierome seed: the root is woody, and abideth well diuers Winters.

Thymum latifolium. Masticke Tyme.

This Tyme hath neyther so wooddy branches, nor so hard leaues, but groweth lower, more spreading, and with somewhat broader leaues; the flowers are of a purplish white colour, standing in roundles round about the stalkes, at the ioynts with leaues at them likewise. This Tyme endureth better and longer then the former, and by spreading it selfe more then the former, is the more apt to bee propagated by slipping, because it hath beene seldome seene to giue seede: It is not so quicke in sent or taste as the former, but is fitter to set any border or knot in a garden, and is for the most part wholly employed to such vses.

The Vse of Tyme.

To set downe all the particular vses whereunto Tyme is applyed, were to weary both the Writer and Reader; I will but only note out a few: for besides the physicall vses to many purposes, for the head, stomacke, splene, &c. there is no herbe almost of more vse, in the houses both of high and low, rich and poore, both, for inward and outward occasions; outwardly for bathings among other hot herbes, and among other sweete herbes for strewings: inwardly in most sorts of broths, with Rosmary, as also with other faseting (or rather farsing) herbes, and to make sawce for diuers sorts both fish and flesh, as to stuffe the belly of a Goose to bee rosted, and after put into the sawce, and the pouder with breade to strew on meate when it is rosted, and so likewise on rosted or fryed fish. It is held by diuers to bee a speedy remedy against the sting of a Bee, being bruised and layd thereon.

CHAP. III.

Satureia siue Thymbra. Sauorie.

There are two sorts of Sauory, the one called Summer, and the other Winter Sauorie: The Summer Sauory is a small tender herbe, growing not aboue a foote and a halfe high, or thereabouts, rising vp with diuers brittle branches, slenderly or sparsedly set with small long leaues, soft in handling, at euery ioynt a couple, one against another, of a pleasant strong and quicke sent and taste: the flowers are small and purplish, growing at the toppes of the stalkes, with two small long leaues at the ioynts vnder them: the seede is small, and of a darke colour, bigger then Tyme seede by the halfe: the roote is wooddy, and hath many strings, perishing euery yeare wholly, and must bee new sowen againe, if any will haue it.

The Winter Sauorie is a small low bushie herbe, very like vnto Hyssope, but not aboue a foote high, with diuers small hard branches, and hard darke green leaues thereon, thicker set together then the former by much, and as thicke as common Hyssope, sometimes with foure leaues or more at a ioynt, of a reasonable strong sent, yet not so strong or quicke as the former: the flowers are of a pale purplish colour, set at seuerall distances at the toppes of the stalkes, with leaues at the ioynts also with them, like the former: the roote is woody, with diuers small strings thereat, and abideth all the winter with his greene leaues: it is more vsually encreased by slipping or diuiding the roote, and new setting it seuerally againe in the Spring, then by sowing the seed.

The Vse of Sauorie.

The Summer Sauorie is vsed in other Countryes much more then with vs in their ordinary diets, as condiment or sawce to their meates, sometimes of it selfe, and sometimes with other herbes, and sometimes strewed or layde vpon the dishes as we doe Parsley, as also with beanes and pease, rise and wheate; and sometimes the dryed herbe boyled among pease to make pottage.

The Winter Sauorie is one of the (farsing) faseting herbes as they call them, and so is the Summer Sauorie also sometimes. This is vsed also in the same manner that the Summer Sauorie is, set downe before, and to the same purposes: as also to put into puddings, sawsages, and such like kindes of meates. Some doe vse the pouder of the herbe dryed (as I sayd before of Tyme) to mixe with grated bread, to breade their meate, be it fish or flesh, to giue it the quicker rellish. They are both effectuall to expell winde.

CHAP. IIII.

Hyssopus. Hyssope.

Garden Hyssope is so well knowne to all that haue beene in a Garden, that I shall but actum agere, to bestow any time thereon, being a small bushie plant, not rising aboue two foote high, with many branches, woody below, and tender aboue, whereon are set at certaine distances, sundry small, long and narrow greene leaues: at the toppe of euery stalke stand blewish purple gaping flowers, one aboue another in a long spike or eare: after which followeth the seede, which is small and blackish: the rootes are composed of many threddy strings; the whole plant is of a strong sweet sent.

The Vse of Hyssope.

Hyssope is much vsed in Ptisans and other drinkes, to help to expectorate flegme. It is many Countrey peoples medicine for a cut or greene wound, being bruised with sugar and applyed. I finde it is also much commended against the falling sickenesse, especially being made into pils after the manner before rehearsed. It is accounted a speciall remedy against the sting or biting of an Adder, if the place be rubbed with Hyssope, bruised and mixed with honey, salt and cummin seede. A decoction thereof with oyle, and annointed, taketh away the itching and tingling of the head, and vermine also breeding therein. An oyle made of the herbe and flowers, being annointed, doth comfort benummed sinewes and ioynts.

CHAP. V.

Pulegium. Pennyroyall.

Pennyroyall also is an herbe so well knowne, that I shall not neede to spend much time in the description of it: hauing many weake round stalkes, diuided into sundry branches, rather leaning or lying vpon the ground then standing vpright, whereon are set at seuerall ioynts, small roundish darke greene leaues: the flowers are purplish that grow in gardens, yet some that grow wilde are white, or more white then purple, set in roundles about the tops of the branches; the stalkes shoote forth small fibres or rootes at the ioynts, as it lyeth vpon the ground, thereby fastening it selfe therein, and quickly increaseth, and ouer-runneth any ground, especially in the shade or any moist place, and is replanted by breaking the sprouted stalkes, and so quickely groweth.

Other sorts of Pennyroyall are fit for the Physicke Garden, or Garden of Simples.

The Vse of Pennyroyall.

It is very good and wholesome for the lunges, to expell cold thin flegme, and afterwards to warme and dry it vp: and is also of the like propertie as Mintes, to comfort the stomacke, and stay vomiting. It is also vsed in womens baths and washings: and in mens also to comfort the sinewes. It is yet to this day, as it hath beene in former times, vsed to bee put into puddings, and such like meates of all sorts, and therefore in diuers places they know it by no other name then Pudding-grasse.

The former age of our great Grandfathers, had all these hot herbes in much and familiar vse, both for their meates and medicines, and therewith preserued themselues in long life and much health: but this delicate age of ours, which is not pleased with any thing almost, be it meat or medicine, that is not pleasant to the palate, doth wholly refuse these almost, and therefore cannot be partaker of the benefit or them.

CHAP. VI.

Salvia. Sage.

There are two especiall kindes of Sage noursed vp in our Gardens, for our ordinary vse, whereof I intend to write in this place, leauing the rest to his fitter place. Our ordinary Sage is reckoned to bee of two sorts, white and red, both of them bearing many foure square wooddy stalkes, in some whiter, in others redder, as the leaues are also, standing by couples at the ioynts, being long, rough, and wrinkled, of a strong sweete sent: at the tops of the stalkes come forth the flowers, set at certaine spaces one aboue another, which are long and gaping, like vnto the flowers of Clary, or dead Nettles, but of a blewish purple colour; after which come small round seede in the huske that bore the flower: the roote is wooddy, with diuers strings at it: It is more vsually planted of the slips, pricked in the Spring time into the ground, then of the seed.

Saluia minor siue pinnata. Small Sage or Sage of vertue.

The lesser Sage is in all things like vnto the former white Sage, but that his branches are long and slender, and the leaues much smaller, hauing for the most part at the bottome of each side of the leafe a peece of a leafe, which maketh it shew like finns or eares: the flowers also are of a blewish purple colour, but lesser. Of this kinde there is one that beareth white flowers.

The Vse of Sage.

Sage is much vsed of many in the moneth of May fasting, with butter and Parsley, and is held of most much to conduce to the health of mans body.

It is also much vsed among other good herbes to bee tund vp with Ale, which thereupon is termed Sage Ale, whereof many barrels full are made, and drunke in the said moneth chiefly for the purpose afore recited: and also for teeming women, to helpe them the better forward in their childebearing, if there be feare of abortion or miscarrying.

It is also vsed to be boyled among other herbes, to make Gargles or waters to wash sore mouths and throates: As also among other herbes, that serue as bathings, to wash mens legs or bodies in the Summer time, to comfort nature, and warme and strengthen aged cold sinewes, and lengthen the strength of the younger.

The Kitchen vse is either to boyle it with a Calues head, and being minced, to be put with the braines, vinegar and pepper, to serue as an ordinary sawce thereunto: Or being beaten and iuyced (rather then minced as mannie doe) is put to a rosted Pigges braines, with Currans for sawce thereunto. It is in small quantity (in regard of the strong taste thereof) put among other fasting herbes, to serue as sawce for peeces of Veale, when they are farsed or stuffed therewith, and rosted, which they call Olliues.

For all the purposes aforesaid, the small Sage is accounted to be of the more force and vertue.

CHAP. VII.

Horminum sativum. Garden Clary.

There is but one sort of Garden Clary, though many wilde, which hath foure square stalks, with broad rough wrinkled whitish leaues, somewhat vneuenly cut in on the edges, and of a strong sweete sent, growing some next the ground, & some by couples vpon the stalkes: the flowers growe at certaine distances, with two small leaues at the ioynts vnder them, somewhat like vnto the flowers of Sage, but lesser, and of a very whitish or bleake blew colour: the seede is of a blackish browne colour, somewhat flat, and not so round as the wilde: the rootes spread not farre, and perish euery yeare that they beare flowers and seede. It is altogether to bee sowne of seed in the Spring time, yet sometimes it will rise of it owne sowing.

The Vse of Clary.

The most frequent and common vse of Clary, is for men or women that haue weake backes, to helpe to comfort and strengthen the raines, being made into Tansies and eaten, or otherwise. The seede is vsed of some to be put into the corner of the eye, if any mote or other thing haue happened into it: but assuredly although this may peraduenture doe some good, yet the seede of the wilde will doe much more. The leaues taken dry, and dipped into a batter made of the yolkes of egges, flower, and a little milke, and then fryed with butter vntill they be crispe, serue for a dish of meate accepted with manie, vnpleasant to none.

CHAP. VIII.

Nepeta. Nep.

Although those that are Herbarists do know three sorts of Nep, a greater & two lesser, yet because the lesser are not vsuall, but in the Gardens of those that delight in natures varieties, I do not here shew you them. That which is vsuall (and called of manie Cat Mint) beareth square stalkes, but not so great as Clarie, hauing two leaues at euery ioynt, somewhat like vnto Balme or Speare Mintes, but whiter, softer, and longer, and nicked about the edges, of a strong sent, but nothing so strong as Clary: the flowers growe at the toppes of the stalkes, as it were in long spikes or heads, somewhat close together, yet compassing the stalkes at certaine ioynts, of a whitish colour, for forme and bignesse like vnto Balme, or somewhat bigger: the rootes are composed of a number of strings, which dye not, but keepe greene leaues vpon them all the Winter, and shoote anew in the Spring. It is propagated both by the seede, and by slipping the rootes.

The Vse of Nep.

Nep is much vsed of women either in baths or drinkes to procure their feminine courses: as also with Clarie, being fryed into Tansies, to strengthen their backes. It is much commended of some, if the iuyce thereof be drunke with wine, to helpe those that are bruised by some fall, or other accident. A decoction of Nep is auaileable to cure the scabbe in the head, or other places of the body.

CHAP. IX.

Melissa. Baulme.

The Garden Baulme which is of common knowne vse, hath diuers square blackish greene stalkes, and round, hard, darke, greene pointed leaues, growing thereon by couples, a little notched about the edges, of a pleasant sweete sent, drawing nearest to the sent of a Lemon or Citron; and therefore of some called Citrago: the flowers growe about the toppes of the stalkes at certaine distances, being small and gaping, of a pale carnation colour, almost white: the rootes fasten themselues strongly in the ground, and endure many yeares, and is encreased by diuiding the rootes; for the leaues dye downe to the ground euery yeare, leauing no shew of leafe or stalke in the Winter.

The Vse of Baulme.

Baulme is often vsed among other hot and sweete herbes, to make baths and washings for mens bodies or legges, in the Summer time, to warme and comfort the veines and sinewes, to very good purpose and effect, and hath in former ages beene of much more vse then now adaies. It is also vsed by diuers to be stilled, being steeped in Ale, to make a Baulme water, after the manner they haue beene taught, which they keepe by them, to vse in the stead of Aqua vitæ, when they haue any occasion for their owne or their neighbours Families, in suddaine qualmes or passions of the heart: but if they had a little better direction (for this is somewhat too rude) it would doe them more good that take it: For the herbe without all question is an excellent helpe to comfort the heart, as the very smell may induce any so to beleeue. It is also good to heale greene wounds, being made into salues: and I verily thinke, that our forefathers hearing of the healing and comfortable properties of the true naturall Baulme, and finding this herbe to be so effectuall, gaue it the name of Baulme, in imitation of his properties and vertues. It is also an herbe wherein Bees doe much delight, as hath beene found by experience of those that haue kept great store; if the Hiues bee rubbed on the inside with some thereof, and as they thinke it draweth others by the smell thereof to resort thither. Plinie saith, it is a present remedy against the stinging of Bees.

CHAP. X.

Mentha. Mintes.

There are diuers sorts of Mints, both of the garden, and wilde, of the woods, mountaines, and standing pooles or waters: but I will onely in this place bring to your remembrance two or three sorts of the most vsuall that are kept in gardens, for the vses whereunto they are proper.

Red Mint or browne Mint hath square brownish stalkes, with somewhat long and round pointed leaues, nicked about the edges, of a darke greene colour, set by couples at euery ioynt, and of a reasonable good sent: the flowers of this kinde are reddish, standing about the toppes of the stalkes at distances: the rootes runne creeping in the ground, and as the rest, will hardly be cleared out of a garden, being once therein, in that the smallest peece thereof will growe and encrease apace.

Speare Mint hath a square greene stalke, with longer and greener leaues then the former, set by couples, of a better and more comfortable sent, and therefore of much more vse then any other: the flowers hereof growe in long eares or spikes, of a pale red or blush colour: the roots creepe in the ground like the other.

Party coloured or white Mint hath square greene stalkes and leaues, somewhat larger then Speare Mint, and more nicked in the edges, whereof many are parted, halfe white and halfe greene, and some more white then greene, or more green then white, as nature listeth: the flowers stand in long heads close set together, of a blush colour: the rootes creepe as the rest doe.

The Vse of Mintes.

Mintes are oftentimes vsed in baths, with Baulme and other herbes, as a helpe to comfort and strengthen the nerues and sinewes.

It is much vsed either outwardly applyed, or inwardly drunke, to strengthen and comfort weake stomackes, that are much giuen to casting: as also for feminine fluxes. It is boyled in milke for those whose stomackes are apt to cause it to curdle. And applyed with salt, is a good helpe for the biting of a mad dogge.

It is vsed to be boyled with Mackarell, and other fish.

Being dryed, is often and much vsed with Penniroyall, to bee put into puddings: as also among pease that are boyled for pottage.

Where Dockes are not ready at hand, they vse to bruise Mintes, and lay them vpon any place that is stung with Bees, Waspes, or such like, and that to good purpose.

CHAP. XI.

Balsamita mas & fæmina, seu Costus hortorum maior & minor. Costmary and Maudeline.

Costmary or Alecoast is a sweet herbe, bearing many broad and long pale green leaues, snipped about the edges, euery one vpon a long foote-stalke; among which rise vp many round greene stalkes, with such like leaues on them, but lesser vp to the toppe, where it spreadeth it selfe into three or foure branches, euery one bearing an vmbell or tuft of gold yellow flowers, somewhat like vnto Tansie flowers, but lesser, which turne into small heads, containing small flat long seede: the roote is somewhat hard and stringy, and being diuided, is replanted in the Spring of the yeare for increase.

Maudeline hath somewhat long and narrow leaues, snipt about the edges: the stalks are two foot high, bearing many yellow flowers on the tops of the branches, in an vmbell or tuft like vnto Tansie: the whole herbe is sweete, and somewhat bitter, and is replanted by slipping.

The Vse of Costmary and Maudeline.

Costmary is of especiall vse in the Spring of the yeare, among other such like herbes, to make Sage Ale, and thereupon I thinke it tooke the name of Alecoast.

It is also vsed to be put among other sweete herbes, to make sweete washing water, whereof there is great store spent.

The leaues haue an especiall vertue to comfort both the stomack and heart, and to warme and dry a moist braine. The seede is much vsed in the Country, to be giuen to children for the wormes, in the stead of wormseed, and so is the seede of Maudeline also.

Maudeline is much vsed with Costmary and other sweet herbes, to make sweete washing water: the flowers also are tyed vp with small bundels of Lauender toppes, these being put in the middle of them, to lye, vpon the toppes of beds, presses, &c. for the sweete sent and sauour it casteth. It is generally accounted of our Apothecaries to be the true Eupatorium of Auicen, and the true Ageratum of Dioscorides; but Dodonæus seemeth to contradict both.

CHAP. XII.

Tanacetum vulgare & crispum. Tansie.

Ovr Garden Tansie hath many hard greene leaues, or rather wings of leaues; for they are many small ones, set one against another all along a middle ribbe or stalke, and snipt about the edges: in some the leaues stand closer and thicker, and somewhat crumpled, which hath caused it to be called double or curld Tansie, in others thinner and more sparsedly: It riseth vp with many hard stalks, whereon growe at the tops vpon the seuerall small branches gold yellow flowers like buttons, which being gathered in their prime, will hold the colour fresh a long time: the seede is small, and as it were chaffie: the roote creepeth vnder ground, and shooteth vp againe in diuers places: the whole herbe, both leaues and flowers, are of a sharpe, strong, bitter smell and taste, but yet pleasant, and well to be endured.

The Vse of Tansie.

The leaues of Tansie are vsed while they are young, either shred small with other herbes, or else the iuyce of it and other herbes fit for the purpose, beaten with egges, and fryed into cakes (in Lent and the Spring of the yeare) which are vsually called Tansies, and are often eaten, being taken to be very good for the stomack, to helpe to digest from thence bad humours that cleaue thereunto: As also for weak raines and kidneyes, when the vrine passeth away by drops: This is thought to be of more vse for men then for women. The seed is much commended against all sorts of wormes in children.

CHAP. XIII.

Pimpinella siue Sanguisorba. Burnet.

Burnet hath many winged leaues lying vpon, the ground, made of many small, round, yet pointed greene leaues, finely nicked on the edges, one set against another all along a middle ribbe, and one at the end thereof; from among which rise vp diuers round, and sometimes crested browne stalkes, with some few such like leaues on them as growe belowe, but smaller: at the toppes of the stalkes growe small browne heads or knaps, which shoote forth small purplish flowers, turning into long and brownish, but a little cornered seede: the roote groweth downe deepe, being small and brownish: the whole plant is of a stipticke or binding taste or quality, but of a fine quicke sent, almost like Baulme.

The Vse of Burnet.

The greatest vse that Burnet is commonly put vnto, is to put a few leaues into a cup with Claret wine, which is presently to be drunke, and giueth a pleasant quicke taste thereunto, very delightfull to the palate, and is accounted a helpe to make the heart merrie. It is sometimes also while it is young, put among other Sallet herbes, to giue a finer rellish thereunto. It is also vsed in vulnerary drinkes, and to stay fluxes and bleedings, for which purposes it is much commended. It hath beene also much commended in contagious and pestilentiall agues.

CHAP. XIIII.

Hippolapathum sativum, siue Rhabarbarum Monachorum. Monkes Rubarbe or Patience.

Garden Patience is a kinde of Docke in all the parts thereof, but that it is larger and taller then many others, with large and long greene leaues, a great, strong, and high stalke, with reddish or purplish flowers, and three square seede, like as all other Dockes haue: the roote is great and yellow, not hauing any shew of flesh coloured veines therein, no more then the other kinde with great round thin leaues, commonly called Hippolapathum rotundifolium, Bastard Rubarbe, or Monkes Rubarbe, the properties of both which are of very weake effect: but I haue a kinde of round leafed Dock growing in my Garden, which was sent me from beyond Sea by a worthy Gentleman, Mʳ. Dʳ. Matth. Lister, one of the Kings Physitians, with this title, Rhaponticum verum, and first grew with me, before it was euer seen or known elsewhere in England, wᶜʰ by proof I haue found to be so like vnto the true Rubarbe, or the Rha of Pontus, both for forme and colour, that I dare say it is the very true Rubarbe, our climate only making it lesse strong in working, lesse heauy, and lesse bitter in taste: For this hath great and thicke rootes, as diuersly discoloured with flesh coloured veines as the true Rubarbe, as I haue to shew to any that are desirous to see and know it; and also other smaller sprayes or branches of rootes, spreading from the maine great roote, which smaller branches may well be compared to the Rhaponticum which the Merchants haue brought vs, which we haue seene to be longer and slenderer then Rubarbe, but of the very same colour: this beareth so goodly large leaues, that it is a great beauty in a garden to behold them: for I haue measured the stalke of the leafe at the bottome next the roote to bee of the bignesse of any mans thumbe; and from the roote to the leafe it selfe, to bee two foote in length, and sometimes more; and likewise the leafe it selfe, from the lower end where it is ioyned to the stalke, to the end or point thereof, to bee also two foote in length, and sometimes more; and also in the broadest part of the leafe, to be two foote or more ouer in breadth: it beareth whitish flowers, contrary to all other Dockes, and three square brownish seede as other Dockes doe, but bigger, and therefore assuredly it is a Docke, and the true Rubarbe of the Arabians, or at the least the true Rhaponticum of the Ancients. The figure of the whole plant I haue caused to be cut, with a dryed roote as it grew in my garden by it selfe, and haue inserted it here, both because Matthiolus giueth a false figure of the true Rubarbe, and that this hath not been expressed and set forth by any before.

The Vse of Patience, and of the Rubarbe.

The leaues of Patience are often, and of many vsed for a pot-herbe, and seldome to any other purpose: the roote is often vsed in Diet-beere, or ale, or in other drinkes made by decoction, to helpe to purge the liuer, and clense the blood. The other Rubarbe or Rhaponticum, whereof I make mention, and giue you here the figure, I haue tryed, and found by experience to purge gently, without that astriction that is in the true Rubarbe is brought vs from the East Indies, or China, and is also lesse bitter in taste; whereby I coniecture it may bee vsed in hot and feauerish bodies more effectually, because it doth not binde after the purging, as the East India Rubarbe doth: but this must bee giuen in double quantitie to the other, and then no doubt it will doe as well: The leaues haue a fine acide taste: A syrrupe therefore made with the iuice and sugar, cannot but be very effectuall in deiected appetites, and hot fits of agues; as also to helpe to open obstructions of the liuer, as diuers haue often tryed, and found auaileable by experience.

CHAP. XV.

Lapathum sanguineum. Blood-wort.

Among the sorts of pot-herbes Bloode-worte hath alwayes beene accounted a principall one, although I doe not see any great reason therein, especially seeing there is a greater efficacie of binding in this Docke, then in any of the other: but as common vse hath receiued it, so I here set it downe. Blood-worte is one of the sorts of Dockes, and hath long leaues like vnto the smaller yellow Dock, but striped with red veines, and ouer-shadowed with red vpon the greene leafe, that it seemeth almost wholly red sometimes: the stalke is reddish, bearing such like leaues, but smaller vp to the toppe, where it is diuided into diuers small branches, whereon grow purplish flowers, and three square darke red seede, like vnto others: the roots are not great, but somewhat long, and very red, abiding many yeares, yet sometimes spoiled with the extremitie of winter.

The Vse of Blood-worte.

The whole and onely vse of the herbe almost, serueth for the pot, among other herbes, and, as I said before, is accounted a most especiall one for that purpose. The seede therof is much commended for any fluxe in man or woman, to be inwardly taken, and so no doubt is the roote, being of a stipticke qualitie.

CHAP. XVI.

Oxalis siue Acetosa. Sorrell.

Sorrell must needes bee reckoned with the Dockes, for that it is so like vnto them in all things, and is of many called the sower Docke. Of Sorrels there are many sorts, but I shall not trouble you with any other in this place, then the common Garden Sorrell, which is most knowne, and of greatest vse with vs; which hath tender greene long leaues full of iuice, broade, and bicorned as it were, next vnto the stalke, like as Arrach, Spinach, and our English Mercurie haue, of a sharpe sower taste: the stalkes are slender, bearing purplish long heads, wherein lye three square shining browne seede, like, but lesser then the other: the root is smaller then any of the other Dockes, but browne, and full of strings, and abideth without decaying, hauing greene leaues all the winter, except in the very extremitie thereof, which often taketh away all or most of his leaues.

The Vse of Sorrell.

Sorrell is much vsed in sawces, both for the whole, and the sicke, cooling the hot liuers, and stomackes of the sicke, and procuring vnto them an appetite vnto meate, when their spirits are almost spent with the violence of their furious or fierie fits; and is also of a pleasant relish for the whole, in quickning vp a dull stomacke that is ouer-loaden with euery daies plenty of dishes. It is diuers waies dressed by Cooks, to please their Masters stomacks.

CHAP. XVII.

Buglossum luteum, siue Lingua Bouis. Langdebeefe.

Vnto this place may well bee referred our ordinary Borage and Buglosse, set forth in the former Booke, in regard of the properties whereunto they are much employed, that is, to serue the pot among other herbes, as is sufficiently knowne vnto all. And yet I confesse, that this herbe (although it bee called Buglossum luteum, as if it were a kind of Buglosse) hath no correspondency with Buglosse or Borage in any part, sauing only a little in the leafe; & our Borage or Buglosse might more fitly, according to the Greeke name, bee called Oxe tongue or Langdebeefe; and this might in my iudgement more aptly be referred to the kinds of Hieratium Hawkeweed, whereunto it neerest approacheth: but as it is commonly receiued, so take it in this place, vntill it come to receiue the place is proper for it. It hath diuers broad and long darke green leaues, lying vpon the ground, very rough in handling, full of small haires or prickes, ready to enter into the hands of any that handle it; among which riseth vp a round greene hairy or prickly stalk, bearing at the toppe, among a few small green leaues, diuers small yellow flowers in rough heads, which turne into doune, containing within them browne yellowish small long seedes, somewhat like vnto the seede of Hawkeweede: the roote is wooddy, which perisheth quickly after it hath borne seed; but is tender while it is young.

The Vse of Langdebeefe.

The leaues are onely vsed in all places that I know, or euer could learne, for an herbe for the pot among others, and is thought to bee good to loosen the belly.

CHAP. XVIII.

Atriplex siue Olus Aureum. Arrach.

There be diuers kindes of Arrach, or Orach, as some doe call them; some of the Garden, whereof I meane to entreate in this place; others wilde of the Fieldes, &c. and others of the Sea, which are not to bee spoken of in this worke, but referred to a generall historie. The white garden Arrach, or Orach, hath diuers leaues, standing vpon their seuerall footestalkes, broade at the bottome, ending in two points like an arrow, with two feathers at the head, and small pointed at the end of the leafe, of a whitish yellow greene colour, and as it were strewed ouer with flower or meale, especially while they are young: the stalke like wise is mealy, bearing many branches with small yellow flowers on them, which turne into small leafie seeds: the roote groweth somewhat deepe in the ground, with many small threds fastened thereto: it quickly springeth vp of the seede, groweth great, and fadeth away as soon as it hath borne seede.

The purple Arrach is in all things like vnto the white, sauing onely in the colour of the leafe, stalke, seede, &c. which are all of a mealy dusty purplish colour.

The Vse of Arrach.

Arrach is cold and moist, and of a lubricke or slippery qualitie, whereby it quickely passeth through the stomacke and belly, and maketh it soluble, and is of many vsed for that purpose, being boyled and buttered, or put among other herbes into the pot to make pottage.

There are many dishes of meate made with them while they are young, for being almost without sauour of themselues, they are the more conuertible into what rellish any one will make them with Sugar, Spice &c.

CHAP. XIX.

Blitum. Blites.

There be diuers sorts of Blites, some whereof I haue entreated in the former part of this worke, vnder the titled Amaranthus, Flower gentle: others that are noursed vp in Gardens, I will set forth in this place, which are onely two, that haue come to my knowledge, that is, the white and the red, and are of a qualitie as neere vnto Arrach as vnto Beetes, participating of both, and therefore I haue placed them betwixt them. The white Blite hath leaues somewhat like vnto Beetes, but smaller, rounder, and of a whitish greene colour, euery one standing vpon a small long footestalke: the stalke riseth vp two or three foote high, with many such like leaues thereon: the flowers grow at the top in long round tufts or clusters, wherein are contained small round seede: the roote is very full of threds or strings.

The red Blite is in all things like the white, but that his leaues and tufted heades are exceeding red at the first, and after turne more purplish.

The Vse of Blites.

Blites are vsed as Arrach, eyther boyled of it selfe or stewed, which they call Loblolly, or among other herbes to bee put into the pot; and yet some doe vtterly refuse it, because in diuers it prouoketh castings. It is altogether insipide or without taste, but yet by reason of the moist slipperie qualitie it hath, it helpeth to loosen the belly. The vnsauorinesse whereof hath in many Countries growne into a prouerbe, or by-word, to call dull, slow, or lazie persons by that name: They are accounted more hurtfull to the stomacke, and so to the head and eyes, then other herbes, and therefore they are the lesse vsed.

CHAP. XX.

Beta. Beetes.

There are many diuersities of Beetes, some growing naturally in our own Country, others brought from beyond Sea; whereof some are white, some greene, some yellow, some red: the leaues of some are of vse only, and the root not vsed: others the roote is only vsed, and not the leaues: and some againe, both roote and leafe. The ancient Authors, as by their workes appeare, knew but two sorts, the white and the blacke Beete, whereof the white is sufficiently known, and was of them termed Sicula, of the later Physitians, Sicla, because it was thought first to be brought from Sicilie: the blacke abideth some controuersie; some thinking that our common greene Beete, because it is of a darke greene colour, was that they called the blacke Beete; others that our small red Beete, which is of a darke red colour, was their black Beete, which in my opinion is the more likely: But to come to the matter in hand, and giue you the descriptions of them which are in vse with vs, and leaue controuersies to such a worke as is fit for them, wherein all such matters may be discussed at large.

The common white Beete hath many great leaues next the ground (in some hot Countries growing to be three foote long, and very broade, in our Countrey they are very large, but nothing neere that proportion) of a whitish greene colour; the stalke is great, strong, and ribbed or crested, bearing great store of leaues vpon it vp to the very toppe almost: the flowers grow in very long tufts, small at the ends, and turning down their heads, which are small pale greenish yellow burres, giuing cornered prickly seede: the roote is great, long and hard, when it hath giuen seede, of no vse at all, but abideth a former winter with his leaues vpon it, as all other sorts following doe.

The common red Beet differeth not from the white Beete, but only that it is not so great, and both the leaues and rootes are somewhat red: the leaues bee in some more red then in others, which haue but red veines or strakes in them, in some also of a fresh red, in others very darke red: the roote hereof is red, spongy, and not vsed to bee eaten.

The common greene Beete is also like vnto the white Beete, but of a darke greene colour. This hath beene found neere the salt Marshes by Rochester, in the foote-way going from the Lady Levesons house thither, by a worthy, diligent and painefull obseruer and preseruer both of plants and all other natures varieties, often remembred before in this worke, called Iohn Tradescante, who there finding it, gaue me the knowledge thereof, and I haue vpon his report set it here down in this manner:

The Romane red Beete, called Beta raposa, is both for leafe and roote the most excellent Beete of all others: his rootes bee as great as the greatest Carrot, exceeding red both within and without, very sweete and good, fit to bee eaten: this Beete groweth higher then the last red Beete, whose rootes are not vsed to bee eaten: the leaues likewise are better of taste, and of as red a colour as the former red Beete: the roote is sometimes short like a Turnep, whereof it took the name of Rapa or raposa; and sometimes as I said before, like a Carrot and long: the seede is all one with the lesser red Beete.

The Italian Beete is of much respect, whose faire greene leaues are very large and great, with great white ribbes and veines therein: the stalke in the Summer time, when it is growen vp to any height, is six square in shew, and yellowish withall, as the heades with seede vpon them seeme likewise.

The great red Beete that Master Lete a Merchant of London gaue vnto Master Gerrard, as he setteth it downe in his Herball, seemeth to bee the red kinde of the last remembred Beete, whose great ribbes as he saith, are as great as the middle ribbe of the Cabbage leafe, and as good to bee eaten, whose stalke rose with him to the height of eight cubits, and bore plenty of seede.

The Vse of Beetes.

Beetes, both white, greene and red, are put into the pot among other herbes, to make pottage, as is commonly known vnto all, and are also boyled whole, both in France vsually with most of their boyled meates, and in our Countrey, with diuers that delight in eating of herbes.

The Italian Beete, and so likewise the last red Beete with great ribbes, are boyled, and the ribbes eaten in sallets with oyle, vinegar and pepper, and is accounted a rare kinde of sallet, and very delicate.

The roote of the common red Beete with some, but more especially the Romane red Beete, is of much vse among Cookes to trimme or set out their dishes of meate, being cut out into diuers formes and fashions, and is grown of late dayes into a great custome of seruice, both for fish and flesh.

The rootes of the Romane red Beete being boyled, are eaten of diuers while they are hot with a little oyle and vinegar, and is accounted a delicate sallet for the winter; and being cold they are so vsed and eaten likewise.

The leaues are much vsed to mollifie and open the belly, being vsed in the decoction of Glisters. The roote of the white kinde scraped, and made vp with a little honey and salt, rubbed on and layd on the belly, prouoketh to the stoole. The vse of eating Beetes is likewise held to bee helpefull to spleneticke persons.

CHAP. XXI.

Hipposelinum, siue Olus atrum. Alisanders.

Alisanders hath beene in former times thought to be the true Macedonian Parsley, and in that errour many doe yet continue: but this place giueth not leaue to discusse that doubt: but I must here only shew you, what it is, and to what vse it is put ordinarily for the Kitchen. The leaues of Alisanders are winged or cut into many parts, somewhat resembling Smallage, but greater, broader, and more cut in about the edges: the stalkes are round and great, two foote high or better, bearing diuers leaues on them, and at the toppe spokie roundles of white flowers on seuerall small branches, which turne into blacke seede, somewhat cornered or crested, of an aromaticall bitter taste; the roote is blacke without, and white within, and abideth well the first year of the sowing, perishing after it hath borne seed.

The Vse of Alisanders.

The tops of the rootes, with the lower part of the stalkes of Alisanders, are vsed in Lent especially, and Spring of the yeare, to make broth, which although it be a little bitter, yet it is both wholsome and pleasing to a great many, by reason of the aromaticall or spicie taste, warming and comforting the stomack, and helping it digest the many waterish and flegmaticke meates are in those times much eaten. The rootes also either rawe or boyled are often eaten with oyle and vinegar. The seede is more vsed physically then the roote, or any other part, and is effectuall to prouoke plenty of vrine in them that pisse by drops, or haue the Strangury: It helpeth womens courses, and warmeth their benummed bodies or members, that haue endured fierce cold daies and nights, being boyled and drunke.

CHAP. XXII.

Selinum dulce. Sweete Parsley or sweete Smallage.

This kinde of sweete Parsley or Smallage, which soeuer you please to call it, for it resembleth Smallage as well in the largenesse of the leaues, as in the taste, yet sweeter and pleasanter, is (as I take it) in this like vnto sweete Fennell (that hath his sweetnesse from his naturall soyle and clymate; for howsoeuer it bee reasonable sweete the first yeare it is sowne with vs, yet it quickly doth degenerate, and becommeth no better then our ordinarie Fennell afterwards). The first yeare it is sowne and planted with vs (and the first that euer I saw, was in a Venetian Ambassadours Garden in the Spittle yard, neare Bishops gate streete) is so sweete and pleasant, especially while it is young, as if Sugar had beene mingled with it: but after it is growne vp high and large, it hath a stronger taste of Smalladge, and so likewise much more the next yeare; that it groweth from the seed was gathered here: the leaues are many, spreading farre about the roote, broader and of a fresher greene colour then our ordinary Smalladge, and vpon longer stalkes: the seed is as plentifull as Parsley, being small and very like vnto it, but darker of colour.

The Vse of sweete Parsley.

The Venetians vse to prepare it for meate many waies, both the herbe and the roote eaten rawe, as many other herbes and rootes are, or boyled or fryed to be eaten with meate, or the dryed herbe poudered and strewed vpon meate; but most vsually either whited, and so eaten rawe with pepper and oyle, as a dainty Sallet of it selfe, or a little boyled or stewed: the taste of the herbe being a little warming, but the seede much more, helpeth cold windy stomackes to digest their meate, and to expell winde.

CHAP. XXIII.

Petrosolinum & Apium. Parsley and Smalledge.

We haue three sorts of Parsley in our Gardens, and but one of Smalladge: Our common Parsley, Curld Parsley, and Virginia Parsley; which last, although it be but of late knowne, yet it is now almost growne common, and of as good vse as the other with diuers. Our common Parsley is so well knowne, that it is almost needlesse to describe it, hauing diuers fresh greene leaues, three alwaies placed together on a stalke, and snipt about the edges, and three stalkes of leaues for the most part growing together: the stalkes growe three or foure foote high or better, bearing spikie heads of white flowers, which turne into small seede, somewhat sharpe and hot in taste: the roote is long and white.

Curld Parsley hath his leaues curled or crumpled on the edges, and therein is the onely difference from the former.

Virginia Parley is in his leafe altogether like vnto common Parsley for the forme, consisting of three leaues set together, but that the leaues are as large as Smallage leaues, but of a pale or whitish greene colour, and of the same taste of our common Parsley: the seede hereof is as the leaues, twice if not thrice as bigge as the ordinary Parsley, and perisheth when it hath giuen seede, abiding vsually the first yeare of the sowing.

Smallage is in forme somewhat like vnto Parsley, but greater and greener, and lesse pleasant, or rather more bitter in taste: the seede is smaller, and the root more stringy.

The Vse of Parsley.

Parsley is much vsed in all sorts of meates, both boyled, roasted, stewed, &c. and being greene it serueth to lay vpon sundry meates, as also to draw meate withall. It is also shred and stopped into poudered beefe, as also into legges of Mutton, with a little beefe suet among it, &c.

The rootes are often vsed to be put into broth, to helpe to open obstructions of the liuer, reines, and other parts, helping much to procure vrine.

The rootes likewise boyled or stewed with a legge of Mutton, stopped with Parsley as aforesaid, is very good meate, and of very good rellish, as I haue proued by the taste; but the rootes must bee young, and of the first yeares growth, and they will haue their operation to cause vrine.

The seed also is vsed for the same cause, when any are troubled with the stone, or grauell, to open the passages of vrine.

Although Smallage groweth in many places wilde in moist grounds, yet it is also much planted in Gardens, and although his euill taste and sauour doth cause it not to be accepted into meates as Parsley, yet it is not without many speciall good properties, both for outward and inward diseases, to helpe to open obstructions, and prouoke vrine. The iuyce cleanseth vlcers; and the leaues boyled with Hogs grease, healeth felons on the ioynts of the fingers.

CHAP. XXIIII.

Fœniculum. Fenell.

There are three sorts of Fenell, whereof two are sweete. The one of them is the ordinary sweete Fenell, whose seedes are larger and yellower then the common, and which (as I said before in the Chapter of sweete Parsley) doth soone degenerate in this our Country into the common. The other sweete Fenell is not much knowne, and called Cardus Fenell by those that sent it out of Italy, whose leaues are more thicke and bushie then any of the other. Our common Fenell, whereof there is greene and red, hath many faire and large spread leaues, finely cut and diuided into many small, long, greene, or reddish leaues, yet the thicker tufted the branches be, the shorter are the leaues: the stalkes are round, with diuers ioynts and leaues at them, growing fiue or six foot high, bearing at the top many spoakie rundels of yellow flowers; the Common, I meane, doth turne into a darke grayish flat seede, and the Sweete into larger and yellower: the roote is great, long, and white, and endureth diuers yeares.

The Vse of Fenell.

Fenell is of great vse to trimme vp, and strowe vpon fish, as also to boyle or put among fish of diuers sorts, Cowcumbers pickled, and other fruits, &c. The rootes are vsed with Parsley rootes, to be boyled in broths and drinkes to open obstructions. The seed is of much vse with other things to expell winde. The seede also is much vsed to be put into Pippin pies, and diuers other such baked fruits, as also into bread, to giue it the better rellish. The sweete Cardus Fenell being sent by Sir Henry Wotton to Iohn Tradescante, had likewise a large direction with it how to dresse it; for they vse to white it after it hath been transplanted for their vses, which by reason of the sweetnesse by nature, and the tendernesse by art, causeth it to be the more delightfull to the taste, especially with them that are accustomed to feede on greene herbes.

CHAP. XXV.

Anethum. Dill.

Dill doth much growe wilde, but because in many places it cannot be had, it is therefore sowne in Gardens for the vses whereunto it serueth. It is a smaller herbe then Fenell, but very like, hauing fine cut leaues, not so large, but shorter, smaller, and of a stronger and quicker taste: the stalke is smaller also, and with few ioynts and leaues on them, bearing spoakie tufts of yellow flowers, which turne into thinne, small, and flat seedes: the roote perisheth euery yeare, and riseth againe for the most part of it owne sowing.

The Vse of Dill.

The leaues of Dill are much vsed in some places with Fish, as they doe Fenell; but because it is so strong many doe refuse it.

It is also put among pickled Cowcumbers, wherewith it doth very well agree, giuing vnto the cold fruit a pretty spicie taste or rellish.

It being stronger then Fenell, is of the more force to expell winde in the body. Some vse to eate the seed to stay the Hickocke.

CHAP. XXVI.

Myrrhis siue Cerefolium maius & vulgare. Sweet Cheruill and ordinary Cheruill.

The great or sweete Cheruill (which of some is called Sweete Cicely) hath diuers great and faire spread winged leaues, consisting of many leaues set together, deeply cut in the edges, and euery one also dented about, very like, and resembling the leaues of Hemlockes, but of so pleasant a taste, that one would verily thinke, he chewed the leaues or seedes of Aniseedes in his mouth: The stalke is reasonable great, and somewhat cornered or crested about three or foure foote high, at the toppe whereof stand many white spoakie tufts of flowers, which change into browne long cornered great seede, two alwaies ioyned together: the roote is great, blackish on the outside, and white within, with diuers fibres annexed vnto it, and perisheth not, but abideth many yeares, and is of a sweete, pleasant, and spicie hot taste, delightfull vnto many.

The common Cheruill is a small herbe, with slender leaues, finely cut into long peeces, at the first of a pale yellowish greene colour, but when the stalke is growne vp to seede, both stalkes and leaues become of a darke red colour: the flowers are white, standing vpon scattered or thin spread tufts, which turne into small, long, round, and sharpe pointed seedes, of a brownish blacke colour: the roote is small, with diuers long slender white strings, and perisheth euery yeare.

The Uses of these Cheruils.

The common Cheruill is much vsed of the French and Dutch people, to bee boyled or stewed in a pipkin, eyther by it selfe, or with other herbes, whereof they make a Loblolly, and so eate it. It is vsed as a pot-herbe with vs.

Sweete Cheruill, gathered while it is young, and put among other herbes for a sallet, addeth a meruellous good rellish to all the rest. Some commend the greene seedes diced and put in a sallet of herbes, and eaten with vinegar and oyle, to comfort the cold stomacke of the aged. The roots are vsed by diuers, being boyled, and after eaten with oyle and vinegar, as an excellent sallet for the same purpose. The preserued or candid rootes are of singular good vse to warme and comfort a cold flegmaticke stomack, and is thought to be a good preseruatiue in the time of the plague.

CHAP. XXVII.

Malua Crispa. French Mallowes.

The curld or French Mallow groweth vp with an vpright greene round stalke, as high vsually as any man, whereon from all sides grow forth round whitish greene leaues, curld or crumpled about the edges, like a ruffe, else very like vnto an ordinary great Mallow leafe: the flowers grow both vpon the stalke, and on the other branches that spring from them, being small and white; after which come small cases with blacke seede like the other Mallowes: the roote perisheth when it hath borne seede, but abideth vsually the first yeare, and the second runneth vp to flower and seede.

The Vse of French Mallowes.

It is much vsed as a pot-herbe, especially when there is cause to moue the belly downward, which by his slippery qualitie it doth helpe forward. It hath beene in times past, and so is to this day in some places, vsed to be boyled or stewed, eyther by it selfe with butter, or with other herbes, and so eaten.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Imtubum. Succorie and Endiue.

I put both Succorie and Endiue into one chapter and description, because they are both of one kindred; and although they differ a little the one from the other, yet they agree both in this, that they are eaten eyther greene or whited, of many.

Endiue, the smooth as well as the curld, beareth a longer and a larger leafe then Succorie, and abideth but one yeare, quickely running vp to stalke and seede, and then perisheth: whereas Succorie abideth many years, and hath long and narrower leaues, somewhat more cut in, or torne on the edges: both of them haue blew flowers, and the seede of the smooth or ordinary Endiue is so like vnto the Succorie, that it is very hard to distinguish them asunder by sight; but the curld Endiue giueth blackish and flat seede, very like vnto blacke Lettice seede: the rootes of the Endiue perish, but the Succorie abideth.

The Vse of Succory and Endiue.

Although Succorie bee somewhat more bitter in taste then the Endiues, yet it is oftentimes, and of many eaten greene, but more vsually being buried a while in sand, that it may grow white, which causeth it to lose both some part of the bitternesse, as also to bee the more tender in the eating; and Horace sheweth it to be vsed in his time, in the 32. Ode of his first Book, where he saith,

Me pascunt Oliuæ, me Cithorea leuesqe Maluæ.

Endiue being whited in the same, or any other manner, is much vsed in winter, as a sallet herbe with great delight; but the curld Endiue is both farre the fairer, and the tenderer for that purpose.

CHAP. XXIX.

Spinachia, siue Olus Hispanicum. Spinach.

Spinach or Spinage is of three sorts (yet some doe reckon of foure, accounting that herbe that beareth no seede to be a sort of it selfe, when it is but an accident of nature, as it falleth out in Hempe, Mercury, and diuers other herbes) two that bear prickly seed, the one much greater then the other: the third that beareth a smooth seede, which is more daintie, and noursed vp but in few Gardens: The common Spinach which is the lesser of the two prickly sorts, hath long greene leaues, broad at the stalke, and rent, or torne as it were into foure corners, and sharpe pointed at the ends: it quickly runneth vp to stalke, if it be sowen in the Spring time; but else, if at the end of Summer, it will abide all the winter green, and then suddenly in the very beginning of the Spring, runne vp to stalke, bearing many leaues both below and at the toppe, where there doth appeare many smal greenish flowers in clusters, and after them prickly seede: The other greater sort that hath prickly seede, is in all things like the former but larger both in stalke, leafe and seede. The smooth Spinach hath broader, and a little rounder pointed leaues then the first, especially the lower leaues; for those that grow vpwards vpon the stalke, are more pointed, and as it were three square, of as darke a greene colour as the former: at the seuerall ioynts of the stalkes and branches, stand clustering many small greenish flowers, which turne into clusters of round whitish seede, without any prickles at all vpon them: the roote is long, white and small, like vnto the other, with many fibres at it: If it be often cut, it will grow the thicker, or else spindle vp very thinly, and with but few leaues vpon the stalke.

The Vse of Spinage.

Spinage is an herbe fit for sallets, and for diuers other purposes for the table only; for it is not knowne to bee vsed physically at all. Many English that haue learned it of the Dutch people, doe stew the herbe in a pot or pipkin, without any other moisture then it owne, and after the moisture is a little pressed from it, they put butter, and a little spice vnto it, and make therewith a dish that many delight to eate of. It is vsed likewise to be made into Tartes, and many other varieties of dishes, as Gentlewomen and their Cookes can better tell than my selfe; vnto whom I leaue the further ordering of these herbes, and all other fruits and rootes of this Garden: For I intend only to giue you the knowledge of them, with some briefe notes for their vse, and no more.

CHAP. XXX.

Lactuca. Lettice.

There are so many sorts, and so great diuersitie of Lettice, that I doubt I shall scarce be beleeued of a great many. For I doe in this Chapter reckon vp into you eleauen or twelue differing sorts; some of little vse, others of more, being more common and vulgar; and some that are of excellent vse and seruice, which are more rare, and require more knowledge and care for the ordering of them, as also for their time of spending, as some in the spring, some in summer, others in autumne, and some being whited for the winter. For all these sorts I shall not neede many descriptions, but only shew you which doe cabbage, and which are loose, which of them are great or small, white, greene or red, and which of them beare white seeds, and which of them blacke. And lastly I haue thought good to adde another Sallet herbe, which because it is called Lambes Lettice of many, or Corne Sallet of others, is put in only to fill vp a number in this Chapter, and that I must speake of it, and not that I thinke it to be any of the kindes of Lettice.

All sorts of Lettice, after a while that they haue closed themselues, if they bee of the Cabbage kindes, or otherwise being loose, and neuer closing, send forth from among the middle of their leaues a round stalke (in some greater, in others lesser, according to their kinde) full of leaues like vnto the lower, branching at the toppe into sundry parts, whereon grow diuers small star-like flowers, of a pale yellowish colour; after which come seede, eyther white or blackish, as the plant yeeldeth, whereat hangeth some small peece of a cottony doune, wherewith the whole head is stored, and is carried away with the winde, if it be not gathered in time: the roote is somewhat long and white, with some fibres at it, and perisheth quickely after the seede is ripe.

The Romane red Lettice is the best and greatest of all the rest. For Iohn Tradescante that first, as I thinke, brought it into England, and sowed it, did write vnto mee, that after one of them had been bound and whited, when the refuse was cut away, the rest weighed seuenteene ounces: this hath blacke seede.

The white Romane Lettice is like vnto it, hauing long leaues like a Teasell, it is in goodnesse next vnto the red, but must be whited, that it may eate kindly: the seede hereof is white.

The Virginia Lettice hath single and very broade reddish leaues, and is not of any great regard, and therefore is kept but of a few: it beareth blacke seede.

The common Lumbard Lettice that is loose, and another kinde thereof that doth somewhat cabbage, haue both white seedes.

The Venice Lettice is an excellent Cabbage Lettice, and is best to bee sowen after Midsummer for lateward Lettice; they be sometimes as great as the crowne of a mans hatt: the seede hereof is white, and groweth to be of a meane height.

Our common Cabbage Lettice is well known, and beareth blacke seede.

The curld Lettice which is open, and differeth but little from Endiue, beareth black seede.

Another sort of curld Lettice doth cabbage, and is called Flanders Cropers, or Cropers of Bruges; this groweth lowest, and hath the smallest head, but very hard and round, and white while it groweth: the seed is blacke.

A kinde of Romane Lettice is of a darke green colour, growing as low as the Venice Lettice, and is an excellent kinde, bearing blacke seede.

And lastly our winter Lettice is wonderfull hardy to endure our cold: It is but single, and must be sowen at Michaelmas, but will be very good, before any of the other good sorts sowen in the Spring, will be ready to be vsed, and beareth white seed.

To instruct a nouice (for I teach not a Gardiner of knowledge) how to gather his seede that it may be good, is in this manner: Let him marke out those plants that hee meaneth shall run vp for seede, which must be the most likely; & after they haue begun to shoote forth stalkes, strip away the lowest leaues, for two or three hands breadth aboue the ground, that thereby in taking away the lowest leaues, the stalke doe not rot, nor the seed be hindered in the ripening.

There are two manner of wayes to whiten Lettice to make them eate the more tender: the one is by raysing vp earth like moale hils, round about the plants while they are growing, which will make them grow white: the other is by tying vp all the loose leaues round together while it groweth, that so the close tying may make it grow white, and thereby be the more tender.

Lambes Lettice or Corne Sallet is a small plant while it is young, growing close vpon the ground, with many whitish greene, long and narrow, round pointed leaues, all the winter, and in the beginning of the spring (if it bee sowen in autumne, as it is vsuall to serue for an early sallet) riseth vp with small round stalkes, with two leaues at euery ioynt, branching forth at the toppe, and bearing tufts of small bleake blew flowers, which turne into small round whitish seede: the roote is small and long, with some small threds hanging thereat: the whole plant is of a waterish taste, almost insipide.

The Vse of Lettice.

All sorts of Lettice are spent in sallets, with oyle and vinegar, or as euery one please, for the most part, while they are fresh and greene, or whited, as is declared of some of the sorts before, to cause them to eate the more delicate and tender. They are also boyled, to serue for many sorts of dishes of meate, as the Cookes know best.

They all coole a hot and fainting stomacke.

The iuice of Lettice applyed with oyle of Roses to the foreheads of the sicke and weake wanting sleepe, procureth rest, and taketh away paines in the head: bound likewise to the cods, it helpeth those that are troubled with the Colts euill. If a little camphire be added, it restraineth immoderate lust: but it is hurtfull to such as are troubled with the shortnesse of breath.

Lambes Lettice is wholly spent for sallets, in the beginning of the yeare, as I said, before any almost of the other sorts of Lettice are to be had.

CHAP. XXXI.

Portulaca. Purslane.

Purslane hath many thicke round shining red stalkes, full of iuice, lying vpon the ground for the most part; whereon are set diuers long, thicke, pale green leaues, sometimes alone by themselues, and sometimes many small ones together with them; among which grow small yellow flowers, which stand in little greene huskes, containing blacke seede: the roote is small, and perisheth euery yeare, and must be new sowen in Aprill, in the alleyes of the Garden betweene the beds, as some haue heretofore vsed, where it may haue the more moisture, or, as I haue seene in some Gardens, vpon those beds of dung that Gardiners haue vsed to nourse vp their Cowcumbers, Melons, and Pompions, whereon after they haue been taken away, they haue sowen Purslane, where if it be much watered, the warmth of the dung, and the water giuen it, the Purslane hath grown great and large, and continued vntill winter.

The Vse of Purslane.

It is vsed as Lettice in sallets, to coole hot and faint stomackes in the hot time of the yeare, but afterwards if only for delight, it is not good to bee too prodigall in the vse thereof.

The seede of Purslane doth coole much any inflammation inward or outward, and doth a little binde withall.

CHAP. XXXII.

Dracoherba siue Tarchon & Dracunculus hortensis. Tarragon.

Tarragon hath long and narrow darke greene leaues, growing on slender and brittle round stalkes, two or three foote high, at the tops whereof grow forth long slender spikes of small yellowish flowers, which seldome giue any good seede, but a dustie or chaffie matter, which flieth away with the winde: the roote is white, and creepeth about vnder ground, whereby it much encreaseth: the whole herbe is of a hot and biting taste.

The Vse of Tarragon.

It is altogether vsed among other cold herbes, to temper their coldnesse, and they to temper its heate, so to giue the better rellish vnto the Sallet; but many doe not like the taste thereof, and so refuse it.

There are some Authors that haue held Tarragon not to be an herbe of it owne kinde, but that it was first produced, by putting the seede of Lin or Flaxe into the roote of an Onion, being opened and so set into the ground, which when it hath sprung, hath brought forth this herbe Tarragon, which absurd and idle opinion, Matthiolus by certaine experience saith, hath been found false.

CHAP. XXXIII.

Nasturtium hortense. Garden Cresses.

Garden Cresses growe vp to the height of two foote or thereabouts, hauing many small, whitish, broad, endented, torne leaues, set together vpon a middle ribbe next the ground, but those that growe higher vpon the stalkes are smaller and longer: the tops of the stalkes are stored with white flowers, which turne into flat pods or pouches, like vnto Shepheard purse, wherein is contained flat reddish seede: the roote perisheth euery yeare: the taste both of leaues and seedes are somewhat strong, hot, and bitter.

The Vse of Cresses.

The Dutchmen and others vse to eate Cresses familiarly with their butter and bread, as also stewed or boyled, either alone or with other herbes, whereof they make a Hotch potch, and so eate it. Wee doe eate it mixed among Lettice or Purslane, and sometimes with Tarragon or Rocket, with oyle and vinegar and a little salt, and in that manner it is very sauoury to some mens stomackes.

The vse of Cresses physically is, it helpeth to expectorate tough flegme, as also for the paines of the breast; and as it is thought taketh away spots, being laid to with vinegar. The seede is giuen of many to children for the wormes.

CHAP. XXXIIII.

Eruca satiua. Garden Rocket.

Ovr Garden Rocket is but a wilde kinde brought into Gardens; for the true Romane Rocket hath larger leaues; this hath many long leaues, much torne or rent on the edges, smaller and narrower then the Romane kinde: the flowers hereof are of a pale yellowish colour, whereas the true is whitish, consisting of foure leaues: the seede of this is reddish, contained in smaller and longer pods then the true, which are shorter and thicker, and the seede of a whitish yellow colour: the rootes of both perish as soone as they haue giuen seede. Some haue taken one sort of the wilde kinde for Mustard, and haue vsed the seede for the same purpose.

The Vse of Rocket.

It is for the most part eaten with Lettice, Purslane, or such cold herbes, and not alone, because of its heate and strength; but that with the white seede is milder. The seede of Rocket is good to prouoke vrine, and to stirre vp bodily lust.

The seede bruised, and mixed with a little vinegar, and of the gall of an Oxe, cleanseth the face of freckles, spots, and blew markes, that come by beatings, fals, or otherwaies.

Matthiolus saith, that the leaues boyled, and giuen with some Sugar to little children, cureth them of the cough.

The seede is held to be helpfull to spleneticke persons; as also to kill the wormes of the belly.

CHAP. XXXV.

Sinapi sativum. Garden Mustard.

The Mustard that is most vsuall in this Country, howsoeuer diuers doe for their priuate vses sowe it in their Gardens or Orchards, in some conuenient corner, yet the same is found wilde also abroad in many places. It hath many rough long diuided leaues, of an ouerworne greene colour: the stalke is diuided at the toppe into diuers branches, whereon growe diuers pale yellow flowers, in a great length, which turne into small long pods, wherein is contained blackish seede, inclining to rednesse, of a fiery sharpe taste: the roote is tough and white, running deepe into the ground, with many small fibres at it.

The Vse of Mustard.

The seede hereof grownd between two stones, fitted for the purpose, and called a Querne, with some good vinegar added vnto it, to make it liquid and running, is that kinde of Mustard that is vsually made of all sorts, to serue as sawce both for fish and flesh.

The same liquid Mustard is of good vse, being fresh, for Epilepticke persons, to warme and quicken those dull spirits that are sopite and scarce appeare, if it be applyed both inwardly and outwardly.

It is with good successe also giuen to those that haue short breathes, and troubled with a cough in the lungs.

CHAP. XXXVI.

Asparagus. Sperage or Asparagus.

Asparagus riseth vp at the first with diuers whitish greene scaly heads, very brittle or easie to breake while they are young, which afterwards rise vp into very long and slender greene stalkes, of the bignesse of an ordinary riding wand at the bottome of most, or bigger or lesser, as the rootes are of growth, on which are set diuers branches of greene leaues, shorter and smaller then Fennell vp to the toppe, at the ioynts whereof come forth small mossie yellowish flowers, which turne into round berries, greene at the first, and of an excellent red colour when they are ripe, shewing as if they were beades of Corrall, wherein are contained exceeding hard and blacke seede: the rootes are dispersed from a spongious head into many long, thicke, and round strings, whereby it sucketh much nourishment out of the ground, and encreaseth plentifully thereby.

We haue another kinde hereof that is of much greater account, because the shootes are larger, whiter, and being dressed taste more sweete and pleasant, without any other difference.

The Vse of Asparagus.

The first shootes or heads of Asparagus are a Sallet of as much esteeme with all sorts of persons, as any other whatsoeuer, being boyled tender, and eaten with butter, vinegar, and pepper, or oyle and vinegar, or as euery ones manner doth please; and are almost wholly spent for the pleasure of the pallate. It is specially good to prouoke vrine, and for those that are troubled with the stone or grauell in the reines or kidneyes, because it doth a little open and cleanse those parts.

CHAP. XXXVII.

Brassica. Cabbages and Coleworts.

There is greater diuersity in the forme and colour of the leaues of this plant, then there is in any other that I know groweth vpon the ground. But this place requireth not the knowledge of all sorts which might be shewen, many of them being of no vse with vs for the table, but for delight, to behold the wonderfull variety of the workes of God herein. I will here therefore shew you onely those sorts that are ordinary in most Gardens, and some that are rare, receiued into some especiall Gardens: And first of Cabbages, and then of Coleworts.

Our ordinary Cabbage that closeth hard and round, hath at the first great large thicke leaues, of a grayish greene colour, with thicke great ribbes, and lye open most part of the Summer without closing, but toward the end of Summer, being growne to haue many leaues, it then beginneth to growe close and round in the middle, and as it closeth, the leaues growe white inward; yet there be some kindes that will neuer be so close as these, but will remaine halfe open, which wee doe not account to be so good as the other: in the middle of this head, the next yeare after the sowing, in other Countries especially, and sometimes in ours, if the Winter be milde, as may be seene in diuers Gardens (but to preuent the danger of our Winter frosts, our Gardiners now doe vse to take vp diuers Cabbages with their rootes, and tying a cloth or some such thing about the rootes, doe hang them vp in their houses, where they may be defended from cold, and then set them againe after the frosts are past) and then there shooteth out a great thicke stalke, diuided at the toppe into many branches, bearing thereon diuers small flowers, sometime white, but most commonly yellow, made of foure leaues, which turne into long, round, and pointed pods, containing therein small round seede, like vnto Turnep seede: the roote spreadeth not farre nor deepe, and dyeth vsually in any great froste; for a small frost maketh the Cabbage eate the tenderer.

The red Cabbage is like vnto the white, last spoken of, but differing in colour and greatnesse; for it is seldome found so great as the white, and the colour of the leaues is very variable, as being in some stript with red, in others more red, or very deepe red or purple.

The sugar loafe Cabbage, so called because it is smaller at the toppe then it is at the bottome, and is of two sorts, the one white, the other greene.

The Sauoy Cabbadge, one is of a deepe greene coloured leafe, and curld when it is to be gathered; the other is yellowish: neyther of both these doe close so well as the first, but yet are vsed of some, and accounted good.

The Cole flower is a kinde of Coleworte, whose leaues are large, and like the Cabbage leaues, but somewhat smaller, and endented about the edges, in the middle wherof, sometimes in the beginning of Autumne, and sometimes much sooner, there appeareth a hard head of whitish yellow tufts of flowers, closely thrust together, but neuer open, nor spreading much with vs, which then is fittest to be vsed, the green leaues being cut away close to the head: this hath a much pleasanter taste then eyther the Coleworte, or Cabbage of any kinde, and is therefore of the more regard and respect at good mens tables.

The ordinary Coleworte is sufficiently knowne not to close or cabbage, and giueth seede plentifully enough.

The other Colewortes that are noursed vp with those that delight in curiosities, besides the aforesaid ordinary greene, which is much vsed of Dutchmen, and other strangers, are these: The Curld Coleworte eyther wholly of a greene colour, or of diuers colours in one plant, as white, yellow, red, purple or crimson, so variably mixed, the leaues being curld on the edges, like a ruffe band, that it is very beautifull to behold.

There is also another curld Colewort of lesse beauty and respect, being but a little curld on the edges, whose leaues are white, edged with red, or green edged with white.

Two other there are, the one of a popingaye greene colour: the other of a fine deepe greene, like vnto the Sauoyes.

Then there is the Cole rape, which is also a kinde of Coleworte, that beareth a white heade, or headed stalke aboue the ground, as bigge as a reasonable Turnep, but longer, and from the toppe thereof springeth out diuers great leaues, like vnto Colewortes; among which rise diuers stalkes that beare yellow flowers, and seede in pods, almost as small as Mustard seede: the roote is somewhat long, and very bushie with threds.

The Vse of Cabbages and Colewortes.

They are most vsually boyled in poudered beefe broth vntil they be tender, and then eaten with much fat put among them.

The great ribs of the Popingay, and deepe greene Colewortes, beeing boyled and layde into dishes, are serued to the table with oyle and vinegar in the Lent time for very good sallets.

In the cold Countries of Russia and Muscouia, they pouder vp a number of Cabbages, which serue them, especially the poorer sort, for their most ordinary foode in winter; and although they stinke most grieuously, yet to them they are accounted good meate.

It is thought, that the vse of them doth hinder the milke in Nurses breasts, causing it to dry vp quickely: but many women that haue giuen sucke to my knowledge haue denyed that assertion, affirming that they haue often eaten them, and found no such effect. How it might proue in more delicate bodies then theirs that thus said, I cannot tell but Matthiolus auerreth it to encrease milke in Nurses breastes; so differing are the opinions of many. The seede grossely bruised and boyled a little in flesh broth, is a present remedie for the Collicke; the seede and the broth being taken together, easing them that are troubled therewith of all griping paines: as also for the stone in the kidneyes. A Lohoc or licking Electuary made of the pulpe of the boyled stalkes, and a little honey and Almond milke, is very profitable for shortnesse of breath, and those that are entering into a Consumption of the lunges. It hath beene formerly held to be helpefull in all diseases: for Crisippus, an ancient Physitian, wrote a whole Volume of the vertues, applying it to all the parts of the body: which thing neede not seeme wonderfull, in that it is recorded by writers, that the old Romanes hauing expelled Physitians out of their Common-wealth, did for many hundred of yeares maintaine their health by the vse of Cabbages, taking them for euery disease.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

Sisarum. Skirrets.

After all the herbes before rehearsed, fit for sallets, or otherwise to bee eaten, there must follow such rootes as are vsed to the same purpose: and first, Skirrets haue many leaues next the ground, composed of many small smooth green leaues, set each against other vpon a middle ribbe, and euery one snipt about the edges: the stalke riseth vp two or three foote high, set with the like leaues, hauing at the toppe spoakie tufts of white flowers, which turne into small seede, somewhat bigger and darker then Parsley seede: the rootes be many growing together at one head, beeing long, slender, & rugged or vneuen, of a whitish colour on the outside, and more white within, hauing in the middle of the roote a long small hard pith or string: these heads are vsually taken vp in February and March, or sooner if any so please, the greater number of them being broken off to bee vsed, the rest are planted againe after the heads are separated, and hereby they are encreased euery yeare by many; but it is now adayes more sowen of the seed, which come forwards well enough if the ground be fat and good.

The Vse of Skirrets.

The rootes being boyled, peeled and pithed, are stewed with butter, pepper and salt, and so eaten; or as others vse them, to roule them in flower, and fry them with butter, after they haue beene boyled, peeled and pithed: each way, or any way that men please to vse them, they may finde their taste to be very pleasant, far beyond any Parsnep, as all agree that taste them.

Some doe vse also to eate them as a sallet, colde with vinegar, oyle, &c. being first boyled and dressed as before said. They doe helpe to prouoke vrine, and as is thought, to procure bodily lust, in that they are a little windy.

CHAP. XXXIX.

Pastinaca satiua latifolia. Parsneps.

The common garden Parsnep hath diuers large winged leaues lying vpon the ground, that is, many leaues set one by another on both sides of a middle stalk, somewhat like as the Skirret hath, but much larger, and closer set: the stalke riseth vp great and tall, fiue or six foot high sometimes, with many such leaues thereon at seuerall ioynts; the top whereof is spread into diuers branches, whereon stand spoakie rundles of yellow flowers, which turne into brownish flat seede: the root is long, great and white, very pleasant to bee eaten, and the more pleasant if it grow in a fat sandy soyle.

There is another sort of garden Parsnep, called the Pine Parsnep, that is not common in euery Garden, and differeth from the former in three notable parts. The root is not so long, but thicker at the head and smaller below; the stalke is neither so bigge, nor so high; and the seede is smaller: yet as Iohn Tradescante saith (who hath giuen me the relation of this, and many other of these garden plants, to whom euery one is a debtor) the roote hereof is not altogether so pleasant as the other.

Moreouer the wilde kinde, which groweth in many places of England (and wherof in some places there might be gathered a quarter sacke full of the seede) if it be sowen in Gardens, and there well ordered, will proue as good as the former kinde of Garden Parsneps.

The Vse of Parsneps.

The Parsnep root is a great nourisher, and is much more vsed in the time of Lent, being boyled and stewed with butter, then in any other time of the yeare; yet it is very good all the winter long. The seede helpeth to dissolue winde, and to prouoke vrine.

CHAP. XL.

Pastina satiua tenuifolia. Carrots.

The Carrot hath many winged leaues, rising from the head of the roote, which are much cut and diuided into many other leaues, and they also cut and diuided into many parts, of a deepe greene colour, some whereof in Autumne will turne to be of a fine red or purple (the beautie whereof allureth many Gentlewomen oftentimes to gather the leaues, and sticke them in their hats or heads, or pin them on their armes in stead of feathers): the stalke riseth vp among the leaues, bearing many likewise vpon it, but nothing so high as the Parsnep, being about three foote high, bearing many spoakie tufts of white flowers, which turne into small rough seede, as if it were hairy, smelling reasonable well if it bee rubbed: the roote is round and long, thicke aboue and small below, eyther red or yellow, eyther shorter or longer, according to his kinde; for there is one kinde, whose roote is wholly red quite thoroughout; another whose roote is red without for a pretty way inward, but the middle is yellow.

Then there is the yellow, which is of two sorts, both long and short: One of the long yellow sorts, which is of a pale yellow, hath the greatest and longest roote, and likewise the greatest head of greene, and is for the most part the worst, being spongy, and not firme.

The other is of a deepe gold yellow colour, and is the best, hauing a smaller head, or tuft of greene leaues vpon it.

The shorte rootes are likewise distinguished, into pale and deepe yellow colours.

The Vse of Carrots.

All these sorts being boyled in the broth of beefe, eyther fresh or salt, but more vsually of salted beefe, are eaten with great pleasure, because of the sweetenesse of them: but they nourish lesse then Parsneps or Skirrets.

I haue not often knowne the seede of this Garden kinde to bee vsed in Physicke: but the wilde kinde is often and much vsed to expell winde, &c.

CHAP. XLI.

Rapum hortense. Turneps.

There are diuers sorts of Turneps, as white, yellow, and red: the white are the most common, and they are of two kinds, the one much sweeter then the other.

The yellow and the red are more rare, and noursed vp only by those that are curious: as also the Navewe, which is seene but with very few.

The ordinary Garden Turnep hath many large, and long rough greene leaues, with deepe and vneuen gashes on both sides of them: the stalke riseth vp among the leaues about two foote high, spread at the toppe into many branches, bearing thereon yellow flowers, which turne into long pods, with blackish round seede in them: the roote is round and white, some greater, some smaller; the best kinde is knowne to be flat, with a small pigges tale-like roote vnderneath it; the worser kinde which is more common in many places of this land, both North and West, is round, and not flat, with a greater pigges tayle-like roote vnderneath.

The yellow kinde doth often grow very great, it is hardly discerned from the ordinary kinde while it groweth, but by the greatnesse and spreading of the leaues beeing boyled, the roote changeth more yellow, somewhat neare the colour of a Carrot.

The red Turnep groweth vsually greater then any of the other, especially in a good ground, being of a faire red colour on the outside, but being pared, as white as any other on the inside. This, as Matthiolus saith, doth grow in the Countrey of Anania, where hee hath seene an infinite number of them that haue waighed fifty pound a peece, and in some places hee saith, a hundred pound a peece, both which we would thinke to be incredible, but that we see the kind is greatly giuen to grow, and in warme Countries they may so thriue, that the bulke or bignesse of the roote may so farre passe the growth of our Countrey, as that it may rise to that quantity aboue specified.

The Navew gentle is of two kindes, a smaller and a greater; the smaller is vsually called in France, Naveau de Cane, the roote is somewhat long with the roundnesse; this kinde is twice as bigge as a mans thumbe, and many of them lesse: The other is long and great, almost as big as the short Carrot, but for the most part of an vneuen length, and roundnesse vnto the very end, where it spreadeth into diuers small long fibres: neyther of them doth differ much from the Turnep, in leafe, flower or seed.

The Vse of Turneps.

Being boyled in salt broth, they all of them eate most kindly, and by reason of their sweetnesse are much esteemed, and often seene as a dish at good mens tables: but the greater quantitie of them are spent at poore mens feasts. They nourish much, and engender moist and loose flesh, and are very windy. The seede of the Navew gentle is (as I take it) called of Andromachus in the composition of his Treakle, Bunias dulcis: for Dioscorides and Plinie doe both say, that the seede of the tame Bunias or Napus is put into Antidotes, and not the seede of the wilde, which is more sharpe and bitter; neyther the seede of the Turnep, which is called in Greeke γογγύλη, in Latine Rapum, because the seede is not sweete.

CHAP. XLII.

Raphanus. Raddish.

There are two principall kindes of Garden Raddish, the one is blackish on the outside, and the other white; and of both these there is some diuision againe, as shall be shewed. Dittander and horse Raddish be reckoned kinds thereof.

The ordinary Raddish hath long leaues, vneuenly gashed on both sides, the stalke riseth vp to the height of three or foure foote, bearing many purplish flowers at the top, made of foure leaues a peece, which turne into thicke and short pods, wherein are contained round seede, greater then Turnep or Coleworte seede, and of a pale reddish colour: the roote is long, white, and of a reddish purple colour on the outside toward the toppe of it, and of a sharpe biting taste.

There is a small kind of Raddish that commeth earlier then the former, that we haue had out of the low Countries, not differing in any thing else.

The blacke Raddish I haue had brought me out of the lowe Countries, where they sell them in some places by the pound, and is accounted with them a rare winter sallet: the roote of the best kinde is blackish on the outside (and yet the seede gathered from such an one, hath after the sowing againe, giuen rootes, whereof some haue beene blacke, but the most part white on the outside) and white within, great and round at the head, almost like a Turnep, but ending shorter then a Raddish, and longer then a Turnep, almost peare-fashion, of a firmer and harder substance then the ordinary Raddish, but no lesse sharpe and biting, and somewhat strong withall; the leaues are somewhat smaller, and with deeper gashes, the flower and seede are like the former, but smaller.

Another sort of blacke Raddish is like in leafe and seede to the former, but the flower is of a lighter purple colour: the roote is longer and smaller, and changeth also to bee white as the former doth, so that I thinke they haue both risen from one kinde.

The Horse Raddish is a kinde of wilde Raddish, but brought into Gardens for the vse of it, and hath great large and long greene leaues, which are not so much diuided, but dented about the edges: the roote is long and great, much stronger in taste then the former, and abideth diuers yeares, spreading with branches vnder ground.

Dittander is likewise a wilde kinde hereof, hauing long pointed blewish greene leaues, and a roote that creepeth much vnder ground: I confesse this might haue bin placed among the herbes, because the leaues and not the rootes are vsed; but let it passe now with the kindes of Raddish.

The Vse of these Raddishes.

Raddishes doe serue vsually as a stimulum before meat, giuing an appetite thereunto; the poore eate them alone with bread and salt. Some that are early sowen, are eaten in Aprill, or sooner if the season permit; others come later; and some are sowen late to serue for the end of Summer: but (as of all things else) the earlier are the more accepted.

The blacke Raddishes are most vsed in the winter, (yet some in their naturall and not forc’d grounds, haue their rootes good most part of the Summer) and therefore must bee sowen after Midsomer; for if they should bee sowen earlier, they would presently runne vp to stalke and seed, and so lose the benefit of the roote. The Physicall propertie is, it is often vsed in medicines that helpe to breake the stone, and to auoyde grauell.

The Horse Raddish is vsed Physically, very much in Melancholicke, Spleneticke and Scorbuticke diseases. And some vse to make a kinde of Mustard with the rootes, and eate it with fish.

Dittander or Pepperworte is vsed of some cold churlish stomackes, as a sawce or sallet sometimes to their meate, but it is too hot, bitter and strong for weake and tender stomackes.

Our Gardiners about London vse great fences of reede tyed together, which seemeth to bee a mat set vpright, and is as good as a wall to defend the cold from those things that would be defended, and to bring them forwards the earlier.

CHAP. XLIII.

Cepæ. Onions.

Wee haue diuers sorts of Onions, both white and red, flat, round and long, as shall be presently shewed: But I will doe with these as I doe with the rest, only giue you one description for them all, and afterwards their seuerall names and varieties, as they are to be known by.

Our common Garden Onion hath diuers long greene hollow leaues, seeming halfe flat; among which riseth vp a great round hollow stalke, bigger in the middle then any where else, at the toppe whereof standeth a close round head, couered at the first with a thin skinne, which breaketh when the head is growne, and sheweth forth a great vmbell of white flowers, which turne into blacke seede: but then the head is so heauie that the stalke cannot sustaine it, but must be vpheld from falling to the ground, lest it rot and perish: the roote as all know is round, in some greater, in others lesser, or flat, in some red on the outside only, in others quite thorough out, in some white, and very sharpe and strong, in others milder, and more pleasant, and some so pleasant that they may be eaten as an Apple: All these kinds of Onions, contrary to the nature of all other bulbous rootes, haue no off-set, or other roote growing to it, but are euery one alone single by themselues; and therefore it seemeth, the Latines, as Columella recordeth, haue giuen it the name Vnio, and the French it should seeme following the Latine, and the English the French, do call it Oignon and Onion, as an vnite, or as if they were but one and one, and dye euery yeare after seed bearing.

The red flat kinde is most vsually with vs the strongest of them all, yet I haue had a great red Onion brought mee from beyond Sea, that was as great almost as two mens fistes, flat and red quite thoroughout, and very pleasant both to smell vnto, and to eate, but did quickly degenerate; so that we plainly see, that the soyle and climate doth giue great alteration to plants of all sorts.

The long kinde wee call St. Omers Onions, and corruptly among the vulgar, St. Thomas Onions.

The other red kinde we call Strasborough Onions, whose outside onely is red, and are very sharpe and fierce.

The white Onions both long and flat, are like vnto Chalke-stones lying vpon the ground, when they are ripe and fit to be gathered.

And lastly, there is the Spanish Onion, both long and flat, very sweete, and eaten by many like an apple, but as Iohn Tradescante saith, who hath beene in Spaine, that the Spaniards themselues doe not eate them so familiarly, as they doe those white Onions that come out of our owne Countrey, which they haue there more plentifully then their sweete Onions.

The Vse of Onions.

Onions are vsed many wayes, as sliced and put into pottage, or boyled and peeled and layde in dishes for sallets at supper, or sliced and put into water, for a sawce for mutton or oysters, or into meate roasted being stuffed with Parsly, and so many waies that I cannot recount them, euery one pleasing themselues, according to their order, manner or delight.

Onions boyled or rosted vnder the embers, and mixed with sugar and butter, are good for those that are troubled with coughes, shortnesse of breath, and wheesing. An Onion made hollow at the bottome, and some good Treakle put into it, with a little iuyce of Citrons (or Lemons in the stead thereof) being well baked together vnder the embers, after the hole is stopped againe, and then strained forth, and giuen to one that hath the plague, is very helpefull, so as hee be laid to sweate vpon it.

The iuice of Onions is much vsed to be applyed to any burnings with fire, or with Gun-pouder, or to any scaldings with water or oyle, and is most familiar for the Country, where vpon such sudden occasions they haue not a more fit or speedy remedie at hand: The strong smell of Onions, and so also of Garlicke and Leekes, is quite taken away from offending the head or eyes, by the eating of Parsley leaues after them.

CHAP. XLIIII.

Porrum. Leekes.

There be likewise sundry sorts of Leekes, both great and small. Leekes are very like vnto Onions, hauing long green hollow-like leaues, flattish on the one side, and with a ridge or crest on the backe side: if they bee suffered to grow vncut, then in the second or third yeare after the sowing, they will send forth a round and slender stalke, euen quite throughout, and not swollen or bigger in the middle like the Onion, bearing at the toppe a head of purplish flowers, and blacke seede after them, very like vnto Onion seede, that it is hard to distinguish them: the root is long and white, with a great bush of fibres hanging at it, which they call the beards.

The vnset Leeke hath longer and slenderer roots then the other, which being transplanted, groweth thicker and greater.

The French Leeke, which is called the Vine Leeke, is the best of all others.

Our common kinde is of two sorts, one greater then another.

Another sort encreaseth altogether by the roote, as Garlicke doth.

And then Ciues, which are the smallest, and encrease aboundantly only by the root.

Some doe account Scalions to be rather a kinde of Onions then Leekes, and call them Cepa Ascalonica, or Ascalonitides, which will quickly spend it selfe, if it be suffered to be vncut; but all Authors affirme, that there is no wilde kinde of Onion, vnlesse they would haue it to be Gethyum, whereof Theophrastus maketh mention, saying, that it hath a long necke (and so these Scalions haue) and was also of some called Gethyllides, which antiquity accounted to be dedicated to Latona, the mother of Apollo, because when she was bigge with childe of Apollo, she longed for these Leekes.

The Vse of Leekes.

The old World, as wee finde in Scripture, in the time of the children of Israels being in Egypt, and no doubt long before, fed much vpon Leekes, Onions, and Garlicke boyled with flesh; and the antiquity of the Gentiles relate the same manner of feeding on them, to be in all Countries the like, which howsoeuer our dainty age now refuseth wholly, in all sorts except the poorest; yet Muscouia and Russia vse them, and the Turkes to this day, (as Bellonius writeth) obserue to haue them among their dishes at their tables, yea although they be Bashas, Cades, or Vaiuodas, that is to say, Lords, Iudges, or Gouernours of countries and places. They are vsed with vs also sometimes in Lent to make pottage, and is a great and generall feeding in Wales with the vulgar Gentlemen.

Ciues are vsed as well to be shred among other herbes for the pot, as to be put into a Sallet among other herbs, to giue it a quicker relish.

Leekes are held to free the chest and lungs from much corruption and rotten flegme, that sticketh fast therein, and hard to be auoided, as also for them that through hoarsenesse haue lost their voice, if they be eyther taken rawe, or boyled with broth of barley, or some such other supping, fit and conducing thereunto. And baked vnder hot embers is a remedy against a surfeit of Mushromes.

The greene blades of Leekes being boyled and applyed warme to the Hemorrhoides or piles, when they are swolne and painfull, giue a great deale of ease.

CHAP. XLV.

Allium. Garlicke.

I Haue spoken of diuers sorts of Garlicke called Moly, in the former booke: I shall neede in this place to shew onely those kindes, that this Garden nourseth vp, and leaue the rest to his fit time and place.

Garlicke hath many long greene leaues, like vnto Onions, but much larger, and not hollow at all as Onions are; the stalke riseth vp to be about three foote high, bearing such a head at the toppe thereof as Onions and Leekes doe, with purplish flowers, and blacke seede like Leekes: the roote is white within, couered ouer with many purplish skins, and is diuided into many parts or cloues, which serue both to set againe for increase, and also to vse as neede shall require, and is of a very strong smell and taste, as euery one knoweth, passing either Onions or Leekes, but exceeding wholsome withall for them that can take it.

Allium Vrsinum. Ramsons.

Ramsons are another kinde of Garlicke, and hath two or three faire broade leaues, of a fresh or light greene colour, pointed at the end: the stalke groweth about an hand length high, bearing many small and pure white starre-like flowers at the toppe, and afterwards small, blacke, and smooth round seede: the roote is also diuided into many parts, whereby it is much encreased, and is much milder then the former, both in smell and taste.

The Vse of Garlicke.

It being well boyled in salt broth, is often eaten of them that haue strong stomackes, but will not brooke in a weake and tender stomacke.

It is accounted, and so called in diuers Countries, The poore mans Treakle, that is, a remedy for all diseases. It is neuer eaten rawe of any man that I know, as other of the rootes aforesaid, but sodden alwaies and so taken.

Ramsons are oftentimes eaten with bread and butter, and otherwise also, as euery mans affection and course of life leadeth him to vse.

CHAP. XLVI.

Rapunculus siue Rapuntium. Rampions.

Garden Rampions are of two sorts, the one greater, the other lesser: the leaues of Rampions are in the one somewhat broad like a Beete, in the other somewhat long and narrow, and a little broader at the end, of a light greene colour, lying flat vpon the ground all the first winter, or yeare of the springing, and the next Spring shooteth forth stalkes two or three foote high, bearing at the toppe, in the bigger sort, a long slender spike of small horned or crooked flowers, which open their brimmes into foure leaues; in the lesser many small purplish bels, standing vpon seuerall small foote-stalkes, which turne into heads, bearing small blackish seede: the root is white, branched into two or three rootes, of the bignesse and length of a mans finger or thumbe.

The Vse of Rampions.

The rootes of both are vsed for Sallets, being boyled, and then eaten with oyle and vinegar, a little salt and pepper.

CHAP. XLVII.

Tragopogon. Goates beard.

Goates beard hath many long and narrow leaues, broader at the bottome, and sharper at the end, with a ridge downe the backe of the leafe, and of a pale greene colour; among which riseth vp a stalke of two or three foote high, smooth and hollow, bearing thereon many such like leaues, but smaller and shorter, and at the toppe thereof on euery branch a great double yellow flower, like almost vnto the flower of a Dandelion, which turneth into a head, stored with doune, and long whitish seede therein, hauing on the head of euery one some part of the doune, and is carried away with the winde if it bee neglected: the roote is long and round, somewhat like vnto a Parsnep, but farre smaller, blackish on the outside, and white within, yeelding a milkie iuyce being broken, as all the rest of the plant doth, and of a very good and pleasant taste. This kinde, as also another with narrower leaues, almost like grasse, growe wilde abroad in many places, but are brought into diuers Gardens. The other two kindes formerly described in the first part, the one with a purple flower, and the other with an ash-coloured, haue such rootes as these here described, and may serue also to the same purpose, being of equall goodnesse, if any will vse them in the same manner; that is, while they are young, and of the first yeares sowing, else they all growe hard, in running vp to seede.

The Vse of Goates beard.

If the rootes of any of these kindes being young, be boyled and dressed as a Parsnep, they make a pleasant dish of meate, farre passing the Parsnep in many mens iudgements, and that with yellow flowers to be the best.

They are of excellent vse being in this manner prepared, or after any other fit and conuenient way, to strengthen those that are macilent, or growing into any consumption.

CHAP. XLVIII.

Carum. Carawayes.

Carawayes hath many very fine cut and diuided leaues lying on the ground, being alwaies greene, somewhat resembling the leaues of Carrots, but thinner, and more finely cut, of a quicke, hot, and spicie taste: the stalke riseth not much higher then the Carrot stalke, bearing some leaues at the ioynts along the stalke to the toppe, where it brancheth into three or foure parts, bearing spoakie vmbels of white flowers, which turne into small blackish seede, smaller then Aniseede, and of a hotter and quicker taste: the roote is whitish, like vnto a Parsnep, but much smaller, more spreading vnder ground, and a little quicke in taste, as all the rest of the plant is, and abideth long after it hath giuen seede.

The Vse of Carawayes.

The rootes of Carawayes being boyled may be eaten as Carrots, and by reason of the spicie taste doth warme and comfort a cold weake stomacke, helping to dissolue winde (whereas Carrots engender it) and to prouoke vrine, and is a very welcome and delightfull dish to a great many, yet they are somewhat stronger in taste then Parsneps.

The seede is much vsed to bee put among baked fruit, or into bread, cakes, &c. to giue them a rellish, and to helpe to digest winde in them are subiect thereunto.

It is also made into Comfits, and put into Trageas, or as we call them in English, Dredges, that are taken for the cold and winde in the body, as also are serued to the table with fruit.

CHAP. XLIX.

Pappas siue Battatas. Potatoes.

Three sorts of Potatoes are well knowne vnto vs, but the fourth I rest doubtfull of, and dare not affirme it vpon such termes as are giuen vnto it, vntill I may be better informed by mine owne sight.

The Spanish kinde hath (in the Islands where they growe, either naturally, or planted for increase, profit, and vse of the Spaniards that nourse them) many firme and verie sweete rootes, like in shape and forme vnto Asphodill rootes, but much greater and longer, of a pale browne on the outside, and white within, set together at one head; from whence rise vp many long branches, which by reason of their weight and weaknesse, cannot stand of themselues, but traile on the ground a yard and a halfe in length at the least (I relate it, as it hath growne with vs, but in what other forme, for flower or fruit, we know not) whereon are set at seuerall distances, broad and in a manner three square leaues, somewhat like triangled Iuie leaues, of a darke greene colour, the two sides whereof are broad and round, and the middle pointed at the end, standing reasonable close together: thus much we haue seene growe with vs, and no more: the roote rather decaying then increasing in our country.

The Potatoes of Virginia, (Bauhinus vpon Matthiolus calleth it, Solanum tuberosum esculentum which some foolishly call the Apples of youth) is another kinde of plant, differing much from the former, sauing in the colour and taste of the roote, hauing many weake and somewhat flexible branches, leaning a little downwards, or easily borne downe with the winde or other thing, beset with many winged leaues, of a darke grayish greene colour, whereof diuers are smaller, and some greater then others: the flowers growe many together vpon a long stalke, comming forth from betweene the leaues and the great stalkes, euery one seuerally vpon a short foot-stalke, somewhat like the flower of Tabacco for the forme, being one whole leafe six cornered at the brimmes, but somewhat larger, and of a pale blewish purple colour, or pale doue colour, and some almost white, with some red threads in the middle, standing about a thicke gold yellow pointell, tipped with greene at the end: after the flowers are past, there come vp in their places small round fruit, as bigge as a Damson or Bulleis, greene at the first, and somewhat whitish afterwards, with many white seedes therein, like vnto Nightshade: the rootes are rounder and much smaller then the former, and some much greater then others, dispersed vnder ground by many small threads or strings from the rootes, of the same light browne colour on the outside, and white within, as they, and neare of the same taste, but not altogether so pleasant.

The Potatos of Canada, (which hath diuers names giuen it by diuers men, as Pelleterius of Middleborough in his Plantarum Synonimia, calleth it Heliotropium Indicum tuberosum, Fabius Columna in the second part of his Phytobasanos, Flos Solis Farnesianus, siue Aster Peruanus tuberosus: We in England, from some ignorant and idle head, haue called them Artichokes of Ierusalem, only because the roote, being boyled, is in taste like the bottome of an Artichoke head: but they may most fitly be called, Potatos of Canada, because their rootes are in forme, colour and taste, like vnto the Potatos of Virginia, but greater, and the French brought them first from Canada into these parts) riseth vp with diuers stiffe, round stalkes, eight or tenne foote high in our Country, where they haue scarce shewed their flowers, whereas the very head of flowers in other Countries, as Fabius Columna expresseth it, being of a Pyramis or Sugar loafe fashion, broade spreading below, and smaller pointed vpwards towards the toppe, is neere of the same length, whereon are set large and broade rough greene leaues, very like vnto the leaues of the flower of the Sunne, but smaller, yet growing in the very same manner, round about the stalkes: at the very later end of Summer, or the beginning of Autumne, if the roote bee well planted and defended, it will giue a shew of a few small yellow flowers at the top, like vnto the flowers of Aster or Starre-worte, and much smaller then any flower of the Sunne, which come to no perfection with vs: the roote, while the plant is growing aboue ground, encreaseth not to his full growth, but when the Summer is well spent, and the springing of the stalk is past, which is about the end of August, or in September, then the root is perceiued to be encreased in the earth, and will before Autumne be spent, that is, in October, swell like a mound or hillocke, round about the foote of the stalkes, and will not haue his rootes fit to be taken vp, vntill the stalkes be halfe withered at the soonest; but after they be withered, and so all the winter long vntill the Spring againe, they are good, and fit to bee taken vp and vsed, which are a number of tuberous round rootes, growing close together; so that it hath beene obserued, that from one roote, being set in the Spring, there hath been forty or more taken vp againe, and to haue ouer-filled a pecke measure, and are of a pleasant good taste as many haue tryed.

The Vse of all these Potato’s.

The Spanish Potato’s are roasted vnder the embers, and being pared or peeled and sliced, are put into sacke with a little sugar, or without, and is delicate to be eaten.

They are vsed to be baked with Marrow, Sugar, Spice, and other things in Pyes, which are a daintie and costly dish for the table.

The Comfit-makers preserue them, and candy them as diuers other things, and so ordered, is very delicate, fit to accompany such other banquetting dishes.

The Virginia Potato’s being dressed after all these waies before specified, maketh almost as delicate meate as the former.

The Potato’s of Canada are by reason of their great increasing, growne to be so common here with vs at London, that euen the most vulgar begin to despise them, whereas when they were first receiued among vs, they were dainties for a Queene.

Being put into seething water they are soone boyled tender, which after they bee peeled, sliced and stewed with butter, and a little wine, was a dish for a Queene, beeing as pleasant as the bottome of an Artichoke: but the too frequent vse, especially being so plentifull and cheape, hath rather bred a loathing then a liking of them.

CHAP. L.

Cinara. Artichokes.

The fruits that grow vpon or neere the ground, are next to be entreated of, and first of Artichokes, whereof there be diuers kindes, some accounted tame and of the Garden, others wilde and of late planted in Gardens, Orchards or Fieldes, of purpose to be meate for men.

The Artichoke hath diuers great, large, and long hollowed leaues, much cut in or torne on both edges, without any great shew of prickles on them, of a kinde of whitish greene, like vnto an ash colour, whereof it tooke the Latin name Cinara: the stalke is strong, thicke and round, with some skins as it were downe all the length of them, bearing at the toppe one scaly head, made at the first like a Pine-apple, but after growing greater, the scales are more separate, yet in the best kindes lying close, and not flaring, as some other kindes doe, which are eyther of a reddish browne, whitish, or greenish colour, and in some broade at the ends, in others sharpe or prickly: after the head hath stoode a great while, if it bee suffered, and the Summer proue hot and kindly, in some there will breake forth at the toppe thereof, a tuft of blewish purple thrumes or threds, vnder which grow the seede, wrapped in a great deale of dounie substance: but that roote that yeeldeth flowers will hardly abide the next winter; but else being cut off when it is well growne, that dounie matter abideth close in the middle of the head, hauing the bottome thereof flat and round, which is that matter or substance that is vsed to be eaten: the roote spreadeth it selfe in the ground reasonable well, yeelding diuers heads of leaues or suckers, whereby it is increased.

The white Artichoke is in all things like the red, but that the head is of a whitish ashe colour, like the leaues, whereas the former is reddish.

We haue also another, whose head is greene, and very sharpe vpwards, and is common in many places.

Wee haue had also another kinde in former times that grew as high as any man, and branched into diuers stalkes, euery one bearing a head thereon, almost as bigge as the first.

There is another kinde, called the Muske Artichoke, which groweth like the French kinde, but is much better in spending, although it haue a lesser bottome.

The French Artichoke hath a white head, the scales whereof stand staring far asunder one from another at the ends, which are sharpe: this is well known by this qualitie, that while it is hot after it is boyled, it smelleth so strong, that one would verily thinke it had bin boyled in stinking water, which was brought ouer after a great froste that had well nigh consumed our best kindes, and are now almost cleane cast out again, none being willing to haue it take vp the roome of better.

There is a lowe kinde that groweth much about Paris, which the French esteeme more then any other, and is lower then the former French kinde, the head whereof as well as the leaues, is of a fresher greene colour, almost yellowish.

Then there is the Thistle Artichoke, which is almost a wilde kinde, and groweth smaller, with a more open and prickly head then any of the former.

And lastly, the Chardon as they call it, because it is almost of the forme and nature of a Thistle, or wilde Artichoke. This groweth high, and full of sharpe prickles, of a grayish colour. Iohn Tradescante assured mee, hee saw three acres of Land about Brussels planted with this kinde, which the owner whited like Endiue, and then sold them in the winter: Wee cannot yet finde the true manner of dressing them, that our Countrey may take delight therein.

All these kindes are encreased by slipping the young shootes from the root, which being replanted in February, March, or Aprill, haue the same yeare many times, but the next at the most, borne good heads.

Wee finde by dayly experience, that our English red Artichoke is in our Countrey the most delicate meate of any of the other, and therefore diuers thinking it to bee a seuerall kinde, haue sent them into Italie, France, and the Lowe Countries, where they haue not abode in their goodnesse aboue two yeare, but that they haue degenerated; so that it seemeth, that our soyle and climate hath the preheminence to nourish vp this plant to his highest excellencie.

The Vse of Artichokes.

The manner of preparing them for the Table is well knowne to the youngest Housewife I thinke, to bee boyled in faire water, and a little salt, vntill they bee tender, and afterwardes a little vinegar and pepper, put to the butter, poured vpon them for the sawce, and so are serued to the Table.

They vse likewise to take the boyled bottomes to make Pyes, which is a delicate kinde of baked meate.

The Chardon is eaten rawe of diuers, with vinegar and oyle, pepper and salt, all of them, or some, as euery one liketh for their delight.

CHAP. LI.

Fabæ & Phaseoli. Garden and French Beanes.

The Garden Beane is of two colours, red or blacke, and white, yet both rise from one; the small or fielde Beanes I make no mention of in this place; but the French or Kidney Beane is almost of infinite sorts and colours: we doe not for all that intend to trouble you in this place, with the knowledge or relation of any more then is fit for a Garden of that nature, that I haue propounded it in the beginning.

Our ordinary Beanes, seruing for foode for the poorer sort for the most part, are planted as well in fieldes as in gardens, because the quantity of them that are spent taketh vp many acres of land to be planted in, and rise vp with one, two or three stalks, according to the fertilitie of the soyle, being smooth and square, higher then any man oftentimes, whereon are set at certaine distances, from the very bottome almost to the toppe, two long smooth fleshy and thicke leaues almost round, one standing by another at the end of a small footestalke: betweene these leaues and the stalke, come forth diuers flowers, all of them looking one way for the most part, which are close a little turned vp at the brimmes, white and spotted with a blackish spot in the middle of them, and somewhat purplish at the foot or bottome, of the forme almost of Broome or Pease flowers, many of which that grow vpward toward the toppe, doe seldome beare fruit, and therefore are gathered to distill, and the toppes of the stalkes cut off, to cause the rest to thriue the better; after which grow vp long great smooth greene pods, greater then in any other kinde of Pulse, which grow blacke when they are ripe, and containe within them two, three or foure Beanes, which are somewhat flat and round, eyther white or reddish, which being full ripe grow blackish: the roote hath diuers fibres annexed vnto the maine roote, which dyeth euery yeare.

The French or Kidney Beane riseth vp at the first but with one stalke, which afterwards diuideth it selfe into many armes or branches, euery one of them being so weak, that without they be sustained with stickes or poles, whereon with their winding and claspers they take hold, they would lye fruitlesse vpon the ground: vpon these branches grow forth at seuerall places long footestalkes, with euery of them three broade, round and pointed greene leaues at the end of them, towards the tops whereof come forth diuers flowers, made like vnto Pease blossomes, of the same colour for the most part that the fruit will be of, that is to say, eyther white, or yellow, or red, or blackish, or of a deepe purple &c. but white is most vsuall for our Garden; after which come long and slender flat pods, some crooked, and some straight, with a string as it were running downe the backe thereof, wherein are contained flattish round fruit, made to the fashion of a kidney: the roote is long, and spreadeth with many fibres annexed vnto it, perishing euery yeare.

The Vse of these Beanes.

The Garden Beanes serue (as I said before) more for the vse of the poore then of the rich: I shall therefore only shew you the order the poore take with them, and leaue curiosity to them that will bestow time vpon them. They are only boyled in faire water and a little salt, and afterwards stewed with some butter, a little vinegar and pepper being put vnto them, and so eaten: or else eaten alone after they are boyled without any other sawce. The water of the blossomes distilled, is vsed to take away spots, and to cleer the skin. The water of the greene huskes or cods is good for the stone.

The Kidney Beanes boyled in water huske and all, onely the ends cut off, and the string taken away, and stewed with butter &c. are esteemed more sauory meate to many mens pallates, then the former, and are a dish more oftentimes at rich mens Tables then at the poore.

CHAP. LII.

Pisum. Pease.

There is a very great variety of manured Pease known to vs, and I think more in our Country then in others, whereof some prosper better in one ground and country, and some in others: I shall giue you the description of one alone for all the rest, and recite vnto you the names of the rest.

Garden Pease are for the most part the greatest and sweetest kinds, and are sustained with stakes or bushes. The Field Pease are not so vsed, but growe without any such adoe. They spring vp with long, weake, hollow, and brittle (while they are young and greene) whitish greene stalkes, branched into diuers parts, and at euery ioynt where it parteth one broad round leafe compassing the stalke about, so that it commeth as it were thorough it: the leaues are winged, made of diuers small leaues set to a middle ribbe, of a whitish greene colour, with claspers at the ends of the leaues, whereby it taketh hold of whatsoeuer standeth next vnto it: betweene the leaues and the stalkes come forth the flowers, standing two or three together, euery one by it selfe on his owne seuerall stalke, which are either wholly white, or purple, or mixed white and purple, or purple and blew: the fruit are long, and somewhat round cods, whereof some are greater, others lesser, some thicke and short, some plaine and smooth, others a little crooked at the ends; wherein also are contained diuers formes of fruit or pease; some being round, others cornered, some small, some great, some white, others gray, and some spotted: the roote is small, and quickly perisheth.

The kindes of Pease are these:

The Rounciuall.

The greene Hasting.

The Sugar Pease.

The spotted Pease.

The gray Pease.

The white Hasting.

The Pease without skins.

The Scottish or tufted Pease, which some call the Rose Pease, is a good white Pease fit to be eaten.

The early or French Pease, which some call Fulham Pease, because those grounds thereabouts doe bring them soonest forward for any quantity, although sometimes they miscarry by their haste and earlinesse.

Cicer Arietinum. Rams Ciches.

This is a kinde of Pulse, so much vsed in Spaine, that it is vsually one of their daintie dishes at all their feasts: They are of two sorts, white and red; the white is onely vsed for meate, the other for medicine. It beareth many vpright branches with winged leaues, many set together, being small, almost round, and dented about the edges: the flowers are either white or purple, according to the colour of the Pease which follow, and are somewhat round at the head, but cornered and pointed at the end, one or two at the most in a small roundish cod.

The Vse of Pease.

Pease of all or the most of these sorts, are either vsed when they are greene, and be a dish of meate for the table of the rich as well as the poore, yet euery one obseruing his time, and the kinde: the fairest, sweetest, youngest, and earliest for the better sort, the later and meaner kindes for the meaner, who doe not giue the deerest price: Or

Being dry, they serue to boyle into a kinde of broth or pottage, wherein many doe put Tyme, Mints, Sauory, or some other such hot herbes, to giue it the better rellish, and is much vsed in Towne and Countrey in the Lent time, especially of the poorer sort of people.

It is much vsed likewise at Sea for them that goe long voyages, and is for change, because it is fresh, a welcome diet to most persons therein.

The Rams Ciches the Spaniards call Grauancos, and Garauancillos, and eate them boyled and stewed as the most, dainty kinde of Pease that are, they are of a very good rellish, and doe nourish much; but yet are not without that windy quality that all sorts of Pulse are subiect vnto: they increase bodily lust much more then any other sorts, and as it is thought, doth helpe to encrease seede.

CHAP. LIII.

Cucumer. The Cowcumber.

Of Cowcumbers there are diuers sorts, differing chiefly in the forme and colour of the fruit, and not in the forme of the plant; therefore one description shall serue in stead of all the rest.

The Cowcumber bringeth forth many trailing rough greene branches lying on the ground, all along whereof growe seuerall leaues, which are rough, broad, vneuen at the edges, and pointed at the ends, with long crooked tendrils comming forth at the same ioynt with the leafe, but on the other side thereof: between the stalks & the leaues at the ioynts come forth the flowers seuerally, euery one standing on a short foot-stalke, opening it selfe into fiue leaues, of a yellowish colour, at the bottome whereof groweth the fruit, long and greene at the first, but when it is thorough ripe, a little yellowish, hauing many furrowes, and vneuen bunches all the length of it, wherein is a white firme substance next vnto the skin, and a cleare pulpe or watery substance, with white flat seede lying dispersed through it: the roote is long and white, with diuers fibres at it.

The kindes.

The first described is called, The long greene Cowcumber.

There is another is called, The short Cowcumber, being short, and of an equall bignesse in the body thereof, and of an vnequall bignesse at both ends.

The long Yellow, which is yellowish from the beginning, and more yellow when it is ripe, and hath beene measured to be thirteene inches long: but this is not that small long Cowcumber, called of the Latines, Cucumis anguinus.

Another kinde is early ripe, called The French kinde.

The Dantsicke kinde beareth but small fruit, growing on short branches or runners: the pickled Cowcumbers that are vsually sold are of this kind.

The Muscouie kinde is the smallest of all other, yet knowne, and beareth not aboue foure or fiue at the most on a roote, which are no bigger then small Lemons.

The Vse of Cowcumbers.

Some vse to cast a little salt on their sliced Cowcumbers, and let them stand halfe an houre or more in a dish, and then poure away the water that commeth from them by the salt, and after put vinegar, oyle, &c. thereon, as euery one liketh: this is done, to take away the ouermuch waterishnesse and coldnesse of the Cowcumbers.

In many countries they vse to eate Cowcumbers as wee doe Apples or Peares, paring and giuing slices of them, as we would to our friends of some dainty Apple or Peare.

The pickled Cowcumbers that come from beyond Sea, are much vsed with vs for sawce to meate all the Winter long. Some haue striuen to equall them, by pickling vp our Cowcumbers at the later end of the yeare, when they are cheapest, taking the little ones and scalding them thoroughly well, which after they put in brine, with some Dill or Fenell leaues and stalkes: but these are nothing comparable to the former, wee either missing of the right and orderly pickling of them, or the kinde it selfe differing much from ours (as I said of the Dantsicke kinde) for ours are neither so tender and firme, nor so sauoury as the other.

The rawe or greene Cowcumbers are fittest for the hotter time of the yeare, and for hot stomackes, and not to be vsed in colder weather or cold stomackes, by reason of the coldnesse, whereby many haue been ouertaken.

The seede is vsed physically in many medicines that serue to coole, and a little to make the passages of vrine slippery, and to giue ease to hot diseases.

CHAP. LIIII.

Melo. Milions or Muske Melons.

There bee diuers sorts of Melons found out at this day, differing much in the goodnesse of taste one from another. This Countrey hath not had vntill of late yeares the skill to nourse them vp kindly, but now there are many that are so well experienced therein, and haue their ground so well prepared, as that they will not misse any yeare, if it be not too extreme vnkindly, to haue many ripe ones in a reasonable time: yet some will be later then others alwayes.

The Melon is certainly a kinde of Cowcumber, it doth so neere resemble it, both in the manner of his growing, hauing rough trailing branches, rough vneuen leaues, and yellow flowers: after which come the fruit, which is rounder, thicker, bigger, more rugged, and spotted on the outside then the Cowcumber, of a russet colour, and greene vnderneath, which when it groweth full ripe, will change a little yellowish, being as deepe furrowed and ribbed as they, and besides hauing chaps or rifts in diuers places of the rinde: the inward hard substance is yellow, which onely is eaten: the seede which is bigger, and a little yellower then the Cowcumber, lying in the middle onely among the moister pulpe: the smell and changing of his colour, fore-shew their ripenesse to them that are experienced: the roote is long, with many fibres at it. The fruit requireth much watering in the hot time of the day, to cause them to ripen the sooner, as I haue obserued by diuers of the best skill therein.

The Vse of the kindes of Melons.

The best Melon seede doe come to vs out of Spaine, some haue come out of Turkie, but they haue been nothing so good and kindly.

Some are called Sugar Melons, others Peare Melons, and others Muske Melons.

They haue beene formerly only eaten by great personages, because the fruit was not only delicate but rare; and therefore diuers were brought from France, and since were noursed vp by the Kings or Noblemens Gardiners onely, to serue for their Masters delight: but now diuers others that haue skill and conueniencie of ground for them, doe plant them and make them more common.

They paire away the outer rinde, and cut out the inward pulpe where the seede lyeth, slice the yellow firme inward rinde or substance, & so eate it with salt and pepper (and good store of wine, or else it will hardly digest) for this is firmer, & hath not that moisture in it that the Cowcumbers haue. It is also more delicate, and of more worth, which recompenseth the paine.

The seed of these Melons are vsed as Cowcumbers physically, and together with them most vsually.

CHAP. LV.

Pepo. Pompions.

We haue but one kinde of Pompion (as I take it) in all our Gardens, notwithstanding the diuersities of bignesse and colour.

The Pompion or great Melon (or as some call it Milion) creepeth vpon the ground (if nothing bee by it whereon it may take hold and climbe) with very great, ribbed, rough, and prickly branches, whereon are set very large rough leaues, cut in on the edges with deepe gashes, and dented besides, with many claspers also, which winde about euery thing they meete withall: the flowers are great and large, hollow and yellow, diuided at the brims into fiue parts, at the bottome of which, as it is in the rest, groweth the fruit, which is very great, sometimes of the bignesse of a mans body, and oftentimes lesse, in some ribbed or bunched, in others plaine, and either long or round, either greene or yellow, or gray, as Nature listeth to shew her selfe; for it is but waste time, to recite all the formes and colours may be obserued in them: the inner rinde next vnto the outer is yellowish and firme: the seede is great, flat, and white, lying in the middle of the watery pulpe: the roote is of the bignesse of a mans thumbe or greater, dispersed vnder ground with many small fibres ioyned thereunto.

Gourds are kindes of Melons; but because wee haue no vse of them, wee leaue them vnto their fit place.

The Vse of Pompions.

They are boyled in faire water and salt, or in powdered beefe broth, or sometimes in milke, and so eaten, or else buttered; They vse likewise to take out the inner watery substance with the seedes, and fill vp the place with Pippins, and hauing laid on the couer which they cut off from the toppe, to take out the pulpe, they bake them together, and the poore of the Citie, as well as the Country people, doe eate thereof, as of a dainty dish.

The seede hereof, as well as of Cowcumbers and Melons, are cooling, and serue for emulsions in the like manner for Almond milkes, &c. for those are troubled with the stone.

CHAP. LVI.

Fragaria. Strawberries.

There be diuers sorts of Strawberries, whereof those that are noursed vp in Gardens or Orchards I intend to giue you the knowledge in this place, and leaue the other to a fitter; yet I must needs shew you of one of the wilde sorts, which for his strangenesse is worthy of this Garden: And I must also enforme you, that the wilde Strawberry that groweth in the Woods is our Garden Strawberry, but bettered by the soyle and transplanting.

The Strawberry hath his leaues closed together at the first springing vp, which afterwards spread themselues into three diuided parts or leaues, euery one standing vpon a small long foote-stalke, greene on the vpperside, grayish vnderneath, and snipped or dented about the edges; among which rise vp diuers small stalkes, bearing foure or fiue flowers at the tops, consisting of fiue white round pointed leaues, somewhat yellowish in the bottome, with some yellow threads therein; after which come the fruit, made of many small graines set together, like vnto a small Mulberry or Raspis, reddish when it is ripe, and of a pleasant winy taste, wherein is enclosed diuers small blackish seede; the roote is reddish and long, with diuers small threads at it, and sendeth forth from the head thereof long reddish strings running vpon the ground, which shoot forth leaues in many places, whereby it is much encreased.

The white Strawberry differeth not from the red, but in the colour of the fruite, which is whiter then the former when it is thorough ripe, enclining to rednesse.

The greene Strawberry likewise differeth not, but that the fruit is green on all sides when it is ripe, saue on that side the Sun lyeth vpon it, and there it is somewhat red.

The Virginia Strawberry carryeth the greatest leafe of any other, except the Bohemian, but scarce can one Strawberry be seene ripe among a number of plants; I thinke the reason thereof to be the want of skill, or industry to order it aright. For the Bohemia, and all other Strawberries will not beare kindly, if you suffer them to grow with many strings, and therefore they are still cut away.

There is another very like vnto this, that Iohn Tradescante brought with him from Brussels long agoe, and in seuen yeares could neuer see one berry ripe on all sides, but still the better part rotten, although it would euery yeare flower abundantly, and beare very large leaues.

The Bohemia Strawberry hath beene with vs but of late dayes, but is the goodliest and greatest, both for leafe next to the Virginian, and for beauty farre surpassing all; for some of the berries haue beene measured to bee neere fiue inches about. Master Quester the Postmaster first brought them ouer into our Country, as I vnderstand, but I know no man so industrious in the carefull planting and bringing them to perfection in that plentifull maner, as Master Vincent Sion who dwelt on the Banck side, neer the old Paris garden staires, who from seuen rootes, as hee affirmed to me, in one yeare and a halfe, planted halfe an acree of ground with the increase from them, besides those he gaue away to his friends, and with him I haue seene such, and of that bignesse before mentioned.

One Strawberry more I promised to shew you, which although it be a wilde kinde, and of no vse for meate, yet I would not let this discourse passe, without giuing you the knowledge of it. It is in leafe much like vnto the ordinary, but differeth in that the flower, if it haue any, is greene, or rather it beareth a small head of greene leaues, many set thicke together like vnto a double ruffe, in the midst whereof standeth the fruit, which when it is ripe, sheweth to be soft and somewhat reddish, like vnto a Strawberry, but with many small harmlesse prickles on them, which may be eaten and chewed in the mouth without any maner of offence, and is somewhat pleasant like a Strawberry: it is no great bearer, but those it doth beare, are set at the toppes of the stalks close together, pleasant to behold, and fit for a Gentlewoman to weare on her arme, &c. as a raritie instead of a flower.

The Vse of Strawberries.

The leaues of Strawberries are alwaies vsed among other herbes in cooling drinkes, as also in lotions, and gargles for the mouth and throate: the rootes are sometimes added to make it the more effectuall, and withall somwhat the more binding.

The berries themselues are often brought to the Table as a reare seruice, whereunto claret wine, creame or milke is added with sugar, as euery one liketh; as also at other times, both with the better and meaner sort, and are a good cooling and pleasant dish in the hot Summer season.

The water distilled of the berries, is good for the passions of the heart, caused by the perturbation of the spirits, being eyther drunke alone, or in wine; and maketh the heart merry.

Some doe hold that the water helpeth to clense the face from spots, and to adde some cleerenesse to the skinne.

CHAP. LVII.

Angelica. Garden Angelica.

Hauing thus furnished you out a Kitchen Garden with all sorts of herbes, roots & fruits fit for it, and for any mans priuate vse, as I did at the first appropriate it; let me a little transcend, and for the profit & vse of Country Gentlewomen and others, furnish them with some few other herbes, of the most especiall vse for those shall need them, to be planted at hand in their Gardens, to spend as occasion shall serue, and first of Angelica.

Angelica hath great and long winged leaues, made of many broade greene ones, diuided one from another vpon the stalk, which is three foot long or better somtimes, among which rise vp great thicke and hollow stalkes with some few ioynts, whereat doth alwayes stand two long leaues compassing the stalke at the bottome, in some places at the ioynts spring out other stalkes or branches, bearing such like leaues but smaller, and at the tops very large vmbels of white flowers, that turne into whitish seede somewhat thicke: the roote groweth great with many branches at it, but quickly perisheth after it hath borne seede: to preserue the roote therefore the better, they vse to cut it often in the yeare, thereby to hinder the running vp to seede: the whole plant, both leafe, roote and seede, is of an excellent comfortable sent, sauour and taste.

The Vse of Angelica.

The distilled water of Angelica, eyther simple or compound, is of especiall vse in deliquium animi, vel cordis tremores & passiones, that is, swounings, when the spirits are ouercome and faint, or tremblings and passions of the heart, to expell any windy or noysome vapours from it. The green stalkes or the young rootes being preserued or candied, are very effectuall to comfort and warme a colde and weake stomacke: and in the time of infection is of excellent good vse to preserue the spirits and heart from infection. The dryed roote made into pouder, and taken in wine or other drinke, will abate the rage of lust in young persons, as I haue it related vnto me vpon credit: A Syrupe made thereof in this manner, is very profitable to expectorate flegme out of the chest and lunges, and to procure a sweete breath. Into the greene stalke of Angelica as it standeth growing, make a great gashe or incision, wherein put a quantitie of fine white Sugar, letting it there abide for three dayes, and after take it forth by cutting a hole at the next ioynt vnder the cut, where the Syrupe resteth, or cut off the stalke, and turne it downe, that the Syrrupe may drayne forth; which keepe for a most delicate medicine.

CHAP. LVIII.

Dracunculus hortensis siue Serpentaria. Dragons.

Dragons riseth out of the ground with a bare or naked round whitish stalke, spotted very much with purplish spots and strakes, bearing at the toppe therof a few greene leaues very much diuided on all sides, standing vpon long foote-stalkes, in the middle whereof (if the roote be old enough) commeth forth a great long huske or hose, green on the outside, and of a darke purplish colour on the inside, with a slender long reddish pestell or clapper in the middle: the roote is great, round, flat and whitish on the outside, and whiter within, very like vnto the rootes of Arum, or Wakerobin, and tasting somewhat sharpe like it.

The Vse of Dragons.

The chiefe vse whereunto Dragons are applyed, is, that according to an old receiued custome and tradition (and not the iudgement of any learned Author) the distilled water is giuen with Mithridatum or Treakle to expell noysome and pestilentiall vapours from the heart.

CHAP. LIX.

Ruta. Garden Rue, or Herbe Grace.

Garden Rue or Herbe Grace groweth vp with hard whitish wooddy stalkes, whereon are set diuers branches of leaues, being diuided into many small ones, which are somewhat thicke and round pointed, of a blewish greene colour: the flowers stand at the tops of the stalkes consisting of foure small yellow leaues, with a greene button in the middle, and diuers small yellow threds about it, which growing ripe, containe within them small blacke seede: the roote is white and wooddy, spreading farre in the ground.

The Vse of Rue.

The many good properties whereunto Rue serueth, hath I thinke in former times caused the English name of Herbe Grace to be giuen vnto it. For without doubt it is a most wholesome herbe, although bitter and strong, and could our dainty stomackes brooke the vse thereof, it would worke admirable effects being carefully and skilfully applyed, as time and occasion did require: but not vndiscreetly or hand ouer head, as many vse to doe that haue no skill. Some doe rippe vp a beade rowle of the vertues of Rue, as Macer the Poet and others, in whom you shall finde them set downe, to bee good for the head, eyes, breast, liuer, heart, spleene, &c. In some places they vse to boyle the leaues of Rue, and keep them in pickle, to eate them as Sampire for the helpe of weake eyes. It is very auaileable in glisters or drinkes against the winde or the collicke, and to procure vrine that is stayed by the paines therof. The distilled water is often vsed for the same purposes aforesaid: but beware of the too frequent or ouermuch vse thereof, because it heateth exceedingly, and wasteth nature mightily.

CHAP. LX.

Carduus Benedictus. The Blessed Thistle.

Carduus benedictus or the blessed Thistle, hath many weake tender branches lying for the most part on the ground, whereon are set long and narrow leaues, much cut in or waued about the edges, hairy or rough in handling, yet without any hard or sharpe thornes or prickles at all, that the tenderest hand may touch them without harme: but those that grow toward the toppes of the stalkes are somewhat more prickly, and the heads which grow on the tops of the seuerall branches are somewhat sharpe, set with prickles like a Thistle: the flower is yellow, and the seede lying within the woolly or flocky doune like to all other thistles, are blackish, long and round, with a few haires on the head of them: the roote is white, and perisheth euery yeare after it hath giuen seede.

The Vse of the blessed Thistle.

The distilled water hereof is much vsed to be drunke against agues of all sortes, eyther pestilentiall or humorall, of long continuance or of lesse: but the deception of the herbe giuen in due time, hath the more forcible operation: it helpeth to expell wormes, because of the bitternesse, and is thereby also a friend to the stomack ouercharged with chollar, and to clense the liuer: it prouoketh sweate and vrine, is helpefull to them are troubled with the stone, and to ease paines in the sides.

CHAP. LXI.

Solarium vesicarium, siue Alkakengi. Winter Cherries.

The Winter Cherry hath a running or creeping roote in the ground, of the bignesse many times of ones little finger, shooting forth at seuerall ioynts in seuerall places, whereby it quickly spreadeth a great compasse of ground: the stalke riseth not aboue a yard high, whereon are set many broade and long greene leaues, somewhat like vnto the leaues of Nightshade, but larger: at the ioynts whereof come forth whitish flowers made of fiue leaues a peece, which after turne into green berries, inclosed with thin skins or bladders, which change to bee reddish when they grow ripe, the berry likewise being reddish, and as large as a Cherry, wherein are contained many flat and yellowish seed lying within the pulpe: which being gathered and strung vp, are kept all the yeare to be vsed vpon occasion.

The Vse of Winter Cherries.

The distilled water of the herbe and fruit together, is often taken of them that are troubled with the sharpnesse or difficultie of vrine, and with the stone in the kidneyes, or grauel in the bladder: but the berries themselues either greene or dryed boyled eyther in broth, in wine, or in water, is much more effectuall: It is likewise conducing to open obstructions of the liuer, &c. and thereby to helpe the yellow Iaundise.

CHAP. LXII.

Asarum. Asarabacca.

Asarabacca, from a small creeping roote set with many fibres, shooteth forth diuers heads, and from euery of them sundry leaues, euery one standing vpon a long greene stalke, which are round, thicke, and of a very sad or darke greene colour, and shining withall: from the rootes likewise spring vp short stalkes, not fully foure fingers high, at the toppe of euery one of which standeth the flower, in fashion very like the seede vessell of Henbane seede, of a greenish purple colour, which changeth not his forme, but groweth in time to containe therein small cornered seed: the greene leaues abide all the winter many times, but vsually sheddeth them in winter, and recouereth fresh in the spring.

The Vse of Asarabacca.

The leaues are much and often vsed to procure vomits, fiue or seuen of them bruised, and the iuice of them drunke in ale or wine. An extract made of the leaues with wine artificially performed, might bee kept all the yeare thorough, to bee vsed vpon any present occasion, the quantitie to bee proportioned according to the constitution of the patient. The roote worketh not so strongly by vomit, as the leaues, yet is often vsed for the same purpose, and besides is held auaileable to prouoke vrine, to open obstructions in the liuer and spleene, and is put among diuers other simples, both into Mithridatum and Andromachus Treakle, which is vsually called Venice Treakle. A dram of the dryed roots in pouder giuen in white wine a little before the fit of an ague, taketh away the shaking fit, & therby cause the hot fit to be the more remisse, and in twice taking expell it quite.

CHAP. LXIII.

Glycyrrhiza siue Liqueritia. Licorice.

Although there are two sorts of Licorice set downe by diuers Authors, yet because this Land familiarly is acquainted but with one sort, I shall not neede for this Garden, to make any further relation of that is vnknowne, but onely of that sort which is sufficiently frequent with vs. It riseth vp with diuers wooddy stalks, whereon are set at seuerall distances many winged leaues, that is to say, many narrow long greene leaues set together on both sides of the stalke, and an odde one at the end, very well resembling a young Ashe tree sprung vp from the seede: this by many yeares continuance in a place without remouing, and not else, will bring forth flowers many standing together spike-fashion one aboue another vpon the stalkes, of the forme of Pease blossomes, but of a very pale or bleake blew colour, which turne into long somewhat flat and smooth cods, wherein is contained small round harde seede: the roote runneth downe exceeding deep into the ground, with diuers other smaller roots and fibres growing with them, and shoote out suckers from the maine rootes all about, whereby it is much encreased, of a brownish colour on the outside, and yellow within, of a farre more weake sweete taste, yet far more pleasing to vs then that Licorice that is brought vs from beyond Sea; because that, being of a stronger sweet taste hath a bitternesse ioyned with it, which maketh it the lesse pleasing and acceptable to most.

The Vse of Licorice.

Our English Licorice is now adaies of more familiar vse (as I said before) then the outlandish, and is wholly spent and vsed to helpe to digest and expectorate flegme out of the chest and lunges, and doth allay the sharpenesse or saltnesse thereof. It is good also for those are troubled with shortnesse of breath, and for all sorts of coughes. The iuice of Licorice artificially made with Hyssope water, serueth very well for all the purposes aforesaid. It being dissolued with Gum Tragacanth in Rose water, is an excellent Lohoc or licking medicine to breake flegme, and to expectorate it, as also to avoyde thin frothy matter, or thin salt flegme, which often fretteth the lungs. It doth also lenisie exulcerated kidneyes, or the bladder, and helpeth to heale them. It is held also good for those that cannot make their water but by drops, or a small deale at a time.

The dryed root finely minced, is a speciall ingredient into all Trageas or Dredges, seruing for the purposes aforesaid, but the vse of them is almost wholly left now adaies with all sorts.

Thus haue I shewed you not only the herbes, rootes and fruites, noursed vp in this Garden, but such herbes as are of most necessary vses for the Country Gentlewomens houses: And now I will shew you the Orchard also.

THE ORDERING OF THE ORCHARD.

The third part, or ORCHARD.

CHAP. I.

The situation of an Orchard for fruit-bearing trees, and how to amend the defects of many grounds.

As I haue done in the two former parts of this Treatise, so I meane to proceede in this; first to set downe the situation of an Orchard, and then other things in order: And first, I hold that an Orchard which is, or should bee of some reasonable large extent, should be so placed, that the house should haue the Garden of flowers iust before it open vpon the South, and the Kitchen Garden on the one side thereof, should also haue the Orchard on the other side of the Garden of Pleasure, for many good reasons: First, for that the fruit trees being grown great and tall, will be a great shelter from the North and East windes, which may offend your chiefest Garden, and although that your Orchard stand a little bleake vpon the windes, yet trees rather endure these strong bitter blasts, then other smaller and more tender shrubs and herbes can doe. Secondly, if your Orchard should stand behinde your Garden of flowers more Southward, it would shadow too much of the Garden, and besides, would so binde in the North and East, and North and West windes vpon the Garden, that it would spoile many tender things therein, and so much abate the edge of your pleasure thereof, that you would willingly wish to haue no Orchard, rather then that it should so much annoy you by the so ill standing thereof. Thirdly, the falling leaues being still blowne with the winde so aboundantly into the garden, would either spoile many things, or haue one daily and continuall attending thereon, to cleanse and sweepe them away. Or else to auoide these great inconueniences, appoint out an Orchard the farther off, and set a greater distance of ground betweene. For the ground or soile of the Orchard, what I haue spoken concerning the former Garden for the bettering of the seuerall grounds, may very well serue and be applyed to this purpose. But obserue this, that, whereas your Gardens before spoken of may be turned vp, manured, and bettered with soile if they growe out of heart, your Orchard is not so easily done, but must abide many yeares without altering; and therefore if the ground be barren, or not good, it had the more neede to bee amended, or wholly made good, before you make an Orchard of it; yet some there be that doe appoint, that where euery tree should bee set, you onely digge that place to make it good: but you must know, that the rootes of trees runne further after a little times standing, then the first compasse they are set in; and therefore a little compasse of ground can maintaine them but a little while, and that when the rootes are runne beyond that small compasse wherein they were first set, and that they are come to the barren or bad ground, they can thriue no better then if they had beene set in that ground at the first, and if you should afterwards digge beyond that compasse, intending to make the ground better further off, you should much hurt the spreading rootes, and put your trees in danger: the situation of hils in many places is grauelly or chalky, which is not good for trees, because they are both too stonie, and lacke mellow earth, wherein a tree doth most ioy and prosper, and want moisture also (which is the life of all trees) because of the quicke descent of raine to the lower grounds: and besides all these inconueniences there is one more; your trees planted either on hils or hill sides, are more subiect to the fury and force of windes to be ouerturned, then those that growe in the lower grounds; for the strongest and most forcible windes come not vsually out of the North East parts, where you prouide best defence, but from the South and West, whence you looke for the best comfort of the Sunne. To helpe therefore manie of the inconueniences of the hils sides, it were fit to cause manie leauels to bee made thereon, by raising the lower grounds with good earth, and sustaining them with bricke or stone wals, which although chargeable, will counteruaile your cost, beside the pleasure of the walkes, and prospect of so worthy a worke. The plaine or leuell grounds as they are the most frequent, so they are the most commendable for an Orchard, because the moulds or earths are more rich, or may better and sooner be made so; and therefore the profits are the more may be raised from them. A stiffe clay doth nourish trees well, by reason it containeth moisture; but in regard of the coldnesse thereof, it killeth for the most part all tender and early things therein: sea-cole ashes therefore, bucke ashes, streete soyle, chaulke after it hath lyen abroad and been broken with many yeares frosts and raine, and sheepes dung, are the most proper and fittest manure to helpe this kinde of soyle. The dry sandy soile, and grauelly ground are on the contrary side as bad, by reason of too much heate and lacke of moisture: the dung of kine or cattell in good quantity bestowed thereon, will much helpe them. The amending or bettering of other sorts of grounds is set down toward the end of the first Chapter of the first part of this worke, wherevnto I will referre you, not willing to repeate againe the same things there set downe. The best way to auoide and amend the inconueniences of high, boisterous, and cold windes, is to plant Walnut trees, Elmes, Oakes or Ashes, a good distance without the compasse of your Orchard, which after they are growne great, will bee a great safeguard thereunto, by breaking the violence of the windes from it. And if the soyle of your Orchard want moisture, the conueying of the sinke of the house, as also any other draine of water thereinto, if it may be, will much helpe it.

CHAP. II.

The forme of an Orchard, both ordinary, and of more grace and rarity.

According to the situation of mens grounds, so must the plantation of them of necessitie be also; and if the ground be in forme, you shall haue a formall Orchard: if otherwise, it can haue little grace or forme. And indeed in the elder ages there was small care or heede taken for the formality; for euery tree for the most part was planted without order, euen where the master or keeper found a vacant place to plant them in, so that oftentimes the ill placing of trees without sufficient space betweene them, and negligence in not looking to vphold them, procured more waste and spoile of fruit, then any accident of winde or weather could doe. Orchards in most places haue not bricke or stone wals to secure them, because the extent thereof being larger then of a Garden, would require more cost, which euery one cannot vndergoe; and therefore mud wals, or at the best a quicke set hedge, is the ordinary and most vsuall defence it findeth almost in all places: but with those that are of ability to compasse it with bricke or stone wals, the gaining of ground, and profit of the fruit trees planted there against, will in short time recompense that charge. If you make a doubt how to be sure that your Orchard wall shall haue sufficient comfort of the Sunne to ripen the fruits, in regard the trees in the Orchard being so nigh thereunto, and so high withall, will so much shadow the wall, that nothing will ripen well, because it will want the comfort of the Sunne: you may follow this rule and aduice, to remedy those inconueniences. Hauing an Orchard containing one acre of ground, two, three, or more, or lesse, walled about, you may so order it, by leauing a broad and large walke betweene the wall and it, containing twenty or twenty foure foote (or yards if you will) that the wall shall not be hindered of the Sun, but haue sufficient comfort for your trees, notwithstanding the height of them, the distance betweene them and the wall being a sufficient space for their shadow to fall into: and by compassing your Orchard on the inside with a hedge (wherein may bee planted all sorts of low shrubs or bushes, as Roses, Cornellian, Cherry trees plashed lowe, Gooseberries, Curran trees, or the like) you may enclose your walke, and keepe both it and your Orchard in better forme and manner, then if it lay open. For the placing of your trees in this Orchard, first for the wals: Those sides that lye open to the South & Southwest Sunne, are fittest to bee planted with your tenderest and earliest fruits, as Apricockes, Peaches, Nectarius, and May or early Cherries: the East, North and West, for Plums and Quinces, as you shall like best to place them. And for the Orchard it selfe, the ordinary manner is to place them without regard of measure or difference, as Peares among Apples, and Plums among Cherries promiscuously; but some keepe both a distance and a diuision for euery sort, without intermingling: yet the most gracefull Orchard containeth them all, with some others, so as they be placed that one doe not hinder or spoile another; and therefore to describe you the modell of an Orchard, both rare for comelinesse in the proportion, and pleasing for the profitablenesse in the vse, and also durable for continuance, regard this figure is here placed for your direction, where you must obserue, that your trees are here set in such an equall distance one from another euery way, & as is fittest for them, that when they are grown great, the greater branches shall not gall or rubbe one against another; for which purpose twenty or sixteene foot is the least to be allowed for the distance euery way of your trees, & being set in rowes euery one in the middle distance, will be the most gracefull for the plantation, and besides, giue you way sufficient to passe through them, to pruine, loppe, or dresse them, as need shall require, and may also bee brought (if you please) to that gracefull delight, that euery alley or distance may be formed like an arch, the branches of either side meeting to be enterlaced together. Now for the seuerall sorts of fruit trees that you shall place in this modell, your best direction is to set Damsons, Bulleis, and your taler growing Plums on the outside, and your lower Plums, Cherries, and Apples on the inside, hauing regard, that you place no Peare tree to the Sunward, or any other tree, lest it ouershadow them: Let your Peare trees therefore be placed behinde, or on the one side of your lower trees, that they may be as it were a shelter or defence on the North & East side. Thus may you also plant Apples among Plums and Cherries, so as you suffer not one to ouer-growe or ouer-toppe another; for by pruning, lopping, and shredding those that growe too fast for their fellowes, you may still keepe your trees in such a conformity, as may be both most comely for the sight, and most profitable for the yeelding of greater and better store of fruit. Other sorts of fruit trees you may mixe among these, if you please, as Filberds, Cornellian Cherries in standerds, and Medlers: but Seruice trees, Baye trees, and others of that high sort, must be set to guard the rest. Thus haue I giuen you the fairest forme could as yet be deuised; and from this patterne, if you doe not follow it precisely, yet by it you may proportion your Orchard, be it large or little, be it walled or hedged.

CHAP. III.

Of a noursery for trees, both from sowing the kernels, and planting fit stockes to graft vpon.

Although I know the greater sort (I meane the Nobility and better part of the Gentrie of this Land) doe not intend to keepe a Nursery, to raise vp those trees that they meane to plant their wals or Orchards withall, but to buy them already grafted to their hands of them that make their liuing of it: yet because many Gentlemen and others are much delighted to bestowe their paines in grafting themselues, and esteeme their owne labours and handie worke farre aboue other mens: for their incouragement and satisfaction, I will here set downe some conuenient directions, to enable them to raise an Orchard of all sorts of fruits quickly, both by sowing the kernels or stones of fruit, and by making choise of the best sorts of stockes to graft on: First therefore to begin with Cherries; If you will make a Nursery, wherein you may bee stored with plenty of stockes in a little space, take what quantitie you thinke good of ordinarie wilde blacke Cherrie stones, cleansed from the berries, and sowe them, or pricke them in one by one on a peece of ground well turned vp, and large enough for the quantitie of stones you will bestowe thereon, from the midst of August vnto the end of September, which when they are two or three yeares old, according to their growth, you may remoue them, and set them anew in some orderly rowes, hauing pruned their tops and their rootes, which at the next yeares growth after the new planting in any good ground, or at the second, will be of sufficient bignesse to graft vpon in the bud what sorts of Cherries you thinke best: and it is fittest to graft them thus young, that pruning your stockes to raise them high, you may graft them at fiue or six foote high, or higher, or lower, as you shall see good, and being thus grafted in the bud, will both more speedily and safely bring forward your grafts, and with lesse danger of losing your stockes, then by grafting them in the stocke: for if the bud take not by inoculating the first yeare, yet your tree is not lost, nor put in any hazzard of losse; but may be grafted anew the yeare following, if you will, in an other place thereof, whereas if you graft in the stocke, and it doe not take, it is a great chance if the stocke dye not wholly, or at least be not so weakened both in strength and height, that it will not bee fit to bee grafted a yeare or two after. In the same manner as you doe with the blacke, you may deale with the ordinary English red Cherrie stones, or kernels, but they are not so apt to growe so straight and high, nor in so short a time as the blacke Cherrie stones are, and besides are subiect in time to bring out suckers from the rootes, to the hinderance of the stockes and grafts, or at the least to the deformitie of your Orchard, and more trouble to the Gardiner, to pull or digge them away. Plumme stones may bee ordered in this manner likewise, but you must make choise of your Plums; for although euery Plumme is not so fit for this purpose, as the white Peare Plumme, because it groweth the goalest and freest, the barke being smooth and aptest to be raised, that they may be grafted vpon; yet diuers other Plummes may be taken, if they be not at hand, or to be had, as the blacke and red Peare Plumme, the white and red Wheate Plumme, because they are nearest in goodnesse vnto it. Peach stones will be soone raised vp to graft other sorts of Peaches or Nectorins vpon, but the nature of the Peach roote being spongie, is not to abide long. As for Almonds, they will be raised from their stones to be trees of themselues; but they will hardly abide the remouing, and lesse to bee grafted vpon. Apricocke stones are the worst to deale withall of any sort of stone fruit; for although the Apricocke branches are the fittest stockes to graft Nectorins of the best sorts vpon, yet those that are raised from the kernels or stones will neuer thriue to be brought on for this purpose; but will starue and dye, or hardly grow in a long time to be a straight and fit stocke to be grafted, if it be once remoued. Your Cornellian Cherrie trees are wholly, or for the most part raised from the stones or kernels; yet I know diuers doe increase them, by laying in their lowest branches to take roote: and thus much for stone fruits. Now for Apples and Peares, to be dealt withall in the same manner as aforesaid. They vse to take the pressing of Crabs whereas Veriuyce is made, as also of Cidar and Perry where they are made, and sowing them, doe raise vp great store of stockes; for although the beating of the fruit doth spoile many kernels, yet there will bee enough left that were neuer toucht, and that will spring: the Crabbe stockes some preferre for the fittest, but I am sure, that the better Apple and Peare kernels will growe fairer, straighter, quicklier, and better to be grafted on. You must remember, that after two or three yeares you take vp these stockes, and when you haue pruned both toppe and roote, to set them againe in a thinner and fitter order, to be afterwards grafted in the bud while they are young, as I shall shew you by and by, or in the stocke if you will suffer them to growe greater. Now likewise to know which are the fittest stockes of all sorts to choose, thereon to graft euery of these sorts of fruits, is a point of some skill indeede; and therefore obserue them as I doe here set them downe: for bee you assured, that they are certaine rules, and knowne experiences, whereunto you may trust without being deceiued. Your blacke Cherrie stockes (as I said before) are the fittest and best for all sorts of Cherries long to abide and prosper, and euen May or early Cherry will abide or liue longer, being grafted thereon, either in the budde or in the stocke, then on the ordinary red Cherry stocke; but the red Cherry stocke is in a manner the onely tree that most Nursery men doe take to graft May Cherries on in the stocke (for it is but a late experience of many, to graft May Cherries in the bud) many also doe graft May Cherries on Gascoigne Cherry stockes, which doe not onely thriue well, but endure longer then vpon any ordinary Cherry stocke: For indeede the May Cherries that are grafted vpon ordinary red Cherrie stockes, will hardly hold aboue a dozen yeares bearing well, although they come forwarder at the first, that is, doe beare sooner then those that are grafted on Gascoigne or blacke Cherry stockes; but as they are earlier in bearing, so they are sooner spent, and the Gascoigne and blacked Cherry stockes that are longer in comming forward, will last twice or thrice their time; but many more grafts will misse in grafting of these, then of those red Cherry stockes, and besides, the natures of the Gascoigne and blacke Cherry stockes are to rise higher, and make a goodlier tree then the ordinary red stocke will, which for the most part spreadeth wide, but riseth not very high. The English red Cherry stocke will serue very well to graft any other sort of Cherry vpon, and is vsed in most places of this Land, and I know no other greater inconuenience in it, then that it shooteth out many suckers from the roote, which yet by looking vnto may soone bee remoued from doing any harme, and that it will not last so long as the Gascoigne or blacke Cherry stocke will. May Cherries thus grafted lowe doe most vsually serue to be planted against a wall, to bring on the fruit the earlier; yet some graft them high vpon standards, although not many, and it is, I thinke, rather curiosity (if they that doe it haue any wals) then anie other matter that causeth them thus to doe: for the fruit is naturally small, though early, and the standard Cherries are alwaies later then the wall Cherries, so that if they can spare any roome for them at their wals, they will not plant many in standards. Now concerning Plummes (as I said before) for the sowing or setting of the stones, so I say here for their choise in grafting of them, either in the budde or stocke. The white Peare Plumme stocke, and the other there mentioned, but especially the white Peare Plumme is the goodliest, freest and fittest of all the rest, as well to graft all sort of Plummes vpon, as also to graft Apricockes, which can be handsomely, and to any good purpose grafted vpon no other Plum stocke, to rise to bee worth the labour and paine. All sorts of Plums may be grafted in the stocke, and so may they also in the bud; for I know none of them that will refuse to be grafted in the bud, if a cunning hand performe it well, that is, to take off your bud cleanely and well, when you haue made choice of a fit cyon: for, as I shal shew you anon, it is no small peece of cunning to chuse your cyon that it may yeeld fit buds to graft withall, for euery plum is not of a like aptnes to yeeld them: But Apricocks cannot be grafted in the stock for any thing that euer I could heare or learne, but only in the bud, and therefore let your Plum stocke bee of a reasonable size for Apricockes especially, and not too small, that the graft ouergrow not the stocke, and that the stocke bee large enough to nourish the graft. As your Plum stockes serue to graft both Apricockes and Plummes, so doe they serue also very well to graft Peaches of all sorts; and although Peach stockes will serue to be grafted with Peaches againe, yet the Peach stocke (as I said before) will not endure so long as the Plumme stocke, and therefore serueth but for necessity if Plum stocks be not ready, or at hand, or for the present time, or that they afterwards may graft that sort of Peach on a Plumme stocke: for many might lose a good fruit, if when they meete with it, and haue not Plumme stockes ready to graft it on, they could not be assured that it would take vpon another Peach stocke or branch, or on the branch of an Apricocke eyther. Plumme stockes will serue likewise very well for some sorts of Nectorins; I say, for some sorts, and not for all: the greene and the yellow Nectorin will best thriue to be grafted immediately on a Plumme stocke; but the other two sorts of red Nectorins must not be immediately grafted on the Plumme stocke, but vpon a branch of an Apricocke that hath beene formerly grafted on a Plumme stocke, the nature of these Nectorins being found by experience to be so contrary to the Plum stocke, that it will sterue it, and both dye within a yeare, two or three at the most: Diuers haue tryed to graft these red Nectorins vpon Peach stockes, and they haue endured well a while; but seeing the Peach stocke will not last long it selfe, being ouerweake, how can it hold so strong a nature as these red Nectorins, which will (as I said before) sterue a Plum stocke that is sufficient durable for any other Plumme?

Apricocke stockes from the stones are hardly nursed vp, and worse to be remoued, and if a red Nectorin should be grafted on an Apricock raysed from the stone, and not remoued, I doubt it might happen with it as it doth with many other trees raised from stones or kernels, and not remoued, that they would hardly beare fruit: for the nature of most trees raised from stones or kernels, and not remoued, is to send great downe-right rootes, and not to spread many forwards; so that if they be not cut away that others may spreade abroad, I haue seldome seene or known any of them to beare in any reasonable time; and therefore in remouing, these great downe-right rootes are alwayes shred away, and thereby made fit to shoote others forwards. Hereby you may perceiue, that these red Nectorins will not abide to bee grafted vpon any other stocke well, then vpon an Apricocke branch, although the green and the yellow (as I said before) will well endure and thriue vpon Plums. The suckers or shootes both of Plums and Cherries that rise from their rootes, eyther neare their stockes, or farther off, so that they bee taken with some small rootes to them, will serue to bee stockes, and will come forward quickly; but if the suckers haue no small roots whereby they may comprehend in the ground, it is almost impossible it should hold or abide. There is another way to rayse vp eyther stockes to graft on, or trees without grafting, which is, by circumcising a faire and fit branch in this manner: About Midsomer, when the sappe is thoroughly risen (or before if the yeare be forward) they vse to binde a good quantity of clay round about a faire and straight branch, of a reasonable good size or bignesse, with some conuenient bands, whether it be ropes of hey, or of any other thing, about an handfull aboue the ioynt, where the branch spreadeth from the tree, and cutting the barke thereof round about vnder the place where the clay is bound, the sap is hereby hindered from rising, or descending further then that place so circumcised, whereby it will shoote out small knubs and rootes into the clay, which they suffer so to abide vntill the beginning of winter, whenas with a fine Sawe they cut off that branch where it was circumcised, and afterwardes place it in the ground where they would haue it to grow, and stake it, and binde it fast, which will shoote forth rootes, and will become eyther a faire tree to beare fruite without grafting, or else a fit stocke to graft on according to the kinde: but oftentimes this kinde of propagation misseth, in that it sendeth not forth rootes sufficient to cause it to abide any long time. Let me yet before I leaue this narration of Plummes, giue you one admonition more, that vpon whatsoeuer Plumme stocke you doe graft, yet vpon a Damson stocke that you neuer striue to graft, for it (aboue all other sorts of Plumme stockes) will neuer giue you a tree worth your labour. It remaineth only of stone fruit, that I speake of Cornelles, which as yet I neuer saw grafted vpon any stocke, being as it should seeme vtterly repugnant to the nature thereof, to abide grafting, but is wholly raysed vp (as I said before) eyther from the stones, or from the suckers or layers. For Peares and Apples your vsuall stockes to graft on are (as I said before, speaking of the nursing vp of trees from the kernels) your Crabbe stockes, and they bee accepted in euery Countrey of this Land as they may conueniently be had, yet many doe take the stockes of better fruit, whether they bee suckers, or stockes raysed from the kernels (and the most common and knowne way of grafting, is in the stocke for all sorts of them, although some doe vse whipping, packing on, or incising, as euery one list to call it: but now we doe in many places begin to deale with Peares and Apples as with other stone fruit, that is, graft them all in the bud, which is found the most compendious and safest way both to preserue your stocke from perishing, and to bring them the sooner to couer the stock, as also to make the goodlier and straighter tree, being grafted at what height you please:) for those stockes that are raysed from the kernels of good fruit (which are for the most part easily knowne from others, in that they want those thornes or prickles the wilde kindes are armed withall:) I say for the most part; for I know that the kernels of some good fruite hath giuen stockes with prickles on them (which, as I thinke, was because that good fruite was taken from a wilde stocke that had not beene long enough grafted to alter his wilde nature; for the longer a tree is grafted, the more strength the fruite taketh from the graft, and the lesse still from the stocke) being smoother and fairer then the wilde kinds, must needes make a goodlier tree, and will not alter any whit the taste of your fruit that is grafted thereon, but rather adde some better rellish thereunto; for the Crabbe stockes yeelding harsh fruite, must giue part of their nature to the grafts are set thereon, and therefore the taste or rellish, as well as some other naturall properties of most fruits, are somewhat altered by the stocke. Another thing I would willingly giue you to vnderstand concerning your fruits and stockes, that whereas diuers for curiosity and to try experiments haue grafted Cherries vpon Plumme stockes, or Plums on Cherry stockes, Apples vpon Peare stockes, and Peares vpon Apple stockes, some of these haue held the graft a yeare, two or three peraduenture, but I neuer knew that euer they held long, or to beare fruite, much lesse to abide or doe well: bestow not therefore your paines and time on such contrary natures, vnlesse it be for curiositie, as others haue done: Yet I know that they that graft peares on a white thorne stocke haue had their grafts seeme to thriue well, and continue long, but I haue seldome seene the fruite thereof answerable to the naturall wilde Peare stocke; yet the Medlar is knowne to thriue best on a white thorne. And lastly, whereas diuers doe affirme that they may haue not only good stockes to graft vpon, but also faire trees to bear store of fruit from the kernels of Peares or Apples being prickt into the ground, and suffered to grow without remouing, and then eyther grafted or suffered to grow into great trees vngrafted; and for their bearing of fruite, assigne a dozen or twenty yeares from the first setting of the kernels, and abiding vngrafted, I haue not seene or heard that experience to hold certaine, or if it should be so, yet it is too long time lost, and too much fruit also, to waite twenty yeares for that profit may be gained in a great deale of lesse time, and with more certainty. Vnto these instructions let mee adde also one more, which is not much known and vsed, and that is, to haue fruit within foure or fiue years from the first sowing of your stones or kernels in this manner: After your stockes raysed from stones or kernels are two or three yeares old, take the fairest toppe or branch, and graft it as you would doe any other cyon taken from a bearing tree, and looke what rare fruite, eyther Peare or Apple, the kernell was of that you sowed, or Peach or Plum &c. the stone was set, such fruite shall you haue within two or three yeares at the most after the grafting, if it take, and the stocke be good. And thus may you see fruit in farre lesse time then to stay vntill the tree from a kernell or stone beareth fruit of it selfe.

CHAP. IIII.

The diuers manners of grafting all sorts of fruits vsed in our Land.

The most vsuall manner of grafting in the stocke is so common and well known in this Land to euery one that hath any thing to doe with trees or an Orchard, that I think I shall take vpon mee a needlesse worke to set downe that is so well knowne to most; yet how common soeuer it is, some directions may profit euery one, without which it is not easily learned. And I doe not so much spend my time and paines herein for their sakes that haue knowledge, but for such as not knowing would faine be taught priuately, I meane, to reade the rules of the arte set downe in priuate, when they would refuse to learne of a Gardiner, or other by sight: and yet I discommend not that way vnto them to learne by sight; for one may see more in an instant by sight, then he shall learn by his own practice in a great while, especially if he be a little practised before he see a cunning hand to doe it. There are many other kindes of grafting, which shall be spoken of hereafter, and peraduenture euen they that know it well, may learne something they knew not before.

1. The grafting in the stocke, is, to set the sprigge of a good fruit into the body or stocke of another tree, bee it wilde or other, bee it young or old, to cause that tree to bring forth such fruit as the tree bore from whence you took the sprigge, and not such as the stocke or tree would haue borne, if it had not beene grafted, and is performed in this manner: Looke what tree or stocke you will chuse to graft on, you must with a small fine sawe and very sharpe, whip off, or cut off the head or toppe thereof at what height you eyther thinke best for your purpose, or conuenient for the tree: for if you graft a great tree, you cannot without endangering the whole, cut it downe so low to the ground, as you may without danger doe a small tree, or one that is of a reasonable size; and yet the lower or neerer the ground you graft a young tree, the safer it is both for your stocke and graft, because the sappe shall not ascend high, but soone giue vigour to the graft to take and shoote quickly: After you haue cut off the toppe of your stocke, cut or smooth the head thereof with a sharpe knife, that it may be as plaine and smooth as you can, and then cleaue it with a hammer or mallet, and with a strong knife, cleauer or chessell, either in the middle of it if it be small, or of a reasonable size, or on the sides an inch or more within the barke, if it be great: into both sides of the cleft put your grafts, or into one if the stocke bee smaller; which grafts must bee made fit for the purpose on this fashion: Hauing made choise of your grafts from the toppe branches especially, or from the sides of that tree whereof you would haue the fruit, and that they be of a reasonable good size, not too small or too great for your stockes, and of one or the same yeares shoote; (and yet many doe cut an inch or more of the olde wood with the sprigge of the last yeares growth, and so graft the old and young together, but both are good, and the old wood no better then the young) cut your graft not too long, but with two, three or foure eyes or buds at the most, which at the lower or bigger end for an inch long or more (for the greater stockes, and an inch or lesse for the lesser sort) must be so cut, that it be very thin on the one side from the shoulders downward, and thicker on the other, and thin also at the end, that it may goe downe close into the cleft, and rest at the shoulders on the head of the stocke: but take heede that in cutting your grafts your knife bee very sharpe that you doe not rayse any of the barke, eyther at the sides or the end, for feare of losing both your paines and graft, and stocke too peraduenture; and let not your grafts bee made long before you set them, or else put the ends of them in water to keepe them fresh and cleane: when you set them you must open the cleft of your stocke with a wedge or chessell as most doe, that the graft may goe easily into it, and that the barke of both graft and stocke may ioyne close the one to the other, which without stirring or displacing must bee so left in the cleft, and the wedge or chessell gently pulled forth; but because in the doing hereof consisteth in a manner the whole losse or gaine of your paines, graft and stocke, to preuent which inconuenience I doe vse an iron Instrument, the forme whereof is showne in the following page, marked with the letter A, crooked at both ends, and broade like vnto a chessell, the one bigger, and the other lesser, to fit all sorts of stockes, and the iron handle somewhat long betweene them both, that being thrust or knocked downe into the cleft, you may with your left hand open it as wide as is fit to let in your graft, without strayning, which being placed, this iron may bee pulled or knocked vp againe without any mouing of your graft: when you haue thus done, you must lay a good handfull or more (according to the bignesse of your stocke) of soft and well moistned clay or loame, well tempered together with short cut hey or horse dung, vpon the head of your stocke, as lowe or somewhat lower then the cleft, to keepe out all winde, raine or ayre from your graft vntill Midsomer at the least, that the graft be shot forth somewhat strongly, which then if you please may be remoued, and the cleft at the head only filled with a little clay to keepe out earewigs, or other things that may hurt your graft.

2. Inarching is another manner of grafting in the stocke, and is more troublesome, and more casuall also then the former, and is rather a curiosity then any way of good speede, certainety or profit, and therefore vsed but of a few. Yet to shew you, the manner thereof, it is thus: Hauing a tree well growne, bee it high or low, yet the lower the better, with young branches well spread, they vse to set stockes round about it, or on the one side as you please; into which stockes they ingraft the young branches of the well growne tree as they are growing (before they cut them from the tree) by bowing downe the branch they intend to graft, and putting it into the stocke, hauing first cut off the head thereof, and cut a notch in the middle of the head a little slope on both sides, wherein the branch must be fitted: let the branch be cut thinne on the vnderside, only of that length as may suffice to fit the notch in the stocke, leauing about halfe a yarde length of the branch, to rise aboue or beyond the stocke, which beeing bound on, and clayed ouer or couered with red or greene soft waxe, they let so abide, that if it take in the stocke they cut off the branch a little below the grafting place in Nouember following, and remouing the stocke, they haue thus gained a grafted and growne tree the first yeare: but it is vsually seene, that where one branch taketh, three doe misse: yet this manner of grafting was much in vse for May Cherries, when they were first known to vs, and the way thought to be a rare manner of grafting to encrease them, vntill a better way was found out, which now is so common and good also, that this is not now scarce thought vpon.

3. Another kinde of grafting in the stocke is called of some whipping, of some splicing, of others incising, and of others packing on (and as I heare, is much vsed in the West parts especially, and also in the North parts of this Land) and is performed in this manner: Take and slice the branch of a tree (so as the branch be not too bigge) or else a young tree of two, or three, or foure yeares growth at the most, quite off slope wise, about an inch and a halfe long or more, and cut a deep notch in the middle thereof, then fit into it a graft iust of that size or bignesse, cut on both sides with shoulders, and thin at the end, that it may ioyne close in the notch, and neyther bigger or lesser, but that the barke of the one may bee fitted iust to the barke of the other, the figure wherof is expressed at the letters E.F. which shew the one to be with a shoulder & the other without; binde them gently together with bast, and put clay or waxe ouer the place, vntill it be taken: this is much vsed of late dayes for such young trees as are risen of stones or kernels after the second or third yeares growth, and thriue very well in that it not only saueth much time, but diuers checks by remouing and grafting.

4. Inoculating or grafting in the budde is another manner of grafting, which is the taking of a budde from one tree, and putting it into the barke of another tree, to the end, that thereby you may haue of the same kinde of fruit the tree bare from whence the budde was taken; and although it bee sufficiently knowne in many places of this Land, yet as I vnderstand, good Gardiners in the North parts, and likewise in some other places, can scarce tell what it meaneth, or at the least how to doe it well. It is performed after a different fashion from the former, although they all tend vnto one end, which is the propagating of trees. You must for this purpose obserue, that for those trees you would graft, either with, or vpon, you choose a fit time in Summer, when the sappe is well risen, and your graft well shot, that the barke will rise easily and cleanly, both of stocke and graft, which time I cannot appoint, because both the years doe differ in earlinesse, and the seuerall parts or countries of this Land likewise one from another, but most vsually in these Southerne parts, from the beginning of Iune vnto the end of it, or to the middle of Iuly, or either somewhat before or after. First (as I said) hauing taken the fitted time of the yeare, you must take especiall care, that your grafts be well growne, and of the same yeares shoote, and also that the buds or eyes haue but single leaues at them, as neere as you can: for I would vtterly refuse those buds that haue aboue two leaues as vnprofitable, either in Peaches or any other fruit; and therefore see that your grafts or cyons bee taken from the chiefest place of the tree, that is, either from the toppe, or from a sunnie side thereof, and not from the contrarie side if you may otherwise, nor from any vnder-boughes; for seeing your graft is so small a thing, you had neede take the more care that it be the best and fairest. You must to take off this eye or budde from the sprigge, haue a small sharpe pen-knife, the end of the haft being made flat and thinne, like a chessell or wedge, the figure whereof is set forth at the letter B, and a pen or goose quill cut, to be lesse then halfe round, and to be broad at the end, but not sharpe pointed like a penne, or else such a peece of bone or Iuorie made in that fashion as the quill is, to bee thinne, hollow, or halfe round, the figures of both which are marked with the letters C, D, with your knife cut the barke of the bud (hauing first cut off the leafe, leauing onely the short foote-stalke thereof at the bud) about a strawes breadth aboue the eye thereof halfe round, and then from that round or ouerthwart cut, with your knife cut it downe on both sides of the eye, close to the bud slopewise about an inch long or thereabouts, that it bee broad at the head aboue the eye, and pointing at the end like a sheild or scutcheon; and then cutting away the rest of the barke from about it, with the thinne flat end of the haft of your knife raise vp both sides of your bud a little, and with your quill or bone put vnder the barke, raise your budde, and thrust it quite off, beginning at the toppe or head of your eye; but see that you thrust it off close to the wood of the branch or sprigge, and that you doe not leaue the eye of the budde behinde sticking vpon the branch; for if that eye be left or lost, your bud is worth nothing; you must cast it away, and cut another that may haue that eye abiding within the budde on the inside: you may perceiue if that eye be wanting, if you see an emptie hole in the place where the eye should be, to fill it vp on the inside thereof; thus hauing taken off your bud well and cleanly, which is set forth vnto you at the figures, 3 and 4. presently set it on the tree you would graft (for your small budde can abide no delay, lest by taking the ayre too long it become dry, and nothing worth) in this manner: Cut the barke of your tree you would graft in a smooth place, at what height you please, first aboue or ouerthwart, and then downe right in the middle thereof, more then an inch long, the figure whereof you shall haue at the figure 1. and then raise vp both sides of the barke, first one, and then another, with the flat and thinne haft end of your knife, a prettie way inwards (for if the barke will not rise easily, the stocke is not then fit to graft vpon) put in your budde into the cleft with the point downewards, holding the stalke of the leafe that is with the budde betweene your fingers of the one hand, and opening the cleft with the flat end of your knife with the other hand, that the head of your bud may be put close vnder the ouerthwart cut in the stocke or tree (which must not be raised or stirred as the sides are) & the eye of the bud stand iust in the middle of the slit that is downeright, and then closing the barke of the stocke or tree softly vnto the bud thus put in with your fingers, let it be bound gently with a small long peece of baste, or other such like soft thing, first aboue the eye, & then compassing it belowe as close as you can, but not too hard in any case, vntil you haue bound it all ouer the slit you made, especially the lower end, lest any winde get in to dry and spoile it; and hauing tyed both ends thereof fast, leaue it so for a fortnight or somewhat more, in which space it will take and hold, if it be well done, which you shall perceiue, if the bud abide green, and turne not blacke, when you haue vnloosed the tying; for if it hold fast to the tree, and be fresh and good, tye it vp gently againe, and so leaue it for a fortnight longer, or a moneth if you will, and then you may take away your binding cleane: this budde will (if no other mischance happen vnto it) spring and shoote forth the next yeare, (and sometimes the same yeare, but that is seldome) and therefore in the beginning of the yeare, cut off the head of the grafted tree about an handfull aboue the grafted place, vntill the graft be growne strong, and then cut it off close, that the head may be couered with the graft, and doe not suffer any buds to sprout besides the graft, either aboue or belowe it. If you graft diuers buds vpon one stocke (which is the best way) let that onely remaine and abide that shooteth best forth, and rubbe off, or take away the other: the seuerall parts of this grafting I haue caused to be expressed for your further information.

5. Grafting in the scutcheon is accounted another kinde of grafting, and differeth verie little from grafting in the budde: the difference chiefly consisteth in this, that in stead of the downe right slit, and that aboue ouerthwart, they take away iust so much barke of the great tree, as your budde is in bignesse, which vsually is a little larger then the former, and placing it therein, they binde it as formerly is said: some vse for this purpose a paire of compasses, to giue the true measure both of bud and stocke; this manner of grafting is most vsed vpon greater trees, whose young branches are too high to graft vpon in the former maner, and whose tops they cut off (for the most part) at the latter end of the next yeare after the bud is taken: both these waies were inuented to saue the losse of trees, which are more endangered by grafting in the stocke, then any of these waies; and besides, by these waies you may graft at a farre greater height without losse.

CHAP. V.

Of the manner of grafting and propagating all sorts of Roses.

Hauing now spoken of the grafting of trees, let mee adioyne the properties of Roses, which although they better fit a Garden then an Orchard, yet I could not in a fitter place expresse them then here, both for the name and affinity of grafting, & because I do not expresse it in the first part. All sorts of Roses may be grafted (although all sorts are not, some seruing rather for stockes for others to be grafted on) as easily as any other tree, & is only performed, by inoculating in the same maner I haue set downe in the former Chapter of grafting trees in the bud; for both stocke and budde must bee dealt with after the same fashion. And although some haue boasted of grafting Roses by dicing or whipping, as they call it, or in the stocke, after the first manner, set downe in the former Chapter, yet I thinke it rather a bragge, not hauing seene or heard any true effect proceede from that relation. The sweete Briar or Eglantine, the white and the Damaske Roses, are the chiefest stockes to graft vpon. And if you graft lowe or neare the ground, you may by laying downe that graft within the ground, after it hath bin shot out well, and of a years growth, by pinning it fast downe with short stickes, a thwart or acrosse, cause that grafted branch, by taking roote, to become a naturall Rose, such as the graft was, which being separated and transplanted after it hath taken root wel, will prosper as well as any naturall sucker. And in this maner, by laying downe branches at length into the ground, if they be full of spreading small branches, you may increase all sorts of Roses quickly and plentifully; for they will shoote forth rootes at the ioynts of euery branch: But as for the manner of grafting white Roses or Damaske vpon Broome stalkes or Barbary bushes, to cause them to bring forth double yellow Roses, or vpon a Willowe, to beare greene Roses, they are all idle conceits, as impossible to be effected, as other things, whereof I haue spoken in the ninth Chapter of my first part, concerning a Garden of flowers, vnto which I referre you to be satisfied with the reasons there alledged. And it is the more needlesse, because we haue a naturall double yellow Rose of it owne growing. The sowing of the seedes of Roses (which are sometimes found vpon most sorts of Roses, although not euery yeare, and in euerie place) hath bin formerly much vsed; but now the laying downe of the young shootes is a way for increase so much vsed, being safe and verie speedie to take, especially for those Roses that are not so apt to giue suckers, that it hath almost taken quite away the vse of sowing of the seedes of Roses, which yet if anie one be disposed to make the triall, they must gather the seede out of the round heads, from amongst the doune, wherein they lye verie like vnto the berries of the Eglantine or sweete Briar bush, and especially of those Roses that bee of the more single kindes, which are more apt to giue berries for seed then the more double, although sometimes the double Roses yeeld the like heads or berries. Their time of sowing is in the end of September (yet some reserue them vntill February) and their manner of noursing is to bee transplanted, after the first or second yeares growth, and tended carefully, that while they are young they be not lost for want of moisture in the dry time of Summer.

CHAP. VI.

Certaine rules and obseruations in and after grafting, not remembred in the former Chapter.

The time of some manners of grafting being not mentioned before, must here be spoken of. For the grafting of all sorts of trees in the stocke, the most vsuall time is from the middle of February vntill the middle of March, as the yeare and the countrie is more forward or backward, with vs about London wee neuer passe midde March: but because the May Cherrie is first ripe, and therefore of a very forward nature, it doth require to be grafted somewhat sooner then others. The time of gathering likewise, or cutting your grafts for grafting in the stocke, is to be obserued, that they bee not long gathered before they bee grafted, for feare of being too dry, which I commend, howsoeuer diuers say, if they be long kept they are not the worse; and therefore if you be forced to haue your grafts from farre, or by some other chance to keepe them long, be carefull to keepe them moist, by keeping their ends stucke in moist clay; but if neare hand, neglect no time I say after the cutting of them for their grafting, but either the same, or the next day, or verie speedily after, in the meane time being put into the ground to keepe them fresh. The grafts taken from old trees, because they are stronger, and shoote forth sooner, are to bee sooner grafted then those that are taken from younger trees: of a good branch may bee made two, and sometimes three grafts sufficient for anie reasonable stocke. For whipping, the time is somewhat later then grafting in the stocke, because it is performed on younger trees, which (as I said before) doe not so early bud or shoote forth as the elder. Inarching likewise is performed much about the later end of the grafting time in the stocke; for being both kindes thereof they require the same time of the yeare. The times of the other manners of graftings are before expressed, to bee when they haue shot forth young branches, from whence your buds must be taken; and therefore need not here againe to be repeated. If a graft in the stocke doth happen not to shoote forth when others do (so as it holdeth green) it may perchance shoot out a moneth or two after, & do well, or else after Midsummer, when a second time of shooting, or the after Spring appeareth: but haue an especiall care, that you take not such a graft that shal haue nothing but buds for flowers vpon it, and not an eye or bud for leaues (which you must be carefull to distinguish) for such a graft after it hath shot out the flowers must of necessitie dye, not hauing wherewith to maintaine it selfe. Also if your good graft doe misse, and not take, it doth hazzard your stocke at the first time, yet manie stockes doe recouer to be grafted the second time; but twice to faile is deadly, which is not so in the inoculating of buds in the greene tree: for if you faile there in three, or three times three, yet euerie wound being small, and the tree still growing greene, will quickly recouer it, and not be afterwards seen. Some vse to graft in the stocke the same yeare they remoue the stocke, to saue time, & a second checke by grafting; but I like better both in grafting in the stocke, and in the bud also, that your trees might be planted in the places where you would haue them growe, for a yeare or two at the least before you graft them, that after grafting there should be no remouall, I neede not be tedious, nor yet I hope verie sollicitous to remember many other triuiall, or at the least common knowne things in this matter. First, for the time to remoue trees, young or old, grafted or vngrafted, to be from a fortnight after Michaelmas vntill Candlemas, or if neede be, somewhat after, yet the sooner your remoue is, the better your trees will thriue, except it be in a very moist ground. For the manner or way to set them: viz. in the high and dry grounds set them deeper, both to haue the more moisture, and to be the better defended from windes; and in the lower and moister grounds Shallower, and that the earth be mellow, well turned vp, and that the finer earth bee put among the small rootes, wherein they may spread, and afterwards gently troden downe, that no hollownesse remaine among the rootes: as also that after setting (if the time be not ouermoist) there may be some water powred to the rootes, to moisten and fasten them the better; and in the dry time of Summer, after the setting, let them not want moisture, if you will haue them thriue and prosper; for the want thereof at that time, hath often killed manie a likely tree. To stake and fence them also if neede bee after they are new set, and so to continue for two or three yeares after, is verie expedient, lest windes or other casualties spoile your paines, and ouerthrow your hopes. And likewise to defend your grafts from birds lighting on them, to breake or displace them, to sticke some prickes or sharpe pointed stickes longer then your graft into your clay, that so they may be a sure defence of it: As also to tye some woollen cloathes about the lower end of your stockes, or thrust in some thornes into the ground about the rootes, to defend them from hauing their barkes eaten by Conies, or hurt by some other noisome vermine.

CHAP. VII.

Obseruations for the dressing and well keeping of Trees and an Orchard in good order.

There are two manner of waies to dresse and keepe trees in good order, that they may bee both gracefull and fruitfull; the one is for wall-trees, the other is for standards: for as their formes are different, so is their keeping or ordering. Wall trees, because they are grafted lowe, and that their branches must be plasht or tackt vnto the wall to fasten them, are to be so kept, that all their branches may be suffered to growe, that shoote forth on either side of the bodie, and led either along the wall, or vpright, and one to lappe ouer or vnder another as is conuenient, and still with peeces of lists, parings of felt, peeces of soft leather, or other such like soft thing compassing the armes or branches, fastened with small or great nailes, as neede requireth, to the wals, onely those buds or branches are to be nipped or cut off, that shoot forward, and will not so handsomely be brought into conformity, as is fitting; yet if the branches growe too thicke, to hinder the good of the rest, or too high for the wall, they may, nay they must be cut away or lopped off: and if anie dead branches also happen to be on the trees, they must be cut away, that the rest may haue the more libertie to thriue. Diuers also by carefully nipping away the waste and superfluous buds, doe keepe their trees in conformity, without much cutting. The time to pruine or plash, or tye vp wall trees, is vsually from the fall of the leafe, to the beginning of the yeare, when they begin to blossome, and most especially a little before or after Christmas: but in any case not too late, for feare of rubbing off their buds. Some I know doe plash and tye vp their wall trees after bearing time, while the leaues are greene, and their reason is, the buds are not so easie or apt to bee rubbed from the branches at that time, as at Christmas, when they are more growne: but the leaues must needes be very cumbersome, to hinder much both the orderly placing, and close fastening of them to the wall. This labour you must performe euery yeare in its due time; for if you shall neglect and ouerslip it, you shall haue much more trouble, to bring them into a fit order againe, then at the first. The standard trees in an Orchard must be kept in another order; for whereas the former are suffered to spread at large, these must be pruined both from superfluous branches that ouerload the trees, & make them lesse fruitfull, as well as lesse sightly, and the vnder or water boughes likewise, that drawe much nourishment from the trees and yet themselues little the better for it, I meane to giue fruit. If therefore your Orchard consist of young trees, with a little care and paines it may bee kept in that comely order and proportion it was first defined vnto; but if it consist of old growne trees, they will not without a great deale of care and paines be brought into such conformitie, as is befitting good, and comely trees: for the marke of those boughes or branches that are cut off from young trees, will quickly be healed againe, the barke growing quickly ouer them, whereby they are not worse for the cutting, but an old tree if you cut off a bough, you must cut it close and cleanly, and lay a searcloth of tallow, waxe, and a little pitch melted together vpon the place, to keepe off both the winde, sunne, and raine, untill the barke haue couered it ouer againe: and in this manner you must deale with all such short stumps of branches, as are either broken short off with the winde, or by carelesnesse or want of skill, or else such armes or branches as are broken off close, or sliued from the body of the tree: for the raine beating and falling into such a place, will in short time rotte your tree, or put it in danger, besides the deformity. Some vse to fill vp such an hole with well tempered clay, and tacke a cloth or a peece of leather ouer it vntill it be recouered, and this is also not amisse. Your young trees, if they stand in anie good ground, will bee plentifull enough in shooting forth branches; bee carefull therefore if they growe too thicke, that you pruine away such as growe too close (and will, if they be suffered, spoile one another) as they may be best spared, that so the sunne, ayre, and raine may haue free accesse to all your branches, which will make them beare the more plentifully, and ripen them the sooner and the more kindly. If anie boughes growe at the toppe too high, cut them also away, that your trees may rather spread then growe too high. And so likewise for the vnder boughes, or anie other that by the weight of fruit fall or hang downe, cut them off at the halfe, and they will afterwards rise and shoote vpwards. You shall obserue, that at all those places where anie branches haue been cut away, the sappe will euer bee readie to put forth: if therefore you would haue no more branches rise from that place, rubbe off or nippe off such buddes as are not to your minde when they are new shot: and thus you may keep your trees in good order with a little paines, after you haue thus pruined and dressed them. One other thing I would aduertise you of, and that is how to preserue a fainting or decaying tree which is readie to perish, if it be not gone too farre or past cure, take a good quantitie of oxe or horse bloud, mixe therewith a reasonable quantitie of sheepe or pigeons dung, which being laid to the roote, will by the often raines and much watering recouer it selfe, if there bee anie possibilitie; but this must bee done in Ianuarie or Februarie at the furthest.

CHAP. VIII.

Diuers other obseruations to be remembred in the well keeping of an Orchard.

There be diuers other things to be mentioned, whereof care must be had, either to doe or auoide, which I thinke fit in this Chapter promiscuously to set down, that there may be nothing wanting to furnish you with sufficient knowledge of the care, paines, and casualties that befall an Orchard: for it hath many enemies, and euery one laboureth as much as in them lye, to spoile you of your pleasure, or profit, or both, which must bee both speedily and carefully preuented and helped; and they are these: Mosse, Caterpillars, Ants, Earwigs, Snailes, Moales, and Birds. If Mosse begin to ouergrowe your trees, looke to it betimes, lest it make your trees barren: Some vse to hacke, and crossehacke, or cut the barke of the bodies of their trees, to cause it fall away; but I feare it may endanger your trees. Others do either rubbe it off with a haire cloth, or with a long peece of wood formed like a knife, at the end of a long sticke or pole, which if it bee vsed cauteiously without hurting the buds, I like better. Caterpillars, some smoake them with burning wet strawe or hay, or such like stuffe vnder the trees; but I doe not greatly like of that way: others cut off the boughes whereon they breed, and tread them vnder their feete, but that will spoile too manie branches; and some kill them with their hands, but some doe vse a new deuised way, that is, a pompe made of lattin or tin, spout-fashion, which being set in a tubbe of water vnder or neare your trees, they will cause the water to rise through it with such a force, and through the branches, that it will wash them off quickly. To destroy Ants, that eate your fruit before and when it is ripe, some vse to annoint the bodies of their trees with tarre, that they may not creepe vp on the branches; but if that doe not helpe, or you will not vse it, you must be careful to finde out their hill, and turne it vp, pouring in scalding water, either in Summer, but especially if you can in Winter, and that will surely destroy them. I haue spoken of Earwigs in the first part of this worke, entreating of the annoyances of Gilloflowers, and therefore I referre you thereunto: yet one way more I will here relate which some doe vse, and that is with hollow canes of halfe a yard long or more, open at both ends for them to creepe in, and stucke or laid among the branches of your trees, will soone drawe into them many Earwigs, which you may soone kill, by knocking the cane a little vpon the ground, and treading on them with your foote. Snailes must be taken with your hands, and that euerie day, especially in the morning when they will be creeping abroad. Moales by running vnder your trees make them lesse fruitfull, and also put them in danger to be blowne downe, by leauing the ground hollow, that thereby the rootes haue not that strength in the ground, both to shoote and to hold, that otherwise they might haue. Some haue vsed to put Garlicke, and other such like things into their holes, thinking thereby to driue them away, but to no purpose: others haue tryed manie other waies; but no way doth auaile anie thing, but killing them either with a Moale spade, or a trappe made for the purpose as manie doe know: and they must bee watched at their principall hill, and trenched round, and so to be caught. Birds are another enemie both to your trees and fruit; for the Bullfinch will destroy all your stone fruit in the budde, before they flower, if you suffer them, and Crowes, &c. when your Cherries are ripe: for the smaller birds, Lime twigs set either neare your trees, or at the next water where they drinke, will helpe to catch them and destroy them. And for the greater birds, a stone bowe, a birding or fowling peece will helpe to lessen their number, and make the rest more quiet: or a mill with a clacke to scarre them away, vntill your fruit be gathered. Some other annoyances there are, as suckers that rise from the rootes of your trees, which must be taken away euerie yeare, and not suffered to growe anie thing great, for feare of robbing your trees of their liuelihood. Barke bound, is when a tree doth not shoote and increase, by reason the barke is as it were drie, and will not suffer the sappe to passe vnto the branches: take a knife therefore, and slit the barke downe almost all the length of the tree in two or three places, and it will remedy that euill, and the tree will thriue and come forward the better after. Barke pilled is another euill that happeneth to some trees, as well young as old, either by reason of casuall hurts, or by the gnawing of beasts, howsoeuer it bee, if it bee anie great hurt, lay a plaister thereon made of tallow, tarre, and a little pitch, and binde it thereto, letting it so abide vntill the wound bee healed: yet some doe only apply a little clay or loame bound on with ropes of hay. The Canker is a shrewd disease when it happeneth to a tree; for it will eate the barke round, and so kill the very heart in a little space. It must be looked vnto in time before it hath runne too farre; most men doe wholly cut away as much as is fretted with the Canker, and then dresse it, or wet it with vinegar or Cowes pisse, or Cowes dung and vrine, &c. vntill it be destroyed, and after healed againe with your salue before appointed. There are yet some other enemies to an Orchard: for if your fence be not of bricke or stone, but either a mudde wall, or a quicke set or dead hedge, then looke to it the more carefully, and preuent the comming in of either horse, or kine, sheepe, goates, or deere, hare, or conie; for some of them will breake through or ouer to barke your trees, and the least hole almost in the hedge will giue admittance to hares and conies to doe the like. To preuent all which, your care must be continuall to watch them or auoide them, and to stoppe vp their entrance. A dogge is a good seruant for many such purposes, and so is a stone bowe, and a peece to make vse of as occasion shall serue. But if you will take that medicine for a Canker spoken of before, which is Cowes dung and vrine mixed together, and with a brush wash your trees often to a reasonable height, will keepe hares and conies from eating or barking your trees. Great and cold windes doe often make a great spoile in an Orchard, but great trees planted without the compasse thereof, as Wall-nuts, Oakes, Elmes, Ashes, and the like, will stand it in great stead, to defend it both early and late. Thus haue I shewed you most of the euils that may happen to an Orchard, and the meanes to helpe them, and because the number is great and daily growing, the care and paines must be continuall, the more earnest and diligent, lest you lose that in a moment that hath been growing many yeares, or at the least the profit or beauty of some yeares fruit.

CHAP. IX.

The manner and way how to plant, order, and keepe other trees that beare greene leaues continually.

The way to order those trees that beare their leaues greene continually, is differing from all others that doe not so: for neyther are they to bee planted or remoued at the time that all other trees are set, nor doe they require that manner of dressing, pruining and keeping, that others doe. And although many ignorant persons and Gardiners doe remoue Bay trees, and are so likewise perswaded that all other trees of that nature, that is, that carry their greene leaues continually, may bee remoued in Autumne or Winter, as well as all other trees may bee, yet it is certaine it is a great chance if they doe thriue and prosper that are set at that time, or rather it is found by experience, that scarce one of ten prospereth well that are so ordered. Now in regard that there be diuers trees and shrubs mentioned here in this booke that beare euer greene leaues, wherein there is very great beauty, and many take pleasure in them; as the ordinary Bay, the Rose Bay, and the Cherry Bay trees, the Indian Figge, the Cypresse, the Pine tree, the Mirtle and dwarfe Boxe, and many others; I will here shew you how to plant and order them, as is fittest for them. For in that they doe not shed their greene leaues in winter as other trees doe, you may in reason be perswaded that they are of another nature; and so they are indeede: for seeing they all grow naturally in warme Countries, and are from thence brought vnto vs, we must both plant them in a warmer place, and transplant them in a warmer time then other trees be, or else it is a great hazzard if they doe not perish and dye, the cold and frosts in the winter being able to pierce them through, if they should bee transplanted in winter, before they haue taken roote. You must obserue and take this therefore for a certaine rule, that you alwaies remoue such trees or shrubbes as are euer greene in the spring of the yeare, and at no time else if you will doe well, that is, from the end of March, or beginning of Aprill, vnto the middle or end of May, especially your more dainty and tender plants, shadowing them also for a while from the heate of the Sun, and giuing them a little water vpon their planting or transplanting; but such water as hath not perfectly been drawn from a Well or Pumpe, for that will go neer to kill any plant, but such water as hath stood in the open ayre for a day at the least, if not two or three. Yet for dwarfe Boxe I confesse it may endure one moneth to be earlier planted then the rest, because it is both a more hardy and lowe plant, and thereby not so much subiect to the extremitie of the colde: but if you should plant it before winter, the frosts would raise it out of the ground, because it cannot so soone at that time of the yeare take roote, and thereby put it in danger to be lost. Moreouer all of them will not abide the extremitie of our winter frosts, and therefore you must of necessity house some of them, as the Rose Bay, Mirtle, and some others, but the other sorts being set where they may bee somewhat defended from the cold windes, frostes, and snow in winter, with some couering or shelter for the time, will reasonably well endure and beare their fruit, or the most of them. If any be desirous to be furnished with store of these kinds of trees that will be noursed vp in our Country, he may by sowing the seed of them in square or long woodden boxes or chests made for that purpose, gaine plenty of them: but hee must be carefull to couer them in winter with some straw or fearne, or beane hame, or such like thing layd vpon crosse sticks to beare it vp from the plants, and after two or three yeares that they are growne somewhat great and strong, they may bee transplanted into such places you meane they shall abide: yet it is not amisse to defend them the first yeare after they are transplanted, for their more securitie: the seedes that are most vsually sowen with vs, are, the Cypresse tree, the Pine tree, the Baye, the Pyracantha or prickly Corall tree, and the Mirtle: the Rose Bay I haue had also risen from the seede that was fresh, and brought me from Spaine. But as for Orenge trees, because they are so hardly preserued in this our cold climate (vnlesse it bee with some that doe bestow the housing of them, besides a great deale more of care and respect vnto them) from the bitternesse of our cold long winter weather (although their kernels being put into the ground in the Spring or Summer, and if care bee had of them and conuenient keeping, will abide, and by grafting the good fruite on the crab stocke they may bee in time nursed vp) I doe not make any other especiall account of them, nor giue you any further relation of their ordering. Now for the ordering of these trees after they are eyther planted of young sets, or transplanted from the seede, it is thus: First for Bay trees, the most vsuall way is to let them grow vp high to bee trees, and many plant them on the North or East side of their houses that they may not bee scorched with the Sunne; but the bitter winters which we often haue, doe pinch them shrewdly, insomuch that it killeth euen well growne trees sometimes downe to the roote: but some doe make a hedge of them being planted in order, and keep them low by lopping of them continually, which will make them bush and spread. The Cypresse tree is neuer lopped, but suffered to grow with all the branches from a foote aboue the ground, if it may be, straight vpright; for that is his natiue grace and greatest beautie, and therefore the more branches doe dye that they must bee cut away, the more you deforme his propertie. The Pine tree may be vsed in the same manner, but yet it wil better endure to sustaine pruining then the Cypresse, without any such deformitie. The Laurocerasus or Cherry Bay may be diuersly formed, that is, it may be either made to grow into a tall tree by shredding still away the vnder branches, or else by suffering all the branches to grow to be a low or hedge bush, and both by the suckers and by laying downe the lower branches into the earth, you may soone haue much increase; but this way will cause it to bee the longer before it beare anie fruit. The Rose Baye will verie hardlie bee encreased either by suckers or by layers, but must bee suffered to grow without lopping, topping or cutting. The Pyracantha or Prickly Corall tree may bee made to grow into a reasonable tall tree by shredding away the lower branches, or it may be suffered to grow lowe into an hedge bush, by suffering all the branches to grow continually, you may also propagate it by the suckers, or by laying downe the lower branches. The Myrtle of all sorts abideth a low bush spreading his branches full of sweete leaues and flowers, without anie great encrease of it selfe, yet sometimes it giueth suckers or shootes from the rootes: but for the more speedie propagating of them, some doe put the cuttings of them into the earth, and thereby increase them. There are some other trees that are not of any great respect, as the Yew tree, and the Savine bush, both which may be encreased by the cuttings, and therefore I need not make any further relation or amplification of them, and to say thus much of them all, is (I thinke) sufficient for this Worke.

CHAP. X.

The ordering, curing, and propagating Vines of all sorts.

In most places of this countrie there is small care or paines taken about the ordering of Vines: it sufficeth for the most part with them that haue anie, to make a frame for it to spread vpon aboue a mans height, or to tacke it to a wall or window, &c. and so to let it hang downe with the branches and fruit, vntill the weight thereof, and the force of windes doe teare it downe oftentimes, and spoile the grapes: and this way doth somewhat resemble that course that the Vineyard keepers obserue in the hot countries of Syria, Spaine, and Italy, and in the farthest parts of France as I hear likewise: for in most of these hot countries they vse to plant an Oliue betweene two Vines, and let them runne thereupon. But manie of the other parts of France, &c. doe not suffer anie trees to growe among their Vines; and therefore they plant them thicke, and pruine them much and often, and keepe them lowe in comparison of the other way, fastening them to pearches or poles to hold them vp. And according to that fashion may haue aduentured to make Vineyards in England, not onely in these later daies, but in ancient times, as may wel witnesse the sundrie places in this Land, entituled by the name of Vineyards; and I haue read that manie Monasteries in this Kingdome hauing Vineyards, had as much wine made therefrom, as sufficed their conuents yeare by yeare: but long since they haue been destroyed, and the knowledge how to order a Vineyard is also vtterly perished with them. For although diuers, both Nobles and Gentlemen, haue in these later times endeauoured to plant and make Vineyards, and to that purpose haue caused French men, being skilfull in keeping and dressing of Vines, to be brought ouer to performe it, yet either their skill failed them, or their Vines were not good, or (the most likely) the soile was not fitting, for they could neuer make anie wine that was worth the drinking, being so small and heartlesse, that they soone gaue ouer their practice. And indeede the soile is a maine matter to bee chiefly considered to seate a Vineyard vpon: for euen in France and other hot countries, according to the nature of the soile, so is the rellish, strength, and durabilitie of the wine. Now although I think it a fruitlesse labour for any man to striue in these daies to make a good Vineyard in England, in regard not only of the want of knowledge, to make choise of the fitted ground for such Vines as you would plant thereupon but also of the true maner of ordering them in our country; but most chiefly & aboue all others, that our years in these times do not fal out to be so kindly and hot, to ripen the grapes, to make anie good wine as formerly they haue done; yet I thinke it not amisse, to giue you instructions how to order such Vines as you may nourse vp for the pleasure of the fruit, to eate the grapes being ripe, or to preserue and keepe them to bee eaten almost all the winter following: And this may be done without any great or extraordinarie paines. Some doe make a lowe wall, and plant their Vines against it, and keepe them much about the height thereof, not suffering them to rise much higher: but if the high bricke or stone wals of your Garden or Orchard haue buttresses thereat, or if you cause such to bee made, that they bee somewhat broade forwards, you may the more conueniently plant Vines of diuers sorts at them, and by sticking down a couple of good stakes at euery buttresse, of eight or ten foot high aboue ground, tacking a few lathes acrosse vpon those stakes, you may thereunto tye your Vines, & carry them theron at your pleasure: but you must be carefull to cut them euery year, but not too late, and so keepe them downe, and from farre spreading, that they neuer runne much beyond the frame which you set at the buttresses: as also in your cutting you neuer leaue too many ioynts, nor yet too few, but at the third or fourth ioint at the most cut them off. I doe aduise you to these frames made with stakes and lathes, for the better ripening of your grapes: for in the blooming time, if the branches of your vines bee too neare the wall, the reflection of the Sunne in the day time, and the colde in the night, doe oftentimes spoile a great deale of fruit, by piercing and withering the tender footstalkes of the grapes, before they are formed, whereas when the blossomes are past, and the fruit growing of some bignesse, then all the heate and reflection you can giue them is fit, and therefore cut away some of the branches with the leaues, to admit the more Sunne to ripen the fruit. For the diuers sorts of grapes I haue set them downe in the Booke following, with briefe notes vpon euerie of them, whether white or blacke, small or great, early or late ripe; so that I neede not here make the same relation again. There doth happen some diseases to Vines sometimes, which that you may helpe, I thinke it conuenient to informe you what they are, and how to remedy them when you shall be troubled with any such. The first is a luxurious spreading of branches and but little or no fruit: for remedie whereof, cut the branches somewhat more neere then vsuall, and bare the roote, but take heed of wounding or hurting it, and in the hole put either some good old rotten stable dung of Horses, or else some Oxe blood new taken from the beasts, and that in the middle of Ianuarie or beginning of Februarie, which being well tempered and turned in with the earth, let it so abide, which no doubt, when the comfort of the blood or dung is well soaked to the bottome by the raines that fall thereon, will cause your Vine to fructifie againe. Another fault is, when a Vine doth not bring the fruit to ripenesse, but either it withereth before it be growne of any bignesse, or presently after the blooming: the place or the earth where such a Vine standeth, assuredly is too cold, and therefore if the fault bee not in the place, which cannot bee helped without remouing to a better, digge out a good quantity of that earth, and put into the place thereof some good fresh ground well heartned with dung, and some sand mixed therewith (but not salt or salt water, as some doe aduise, nor yet vrine as others would haue) and this will hearten and strengthen your Vine to beare out the fruit vnto maturitie. When the leaues of a Vine in the end of Summer or in Autumne, vntimely doe turne either yellow or red, it is a great signe the earth is too hot and drie; you must therefore in stead of dung and sand, as in the former defect is said, put in some fresh loame or short clay, well mixed together with some of the earth, and so let them abide, that the frosts may mellow them. And lastly, a Vine sometimes beareth some store of grapes, but they are too many for it to bring to ripenesse; you shall therefore helpe such a Vine (which no doubt is of some excellent kinde, for they are most vsually subiect to this fault) by nipping away the blossomes from the branches, and leauing but one or two bunches at the most vpon a branch, vntill the Vine be growne older, and thereby stronger, and by this meane inured to beare out all the grapes to ripenesse. These be all the diseases I know doe happen to Vines: for the bleeding of a Vine it seldome happeneth of it selfe, but commeth either by cutting it vntimely, that is, too late in the yeare, (for after Ianuarie, if you will be well aduised, cut not any Vine) or by some casuall or wilfull breaking of an arme or a branch. This bleeding in some is vnto death, in others it stayeth after a certaine space of it selfe: To helpe this inconuenience, some haue seared the place where it bleedeth with an hot iron, which in many haue done but a little good; others haue bound the barke close with packe-thred to stay it; and some haue tied ouer the place, being first dried as well as may bee, a plaister made with waxe rossen and turpentine while it is warme. Now for the propagating of them: You must take the fairest and goalest shot branches of one yeares growth, and cut them off with a peece of the old wood vnto it, and these being put into the ground before the end of Ianuarie at the furthest, will shoote forth, and take roote, and so become Vines of the same kinde from whence you tooke them. This is the most speedy way to haue increase: for the laying downe of branches to take roote, doth not yeelde such store so plentifully, nor doe suckers rise from the rootes so aboundantly; yet both these waies doe yeelde Vines that being taken from the old stockes will become young plants, fit to bee disposed of as any shall thinke meete.

CHAP. XI.

The way to order and preserue grapes, fit to be eaten almost all the Winter long, and sometimes vnto the Spring.

Although it bee common and vsuall in the parts beyond the Sea to dry their grapes in the Sunne, thereby to preserue them all the year, as the Raisins of the Sunne are, which cannot bee done in our Countrie for the want of sufficient heate thereof at that time: or otherwise to scald them in hot water (as I heare) and afterwards to dry them, and so keepe them all the yeare, as our Malaga Raisins are prepared that are packed vp into Frayles: yet I doe intend to shew you some other waies to preserue the grapes of our Countrie fresh, that they may be eaten in the winter both before and after Christmas with as much delight and pleasure almost, as when they were new gathered. One way is, when you haue gathered your grapes you intend to keepe, which must be in a dry time, and that all the shrunke, dried, or euill grapes in euery bunch be picked away, and hauing prouided a vessell to hold them, be it of wood or stone which you will, and a sufficient quantitie of faire and cleane drie sand; make stratum super stratum of your grapes and the sand, that is, a lay of sand in the bottome first, and a lay of grapes vpon them, and a lay or strowing againe of sand vpon those grapes, so that the sand may couer euery lay of grapes a fingers breadth in thicknesse, which being done one vpon another vntill the vessell be full, and a lay of sand vppermost, let the vessell be stopped close, and set by vntill you please to spend them, being kept in some drie place and in no sellar: let them bee washed cleane in faire water to take away the sand from so many you will spend at a time. Another way is (which Camerarius setteth downe he was informed the Turkes vse to keepe grapes all the winter vnto the next summer) to take so much meale of Mustard seede, as will serue to strow vpon grapes, vntill they haue filled their vessels, thereon afterwards they poure new wine before it hath boiled, to fill vp their vessels therwith, and being stopped vp close, they keepe them a certaine time, and selling them with their liquour to them that will vse them, they doe wash the seedes or meale from them when they vse them. Another way is, that hauing gathered the fairest ripe grapes, they are to be cast vpon threds or strings that are fastened at both ends to the side walls of a chamber, neere vnto the seeling thereof, that no one bunch touch another, which will bee so kept a great while, yet the chamber must be well defended from the frosts, and cold windes that pierce in at the windowes, lest they perish the sooner: and some will dippe the ends of the branches they hang vp first in molten pitch, thinking by searing vp the ends to keepe the bunches the better; but I doe not see any great likelihood therein. Your chamber or closet you appoint out for this purpose must also bee kept somewhat warme, but especially in the more cold and frostie time of the yeare, lest it spoile all your cost and paines, and frustrate you of all your hopes: but although the frosts should pierce and spoile some of the grapes on a bunch, yet if you be carefull to keepe the place warme, the fewer will be spoiled. And thus haue I shewed you the best directions to order this Orchard rightly, and all the waies I know are vsed in our Countrie to keep grapes good anie long time after the gathering, in regard wee haue not that comfort of a hotter Sun to preserue them by its heate.

The fruits themselues shall follow euerie one in their order; the lower shrubbes or bushes first, and the greater afterwards.

THE THIRD PART CALLED THE ORCHARD,

Containing all sorts of trees bearing fruit for mans vse to eate, proper and fit for to plant an Orchard in our climate and countrie: I bound it with this limitation, because both Dates, Oliues, and other fruits, are planted in the Orchards of Spaine, Italy, and other hot countries, which will not abide in ours. Yet herein I will declare whatsoeuer Art, striuing with Nature, can cause to prosper with vs, that whosoeuer will, may see what can bee effected in our countrie. And first to begin with the lower shrubbes or bushes, and after ascend to the higher trees.

CHAP. I.

Rubus Idæus. Raspis.

The Raspis berrie is of two sorts, white and red, not differing in the forme either of bush, leafe, or berry, but onely in the colour and taste of the fruit. The Raspis bush hath tender whitish stemmes, with reddish small prickes like haires set round about them, especially at the first when they are young; but when they grow old they become more wooddy and firme, without any shew of thornes or prickles vpon them, and hath onely a little hairinesse that couereth them: the leaues are somewhat rough or rugged, and wrinkled, standing three or fiue vpon a stalke, somewhat like vnto Roses, but greater, and of a grayer greene colour: the flowers are small, made of fine whitish round leaues, with a dash as it were of blush cast ouer them, many standing together, yet euery one vpon his owne stalke, at the tops of the branches; after which come vp small berries, somewhat bigger then Strawberries, and longer, either red or white, made of many graines, more eminent then in the Strawberry, with a kinde of douninesse cast ouer them, of a pleasant taste, yet somewhat sowre, and nothing so pleasant as the Strawberrie. The white Raspis is a little more pleasant then the red, wherein there is small seede inclosed: the rootes creepe vnder ground verie farre, and shoote vp againe in many places, much encreasing thereby.

There is another whose stemme and branches are wholly without prickles: the fruit is red, and somewhat longer, and a little more sharpe.

The Vse of Raspis.

The leaues of Raspis may be vsed for want of Bramble leaues in gargles, and other decoctions that are cooling and drying, although not fully to that effect.

The Conserue or Syrupe made of the berries, is effectuall to coole an hot stomacke, helping to refresh and quicken vp those that are ouercome with faintnesse.

The berries are eaten in the Summer time, as an afternoones dish, to please the taste of the sicke as well as the sound.

The iuyce and the distilled water of the berries are verie comfortable and cordiall.

It is generally held of many, but how true I know not, that the red wine that is vsually sold at the Vintners, is made of the berries of Raspis that grow in colder countries, which giueth it a kinde of harshnesse: And also that of the same berries growing in hotter climates, which giueth vnto the wine a more pleasant sweetnesse, is made that wine which the Vintners call Alligant: but we haue a Vine or Grape come to vs vnder the name of the Alligant Grape, as you shall finde it set downe hereafter among the Grapes; and therefore it is likely to be but an opinion, and no truth in this, as it may be also in the other.

CHAP. II.

Ribes rubra, alba, nigra. Currans red, white, and blacke.

The bushes that beare those berries, which are vsually called red Currans, are not those Currans either blew or red, that are sold at the Grocers, nor any kind thereof; for that they are the grapes of a certaine Vine, as shall be shewed by and by: but a farre differing kinde of berry, whereof there are three sorts, red, white, and blacke.

The red Curran bush is of two sorts, and groweth to the height of a man, hauing sometimes a stemme of two inches thicknesse, and diuers armes and branches, couered with a smooth, darke, brownish barke, without anie pricke or thorne at all vpon anie part thereof, whereon doe growe large cornered blackish greene leaues, cut in on the edges, seeming to be made of fiue parts, almost like a Vine leafe, the ends a little pointing out, and standing one aboue another on both sides of the branches: the flowers are little and hollow, comming forth at the ioynts of the leaues, growing many together on a long stalke, hanging downe aboue a fingers length, and of an herbie colour: after which come small round fruit or berries, greene at the first, and red as a Cherry when they are ripe, of a pleasant and tart taste: the other differeth not in anie other thing then in the berries, being twice as bigge as the former: the roote is wooddy, and spreadeth diuersly.

The white Curran bush riseth vsually both higher then the red, and straighter or more vpright, bigger also in the stemme, and couered with a whiter barke: the leaues are cornered, somewhat like the former, but not so large: the flowers are small and hollow like the other, hanging downe in the same manner on long stalkes, being of a whiter colour: the berries likewise growe on the long stalkes, somewhat thicker set together, and of a cleare white colour, with a little blacke head, so transparent that the seedes may be easily seene thorough them, and of a more pleasant winie taste then the red by much.

The blacke Curran bush riseth higher then the white, with more plentifull branches, and more pliant and twiggie: the stemme and the elder branches being couered with a brownish barke, and the younger with a paler: the flowers are also like vnto little bottles as the others be, of a greenish purple colour, which turne into blacke berries, of the bignesse of the smaller red Currans: the leaues are somewhat like vnto the leaues of the red Currans, but not so large: both branches, leaues, and fruit haue a kind of stinking sent with them, yet they are not vnwholsome, but the berries are eaten of many, without offending either taste or smell.

The Vse of Currans.

The red Currans are vsually eaten when they are ripe, as a refreshing to an hot stomacke in the heate of the yeare, which by the tartnesse is much delighted. Some preserue them, and conserue them also as other fruits, and spend them at neede.

The white Currans, by reason of the more pleasant winie taste, are more accepted and desired, as also because they are more daintie, and lesse common.

Some vse both the leaues and berries of the blacke Currans in sawces, and other meates, and are well pleased both with the sauour and taste thereof, although many mislike it.

CHAP. III.

Vua Crispa siue Grossularia. Gooseberries or Feaberries.

Wee haue diuers sorts of Gooseberries, besides the common kinde, which is of three sorts, small, great, and long. For wee haue three red Gooseberries, a blew and a greene.

The common Gooseberrie, or Feaberrie bush, as it is called in diuers Countries of England, hath oftentimes a great stemme, couered with a smooth darke coloured bark, without anie thorne thereon, but the elder branches haue here and there some on them, and the younger are whitish, armed with verie sharpe and cruell crooked thorns, which no mans hand can well auoide that doth handle them, whereon are set verie greene and small cornered leaues cut in, of the fashion almost of Smallage, or Hawthorne leaues, but broad at the stalke: the flowers come forth single, at euerie ioynt of the leafe one or two, of a purplish greene colour, hollow and turning vp the brims a little: the berries follow, bearing the flowers on the heads of them, which are of a pale greene at the first, and of a greenish yellow colour when they are ripe, striped in diuers places, and cleare, almost transparent, in which the seede lyeth. In some these berries are small and round; in others much greater; a third is great, but longer then the other: all of them haue a pleasant winie taste, acceptable to the stomacke of anie (but the long kinde hath both the thicker skin, and the worser taste of the other) and none haue been distempered by the eating of them, that euer I could heare of.

The first of the red Gooseberries is better knowne I thinke then the rest, and by reason of the small bearing not much regarded; the stemme is somewhat bigge, and couered with a smooth darke coloured barke, the younger branches are whiter, and without anie thorne or pricke at all, so long, weake, small, and slender, that they lye vpon the ground, and will there roote againe: the leaues are like vnto the former Gooseberries, but larger: the flowers and berries stand single, and not manie to bee found anie yeare vpon them, but are somewhat long, and are as great as the ordinarie Gooseberry, of a darke brownish red colour, almost blackish when they are ripe, and of a sweetish taste, but without any great delight.

The second red Gooseberry riseth vp with a more straight stemme, couered with a brownish barke; the young branches are straight likewise, and whitish, and grow not so thicke vpon it as the former red kinde, and without any thorne also vpon them: the leaues are like vnto the former red, but smaller: the berries stand singly at the leaues as Gooseberries doe, and are of a fine red colour when they are ripe, but change with standing to be of a darker red colour, of the bignesse of the small ordinary Gooseberry, of a pretty tart taste, and somewhat sweete withall.

The third red Gooseberry which is the greatest, and knowne but vnto few, is so like vnto the common great Gooseberry, that it is hardly distinguished: the fruit or berries grow as plentifully on the branches as the ordinary, and are as great & round as the great ordinary kinde, but reddish, and some of them paler, with red stripes.

The blew Gooseberry riseth vp to bee a bush like vnto the red Curran, and of the same bignesse and height, with broader and redder leaues at the first shooting out, then the second red Gooseberry: the berries are more sparingly set on the branches, then on the small red, and much about the same bignesse, or rather lesser, of the colour of a Damson, with an ouershadowing of a blewish colour vpon them, as the Damson hath, before it be handled or wiped away.

The greene prickly Gooseberry is very like vnto the ordinary Gooseberry in stemme and branches, but that they are not stored with so many sharpe prickles; but the young shootes are more plentifull in small prickles about, and the greene leafe is a little smaller: the flowers are alike, and so are the berries, being of a middle size, and not very great, greene when they are thorough ripe as well as before, but mellower, and hauing a few small short prickles, like small short haires vpon them, which are harmlesse, and without danger to anie the most dainty and tender palate that is, and of a verie good pleasant taste. The seede hereof hath produced bushes bearing berries, hauing few or no prickles vpon them.

The Vse of Gooseberries.

The berries of the ordinary Gooseberries, while they are small, greene, and hard, are much vsed to bee boyled or scalded to make sawce, both for fish and flesh of diuers sorts, for the sicke sometimes as well as the sound, as also before they bee neere ripe, to bake into tarts, or otherwise, after manie fashions, as the cunning of the Cooke, or the pleasure of his commanders will appoint. They are a fit dish for women with childe to stay their longings, and to procure an appetite vnto meate.

The other sorts are not vsed in Cookery that I know, but serue to bee eaten at pleasure; but in regard they are not so tart before maturity as the former, they are not put to those vses they be.

CHAP. IIII.

Oxyacantha, sed potius Berberis. Barberries.

The Barberry bush groweth oftentimes with very high stemmes, almost two mens height, but vsually somewhat lower, with manie shootes from the roote, couered with a whitish rinde or barke, and yellow vnderneath, the wood being white and pithy in the middle: the leaues are small, long, and very greene, nicked or finely dented about the edges, with three small white sharpe thornes, for the most part set together at the setting on of the leaues: the flowers doe growe vpon long clustering stalkes, small, round, and yellow, sweete in smell while they are fresh, which turne into small, long, and round berries, white at the first, and very red when they are ripe, of a sharpe sowre taste, fit to set their teeth on edge that eate them: the roote is yellow, spreading far vnder the vpper part of the ground, but not very deepe.

There is (as it is thought) another kinde, whose berries are thrice as bigge as the former, which I confesse I haue not seene, and know not whether it be true or no: for it may peraduenture be but the same, the goodnesse of the ground and ayre where they growe, and the youngnesse of the bushes causing that largenesse, as I haue obserued in the same kinde, to yeeld greater berries.

There is said to be also another kinde, whose berries should be without stones or seede within them, not differing else in anie thing from the former: but because I haue long heard of it, and cannot vnderstand by all the inquirie I haue made, that any hath seene such a fruit, I rest doubtfull of it.

The Vse of Barberries.

Some doe vse the leaues of Barberries in the stead of Sorrell, to make sawce for meate, and by reason of their sowrenesse are of the same quality.

The berries are vsed to be pickled, to serue to trimme or set out dishes of fish and flesh in broth, or otherwise, as also sometime to bee boyled in the broth, to giue it a sharpe rellish, and many other wayes, as a Master Cooke can better tell then my selfe.

The berries are preserued and conserued to giue to sicke bodies, to helpe to coole any heate in the stomacke or mouth, and quicken the appetite.

The depurate iuyce is a fine menstrue to dissolue many things, and to verie good purpose, if it be cunningly handled by an Artist.

The yellow inner barke of the branches, or of the rootes, are vsed to be boyled in Ale, or other drinkes, to be giuen to those that haue the yellow iaundise: As also for them that haue anie fluxes of choller, to helpe to stay and binde.

Clusius setteth downe a secret that hee had of a friend, of a cleane differing propertie, which was, that if the yellow barke were laid in steepe in white wine for the space of three houres, and afterwards drunke, it would purge one very wonderfully.

CHAP. V.

Nux Auellana. The Filberd.

The Filberd tree that is planted in Orchards, is very like vnto the Hasell nut tree that groweth wilde in the woods, growing vpright, parted into many boughes and tough plyable twigges, without knots, couered with a brownish, speckled, smooth, thinne rinde, and greene vnderneath: the leaues are broad, large, wrinkled, and full of veines, cut in on the edges into deepe dents, but not into any gashes, of a darke greene colour on the vpperside, and of a grayish ash colour vnderneath: it hath small and long catkins in stead of flowers, that come forth in the Winter, when as they are firme and close, and in the Spring open themselues somewhat more, growing longer, and of a brownish yellow colour: the nuts come not vpon those stalkes that bore those catkins, but by themselues, and are wholly inclosed in long, thicke, rough huskes, bearded as it were at the vpper ends, or cut into diuers long iagges, much more then the wood nut: the nut hath a thinne and somewhat hard shell, but not so thicke and hard as the wood nut, in some longer then in other, and in the long kinde, one hath the skinne white that couereth the kernels, and another red.

There is another sort of the round kinde that came from Constantinople, whose huske is more cut, torne, or iagged, both aboue and belowe, then any of our country; the barke also is whiter, and more rugged then ours, and the leaues somewhat larger.

We haue had from Virginia Hasell nuts, that haue beene smaller, rounder, browner, thinner sheld, and more pointed at the end then ours: I know not if any hath planted of them, or if they differ in leafe or any thing else.

The Vse of Filberds.

Filberds are eaten as the best kinde of Hasell nuts, at bankets among other dainty fruits, according to the season of the yeare, or otherwise, as euery one please: But Macer hath a Verse, expressing prettily the nature of these nuts, which is,

Ex minimis nucibus nulli datur esca salubris.

that is, There is no wholsome food or nourishment had from these small kinde of nuts.

Yet they are vsed sometime physically to be rosted, and made into a Lohoc or Electuary, that is vsed for the cough or cold. And it is thought of some, that Mithridates meant the kernels of these nuts, to be vsed with Figs and Rue for his Antidote, and not of Walnuts.

CHAP. VI.

Vitis. The Vine.

There is so great diuersities of Grapes, and so consequently of Vines that bear them, that I cannot giue you names to all that here grow with vs: for Iohn Tradescante my verie good friend, so often before remembred, hath assured me, that he hath twentie sorts growing with him, that hee neuer knew how or by what name to call them. One description therefore shall serue (as I vse to doe in such varieties) for all the rest, with the names afterwards, of as many as we can giue, and the seuerall formes, colours and proportions of the grapes.

The manured Vine, in the places where it hath abiden long time, groweth to haue a great bodie, stemme or trunke, sometimes of the bignesse of a mans arme, sleeue and all, spreading branches if it bee suffered without end or measure, but vsually stored with many armes or branches, both old and new, but weake, and therefore must bee sustained; whereof the old are couered with a thin scaly rinde, which will often chap and peele off of it selfe; the youngest being of a reddish colour, smooth and firme, with a hollownesse or pith in the middle: from the ioints of the young branches, and sometimes from the bodie of the elder, breake out on euerie side broade greene leaues, cut on the edges into fiue diuisions for the most part, and besides notched or dented about: right against the leafe, and likewise at other ioynts of the branches, come forth long twining or clasping tendrels, winding themselues about any thing standeth next vnto them: at the bottome of these leaues come forth clusters of small greenish yellow bloomes or flowers, and after them the berries, growing in the same manner in clusters, but of diuers formes, colours, tastes and greatnesse. For some grapes are great, others lesse, some very small (as the Currans that the Grocers sell) some white, some red, blew, blacke, or partie-coloured, some are as it were square, others round: some the clusters are close, others open, some are sweete, others sower or harsh, or of some other mixed taste; euerie one differing from others, verie notably either in taste, colour or forme; within euerie one of which grapes, (and yet there is a grape without stones) are contained one, two, or more kernels or stones, some of them being smal, others greater: the rootes spread far and deepe. They that keepe their Vines in the best order, doe cut them low, not suffering them to grow high, or with too many branches, whereby they grow the better, take vp the lesser roome, and bring their grapes fairer and sweeter.

The kindes of Vines and Grapes.

Our ordinarie Grape both white and red, which excelleth Crabs for veriuice, and is not fit for wine with vs.

The white Muscadine Grape is a verie great Grape, sweete and firme, some of the bunches haue weighed sixe pound, and some of the grapes halfe an ounce.

The redde Muscadine is as great as the white, and chiefly differeth in colour.

The Burlet is a very great white Grape, but fitter for veriuice; then wine for the most part; yet when a hot yeare happeneth fit for it, the Grape is pleasant.

The little blacke Grape that is ripe very early.

The Raisin of the Sunne Grape is a very great Grape, and very great clusters, of a reddish colour when it is ripe with vs, yet in an extraordinarie hot yeare, it hath got a little blewnesse cast ouer by the best: but naturally verie blew.

The Curran Grape (or the Grape of Corinth) is the least Grape of all, and beareth both few, and verie seldome with vs, but in reasonable great clusters, and of a blackish blew colour, when they are ripe with vs, and very sweete. There is another sort of them that are red or browne, and of a sower taste, nothing so sweete.

The Greeke wine Grape is a blackish Grape, and very sweete.

The Frontignack is a white Grape, of a verie sweete and delicate taste, as the wine declareth, that smelleth as it were of Muske.

The square Grape is reported to bear a Grape not fully round, but sided, or as it were square, whereby it became so called.

The Damasco Grape is a great white grape, very sweete, and is the true Vva Zibeba, that the Apothecaries should vse in the Trochisci Ciphi: and such wee haue had in former times come ouer vnto vs in great, long and round white boxes, containing halfe an hundred weight a peece.

The Russet Grape is a reasonable faire grape, exceeding sweet and whitish, with a thicke skinne, crusted ouer with a shew of ash colour.

The white long Grape is like vnto a Pigeons egge, or as it were pointed pendent like a Pearle.

The partie-coloured Grape is a reasonable great Grape, and discoloured when it is ripe, sometimes the whole bunches, and sometimes but some of the grapes being parted whitish, and blacke halfe through, verie variably.

The Rhenish wine Grape is a white Grape, and endureth the cold of winter when it commeth earely, more then the Muscadine before set downe, and is nothing so sweete.

The White wine Grape is verie like vnto the Rhine Grape, the soile only and climate adding more sweetnesse vnto the one then to the other.

The Claret wine Grape is altogether like the white Grape, but that it is not white, but of a reddish colour, which lying bruised vpon the skins before they are pressed, giue that Claret tincture to the wine.

The Teint is a Grape of a deeper or darker colour, whose iuice is of so deepe a colour, that it serueth to colour other wine.

The Bursarobe is a faire sweete white Grape of much esteeme about Paris.

The Alligant is a verie sweete Grape, giuing so deep and liuely a coloured red wine, that no other whatsoeuer is comparable to it, and therefore vsually called Spaniards blood.

The blew or blacke Grape of Orleans is another blacke Grape, giuing a darke coloured sweete wine much commended in those parts.

The Grape without stones is also a kinde by it selfe, and groweth naturally neere Ascalon, as Brochard affirmeth, the wine whereof is redde, and of a good taste.

The Virginia Vine, whereof I must needes make mention among other Vines, beareth small Grapes without any great store of iuice therein, and the stone within it bigger then in any other Grape: naturally it runneth on the ground, and beareth little.

The Vse of Vines, Grapes, and other parts that come of them.

The greene leaues of the Vine are cooling and binding, and therefore good to put among other herbes that make gargles and lotions for sore mouthes.

And also to put into the broths and drinke of those that haue hot burning feauers, or any other inflammation.

They stay (as it is held for true) womens longings, if they be either taken inwardly, or applyed outwardly.

Wine is vsually taken both for drinke and medicine, and is often put into sawces, broths, cawdles, and gellies that are giuen to the sicke. As also into diuers Physicall drinkes, to be as a vehiculum for the properties of the ingredients.

It is distilled likewise after diuers manners, with diuers things, for diuers & sundry waters to drinke, & for diuers purposes both inward and outward.

Also distilled of it selfe, is called Spirit of wine, which serueth to dissolue, and to draw out the tincture of diuers things, and for many other purposes.

The iuice or veriuice that is made of greene hard grapes, before they be ripe, is vsed of the Apothecaries to be made into a Syrupe, that is very good to coole and refresh a faint stomacke.

And being made of the riper grapes is the best veriuice, farre exceeding that which is made of crabs, to be kept all the yeare, to be put both into meates and medicines.

The grapes of the best sorts of Vines are pressed into wine by some in these dayes with vs, and much more as I verily beleeue in times past, as by the name of Vineyard giuen to many places in this Kingdome, especially where Abbies and Monasteries stood, may bee coniectured: but the wine of late made hath beene but small, and not durable, like that which commeth from beyond Sea, whether our vnkindly yeares, or the want of skill, or a conuenient place for a Vineyard be the cause, I cannot well tell you.

Grapes of all sorts are familiarly eaten when they are ripe, of the sicke sometimes as well as the sound.

The dryed grapes which we call great Raysins, and the Currans which we call small Raysins, are much vsed both for meates, broths, and sawces, in diuers manners, and this Countrey in generall aboue any other, wherein many thousands of Frailes full, Pipes, Hogs-heads, and Buts full are spent yearly, that it breedeth a wonder in them of those parts where they growe and prouide them, how we could spend so many.

The Raysins of the Sunne are the best dryed grapes, next vnto the Damasco, and are very wholsome to eate fasting, both to nourish, and to helpe to loosen the belly.

The dryed Lees of wine called Argoll or Tartar, is put to the vse of the Goldsmith, Dyer, and Apothecary, who doe all vse it in seuerall manners, euery one in his art.

Of it the Apothecaries make Cremor Tartari, a fine medicine to bee vsed, as the Physitian can best appoint, and doth helpe to purge humours by the stoole.

Thereof likewise they make a kinde of water or oyle, fit to bee vsed, to take away freckles, spots, or any such deformities of the face or skinne, and to make it smooth. It causeth likewise haire to growe more aboundantly in those places where it naturally should growe.

The liquor of the Vine that runneth forth when it is cut, is commended to be good against the stone wheresoeuer it be; but that liquor that is taken from the end of the branches when they are burnt, is most effectuall to take away spots and markes, ring-wormes and tetters in any place.

CHAP. VII.

Ficus. The Figge tree.

The Figge trees that are noursed vp in our country are of three sorts, whereof two are high; the one bearing against a wall goodly sweete and delicate Figs, called Figs of Algarua, and is blewish when it is ripe: the other tall kinde is nothing so good, neither doth beare ripe Figges so kindly and well, and peraduenture may be the white ordinary kinde that commeth from Spaine. The third is a dwarfe kinde of Figge tree, not growing much higher then to a mans body or shoulders, bearing excellent good Figges and blew, but not so large as the first kinde.

The Figge trees of all these three kindes are in leaues and growing one like vnto another, sauing for their height, colour, and sweetnesse of the fruit, hauing many armes or branches, hollow or pithy in the middle, bearing large leaues, and somewhat thicke, diuided sometimes into three, but vsually into fiue sections, of a darke greene colour on the vpperside, and whitish vnderneath, yeelding a milkie iuyce when it is broken, as the branches also or the figges when they are greene: the fruit breaketh out from the branches without anie blossome, contrary to all other trees of our Orchard, being round and long, fashioned very like vnto a small Peare, full of small white grains or kernels within it, of a very sweete taste when it is ripe, and very mellow or soft, that it can hardly be carried farre without bruising.

The other two sorts you may easily know and vnderstand, by so much as hath been said of them. Take only this more of the Figge tree, That if you plant it not against a bricke wall, or the wall of an house, &c. it will not ripen so kindly. The dwarfe Figge tree is more tender, and is therefore planted in great square tubs, to be remoued into the sunne in the Summer time, and into the house in Winter.

The Vse of Figges.

Figges are serued to the table with Raysins of the Sunne, and blanched Almonds, for a Lenten dish.

The Figs that growe with vs when they are ripe, and fresh gathered, are eaten of diuers with a little salt and pepper, as a dainty banquet to entertaine a friend, which seldome passeth without a cup of wine to wash them downe.

In Italy (as I haue beene enformed by diuers Gentlemen that haue liued there to study physicke) they eate them in the same manner, but dare not eate many for feare of a feuer to follow, they doe account them to be such breeders of bloud, and heaters of it likewise.

The Figges that are brought vs from Spaine, are vsed to make Ptisan drinkes, and diuers other things, that are giuen them that haue coughes or colds.

It is one of the ingredients also with Nuts and Rue, into Mithridates counterpoison.

The small Figges that growe with vs, and will not ripen, are preserued by the Comfitmakers, and candid also, to serue as other moist or candid banquetting stuffe.

CHAP. VIII.

Sorbus. The Seruice tree.

There are two kindes of Seruice trees that are planted in Orchards with vs, and there is also a wilde kinde like vnto the later of them, with Ashen leaues, found in the woods growing of it selfe, whose fruit is not gathered, nor vsed to bee eaten of any but birds. And there is another kinde also growing wilde abroad in many places, taken by the Country people where it groweth, to be a Seruice tree, and is called in Latine, Aria Theophrasti, whose leaues are large, somewhat like Nut tree leaues, but greene aboue, and grayish vnderneath: some doe vse the fruit as Seruices, and for the same purposes to good effect, yet both of these wilde kindes wee leaue for another worke, and here declare vnto you onely those two sorts are noursed vp in our Orchards.

The more common or ordinary Seruice tree with vs, is a reasonable great tree, couered with a smooth barke, spread into many great armes, whereon are set large leaues, very much cut in on the edges, almost like vnto a Vine leafe, or rather like vnto that kinde of Maple, that is vsually called the Sycomore tree with vs: the flowers are white, and growe many clustering together, which after bring forth small browne berries when they are ripe, of the bignesse almost of Hasell nuts, with a small tuft, as if it were a crowne on the head, wherein are small blacke kernels.

The other kinde, which is more rare with vs, and brought into this Land by Iohn Tradescante, heretofore often remembered, hath diuers winged leaues, many set together like vnto an Ashen leafe, but smaller, and euery one endented about the edges: the flowers growe in long clusters, but nothing so many, or so close set as the wilde kinde: the fruit of this tree is in some round like an Apple, and in others a little longer like a Peare, but of a more pleasant taste then the ordinarie kinde, when they are ripe and mellowed, as they vse to doe with both these kindes, and with Medlars.

The Vse of Seruices.

They are gathered when they growe to be neare ripe (and that is neuer before they haue felt some frosts) and being tyed together, are either hung vp in some warme roome, to ripen them thoroughly, that they may bee eaten, or (as some vse to doe) lay them in strawe, chaffe, or branne, to ripen them.

They are binding, fit to be taken of them that haue any scouring or laske, to helpe to stay the fluxe; but take heed, lest if you binde too much, more paine and danger may come thereof then of the scouring.

CHAP. IX.

Mespilus. The Medlar tree.

There are three sorts of Medlars: The greater and the lesser English, and the Neapolitan.

The great and the small English Medlar differ not one from the other in any thing, but in the size of the fruit, except that the small kinde hath some prickes or thornes vpon it, which the great one hath not, bearing diuers boughes or armes, from whence breake forth diuers branches, whereon are set long and somewhat narrow leaues, many standing together; in the middle whereof, at the end of the branch, commeth the flower, which is great and white, made of fiue leaues, broad at the ends, with a nicke in the middle of euery one; after which commeth the fruit, being round, and of a pale brownish colour, bearing a crowne of those small leaues at the toppe, which were the huske of the flower before, the middle thereof being somewhat hollow, and is harsh, able to choake any that shall eate it before it be made mellow, wherein there are certaine flat and hard kernels.

The Medlar of Naples groweth likewise to bee a reasonable great tree, spreading forth armes and branches, whereon are set many gashed leaues, somewhat like vnto Hawthorne leaues, but greater, and likewise diuers thornes in many places: the flowers are of an herbie greene colour, and small, which turne into smaller fruit then the former, and rounder also, but with a small head or crowne at the toppe like vnto it, and is of a more sweete and pleasant taste then the other, with three seeds only therein ordinarily.

The Vse of Medlars.

Medlars are vsed in the same manner that Seruices are, that is, to be eaten when they are mellowed, and are for the same purposes to binde the body when there is a cause: yet they as well as the Seruices, are often eaten by them that haue no neede of binding, and but onely for the pleasant sweetnesse of them when they are made mellow, and sometimes come as a dish of ripe fruit at their fit season, to be serued with other sorts to the table.

CHAP. X.

Lotus. The Lote or Nettle tree.

The first kinde of Lote tree, whereof Dioscorides maketh mention, is but of one kinde; but there are some other trees spoken of by Theophrastus, that may be referred thereunto, which may bee accounted as bastard kindes thereof, of which I meane to entreate in this Chapter, hauing giuen you before the description of another kinde hereof (by the opinion of good Authors) vnder the name of Laurocerasus.

The first or true Lote tree groweth to be a tree of a great height, whose bodie and elder branches are couered with a smooth darke greene barke, the leaues are somewhat rough in handling, of a darke greene colour, long pointed, and somewhat deepe dented about the edges, somewhat like vnto a Nettle leafe, and oftentimes growe yellow toward Autumne: the flowers stand here and there scattered vpon the branches, after which come round berries like vnto Cherries, hanging downewards vpon long footstalkes, greene at the first, and whitish afterwards; but when they are ripe they become reddish, and if they be suffered to hang too long on the branches, they grow blackish, of a pleasant austere taste, not to be misliked, wherein is a hard round stone.

The second, which is a bastard kinde, and called Guaiacum Patauinum, groweth to bee a faire tree, with a smooth darke greene barke, shooting out many faire great boughes, and also slender greene branches, beset with faire broad greene leaues, almost like vnto the leaues of the Cornell tree, but larger: the flowers growe along the branches close vnto them, without any or with a very short foote-stalke consisting of foure greene leaues, which are as the huske, containing within it a purplish flower, made of foure leaues somewhat reddish: the fruit standeth in the middle of the green huske, greene at the first, and very harsh, but red and round when it is ripe, and somewhat like a Plumme, with a small point or pricke at the head thereof, and of a reasonable pleasant taste or rellish, wherein are contained flat and thicke browne seeds or kernels, like vnto the kernels of Cassia Fistula, somewhat hard, and not so stonie, but that it may somewhat easily be cut with a knife.

The third is called in Virginia Pishamin, The Virginia Plumme (if it be not all one with the former Guaiacana, whereof I am more then halfe perswaded) hath growne with vs of the kernels that were sent out of Virginia, into great trees, whose wood is very hard and brittle, and somewhat white withall: the branches are many, and grow slender to the end, couered with a very thinne greenish bark, whereon doe grow many faire broad greene leaues, without dent or notch on the edges, and so like vnto the former Guaiacum, that I verily thinke it (as I before said) to bee the same. It hath not yet borne flower or fruit in our Countrey that I can vnderstand: but the fruit, as it was sent to vs, is in forme and bignesse like vnto a Date, couered with a blackish skinne, set in a huske of foure hard leaues, very firme like vnto a Date, and almost as sweete, with great flat and thicke kernels within them, very like vnto the former, but larger.

The Vse of these Lote trees.

The first sort is eaten as an helper to coole and binde the body: the last, as Captaine Smith relateth in the discouery of Virginia, if the fruit be eaten while it is greene, and not ripe, is able by the harsh and binding taste and quality to draw ones mouth awry (euen as it is said of the former Guaiacana) but when it is thorough ripe it is pleasant, as I said before.

CHAP. XI.

Cornus mas. The Cornell tree.

The Cornell tree that is planted in Orchards, being the male (for the female is an hedge bush) is of two sorts, the one bearing red, the other whiter berries, which is very rare yet in our country, and not differing else.

It groweth to a reasonable bignesse and height, yet neuer to any great tree, the wood whereof is very hard, like vnto horne, and thereof it obtained the name: the body and branches are couered with a rugged barke, and spreadeth reasonable well, hauing somewhat smooth leaues, full of veines, plaine, and not dented on the edges: the flowers are many small yellow tufts, as it were of short haires or threads set together, which come forth before any leafe, and fall away likewise before any leafe bee much open: the fruit are long and round berries, of the bignesse of small Oliues, with an hard round stone within them, like vnto an Oliue stone, and are of a yellowish red when they are ripe, of a reasonable pleasant taste, yet somewhat austere withall.

The white (as I said) is like vnto the red, but onely that his fruit is more white when it is ripe.

The Vse of the Cornelles.

They helpe to binde the body, and to stay laskes, and by reason of the pleasantnesse in them when they are ripe, they are much desired.

They are also preserued and eaten, both for rarity and delight, and for the purpose aforesaid.

CHAP. XII.

Cerasus. The Cherry tree.

There are so many varieties and differences of Cherries, that I know not well how to expresse them vnto you, without a large relation of their seuerall formes. I will therefore endeauour after one generall description (as my custome is in many other the like variable fruits) to giue as briefe and short notes vpon all the rest, as I can both for leafe and fruit, that so you may the better know what the fruit is, when you haue the name.

The English Cherrie tree groweth in time to be of a reasonable bignesse and height, spreading great armes, and also small twiggy branches plentifully; the leaues whereof are not verie large or long, but nicked or dented about the edges: the flowers come forth two or three or foure at the most together, at a knot or ioynt, euerie one by it selfe, vpon his owne small and long footestalke, consisting of fiue white leaues, with some threds in the middle; after which come round berries, greene at the first, and red when they are through ripe, of a meane bignesse, and of a pleasant sweete taste, somewhat tart withall, with a hard white stone within it, whose kernell is somewhat bitter, but not vnpleasant.

The Flanders Cherrie differeth not from the English, but that it is somewhat larger, and the Cherry somewhat greater and sweeter, and not so sower.

The early Flanders Cherry is more rathe or early ripe, almost as soone as the May Cherry, especially planted against a wall, and of many false knaues or Gardiners are sold for May Cherrie trees.

The May Cherrie in a standard beareth ripe fruite later then planted against a wall, where the berries will be red in the verie beginning of May sometimes.

The Arch-Dukes Cherrie is one of the fairest and best cherries wee haue, being of a very red colour when it is ripe, and a little long more then round, and somewhat pointed at the end, of the best rellish of any Cherrie whatsoeuer, and of a firme substance; scarce one of twentie of our Nurserie men doe sell the right, but giue one for another: for it is an inherent qualitie almost hereditarie with most of them, to sell any man an ordinary fruit for whatsoeuer rare fruit he shall aske for: so little they are to be trusted.

The ounce Cherrie hath the greatest and broadest leafe of any other cherrie, but beareth the smallest store of cherries euerie yeare that any doth, and yet blossometh well: the fruit also is nothing answerable to the name being not verie great, of a pale yellowish red, neere the colour of Amber, and therefore some haue called it, the Amber Cherrie.

The great leafed Cherrie is thought of diuers to bee the Ounce Cherrie, because it hath almost as great a leafe as the former: but the fruit of this also doth not answer the expectation of so great a leafe, being but of a meane bignesse, and a small bearer, yet of a pale reddish colour.

The true Gascoign Cherry is known but to a few; for our Nursery men do so change the names of most fruits they sell, that they deliuer but very few true names to any: In former times before our wilde blacke Cherrie was found to grow plentifully in our owne woods in many places of this Land, the French continually stored vs with wilde stockes to graft vpon, which then were called Gascoigne stocks, but since they haue so termed another red Cherrie, and obtruded it vpon their customers: but the true is one of our late ripe white Cherries, euen as Gerard saith, it is a great cherrie and spotted: and this is that Cherrie I so commend to be a fit stocke to graft May cherries vpon.

The Morello Cherrie is of a reasonable bignesse, of a darke red colour when they are full ripe, and hang long on, of a sweetish sower taste, the pulpe or substance is red, and somewhat firme: if they be dryed they will haue a fine sharpe or sower taste very delectable.

The Hartlippe Cherrie is so called of the place where the best of this kinde is noursed vp, being betweene Sittingbourne and Chattam in Kent, and is the biggest of our English kindes.

The smaller Lacure or Hart Cherrie is a reasonable faire Cherrie, full aboue, and a little pointing downward, after the fashion of an heart, as it is vsually painted, blackish when it is full ripe, and lesser then the next.

The great Lacure or Hart Cherrie differeth not in forme, but in greatnesse, being vsually twice as great as the former, and of a reddish blacke colour also: both of them are of a firme substance, and reasonable sweete. Some doe call the white cherrie, the White hart cherrie.

The Luke Wardes Cherrie hath a reasonable large leafe, and a larger flower then many other: the cherries grow with long stalkes, and a stone of a meane size within them, of a darke reddish colour when they are full ripe, of a reasonable good rellish, and beareth well.

The Corone Cherrie hath a leafe little differing from the Luke Wardes cherrie; the fruit when it is ripe, is of a faire deepe red colour, of a good bignesse, and of a verie good taste, neither verie sweete or sower: the pulpe or iuice will staine the hands.

The Vrinall Cherrie in a most fruitfull yeare is a small bearer, hauing many yeares none, and the best but a few; yet doth blossome plentifully euery yeare for the most part: the cherrie is long and round, like vnto an Vrinall, from whence it tooke his name; reddish when it is full ripe, and of an indifferent sweete rellish.

The Agriot Cherrie is but a small Cherrie, of a deepe redde colour when it is ripe, which is late; of a fine sharpe taste, most pleasant and wholsome to the stomacke of all other cherries, as well while they are fresh as being dryed, which manner they much vse in France, and keepe them for the vse both of the sicke and sound at all times.

The Biguarre Cherrie is a fair cherrie, much spotted with white spots vpon the pale red berry, and sometimes discoloured halfe white and halfe reddish, of a reasonable good rellish.

The Morocco Cherrie hath a large white blossome, and an indifferent big berrie, long and round, with a long stalke of a darke reddish purple colour, a little tending to a blew when it is full ripe, of a firme substance: the iuice is of a blackish red, discolouring the hands or lips, and of a pleasant taste: Some doe thinke that this and the Morello be both one.

The Naples Cherrie is also thought to bee all one with the Morello or Morocco.

The white Spanish Cherrie is an indifferent good bearer, the leafe and blossome somewhat large, and like the Luke Wardes cherrie: the cherries are reasonable faire berries, with long stalkes and great stones, white on the outside, with some rednesse, on the one side of a firme substance, and reasonable sweet, but with a little aciditie, and is one of the late ripe ones: But there is another late ripe white Cherry, which some call the Gascoigne, before remembred.

The Flanders cluster Cherrie is of two sorts, one greater then another: the greater kinde hath an indifferent large leafe; the blossomes haue many threds within them, shewing as it were many parts, which after turne into clusters of berries, foure, fiue or sixe together, and but with one stalke vnder them, as if they grew one out of another, and sometimes they will beare but two or three, and most of them but one cherry on a stalke, which are red when they are ripe, very tender, and waterish sweete in eating.

The lesser is in all things like the greater, but smaller, which maketh the difference.

The wilde cluster or birds cluster Cherry beareth many blossomes set all along the stalkes, and cherries after them in the same maner, like a long thinne bunch of grapes, and therefore called of some the Grape cherry: there are of them both red and blacke.

The soft sheld Cherrie is a small red cherrie when it is ripe, hauing the stone within it so soft and tender, that it may easily be broken in the eating of the cherrie.

Iohn Tradescantes Cherrie is most vsually sold by our Nursery Gardiners, for the Archdukes cherrie, because they haue more plenty thereof, and will better be increased, and because it is so faire and good a cherrie that it may be obtruded without much discontent: it is a reasonable good bearer, a faire great berrie, deepe coloured, and a little pointed.

The Baccalaos or New-found-land Cherrie hath a shining long leafe, most like vnto a Peach leafe, the blossomes come very many together as it were in an vmbell, which is such a cluster as is neither like the Flanders cluster, nor the wilde cluster cherrie blossome: it bringeth forth berries standing in the same manner euerie one vpon his own footestalke, being no bigger then the largest berrie of the red Curran tree or bush, of a pale or waterish red colour when it is ripe.

The strange long cluster Cherrie, or Padus Theophrasti Dalechampio is reckoned by the Author of that great Herball that goeth vnder his name, among the sorts of cherries; and so must I vntill a fitter place be found for it. It groweth in time to be a great tree, with a sad coloured barke both on the bodie and branches, whereon doe grow many leaues, somewhat broade, shorter, harder, and a little more crumpled then any cherrie leafe: the blossomes are very small, and of a pale or whitish colour, smelling very sweete and strong, or rather heady, like Orenge flowers, growing on small long branches, very like the toppe of flowers vpon the Laburnum or Beane trefoile trees: after which come small blacke berries, growing together all along the long stalke, like vnto the wilde cluster or birds cherrie mentioned before, but not much bigger then tares, with small stones within them, and little or no sustance vpon them: the French call the tree Putier, because the wood thereof stinketh, and make it to be wonderfull that the blossomes of the tree mould be so sweete, and the wood so stinking.

The Cullen Cherrie is a darke red cherrie like the Agriot, which they of those parts neere Cullen and Vtrecht &c. vse to put into their drinke, to giue it the deeper colour.

The great Hungarian Cherrie of Zwerts is like both in leafe and fruite vnto the Morello cherrie, but much greater and fairer, and a far better bearer: for from a small branch hath beene gathered a pound of cherries, and this is vsuall continually, and not accidentally, most of them foure inches in compasse about, and very many of them more of a faire deepe red colour, and very sweete, excelling the Arch-Dukes cherry, or any other whatsoeuer.

The Cameleon or strange changeable Cherry deseruedly hath this name, although of mine owne imposition, not only because it beareth vsually both blossomes, greene and ripe fruit at one time thereupon, but that the fruit will be of many formes; some round, some as it were square, and some bunched forth on one side or another, abiding constant in no fashion, but for the most part shewing forth all these diuersities euerie yeare growing vpon it: the fruit is of a very red colour, and good taste.

The great Rose Cherry, or double blossomd Cherry differeth not in any thing from the English Cherrie, but only in the blossomes, which are very thicke of white leaues, as great and double as the double white Crowfoote, before remembred, and sometimes out of the middle of them will spring another smaller flower, but double also; this seldome beareth fruit, but when it doth I suppose it commeth from those blossomes are the least double, and is red, no bigger then our ordinary English cherrie.

The lesser Rose or double blossomd Cherrie beareth double flowers also, but not so thicke and double as the former; but beareth fruit more plentifully, of the same colour and bignesse with the former.

The Dwarfe Cherrie is of two sorts; one whose branches fall downe low, round about the body of it, with small greene leaues, and fruit as small, of a deep red colour.

The other, whose branches, although small, grow more vpright, hauing greener shining leaues: the fruit is little bigger then the former, red also when it is ripe, with a litle point at the end: both of them of a sweetish rellish, but more sower.

The great bearing Cherry of Master Millen is a reasonable great red cherry, bearing very plentifully, although it bee planted against a North wall, yet it will bee late ripe, but of an indifferent sweet and good rellish.

The long finger Cherry is another small long red one, being long & round like a finger, wherof it took the name: this is not the Vrinall cherry before, but differing from it.

The Vse of Cherries.

All these sorts of Cherries serue wholly to please the palate, and are eaten at all times, both before and after meales.

All Cherries are cold, yet the sower more then the sweete; and although the sweete doe most please, yet the sower are more wholsome, if there bee regard taken in the vsing.

The Agriot or sower Cherries are in France much vsed to bee dryed (as is said before) as Pruines are, and so serue to be ministred to the sicke in all hot diseases, as feuers &c. being both boyled in their drinkes, and taken now and then of themselues, which by reason of their tartnesse, doe please the stomacke passing well.

The Gum of the Cherrie tree is commended to bee good for those are troubled with the grauell or stone. It is also good for the cough being dissolued in liquour, and stirreth vp an appetite. The distilled water of the blacke Cherries, the stones being broken among them, is vsed for the same purpose, for the grauell, stone, and winde.

CHAP. XIII.

Prunus. The Plumme tree.

There are many more varieties of Plummes then of Cherries, so that I must follow the same order with these that I did with them, euen giue you their names apart, with briefe notes vpon them, and one description to serue for all the rest. And in this recitall I shall leaue out the Apricockes which are certainly a kind of Plum, of an especiall difference, and not of a Peach, as Galen and some others haue thought, and set them in a chapter by themselues, and only in this set down those fruits are vsually called Plums.

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