The herball or Generall historie of plantes. Gathered by Iohn Gerarde of London Master in Chirurgerie very much enlarged and amended by Thomas Iohnson citizen and apothecarye of London

THE THIRD BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF PLANTS. (Book 3)

Containing the Description, Place, Time, Names, Nature, and Vertues, of Trees, Shrubs, Bushes, Fruit-bearing Plants, Rosins, Gums, Roses, Heath, Mosses: some Indian Plants, and other rare Plants not remembred in the Proeme to the first Booke. Also Mushroms, Corall, and their seue∣rall kindes, &c.

The Proeme.

HAuing finished the Treatise of Herbes and Plants in generall, vsed for meat, medicine, or sweet smelling vse, onely some few omitted for want of perfect instruction, and also being hindered by the slackenesse of the Cutters or Grauers of the those; which wants we intend to supplie in this third and last part. The Tables as well generall as particular shall be set forth in the end of this present Volume.

CHAP. 1. Of Roses.

¶ The Kindes.

THe Plant of Roses, though it be a shrub full of prickles, yet it had been more fit and conuenient to haue placed it with the most glorious floures of the world, than to in∣sert the same here among base and thornie shrubs: for the Rose doth deserue the chiefest and most principall place among all floures whatsoeuer; beeing not onely esteemed for his beautie, vertues, and his fragrant and odoriferous smell; but also be∣cause it is the honour and ornament of our English Scepter, as by the coniunction appeareth in the vniting of those two most royall houses of Lancaster and Yorke. Which pleasant floures deserue the chiefest place in Crownes and garlands, as Anacreon Thius a most antient Greeke Poet (whom Henricus Stephanus hath translated in a gallant Latine verse) affirmes in those verses of a Rose, beginning thus

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rosahonos, decus{que} florum, Rosa, cura, amor{que} Veris. Rosa, caelitum voluptas, Rose is puer Cytheres. Caput implicat Corollis, Charitum Choros 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The Rose is the honour and beautie of floures, The Rose is the care and loue of the Spring, The Rose is the pleasure of th'heauenly powres: The Boy of faire Venus, Cytheras darling, Doth wrap in his head round with garlands of Rose, When to the dances of the Graces he goes.

Augerius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 speaking of the estimation and honor of the Rose, reporteth that the Turks can by no meanes indure to see the leaues of Roses fall to the ground, because that some of them haue dreamed, that the first or most antient Rose did spring of the bloud of Venus; and others of the Mahumetans say, that it sprang of the sweat of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

But there are many kindes of Roses differing either in the bignesse of the floures, or the plant it selfe, roughnesse or smoothnesse, or in the multitude of the floures, or in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or else in co∣lour and smell: for diuers of them are high and tall, others short and low; some haue fiue leaues, others very many. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 telleth of a certaine Rose growing about Philippi, with an hun∣dred leaues, which the inhabitants brought sorth of Pangaeum, and planted it in Campania, as Pliny saith; which wee hold to be the Holland Rose, that diuers call the Prouince Rose, but not properly.

Moreouer, some be red, others white, and most of them or all, sweetly smelling, especially those of the garden.

[illustration]

1 Rosa 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The White Rose.

¶ The 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

1 IF the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 could so be content, one gene∣ral description might serue to distinguish the whole stocke or kindred of the Roses, beeing things so well knowne: notwithstan∣ding I thinke it not amisse to say something of them seuerally, in hope to satisfie all. The white Rose hath very long stalkes of a wood∣dle substance, set or armed with diuers sharpe prickles: the branches whereof are likewise full of prickles, whereon doe grow leaues consisting of fiue leaues for the most part, set vpon a middle rib by couples; the old leafe standing at the point of the same, and euery one of those small leaues some∣what snipt about the edges, somewhat rough, and of an ouerworne green colour: from the bosom wherof shoot forth long foot-stalks, whereon do grow very faire double floures, of a white colour, and very sweet smell, ha∣uing in the middle a few yellow threds or chiues; which being past there succeedeth a long fruit, greene at the first, but red when it is ripe, and stuffed with a downie choaking matter, wherein is contained seed as hard as stones. The root is long, tough, and of a wooddie substance.

2 The Red Rose groweth very low in respect of the former: the stalkes are shor∣ter, smoother, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of colour: the leaues are like, yet of a worse dustie colour: the floures grow on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the branches, consisting of many leaues, of a perfect red colour: the fruit is like∣wise red when it is ripe: the root also wooddie.

3 The common Damaske Rose in stature, prickley branches, and in other respects is like the

[illustration]

2 Rosa rubra. The red Rose.

[illustration]

3 Rosa Prouincialis, sive 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Prouince, or Damaske Rose.

[illustration]

5 Rosa sine spinis. The Rose without prickles.

white Rose; the especiall difference consi∣steth in the colour and smell of the floures; for these are of a pale red colour, and of a more pleasant smell, and fitter for meate or medicine:

4 The Rosa Provincialis minor, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rose differeth not from the former, but is altogether lesser: the floures and fruit are like: the vse in physick also agreeth with the precedent.

5 The Rose without prickles hath many young shootes comming from the root, di∣uiding themselues into diuers branches, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and of a woody substance as are all the rest of the Roses, of the hight of two or three 〈◊〉〈◊〉, smooth and plaine without any roughnesse or prickles at all; whereon do grow leaues like those of the Holland Rose, of a shining deepe greene colour on the vp. per side, vnderneath somewhat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and hairy. The floures grow at the toppes of the branches, consisting of an infinite number of leaues, greater than those of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rose, more double, and of a colour betweene the Red and Damaske Roses, of a most sweet smell. The fruit is round, red when it is ripe, and stuffed with the like flockes and seeds of those of the Damask Rose. The root is great, wooddie, and far spreading.

6 The Holland or Prouince Rose hath diuers shoots proceeding from a wooddie root, full 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sharpe prickles, diuiding it selfe into diuers branches, whereon do grow leaues consisting of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaues set vpon a rough middle rib, and those snipt about the edges: the floures grow on the tops of the branches, in shape and colour like the Damaske Rose, but greater and more double, insomuch that the yellow chiues in the middle are hard to be seene; of a reasonable good smell, but not ful so sweet as the common Damaske Rose: the fruit is like the other of his kinde.

[illustration]

6 Rosa Hollandica, sive Bataua. The great Holland Rose, commonly called the great Prouince Rose.

We haue in our London gardens one of the red Roses, whose floures are in quantitie and beauty equal with the former, but of greater estimation, of a perfect red colour, wherein especially it diffe∣reth from the Prouince Rose; in stalks, stature, and manner of growing it agreeth with our common red Rose.

¶ Te Place.

All these sorts of Roses we haue in our London gardens, except that Rose without prickles, which as yet is a stranger in England. The double white Rose doth grow wilde in many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lanca∣shire in great abundance, euen as Briers do with vs in these Southerly parts, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a place of the countrey called Leyland, and in a place called Roughford, not far 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Latham. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in the said Leyland fields doth grow our garden Rose wilde, in the plowed fields among the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in such abundance, that there may be gathered daily, during the time, many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 els of Roses, equall with the best garden Rose in each respect: the thing that giueth great cause of worder is, that in a field in the place aforesaid, called Glouers field, euery yeare that the field is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 corne, that yeare the field will be spred ouer with Roses; and when it lyeth as they call it ley, and not 〈◊〉〈◊〉, then shall there be but few Roses to be gathered, by the relation of a curious Gentleman there dwelling, so often remembred in our Historie.

‡ I haue heard that the Roses which grow in such plenty in Glouers field euery yeare the field is plowed, are no other than corne Rose, that is, red Poppies, howeuer our Author was informed. ‡

¶ The Time.

These floure from the end of May to the end of August, and diuers times after, by reason 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tops and superfluous branches are cut away in the end of their flouring: & then do they sometimes floure euen vntill October, and after.

¶ The Names.

The Rose is called in Latine Rosa: in Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and the plant it selfe 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: (which in Latine keepeth the same name that the floure hath) and it is called Rodon (as Plutarch saith) because it sen∣deth forth plenty of smell.

The middle part of the Roses, that is, the yellow chiues, or seeds and typs, is called Anthos, and Flos Rosae, the floure of the Rose: in shops, Anthera, or the blowing of the rose.

The white parts of the leaues of the floure it selfe, by which they are fastened to the cups, be na∣med Vngues or 〈◊〉〈◊〉. That is called Calix, or the cup, which containeth and holdeth in together the yellow part and leaues of the floure.

Alabastri, are those parts of the cup which are deeply cut, & that compasse the floure close about before it be opened, which be in number fiue, two haue beards and two haue none, and the fift hath but halfe one: most do call them Cortices Rosarum, or the husks of the roses: the shoots of the plant of roses, Strabo Gallus in his little garden doth call Viburna.

The white Rose is called Rosa alba: in English, the white Rose: in high Dutch, Weisz Roosen: in low Dutch, Ditte Roosen: in French, Rose Blanche: of Plinie, Spincola Rosa, or Rosa Campana.

The red Rose is called in Latine, Rosa rubra: the Frenchmen, Rose Franche, Rose de Prouins, a towne in Campaigne: of Plinie, Trachinia, or Praenestina.

The Damaske Rose is called of the Italians Rosa incarnata: in high Dutch, Leibfarbige Roosen: in low Dutch, Prouenice Roose: of some, Rosa Provincialis, or Rose of Prouence: in French of some, Melesia: the Rose of Melaxo, a citie in Asia, from whence some haue thought it was first brought into those parts of Europe.

The great Rose, which is generally called the great Prouence rose, which the Dutch men cannot endure; for say they, it came first out of Holland, and therefore to be called the Holland Rose: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by all likelihood it came from the Damaske rose, as a kinde thereof, made better and fairer by art, which seemeth to agree with truth.

The rose without prickles is called in Latine, Rosa sine spinis, and may be called in English, the rose without thornes, or the rose of Austrich, because it was first brought from Vienna, the Metro∣politan citie of Austrich, and giue nto that famous Herbarist Carolus Clusius.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues of the floures of roses, because they doe consist of diuers parts, haue also diuers and sundry faculties: for there be in them certain that are earthy and binding, others moist and watery, and sundrie that are spirituall and airie parts, which notwithstanding are not all after one sort, for in one kinde these excell, in another those, all of them haue a predominant or ouerruling cold tempe rature, which is neerest to a meane, that is to say, of such as are cold in the first degree, moist, airie, and spirituall parts are predominant in the White roses, Damaske and Muske.

¶ The Vertues.

The distilled water of roses is good for the strengthning of the heart, & refreshing of the spirits, [ A] and likewise for all things that require a gentle cooling.

The same being put into iunketting dishes, cakes, sauces, and many other pleasant things, giueth [ B] a fine and delectable taste.

It mitigateth the paine of the cies proceeding of a hot cause, bringeth sleep, which also the fresh [ C] roses themselues prouoke through their sweet and pleasant smell.

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of these roses, especially of Damask, doth moue to the stoole, and maketh the belly 〈◊〉〈◊〉: [ D] but most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that of the Musk roses: next to them is the iuice of the Damask, which is more commonly vsed.

The infusion of them doth the same, and also the syrrup made thereof, called in Latine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ E] or Serapium: the Apothecaries call it Syrrup of roses solutiue, which must be made of the infusion in which a great number of the leaues of these fresh roses are diuers and sundry times steeped.

It is profitable to make the belly loose & soluble, when as either there is no need of other stron∣ger [ F] purgation, or that it is not fit and expedient to vse it: for besides those excrements which stick to the bowels, or that in the first and neerest veines remaine raw, flegmaticke, and now and then cholericke, it purgeth no other excrements, vnlesse it be mixed with certaine other stronger medi∣cines.

This syrrup doth moisten and coole, and therefore it alayeth the extremitie of heart in hot bur∣ning [ G] feuers, mitigateth the inflammations of the intrails, and quencheth thirst: it is scarce good for aweake and moist stomacke, for it leaueth it more slacke and weake.

Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vertue also are the leaues of these preserued in Sugar, especially if they be onely bruised [ H] with the hands, and diligently tempered with Sugar, and so heat at the fire rather than boiled.

¶ The Temperature of Red Roses.

There is in the red Roses, which are common euery where, and in the other that be of a deep pur∣ple, [ I] called Prouence roses, a more earthie substance, also a drying and binding qualitie, yet not

without certaine moisture ioined, being in them when they are as yet fresh, which they lose when they be dried: for this cause their iuice and infusion doth also make the bodie soluble, yet not so much as of the others aforesaid. These roses being dried and their moisture 〈◊〉〈◊〉, do bind and dry; and likewise coole, but lesser than when they are fresh.

¶ The Vertues.

They strengthen the heart, and helpe the trembling and beating thereof. [ I]

They giue strength to the liuer, kidneies, and other weake intrails; they dry and comfort a weak [ K] stomacke that is flashie and moist; stay the whites and reds, stanch bleedings in any part of the bo∣dy, stay sweatings, binde and loose, and moisten the body.

And they are put into all manner of counterpoisons and other like medicines, whether they be [ L] to be outwardly applied or to be inwardly taken, to which they giue an effectuall binding, and cer∣taine strengthning qualitie.

Honie of Roses, or Mel Rosarum, called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which is made of them, is most excel∣lent [ M] good for wounds, vlcers, issues, and generally for such things as haue need to be clensed and dried.

The oile doth mitigate all kindes of heat, and will not suffer inflammations or hot swellings to [ N] rise, and being risen it doth at the first asswage them.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues of the parts.

The floures or bloomings of Roses, that is to say, the yellow haires and tips, do in like maner dry [ O] and binde, and that more effectually than of the leaues of the roses themselues: the same tempera∣ture the cups and beards be of; but seeing none of these haue any sweet smell, they are not so pro∣fitable, nor so familiar or beneficiall to mans nature: notwithstanding in fluxes at the sea, it shall auaile the Chirurgion greatly, to carry store thereof with him, which doth there preuaile much more than at the land.

The same yellow called Anthera, staieth not onely those lasks and bloudy fluxes which do hap∣pen at the sea, but those at the land also, and likewise the white flux and red in women, if they bee dried, beaten to pouder, and two scruples thereof giuen in red wine, with a little powder of Ginger added thereto: and being at the sea, for want of red wine you may vse such liquour as you can get in such extremitie.

The little heads or buttons of the Roses, as Pliny writeth, do also stanch bleeding, and stoppe the [ Q] laske.

The nailes or white ends of the leaues of the floures are good for watering eies. [ R]

The iuice, infusion, or decoction of Roses, are to be reckoned among those medicines which are [ S] soft, gentle loosing, opening and purging gently the belly, which may be taken at all times and in all places, of euery kinde or sex of people, both old and yong, without danger or perill.

The syrrup made of the infusion of Roses, is a most singular & gentle loosing medicine, carrying [ T] downwards cholericke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, opening the stoppings of the liuer, helping greatly the yellow iaun∣dies, the trembling of the heart, & taking away the extreme heat in agues and burning feuers which is thus made:

Take two pound of Roses, the white ends cut away, put them to steepe or infuse in six pintes of [ V] warme water in an open vessell for the space of twelue houres: then straine them out, and put there∣to the like quantitie of Roses, and warme the water again, so let it stand the like time: do thus foure or fiue times; in the end adde vnto that liquor or infusion, foure pound of fine sugar in powder; then boyle it vnto the forme of a syrrup, vpon a gentle fire, continually stirring it vntill it be cold; then straine it, and keepe it for your vse, whereof may be taken in white wine, or other liquour, from one ounce vnto two.

Syrrup of the iuice of Roses is very profitable for the grieses aforesaid, made in this manner: [ X]

Take Roses, the white nailes cut away, what quantitie you please, stampe them, and straine our [ Y] the iuice, the which you shall put to the fire, adding thereto sugar, according to the quantity of the iuice: boiling them on a gentle fire vnto a good consistence.

Vnto these syrrups you may adde a few drops of oyle of Vitriol, which giueth it a most beauti∣full [ Z] colour, and also helpeth the force in cooling hot and burning feuers and agues: you likewise may adde thereto a small quantitie of the iuice of Limons, which doth the like.

The conserue of Roses as well that which is crude and raw, as that which is made by ebullition [ A] or boiling, taken in the morning fasting, and last at night, strengthneth the heart, and taketh away the shaking and trembling thereof, strengthneth the liuer, kidneies, and other weake intrails, com∣forteth a weake stomacke that is moist and raw; staieth the whites and reds in women, and in a word is the most familiar thing to be vsed for the purposes aforesaid, and is thus made:

Take the leaues of Roses, the nails cut off, one pound, put them into a clean pan; then put thereto [ B] a pinte and a halfe of scalding water, stirring them together with a woodden slice, so let them stand

to macerate, close couered some two or three houres; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set them to the fire slowly to boyle, ad∣ding thereto three pounds of sugar in powder, letting them to simper together according to discre∣tion, some houre or more; then keepe it for your vse.

The same made another way, but better by many degrees: take Roses at your pleasure, put them [ C] to boyle in faire water, hauing regard to the quantity; for if you haue many roses, you may take the more water; if fewer, the lesse water will serue: the which you shall boyle at the least three or foure houres, euen as you would boyle a piece of meat, vntill in the eating they be very tender, at which time the roses will lose their colour, that you would thinke your labour lost, and the thing spoyled. But proceed, for though the Roses haue lost their colour, the water hath gotten the tincture there∣of; then shall you adde vnto one pound of Roses, foure pound of fine sugar in pure powder, and so according to the rest of the roses. Thus shall you let them boyle gently after the Sugar is put ther∣to, continually stirring it with a woodden Spatula vntill it be cold, whereof one pound weight is worth six pound of the crude or raw conserue, as well for the vertues and goodnesse in taste, as also for the beautifull colour.

The making of the crude or raw conserue is very well knowne, as also Sugar roset, and diuers [ D] other pretty things made of roses and sugar, which are impertent vnto our historie, because I intend neither to make thereof an Apothecaries shop, nor a Sugar bakers storehouse, leauing the rest for our cunning confectioners.

CHAP. 2. Of the Muske Roses.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of Roses planted in gardens, besides those written of in the former chap∣ter, which are of most writers reckoned among the wilde roses, notwithstanding we thinke it conuenient to put them into a chapter betweene those of the garden and the brier roses, as indiffe∣rent whether to make them of the wilde roses, or of the tame, seeing we haue made them denizons in our gardens for diuers respects, and that worthily.

[illustration]

1 Rosa Moschata simplici flore. The single Muske rose.

[illustration]

2 Rosa Moschata multiplex. The double Muske rose.

¶ The Description.

1 THe single Muske Rose hath diuers long shoots of a greenish colour and wooddie sub∣stance, armed with very sharpe prickles, diuiding it selfe into diuers branches: whereon do grow long leaues, smooth & shining, made of diuers leaues set vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 middle rib, like the other roses: the floures grow on the tops of the branches, of a white colour, and pleasant sweet smell, like that of Muske, whereof it tooke his name; hauing certain yellow seeds in the middle, as the rest of the roses haue: the fruit is red when it is ripe, and filled with such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 flocks and seeds as those of the other roses: the root is tough and wooddie.

2 The double Muske rose differeth not from the precedent in leaues, stalks, and roots, nor in the colour of the floures, or sweetnesse thereof, but onely in the doublenesse of the floures, wherein consisteth the difference.

3 Of these roses we haue another in our London gardens, which of most is called the blush rose; it floureth when the Damaske rose doth: the floures hereof are very single, greater than the other Muske roses, and of a white colour, dasht ouer with a light wash of carnation, which maketh that colour which wee call a blush colour: the proportion of the whole plant, as also the smell of the floures, are like the precedent.

[illustration]

3 Rosae Moschatae species maior. The great Muske rose.

[illustration]

4 Rosa Holosericea. The veluet rose.

4 The Veluet rose groweth alwaies very low, like vnto the red rose, hauing his branches coue∣red with a certaine hairie or prickley matter, as fine as haires, yet not so sharpe or stiffe that it will harme the most tender skin that is: the leaues are like the leaues of the white rose: the floures grow at the top of the stalks, doubled with some yellow thrums in the midst, of a deepe and blacke red colour, resembling red crimson veluet, whereupon some haue called it the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rose: when the floures be vaded, there follow red berries full of hard seeds, wrapped in a downe or woollinesse like the others.

5 The yellow rose which (as diuers do report) was by Art so coloured, and altered from his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 estate, by graffing a wilde rose vpon a Broome stalke; whereby (say they) it doth not onely change his colour, but his smell and force. But for my part I hauing found the contrarie by mine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, cannot be induced to beleeue the report: for the roots and off-springs of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉

brought forth yellow roses, such as the maine stocke or mother bringeth out, which euent is not to be seen in all other plants that haue been graffed. Moreouer, the seeds of yellow roses haue brought forth yellow roses, such as the floure was from whence they were taken; which they would not do by any coniecturall reason, if that of themselues they were not a naturall kind of rose. Lastly, it were contrary to that true principle,

Naturae sequitur semina quodque suae: that is to say;

Euery seed and plant bringeth forth fruit like vnto it selfe, both in shape and nature: but lea∣uing that errour, I will proceed to the description: the yellow rose hath browne and prickly stalks or shoots, fiue or six cubits high, garnished with many leaues, like vnto the Muske rose, of an excel∣lent sweet smell, and more pleasant than the leaues of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the floures come forth a∣mong the leaues, and at the top of the branches of a faire gold yellow colour: the thrums in the middle, are also yellow: which being gone, there follow such knops or heads as the other roses do beare.

[illustration]

5 Rosa lutea. The yellow rose.

[illustration]

‡ 6 Rosa Lutea multiplex. The double yellow rose.

‡ 6 Of this kinde there is another more rare and set by, which in stalks, leaues, and other parts is not much different from the last described, onely the floure is very double, and it seldome fairly shewes it selfe about London, where it is kept in our chiefe gardens as a prime raritie. ‡

7 The Canell or Cinnamon rose, or the rose smelling like Cinnamon, hath shoots of a brown colour, foure cubits high, beset with thorny prickles, and leaues like vnto those of Eglantine, but smaller and greener, of the sauour or smell of Cinnamon, whereof it tooke his name, and not of the smell of his floures (as some haue deemed) which haue little or no sauour at all: the floures be ex∣ceeding double, and yellow in the middle, of a pale red colour, and sometimes of a carnation: the root is of a wooddie substance.

8 We haue in our London gardens another Cinnamon or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rose, not differing from the last described in any respect, but onely in the floures; for as the other hath very double floures, con∣trariwise these of this plant are verie single, wherein is the difference.

[illustration]

7 Rosa Cinnamomea pleno flore. The double Cinnamon Rose.

[illustration]

‡ 8 Rosa Cinnamomea flore 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The single Cinnamon Rose.

¶ The Place.

These Roses are planted in our London gardens, and elsewhere, but not found wilde in Eng∣land.

¶ The Time.

The Muske Rose floureth in Autumne, or the fall of the leafe: the rest floure when the Damask and red Rose do.

¶ The Names.

The first is called Rosa Moschata, of the smell of Muske, as we haue said: in Italian, Rosa Moschetta: in French, Roses Musquees, or Muscadelles: in Low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Musk Rose: the Latine and English titles may serue for the rest.

¶ The Temperature.

The Muske rose is cold in the first degree, wherein airie and spiritual parts are predominant: the rest are referred to the Brier rose and Eglantine.

¶ The Vertues.

Conserue or syrrup made of the Muske rose, in manner as before told in the Damaske and red [ A] roses, doth purge very mightily waterish humors, yet safely, and without all danger, taken in the quantitie of an ounce in weight.

The leaues of the floures eaten in the morning, in manner of a sallad, with oile, vineger and pep∣per, [ B] or any other way according to the appetite and pleasure of them that shall eat it, purge very notably the belly of waterish and cholericke humors, and that mightily, yet without all perill or paine at all, insomuch as the simplest may vse the quantitie, according to their owne fancie; for if they do desire many stooles, or sieges; they are to eat the greater quantity of the leaues; if fewer, the lesse quantitie; as for example: the leaues of twelue or foureteene floures giue six or eight stooles, and so increasing or diminishing the quantitie, more or fewer, as my selfe haue often proued.

The white leaues stamped in a woodden dish with apeece of Allum and the iuice strained forth into some glased vessell, dried in the shadow, and kept, is the most fine and pleasant yellow colour that may be diuised, not only to limne or wash pictures and Imagerie in books, but also to colour meates and sauces, which notwithstanding the Allum is very wholsome.

There is not any thing extant of the others, but are thought to be equall with the white Muske Rose, whereof they are taken and holden to be kindes.

CHAP. 3. Of the wilde Roses.

¶ The Description.

1 THe sweet Brier doth oftentimes grow higher than all the kindes of Roses; the shoots of it are hard, thicke, and wooddie; the leaues are glittering, and of a beautifull greene co∣lour, of smell most pleasant: the Roses are little, fiue leaued, most commonly whitish, seldom ten∣ding to purple, of little or no smell at all: the fruit is long, of colour somewhat red, like a little oliue stone, and like the little heads or berries of the others, but lesser than those of the garden: in which is contained rough cotton, or hairie downe and seed, folded and wrapped vp in the same, which is small and hard: there be likewise found about the slender shoots hereof, round, soft, and hairie spunges, which we call Brier Balls, such as grow about the prickles of the Dog-rose.

[illustration]

1 Rosasyluestris odora. The Eglantine, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brier.

2 We haue in our London gardens another sweet Brier, hauing greater leaues, and much swee∣ter: the floures likewise are greater, and somewhat doubled, exceeding sweet of smell, wherein it differeth from the former.

3 The Brier Bush or Hep tree, is also called Rosa canina, which is a plant so common and well knowne, that it were to small purpose to vse many words in the description thereof: for euen chil∣dren with great delight eat the berries thereof when they be ripe, make chaines and other prettie gewgawes of the fruit: cookes and gentlewomen make Tarts and such like dishes for pleasure thereof, and therefore this shall suffice for the description.

4 The Pimpinell rose is likewise one of the wilde ones, whose stalks shoot forth of the ground in many places, of the height of one or two cubits, of a browne colour, and armed with sharpe pric∣kles,

[illustration]

‡ 2 Rosa syl. odora flore duplici. The double Eglantine.

[illustration]

3 Rosa Canina inodora. The Brier Rose, or Hep tree.

[illustration]

4 Rosa Pimpinellae folio. The Pimpinell Rose.

which diuide themselues toward the tops into diuers branches, whereon doe grow leaues consisting of diuers small ones, set vpon a mid∣dle rib like those of Burnet, which is called in Latine Pimpinella, whereupon it was called Rosa Pimpinella, the Burnet Rose. The floures grow at the tops of the branches, of a white colour, very single, and like vnto those of the Brier or Hep tree: after which come the fruit, blacke, contra∣rie to all the rest of the roses, round as an apple; whereupon some haue called it Rosa Pomifera, or the Rose bearing apples: wherein is contai∣ned seed, wrapped in chaffie or flockie matter, like that of the Brier: the root is tough and wooddie.

¶ The Place.

These wilde Roses do grow in the borders of fields and woods, in most parts of England. The last 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very plentifully in a field as you go from a village in Essex, called Graies (vpon the brinke of the riuer Thames) vnto Horndon on the hill, insomuch that the field is full 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therewith all ouer.

It groweth likewise in a pasture as you goe from a village hard by London called Knights bridge, vnto Fulham, a village thereby, and in many other places.

We haue them all except the Brier Bush in our London gardens, which we thinke vnworthy the place.

¶ The Time.

They floure and flourish with the other Roses.

¶ The Names.

The Englantine Rose, which is Cynorrhodi, or Caninae Rosae species, a kinde of Dogs Rose: and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 syluestris, the wild Rose: in low-Dutch, Eglantier: in French, Esglentine; and as Ruellius testifies, Eglenterium: who also suspects it to be Cynosbaton, or Canirubus: of which Dioscorides hath written in these words; Cynosbatus, or Canirubus, which some call Oxycantha, is a shrub growing like a tree, full of prickles, with a white floure, long fruit like an oliue stone, red when it is ripe, and downie within: in English we call it Eglantine, or sweet Brier.

The spongie balls which are found vpon the branches are most aptly and properly called Spon∣giolaesyluestris Rosae, the little sponges of the wilde Rose. The shops mistake it by the name of Bede∣guar; for Bedeguar among the Arabians is a kinde of Thistle, which is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: that is to say, Spina alba the white Thistle, not the white Thorne, though the word doe import so much.

The Brier or Hep tree is called Syluestris Rosa, the wilde Rose: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Roses 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Pliny, lib. 8. cap. 25. saith that it is Rosa Canina, Dogs Rose: of diuers, Cani∣nasentis, or Dogs Thorne: in English, Brier bush, and Hep tree: the last hath been touched in the description.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The faculties of these wilde Roses are referred to the manured Rose, but not vsed in physicke [ A] where the other may be had: notwithstanding Pliny 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that the root of the Brier bush is a singular remedie found out by oracle, against the biting of a mad dog, which he sets downe in his eighth booke, chap. 41.

The same Author, lib. 25. cap. 2. affirmeth, that the little spongie Brier ball stamped with honey [ B] and ashes causeth haires to grow which are fallen through the disease called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the Foxes euill, in plaine termes the French pocks.

Fuchsius affirmes, that the spongie excrescence or ball growing vpon the Brier are good against [ C] the stone and strangurie, if they be beaten to pouder and inwardly taken.

They are good not as they be diureticks or prouokers of vrine, or as they are wearers away of the [ D] stone, but as certaine other binding medicines that strengthen the weake and feeble kidneyes; which do no more good to those that be subiect to the stone, than many of the diuretickes, especi∣ally of the stronger sort; for by too much vsing of diureticks or pissing medicines, it hapneth that the kidneyes are ouer-weakened, and often times too much heated, by which meanes not only the stones are not diminished, worne away, or driuen forth, but oftentimes are also increased and made more hard: for they separate and take away that which in the bloud is thin, waterie, and as it were wheyish; and the thicker part, the stronger sorts of diuretickes do draw together and make hard: and in like maner also others that are not so strong, by the ouermuch vsing of them, as Galen. lib. 5. of the faculties of simple medicines reporteth.

The fruit when it is ripe maketh most pleasant meats and banqueting dishes, as tarts and such [ E] like; the making whereof I commit to the cunning cooke, and teeth to eat them in the rich mans mouth.

CHAP. 4. Of the Bramble or black-Berry bush.

¶ The Description.

1 THe common Bramble bringeth forth slender branches, long, tough, easily bowed, tam∣ping among hedges and whatsoeuer stands neere vnto it; armed with hard and sharpe prickles, whereon doe grow leaues consisting of many set vpon a rough middle rib, greene on the vpper side, and vnderneath somewhat white: on the tops of the stalks stand certaine floures, in shape like those of the Brier Rose, but lesser, of colour white, and sometimes washt ouer with a little purple: the fruit or berry is like that of the Mulberry, first red, blacke when it is ripe, in taste betweene sweet and soure, very soft, and full of grains: the root creepeth, and sendeth forth here and there yong springs.

‡ Rubus repens fructu caesio.

‡ 2 This hath a round stalke set full of small crooked and very sharpe pricking thornes, and creepeth on hedges and low bushes of a great length, on the vpper side of a light red colour, and vn∣derneath greene, and taketh rootwith the tops of the trailing branches, whereby it doth mightily

encrease: the leaues grow without order, composed of three leaues, and sometimes of fiue, or else the two lower leaues are diuided into two parts, as Hop leaues are now and then, of a light greene colour both aboue and vnderneath. The floures grow on the tops of the branches, racematim, many together, sometimes white, sometimes of a very light purple colour, euery floure containing fiue leaues, which are crompled or wrinkled, and do not grow plaine: the fruit followes, first green, and afterwards blew, euerie berry composed of one or two graines, seldome oboue foure or fiue grow∣ing together, about the bignesse of corans; wherein is contained a stony hard kernell or seed, and a iuyce of the colour of Claret wine, contrarie to the common Rubus or Bramble, whose leaues are white vnderneath: the berries being ripe are of a shining blacke colour, and euery berry containes vsually aboue forty graines closely compacted and thrust together. The root is wooddy and la∣sting. This growes common enough in most places, and too common in ploughed fields. Sept. 6. 1619. Iohn Goodyer. ‡

3 The Raspis or Framboise bush hath leaues and branches not much vnlike the common Bramble, but not so rough nor prickly, and sometimes without any prickles at all, hauing onely a rough hairinesse about the stalkes: the fruit in shape and proportion is like those of the Bramble, red when they be ripe, and couered ouer with a little downinesse; in taste not very pleasant. The root creepeth far abroad, whereby it greatly encreaseth. ‡ This growes either with prickles vp∣on the stalkes, or else without them: the fruit is vsually red, but sometimes white of colour. ‡

[illustration]

1 Rubus. The Bramblebush.

[illustration]

2 Rubus Idaeus. The Raspis bush or Hinde-berry.

4 Stone Bramble seldome groweth aboue a foot high, hauing many small flexible branches without prickles, trailing vpon the ground, couered with a reddish barke, and somwhat hairy: the leaues grow three together, set vpon tender naked foot-stalkes somewhat snipt about the edges: the floures grow at the end of the branches, consisting of foure small white leaues like those of the Cherry tree: after which come small Grape-like fruit, consisting of one, two, or three large trans∣parent berries, set together as those of the common Bramble, of a red colour when they be ripe, and of a pleasant taste, but somewhat astringent. The roots creepe along in the ground very farre abroad, whereby it greatly increaseth.

4 Chamaemorus (called in the North part of England, where they especially doe grow, Knot∣berries, and Knought-berries) is likewise one of the Brambles, though without prickles: it brings

forth small weake branches or tender stems of a foot high; whereon do grow at certaine distances rough leaues in shape like those of the Mallow, not vnlike to the leaues of the Gooseberrie bush: on the top of each branch standeth one floure and no more, consisting of fiue small leaues of a dark purple colour: which being fallen, the fruit succeedeth, like vnto that of the Mulberrie, whereof it was called Chamaemorus, dwarfe Mulberry; at the first white and bitter, after red and somwhat plea∣sant: the root is long, something knotty; from which knots or ioynts thrust forth a few threddie strings. ‡ I take that plant to which our Author hereafter hath allotted a whole chapter, and cal∣led Vaccinia nubis, or Cloud-berries, to be the same with this, as I shall shew you more largely in that place. ‡

[illustration]

4 Rubus Saxatilis. Stone blacke Berry bush.

[illustration]

5 Chamaemorus. Knot berry bush.

¶ The Place.

The Bramble groweth for the most part in euery hedge and bush.

The Raspis is planted in gardens: it groweth not wilde that I know of, except in the field by a village in Lancashire called Harwood, not far from Blackburne.

I found it among the bushes of a causey, neere vnto a village called Wisterson, where I went to schoole, two miles from the Nantwich in Cheshire.

The stone Bramble I haue found in diuers fields in the Isle of Thanet, hard by a village called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, neere Queakes house, sometimes Sir Henry Crispes dwelling place. ‡ I feare our Au∣thor mistooke that which is here added in the second place, for that which he figured and descri∣bed in the third (now the fourth) which I know not yet to grow wilde with vs. ‡

Knot-berries do loue open snowie hills and mountaines; they grow plentifully vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hils among the heath and ling, twelue miles from Lancashire, being thought to be the highest hill in England.

They grow vpon Stane-more betweene Yorkshire and Westmerland, and vpon other wet Fells and mountaines.

¶ The Time.

These floure in May and Iune with the Roses: their fruit is ripe in the end of August and Sep∣tember.

¶ The Names.

The Bramble is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in French, Ronges, Loi Duyts Brelmers: in Latine, Rubus, and Sentis, and Vepres, as Ouid writeth in his first booke of Metamorpho sis.

Aut Leporiqui vepre latens hostilia cernit Oracanum. —

Or to th'Hare, that vnder Bramble closely lying, spies The hostile mouthes of Dogs. —

Of diuers it is called Cynosbatus, but not properly; for Cynoslatus is the wild Rose, as we haue writ∣ten: in high-Dutch, Bremen: in low-Dutch, Breemen: in French, Rouce: in Italian, Garza: in English, Bramble bush, and Black-berry bush.

The fruit is named in Latine Morum rubi; and as Fuchsius thinketh, Vacinium, but not properly: in shops, Mora Bati: and in such shops as are more barbarous, Mora Bassi: in English, Blacke∣berries.

The Raspis is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Rubus Idaeus, of the mountaine Ida on which it groweth: in English, Raspis, Framboise, and Hinde-berry.

¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The yong buds or tender tops of the Bramble 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the floures, the leaues, and the vnripe fruit, [ A] do very much dry and binde withall: being chewed they take away the heate and inflammation of the mouth, and almonds of the throat: they stay the bloudy flix, and other fluxes, and all maner of bleedings: of the same force is their decoction, with a little honey added.

They heale the eyes that hang out, hard knots in the fundament, and stay the hemorrhoids, if [ B] the leaues be layd thereunto.

The iuyce which is pressed out of the stalks, leaues, and vnripe berries, and made hard in the Sun, [ C] is more effectuall for all those things.

The ripe fruit is sweet, and containeth in it much iuyce of a temperate heate, therefore it is not [ D] vnpleasant to be eaten.

It hath also a certaine kinde of astriction or binding qualitie. [ E]

It is likewise for that cause wholsome for the stomack, and if a man eat too largely therof, saith [ F] Galen, he shall haue the head-ache: but being dried whilest it is yet vnripe it bindeth and drieth more than the ripe fruit.

The root besides that it is binding containeth in it much thin substance, by reason whereof it [ G] wasteth away the stone in the kidnies, saith Galen.

Pliny writeth, that the berries and floures do prouoke vrine, and that the decoction of them in [ H] wine is a present remedie against the stone.

The leaues of the Bramble boiled in water, with honey, allum, and a little white wine added [ I] thereto, make a most excellent lotion or washing water to heale the sores in the mouth, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parts of man or woman, and the same decoction fastneth the teeth.

The Raspis is thought to be like the Bramble in temperature and vertues, but not so much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ K] or drying. The Raspis, saith Dioscorides, performeth those things which the Bramble doth. The fruit is good to be giuen to those that haue weake and queasie stomacks.

CHAP. 5. Of Holly Roses, or Cistus.

¶ The Kindes.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath been taken of diuers to be a kinde of Rose: the old Writers haue made two sorts thereof, male and female; and likewise a third sort, which is called Ledum: the later Herba∣rists haue discouered diuers more, as shall be declared.

¶ A generall Description, wherein all the sorts of Cistus are comprised.

CIstus and his kindes are wooddy shrubs full of branches, of the height of two or three cubits: some haue broad leaues, others rough, vneuen, wrinkled, somewhat downy, and most like the leaues of Sage; although some haue the leaues of Rosemary, others the forme of those of the Poplar tree: the floures grow on the tops of the branches, like vnto the wild Rose, yet such as very quickly fade, perish, and fall away: those of the male are most of a reddish blew or purple colour; and of the female white: in their places come vp little heads or knops somwhat round, in which is contained small seed: the roots of them all are wooddy.

There groweth vp sometimes vnder the shrub hard to the roots, a certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hypo∣cist, which is thicke, fat, grosse, full of iuyce, without leaues, wholly consisting of many little ca∣ses or boxes, as do those of Henbane or of the Pomegranat tree; of a yellowish red 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in one kinde, and in another white, and in certaine other greene or grassie, as Dioscorides saith.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first kinde of Cistus groweth vp like a small bush or shrub, of a wooddy substance, three or foure cubits high, garnished with many small and brittle branches, set full of crumpled or rugged leaues very like vnto Sage leaues: at the top of the branches come floures of a purple colour, in shape like vnto a single Brier Rose, hauing leaues somwhat wrinkled like a cloath new dried before it be smoothed, and in the midst a few yellow chiues or thrums: the floures for the most part do perish and fall away before noone, and neuer cease flouring in such ma∣ner from the moneth of May vnto the beginning of September, at which time the seed is ripe, be∣ing of a reddish colour, and is contained in an hard hairie huske not much vnlike the husk of Hen∣bane.

[illustration]

1 Cistus mas angustifolius. The male Holly Rose.

[illustration]

2 Cistus mas cum Hypocistide. The male Holly Rose with his excrescence.

2 The second sort of Cistus, being another kind of the male Cistus, which Pena calls Cistus mas cum Hypocistide, is like vnto the former, but that from the root of this kinde there commeth a cer∣taine excrescence or out-growing, which is sometimes yellow, sometimes greene, and sometimes white; from which is drawne by an artificiall extraction a certaine iuyce called in shops 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

3 This kinde of Cistus hath many wooddy stalks diuided into diuers brittle branches of a rus∣set colour; whereon do grow rough leaues somewhat cut or toothed on the edges, and of an ouer∣worne colour: the floures grow on the tops of the branches, in forme of a Muske Rose, but of an excellent bright purple colour: after which come round knops, wherein is contained smal reddish seed: the root is tough and wooddy,

4 This fourth sort of Cistus hath diuers wooddy branches, whereon are set, thicke thrust toge∣ther, diuers smal leaues narrow like those of Winter Sauorie, but of an ouerworne russet colour: the root and floures are like the precedent.

[illustration]

3 Cistus mas dentatus. Toothed or snipt male Cistus.

[illustration]

4 Cistus mas tenuifolius. Thin leafed Cistus.

[illustration]

5 Cistus foemina. The female Cistus.

[illustration]

7 Cistus folio Halimi. Cistus with leaues like Sea Purslane.

5 The first of the females is like vnto the male Cistus in each respect, sauing that the floures hereof are of a white colour, with diuers yellow thrummes in the middle, and the others purple, wherein consisteth the difference.

6 The second female of Matthiolus description hath many hard and wooddie stalks, branched with diuers armes or wings: whereon are set by couples rough hoary and hairy leaues, of a darke russet colour: among which come forth small white floures like vnto those of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 root is tough and wooddy. † This I iudge all one with the former, and therefore haue omitted the fi∣gure as impertinent, although our Authour followed it, making the floure so little in his descrip∣tion. ‡

† 7 The seuenth sort of Cistus groweth vp to the height of a small hedge bush, hauing di∣uers brittle branches full of pith: whereon are set leaues by couples, like those of sea Purslane, that is to say, soft, hoary, and as it were couered ouer with a kinde of mealinesse: the floures are yellow, and lesse than those of the former.

[illustration]

8 Cistus folio Lauandulae. Lauander leaued Cistus,

[illustration]

9 Cistus folio Thymi. Cistus with the leaues of Tyme.

8 The eighth Cistus hath likewise shrubbie stalks in maner of a hedge tree, whereon do grow at certaine distances diuers leaues close ioyned together at the stalke, like those of the former, but somewhat lower and narrower: the floures we haue not expressed in the figure, by reason we haue no certaine knowledge of them.

9 This ninth Cistus is likewise a wooddy shrub some foot high: the stalks are very brittle, as are all the rest of his kinde, whereon do grow very small leaues like those of Tyme: the floures are white, which maketh it one of the females.

10 The low or base Cistus with broad leaues, groweth like a small shrub, of a wooddy sub∣stance: the leaues are many, of a darke greene colour: the floures are in forme like the other, but of a yellow colour: the roots are likewise wooddy.

11 This narrow leafed low Cistus hath diuers tough branches leaning to the ground, whereon do grow without order many small narrow leaues somewhat long, of a gummy taste at the first, af∣terwards bitter: the floures grow on the tops of the branches, of a yellow colour, consisting of fiue leaues, with certaine chiues in the middle; after which follow three square cods or seed-vessels: the root is tough and wooddy.

[illustration]

10 Cistus humilis latifolius. Low Cistus with broad leaues.

[illustration]

11 Cistus humilis angustifolius. Low Cistus with narrow leaues.

[illustration]

12 Cistus humilis Austriaca Clusij. Low Cistus of Austria.

[illustration]

13 Cistus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 serpilli folio. Low Cistus with leaues like wilde Tyme.

12 The low or base Cistus of Austria groweth likewise leaning to the ground, hauing many wooddy branches very firme and tough, couered with a blackish barke; whereon do grow very ma∣ny rough and hairy leaues in shape like those of the small myrtle, of a shining greene on the vpper∣side, and of an astringent taste: on euery branch standeth one floure, seldome two, in forme like the other, but consisting of one leafe deeply diuided into fiue parts, and of a white colour tending to a flesh colour.

13 This low sort of Cistus hath many long tough branches trailing vpon the ground, of a red∣dish colour, whereon do grow small leaues like those of wilde Tyme, of a darke green colour, very thicke and fat, and somewhat hairy: the floures grow at the top of the branches, of a yellow gold colour, consisting of fiue small leaues of a very sweet smell. The root is thicke, hard, and wooddie.

14 This strange and rare plant of Lobels obseruation I haue thought meet to be inserted a∣mongst the kindes of Cistus, as a friend of theirs, if not one of the kinde: it hath leaues like vnto the male Cistus (the first in this chapter described) but more hairy, bearing at the top of his bran∣ches a small knop in shape like a rotten Strawberry, but not of the same substance; for it is com∣pact of a scaly or chaffie matter such as is in the middest of the Camomill floures, and of a russet colour.

[illustration]

14 Cistus exoticus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Lobels strange Cistus.

[illustration]

16 Myrtocistus Tho. Pennei Angli. D^r. Penny his Cistus.

15 This adulterine or counterfeit or forged Cistus growes to the height of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bush: the branches are long or brittle, whereon do grow long leaues like those of the Willow, of an ouer∣worne russet colour: the floures are small, consisting of fiue little yellow leaues: the whole plant being well viewed seemeth to be a Willow, but at the first sight one of the Cistus; so that it is a plant participating of both: the root is wooddy. ‡ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iudges this (which our Author out of Tabern. figured and named Cistus adulterinus) to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Cistus set forth in the eighth place of the next chapter saue one: but I rather iudge it to be of the Ledum Silesiacum set forth in the eleuenth place of that chapter, and againe in the twelfth, where you may finde more thereof. ‡

16 This kinde of Cistus, which D^r. Penny (a famous Physitian of London deceased) did ga∣ther vpon the Islands of Majorica or Majorca, and called it by the name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Latine, Myrto∣cistus Balearica, is a shrub growing to the height of three cubits, hauing a very rough barke, be∣set round about with rough and scabbed warts; which bark wil of it selfe easily fall away from the

old branches or boughes of the tree. The leaues of this tree are almost like them of Myrtus, very rough vnderneath like the branches aforesaid; but the leaues that grow higher, and toward the top of the branches, are smooth, growing about the branches very thicke together, as in the other kindes of Cistus. The floures are yellow, growing on the top of the twigs, consisting of fiue long leaues full of many very long chiues within. When the floures be vaded, there followeth a verie long and fiue square head or huske full of seed. The whole tree is very sweet, out of which issueth a gum or rosine, or rather a thicke clammy and fat iuyce, such as commeth forth of the kindes of Ledum.

17 This annual Cistus groweth vp from seed with one vpright stalke to the height of a cubit, oft times diuided into other small branches; whereon grow rough leaues somwhat long, of a dark greene colour. The floures grow at the top of the stalks, consisting of 5 small yellow leaues: which being past, there followeth a three square seed vessell full of small reddish seed. The root is small and wooddy, and perisheth when the seed is perfected.

[illustration]

17 Cistus annuus. Cistus lasting one yeare.

[illustration]

18 Cistus annuus longifolius Lobelij. Long leafed yearely Cistus.

18 This other Cistus that lasteth but one yeare hath long stalks diuided into other branches of the height of two cubits; whereon do grow long rough leaues, set three together at certain di∣stances, the middlemost whereof is longer than the other two: the floures grow on the sides of the branches, like the female Cistus, of a white colour: the root is of a wooddy substance, as are all the rest of his kinde.

‡ 19 This growes some foot high, with a square rough greenish stalke, whereon by couples at certaine spaces stand little longish rough leaues, yet toward the top of the stalk they stand som∣times three together: vpon the top of the little branches grow floures like those of the other Ci∣stus, of colour yellow, with a fine sanguine spot vpon each leafe of the floure. It groweth in some parts of France, as also on the Alps in Italy. Clusius describes it by the name of Cistus annuus 2. Pona in his Mons Baldus calls it Cistus annuus flore guttato.

20 This hath many slender branches whereon grow small roundish leaues, hoarie, and some∣what like those of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, somwhat lesse, with the middle rib standing out. The floures 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the tops of the branches, and consist of fiue white leaues, with a darke purple spot in the mid∣dle of each leafe: the threds in the middle of the floure are of a yellow colour: their seed-vessels

are of the bignesse of those of flax, but three square, containing a seed of the bignesse of that of Henbane. Clusius found this in diuers parts of Spaine, and sets it forth by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Cistus folio Sampsuchi. ‡

[illustration]

‡ 19 Cistus annuus flore 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Spotted annuall Cistus.

[illustration]

‡ 20 Cistus folio Sampsuchi. Marjerome leaued Cistus.

¶ The Place.

Holly Roses grow in Italy, Spaine, and Languedoc, and in the countries bordering vpon the ri∣uer Padus, in all Hetruria and Massiles, and in many other of the hotter prouinces of Europe, in dry and stony places, varying infinitely according to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the regions where they doe grow; of which I haue two sorts in my garden, the first, and the Cistus annuus.

¶ The Time.

They floure from May to September.

¶ The Names.

The Holly Rose is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine also Cistus, and Rosa syluatica: of di∣uers, Rosa Canina, as Scribontus Largus writeth, but not properly: in Spanish, Estepa: of the Portu∣gals, Rosella: in English, Holly Rose, and Cistus, after the Greeke name. The fungous excrescence growing at the root of Cistus, is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it groweth vnder the shrub Ci∣stus: it is also called Limodoron: some call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: among whom is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Aegineta, who also doth not call that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which groweth vnder the shrub Cistus, but the iuyce hereof; whereupon might grow the word Hypocistis, by which name the Apothecaries call this iuyce when it is hard∣ned: of some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is called Erithanon, Citinus, and Hypoquistidos.

¶ The Temperature.

Cistus, as Galen saith, doth greatly dry, neere hand in the second degree, and it is of that cold∣nesse, that it hath withall a temperate heate: the leaues and the first buds being bearen do only dry and binde, in such sort as they may close vp vlcers, and ioyne together greene wounds.

¶ The Vertues.

The floures are of most force, which being drunke with wine are good against the bloudy flix, [ A] weakenesse of the stomacke, fluxes, and ouerflowings of moist humors.

They cure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vlcers being applied in manner of a pultis: Dioscorides teacheth that they [ B] are a remedie for eating vlcers, called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, being anointed therewith; and that they cure 〈◊〉〈◊〉, scaldings, and old vlcers.

Hypocistis is much more binding: it is a sure remedie for all infirmities that come of fluxes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ C] voiding of bloud, the whites, the laske, and the bloudy flix: but if it be requisit to strengthen that part which is ouerweakned with a superfluous moisture, it doth notably comfort and strengthen the same.

It is excellent to be mixed with somentations that serue for the stomacke and liuer. [ D]

It is put into the Treacle of Vipers, to the end it should comfort and strengthen weake 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ E] as Galen writeth.

CHAP. 6. Of other Plants reckoned for dwarfe kindes of Cistus.

[illustration]

1. 2. Helianthemum Anglicum luteum vel album. English yellow or white dwarfe Cistus.

¶ The Description.

1 THe English dwarfe Cistus, called of Lobel, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chironium (〈◊〉〈◊〉 there is another Panax of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 description, which I hold to be the true and right Panax, notwithstanding he hath inserted it amongst the kindes of Cistus, as being in∣different to ioyne with vs and others for the insertion) is a low and base plant creeping vp∣on the ground, hauing many smal tough bran∣ches, of a browne colour; whereupon do grow little leaues set together by couples, thicke, fat, and ful of substance, and couered ouerwith a soft downe: from the bosome whereof come forth other lesser leaues: the floures 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they be open are small knops or buttons, of a browne colour mixed with yellow; and being open and spred abroad are like those of the wild Tansie, and of a yellow colour, withsome yellower chiues in the middle: the root is thicke, and of a wooddy substance.

2 The second is very like vnto the prece∣dent, sauing that the leaues are long, and doe not grow so thicke thrust together, and are more woolly: the floures are greater, and of a white colour, wherein the especiall difference consisteth. The root is like the former.

[illustration]

3 Helianthemum luteum Germanicum. The yellow dwarfe Cistus of 〈◊〉〈◊〉

3 There is found in Germanie, a certaine plant like to Cistus, and Ledon, but much lesser, cree∣ping vpon the ground, vnlesse it be propped vp, hauing a multitude of twiggie branches, slender, and sine: whereupon do grow leaues lesser than those of Ledon or Cistus, very like to that of our Eng∣lish white dwarfe Cistus, of a full substance, fleightly haired, wherein is contained a tough iuice: the floures are small like little Roses, or the wilde Tansie, of a yellow colour: the roots be slender: wooddie, and something red.

[illustration]

4 Helianthemum album Germanicum. The white dwarse Cistus of Germanie.

[illustration]

5 Helianthemum 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The dwarfe Cistus of Sauoy.

[illustration]

6 Helianthemum angustifolium. Narrow leafed dwarfe Cistus.

4 This differeth not from the last described, sauing that the floures hereof are very white, and the others yellow, wherein they especially differ.

5 The Dwarfe Cistus of Sauoy hath diuers tough branches, of a reddish colour, very tough and wooddy, diuided into diuers other branches: whereon are set small leaues, foure together, by certain spaces; the floures grow at the top of the branches like those of our yellow Dwarfe Cistus, of a yellow colour: the root is very wooddie.

6 This dwarfe Cistus with narrow leaues, hath very many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 flexible branches, of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 colour, very smooth, and ramping vpon the ground; whereon do grow small, long, narrow leaues, like those of Time of Candie, from the bosome whereof come forth diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 smaller leaues: the floures grow on the tops of the branches, of a bleak yellow colour: the root is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wooddy.

‡ 7 To these I may fitly adde two more: the first of these hath creeping stalks, some foot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two long, blackish, and diuided into sundry smaller branches: the leaues grow thick and many to∣gether, set by couples (though the figure do not wel expresse so much:) these leaues are smal, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bignes of those of Time, thick, green aboue, and whitish vnderneath, and of a bitter tast: at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ends of the branches grow two or foure floures neere together, very small, composed of fiue little leaves, of a kinde of flesh colour: to these succeed heads opening themselues when they come to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into fiue parts, and containing a very small seed: the root is hard and wooddie, sending out certaine fibres: also the branches here and there put forth some fibres. This plant dryed hath a pretty plea∣sing smell. This growes vpon the highest Austrian and Styrian alpes, and is set forth by Clusius by the name of Chamaeciftus septimus.

[illustration]

‡ 7 Chamaecistus serpillifolius. Tyme leaued dwarfe Cistus.

[illustration]

‡ 8 Chamaecistus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Frisian Dwarfe Cistus.

8 The same Author also in his Curae posteriores giues vs the historie of this, which he receiued with some other rare plants from Iohn Dortman, a famous and learned Apothecarie of Groeningen: This little plant is in leafe and root almost like and neere of the same bignesse with the Celticke Nard, yet the stalks are vnlike, which are small, set with a few longish leaues, and at the tops they carry fiue or six pretty floures like those of Crow feet, consisting of six leaues apiece, of a yellow co∣lour, yet with some few spots of another colour, and these set in a double ring about the middle; af∣ter these follow heads or seed vessels with forked tops, filled with a chaffie seed: the whole plant smells somewhat strong. It growes together with Gramen Pernassi in rotten moorish places about a village in the county of Drent. Dortman called this Hirculus Frisicus: Clusius addes, qui Chamaecisti genus. ‡

¶ The Place.

Their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 titles haue touched their naturall countries: they grow in rough, drie, and sunnie places, in plaine fields and vpon mountaines.

Those of our English growing, I haue found in very many places, especially in Kent, vpon the chalkie bankes about Graues-end, Southfleet, and for the most part all the way from thence vn∣to Canturburie and Douer.

¶ The Time.

They floure from Iuly to the end of August.

¶ The Names.

Tragus calleth dwarfe Cistus in the high Dutch tongue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Latine, Gratia Dei; but there is another herbe called also of the later Herbarists Gratia Dei, which is Gratiola: Valerius Cordus nameth it Helianthemum, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 flos, or Sunne floure: of Clusius, Chamaecistus, or Dwarfe 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Pliny writeth, that Helianthe groweth in the champion countrey Temiscyra in Pontus, and in the mountaines of Cilicia neere to the sea: and he saith further, that the wise men of those countries, and the kings of Persia do annoint their bodies herewith, boiled with Lions fat, a little Saffron, and wine of Dates, that they may seeme faire and beautiful; and therefore haue they called it 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the beautie of the Sun: Matthiolus saith, that Helianthemum is taken of some to be Panaces Chironium, or Chirons All-heale: but it is nothing likely, as we haue said.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The faculties and temperature are referred to the kindes of Cistus, for it healeth wounds, stan∣cheth [ A] bloud, and stoppeth the spittings of bloud, the bloudie flixe, and all other issues of bloud.

The same boiled in wine healeth vlcers in the mouth and priuie parts, if they be washed there∣with: [ B] to be briefe, it ioineth together and strengthneth: which things doe plainely and euidently shew, that it is not onely like to Cistus and Ledon in forme, but in vertues and faculties also, and therefore it is manifest, that it is a certaine wilde kinde of Cistus and Ledon.

CHAP. 7. Of Cistus Ledon, and Ladanum.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of Cistus, whereof that gummy matter is gathered, called in shops Lada∣num, and Labdanum, but vnproperly.

¶ The Description.

1 CIstus Ledon is a shrub, growing to the height of a man, and sometimes higher; hauing many hard wooddie branches, couered with a blackish bark: wherupon do grow leaues set together by couples, one right against another like vnto wings, of an inch broad, of a blacke swart greene on the vppersides, and whitish vnderneath: whereon is gathered a certain clam∣mie transparent or through shining liquour, of a very hot sweet smell, which being gathered and hardned, is that which in shops is called Labdanum: the floures grow at the ends of the branches like little roses, consisting of fiue white leaues, euery one decked or beautified toward the bottome with pretty darke purplish spots tending to blacknesse, hauing in the middle very many yellow chiues, such as are in the middle of the Rose: after come the knaps or seed vessels, full of most smal reddish seed; the whole plant being dried, groweth somewhat whitish, and of a pleasant smell, the which it retaineth many yeares.

2 The second groweth likewise to the height of an hedge bush; the branches are long, and very sragile or easie to breake, whereon do grow leaues greener than any other of his kinde, yet vnder∣neath of a hoarie colour; growing toward winter to be somewhat reddish, of a sower and binding taste: the floures are like the precedent: the forme whereof the Grauer hath omitted, in other re∣spects like the former.

3 The third sort of Cistus Ledon groweth vp to the height of a small hedge bush, hauing ma∣ny twiggie branches; whereon do grow leaues like those of the Poplar tree, sharpe at the point, co∣uered ouer with that clammie dew that the others are: the floures grow at the tops of the branches, of a white colour like the precedent.

[illustration]

1 Cistus Ledon 1. Clusij. The first Cistus bringing 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

2 Cistus ledon 2. Clusij. The second gum Cistus.

[illustration]

3 Cistus ledon populea fronde. Cistus ledon with leaues like the Poplar.

[illustration]

4 Cistus ledon 4. Clusij. Cistus ledon, the 4. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

5 Cistus Ledon 5. Clusij. The fist Cistus Ledon.

[illustration]

6 Cistus Ledon 6. Clusij. The sixth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ledon.

[illustration]

7 Cistus Ledon 7. Clusij. The 7. Cistus Ledon.

[illustration]

8 Cistus Ledon cum Hypocistide Lobelij. The 8. Cistus Ledon, with his excrescence.

[illustration]

9 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ledon 10. Clusij. The 10. Cistus Ledon.

[illustration]

10 Cistus Ledon Myrtifolium. Cistus Ledon with leaues like Myrtle.

[illustration]

11 Cistus Ledum Silesiacum. The Polonian Cistus Ledon.

4 The fourth of Clusius description grow∣eth likewise to the height of a shrubby bush, hauing many branches, flexible, hoarie, and hairie: the leaues are like the rest of his kind, but softer, more hairy, of a swart green colour, dasht ouer with that dewie fatnesse, not onely in the spring time, but in the heat of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 likewise: the floures are white, with yellow thrums in the middle: the rest answereth the last described.

5 The fift groweth vp like a hedge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with many tough branches, whereon are set long rough leaues, hoarie vnderneath, some∣what dasht ouer with that fattie dew or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mour that the rest are possessed of: the floures are likewise of a white colour, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yellow chiues in the middle: the root is wooddie.

† 6 The sixth hath diuers small bran∣ches couered with a blackish bark: the floures are set together at the tops of the branches by certaine spaces: they are yellow, and like the former in each respect.

7 The seuenth is a low shrub growing to the height of two cub its, hauing many branches couered with a barke of the colour of ashes; whereon are confusedly set diuers leaues at certaine distances, small, narrow, like those of winter Sauory, of an ouerworne russet colour, very thick, fat, and glutinous: the floures are white, & differ not, nor the seed from the rest.

8 The eighth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp like a little hedge bush, hauing leaues like the common 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that those of this plant are sprinckled ouer with that clammy moisture, and the other not so: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and seed are also like. From the root of this plant commeth such like excres∣cence called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Hypocistis, as there doth from the first male Cistus, wherein it differeth from all the rest vnder the name Ledon.

9 The ninth hath diuers brittle stalkes of an ash colour tending to a russet; whereon are set very many leaues like those of Thyme, of an ouerworne colour: the floures are white, with certaine yellow chiues in the middle, which the grauer hath omitted in the figure.

10 The tenth groweth vp like a small shrub, hauing brittle stalkes, couered with a blackish barke, and diuided into diuers branches; whereon are set vpon short truncheons or fat footstalkes, foure or fiue like those the Myrtle tree, of a strong smell: the floures are likewise of a white co∣lour.

[illustration]

12 Cistus Ledum Rorismarini folio. Cistus Ledon with leaues like Rosemarie.

[illustration]

13 Cistus Ledum Matthioli. Cistus Ledon of Matthiolus description.

11. 12. The twelfth kinde of Cistus Ledon groweth vpright with a straight body or stocke, bringeth at the top many small twigs or rods of a cubit long, couered with a barke os the colour of ashes, which diuide themselues into other branches, of a purplish colour, beset with long and nar∣row leaues, not much vnlike to Rosemary, but longer; of a greene colour aboue, but vnderneath hauing as it were a long rib, made or compact of wooll or downe; of a sweet and pleasant smell, and somewhat sharpe in taste: on the tops of the branches grow knops or heads, compact as it were of many scales, of an iron or rustie colour: out of which commeth and proceedeth a certaine round and long mane, or hairy panickled tuft of floures, with many long, tender, greene, and somewhat woolly stalkes or twigs growing vnto them, of a sweet sent and smell: the floures consist of fiue little white leaues, within which are contained ten white chiues with a long stile or pointal in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 midst of the floure: when the floures be vaded, there succeed long knops or heads which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cornered, in shape and bignesse like vnto the fruite and berries of Cornus; which being 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bespeckled with many siluer spots, but being ripe, are of a red colour; conteining within 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long yellow seed, which is so small and slender, that it is like to the dust or powder that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worme holes. ‡ This is the Ledum Silesiacum of Clusius; and the Ledum Rorismarini folio of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: it is also the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Matthiolus; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Cordus: and I 〈◊〉〈◊〉

deceiued if the figure which Tabernamont anus and our Author out of him gaue by the name of Ci∣stus adulterinus, were not of this. ‡

13 Among the shrubby bushes comprehended vnder the title of Cistus Ledum, Matthiolus hath set forth one, whereof to write at large were impossible, considering the Author is so briefe, and of our selues we haue not any acquaintance with the plant it selfe: Dioscorides to helpe what may be, saith, that it is a shrub growing like vnto the stocke or kindred of the Cisti: from whose leaues is gathered a clammy dew which maketh that gummie matter that is in shops called Lapdanum: it groweth, saith he, in hot regions (but not with vs:) the Mauritanians call the juice or clammy mat∣ter, Leden, and Laden: of some, Ladano, and Odano: in Spanish, Xara and surther saith, it groweth in Arabia, where the bush is called Chasus thus much for the description. ‡ Our Author here seems to make Dioscorides to comment vpon Matthiolus, which shewes his learning, and how well he was exercised in reading or vnderstanding any thing written of Plants. But of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉; The plant here figured which Matthiolus iudges to be the true Ledon, or Cistus Ladanifera of Dioscorides, hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stalkes and branches, whereon grow very thicke leaues, broad also and long, with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 running alongst the leaues, the floure of this consists of fiue white leaues, and the seed is contained in a three cornered seed vessel. ‡

[illustration]

14 Cistus Ledum Alpinum Clusij. The Mountaine Cistus.

[illustration]

‡ 15 Cistus Ledon folijs Rorismarini. Rosemary leaued Cistus Ledon.

14 The foureteenth Cistus, being one of those that do grow vpon the Alpish mountaines, which Lobel setteth downe to be Balsamum alpinum of Gesner: notwithstanding I thinke it not amisse to insert it in this place, hauing for my warrant that famous Herbarist Carolus Clusius: this plant is one of beautifullest, differing in very notable points, and yet resembleth them in the wooddy bran∣ches and leaues: it riseth vp hauing many weake branches leaning to the ground, yet of a wooddy substance, couered ouer with an ash coloured barke: the leaues are broad, and very rough, of a shi∣ning greene colour, and a binding taste: the floures grow at the tops of the branches like little bels, hanging downe their heads, diuided at the lips or brims into fiue diuisions, of a deepe red color on the out side, and dasht ouer here and there with some siluer spots; on the inside of a bright shining red colour, with certaine chiues in the middle, and of a very sweet smell, as is all the rest of the plant; after which come small heads or knaps, full of seed like dust, of a very strong smell, making the head of them to ake that smel thereto: the root is long, hard, and very woody: oftentimes there is

found vpon the trunke or naked part of the stalks certaine excrescences, or out-〈◊〉〈◊〉 in manner of galls, of a fungous substance, like those of Touchwood, white within, and red without, of an a∣stringent or binding 〈◊〉〈◊〉

‡ 15 This growes some cubite and better high, and hath long narrow glutinous leaues like in shape to those of Rosemarie, set by couples, but not very thick: the branches whereon the floures do grow are slender, and the seed vessels are diuided into fiue parts as in other plants of this kinde. This Clusius found in Spaine, and sets forth for his Ledum nonum ‡.

¶ The Place.

Cistus Ledon groweth in the Island of Candie, as Bellonius doth testifie, in vntilled places euery where: it is also found in Cyprus, as Pliny sheweth, and likewise in many places of Spaine that lie open to the Sun: moreouer both the forme and bignesle of the leaues, and also of the plants them∣selues, as well of those that bring sorth Ladanum, as the other Cistus, do varie in this wonderful ma∣ner, according to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the places and countries where they grow: they are strangers in these Northerly parts, being very impatient of our cold clymate.

¶ The Time.

They floure for the most part from May to the end of August: the clammie matter which falleth vpon the leaues, which is a liquid kinde of Rosen of a sweet smell, is gathered in the Spring time as Dioscorides saith: but as Petrus Bellonius asfirmeth (being an eye witnes of the gathering) in the midst of sommer, and in the extreme heat of the Dog-daies, the which in our time not without great care and diligence, and as great labour, is gathered from the whole plant (with certain instruments made in manner of tooth pickes, or eare pickes, which in their tongue they call Ergastiri) and not gathe∣red from the beards of Goats, as it is reported in the old fables of the lying Monks themselues, cal∣led Calohieros, that is to say Greekish Monkes, who of very mockerie haue foisted that fable among others extant in their workes.

‡ I thinke it not amisse for the better explanation of the matter here treated of, as also to shew you after what manner our Author in diuers places gaue the testimonies of sundry Writers, and how well he vnderstood them, here to set downe in English the words of Bellonius concerning the gathering of Ladanum, which are these. [The Greekes (saith he) for the gathering of Ladanum, pro∣uide a peculiar instrument which in their vulgar tongue they terme Ergastiri: This is an instrument like to a Rake without teeth, to this are fastened sundry thongs cut out of a raw and vntanned hide; they gently rub these vpon the Ladanum bearing shrubs, that so the liquid moisture concrete about the leaues may sticke to them, which afterwards with kniues they shaue off these thongs in the heat of the day. Wherefore the labour of gathering Ladanum is exceeding great, yea intollerable, see∣ing they must of necessitie stay in the mountaines all the day long in the greatest heat of the Dog∣daies: neither vsually shall you finde any other who will take the paines to gather it, besides, the Calohieroi, that is the Greeke Monkes. It is gathered no where in the whole Island of Candy in greater plenty, than at the foot of the mountaine Ida at a village called Cogualino, and at Milo∣potamo. ‡]

¶ The Names.

The shrub it selfe is called in Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the Latines keep the name Ledon or Ladon, and is a kinde of Cistus or Hollie Roses: the fat or clammie matter which is gathered from the leaues, is named Ladanon and Ledanon, according to the Greeke: the Apothecaries corruptly call it Lap∣danum: Dioscorides counteth that to be the best which is sweet of smell, and somewhat greene, that easily waxeth soft, is fat, without sand, and is not easily broken, but very full of Rosine or Gumme.

¶ The Temperature.

Ladanum, saith Galen, is hot in the later end of the first degree, hauing also a little astrictiueor bin∣ding qualitie; it is likewise of a thin substance, and therefore it softeneth, and withall doth mode∣rately digest, and also concoct.

¶ The Vertues.

Ladanum hath a peculiar property against the infirmities of the mother, it keepeth haires from [ A] falling; for it wasteth away any setled or putrified humour that is at their roots.

Dioscorides saith, that Ladanum doth bind, heat, souple, & open, being tempered with wine, Myrrhe, [ B] and oile of Myrtles; it keepeth haires from falling being annointed therewith; or laied on mixed with wine, it maketh the markes or scars of wounds faire and well coloured.

It taketh away the paine in the eares if it be powred or dropped therein, mixed with honied wa∣ter, [ C] or with oile of Roses.

A fume made thereof draweth forth the afterbirth, and taketh away the hardnesse of the ma∣trix. [ D]

It is with good successe mixed with mollifying plaisters that mitigate paine. [ E]

Being drunke with wine, it stoppeth the laske, and prouoketh vrine. [ F]

There is made hereof diuers sorts of Pomanders, chaines, and bracelets, with other sweets mix∣ed [ G] therewith.

CHAP. 8. Of Rosemarie.

‡ The Description.

1 ROsemarie is a wooddie 〈◊〉〈◊〉, growing oftentimes to the height of three or foure cu∣bits, especially when it is set by a wall: it consisteth of slender brittle branches, wher∣on do grow verie many long leaues, narrow, somewhat hard, of a quicke spicy taste, whi∣tish vnderneath, and of a full greene colour aboue, or in the vpper side, with a pleasant sweet strong smell; among which come forth little floures of a whitish blew colour: the seed is blackish: the roots are tough and woody.

[illustration]

1 Rosmarinum Coronarium. Garden Rosemarie.

[illustration]

2 Rosmarinum syluestre. Wilde Rosemarie.

2 The wilde Rosemarie Clusius hath referred vnto the kindes of Cistus Ledon; we haue as a poore kinsman thereof inserted it in the next place, in kinred or neighbourhood at the least. This wilde Rosemarie is a small wooddie shrub, growing seldome aboue a foot high, hauing hard bran∣ches of a reddish colour, diuiding themselues into other smaller branches of a whitish color: wher∣on are placed without order diuers long leaues, greene aboue, and hoarie vnderneath, not vnlike to those of the dwarfe Willow, or the common Rosemarie, of a drie and astringent taste, of little smel or none at all: the floures stand on the tops of the branches, set vpon bare or naked footstalks, con∣sisting of fiue small leaues of a reddish colour, somewhat shining; after which appeare little knaps full of small seed: the root is tough and wooddie.

3 This plant grows vp like an hedge shrub of a wooddie substance, to the height of two or three

[illustration]

3 Casia Poetica, Lobelij. The Poets Rosemarie or Gardrobe.

cubits; hauing many twiggie branches of a green colour: wherupon do grow narrow leaues like vnto Linaria or Toad-flax, of a bitter taste; among which come forth small mossie floures, of a greenish yellow colour like those of the Cornell tree, and of the smell of Rosemarie: which hath mouedme to placeit with the Rose∣maries as a kinde thereof, not finding any other plant so neere vnto it in kinde and neighbour∣hood: after the floures be past, there succeed fruit like those of the Myrtle tree, greene at the first, and of a shining red colour when they bee ripe, like Corall, or the berries of Asparagus, soft and sweet in taste, leauing a certaine acrimo∣nie or sharpe taste in the end: the stone within is hard as is the nut, wherein is contained a smal white kernel, sweet in tast; the root is of a wood∣die substance: it floureth in the Sommer; the fruit is ripe in the end of October: the people of Granade, Montpelier, and of the kingdom of Valentia, doe vse it in their presses and Ward∣robes, whereupon they call it Guardalobo. ‡ This in Clusius his time when he liued about Mont∣pelier was called Osyris; but afterwards they called it Casia, thinking it that mentioned by the Poet Virgil; the which it cannot be, for it hath no sweet smell. Pena and Lobel iudge it to be the Casia of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, wherewith also it dothnot well agree. ‡

¶ The Place.

Rosemarie groweth in France, Spaine, and in other hot countries; in woods, and in vntilled places: there is such plentie thereof in Languedocke, that the inhabitants burne scarce any other fuell: they make hedges of it in the gardens of Italy and England, being a great ornament vnto the same: it groweth neither in the fields nor gardens of the Easterne cold countries; but is carefully and curiously kept in pots, set into the stoues and sellers, against the iniuries of their cold Winters.

Wilde Rosemarie groweth in Lancashire in diuers places, especially in a field called Little Reed, amongst the Hurtleberries, neere vnto a small village called Maudsley; there found by a lear∣ned Gentleman often remembred in our historie (and that worthily) M^r. Thomas Heskcth.

¶ The Time.

Rosemarie floureth twice a yeare, in the Spring, and after in August.

The wilde Rosemarie floureth in Iune and Iuly.

¶ The Names.

Rosemarie is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Rosmarinus Coronaria: it is surnamed Coronaria, for difference sake betweene it and the other Libanotides, which are reckoned for kindes of Rosemarie, and also because women haue been accustomed to make crownes and garlands thereof: in Italian, Rosmarino coronario: in Spanish, Romero: in French and Dutch Rosmarin.

Wilde Rosemarie is called Rosmarinus syluestris: of Cordus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

¶ The Temperature.

Rosemarie is hot and drie in the second degree, and also of an a stringent or binding quality, as being compounded of diuers parts, and taking more of the mixture of the earthy substance.

¶ The Vertues.

Rosemarie is giuen against all fluxes of bloud; it is also good, especially the floures thereof, for [ A] all infirmities of the head and braine, proceeding of a cold and moist cause; for they dry the brain, quicken the sences and memorie, and strengthen the sinewie parts.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 witnesseth, that Rosemarie is a remedie against the stuffing of the head, that commeth [ B] through coldnesse of the braine, if a garland thereof be put about the head, whereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mesuai giueth testimonie.

Dioscorides teacheth that it cureth him that hath the yellow iaundice, if it be boiled in water and [ C] drunk before exercise, & that after the taking therof the patient must bathe himselfe & drink wine.

The distilled water of the floures of Rosemarie being drunke at morning and euening first and [ D] last, taketh away the stench of the mouth and breath, and maketh it very sweet, if there be added thereto, to sleep or insuse for certaine daies, a few Cloues, Mace, Cinnamon, and a little Annise seed.

The Arabians and other Physitions succeeding, do write, that Rosemarie comforteth the brain [ E] the memorie, the inward senses, and restoreth speech vnto them that are possessed with the dumbe palsie, especially the conserue made of the floures and sugar, or any other way confected with su∣gar, being taken euery day fasting.

The Arabians, as Serapio witnesseth, giue these properties to Rosemarie: it heateth, say they, is [ F] of subtill parts, is good for the cold rheume which salleth from the braine, driueth away windines, prouoketh vrine, and openeth the stoppings of the liuer and milt.

Tragus writeth, that Rosemarie is spice in the Germane Kitchins, and other cold countries. Fur∣ther, [ G] he saith, that the wine boiled with Rosemarie, and taken of women troubled with the mother, or the whites, helpeth them, the rather if they fast three or foure houres after.

The floures made vp into plates with sugar after the manner of Sugar Roset and eaten, comfort [ H] the heart, and make it merry, quicken the spirits, and make them more liuely.

The oile of Rosemaire chimically drawne, comforteth the cold, weake and feeble braine in most [ I] wonderfull maner.

The people of Thuringia do vse the wilde Rosemarie to prouoke the desired sicknesse. [ K]

Those of Marchia vse to put it into their drinke the sooner to make their clients drunke, and also [ L] do put it into chests and presses among clothes, to preserue them from morhes or other vermine. † 1.1

CHAP. 9. Of Vpright Wood-binde.

[illustration]

1 Periclymenum rectum Sabaudicum. Sauoy Honisuckles.

[illustration]

2 Periclymenum rectum Germanicum. Germane Honisuckles.

¶ The Description.

1 THis strange kinde of Hony-suckle, found in the woods of Sauoy, represents vnto vs that shrub or hedge-bush called Cornus foemina, the Dog-berry tree, or Pricke-timber tree, hauing leaues and branches like the common Wood-binde, sauing that this doth not clamber or clymbe as the others do, but contrariwise groweth vpright, without leaning to one side or other, like a small tree or hedge-bush: the floures grow vpon the tender sprayes or twiggie branches. by couples, not vnlike in shape and colour to the common Wood-binde, but altogether lesser, and of a white colour, hauing within the same many hairy chiues like the other of his kinde: after which come red berries ioyned together by couples: the root is tough and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

2 The stalkes of the second be oftentimes of a meane thicknesse, the wooddy substance som∣what whitish and soft: the branches be round, and couered with a whitish barke, notwithstanding in the beginning when the sprayes be yong they are somewhat reddish. The leaues be long, like those of the common Hony-suckle, soft, and of a white greene: on the lower side they be whiter, and a little hairy: the floures be lesser than any of the Wood-bindes, but yet of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fashion, and of a whitish colour, ioyned together by couples vpon seuerall slender foot-stalkes, like little wilde Cherries, of a red colour, the one lesser oftentimes than the other.

[illustration]

3 Periclymenum rectum fructu 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Vpright Wood-binde with blew berries.

[illustration]

4 Periclymenum rectum fructu rubro. Cherry Wood-binde.

3 This strange kinde of Wood-binde, which Carolus Clusius hath set forth in his Pannonicke Obseruations, riseth vp oftentimes to the height of a man, euen as the former doth; which diuides it selfe into many branches, couered with a rough blacke barke, that choppeth and gapeth in sun∣drie clefts as the barke of the Oke. The tender branches are of a whitish greene colour, couered with a woolly hairinesse, or an ouerworne colour, whereupon do grow leaues set by couples one a∣gainst the other, like vnto the common Wood-binde, of a drying bitter taste: the floures grow by couples likewise, of a whitish colour. The fruit succeedeth, growing like little Cherries, each one on his owne foot-stalke, of a bright and shining blew colour; which being bruised, doe die the hands of a reddish colour, and they are of a sharpe winie taste, and containe in them many small flat seeds. The root is wooddy, dispersing it selfe far abroad.

4 This kind of vpright Wood-bind groweth vp likewise to the height of a man, and oftentimes more high, like to the last described, but altogether greater. The berries hereof are very blacke, wherein especially is the difference. ‡ The leaues of this are as large as Bay leaues, sharpe poin∣ted, greene aboue, and whitish vnderneath, but not hairy, nor snipt about the edges: the floures grow by couples, of a whitish purple, or wholly purple: to these paires of floures there commonly succeeds but one berry, larger than any of the former, of the bignesse of a little cherry, and of the same colour, hauing two marks vpon the top therof, where the floures stood. ‡

[illustration]

Periclymeni 3. & 4. flores. The floures of the third and fourth.

[illustration]

5 Chamaepericlymenum. Dwarfe Hony-suckle.

5 To the kindes of Wood-bindes this plant may likewise be referred, whose picture with this description was sent vnto Clusius long since by that learned Doctor in physicke Thomas Penny (of our London colledge of famous memorie:) it riseth vp with a stalke of a foot high; whereupon are set by couples faire broad leaues one right against another, ribbed with certaine nerues like those of Plantaine, sharpe pointed, and somewhat hollowed in the middle like Spoon-wort: from the bosome of which leaues come forth small floures, not seene or described by the Author: after which commeth forth a cluster of red berries, thrust hard together as those of Aaron or priests pint. The root is tough and very slender, creeping far abroad vnder the vpper crust of the earth, whereby it occupieth much ground.

¶ The Place.

These plants are strangers in England: they grow in the woods and mountaines of Switzerland, Germany, Sauoy, and other those parts tending to the East, East North-East, and East and by South.

I haue a plant of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kinde in my garden: the rest as yet I haue not 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and therefore can∣not write so liberally thereof as I could wish.

‡ The dwarfe Hony-suckle growes in the maritime parts of Norway and Sweden, & the coun∣tries thereabout. ‡

¶ The Time.

They floure for the most part when the others do, that is to say in May and Iune, and their fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

Vpright Wood-binde or Hony-suckle is called Periclymenum stans, and Periclymenum rectum, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpright Wood-binde: of Dodonaeus, Xylosteum: in high-Dutch, Honds kirsen, that is to say, Ca∣num Cerasa, or Dog Cherries. The English names are expressed in their seuerall titles. It hath bin called Chamaecerasus, but not truly.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Touching the temperature and vertues of these vpright Wood-bindes, we haue no experience at all our selues, neither haue we learned any thing of others.

CHAP. 10. Of Sene.

[illustration]

Sena folijs obtusis. Italian Sene.

¶ The Description.

SEne bringeth forth stalks a cubit high, set with diuers branches: the leaues are long, winged, consisting of many small leaues like those of Liquorice, or of bastard Sene: the floures come forth of the bottom of the wings, of colour yellow, standing vpon slender foot∣stalks; from which after the floures be gone hang forked cods, the same bowing inward like a halfe-moone, plain and flat, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are con∣tained seeds like to the seeds or kernells of grapes, of a blackish colour. The root is slen∣der, long, and vnprofitable, which perisheth when the leaues are gathered for medicine, and the seeds be ripe, and must be sowne againe the next yeare, euen as we do corne.

There is another kinde of Sene growing in Italy, like the other in each respect, sauing that it is greater, and hath not that force in purging that the other hath.

¶ The Place and Time.

This is planted in Syria and Egypt, also in Italy, in Prouince in France, in Languedoc. It hardly groweth in high and low Germany, nei∣ther in England: it prospereth in hot Regions, and cannot away with cold; for that cause it is in Italy sowne in May, and continueth no lon∣ger than Autumne: the best is brought from Alexandria and Egypt. The Arabians were the first that found it out.

¶ The Names.

The Persians call it Abalzemer, as Mesue his copy teacheth: the Apothecaries 〈◊〉〈◊〉, by which name it was knowne to Actuarius the Grecian, and to the later Latines: it is called in English, Sene.

¶ The Temperature.

Sene is of a meane temperature, neither hot nor cold, yet inclining to heate, and dry almost in the third degree: it is of a purging facultie, and that by the stoole, in such sort as it is not much troublesome to mans nature, hauing withall a certaine binding qualitie, which it leaueth after the purging.

¶ The Vertues.

It voideth forth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and cholericke humors, also grosse and melancholike, if it be hel∣ped with something tending to that end. [ A]

It is a singular purging medicine in many diseases, fit for all ages and kindes. [ B]

It purgeth without violence or hurt, especially if it be tempered with Anise seed or other like [ C] sweet smelling things added, or with gentle purgers or lenitiue medicines. It may be giuen in pouder, but commonly the infusion thereof is vsed.

The quantitie of the pouder is a dram weight, and in the infusion, foure, fiue, or more. It may be [ D] mixed in any liquor.

It is in the decoction or in the infusion tempered with cold things in burning agues and other [ E] hot diseases: in cold and long infirmities it is boyled with hot opening simples and such like; or else it is steeped in wine, in which manner, as familiar to mans nature, it draweth forth gently by the stoole, almost without any kinde of paine, crude and raw humors.

Most of the Arabians commend the cods, but our Physitions the leaues rather; for vnlesse the [ F] cods be full ripe they ingender winde, and cause gripings in the belly. For they are oftentimes ga∣thered before they be ripe, and otherwise easily fall away being shaken downe by the wind, by rea∣son of their weake and slender stalks.

Some also thinke that Sene is hurtfull to the stomacke, and weakneth the same, for which cause [ G] they say that Ginger or some sweet kinde of spice is to be added, whereby the stomacke may be strengthned. Likewise Mesue noteth that it is slow in operation, and therefore Salgem is to be mixed with it. Moreouer, Sene purgeth not so speedily as stronger medicines do.

Notwithstanding it may be helped not only by Salgem, but also by other purging things mixed [ H] therewith, that is to say with simple medicines, as Rubarb, Agaricke, and others; and with com∣pounds, as that which is called Catholicon, or the Electuarie Diaphoenicon, or that which is made of the iuyce of Roses, or some other, according as the condition or qualitie of the disease and of the sicke man requireth.

The leaues of Sene are a familiar purger to all people, but they are windie, and do binde the bo∣die [ I] afterwards, very much disquieting the stomack with rumbling and belching: for the auoiding of which inconuenience there must be added Cinnamon, Ginger, Annise seed, and Fennell seed, Raisins of the Sun, and such like that do breake winde, which will the better help his purging qua∣litie.

Sene doth better purge when it is infused or steeped, than when it is boyled: for doubtlesse the [ K] more it is boiled the lesse it purgeth, and the more windie it becommeth.

Take Borage, Buglosse, Balme, Fumitorie, of each three drams, Sene of Alexandria very wel pre∣pared [ L] and pouned, two ounces, strow the pouder vpon the herbes and distill them: the water that commeth thereof reserue to your vse to purge those that liue delicately, being ministred in white wine, with sugar, in condited confections, and such dainty waies, wherein delicate and fine people do greatly delight: you may also (as was said before) adde hereunto according to the maladie, di∣uers purgers, as Agaricke, Mirobalans, &c.

The pouder of Sene after it is well prepared two ounces, of the pouder of the root of Mechoa∣can [ M] foure drams, pouder of Ginger, Anise seeds, of each a little, a spoonfull of Anise seeds, but a very little Ginger, and a modicum or small quantitie of Salgemmae: this hath beene proued a ve∣rie fit and familiar medicine for all ages and sexes. The patient may take one spoonful or two ther∣of fasting, either in pottage, some supping in drink, or white wine. This is right profitable to draw both flegme and melancholy from the brest and other parts.

The leaues of Sene and Cammomil are put in baths to wash the head. [ N]

Sene opens the inward parts of the body which are stopped, and is profitable against all griefes [ O] of the principall members of the body.

Take Sene prepared according to art one ounce, Ginger half a quarter of an ounce, twelue cloues, [ P] Fenell seed two drams, or in stead thereof Cinnamon and Tartar, of each halfe a dram, pouder all these; which done, take thereof in white wine one dram before supper, which doth maruellously purge the head.

Handle Sene in maner aboue specified, then take halfe an ounce thereof, which don, adde there∣to [ Q] sixty Raisins of the Sunne with the stones pickt out, one spoonfull of Anise seeds braied, boile these in a quart of ale till one halfe be wasted, and while it is boiling put in your Sene: let it stand so till the morning, then straine it, and put in a little Ginger: then take the one halfe of this potion and put thereunto two spoonfulls of syrrup of Roses: drinke this together, I meane the one halfe of the medicine at one time, and if the patient canot abide the next day to receiue the other halfe, then let it be deferred vntil the third day after.

Sene and Fumitorie (as Rasis affirmeth) do purge adust humors, and are excellent good against [ R] scabs, itch, and the ill affection of the body.

If Sene be infused in whey, and then boyled a little, it becommeth good physicke against me∣lancholy, [ S] clenseth the braine and purgeth it, as also the heart, liuer, milt, and lungs, causeth a man to looke yong, ingendreth mirth, and taketh away sorrow: it cleareth the sight, strengthneth hea∣ring, and is very good against old feuers and diseases arising of melancholy. † 1.2

CHAP. 11. Of bastard Sene.

¶ The Description.

1 Colutea and Sene be so neere the one vnto the other in shape and shew, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Herbarists haue deemed Colutea to be the right Sene. This bastard Sene is a shrubby plant growing to the forme of a hedge bush or shrubby tree: his branches are straight, brittle, and wooddy; which being carelesly broken off, and as negligently prickt or stucke in the ground, will take root and prosper at what time of the yeare soeuer it be done; but slipt or cut, or planted in any curious sort whatsoeuer, among an hundred one will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grow: these boughes or branches are beset with leaues like Sena or Securidaca, not much vnlike Liquorice: among which come forth faire broome-like yellow floures, which turne into small cods like the sownd of a fish or a little bladder, which will make a cracke being broken betweene the fingers: wherein are con∣tained many blacke flat seeds of the bignesse of Tares, growing vpon a small rib or sinew within the cod: the root is hard, and of a wooddy substance.

[illustration]

1 Colutea. Bastard Sene.

[illustration]

2 Colutea Scorpioides. Bastard Sene with Scorpion cods.

2 Bastard Sene with Scorpion cods is a small wooddy shrub or bush, hauing leaues, branches, and floures like vnto the former bastard Sene, but lesse in each respect: when his small yellow floures are fallen there succeed little long crooked cods like the long cods or husks of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Scor∣pioides, whereof it tooke his name: the root is like the root of the Box tree, or rather resembling the roots of Dulcamara or Bitter-sweet, growing naturally in the shadowie woods of Valena in Nar∣bone; whereof I haue a small plant in my garden, which may be called Scorpion Sene.

3 The low or dwarfe Colutea of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 description, hath a thicke wooddy root couered with a yellowish barke, with many fibres anexed thereto, which bringeth forth yearely new shoots, where∣by it greatly encreaseth, of a cubit and a halfe high, smooth, and of a greene colour; whereon doe grow leaues composed of six or seuen leaues, and sometimes nine, set vpon a middle rib like those of the common kinde, of a stipticke taste, with some sharpnesse or biting: the floures grow vpon

[illustration]

3 Colutea scorpioides humilis. Dwarfe bastard Sene.

[illustration]

4 Colutea scorpioides montana 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Mountaine bastard Sene.

[illustration]

5 Colutea minima, siue Coronilla. The smallest bastard Sene.

slender foot-stalkes, long and naked like those of the Pease, and of a yellow colour, of little or no smell at all, and yet that little nothing plea∣sant: after which come forth long cods, where∣in is contained small seed like those of the Strangle Tare.

4 This mountaine bastard Sene hath stalks, leaues, and roots like the last described. The floures grow on the tops of the branches in ma∣ner of a crowne; whereupon some haue called it Coronilla: in shape like those of the pease, and of a yellow colour: the cods as yet we haue not seen, and therefore not expressed in the figure.

5 This small bastard Sene groweth like a small shrub creeping vpon the ground, halfe a cubit high, bringing forth many twiggie bran∣ches, in maner of those of the Spanish broome; wherupon do grow leaues like those of Lentils or the Strangle Tare, with many smal leaues set vpon a middle rib, somewhat fat or full of iuice, of the colour of the leaues of Rue or Herbe∣grace, of an astringent and vnpleasant taste: the floures grow at the tops of the branches, of a yellow colour, in shape likethose of the smallest broome: after which come little crooked cods like the clawes or toes of a bird, wherein is con∣tained seed somwhat long, blacke, and of an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taste: the root is long, hard, tough, and of a wooddy substance.

6 There is also found another sort hereof, not much differing from the former, sauing that this plant is greater in each respect, wherein especially consisteth the difference.

¶ The Place.

Colutea or bastard Sene groweth in diuers gardens, and commeth vp of seed; it quickly com∣meth to perfection, insomuch that if a sticke thereof be broken off and thrust into the ground, it quickly taketh root, yea although it be done in the middle of summer, or at any other time, euen as the sticks of Willow or Elder, as my selfe haue often prooued; the which bring forth floures and fruit the next yeere after.

The second with Scorpion cods groweth likewise in my garden: the last doth grow in diuers barren chalky grounds of Kent towards Sittinbourne, Canturbury, and about Southfleet; I haue not seene them elsewhere: the rest are strangers in England.

¶ The Time.

They floure from May till summer be well spent, in the meane season the cods bring forth ripe seed.

¶ The Names.

This shrub is called of Theophrastus in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with the diphthong 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the second sil∣lable: in Latine, as Gaza expoundeth it, Coloutea or Colutea: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Baguenaudier: they are deceiued that thinke it to be Sena, or any kinde thereof, although we haue followed others in giuing it to name Bastard Sene, which name is very vnproper to it: in low Dutch it is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and we may vse the same name Sene tree, in English.

This Calutea, or bastard Sene, doth differ from that plant 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with v in the second syllable, of which Colytea, Theophrastus writeth in his third booke. ‡ The fifth is the Polygala 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ‡

¶ The Nature and Vertues.

Theophrastus, neither any other hath made mention of the temperature or faculties in working [ A] of these plants, more than that they are good to fatten cattell, especially sheepe. † 1.3

CHAP. 12. Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉

¶ The Description.

1 THe first kinde of Liquorice hath many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, rising vp to the height of two or three cubits, beset with leaues of an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 colour, consisting of many small leaues set vpon a middle rib, like the leaues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Colutea, or the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tree, somewhat glutinous in handling: among which come small knops growing vpon short stems betwixt the leaues and the branches, clustering together, and making a round forme and shape: out of which grow small blew floures, of the colour of an English Hyacinth; after which succeed round, rough, prickly heads, consisting of diuers rough or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 huskes closely and thicke compact together; in which is contained a flat seed: the root is straight, yellow within, and browne without: of a sweet and pleasant taste.

2 The common and vsuall Liquorice hath stalkes and leaues very like the former, sauing that his leaues are greener and greater, and the floures of a light shining blew colour: but the floures of this are succeeded by longish cods that grow not so thicke clustring together in round heads as the former, but spike fashion, or rather like the wilde Vetch called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Galega: the cods are small and flat like vnto the Tare: the roots are of a brownish colour without, and yellow within like Box, and sweeter in taste than the former.

¶ The Place.

These plants do grow in sundry places of Germany wilde, and in France and Spaine, but they are planted in gardens in England, whereof I haue plenty in my garden: the poore people of the North parts of England do manure it with great diligence, wherby they obtain great plenty there∣of, replanting the same once in three or foure yeares.

¶ The Time.

Liquorice floureth in Iuly, and the seed is ripe in September.

[illustration]

1 Glycyrrhiza Echinata Dioscoridis. Hedge-hogge Licorice.

[illustration]

‡ 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vulgaris. Common Licorice.

¶ The Names.

The first is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Dulc is radix, or sweet Root: this Licorice is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 knowne either to the Apothecaries or to the vulgar people: we call it in English, Dioscorides his Licorice.

It is most euident that the other is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Licorice: the Apothecaries call it by a cor∣rupt word, Liquiritia: the Italians, Regalitia: the Spaniards, Regeliza and Regalitia: in high Dutch, Suszhotz, Suszwurtzel: in French, Rigolisse, Raigalisse, and Reglisse: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, suethout: in English, common Licorice: Pliny calleth it Scythica herba: it is named Scythice of the countrey Scythia, where it groweth.

¶ The Temperature.

The Nature of Dioscorides his Licorice, as Galen saith, is familiar to the temperature of our bo∣dies, and seeing it hath a certaine binding quality adioined, the temperature thereof so much as is hot and binding, is specially of a warme buality, comming neerest of all to a meane temperature; besides, for that it is also sweet, it is likewise meanely moist.

For as much as the root of the common Licorice is sweet, it is also temperately hot and moist; notwithstanding the barke thereof is something bitter and hot, but this must be scraped away; the fresh root when it is full of juice doth moisten more than the dry.

¶ The Vertues.

The root of Licorice is good against the rough harshnesse of the throat and brest; it openeth [ A] the pipes of the lungs when they be stuffed or stopped, and ripeneth the cough, and bringeth forth flegme.

The iuice of Licorice made according to Art, and hardned into a lumpe, which is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ B] Liquiritiae, serueth well for the purposes aforesaid, being holden vnder the tongue, and there suffe∣red to melt.

Moreouer, with the juice of Licorice, Ginger, and other spices, there is made a certaine bread or [ C] cakes, called Ginger-bread, which is very good against the cough, and all the infirmities of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lungs and brest: which is cast into moulds, some of one fashion, and some of another.

The iuice of Licorice is profitable against the heate of the stomacke, and of the mouth. [ D]

The same is drunke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wine of Raisons against the infirmities of the liuer and chest, scabs or [ E] sores of the bladder, and diseases of the kidneyes.

Being melted vnder the tongue it quencheth thirst: it is good for greene wounds being layed [ F] thereupon, and for the stomacke if it be chewed.

The decoction of the fresh roots serueth for the same purposes. [ G]

But the dried root most finely poudered is a singular remedie for a pin and a web in the eye, if it [ H] be strewed thereupon.

Dioscorides and Pliny also report, that Liquorice is good for the stomack and vlcers of the mouth, [ I] being cast vpon them.

It is good against hoarsenesse, difficultie of breathing, inflammation of the lungs, the pleurisie, [ K] spitting of bloud or matter, consumption or rottennes of the lungs, all infirmities and ruggednes of the chest.

It takes away inflammations, mitigateth and tempereth the sharpnesse and saltnes of humors, [ L] concocteth raw humors, and procureth easie spitting.

The decoction is good for the kidnies and bladder that are exulcerated.

It cureth the strangurie, and generally all infirmities that proceed of sharpe, salt, and biting hu∣mors. [ M]

These things concerning Liquorice hath also Theophrastus: viz. that with this and with cheese [ N] made of Mares milke the Scythians were reported to be able to liue eleuen or twelue dayes.

The Scythian root is good for shortnesse of breath, for a dry cough, and generally for all infir∣mities [ O] of the chest.

Moreouer, with honey it healeth vlcers, it also quencheth thirst if it be held in the mouth: for [ P] which cause they say that the Scythians do liue eleuen or twelue dayes with it and Hippace, which is cheese made of Mares milke, as Hippocrates witnesseth.

Pliny in his twenty fifth booke, chap. 8. hath thought otherwise than truth, that Hippace is an [ Q] herbe so called. † 1.4

CHAP. 13. Of Milke Trefoile or Shrub Trefoile.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers kindes or sorts of the shrubby Trefoile, the which might very well haue passed among the three leaued Grasses, had it not beene for my promise in the proeme of our first part, That in the last booke of our History the shrubbie or wooddy plants should be set forth, eue∣rie one as neere as might be in kindred and neighbourhood.

¶ The Description.

† 1 THe sirst kinde of Cytisus or shrubby Trefoile growes to the forme of a small shrub or wooddy bush two or three cubits high, branching into sundry small boughes or armes, set full of leaues like the small Tresoile, darke greene, and not hairie, three growing alwaies together: among these come forth smal yellow floures like them of French Broome, which doe turne into long and flat cods, containing small seed of a blackish colour.

2 The second kinde of Cytisus is likewise a small shrub, in shape after the manner of the for∣mer, but that the whole plant is altogether smaller, and the leaues rounder, set together by cou∣ples, and the small cods hairy at the ends, which sets forth the difference. ‡ The leaues of this are almost round, and grow three together close to the stalke: they are smooth, of a fresh greene, and the middlemost leafe of the three is the largest, and ends in a sharpe point: the floures are of the bignesse and colour of the Trifolium corniculatum: it floures in May. ‡

3 The root of this third kinde is single, from whence spring vp many smooth brittle stalks di∣uided into many wings and branches, whereon grow greene leaues smaller than those of medow Trefoile: the floures are yellow, lesser than Broome floures, otherwise very like, growing about the tops of the twiggie branches, diuided into spoky tufts: which being vaded, there follow thinne long narrow cods, lesser than those of the Broome, wherein is contained small blacke seed. The root is long, deeply growing into the ground, and sometimes waxeth crooked in the earth. ‡ This also hath smooth green leaues, and differs little (if any thing at all) from the first described, where∣fore I thought it needlesse to giue a figure. Our Author called it Cytisus siliquosus, Codded shrub Trefoile, because one of the branches was fairely in the figure exprest with cods; I know no other reason, for all the Cytisi are codded as well as this. ‡

[illustration]

1 Cytisus. The first shrub Trefoile.

[illustration]

2 Cytisus. The second shrub Trefoile.

[illustration]

4 Cytisus hirsutus. Ilairy shrub Trefoile.

[illustration]

5 Cytisus incanus. Hoary shrub Trefoile.

4 The fourth kinde of Cytisus hath a great number of small branches and stalkes like the for∣mer, but it is a lower plant, and more woolly; whose stalks and branches grow not very high, but yet very plentifully spred about the sides of the plant: the leaues are greater than the former, but lesser than those of medow Trefoile: the floures grow close together, as though they were bound vp or compact into one head or spokie tuft somewhat greater than the former: the cods are also greater, and more hairy: the root groweth very deepe into the ground, whereunto are adioyned a few fibres: it falleth out to be more hairy or woolly in one place than in another, and the more hai∣rie and woolly that it is, the whiter it waxeth; for the roughnesse bringeth it a certain whitish co∣lour. ‡ The branches of this oft times lie along vpon the ground: the leaues are smooth and greene aboue, and hoarie vnderneath: the floures yellow, which fading sometimes become orange coloured: the cods are round, and seeds brownish. ‡

5 The fifth kinde of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 groweth to the height of a cubit or more, hauing many slender twiggy branches like Broome, streaked and very hard: whereupon grow leaues very like 〈◊〉〈◊〉, yet all hoary, three together: from the bosome of which, or betweene the leaues and the stalkes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sorth yellow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very like Broome, Spartum, or Pease, but smaller: the cods be like vnto Broome cods, of an ash colour, but slenderer, rougher, and flatter; in the seueral cels or diuisi∣ons whereof are contained bright shining seeds like the blacke seeds of Broome: all the whole plant is hoarie like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

6 Cytisus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Winged shrub Trefoile.

[illustration]

7 Cytisus 7. Cornutus. The Horned shrub Trefoile.

6 The sixth kinde of Cytisus or bush Tresoile groweth to the height of a tall man, with long stalkes couered ouer with a blackish barke, and a few boughes or branches, beset or garnished with leaues like the common Trefoile, but smaller, growing also three together, whereof the middle∣most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the three leaues is twice as long as the two side leaues; the vpper side whereof is green, and the lower side somwhat reddish and hairie: the floures grow along the stalks almost from the bot∣tome to the top, of a golden yellow colour, fashioned like the Broome floure, but greater than any of the rest of his kinde, and of a reasonable good sauour: the seed hath the pulsie taste of Cicer.

7 The seuenth kinde of Cytisus hath many tough and hairy branches rising from a wooddie root, foure or fiue cubits high, which are diuided into sundry smaller branches beset with leaues like the medow 〈◊〉〈◊〉; among which come 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yellow floures like Broome, that turne into

crooked flat cods like a sickle; wherein is contained the seed tasting like Cicer or Legumen. The whole plant is hoarie like Rhamnus, and being broken or bruised smelleth like Rocket.

8 This eighth kinde of Cytisus, which Pena setteth forth, is doubtlesse another kinde of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, resembling the former in leaues, floures, and cods, sauing that the small leaues (which are al∣waies three together) area little snipt about the edges: the whole plant is slenderer, softer, and gree∣ner, rather resembling an herbe than a shrub: the root is small and single.

9 This bastard or mis-begotten shrub Trefoile, or bastard Cytisus, groweth vp like a shrub, but not of a wooddy substance, hauing tender stalks smooth and plaine: whereon do grow hairy leaues like the other, diuers set vpon one foot-stalke, contrarie to all the rest: the floures grow along the stems like those of the stocke Gillofloures, of a yellow colour: the root is tough and wooddy.

[illustration]

8 Cytisus 8. The eighth shrub Trefoile.

[illustration]

9 Cytisus adulterinus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Alysson fruticans. Bastard shrub Trefoile.

¶ The Place.

These plants were first brought into Italy and Greece from one of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Cyclades, called Cyntho or Cynthusa, and since found in many places of France, as about Montpelier, Veganium, and other places: they are strangers in England, though they grow very plentifully in Scotland, as it is reported; whereof I haue two sorts in my garden, that is to say, Cytisus Maranthae, or the hor∣ned Cytisus, and likewise one of the smallest, that is to say, the third in number. ‡ The second groweth in the garden of M^r. Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ‡

¶ The Time.

These plants floure for the most part in May, Iune, and Iuly, and some after: the seed is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 September.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians and Latines do call this shrub 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of Cynthusa an Island before mentioned, in which place they are in great estimation for that they do so wonderfully feed cattell, and encrease milke in their dugs, nourish sheepe and goats, which bring yong ones good for store and increase. One Author doth call these plants in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say in Latine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 foenum, fertile or fruitfull Hay, for that the kindes hereof cause milke to encrease, maketh good bloud and iuice, augmenteth strength, and multiplieth the naturall seed of generation: they may be called in Eng∣lish, milke Trefoile, of the store of milke which they encrease.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues of milke Trefoile do coole, as Dioscorides writeth; they asswage swellings in the be∣ginning, if they be stamped and laid vnto them with bread: the decoction thereof drunke prouo∣keth vrine: Galen teacheth, that the leaues of Milke Trefoile haue a digesting or wasting qualitie mixed with a waterie and temperate facultie, as haue those of the Mallow.

¶ The Vertues.

Women, saith Columella, if they want milke must steepe dry milke Trefoile in fairewater, and [ A] when it is throughly soked, they must the next day mix a quart or thereabouts of the same pressed or strained forth with a little wine, and so let it be giuen vnto them to drinke, and by that meanes they themselues shall receiue strength, and their children comfort by abundance of milke.

Hippocrates reckoneth vp Milk-Trefoile among those things that encrease milke, in his booke of [ B] the Nature of women, and of womens diseases.

Also Aristomachus of Athens in Pliny, commandeth to giue with wine the dry plant, and the same [ C] likewise boiled in water, to nurses to drinke when their milke is gone.

Democritus and Aristomachus do promise that you shall want no Bees, if you haue milke Trefoile [ D] for them to feed on: for all writers with one consent do conclude (as Galen saith) that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ga∣ther of the floures of Milke Trefoile very great store of honie.

Columella teacheth, that Milke Trefoile is notable good for hennes, Bees, Goats, Kine, and all [ E] kinde of Cattell, which quickely grow fat by eating thereof, and that it yeeldeth very great store of milke.

The people of Betica and Valentia (where there is great store of Cytisus) doe vse it very much [ F] for the Silke Worms to hang their web vpon after they haue been well fed with the leaues of Mul∣berries.

Milke Trefoile is likewise a maruellous remedie against the Sciatica, and all other kindes of [ G] gouts. † 1.5

CHAP. 12. Of Bastard Milke-Trefoiles.

¶ The Description.

1 THis riseth vp with little stalks from the root, brittle, very many in number, parted into wings and branches, about which grow many leaues lesser than those of the medow Tre∣foile, of colour greene: the floures about the tops of the twigs be orderly placed in maner like ears, of colour yellow, lesser than those of broom, otherwise all alike: in their places grow vp slender cods long, narrow, and lesser than the cods of Broome: rough also and hairy; in which do lie little blac∣kish seeds: the root is long, and groweth deepe, and oftentimes creepeth aslope.

2 The second kinde of bastard Milke-Tresoile is like vnto the former in plentifull stalkes and twigges, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is lower and more downie; neither doe the stalkes thereof stand vpright, but rather incline to the one side: the leaues also are somewhat greater, but yet lesser than those of the medow Trefoile, wholly white, and they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 open themselues out, but keep alwaies folded with the middle rib standing out: the floures likewise be closelier ioined together, and compacted as it were into a little head, and be also something greater: the cods in like manner are a little bigger and hairy, and of a blackish purple or murrey: the root groweth deepe in the ground, being diuided into a few sprigs; it oftentimes happeneth to grow in one place more hairie or downie than in ano∣ther: the more hairie and downie it is, the more white and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is; for the hairinesse doth also bring with it a certaine whitish colour.

3 The third kinde of bastard Milke Trefoile bringeth forth a companie of young shoots that are somewhat writhed and crooked, long leaues of a faire greene colour: the floures are closed to∣gether, long, white, or else galbineous, sweetly smelling, that is to say, hauing the smel of honie: the shrub it selfe is alwaies greene both Sommer and Winter. ‡ This growes some foot or better high, with slender hoarie branches, set with leaues three standing together vpon a very short stalke, and the middle leafe is as long againe as the other two; they are very white and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the yellow floures grow out of the bosomes of the leaues all alongst the stalks. This is that mentioned in the vertues of the former chapter at F for the Silke wormes to worke vpon. ‡

4 The fourth shrub is likewise one of the wilde kinde, though in face and stature like the ma∣nured

[illustration]

1 Pseudocytisus 1. The first bastard shrub Trefoile.

[illustration]

2 Pseudocytisus 2. The 2. bastard shrub Trefoile.

[illustration]

3 Cytisus semper 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The euer-greene shrub Trefoile.

[illustration]

4 Pseudocytisus hirsutus. The hairie bastard tree Trefoile.

Cytisus: It groweth vp like a small shrub or hedge bush to the height of two or three yards; on whose branches do grow three rough or hairie leaues, set vpon a slender foot-stalke, of a grasse greene colour aboue, with a reddish hairinesse below: the floures grow alongst the stalks from the middle to the toppe, of a bright shining yellow colour: the root is likewise wooddie.

¶ The Place.

These kindes of Milke Trefoiles are found in Morauia, so called in our age, which in times past was named Marcomannorum prouincia, and in the vpper Pannonia, otherwise called Austria, neere to high waies, and in the borders of fields; for they seeme after a sort to ioy in the shade. ‡ These grow (according to Clusius) in sundry parts of Spaine. ‡

¶ The Time.

They floure especially in Iune and Iuly.

¶ The Names.

It is euident enough that they are bastard kindes of Milke Trefoiles, and therefore they may be called and plainly termed 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or bastard Milke Trefoiles, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 syluestres, that is to say, wilde Milke Trefoiles.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

What temperature these shrubs are of, or what vertues they haue we know not, neither haue wee as yet found out by our owne experience any thing, and therefore they may be referred to the other Milke-Trefoiles.

CHAP. 15. Of the venomous Tree Trefoile.

[illustration]

† 1.6 1 Dorycnium Monspeliensium. The venomous Trefoile of Montpelier.

[illustration]

2 Dorycnium Hispanicum. The venomous Trefoile of Spain.

¶ The Description.

1 THe venomous tree Trefoile of Montpelier hath many tough and pliant stalkes, two or three cubits high, diuided into sundry small twiggie braunches, beset with leaues three

together, placed from ioint to ioint by spaces, somewhat hoarie, very like vnto the leaues of Cytisus, or Rue: among which come forth many small mossie white floures, tuft fashion, in small bundles like Nose-gaies, and very like the floures of the Oliue or Oke tree, which turne into small roundish bladders, as it were made of parchment: wherein is contained blacke seed like wilde Lotus, but in taste like the wilde tare: the whole plant is of an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 smell; the root is thicke, and of a wood∣die substance.

2 The Spanish venomous Trefoile hath a wooddie stalke, rough and hoary, diuided into other small branches, whereon do grow leaues like the precedent: the floures grow on the tops of the branches, whereon do grow leaues like those of the Pease, and of a yellow, or rather greenish colour, wherein it differeth from the precedent.

¶ The Place.

These venomous Trefoiles grow in Narbone, on the barren and stonie craggie mountaines, at Frontignana, and about the sea coasts, and are strangers in England.

¶ The Time.

They flourish from May to the end of Iune.

¶ The Names.

Dorycnium, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is that poisonous or venomous plant wherewith in times past they vsed to poison their arrow heads, or rather weapons, thereby to do the greater hurt vnto those whom they did assaile or pursue, whereupon it tooke his name: great controuersie hath been among Herba∣rists, what manner of plant Dorycnium should be; some saying one thing, and some another: which controuersies and sundry opinions are very well confuted by the true censure of Rondeletius, who hath for a definitiue sentence set downe the plant described for the true Dorycnium, and none other, which may be called in English, Venomous tree Trefoile. ‡ These plants do not sufficiently an∣swer to the description of Dioscorides, neither can any one say certainly, that they are poisonous. ‡

¶ The Temperature.

Dorycnium is very cold, without moistning.

¶ The Vertues.

Venomous Trefoile hath not one good qualitie that I can reade of, but it is a pestilent venomous [ A] plant, as hath been said in the description.

CHAP. 16. Of the shrub Trefoile called also Makebate.

[illustration]

Polemonium sive Trifolium fruticans. Shrubby Trefoile, or yellow Iasmine.

¶ The Description.

THis shrubby plant called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hath many wooddie twigges, growing vnto the height of foure or fiue cubits, hauing smal twiggie branches, of a darke green colour, gar∣nished with small leaues of a deepe greene co∣lour, alwaies three ioined together vpon little footstalks, like the Cytisus bush, or the field Tre∣foile, but smaller: the floures be yellow, and round, diuided into fiue or six parts, not much vnlike the yellow Iasmine, which hath cau∣sed many to call it yellow Iasmine, euen vnto this day: when the floures be vaded, there suc∣ceed small round berries as big as a Pease, of a black purplish colour when they be ripe, which being broken will die or colour the fingers like Elder Berries: within these berries are contai∣ned a small flat seed, like vnto Lentils: the root is long and small, creeping hither and thither vnder the earth, putting forth new springs or shoots in sundry places, whereby it wonderfully increaseth.

¶ The Place.

It groweth plentifully in the countrey of Montpellier at New Castle vpon the drie hills, and hot banks of the Oliue fields, and in the sto∣ny fields and wood of Gramuntium: it growes in my garden, and in other Herbarists gardens in England.

¶ The Time.

It floureth in Sommer: the seed is ripe in Autumne; the shrub it selfe is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greene, and hath a lasting root.

¶ The Names.

Most do call it Cytisus, but we had rather name it Trifolium fruticans: for it doth not agree with Cytisus or Milk-Trefoile, as in the chapter before it is plaine enough by his description, vnlesse it be Cytisus Marcelli, or Marcellus his Milke-Trefoile, with which peraduenture it might be thought to haue some likenesse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the floures which are yellow were white, or galbineous, that is to say, blew.

There be diuers also that take this Trefoile to be Polemonium, forasmuch as the leaues hereof seeme to be somewhat like those of common Rue, but Polemonium hath not the leafe of common Rue, otherwise called Herb-grace, but of the other, that is to say, of S. Iohns Rue: it is called in En∣glish, shrubby Trefoile, or Make-bait.

¶ The Temperature.

Polemonium is of temperature dry in the second degree, with some Acrimonie or sharpnesse.

¶ The Vertues.

This shrubby plant hath so many singular and excellent vertues contained in it, that some haue [ A] called it by the name Chiliodunamis, that is, hauing an hundred properties.

It is very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the stinging of Scorpions, and (as some write) if a man hold it in his [ B] hand, he cannot be hurt with the biting of any venomous beast.

Being taken in vineger it is very good for those that are spleneticke, and whose spleen or Milt is [ C] affected with oppilations or stoppings.

If the root be taken in wine it helpeth against the bloudy flix, it prouoketh vrine being drunke [ D] with water, scoureth away grauell, and easeth the paine and ache called the Sciatica.

CHAP. 17. Of Broome, and Broome Rape.

[illustration]

1 Genista. Broome.

[illustration]

2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Orobanche. Broome Rape, or Orobanch.

[illustration]

‡ Orobanche 〈◊〉〈◊〉 flo. oblongis. Long floured Broome Rape.

[illustration]

‡ Orobanche flore maiore. Great floured Broome Rape.

[illustration]

‡ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Branched Broome Rape.

¶ The Description.

1 BRoome is a bush or shrubby 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it hath stalkes or rather wooddie bran∣ches: from which do spring slender twigs, cornered, greene, tough, and that be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bowed, many times diuided into small bran∣ches: about which do grow little leaues of an obscure green colour, and braue yellow floures; and at the length flat cods, which being ripe are blacke, as be those of the common Vetch, in which do lie flat seeds, hard, something brow∣nish, and lesser than Lentils: the root is hard and wooddie, sending forth diuers times another plant of the colour of an Oken leafe, in shape like vnto the bastard Orchis, called Birds nest, hauing a root like a Turnep or Rape, where∣upon it is called Rapum 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Broom Rape.

2 This is a certaine bulbed plant growing vn∣to the roots of broome, big below, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aboue, couered with blackish scales, and of a ye∣lowish pulpe within: from which doth rise a stalke a span long, hauing whitish floures about the top, like almost to those of Dead Nettle: af∣ter which grow forth long, thicke, and round husks, in which are contained very many seeds, and good for nothing: the whole plant is of the colour of the Oken leafe.

[illustration]

3 Genista Hispanica. Spanish Broome.

[illustration]

5 Chamaegenista Anglica. English Dwarfe Broome.

[illustration]

6 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pannonica. Dwarfe broome of Hungarie.

‡ Of this Orobanche or Broome Rape there are some varieties obserued and set forth by Lo∣bel and Clusius: the first of these varieties hath longer and smaller floures than the ordinarie. The second hath larger floures, and those of a blewish colour, and is sometimes found among corne. The third is parted towards the top in∣to sundry branches; the floures of this are ei∣ther blew, purplish, or else white, and it willing∣ly growes among hempe. ‡

3 The Spanish Broome hath likewise wooddy stems, from whence grow vp slender pliant twigs, which be bare and naked without leaues, or at the least hauing but few small leaues, set here and there far distant one from another, with yellow floures not much vnlike the floures of common Broome, but greater, which turne into small long cods, wherein is conteined browne and flat seed: the roote is tough and wooddy.

4 Small leafed or thin leafed Broome hath many tough pliant shoots rising out of the ground, which grow into hard and tough stalks, which are diuided into diuers twiggy branches whereon doe grow very small thin leaues, of a whitish colour; whereupon some haue called it Genista alba, white Broome: the floures grow at the top of the stalkes, in shape like those of the common Broom, but of a white colour, wherein it specially differeth from the other Broomes.

5 English Dwarfe Broome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many twiggy branches, very 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or cornered, leaning toward the ground: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do grow leaues set without 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two together, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or foure growing fast together, like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 common 〈◊〉〈◊〉, greene on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taste: among which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come forth yellow floures like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of little or no smell at all: after which appeare small 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is contained small seed: the root is tough and wooddy. ‡ Bauhine iudges these two last 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be onely varieties of the common Broome; to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 opinion I do much 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I haue let our Authrs description stand, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the figure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this later, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the greatest difference. ‡

6 The Dw arfe Broome of Hungary hath stalkes and yellow floures like those of the last de∣scribed: the leaues hereof are different, they are longer, and more in number: the whole plant is altogether greater, wherein especially consisteth the difference.

¶ The Place.

The common Broome groweth almost euery where in dry pastures and low woods.

The Broome Rape is not to be found but where Broome doth grow; it groweth in a Broome field at the foot of Shooters hill next to London; vpon Hampstead Heath, and in diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 places.

Spanish Broome groweth in diuers kingdomes of Spaine and Italy; we haue it in our London gardens.

The White Broome groweth likewise in Spaine and other hot regions; it is a stranger in Eng∣land; of this Titus Calphurnius makes mention in his second Eclog of his Bucolicks, writing thus:

Cernis vt, eccepater, quas tradidit Ornite vaccae Molle sub hirsuta latus explicuere genista.

See father, how the Kine stretch out their tender side Vnder the hairy broome, that growes in fields so wide.

¶ The Time.

Broome floureth in the end of Aprill or May, and then the young buds of the floures are to be gathered, and laid in pickle or salt, which afterwards being washed or boyled, are vsed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as Capers be, and be eaten with no lesse delight: the cods and seeds be ripe in August; the Rape appeareth and is seene especially in the moneth of Iune.

The Spanish Broome doth floure sooner, and is longer in flouring.

¶ The Names.

This shrub is called in Latine, Genista, oras some would haue it Genesta: in Italian, Genestra: in Spanish likewise 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in high Dutch, Pfrimmen: in low Dutch, Brem: in French, Genest: in English, Broome. ‡ The Spanish Broome by most writers is iudged to be the Spartum of Dioscorides. ‡

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The twigs, floures, and seeds of Broome are hot and dry in the second degree: they are also of a [ A] thin essence, and are of force to clense and open, and especially the seed, which is dryer and not so full of superfluous moisture.

The decoction of the twigs and tops of Broome doth clense and open the liuer, milt, and kid∣nies. [ B]

It driueth away by the stoole watery humours, and therefore it is wholesome for them that haue [ C] the dropsie, especially being made with wine; but better for the other infirmities with water.

The seed also is commended for the same purposes. [ D]

There is also made of the ashes of the stalkes and branches dryed and burnt, a lie with thin white [ E] wine, as Rhenish wine, which is highly commended of diuers for the greene sickenesse and dropsie, and this doth mightily expell and driue forth thin and watery humors together with the vrine, and that by the bladder; but withall it doth by reason of his sharpe quality many times hurt and fret the intrailes.

Mesue saith, that there is in the floures and branches a cutting moisture, but full of excrements, [ F] and therefore it causeth vomit: and that the plant doth in all his parts trouble, cut, attenuate, and violently purgeth by vomit and stoole, flegme and raw humours out of the ioints.

But these things are not written of Broome, but of Spartum, which purgeth by vomit, after the [ G] manner of Hellebor, as both Dioscorides and Pliny do testifie.

Mesue also addeth, that Broome doth breake the stone of the kidnies and bladder, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ H] not the matter whereof the stone is made to lie long, or to become a stone.

The young buds or little floures preferued in pickle, and eaten as a sallad, stir vp an appetite to [ I] meate and open the stoppings of the liuer and milt.

The same being fully blowne, stamped and mixed with swines grease, do ease the paine of the [ L] gout.

And Mesue writeth, that this tempered with honie of Roses, or with an egge, doth consume a∣way [ M] the Kings-euill.

The Rape of the Broom or Broome Rape, being boyled in wine, is commended against the pains [ N] of the kidnies and bladder, prouoketh vrine, breaketh the stone, and expelleth it.

The iuice pressed forth of Broom rape healeth green wounds, and clenseth old and filthy vlcers: [ O] the later Physitions do affirme that it is also good for old venomous and malicious vlcers.

That worthy Prince of famous 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Henry 8. King of England, was woont to drinke the di∣stilled [ P] water of Broome floures, against surfets and diseases thereof arising.

Sir Thomas Fitzherbert Knight, was woont to cure the blacke iaundice with this drinke onely. [ Q]

Take as many handfuls (as you thinke good) of the dried leaues of Broom gathered and brayed [ R] to pouder in the moneth of May, then take vnto each handfull of the dried 〈◊〉〈◊〉, one spoonful and a halfe of the seed of Broom braied into pouder: mingle these together, and let the sicke drinke thereof each day a quantitie, first and last, vntill he finde some 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The medicine must be conti∣nued and so long vsed, vntil it be quite extinguished: for it is a disease not very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cured, but must by little and little be dealt withall.

Orobanch or Broom rape sliced and put into oyle Oliue, to insuse or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 same, as ye [ S] do Roses for oile of Roses, scoureth and putteth away all spots, lentils, freck les, pimples, wheals and pushes from the face, or any part of the body, being annointed therewith.

Dioscorides writeth, that Orobanch may be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 either raw 〈◊〉〈◊〉 boiled, in manner as we vse to eat [ T] the sprigs or young shoots of Asparagus.

The floures and seeds of Spanish Broome are good to be drunke with Mead or honied water in [ V] the quantitie of a dram, to cause one to vomite with great force and violence, euen as white Helle∣bor, or neesing pouder.

If it be taken alone, it looseneth the belly, driueth forth great quantitie of waterie and filthie [ X] humours.

CHAP. 18. Of base Broome or greening weed.

¶ The Description.

1 THis base kinde of Broom called Greene weed or Diers weed, hath many tough branches proceeding from a wooddie root: whereon do grow great store of leaues, of a deep green colour, somewhat long like those of Flax: the floures grow at the top of the branches not much vn∣like the leaues of Broome, but smaller; of an exceeding faire yellow colour, which turne into small flat cods, wherein is contained a little flat seed.

2 Carolius Clusius setteth forth another kinde of Broome, which Dodonaeus calleth Genistatincto∣ria, being another sort of Diers weed: it groweth like the Spanish Broome: vpon whose branches do grow long and small leaues like Flax, greene on the vpper side, and of an hoarie shining colour on the other. The floures grow at the top of the stalks, spike fashion, in forme and colour like the former: the roots are thicke and wooddie.

3 Carolus Clusius setteth forth two kindes of Broome. The first is a low and base plant, creeping and lying flat vpon the ground, whose long branches are nothing else, but as it were stalkes consi∣sting of leaues thicke in the middest, and thinne about the edges, and as it were diuided with small nicks; at which place it beginneth to continue the same leafe to the end, and so from leafe to leafe, vntill it haue increased a great sort, all which doe as it were make one stalke; and hath none other leaues, sauing that in some of the nicks or diuisions there commeth forth a small leafe like a little eare. At the end of those flat and leafed stalks come forth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, much like the floures of the common Greening weed, but lesser, and of a yellow colour, which turne into small cods. The roots are very long, tough, and wooddie, ful of fibres, closing at the top of the root, from whence they pro∣ceed as from one body.

4 This kinde of Greenweed called of some Chamaesparium, hath a thicke wooddie root: from which rise vp diuers long leaues, consisting as it were of many pieces set together like a paire of Beads (as may better be perceiued by the figure, than expressed by words) greene on the vpper side, and whitish vnderneath, very tough, and as it were of a rushie substance: among which rise vp very small naked rushie stalkes; on the top whereof groweth an eare or spike of a chaffie matter, hauing here and there in the said care diuers yellow floures like Broome, but very small or little.

[illustration]

1 Genistella tinctoria. Greeneweed or Diers weed.

[illustration]

2 Genistella infectoria. Wooddie Diers weed.

[illustration]

3 Genistella pinnata. Winged Greeneweed.

[illustration]

4 Genistella globulata. Globe Greene weed.

5 The fist Greeneweed hath a wooddie tough root, with certaine strings annexed thereto: from which rise vp diuers long, flat leaues, tough, & very hard, consisting as it were of many little leaues, set one at the end of another, making of many one entire leafe, of a greene colour: amongst which come forth diuers naked hard stalks, very small and stiffe, on the tops whereof stand spikie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of yellow floures, like those of Broome, in shape like that great three leafed grasse, called Lagopus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like the Fox-taile grasse: after which come flat cods, wherein is inclosed small seed like to Tares both in taste and forme.

[illustration]

5 Genistella Lagopoides maior. Hares foot Greeneweed.

[illustration]

6 Genistella Lagopoides minor. Small Greenweed with Hares foot floure.

6 This differeth not from the precedent in stalks, roots and leaues: the floures consist of a floc∣kie soft matter, not vnlike to the grassie tuft of Foxtaile, resembling the floure of Lagopus, or Hares∣foot, but hauing small yellow floures lesser than the former, wherein it chiefely differeth from the other of his kinde.

¶ The Place.

The first being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 common Diers-weed, groweth in most fertile pastures and fields almost eue∣ry where. The rest are strangers in England.

¶ The Time.

They floure from the beginning of Iuly to the end of August.

¶ The Names.

The first of these Greenweeds is named of most Herbarists Flos Tinctorius, but more rightly, Ge∣nista Tinctoria, of this Pliny hath made mention [The Greenweeds, saith he, do grow to dye cloths with] in his 18. booke 16. Chapter. It is called in high Dutch, Ferblumen, and Ackerbrem: in Italian, Cerretta, and Cosaria, as Matthiolus writeth in his chapter of Lysimachia, or Loose-strifie: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Diers Greening weed, base Broome, and Woodwaxen.

The rest we refer to their seuerall titles.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

These plants are like vnto common Broome in bitternesse, and therefore are hot and drie in the [ A] second degree: they are likewise thought to be in vertues equall; notwithstanding their vse is not so well known, and therefore not vsed at all where the other may be had: we shall not need to speak of that vse that Diers make thereof, being a matter impertinent to our Historie.

CHAP. 19. Of Spanish base Broomes.

¶ The Description.

‡ 1 THis growes to the height of a cubit, and is couered with a crested and rough 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and diuided into many longish branches crested & green, which at their first spring∣ing vp haue some leaues vpon them, which fall away as soon as the plant comes to floure: from the sides of the branches come forth long foot-stalks whereon hang some small yellow floures, which are succeeded by short round yellowish red cods which commonly containe but one seed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two, and these hard and blacke, and like a little Kidney, which when it is ripe will rattle in the cod being shaken. ‡

[illustration]

1 Pseudospartum Hispanicum Aphyllum: Spanish Broome without leaues.

[illustration]

2 Pseudospartum album Aphyllum. The white leafe-lesse Spanish broom.

2 This naked broome groweth vp to the height of a man: the stalk is rough, and void of leaues very greene and pliant, which diuideth it selfe into diuers twiggie branches, greene, and tough, like rushes: the floures grow all along the stalks like those of broome, but of a white colour, wherein it differeth from all the rest of his kinde.

¶ The Place.

These grow in the prouinces of Spaine, and are in one place higher and more bushie, and in an other lower.

¶ The Time.

‡ The first floures in May, and the second in Februarie. ‡

¶ The Names.

These base Spanish broomes may be referred to the true, which is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the La∣tines vse the same name, calling it sometimes Spartum, and Spartium: in Spanish, Retama: in English, Spanish broome, and bastard Spanish broome.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Both the seeds and iuice of the branches of these base broomes, wherewith they in Spaine and [ A] other hot regions do tie their vines, do mightily draw, as Galen writeth.

Diosoorides saith, that the seeds and floures being drunke in the quantitie of a dram, with Mede [ B] or honied water, doth cause one to vomit strongly, as the Hellebor or neesing pouder doth, but yet without ieopardie or danger of life: the seed purgeth by stoole.

The iuyce which is drawne from out of the branches steeped in water, being first bruised, is a re∣medie [ C] for those that are tormented with the Sciatica, and for those that be troubled with the Squincie, if a draught thereof be drunke in the morning; some vse to steepe the branches in sea water, and to giue the same in a clister, which purgeth forth bloudy and slimie excrements. † 1.7

CHAP. 20. Of Furzes, Gorsse, Whin, or prickley Broome.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of prickly Broome, called in our English tongue by sundry names, accor∣ding to the speech of the countrey people where they doe grow: in some places, Furzes; in others, Whins, Gorsse, and of some, Prickly Broome.

[illustration]

† 1.8 Genista spinosa vulgaris. Great Furze bush.

[illustration]

2 Genista spinosa minor. The small Furze bush.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Furze bush is a plant altogether a Thorne, fully armed with most sharpe prickles, without any leaues at all except in the spring, and those very few and little, and quick∣ly falling away: it is a bushy shrub, often rising vp with many wooddy branches to the height of foure or fiue cubits, or higher, according to the nature and soile where they grow: the greatest and highest that I did euer see do grow about Excester in the West parts of England,

where the great stalks are dearely bought for the better sort of people, and the small thorny spraies for the poorer sort. From these thorny branches grow little floures like those of Broome, and of a yellow colour, which in hot Regions vnder the extreme heate of the Sunne are of a very perfect red colour: in the colder countries of the East, as Danzicke, Brunswicke, and Poland, there is not any branch hereof growing, except some few plants and seeds which my selfe haue sent to Elbing, o∣therwise called Meluin, where they are most curiously kept in their fairest gardens, as also our common Broome, the which I haue sent thither likewise, being first desired by diuers earnest let∣ters: the cods follow the floures, which the Grauer hath omitted, as a German who had neuer seen the plant it selfe, but framed the figure by heare-say: the root is strong, tough, and wooddy.

We haue in our barren grounds of the North parts of England another sort of Furze, bringing forth the like prickley thornes that the others haue: the onely difference consisteth in the colour of the floures; for the others bring forth yellow floures, and those of this plant are as white as snow.

† 1.9 2 To this may be ioyned another kinde of Furze which bringeth forth certaine branches that be some cubit high, stiffe, and set round about at the first with small winged Lentill-like leaues and little harmelesse prickles, which after they haue been a yeare old, and the leaues gon, be armed onely with most hard sharpe prickles, crooking or bending their points downwards. The floures hereof are of a pale yellow colour, lesser than those of Broome, yet of the same forme: the cods are small, in which do lie little round reddish seeds: the root is tough and wooddy.

[illustration]

† 1.10 3 Genista Spinosa minor siliqua rotunda. Small round codded Furze.

[illustration]

4 Genistella aculeata. Needle Furze or petty Whin.

‡ Of this Clusius reckons vp three varieties: the first growing some cubit high, with deepe yel∣low floures: the second growes higher, and hath paler coloured floures: the third groweth to the height of the first, the floures also are yellow, the branches more prickly, and the leaues hairy; and the figure I giue you is of this third varietie.

3 This seldome exceeds a foot in height, and it is on euerie side armed with sharpe prickles, which grow not confusedly, as in the common sort, but keepe a certaine order, and still grow forth by couples: they are of a lighter greene than those of the common Furze: on the tops of each of the branches grow two or three yellow floures like those of the former; which are succeeded by lit∣tle round rough hairy cods of the bignesse of Tares. This floures in March, and groweth in the way between Burdeaux and Bayone in France, and vpon the Pyrenean mountaines. Clusius makes it his Scorpius 2. or second sort of Furze: Lobel calls it Genista spartium spinosum alterum. ‡

4 This small kinde of Furze (growing vpon Hampstead heath neere London, and in diuers other barren grounds, where in manner nothing else wil grow) hath many weake and flexible bran∣ches of a wooddy substance: whereon do grow little leaues like those of Tyme: among which are set in number infinite most sharpe prickles, hurting like needles, whereof it tooke his name. The floures grow on the tops of the branches like those of Broome, and of a pale yellow colour. The root is tough and wooddy.

‡ 5 This plant (saith Clusius) is wholly new and elegant, some span high, diuided into many branches, some spred vpon the ground, others standing vpright, hauing plentifull store of greene prickles: the floures in shape are like those of Broome, but lesse, and of a blewish purple colour, standing in rough hairy whitish cups, two or three floures commonly growing neere together: sometimes whilest it floures it sendeth forth little leaues, but not very often, and they are few, and like those of the second described, and quickly fall away, so that the whole plant seemes nothing but prickles, or like a hedge-hog when she folds vp her selfe: the root is wooddy, and large for the proportion of the plant. It growes in the kingdome of Valentia in Spaine, where the Spaniards call it Erizo, that is, the Hedge-hog; and thence Clusius also termed it Erinacea. It floureth in Aprill. ‡

[illustration]

5 Genista spinosa humilis. Dwarfe or low Furze.

[illustration]

6 Genista 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minor, siue Nepa Theophr. Scorpion Furzes.

6 The smallest of all the Furzes is that of the Antients called Nepa, or Scorpion Furze, as the word Nepa seemeth to import: it is a stranger in England: it hath beene touched of the Antients in name onely: which fault they haue beene all and euerie of them to be complained of, being so briefe that nothing can be gathered from their description: and therefore I refer what might here∣of be said to a further consideration. ‡ This hath a thicke wooddy blacke root some halfe foot long, from whence arise many slender branches some foot high, which are set with many stiffe and sharpe prickles, growing somewhat after the maner of the wilde prickly Sperage: the yong plants haue little leaues like those of Tragacanth; the old ones none: the floures are smal, and come forth at the bottome of the prickles, and they are succeeded by broad cods wherein the seed is contai∣ned. It growes in diuers places of France and Spaine, and is thought to be the Scorpius of Theo∣phrastus, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 translates Nepa. ‡

¶ The Place.

The common sort hereof are very well knowne to grow in pastures and fields in most places of England. The rest are likewise well knowne to those that curiously obserue the difference.

¶ The Time.

They floure from the beginning of May to the end of September.

¶ The Names.

Furze is commonly called Genista spinosa: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Furze, Fur∣zen bushes, Whinne, Gorsse, and Thorne-Broome.

This thorny Broome is taken for Theophrastus his Scorpius, which Gaza nameth Nepa: the name Scorpius in Pliny is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, signifying many things, and common to certaine Plants:

for besides this Scorpius of which he hath made mention, lib. 25. cap. 5. setting downe Theophrastus his words, where he maketh Aconitum Thelyphonon to be Scorpius, lib. 23. cap. 10. and likewise other plants vnder the same title, but vnproperly.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

There is nothing written in Theophrastus concerning the faculties of Scorpius spinosus, or Furze: Pliny seemeth to attribute vnto it the same vertues that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath: notwithstanding the later Writers do agree that it is hot and dry of complexion: the seeds are vsed in medicines against the stone, and staying of the laske.

CHAP. 21. Of Cammocke Furze, Rest-Harrow, or Petty Whinne.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of Rest-Harrow, which some haue inserted among the smooth Broomes; others, among those with prickles, whereof some haue purple floures and likewise ful of pric∣kles; others, white floures, and sharpe thornes: some also purple floures, others white, and also yel∣low, and euery of them void of prickles.

[illustration]

1 Anonis, siue Resta Bouis. Cammocke, or Rest-Harrow.

[illustration]

3 Anonis non 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Purple Rest-Harrow without prickles.

¶ The Description.

1 CAmmocke or ground Furze riseth vp with stalkes a cubit high, and often higher, set with diuers ioynted branches, tough, pliable, and full of hard sharpe thornes: among which do grow leaues in forme like those of S. Iohns wort, or rather of the Lentill, of a

deep green colour: from the bosome of which thorns and leaues come forth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, like those of Peason, of a purple colour: after which do come the cods, in which do lie flat seed: the root is long, and runneth far abroad, very tough, and hard to be torne in pieces with the plough, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the oxen can hardly passe forward, but are constrained to stand still; whereupon it was called Rest-Plough, or Rest-Harrow.

[illustration]

4 Anonis, siue Spinalutea. Yellow Rest-Yarrow.

2 We haue in our London pastures, and like∣wise in other places, one of the Rest-Harrowes, not differing from the precedent in stalkes, leaues, or prickles: the onely difference is, that this plant bringeth forth white floures, and the others not so: whence we may call it Anonis flore albo, Cammocke with white floures.

3 Rest-Harrow without thornes hath a tough hoary rough stalke, diuided into other rough bran∣ches, whereon are set without order, long leaues sharpe pointed, sleightly cut about the edges, of an hoary colour, and somewhat hairy: from the bo∣some whereof commeth forth purple Pease-like floures of a reasonable good smell: the root is verie tough, long, and wooddy.

4 The yellow floured Cammock is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in these parts, it is only found in the cold Easterne countries, for ought that I can learne; it differs not from the last described, sauing that the floures hereof are of a darke yellow colour, wherein it dif∣fereth from all the other of his kinde.

¶ The Place.

These grow in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grounds in fertile pa∣stures, and in the borders of fields, in a fat, fruitful, and long lasting soile: it is sooner found than de∣sired of husbandmen, because the tough and wood∣die roots are combersome vnto them, for that they stay the plough, and make the oxen stand.

¶ The Time.

They send forth new shoots in May: they be ful growne in Autumne, and then those that of nature are prickly be fullest of sharpe thornes: they floure in Iuly and August.

¶ The Names.

Cammocke is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and likewise in Latine Anonis, and Ononis: Of Herbarists commonly Aresta Bouis, and Remora aratri, because it maketh the Oxen whilest they be in plowing to rest or stand still: it is also called Acutella, of the stiffe and sharpe thorns which prick those that passe by: in French, Areste beuf, and Boucrande.

Crateuas nameth it Aegipyrus: in high-Dutch, Stalkraut: in low-Dutch, Prangwortele: in Italian, Bonaga: in Spanish, Gattilhos: in French, Arreste beuf, Beuf & Bouerande: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Cam∣mocke, Rest-Harrow, Petty Whinne, and ground Furze.

¶ The Temperature.

The root of Cammocke is hot in the third degree, as Galen saith: it cutteth also and maketh thinne.

¶ The Vertues.

The barke of the root drunke with Wine prouoketh vrine, breaketh the stone, and driueth it [ A] sorth.

The root boyled in water and vineger allayeth the paine of the teeth, if the mouth be often wa∣shed [ B] therewith hot.

Pliny reporteth, that being boyled in Oxymel (or the syrrup made with honey and vineger) till [ C] the one halfe be wasted, it is giuen to those that haue the falling sicknesse. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reporteth, that he knew a man cured of a rupture, by taking of the pouder of this root for many moneths to∣gether.

The tender sprigs or crops of this shrub before the thornes come forth, are preserued in pickle, [ D] and be very pleasant sauce to be eaten with meat as sallad, as a Dioscorides teacheth.

CHAP. 22. Of Goose-berrie, or Fea-berry Bush.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of the Goose-berries; some greater, others lesse: some round, others long, and some of a red colour: the figure of one shall serue for the rest.

‡ I will not much insist vpon diuersities of fruits, because my kinde friend M^r. Iohn Parkinson hath sufficiently in his late Worke discoursed vpon that subiect; onely because I iudge many will be desirous to know their names, and where to get them, I will briefely name the chiefe varieties our Kingdome affords; and such as are desirous of them may finde them with M^r. Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 li∣uing in Old-street.

The sorts of Goose-berries are these: the long greene, the great yellowish, the blew, the great round red, the long red, and the prickly Goose-berrie.

[illustration]

Vua Crispa. Goose-berries.

¶ The Description.

THe Goose-berry bush is a shrub of three or foure cubits high, set thicke with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sharpe prickles: it is likewise full of branches, slender, wooddy, and prickly: where∣on doe grow round leaues cut with deepe ga∣shes into diuers parts like those of the Vine, of a very greene colour: the floures be very smal, of a whitish greene, with some little purple da∣shed here and there: the fruit is round, growing scatteringly vpon the branches, greene at the first, but waxing a little yellow through matu∣ritie, full of a winie iuyce somewhat sweet in taste when they be ripe; in which is contained hard seed of a whitish colour: the root is woo∣die, and not without strings anexed thereto.

There is another whose fruit is almost as big as a small Chery, and very round in forme: as also another of the like bignesse, of an inch in length, in taste and substance agreeing with the common sort.

We haue also in our London gardens ano∣ther sort altogether without prickles: whose fruit is very smal, lesser by much than the com∣mon kinde, but of a perfect red colour, wherein it differeth from the rest of his kinde.

¶ The Place.

These plants do grow in our London 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and elsewhere in great aboundance.

¶ The Time.

The leaues come forth in the beginning of Aprill or sooner: the fruit is ripe in Iune and Iuly.

¶ The Names.

This shrub had no name among the old Writers, who as we deeme knew it not, or else esteemed it not: the later writers call it in Latine Crossularia: and oftentimes of the berries, Vua Crispa, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spina, Vua spinella, and Vua Crispina: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, Stekelbesien: in Spanish, Vua Crispa, or Espina: in Italian, Vua spina: in French, Groiselles: in English, Goose-berry, Goose-berry bush, and Fea-berry bush in Cheshire, my natiue countrey.

¶ The Temperature.

The berries of this bush before they be ripe are cold and dry, and that in the later end of the se∣cond degree, and also binding.

¶ The Vertues.

The fruit is vsed in diuers sauces for meate, as those that are skilfull in cookerie can 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tel than my selfe.

They are vsed in broths in stead of Veriuice, which maketh the broth not onely-pleasant to the [ B] taste, but is greatly profitable to such as are troubled with a hot burning ague.

They are diuersly eaten, but how soeuer they be eaten they alwaies ingender raw and cold bloud: [ C] they nourish nothing or very little: they also stay the belly, and stench bleedings.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 stop the menses, or monethly sickenes, except they happen to be taken into a cold sto∣mack, [ D] then do they not helpe, but rather clog or trouble the same by some manner of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The ripe berries, as they are sweeter, so doe they also little or nothing binde, and are something [ E] hot, and yeeld a little more nourishment than those that be not ripe, and the same not crude or raw; but these are seldome eaten or vsed as sauce.

The iuice of the greene Gooseberties cooleth all inflammations, Erysipelas, and Saint Antho∣nies [ F] fire.

They prouoke appetite, and coole the vehement heate of the stomacke and liuer. [ G]

The young and tender leaues eaten raw in a sallad, prouoke vrine, and driue forth the stone [ H] and grauell.

CHAP. 23. Of Barberries.

¶ The Kindes:

There de diuers sorts of Barberries, some greater, others lesser, and some without stones.

[illustration]

Spina acida, siue Oxyacantha. The Barberry bush.

¶ The Description.

THe Barberry plant is an high shrub or bush, hauing many young straight shootes and branches, very full of white and prickly thornes, the rinde whereof is smooth and thin, the wood it selfe yellow: the leaues are long, very greene, slightly nicked about the edges, and of a sowre taste: the floures be yellow, standing in clu∣sters vpon long stemmes: in their places come vp long berries, slender, red when they be ripe, with a little hard kernell or stone within; of a sowre and sharpe taste: the root is yellow, dis∣perseth it selfe farre abroad, and is of a wooddy substance.

Wee haue in our London gardens another sort, whose fruite is like in forme and substance, but one berry is as big as three of the common kinde, wherein consisteth the difference.

We haue likewise another without any stone, the fruite is like the rest of the Barber ries, both in substance and taste.

¶ The Place.

The Barberrie bush groweth of it selfe in vn∣toiled places and desart grounds, in woods, and the borders of fields, especially about a Gentle∣mans house called M^r. Monke, dwelling in a vil∣lage called Iuer, two miles from Colebrooke, where most of the hedges are nothing else but Barberry bushes.

They are planred in gardens in most places of England.

¶ The Time.

The leaues spring forth in Aprill: the floures and fruite in September.

¶ The Names.

Galen calleth this thorne in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 who maketh it to differ from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines: but more plainely in his booke of the Faculties of Nourish∣ments; where he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp the tender springs of Barberries among the tender shoots that are

to be eaten, such as Oxyacanthus or the Hawthorne bringeth not sorth, wherein he plainely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a difference, Oxyacantha the Barbery bush, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Hawthorne tree.

Dioscorides hath not made mention of this Thorne; for that which he calleth Oxyacantha in the Foeminine gender, is Galens Oxyacanthus in the Masculine gender.

Auicen seemeth to containe both these shrubs vnder the name of Amyrberis, but we know they are neither of affinitie or neighbourhood, although they be both prickly.

The shrub it selfe is called in shops Barbaries, of the corrupted name 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of the later writers Crespinus: in Italian, Crespino in Spanish, Espino de maiuelas: in high Dutch, Paisselbeer: in low Dutch, Sauseboom: in French, Espine vinette: and thereupon by a Latine name, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spina acida, and Oxyacantha Galeni. ‡ In English, a Barbery bush, or Piprige Tree, according to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Turner. ‡

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues and berries of this thorne are cold and dry in the second degree: and as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 affirmeth, they are of thin parts, and haue a certaine cutting qualitie.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues are vsed of diuers to season meate with, and in stead of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as be those of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. [ A]

The decoction thereof is good against hot burnings and cholericke agues: it allaieth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ B] of the bloud, and tempereth the ouermuch heate of the liuer.

The fruite or berries are good for the same things, and be also profitable for hot laskes, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ C] the bloudy flixe, and they stay all manner of superfluous bleedings.

The greene leaues of the Barbery bush stamped, and made into sawce, as that made of Sorrell, [ D] called greene sauce, doth coole hot stomackes, and those that are vexed with hot burning agues, and procureth appetite.

The conserue made of the fruite and sugar performeth all those things bescre remembred, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ E] with better force and successe.

The roots of the tree steeped for certaine daies together in strong lie, made with ashes of the [ F] ash-tree, and the haire often moistned therewith, maketh it yellow.

‡ The barke of the roots is also vsed in medicines for the iaundise, and that with good suc∣cesse. [ G] ‡

CHAP. 24. Of the white Thorne, or Hawthorne Tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be two sorts of the white Thorn Trees described of the later writers, one very common in most parts of England: there is another very rare, and not found in Europe, except in some few rare gardens of Germanie; which differeth not from our common Haw thorne, sauing that the fruit here of is as yellow as Saffron: we haue in the West of England one growing at a place called Glastenburie, which bringeth forth his floures about Christmas, by the report of diuers of good credit, who haue seen the same; but my selfe haue not seen it; and therefore leaue it to be better examined.

¶ The Description.

1 THe white Thorne is a great shrub growing oftentimes to the height of the Peare-tree the trunke or body is great: the boughes and branches hard and wooddy, set full of long sharpe thornes: the leaues be broad, cut with deepe gashes into diuers sections, smooth, and of a glistering greene colour: the floures grow vpon spokie rundles, of a pleasant sweet smell, sometimes white, and often dasht ouer with a light wash of purple; which hath moued some to thinke some difference in the plants: after which come the fruit, being round berries, green at the first, and red when they be ripe; wherein is found a soft sweet pulpe, and certaine whitish seed: the root groweth deepe in the ground, of a hard wooddy substance.

2 The second and third haue been touched in the first title, notwithstanding I haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it not vnfit to insert in this place a plant perticipating with the Hawthorne in floures and fruit and with the Seruice tree in leaues, and not vnlike in fruit also.

Theophrastus hath set forth this tree vnder the name of Aria, which groweth vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a small tree, delighting to grow in our shadowie woods of Cumberland and Westmerland, and many other places of the North country, where it is to be found in great quantitie: but seldome in

Spaine, Italy, or any hot Region. This tree is garnished with many large branches beset with leaues like the Peare tree, or rather like the Aller leafe, of a darke greene colour aboue, and of a white colour vnderneath: among these leaues come forth tufts of white floures, very like vnto the Hawthorne floures, but bigger: after which succeed small red berries, like the berries of the Haw∣thorne, and in taste like the Neapolitan Medlar: the temperature and faculties whereof are not yet knowne.

[illustration]

1 Oxyacanthus. The Haw-thorne tree.

[illustration]

2 Aria Theophrasti. Cumberland Haw-thorne.

¶ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉

The Haw-thorne groweth in woods and in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 high-waies almost euery where. The second is a stranger in England. The last 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Abbey, as it is credibly re∣ported vnto me. ‡ The Aria groweth vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in many places of the West of England. ‡

¶ The Time.

The first and second floure in May; whereupon many do call the tree it selfe the May-bush, as a chiefe token of the comming in of May: the leaues come forth a little sooner: the fruit is ripe in the beginning of September, and is a food for birds in Winter.

¶ The Names.

Dioscorides describeth this shrub, and nameth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the foeminine gender: and Galen in his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the masculine gender: Oxyacanthus, saith he, is a tree, and is like to the wilde Peare tree in forme, and the vertues not vnlike, &c. Of Oxyacantha, Dioscorides writeth thus: It is a tree like to the wild Peare tree, very full of thorns, &c. Serapio calleth it Amyrberis: and some, saith Dioscorides, would haue it called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but the name Pyrina seemeth to belong to the yellow Haw-thorne: it is called in high-Dutch, Haogdoren: in low-Dutch, Hagedoren: in Italian, Bagaia: in Spanish, Pirlitero: in French, Aub-espine: in Eng∣lish, White-thorne, Haw-thorne tree; and of some Londoners, May-bush. ‡ This is not the Oxy∣acantha of the Greekes, but that which is called Pyracantha, as shall be shewed hereafter.

The second is thought to be the Aria of Theophrastus, and so Lobel and Tabernamontanus call it. Some, as Bellonius, Gesner, and Clusius, refer it to the Sorbus, and that not vnfitly: in some places of this kingdome they call it a white Beame tree. ‡

¶ The Temperature.

The fruit of the Haw-thorne tree is very astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

The Hawes or berries of the Haw-thorne tree, as Dioscorides writeth, do both stay the laske, the [ A] menses, and all other fluxes of bloud: some Authors write, that the stones beaten to pouder, and giuen to drinke are good against the stone.

CHAP. 25. Of Goats Thorne.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first Tragagantha or Goats-thorne hath many branchie boughes and twigs, slender and pliant, so spred abroad vpon euerie side, that one plant doth sometimes occupie a great space or roome in compasse: the leaues are small, and in shape like Lentill leaues, whitish, and somewhat mossie or hairy, set in rowes one opposite against another: the floure is like the blos∣some of the Lentill, but much lesser, and of a whitish colour, and sometimes marked with purple lines or streaks: the seed is inclosed in small cods or husks, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like vnto the wilde Lotus or hor∣ned Trefoile: the whole plant on euery side is set full of sharpe prickely thornes, hard, white, and strong: the roots run vnder the ground like Liquorice roots, yellow within, and blacke without, tough, limmer, and hard to breake; which being wounded in sundry places with some iron toole, and laid in the Sun at the highest and hottest time of Sommer, issueth forth a certain liquor, which being hardned by the Sun, is that gum which is called in shops Tragacantha: and of some, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 barbarously Dragagant.

[illustration]

1 Tragacantha, siue spina Hirci. Goats Thorne.

[illustration]

2 Spina 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minor. Small Goats Thorne.

2 The second kinde of Tragacantha is a low and thicke shrub, hauing many shoots growing from one turfe: of a white or grayish colour, about a cubit high, stiffe and wooddy: the leaues are like the former, and garded with most stiffe pricks not very safely to be touched: among the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaues come forth many floures in small tufts like Genistella, but that they are white: the cods

are many, straight and thorny like Genistella, wherein are many small white and three cornered seeds as big as mustard seed. ‡ This differs from the former in that it is smaller, and loseth the leaues euery Winter, when as the former keepes on the leaues vntill new ones come in the Spring. The middle rib of the winged leaues ends in a pricke, which by the falling of the leaues becommeth a long and naked thorne. I haue giuen you a more accurate figure hereof out of Clusius, wherein the leaues, floures, cods, and seeds are all expressed apart. ‡

3 The Grecians haue called this plant 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it is good for the sinewes: it should seeme it tooke the name Potcrion, of Potrix, because it loueth a watry or fenny soile: it hath small branches, and leaues of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, growing naturally in the tract of Piedmont in Italy: it sprea∣deth abroad like a shrub: the barke or rinde is blackish, and dry without great moisture, very much writhed or wrinkled in and out as that of Nepa or Corruda: the sharpe pricks stand not in order as Tragacantha, but confusedly, and are finer and three times lesser than those of Tragacantha, growing much after the manner of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: but the particular leaues are greene aboue, and white below, shaped somewhat like Burnet: the seed is small and red, like vnto Sumach, but lesser.

[illustration]

‡ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minoris icon accuratior. A better figure of the Goats-thorne.

[illustration]

† 1.11 3 Poterion Lob. siue Pimpinella spinosa Camer. Burnet Goats-thorne.

¶ The Place.

Petrus Bellonius in his first booke of Singularities reports, that there is great plenty hereof grow∣ing in Candy vpon the tops of the mountaines. Theophrastus saith that it was thought to grow no where but in Candy; but now it is certaine that it is found in Achaia, Peloponessus, and in Asia: it doth also grow in Arcadia, which is thought not to be inferiour to that of Candy. It is thought by Lobel to grow in Languedock in France, whereof Theophr. hath written in his ninth booke, that the liquor or gum issueth out of it selfe, and that it is not needfull to haue the root broken or cut. The best is that, saith Dioscorides, which is through-shining, thin, smooth, vnmixt, and sweet of smel and taste.

¶ The Time.

They floure and flourish in the Sommer moneth: I haue sowne the seed of Poterion in Aprill, which I receiued from Ioachimus Camerarius of Noremberg, that grew in my garden two yeares to∣gether, and after perished by some mischance.

¶ The Names.

Goats-thorne is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: of most Herbarists likewise Tragacantha: we may cal it in Latine Spina Hirci: in French, Barbe Renard: and in English for want of a better name, Goats∣Thorne: the liquor or gum that issueth forth of the roots beareth the name also of Tragacantha: it is called in shops Gummi Tragacanthae; and in a barbarous manner Gummi Tragacanthi: in English, Gum Dragagant.

¶ The Temperature.

This plant in each part thereof is of a drying facultie without biting. It doth consolidate or glew together sinewes that be cut: but the roots haue that facultie especially, which are boyled in wine, and the decoction giuen vnto those that haue any griefe or hurt in the sinewes.

Gum Dragagant hath an emplasticke qualitie, by reason whereof it dulleth or allayeth the sharpnesse of humors, and doth also somthing dry.

¶ The Vertues.

The Gumme is singular good to be licked in with honey against the cough, roughnesse of the [ A] throat, hoarsenesse, and all sharpe and thin rheumes or distillations: being laid vnder the tongue it taketh away the roughnesse thereof.

Being drunke with Cute or the decoction of Liquorice it taketh away and allayeth the heat of [ B] the vrine: it is also vsed in medicines for the eyes.

The greatest part of those artificiall beades, sweet chaines, bracelets, and such like pretty sweet [ C] things of pleasure are made hard and fit to be worne by mixing the gum hereof with other sweets, being first steeped in Rose water till it be soft.

CHAP. 26. Of the Aegyptian Thorne.

[illustration]

‡ 1 Acacia Dioscoridis. The Egyptian Thorne.

[illustration]

† 1.12 2 Acacia alteratrifolia. Thorny Trefoile.

¶ The Description.

1 DIoscorides maketh mention of Acacia, whereof the first is the true and right Acacia, which is a shrub or hedge tree, but not growing right or straight vp as other small small trees do: his branches are wooddie, beset with many hard and long Thorns; about which grow the leaues, compact of many small leaues clustering about one side, as in the Lentill: the floures are whitish, the husks or cods be plaine and flat, yea very broad like vnto Lupines, especially on that side where the seed growes, which is contained sometimes in one part, and sometimes in two parts of the husk, growing together in a narrow necke: the seed is smooth and glistering. There is a blacke iuice ta∣ken out of these huskes, if they be dried in the shadow when they be ripe; but if when rhey are not ripe, then it is somewhat red: some do wring out a iuice out of the leaues and fruit: there flow∣eth also a gum out of this tree which is the gum of Arabia, called Gum Arabicke.

2 Dioscorides hauing described Spina Acacia, setteth downe a second kinde thereof, calling it Acacia altera, which hath the three leaues of Rue or Cytisus, and coddes like those of Genistella, but somewhat more blunt at the end, and thicke at the backe like a Rasor, and still groweth forward narrower and narrower, vntill it come to haue a sharpe edge: in these cods are contained three or foure flat seeds like Genistella, which before they wax ripe are yellow, but afterwards blacke: the whole plant groweth to the height of Genista spinosa, or Gorsse, both in shape, height, and resem∣blance, and not to the height of a tree, as Matthiolus would persuade vs, but full of sharpe Thornes like the former.

¶ The Place.

The true Acacia groweth in Egypt, Palestina, Lombardie, and Syria, as Dioscorides writeth: among the shrubs and trees that remaine alwaies greene, Acacia is noted for one by Petrus Belloni∣nius, in his first booke of Singularities, chap. 44.

The other Acacia groweth in Cappadocia and Pontus, as Dioscorides writeth: it is also found in Corsica, and on diuers mountaines of Italy, and likewise vpon all the coast of Liguria and Lom∣bardie, and vpon the Narbone coast of the Mediterranean sea.

¶ The Time.

These floure in May, and their fruit is ripe in the end of August.

¶ The Names.

The tree Acacia is named of the Graecians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, yea euen in our time, and likewise of the Latins Acacia: it is also called Aegyptia spina: this strange thorne hath no English name that I can learn, and therefore it may keep still the Latine name Acacia; yet I haue named it the Egyptian thorne: the iuice is called also Acacia after the name of the plant: the Apothecarics of Germanie do vse in stead hereof, the iuice that is pressed forth of sloes or snags, which they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 call Acacia Ger∣manica: Matthiolus pictureth for Acacia the tree which the later Herbarists do call Arbor 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to which he hath vntruly added Thorns, that he might belie Acacia, and yet he hath not made it agree with Dioscorides his description.

They call this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine Acacia altera, or the other Acacia, and Pontica Acacia, or Pon∣ticke Acacia.

¶ The Nature.

The iuice of Acacia, as Galen saith, consisteth not of one only substance, but is of substance both cold and earthie, to which also is coupled a certaine waterie essence, and it likewise hath thin and hot parts dispersed in it selfe: therefore it is dry in the third degree, and cold in the first if it be not washed; and in the second, if it be washed: for by washing it loseth his sharpe and biting quality and the hot parts.

¶ The Vertues.

The iuice of Acacia stoppeth the laske, the inordinate course of womens termes, and mans inuo∣luntarie [ A] issue called Gonorrhaea, if it be drunke in red wine.

It healeth the blastings and inflammations of the eies, and maketh the skin and palmes of the [ B] hands smooth after the healing of the Serpigo: it healeth the blisters and extreme heat in the mouth, and maketh the haires blacke that are washed therewith.

It is good, saith Dioscorides, against S. Anthonies fire, the shingles, Chimetla, Pterygia, and whit∣lowes. [ C]

The gum doth binde and somewhat coole: it hath also ioined vnto it an emplaistick quality, by [ D] which it dulleth or alayeth the sharpnesse of the medicines wherewith it is mixed. Being applied with the white and yolk of an egge, it suffereth not blisters to rise in burned or scalded parts. Diosc.

The iuice of the other, saith Dioscorides, doth also binde, but it is not so effectuall nor so good in [ E] eie medicines.

CHAP. 27. Of box Thorne, and the iuice thereof called Lycium.

¶ The Description.

1 BOx Thorne is a rare plant, in shape not vnlike the Box tree, whereof it hath beene recko ned for a wilde kinde, hauing many great branches set full of round and thicke leaues, ve∣ry like that of the common Box tree: amongst which grow forth most sharpe pricking thornes: the floures grow among the leaues, which yeeld forth small blacke berries of a bitter tast, as big as a pepper corne: the iuice whereof is somewhat oilie, and of a reddish colour; which bitter iuice being set on fire, doth burne with a maruellous cracking and sparkling; the ashes thereof are of a red colour: it hath many wooddie roots growing aslope.

[illustration]

1 Lycium, sive 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Box Thorne.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Lycium Hispanicum. Spanish Box Thorne.

2 The other kinde of Pyxacantha or Lycium, groweth like vnto the common Priuet, hauing such like leaues, but somewhat narrower: the tops of the slender sprigs are furnished with prickles: the root is tough, and of a wooddie substance.

¶ The Place.

They grow in Cappadocia and Lycia, and in many other countries: it prospereth in rough pla∣ces, it hath likewise been found in Languedoc, and Prouence in France: Bellonius writeth that hee found it in Palestina.

Matthiolus pictureth for Box Thorne, a plant with box leaues, with very many boughes, and cer∣taine thornes standing among them: but the notable Herbarist Anguillara and others, hold opinion, that it is not the right; with whom we also do agree.

There is drawne out of the leaues and branches of box Thorn, or as Pliny saith, out of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and roots being throughly boiled, a iuice, which is named Lycium.

Dioscorides saith, that the leaues and branches must be braied, and the infusion made many daies

in the decoction thereof, after which the feces or wooddie stuffe must be cast away, and that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 remaineth boiled againe till it become as thicke as honie: Pliny saith, that the roots and branches are very bitter, and for three daies together they must be boiled in a copper vessell, and the wood and sticks often taken out till the decoction be boiled to the thicknesse of honie.

¶ The Time.

They floure in Februarie and March, and their fruit is ripe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 September.

¶ The Names.

It is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which a man may call in Latine Buxea spina: and in English, Box Thorne: of some, Asses Box Tree, and prickley Boxe: it is also named Eycium, of the iuice which is boyled out of it: the iuice is properly called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and retaineth in Latine the same name Lycium: it is termed in English Thorne box. But it seemeth to me, that the originall name Lycium is fitter, being a strange thing, and knowne to very few: the Apothecaries know it not, who in stead thereof do vse amisse the iuice of the fruit of Woodbinde, and that not without great errour, as we haue al∣ready written. ‡ It is vnknowne in our shops, neither is there any thing vsed for it, it being wholly out of vse, wherefore our Author might here well haue spared Dodonaeus his words. ‡

Dioscorides teacheth to make a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of Sumach which is good for those things that Lycium is, and is vsed when Lycium is not to be had, and it is fit to be put in all medicines in stead thereof.

¶ The Temperature.

Lycium, or the iuice of Box Thorne, is as Galen teacheth, of a drying qualitie, and compounded of diuers kindes of substances, one of thinne parts digesting and hot; another earthie and cold, by which it enioyeth his binding facultie: it is hot in a meane, and therefore it is vsed for seuerall pur∣poses.

¶ The Vertues.

Lycium cleareth the sight, saith Dioscorides, it healeth the scuruie festred sores of the eye lids, the [ A] itch, and old fluxes, or distillations of humors; it is a remedie for the running of the eares; for vlcers in the gummes, and almonds of the throat, and against the chappes or gallings of the lips and fun∣dament. † 1.13

CHAP. 28. Of Ramme or Harts Thorne.

¶ The Kindes.

AFter the opinion of Dioscorides there be three sorts of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, one with long, flat & soft leaues: the other with white leaues; and the third with round leaues, which are somewhat blackish 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Pliny affirme that there are but two, the one white, and the other black, both which do beare Thornes: but by the labour and industry of the new and late writers there are found sun∣dry sorts moe, all which and euery one of them are plants of a wooddie substance, hauing also many straight twiggie and pliant branches, set with most sharpe pricking thornes.

¶ The Description.

1 THis is a shrubbe growing in the hedges, and bringing forth straight branches and hard thornes, like to those of the Hawthorne, with little leaues, long, something fat and soft: and this hath that notable learned man Clusius described more diligently in these words: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is a shrub fit to make hedges of, with straight branches, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it selfe into many twigs, white, and set with stiffe and strong thornes, hauing leaues, which for the most part grow by foures or fiues at the root of euery Thorne, long, something fat, like to those of the Oliue tree, somewhat white, but tender and full of iuice; which in Autumne doe sometimes fall off, leauing new growing in their places: the floures in Autumne are something long, whitish, diuided at the brims into fiue parts: in their places is left a seed, in shew as in Gelsemine: notwithstanding it was neuer my chance to see the fruit: the root is thicke and diuersly parted.

‡ I obserued another (saith the same Author) almost like to the former, but lower, and diuided into more branches, with lesser leaues, more thick and salt of taste, and whiter also than the former: the floures are like, in all things but their colour, those of the former, which in this are 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

2 This hath more flexible stalks and branches, and these also set with thornes: the leaues are narrow, and not so thicke or fleshie as those of the former, yet remaine alwaies greene like as they do: the floures are small and mossie, of a greenish colour, growing thicke about the branches, and they are succeeded by a round fruit, yellowish when it is ripe, and remaining on the shrubbe all the

[illustration]

‡ 1 Rhamnus 1. Clusij flo. albo. White floured Ram-thorne.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Rhamnus 2. Clusij. Sallow-Thorne.

[illustration]

‡ Rhamnus alter 〈◊〉〈◊〉. flore purpureo. Purple floured Ram-thorne.

[illustration]

3 Ramnus tertius Clusij. Ram or Harts-Thorne.

Winter: The whole shrubbe lookes as if it were sprinckled ouer with dust.

3 To these may be added another growing with many branches to the height of the Sloe-tree or blacke Thorne, and these are couered with a blackish barke, and armed with long prickles: the leaues, as in the first, grow forth of certaine knots many together, long, narrow, sleshie, greene, and continuing all the yeare: their taste is astringent, somewhat like that of Rhabarb: the floures shew themselues at the beginning of the Spring, of a greenish colour, growing thicke together, and neere the setting on of the leaues; in Summer it carries a blacke fruit almost like a Sloe, round, and harsh of taste.

¶ The Place.

The first of these growes in sundry places of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Portugall, and Prouince: the other varietic thereof Clusius saith he found but onely in one place, and that was neere the citie Horivela, called by the Antients Orcellis, by the riuer Segura, vpon the borders of the kingdome of Valentia: the second growes in many maritime places of Flanders and Holland, and in some vallies by riuers sides. The third growes in the vntilled places of the kingdome of Granado and Murcia. ‡

¶ The Time.

This Ram is euer greene together with his leaues: the fruit or berries remaine on the shrub, yea euen in Winter.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians call this thorne 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Latines also Rhamnus and of diuers it is also named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is Spina alba, or white Thorne, Spina Cerualis, or Harts-thorne, as we finde writ∣ten among the bastard words. Marcellus nameth it Spina salutaris, and Herba salutaris; which hath, saith he, as it were a grape. It is called in Italian Marruca and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Spanish, Scambrones: in English, Ram, or Harts Thorne.

¶ The Temperature.

The Ram, saith Galen, doth drie and digest in the second degree, it cooleth in the later end of the first degree, and in the beginning of the second.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues, saith Dioscorides, are layed pultis wise vpon hot cholericke inflammations, and Saint [ A] Anthonies fire, but we must vse them whilest they be yet but tender, as Galen addeth.

‡ The leaues and buds or young shoots of the first, are eaten as sallads with oile, vineger, and [ B] salt, at Salamanea and other places of Castile, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they haue a certaine acrimonie and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which are gratefull to the taste. A decoction of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the third is good to foment relaxed and weake or paralyticke members, and to ease 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the gout, as the Inhabitants of Grana∣do told Clusius. ‡ † 1.14

CHAP. 29. Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thorne.

¶ The Description.

CHrists 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Ram of Lybia, is a very tough and hard shrubby bush, growing vp sometimes vnto the height of a little tree, hauing very long and sharpe pricklie branches: but the thornes that grow about the leaues are lesser, and not so prickly as the former. The leaues are small, broad, and almost round, somewhat sharpe pointed; first of a darke greene colour, and then somwhat 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The floures grow in clusters at the top of the stalks, of a yellow colour: the husks wherein the seeds be contained, are flat and broad, very like vnto small bucklers as hard as wood, wherein are contained three or foure thin and flat seeds, like the seed of Line or Flax.

¶ The Place.

This Thorne groweth in Lybia; it is better esteemed of in the countrey of Cyrene than is their Lote tree, as Pliny 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Of this shrub Diphilus Siphnius in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his foureteenth booke maketh mention, saying, that hee did verie often eat of the same in Alexandria that beautifull Citie.

Petrus Bellonius who trauelled ouer the Holly Land, saith, that this shrubbie thorne Paliurus was

[illustration]

Paliurus. Christs Thorne.

the thorne wherewith they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christ: his reason for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is this, that in Iudaea there was not any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 common, so pliant, or so fit for to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a crown or garland of, nor any so full of cruell 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prickles. It groweth throughout the whole countrey in such aboundance, that it is their common fuell to burne; yea so common with them there, as our Gorsse, Brakes, and broome is here with vs. Iosephus in his first booke of An∣tiquities, and 11. chap. saith, that this Thorne hath the most sharpe prickles of any other; and therefore that Christ might be the more tor∣mented, the Iewes rather tooke this than any other. Of which I haue a small tree growing in my garden, that I haue brought forth by sow∣ing of the seed.

The Time.

The leaues fall away and continue not al∣waies green, as do those of the Rams: it buddeth forth in the Spring, as Pliny testifieth.

¶ The Names.

This Thornie shrubbe is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Latines and Italians retaire the same name Paliurus: for want of an English name, it may be termed Ramme of Lybia, or Christs Thorne: Pliny reporteth, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is called Zura.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues and root of Christs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doe euidently binde and cut.

¶ The Vertues.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 vertue of this cutting quality the seed doth weare away the stone, and cause tough and slimy [ A] humors to remoue out of the chest and lungs, as Galen saith.

The decoction of the leaues and root of Christs Thistle, as Dioscorides writeth, stoppeth the bel∣ly, [ B] prouoketh vrine, and is a remedy against poisons, and the bitings of serpents.

The root doth waste and consume away Phymata, and Oedemata if it be stamped and applied. [ C]

The seed is good for the cough, and weareth away the stone in the bladder. [ D]

CHAP. 30. Of Buck-Thorne, or laxatiue 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

¶ The Description.

1 BVck-thorne groweth in manner of a shrub or hedge tree; his trunke or body is often as big as a mans thigh; his wood or timber is yellow within, and his barke is of the colour of a Chestnut, almost like the bark of a Cherry tree. The branches are beset with leaues that are somewhat round, and finely snipt about the edges like the leaues of the Crab or Wilding tree: among which come forth Thornes which are hard and prickly: the floures are white and smal, which being vaded there succeed little round berries, greene at the first, but afterwards black, wher∣of that excellent greene colour is made, which the Painters and Limners do call Sap-greene; but these berries before they be ripe do make a faire yellow colour, being steeped in vineger.

‡ 2 Besides the common kinde, Clusius mentions two other: the first of which hath bran∣ches some two cubits long, subdiuided into diuers others, couered with a smooth barke like that of the former, which, the vpper rinde being taken off, is of a yellowish greene colour, and bitterish taste: the branches haue some few prickles vpon them, and commonly end in them: the leaues are almost like those of the common kinde, but smaller, narrower, and somewhat resembling those of the blacke Thorn, hauing somewhat a drying taste: the floure consists of foure leaues of a yellowish

[illustration]

‡ 1 Rhamnus solutivus. Buck-thorne.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Rhamnus solutivus minor. Middle Buck-thorne.

[illustration]

† 3 Rhamnus solutivus pumilus. Dwarfe Buck-thorne.

greene colour: the root is wooddie as in other shrubs: Clusius found this growing in the moun∣tanous places of Austria, and calls it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pumila.

3 This other hath branches some cubite long, and of the thicknesse of ones little finger, or lesser, couered with a blacke and shriuelled barke: and towards the top diuided into little boughs, which are couered with a thin & smoo∣ther barke, and commonly end in a sharp thorn: the leaues much resemble those of the Slo-tree yet are they shorter and lesser, greene also, and snipt about the edges; first of an astringent, and afterwards of somewhat a bitterish taste; the floures which grow amongst the leaues are of an herby colour, and consist of foure leaues: the fruit is not much vnlike that of the former; but distinguished with two, & somtimes with three crests or dents, first green, and then black when it is ripe: the root is thicke, wooddie and hard. Clusius found this on the hill aboue the Bathes of Baden, hee calls it Spina infectoria pumila 2. This Matthiolus and others call Lycium Itali∣cum: and our Author formerly gaue the figure of Matthiolus and Tabernamontanus, by the name of Lycium Hispanicum, and here againe another for his Rhamnus solutivus, which made mee to keepe it in this chapter, and omit it in the for∣mer, it being described in neither. ‡

¶ The Place.

Buck-thorne groweth neere the borders of fields, in hedges, woods, and in other vntoiled places: it delighteth to grow in riuers and in water ditches: it groweth in Kent in sundry places, as at Far∣ningham vpon the cony burrowes belonging sometime to M^r. Sibil, as also vpon cony burrowes in Southfleet, especially in a small and narrow lane leading from the house of M^r. William 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto Longfield downes, also in the hedge vpon the right hand at Dartford townes end towards London, and in many places more vpon the chalkie bankes and hedges.

¶ The Time.

It floureth in May, the berries be ripe in the fall of the leafe.

¶ The Names.

The later Herbarists call it in Latine Rhamnus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because it is set with thornes, like as the Ram, and beareth purging berrics. Matthiolus namethit Spina infectoria; Valerius Cordus, Spina 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and diuers call it Burgispina. It is termed in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 weghdorn: in Italian, Spino Merlo, Spino Zcrlino, Spino Ceruino: in English, Laxatiue Ram, Way-thorne, and Buck-thorne: in low Dutch they call the fruit or berries Rhijnbesien, that is, as though you should say in Latine, Baccoe Rhenanoe: in English, Rheinberries: in French, Nerprun.

¶ The Temperature.

The berries of this Thorne, as they be in taste bitter and binding, so be they also hot and dry in the second degree.

¶ The Vertues.

The same do purge and void by the stoole thicke flegme, and also cholericke humors: they are [ A] giuen being beaten into pouder from one dram to a dram and a halfe: diuers do number the berries, who giue to strong bodies from fifteene to twenty or moe; but it is better to breake them and boile them in fat flesh broth without salt, and to giue the broth to drinke: for so they purge with lesser trouble and fewer gripings.

There is pressed forth of the ripe berries a iuice, which being boyled with a little Allum is vsed [ B] of painters for a deep greene, which they do call Sap greene.

The berries which be as yet vnripe, being dried and insufed or steeped inwater, do make a saire [ C] yellow colour, but if they be ripe they make a greene.

CHAP. 31. Of the Holme, Holly, or Huluer tree.

[illustration]

Agrifolium. The Holly tree.

¶ The Description,

THe Holly is a shrubbie plant, notwithstan∣ding it oftentimes growes to a tree of a rea∣sonable bignesse: the boughes whereof are tough and flexible, couered with a smooth and green bark. The substance of the wood is hard and sound, and blackish or yellowish within, which doth also sinke in the water, as doth the Indianwood which is called Guaiacum: the leaues are of a beautifull green colour, smooth and glib, like almost the bay leaues, but lesser, and cornered in the edges with sharp 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which notwithstanding they want or haue few when the tree is old: the floures be white, and sweet of smell: the berries are round, of the big∣nesse of a little Pease, or not much greater, of colour red, of tast vnpleasant, with a white stone in the midst, which do not easily fall away, but hang on the boughes a long time: the root is wooddie.

There is made of the smooth barke of this tree or shrub, Birdlime, which the birders and country men do vse to take birds with: they pul off the barke, and make a ditch in the ground, specially in moist, boggy, or foggy earth, wher∣into they put this bark, couering the ditch with boughes of trees, letting it remaine there till it be rotten and putrified, which will be done in

the space of twelue daies or thereabout: which done, they take it forth, and beat in morters vntill it be come to the thicknesse and clamminesse of Lime: lastly, that they may cleare it from pieces of barke and other 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they do wash it very often: after which they adde vnto it a little oyle of nuts, and after that do put it vp in earthen vessells.

¶ The Place.

The Holly tree groweth plentifully in all countries. It groweth green both winter and sommer; the berries are ripe in September, and they do hang vpon the tree a long time after.

¶ The Names.

This tree or shrub is called in Latine Agrifolium: in Italian, Agrifoglio, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Spa∣nish, Azebo: in high Dutch, walddistell, and of diuers Stecpalmen: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Hous and Housson: in English, Holly, Huluer, and Holme.

¶ The Temperature.

The berries of Holly are hot and drie, and of thin parts, and waste away winde.

¶ The Vertues.

They are good against the collicke: for ten or twelue being inwardly taken bring away by the [ A] stoole thicke flegmaticke humors, as we haue learned of them who oftentimes made triall thereof.

The Birdlime which is made of the barke hereof is no lesse hurtfull than that of Misseltoe, for it [ B] is maruellous clammie, it glueth vp all the intrails, it shutteth and draweth together the guts and passages of the excrements, and by this meanes it bringeth destruction to man, not by any qualitie, but by his glewing substance.

Holly beaten to pouder and drunke, is an experimented medicine against all the fluxes of the [ C] belly, as the dysenterie and such like.

CHAP. 32. Of the Oke.

[illustration]

1 Quercus vulgaris cum glande & musco suo. The Oke Tree with his Acornes and Mosse.

¶ The Description.

1 THe common Oke groweth to a great tree; the trunke or body wher∣of is couered ouer with a thicke rough barke full of chops or rifts: the armes or boughs are likewise great, dispersing themselues farre a∣broad: the leaues are bluntly indented about the edges, smooth, and of a shining greene co∣lour, whereon is often found a most sweet dew and somewhat clammie, and also a fungous ex∣crescence, which we call Oke Apples. The fruit is long, couered with a browne hard and tough pilling, set in a rough scaly cup or husk: there is often found vpon the body of the tree, and also vpon the branches, a certaine kind of long white mosse hanging downe from the same: and sometimes another wooddie plant, which we cal Misseltoe, being either an excre∣scence or outgrowing from the tree it selfe, or of the doung (as it is reported) of a bird that hath eaten a certaine berrie. ‡ Besides these there are about the roots of old Okes within the earth certaine other excrescences, which Bauhine and others haue called Vuoe quercinoe, because they commonly grow in clusters to∣gether, after the manner of Grapes and about their bignes, being sometimes round, & other∣whiles cornered, of a woody substance, hollow within; and somtimes of a purple, otherwhiles of a whitish colour on the outside: their taste is astringent, and vse singular in all 〈◊〉〈◊〉

and fluxes of bloud, as Encelius affirmes, Cap. 51. de Lapid. & Gen. ‡

3 Carolus Clusius reporteth that hee found this base or low Oke not far from Lisbone, of the height of a cubite, which notwithstanding did also beare an acorne like that of our Oke-tree, sauing that the cup is smoother, and the Acorne much bitterer, wherein it differeth from the rest of his kinde.

[illustration]

2 Quercus vulgaris cum excrementis fungosis: The common Oke with his Apple or greene Gall.

[illustration]

3 Quercus humilis. The dwarfe Oke.

There is a wilde Oke which riseth vp oftentimes to a maruellous height, and reacheth very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with his armes and boughes, the body wherof is now and then of a mighty thicknesse, in compasse two or three fathoms: it sendeth forth great spreading armes, diuided into a multitude of boughs, The leaues are smooth, something, hard, broad, long, gashed in the edges, greene on the vpper 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the Acornes are long, but shorter than those of the tamer Oke; euery one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his owne cup, which is rough without: they are couered with a thin rinde or shell: the substance or kernell with∣in is diuided into two parts, as are Beans, Pease, and Almonds: the bark of the yong Okes is smooth, glib, and good to thicken skins and hides with, but that of the old Okes is rugged, thicke, hard, and full of chops: the inner substance or heart of the wood is somthing yellow, hard and sound, and the older the harder: the white and outward part next to the barke doth easily rot, being subiect to the worme, especially if the tree be not felled in due time: some of the roots grow deepe into the earth, and othersome far abroad, by which it stiffely standeth.

¶ The Place.

The Oke doth scarcely refuse any ground; for it groweth in a drie and barren soile, yet doth it prosper better in a fruitfull ground: it groweth vpon hills and mountaines, and likewise in vallies: it commethyp euery where in all parts of England, but is not so common in other of the South and hot regions.

¶ The Time.

The Oke doth cast his leaues for the most part about the end of Autumne: some keepe their leaues on, but dry all winter long, vntill they be thrust off by the new spring.

¶ The Names.

The Oke is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Quercus: of some, Placida, as Gaza translateth it. It may be called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Vrbana, or Culta; some also, Emeros mudion, and Robur: the Macedonians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

as though you should say Veriquercus, as Gaza expo undeth it, or Vere Quercus, the true Oke. We may name it in English, the tamer Oke-tree: in French, Chesne: in Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 boom.

The fruit is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Lat ine, Glans: in high Dutch, Eichel: in low Dutch, Ee∣kel: in Spanish, Bellotus: in Italian, Chiande: in English, Acorne and Mast.

The cup wherein the Acorne standeth is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Paulus Aegineta in his third booke, 42 chapter testifieth, saying, Omphacis is the hollow thing out of which the Acorne groweth: in Latine, Calix glandis: in shops, Cupula glandis: in English, the Acorne cup.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The leaues, barke, Acorne cups, and the Acornes themselues, doe mightily binde and drie in the [ A] third degree, being somewhat cold withall.

The best of them, saith Galen, is the thin skin which is vnder the barke of the tree, and that next, [ B] which lieth neerest to the pulpe, or inner substance of the Acorne; all these stay the whites, the reds, spitting of bloud and laskes: the decoction os these is giuen, or the pouder of them dried, for the purposes aforesaid.

Acornes if they be eaten are hardly concocted, they yeeld no nourishment to mans body, but [ C] that which is grosse, raw, and cold.

Swine are fatted herewith, and by feeding hereon haue their flesh hard and sound. [ D]

The Acorns prouoke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and are good against all venome and poison, but they are not of such [ E] a stopping and binding facultie as the leaues and barke.

The Oke apples are good against all fluxes of bloud and lasks, in what manner soeuer they be ta∣ken, [ F] but the best way is to boile them in red wine, and being so prepared, they are good also against the excessiue moisture and swelling of the iawes and almonds or kernels of the throat.

The decoction of Oke apples staieth womens diseases, and causeth the mother that is falne [ G] downe to returne againe to the naturall place, if they doe sit ouer the said decoction being very hot.

The same steeped in strong white wine vineger, with a little pouder of Brimstone, and the root of [ H] Ireos mingled together, and set in the Sun by the space of a moneth, maketh the haireb lacke, con∣sumeth proud and superfluous flesh, taketh away sun-burning, freckles, spots the morphew, with all deformities of the face, being washed therewith.

The Oke Apples being broken in sunder about the time of their withering, do foreshew the se∣quell [ I] of the yeare, as the expert Kentish husbandmen haue obserued by the liuing things found in them: as if they finde an Ant, they foretell plenty of graine to insue: if a white worme like a Gen∣till or Magot, then they prognosticate murren of beasts and cattell; if a spider, then (say they) wee shall haue a pestilence or some such like sicknesse to follow amongst men: these things the lear∣ned also haue obserued and noted; for Matthiolus writing vpon Dioscorides saith, that before 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue an hole through them, they containe in them either a flie, a spider, or a worme; if a flie, then war insueth, if a creeping worme, than scarcitie of victuals, if a running spider, then followeth great sicknesse or mortalitie.

CHAP. 33. Of the Scarlet Oke.

¶ The Kindes.

ALthough Theophrastus hath made mention but of one of these Holme Holmeor Holly Okes onely, yet hath the later age set downe two kindes thereof; one bearing the scarlet grain, and the other on∣ly the Acorn which thing is not contrary to Dioscorides his opinion, for he intreateth of that which beareth the Acorne, in his first booke, among 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or the Okes; and the other hee describeth in his fourth booke, vnder the title 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Coccus Baphice.

¶ The Description.

THe Oke which beareth the scarlet graine is a small tree, in manner of a hedge tree, of a meane bignesse, hauing many faire branches or boughes spread abroad: whereon are set leaues, green aboue, white vnderneath, snipt about the edges, and at euery corner one sharpe prickle, in manner of the smoother Holly: among which commeth sometimes, but not often, small Acornes, standing in little cups or husks, armed with prickes as sharpe as thornes, and of a bitter taste. Besides the Acornes, there is found cleauing vnto the wooddie branches, a certaine kinde of berries, or rather an excrescence, of the substance of the Oke Apple, and of the bignesse of a Pease, at the first white, and of the colour of ashes when they be ripe, in which are ingendred little Maggots, which seeme

[illustration]

Ilex 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Scarlet Oke.

to be without life vntill they feeleth e heat of the sun, and then they creep, and seeke to flie a∣way. But the people of the countrey (which make a gaine of them) doe watch the time of their flying, euen as we doe Bees, which they then take and put into a linnen bag, wherein they shake and boult them vp and downe vntil they be dead, which they make vp into great lumpes oftentimes, and likewise sell them to diers apart, euen as they were taken forth of the bag, whereof is made the most perfect Scarlet.

¶ The Place.

This Oke groweth in Languedocke, and in the countries thereabout, and also in Spain: but it beareth not the scarlet grain in all places, but in those especially, which lie towards the Mid∣land sea, and which be subiect to the scorching heat of the Sun, as Carolus Clusius witnesseth; & not there alwaies, for when the tree waxeth old it growes to be barren. Then do the people cut and lop it downe, that after the young shoots haue attained to two or three yeares growth, it may become fruitfull againe.

Petrus Bellonius in his books of Singularities sheweth, that Coccus Baphicus or the Scarlet graine doth grow in the Holy land, and neere to the lake which is called the Sea of Tiberias, and that vpon little trees, whereby the inhabi∣tants get great store of wealth, who seperat the husks from the pulpe or Magots, and sell this being made vp into balls or lumpes, much dea∣rer than the emptie shels or husks.

Of this graine also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath made mention in his tenth booke, and sheweth, that the tree which bringeth forth this graine is not great, and also groweth in Phocis, which is a countrey in Macedonia neere to the Boetians, not far from the mountain Parnassus.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 writeth, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Scarlet Oke, is a great tree, and riseth vp to the height of the common Oke: amongst which writers there are some contrarietie. Petrus Bellonius reporteth it is a little tree, and Theophrastus a great one, which may chance according to the soyle and climate; for that vpon the stonie mountaines cannot grow to that greatnesse as those in the fertill grounds.

¶ The Time.

The little graines or berries which grow about the boughes begin to appeare especially in the Spring, when the Southwest windes do blow: the floures fall and are ripe in Iune, together with the Maggots growing in them, which receiuing life by the heat of the Sun, do forthwith flie away (in manner of a Moth or Butterflie) vnlesse by the care and diligence of the keepers, they be killed by much and often shaking them together, as aforesaid.

The tree or shrub hath his leaues alwaies greene: the Acornes be very late before they be ripe, seldome before new come vp in their place.

¶ The Names.

The Scarlet Oke is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Latine Ilex: the later writers, Ilex Coccigera, or Cocci∣fera; in Spanish, Coscoia: for want of a fit English name, we haue thought good to call it by the name of Scarlet Oke, or Scarlet Holme Oke: for Ilex is named of some in English, Holme, which signifieth Holly or Huluer. But this Ilex, as well as those that follow, might be called Holm Oke. Huluer Oke, or Holly Oke, for difference from the shrub or hedge tree Agrifolium, which is simply called Holme, Holly, and Huluer.

The graine or berrie that serueth to die with is properly called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Latine, Coccus infectoria, or Coccum infectorium: Pliny also nameth it Cusculium: or as most men doe reade it, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the same Author saith, that it is likewise named Scolecion, or Maggot berrie.

The Arabians and the Apothecaries doe know it by the name of Chesmes, Chermes, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: They are deceiued who thinke that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth differ from Infectorium Coccum: it is called in Ita∣lian, Grano detinctori: in Spanish, Grana detintoreros: in high Dutch, Scharlachbeer: in French,

Vermillon, and Graine d'escarlate: in English, after the Dutch, Scarlet Berry, or Scarlet graine, and after the Apothecaries word, Coccus Baphicus: the maggot within is that which is named Cutcho∣nele, as most do deeme.

Theophrastus saith the Acorne or fruit hereof is called of diuers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Acylum.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

This graine is astringent and somwhat bitter, and also dry without sharpnesse and biting, there∣fore, [ A] saith Galen, it is good for great wounds and sinewes that be hurt, if it be layd thereon: some temper it with Vineger; others with Oxymel or syrrup of vineger.

It is commended and giuen by the later Physitians to stay the Menses: it is also counted among [ B] those Simple which be cordials, and good to strengthen the heart. Of this graine that noble and famous confection Alkermes, made by the Arabians, hath taken his name, which many doe highly commend against the infirmities of the heart: notwithstanding it was chiefly deuised in the begin∣ning for purging of melancholy; which thing is plainly perceiued by the great quantitie of Lapis Lazulus added thereto: and therefore seeing that this stone hath in it a venomous quality, and like∣wise a property to purge melancholy, it canot of it selfe be good for the heart, but the other things be good, which be therefore added, that they might defend the heart from the hurts of this stone, and correct the malice thereof.

This composition is commended against the trembling and shaking of the heart, and for swou∣nings [ C] and melancholy passions, and sorrow proceeding of no euident cause: it is reported to recre∣ate the minde, and to make a man merry and ioyfull.

It is therefore good against melancholy diseases, vaine imaginations, sighings, griefe and sor∣row [ D] without manifest cause, for that it purgeth away melancholy humors: after this maner it may becomfortable for the heart, and delightfull to the minde, in taking away the materiall cause of sorrow: neither can it otherwise strengthen a weake and feeble heart, vnlesse this stone called Lapis Cyaneus be quite left out.

Therefore he that is purposed to vse this composition against beatings and throbbings of the [ E] heart, and swounings, and that not as a purging medicine, shall do well and wisely by leauing out the stone Cyaneus; for this being taken in a little weight or small quantitie, cannot purge at all, but may in the meane season trouble and torment the stomacke, and withall thorow his sharpe and ve∣nomous qualitie (if it be oftentimes taken) be very offensiue to the guts and intrailes, and by this meanes bring more harme than good.

Moreouer, it is not necessarie, no nor expedient, that the bristle died with Cochenele, called [ F] Chesmes, as the Apothecaries terme it, should be added to this composition, for this bristle is not died without Auripigmentum, called also Orpiment, and other pernitious things ioyned therewith, whose poysonsome qualities are added to the iuyces together with the colour, if either the bristle or died silke be boyled in them.

The berries of the Cochenele must be taken by themselues, which alone are sufficient to dy the [ G] iuices, and to impart vnto them their vertue: neither is it likewise needfull to boile the raw silke together with the graines, as most Physitians thinke: this may be left out, for it maketh nothing at all for the strengthning of the heart.

CHAP. 34. Of the great Skarlet Oke.

¶ The Description.

THe great Skarlet Oke, or the great Holme Oke, groweth many times to the full height of a tree, sometimes as big as the Peare tree, with boughes far spreading like the Acorne or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mast trees: the timber is firme and sound: the leaues are set with prickles round about the edges, like those of the former Skarlet Oke: the leaues when the tree waxeth old haue on them no prickles at all, but are somwhat bluntly cut or indented about the edges, greene on the vpper side, and gray vnderneath: the Acorne standeth in a prickly cup like our common Oke Acorne, which when it is ripe becommeth of a browne colour, with a white kernel within of taste not vnpleasant. There is found vpon the branches of this tree a certaine kinde of long hairy mosse of the colour of ashes, not vnlike to that of our English Oke. ‡ This tree is euer greene, and at the tops of the branches about the end of May, here in England, carrieth diuers long catkins of mossie yellow floures, which fall away, and are not succeeded by the acornes, for they grow out vpon other stalks. Clusius in the yeare 1581 obserued two trees; the one in a garden aboue the Bridge, and the other in the priuat garden at White-Hall, hauing lesser leaues than the former. The later of these is yet standing, and euery yeare beares small Acornes, which I could neuer obserue to come to any ma∣turitie. ‡

[illustration]

Ilex maior Glandifera. The great Skarlet Oke.

[illustration]

‡ Ilicis ramus floridus. The floures of the great Skarlet Oke.

¶ The Place.

In diuers places there are great woods of these trees, hills also and vallies are beautified there∣with: they grow plentifully in many countries of Spaine, and in Languedocke and Prouence in great plenty. It is likewise found in Italy. It beareth an Acorne greater, and of a larger size than doth the tame Oke; in some countries lesser and shorter: they are strangers in England, notwith∣standing there is here and there a tree thereof, that hath been procured from beyond the seas: one groweth in her Maiesties Priuy Garden at White-Hall, neere to the gate that leadeth into the street, and in some other places here and there one.

¶ The Time.

It is greene at all times of the yeare: it is late before the Acornes be ripe. Clusius reporteth, that he saw the floures growing in clusters of a yellow colour in May.

¶ The Names.

This Oke is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Ilex: in Spanish, Enzina: in Italian, Elize: in French, Chesneuerd: in English, Barren Skarlet Oke, or Holme Oke, and also of some, French or Spanish Oke.

The Spaniards call the fruit or Acorne Bellota, or Abillota. Theophrastus seemeth to call this tree not Prinos, but Smilax; for he maketh mention but of one Ilex onely, and that is of Scarlet Oke; and he sheweth that the Arcadians do not call the other Ilex, but Smilax: for the name Smilax is of many significations: there is Smilax among the Pulses, which is also called Dolichus, and Phaseolus; and Smilax aspera, and Laeuis, amongst the Binde-weeds: likewise Smilax is taken of Dioscorides to be Taxus, the Yew tree. Of Smilax, Theophrastus writeth thus in his third booke: the inhabitants of Arcadia do call a certaine tree Smilax, being like vnto the Skarlet Oke: the leaues thereof be not set with such sharpe prickles, but tenderer and softer.

Of this Smilax Pliny also writeth, in his sixteenth booke, chap. 6. There be of Ilex, saith he, two kindes, Ex ijs in Italia folio non multum ab oleis distant, called of certain Grecians Smilaces, in the pro∣ninces Aquifolia: in which words, in stead of Oliue trees may perchance be more truly placed Suberis, or the Corke tree; for this kinde of Ilex or Smilax is not reported of any of the old writers

to haue the leafe of the Oliue tree: but Suber in Greeke, called Phellos, or the Corke tree, hath a lit∣tle leafe.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The leaues of this Oke haue force to coole and repell or keepe backe, as haue the leaues of the [ A] Acornes or Mast trees: being stamped or beaten, and applied, they are good for soft swellings, and strengthen weake members.

The barke of the root boiled in water vntill it be dissolued, and layd on all night, maketh the [ B] haire blacke, being first scoured with Cimolia, as Dioscorides saith.

Clusius reporteth, that the Acorne is esteemed of, eaten, and brought into the market to be sold, [ C] in the city of Salamanca in Spaine, and in many other places of that countrey; and of this Acorne Pliny also hath peraduenture written, lib, 16. cap. 5. in these words: Moreouer, at this day in Spain the Acorne is serued for a second course.

CHAP. 35. Of the great Holme-Oke.

[illustration]

1 Cerris maiore Glande. The Holme Oke with great Acornes.

[illustration]

2 Cerris minore Glande. The Holme Oke with lesser Acorns.

¶ The Description.

1 AMong the wilder Okes this is not the least, for his comely proportion, although vn∣profitable for timber, to make coles, carts, Wainscot, houses, or ships of: the fruit is not fit for any man or beast to eate, neither any propertie knowne sor the vse of phy∣sicke or surgerie: it groweth vp to the height of a faire tree, the trunke or body is great, and verie faire to looke vpon: the wood or timber soft and spongie, scarce good to be burned: from which shooteth forth very comely branches dispersing themselues farre abroad; whereon are set for the most part by couples very faire leaues, greene aboue, and of an ouerworne russet colour vnder∣neath, cut or snipt about the edges very deepe: the Acorne groweth fast vnto the boughes, with∣out any foot-stalke at all, being very like vnto our common Acorne, set in a rough and prickly cup like an Hedge-hog or the Chesnut huske, of a harsh taste, and hollow within: this tree beareth or

[illustration]

‡ Cerri minoris 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cum flore. A branch of the smaller Holme Oke with floures.

bringeth forth oft times a certain smooth kinde of Gall not altogether vnprofitable. This Oke likewise bringeth forth another kinde of excresence, which the Grauer hath omitted in the figure, which is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Gaza nameth it Penis. This Penis or pricke is hollow, mossie, hanging downe halfe a yard long, like a long rag of linnen cloath.

2 The second is altogether like the first, sauing that this beareth smaller A∣cornes, and the whole tree is altogether lesse, wherein consisteth the difference.

‡ Both this & the former cary floures clustering vpon long stalkes, like as in the common Oke; but the fruit doth not suc∣ceed them, but grow forth in other pla∣ces. ‡

¶ The Place.

This Oke groweth in vntoiled places, it is seldome times found, and that but in Woods onely: it is for the most part vn∣knowne in Italy, as Pliny reporteth.

¶ The Time.

They bring forth their fruit or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the fall of the leafe.

¶ The Names.

This Oke is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Latine, Cerrus: yet doth Pliny make men∣tion both of Aegilops, and also of Cerrus: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is likewise one of the diseases of corne, called in Latine Festuca: in English, wilde Otes, and far differing from the tree Aegilops.

That which hangeth from the boughs, Pliny, lib. 16. cap. 8. calleth Panus onely: that acorne tree named Aegilops bringeth forth Panos arentes, withered prickes, couered with white mossie iags han∣ging downe, not only in the barke, but also from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, halfe a yard in bignesse, bearing a sweet smell, as we haue said, among ointments.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

We finde nothing written of the faculties of this tree among the old Writers, neither of our owne experience.

CHAP. 36. Of the Corke Oke.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Corke tree is of a middle bignesse like vnto Ilex, or the barren skarlet Oke, but with a thicker body, and fewer boughes: the leaues be for the most part greater, broa∣der, rounder, and more nicked in the edges: the barke of the tree is thicke, very rug∣ged, and full of chinkes or crannies that cleaueth and diuideth it selfe into pieces, which vnlesse they be taken away in due time do giue place to another barke growing vnderneath, which when the old is remoued is maruellous red, as though it were painted with some colour: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 standeth in a cup, which is great, bristled, rough, and full of prickles: this Acorne is also astrin∣gent or binding, more vnpleasant than the Holme Acorne, greater in one place, and lesse in ano∣ther.

2 The Corke tree with narrow leaues groweth likewise to the height and bignesse of a great tree; the trunke or body whereof is couered with a rough and scabbed barke of an ouerworn blac∣kish colour, which likewise cleaueth and casteth his coat when the inner barke groweth somwhat thicke: the branches are long, tough, and flexible, easie to be bowed any way, like those of the

Oziar; whereupon do grow leaues like those of the precedent, but longer, and little or nothing in∣dented about the edges: the fruit groweth in small cups as the Acornes doe: they are lesser than those of the other kinde, as is the rest of the tree, wherein is the chiefest difference. ‡ This varies in the leafe, (as you may see in the figure) which in some is snipt about the edge, in other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not at all.

[illustration]

1. 2. Suber latifolium & angustisolium. The Corke tree with broad and narrow leaues.

¶ The Place.

It groweth in the countrey of Aquitania, neere to the mountaines called Pyrenaei: it also grow∣eth plentifully in the kingdomes of Spaine, differing somewhat from that of Aquitania, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 declareth: it is likewise found in Italy, and that in the territorie of Pisa, with a longer leafe, and sharper pointed; and about Rome with a broader, and cut in the edges like a saw, and rougher, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Matthiolus testifieth.

¶ The Time.

The leaues of the first are alwaies greene in Spaine and Italy, about the Pyrenaean mountaines they fall away in Winter.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine Suber: in French, Liege: in Italian, Sugaro: the same names do also belong to the barke: the Spaniards call the tree Alcornoque: the Englishmen, Corke tree; and the barke, Corchade Alcornoque; whereupon the Low-countrey men and English men also do call it Corke; and yet it is called in low-Dutch also 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

This barke doth manifestly dry, with a binding facultie.

Being beaten to pouder and taken in water it stancheth bleeding in any part of the body. The [ A] Corke which is taken out of wine vessels, saith Paulus, being burnt, maketh ashes which do migh∣tily [ B] dry, and are mixed in compositions diuised against the bloudy flix.

Corke is also profitable for many things: it is vsed (saith Pliny) about the anchors of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Fi∣shers [ C] nets, and to stop vessels with; and in Winter for womens shooes, which vse remaines with vs euen to this day: fishermen hang this barke vpon the wings of their nets for feare of sinking: and shoo-makers put it in shooes and pantofles for warmnesse sake.

CHAP. 37. Of the Gall tree.

¶ The Kindes.

OF trees that bring forth Galls there be diuers sorts, as may appeare by the diuers formes and sorts of Galls set forth in this present chapter, which may serue for their seuerall distincti∣ons, whereof some bring forth Acornes likewise, and some nothing but Galls: the figures of some few of the trees shall giue you sufficient knowledge of the rest: for all the Acorne or Mast trees bring forth Galls, but those trees whose figures we haue set forth do beare those Galls fit for medicine, and to thicken skins with.

Dioscorides and Galen make but two sorts of Galls; the one little, yellow, full of holes, and more spongie in the inner part, both of them round, hauing the forme of a little ball, and the other smooth and euen on the out side: sinee, the later wrirers haue found moe, some hauing certain lit∣tle knobs sticking forth, like in forme to the Gall, which doth also cleaue and grow without 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the leafe. There is also found a certaine excrescence of a light greene colour, spongic and wa∣terie, in the middle whereof now and then is found a little flie or worme: which soft ball in hot countries doth oftentimes become hard, like the little smooth Gall, as Theophrastus saith.

[illustration]

1 Galla, siue Robur maius. The great Gall tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Robur, siue Galla maior altera. Another great Gall tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Gall tree growes vp to a sufficient height, hauing a very faire trunk or body, where∣on are placed long twiggy branches bringing forth very faire leaues, broad, and nic∣ked in the edges like the teeth of a saw: among which come forth acornes, although the figure expresse not the same, like those of the Oke, and likewise a wooddy excrescence, which we name the Gall, hauing certaine small eminences or bunches on the out side, growing for the most part vpon the slender branches without stalks, and somtimes they grow at the ends thereof; which by the heate of the Sun are harder, greater, and more sollid in one countrey than another, according to the soile and clymat.

[illustration]

3 Galla minor. The little Gall tree.

‡ 2 This growes to the height of a tall man, hauing leaues deepely diuided on the ed∣ges like the Oke, and they are green aboue, but hairy and hoary below: it carries a great Gall of the bignesse of a little Apple, and that in great plenty, & without any order. This grow∣eth in diuers parts of old Castile in Spain, and in all the mountainous woods about Vienna in Austria. ‡

3 The lesser Gall tree differeth not from the former, sauing that it is altogether lesser: the fruit and Gall is likewise lesser, wherein e∣specially consisteth the difference.

¶ The Place.

The Galls are sound in Italy, Spaine, and Bohemia, and most of the hot regions.

¶ The Time.

The Gall, saith Pliny, appeareth or commeth forth when the Sun commeth out of the signe Gemini, and that generally in one night.

¶ The Names.

The Gall tree is called Quercus, Robur, and Gallae arbor: the Gall is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Apothecaries and Italians keepe the name Galla for the fruit: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Spanish, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Galha, and Bugalha: in French, Noix de Galle: in English, Gaules, and Galls.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The Gall called Omphacitis, as Galen writeth, is dry in the third degree, and cold in the second: [ A] it is a very harsh medicine, it fastneth and draweth together faint and slacke parts, as the ouergrow∣ings in the flesh: it repelleth and keepeth backe rheumes and such like fluxes, and doth effectual∣ly dry vp the same, especially when they haue a descent into the gums, almonds of the throat, and other places of the mouth.

The other Gall doth dry and also binde; but so much lesser, by how much the harsh or choking [ B] qualitie is diminished: being boyled, beaten, and also applied in manner of a plaister is laid with good successe vpon the inflammations of the fundament, and falling downe thereof: it is boiled in water if there be need of a little astriction; and in wine, especially in austere wine, if more need require.

Galls are very profitable against the Dysenterie and the Coeliacke passion, being drunk in wine, [ C] or the pouder thereof strewed vpon meats.

Galls are vsed in dying and colouring of sundry things, and in making of inke. [ D]

Last of all, burnt Galls doe receiue a further facultie, namely to stanch bloud, and are of thin [ E] parts, and of a greater vertue to dry than be those that are not burnt: they must be layd vpon hot burning coles vntill they come to be thorow white, and then they are to be quenched in Vineger and wine.

Moreouer, Galls are good for those that are troubled with the bloudy flix and common laskes, [ F] being taken in wine or water, and also applied or vsed in meats: finally, these are to be vsed as oft as need requireth to dry and binde.

Oke Apples are much of the nature of Galls, yet are they far inferiour to them, and of lesser [ G] force. † 1.15

CHAP. 38. Of Misseltoe or Misteltoe.

[illustration]

1 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Misseltoe.

¶ The Description.

1 VIscum or Misseltoe hath many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 branches spred 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one ano∣ther, and wrapped and interlaced 〈◊〉〈◊〉 within another: the bark 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is of a light green or Popinjay colour: the leaues of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 excrescence be of a browne greene colour: the floures be smal and yellow: which being past, there appeare small clusters of white translucent berries, which are so cleare that a man may see through them, and are full of clammy or viscous moisture, whereof the best Bird-lime is made, far exceeding that which is made of Holme or Holly barke: and within this berry is a small blacke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or seed: this excresence hath not any root, neither doth en∣crease himselfe of his seed, as some haue supposed; but it rather commeth of a certaine moisture and substance gathered together vpon the boughes and ioints of the trees, through the barke whereof this vaporous moisture proceeding, bringeth forth the Misseltoe. Many haue diuersly spoken hereof: some of the Learned haue set downe that it comes of the dung of the bird called a Thrush, who hauing sed of the seeds thereof, as eating his owne bane, hath voided and left his dung vpon the tree, whereof was ingendred this berry, a most sit matter to make lime of to intrap and catch birds withall.

2 Indian Misseltoe groweth likewise vpon the branches of trees, running alongst the same in man∣ner of Polypodie: the strings of the roots are like those of Couch-grasse; from which rise vp diuers stalks smooth and euen, set with ioints and knees at certain distances: toward the top comes forth one leafe ribbed like the Plantain lease, whereon are marked certaine round eyes such as are in the haft of a knife; from the bosome whereof com∣meth forth a chaffie branch, set with small leaues which continue greene winter and Sommer.

[illustration]

2 Viscum Indicum Lobelij. Indian Misseltoe.

[illustration]

3 Viscum Peruvianum Lobelij. Misseltoe of Peru.

3 There is found also another plant growing vpon the boughes or branches of trees, in maner as our Misseltoe doth, and may very well be reckoned as a kinde thereof: the plant cleaueth vnto the branches, being set thereto as it were with the pillings of the sea onion, of the bredth of a mans hand toward the bottome, and somewhat hollow: the tops whereof are very small and rushy, hol∣low likewise, and of a purple colour: among which comes forth a branch like that of Haslula Regia, or the Kings Speare, resembling the bush of Otes, couered with a white silke, such as is to be found in Asclepias, of a salt and nitrous taste, and very vnpleasant.

¶ The Place.

The first kinde of Misseltoe groweth vpon Okes and diuers other trees almost euery where; as for the other two they are strangers in England.

¶ The Time.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 is alwaies greene as well in Winter as in Sommer: the berries are ripe in Autumne; they remaine all Winter thorow, and are a food for diuers birds, as Thrushes, Blacke-birds, and Ring-doues.

¶ The Names.

Misseltoe is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Viscum: in high-Dutch, Mistell: in Low∣Dutch, Marentacken: in Italian, Vischio: in Spanish, Liga: in the Portugal language, Visgo: in English, Missel, and Misseltoe.

The glue which is made of the berries of Missel is likewise called Viscum and Ixia in English, Bird-lime. Ixia is also called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 albus, by reason of the glue which is oftentimes found a∣bout the root thereof. This word is also ascribed to Chamaeleon niger, as we reade among the ba∣stard names. Ixia is likewise reckoned vp by Dioscorides, lib. 6. and by Paulus Aegineta, lib. 5. among the poysons: but what this poysonsome and venomous Ixia is it is hard and doubtfull to declare: many would haue it to be Chamaeleon niger: others, the glue or clammy substance which is made of the berries of Missel-toe; who do truly thinke that Ixia differeth from Chamaeleon niger: for Paulus Aegineta, lib. 5. cap. 30. in reckoning vp of simple poysons hath first made mention of Chamaeleon niger, then a little after of Ixia: and whilest he doth particularly discourse of euery one, he intrea∣teth of Chamaeleon niger, cap. 32. and of Ixia (which hee also nameth Vlophonon) cap. 47. and telleth of the dangerous and far differing accidents of them both. And Dioscorides himselfe, lib. 6. where he setteth downe his iudgement of simple poysons, intreateth first of Chamaeleon niger, and then a little after of Ixia. These things declare that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 niger doth differ from Ixia, which is recko∣ned among the poysons. Moreouer, it can no where be read that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 niger beareth Bird∣lime, or hath so glutinous and clammy a substance as that it ought to be called Ixia: therfore Ixia, as it is one of the poysons, is the glue that is made of the berries of Misseltoe, which because it is sharpe and biting, inflameth and setteth the tongue on fire, and with his slimie and clammy sub∣stance doth so draw together, shut, and glue vp the guts, as that there is no passage for the excre∣ments, which things are mentioned among the mischiefes that Ixia bringeth.

‡ I can by no meanes approue of, or yeeld to this opinion here deliuered out of Dodonaeus by our Author; which is, That the Bird-lime made of the berries of Misseltoe is poyson; or that Ixia set forth by Dioscorides and Nicander for a poyson is meant of this: for this is manifestly treated of in Dioscorides, lib. 3. cap. 103. by the name of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: when as the other is mentioned, lib. 6. cap. 21. by the name of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Also dayly experience shewes this plant to haue no maligne nor poisonous, but ra∣ther a contrarie facultie, being frequently vsed in medicines against the Epilepsie. Such as would see more concerning Ixia or Ixias, let them haue recourse to the first chapter of the first part of Fa∣bius Columna, de Stirpib. min. cognitis & rarioribus, where they shall finde it largely treated of. ‡

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The leaues and berries of Misseltoe are hot and dry, and of subtill parts: the Bird-lime is hot [ A] and biting, and consists of an airy and waterie substance, with some earthy qualitie; for according to the iudgement of Galen, his acrimony ouercommeth his bitternesse; for if it be vsed in outward applications it draweth humors from the deepest or most secret parts of the body, spreading and dispersing them abroad, and digesting them.

It ripeneth swellings in the groine, hard swellings behinde the eares, and other impostumes, be∣ing [ B] tempered with rosin and a little quantitie of wax.

With Frankincense it mollifieth old vlcers and malicious impostumes, being boyled with vn∣slaked [ C] lime, or with Gagate lapide, or Asio, and applied, it wasteth away the hardnes of the spleene.

With Orpment or Sandaraca it taketh away foule ill fauoured nailes, being mixed with vnslaked [ D] lime and wine lees it receiueth greater force.

It hath been most credibly reported vnto me, that a few of the berries of Misseltoe bruised and [ E] strained into Oyle, and drunken, hath presently and forthwith rid a grieuous and sore stitch.

CHAP. 39. Of the Cedar tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be two Cedars, one great bearing Cones, the other small bearing berries like those of Iuniper.

[illustration]

Cedrus Libani. The great Cedar tree of Libanus.

¶ The Description.

THe great Cedar is a very big and high tree, not onely exceeding all other re∣sinous trees, and those which beare fruit like vnto it, but in his tallnesse and largenesse farre surmounting all other trees: the body or trunke thereof is commonly of a mighty bignesse, insomuch as foure men are not able to fathome it, as Theophrastus writeth: the barke of the lower part, which proceedeth out of the earth, to the first yong branches or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, is rough and harsh; the rest which is among the boughes is smooth and glib: the boughes grow forth almost from the bottome, and not farre from the ground, euen to the very top, waxing by de∣grees lesser and shorter still as they grow higher, the tree bearing the forme or shape of a Pyramide or sharpe pointed sleeple: these compasse the body round about in ma∣ner of a circle, and are so orderly placed by degrees, as that a man may clymbe vp by them to the very top as by a ladder: the leaues be small and round like those of the Pine tree, but shorter, and not so sharp poin∣ted; all the cones or clogs are far shorter and thicker than those of the Firre tree, compact of soft, not hard scales, which hang not downewards, but stand vpright vpon the boughes, whereunto also they are so strongly fastned, as they can hardly be plucked off without breaking of some part of the branches, as Bellonius writeth: the timber is extreme hard, and rotteth not, nor waxeth old: there is no wormes nor rottennesse can hurt or take the hard mat∣ter or heart of this wood, which is very odoriferous, and somewhat red: Solomon King of the Iewes did therefore build Gods Temple in Ierusalem of Cedarwood: the Gentiles were wont to make their Diuels or Images of this kinde of wood, that they might last the longer.

¶ The Place.

The Cedar trees grow vpon the snowie mountaines, as in Syria vpon mount Libanus, on which there remaine some euen to this day, saith Bellonius, planted as is thought by Solomon himselfe: they are likewise found on the mountaines Taurus and Amanus, in cold and stony places: the mer∣chants of the factorie at Tripolis told me, that the Cedar tree groweth vpon the declining of the mountaine Libanus, neere vnto the Hermitage by the city Tripolis in Syria: they that dwel in Sy∣ria vse to make boats thereof for want of the Pine tree.

¶ The Time.

The Cedar tree remaineth alwaies greene, as other trees which beare such manner of fruit: the timber of the Cedar tree, and the images and other workes made thereof, seeme to sweat and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth moisture in moist and rainy weather, as do likewise all that haue an oylie iuyce, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 witnesseth.

¶ The Names.

This huge and mighty tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine likewise Cedrus: in English, Ce∣dar, and Cedar tree. Pliny, lib. 24. cap. 5. nameth it Cedrelate, as though he should say, Cedrus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cedrina abies, Cedar Firre; both that it may differ from the little Cedar, and also because it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like to the Firre tree.

The Rosin hath no proper name, but it may be syrnamed Cedrina, or Cedar Rosin.

The pitch which is drawne out of this is properly called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: yet Pliny writeth, that also the li∣quor of the Torch Pine is named Cedrium. The best, saith Dioscorides, is fat, thorow shining, and of a strong smell; which being poured out in drops vniteth it selfe together, and doth not remaine seuered.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Cedar is of temperature hot and dry, with such an exquisite tenuitie and subtiltie of parts, that [ A] it seemeth to be hot and dry in the fourth degree, especially the Pitch or Rosin thereof.

There issueth out of this tree a Rosin like vnto that which issueth out of the Fir tree, very sweet [ B] in smell, of a clammy or cleauing substance, the which if you chew in your teeth it will hardly be gotten forth againe, it cleaueth so fast: at the first it is liquid and white, but being dried in the sun it waxeth hard: if it be boiled in the fire an excellent pitch is made thereof, called Cedar Pitch.

The Aegyptians were wont to coffin and embalme their dead in Cedar, and with Cedar pitch, [ C] although they vsed also other meanes, as Herodotus recordeth.

The condited or embalmed body they call in shops 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but very vnfitly; for Mumia a∣mong [ D] the Arabians is that which the Grecians call Pissasphalton, as appeareth by Auiccn, cap. 474. and out of Serapio, cap. 393.

Ile that interpreted and translated Serapio was the cause of this error, who translated and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ E] Mumia according to his owne fancie, and not after the sence and meaning of his Author Se∣rapio, saying that this Mumia is a compsition made of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Myrrh mingled together with the moisture of mans body.

The gum of Cedar is good to be put in medicines for the eyes, for being anointed therewith it [ F] cleareth the sight, and clenseth them from the Haw and from stripes.

Cedar infused in vineger and put into the eares killeth the wormes therein, and being mingled [ G] with the decoction of Hyssop, appeaseth the sounding, ringing, and hissing of the eares.

If it be washed or infused in vineger, and applied vnto the teeth, it easeth the tooth-ache. [ H]

If it be put into the hollownesse of the teeth it breaketh them, and appeaseth the extreme griefe [ I] thereof.

It preuaileth against Angina's, and the inflammation of the Tonsils, if a Gargarisme be made [ K] thereof.

It is good to kill nits and lice and such like vermine: it cureth the biting of the serpent Cerastes, [ L] being layd on with salt.

It is a remedie against the poyson of the sea Hare, if it be drunke with sweetwine. [ M]

It is good also for Lepers: being put vp vnderneath it killeth all manner of worms, and draweth [ N] forth the birth, as Dioscorides writeth.

CHAP. 40. Of the Pitch tree.

¶ The Description.

1 PIcea, the tree that droppeth Pitch, called Pitch tree, groweth vp to be a tall, faire, and big tree, remaining alwaies greene like the Pine tree: the timber of it is more red than that of the Pine or Firre: it is set full of boughes not onely about the top, but much lower, and also beneath the middle part of the body, which many times hang downe, bending toward the ground: the leaues be narrow, not like those of the Pine tree, but shorter and narrower, and sharpe pointed like them, yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they blacker, and withall couer the yong and tender twigs in manner of a circle, like those of the Firre tree; but being many, and thicke set, grow forth on all sides, and not onely one right against another, as in the Yew tree: the fruit is scaly, and like vnto the Pine apple, but smaller: the barke of the tree is somewhat blacke, tough and flexible, not brittle, as is the bark of the Firre tree: vnder which next to the wood is gathered a Rosin, which many times is∣sueth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and is like to that of the Larch tree.

‡ 2 Of this sort (saith Clusius) there is found another that neuer growes high, but remaineth dwarfish, and it carries certaine little nugaments or catkins of the bignesse of a small nut, compo∣sed of scales lying one vpon another, but ending in a prickly leafe, which in time opening shew cer∣taine emptie cauities or cels: from the tops of these sometimes grow forth branches set with ma∣ny short and pricking little leaues: all the shrub hath shorter and paler coloured leaues than the former: I obserued neither fruit nor floure on this, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 know I whether it carry any. Dalecham∣pius seemes to haue knowne this, and to haue called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pinus Tubulus or Tibulus. ‡

[illustration]

1 Piceamaior. The Pitch tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Picea pumila. The dwarfe Pitch tree.

¶ The Place.

The Pitch tree groweth in Greece, Italy, France, Germanie, and all the cold regions 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto Russia.

¶ The Time.

The fruit of the Pitch tree is ripe in the end of September.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians call this Cone tree 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Latines, Picea, and not Pinus; for Pinus or the Pine tree, is the Grecians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as shall be declared: that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is named in Latine Picea, Scribonius Lar∣gus testifieth, in his 201 Composition, writing after this manner; Resinae Petuinae, id est, ex Picea ar∣bore, which signifies in English, of the Rosin of the tree Pitys, that is to say, of the Pitch tree. With him doth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 agree, lib. 16. cap. 10. where he translating Theophrastus his words concerning Peuce and Pitys, doth translate Pitys, Picea, although for Pcuce he hath written Larix, as shall be declared. Pliny writeth thus; Larix vstis radicibus non repullulat: and the Larch tree doth not spring vp againe when the roots are burnt: the Pitch tree springeth vp againe, as it hapned in Lesbos, when the wood Pyrthaeus was set on fire. Moreouer, the wormes Pityocampae are scarce found in any tree but onely in the Pitch tree, as Bellonius testifieth: so that they are not rashly called Pityocampae, or the wormes of the Pitch tree, although most Translators name them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 crucae, or the the wormes of the Pine trees: and therefore Pitys is sirnamed by Theophrastus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because wormes and ma∣gots are bred in it. But forsomuch as the name Pitys is common both to the tame Pine, and also to the Pitch tree, diuers of the late writers do for this cause suppose, that the Pitch tree is named by Thcophrastus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or the wilde Pine tree. This Picea is named in high-Dutch, Schwartz Tan∣nebaum, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tannebaum, and oftentimes also Jorenholtz; which name notwithstanding doth also agree with other plants: in English, Pitch tree: in low-Dutch, Peck boom.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The leaues, barke, and fruit of the Pitch tree, are all of one nature, vertue, and operation, and of the same facultie with the Pine trees.

CHAP. 41. Of the Pine Tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THe Pine Tree is of two sorts, according to Theophrastus; the one 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, tame, or of the garden; the other 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or wilde: he saith that the Macedonians do adde a third, which is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or barren, or without fruit, that vnto vs is vnknowne: the later writers haue found moe as shall be declared.

[illustration]

Pinus sativa, sive domestica. The tame or manured Pine tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Pine tree groweth high, and great in the trunk or bodie, which below is naked, but aboue it is clad with a multitude of boughes, which diuide themselues into diuers branches, whereon are set small leaues, verie straight, narrow, somwhat hard and sharp poin∣ted: the wood or timber is hard, heauy, about the heart or middle ful of an oileous liquor, & of a reddish colour: the fruit or clogs are hard, great, and consist of many sound woody scales, vnder which are included certaine knobs, with∣out shape, couered with a woodden shell, like small nuts, wherein are white kernels, long, ve∣ry sweet, and couered with a thin skin or mem∣brane, that easily is rubbed offwith the fingers; which kernell is vsed in medicine.

¶ The Place.

This tree groweth of it selfe in many places of Italie, and especially in the territorie of Ra∣uenna, and in Languedock, about Marsiles, in Spain, & in other regions, as in the East coun∣tries: it is also cherished in the gardens of plea∣sure, as well in the Low-countries as England.

¶ The Time.

The Pine tree groweth greene both winter and Sommer: the fruit it commonly two yeres before it be ripe: wherfore it is not to be found without ripe fruit, and also others as yet verie small, and not come to ripenesse.

¶ The Names.

It is called in Latine, Pinus, and Pinus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Vrbana, or rather Mansueta: in English, tame and gar∣den Pine: of the Macedonians and other Graecians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: but the Arcadians name it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for that which the Macedonians call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Arcadians name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith, and so doth the tame Pine in Arcadia, and about Elia change her name: and by this alteration of them it happens that the fruit or Nuts of the Pine tree found in the Cones or Apples, be named in Greeke by Dios∣corides, Galen, Paulus, and others, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as though they should terme it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sructus, or the fruit of the Pine tree.

There is also another 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Latine Picca, or the Pitch tree, which differeth much from the Pine tree: but Pytis of Arcadia differeth nothing from the Pine tree, as we haue said.

The fruit or apples of these be called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and in Latine Coni. notwithstanding Conos is a common name to all the fruits of these kind of trees: they also be named in Latine, Nuces pineae: by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by Diocles Carystius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which be notwithstanding the fruit or clogges of the tree that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nameth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the wilde Pine tree, as Athenaeus saith. It is thought that the whole fruit is called by Galen in his 4. Commentarie vpon Hipocrates Bookes of Diet in sharpe diseases, Strobilos: yet in his 2. booke of the Faculties of Nourishments hee doth not call Conos or the apple by the name of Strobilos, but the nuts contained in it. And in like man∣ner in his seuenth book of the Faculties of Simple medicines; the Pine Apple fruit, saith he, which

they call Coccalus, and Strobilus, as we haue said before, that these are named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This apple is called in high Dutch, Zyrbel: in low Dutch, Pijn appel: in English, Pine apple, Clogge, and Cone.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The kernels of these nuts do concoct and moderately heate, being in a meane betweene cold and [ A] hot: it maketh the rough parts smooth; it is a remedy against an old cough, and long infirmities of the chest, being taken by it selfe or with hony, or else with some other licking thing.

It cureth the Ptisicke, and those that pine and consume away through the rottennesse of their [ B] lungs: it recouereth strength; it nourisheth and is restoratiue to the bodie.

It yeeldeth a thicke and good iuice, and nourisheth much, yet is it not altogether casie of dige∣stion, and therefore it is mixed with preserues, or boyled with sugar.

The same is good for the stone in the Kidneies, and against frettings of the bladder, and scalding [ C] of the vrine, for it alayeth the sharpnesse, mitigateth paine, and gently prouoketh vrine: moreouer, it increaseth milke and seed, and therefore it also prouoketh fleshly lust.

The whole Cone or Apple being boyled with fresh Horehound, saith Galen, and afterwards boi∣led [ D] againe with a little hony til the decoction be come to the thicknesse of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, maketh an excel∣lent medicine for the clensing of the chest and lungs.

The like thing hath Dioscorides; the whole Cones, saith hee, which are newly gathered from the [ E] trees, broken aud boiled in sweet wine are good for an old cough, and consumption of the lungs, if a good draught of that liquour be drunke euery day.

The scales of the Pine apple, with the barke of the tree, do stoppe the laske and the bloudy flixe, [ F] they prouoke vrine; and the decoction of the same hath the like propertie.

CHAP. 42. Of the Wilde Pine tree.

[illustration]

1 Pinus syluestris. The wilde Pine tree.

[illustration]

2 Pinus syluestris mugo. The low wilde Pine tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first kinde of wilde Pine tree groweth very great, but not so high as the former, be∣ing the tame or manured Pine tree; the barke thereof is glib: the branches are spread a∣broad, beset with long sharpe pointed leaues: the fruit is somewhat like the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pine tree, with some Rosine therein, and sweet of smell, which doth easily open it selfe, and quickely falleth from the tree.

2 The second kinde of wilde Pine tree groweth not so high as the former, neither is the stem growing straight vp, but yet it bringeth forth many branches, long, slender, and so easie to be bent or bowed, that hereof they make Hoops for wine Hogs-heads and Tuns: the fruit of this pine is grea∣ter than the fruit of any of the other wilde Pines.

3 The third kinde of wilde Pine tree groweth straight vpright, and waxeth great and high, yet not so high as the other wilde kindes: the branches do grow like the pitch tree: the fruit is long and big, almost like the fruit of the said Pitch tree; wherein are contained smal triangled nuts, like the nuts of the Pine Apple tree, but smaller, & more brittle; in which is contained a kernell of a good taste, like the kernell of the tame Pine apple: the wood is beautiful, and sweet of smell, good to make tables and other workes of.

4 There is another wilde Pine of the mountaine, not differing from the precedent but in sta∣ture, growing for the most part like a hedge tree, wherein is the difference.

[illustration]

3 Pinus syluestris montana. The mountaine wilde Pine tree.

[illustration]

4 Pinus montana minor. The smaller wilde Pine tree.

5 This kinde of Pine, called the sea Pine tree, groweth not aboue the height of two men, ha∣uing leaues like the tame Pine tree, but shorter: the fruit is of the same forme; but longer some∣what fashioned like a Turnep: this tree yeeldeth very much Rosine. ‡ Bauhine iudges this all one with the third. ‡

6 The sixt kinde of wilde Pine being one of the Sea Pines, groweth like an hedge tree or shrub seldome' exceeding the height of a man; with little leaues like those of the Larch tree, but alwaies continuing with a very little cone, and fine small kernell.

7 The bastard wilde Pine tree groweth vp to a meane height; the trunke or bodie, as also the

[illustration]

5 Pinus maritima maior. The great Sea Pine tree.

[illustration]

6 Pinus syluestris minor. The little Sea Pine Tree.

[illustration]

7 Taedasive pseudopinus. The bastard wilde Pine.

[illustration]

‡ 8 Pinaster Austriacus. Dwarfe Pine with vpright Cones.

[illustration]

‡ 9 〈◊〉〈◊〉 maritimus minor: Dwarfe Sea Pine.

ches & leaues are like vnto those of the ma∣nured Pine tree: the onely difference is, that some yeares it resembleth the Pine it selfe; and the other yeares as a wilde hedge tree, varying often, as nature listeth to play and sport her selfe amongst her delights, with o∣ther plants of lesse moment: the timber is soft, and not fit for building, but is of the sub∣stance of our Birch tree: the fruit is like those of the other wilde Pines, whereof this is a kinde.

‡ 8 This dwarfe Austrian Pine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not the height of a man, but immediately from the root is diuided and spread abroad into tough, bending, pretty thicke branches, couered ouer with a rough barke: the leaues, as in the former, come two out of one hose, thicker, shorter, blunter pointed, and more greene than the former: the cones or clogs are but small, yet round, and compact, and hang not dowewards, but stand vpright: the root is tough and wood die like other plants of this kinde: It growes on the Austrian and Styrian Alpes. Clusius sets it forth by the name of Pinaster 4. Austriacus.

9 This other Dwarfe is of the same height with the former, with such tough and bending branches, which are neither so thick nor clad with so rough a barke, nor so much spread. The leaues also are smaller, and not vnlike those of the Larix tree, but not so soft, nor falling euery yeare as they do. The cones are little and slender, the kernell small, blackish, and winged as the rest. Clusius found this onely in some few places of the kingdome of Murcia in Spaine, wherefore he calls it, Pinaster 3. Hispanicus. Dodonaeus calls it Pinus maritima minor. ‡

¶ The Place.

These wilde Pines doe grow vpon the cold mountaines of Liuonia, Polonia, Noruegia, and Russia, especially vpon the Island called Holland within the Sownd, beyond Denmarke, and in the woods by Narua, vpon the Liefeland shore, and all the tract of the way, being a thousand Wersts, (each Werst containing three quarters of an English mile) from Narua vnto Moscouia, where I haue seene them grow in infinite numbers.

¶ The Time.

The fruit of these Pine trees is ripe in the end of September: out of all these issueth forth a white and sweet smelling Rosine: they are also changed into Teda, and out of these is boiled through the force of the fire, a blacke Pitch: the Pitch tree and the Larch tree be also sometimes changed into Teda; yet very seldome, for Teda is a proper and peculiar infirmitie of the wilde Pine tree. A tree is said to be changed into Teda, when not onely the heart of it, but also the rest of the substance is turned into fatnesse.

¶ The Names.

All these are called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and in Latine Syluestres Pini: of Pliny, Pinastri: Pinaster, saith he in his 16. booke. 10 chapter, is nothing else but Pinus sylvestris, or the wild Pine tree, of a lesser height, and ful of boughes from the middle, as the tame Pine tree in the top, (most of the co∣pies haue falsely) of a maruellous height: they are far deceiued who thinke that the Pine tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, besides the tame Pine which notwithstanding is so called not of all men, but onely of the Arcadians (as we haue said before) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, all men do name the wilde 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and therefore Teda, or the Torch Pine, hereof is said to be in Latine not Picea, but Pinea, that is, not the Pitch-tree, but the Pine tree, as Ouid doth planly testifie in his Heroicall Epistles;

Vt vidi, vt perij, nec not is ignibus arsi, Ardet vt admagnos Pinea Teda 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Also in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 4.

Illic accendit geminas pro lampade Pinus: Hinc Cereris sacris nunc quoque Teda datur.

The same doth Virgill also signifie in the seuenth of his Aeneid.

Ipsainter medias, flag rantem feruida Pinum Sustinet. — — — — — —

Where in stead of Flagrantem Pinum, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 admonisheth vs to vnderstand Teda Pinea. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, also consenteth with them in the marriage song of Iulia and Mallius.

— 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pineam quate tedam.

And Prudentius in Hymno Cerei Paschalis.

Seu Pinus piceam fert alimoniam.

Moreouer, the herbe Peucedanos, or Horestrong, so named of the likenesse of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is called also in La∣tine Pinastellum, of Pinus the Pine tree: all which things do euidently declare that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is called in La∣tine not Picea, but Pinus.

The first of these wilde kindes may be Idaea Theophrasti, or Theophrastus his Pine tree, growing on mount Ida, if the apple which is shorter were longer: for he nameth two kindes of wilde Pines, the one of mount Ida, and the other the Sea Pine with the round fruit: but we hold the contrarie, for the fruit or apple of the wilde mountaine Pine is shorter, and that of the Sea Pine longer. This may more truly be Macedonum mas, or the Macedonians male Pine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they make two sorts of wilde Pines, the male and the female, and the male more writhed and harder to be wrought vpon, and the female more easie; but the wood of this is more writhed, and not so much in request for workes, as the other, and therefore it seemeth to be the male. This wilde Pine tree is called in high Dutch, Hartzbaum, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hartzbaum: in Gallia Celtica, Elvo 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and in Spanish, Pino Carax.

The second wild Pine tree is named commonly of the Italians Tridentinis, and Ananiensibus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Cirmolo; it seemeth to differ nothing at all from the Macedonians wilde female Pine, for the wood is easie to be wrought on, and serueth for diuers and sundry workes.

The third they call Mugo: this may be named not without cause 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, Humilis Pinus, or Dwarfe Pine: yet doth it differ from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Herbe called in English, Ground Pine.

The fourth wilde Pine is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Latine, Maritima; and Marina Pinus: in En∣glish, Sea Pine.

That which the Latines call Teda, is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in high Dutch, Kynholtz: it may be termed in English, Torch-pine.

Pliny is deceiued, in that he supposeth the Torch Pine to bee a tree by it selfe, and maketh it the sixth kinde of Cone-tree; as likewise he erreth in taking Larix, the Larch tree, for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Pine Tree. And as Dioscorides maketh so little difference as scarse any, betweene 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and supposeth them to be both of one kinde, so likewise he setteth downe faculties common to them both.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The barke of them both, saith he, doth binde; being beaten and applied it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Merigals, and [ A] also shallow vlcers and burnings if it be layed on with Litharge and fine Frankincense.

With the Cerote of Myrtles it healeth vlcers in tender bodies: being beaten with Copperas it [ B] staieth tetters, and creeping vlcers: it draweth away the birth and after birth, if it be taken vnder in a fume: being drunke it stoppeth the belly, and prouoketh vrine.

Galen hath almost the same things, but he saith, that the barke of the Pine tree is more temperate [ C] than that of the Pitch tree; the leaues stamped take away hot swellings and sores that come thereof.

Being stamped and boyled in vineger, they asswage the paine of the teeth, if they be washed [ D] with this decoction hot: the same be also good for those that haue bad liuers, being drunke with water or mead.

Of the same operation is likewise the barke of the pine nuts; but Galen affirmeth that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ E]

or apple, although it seeme to be like these is notwithstanding of lesser force, insomuch as it can∣not effectually performe any of the aforesaid vertues, but hath in it a certaine biting qualitie, which hurteth.

The Torch Pine cut into small pieces and boiled in vineger, is a remedy likewise against the [ F] tooth-ache if the teeth be washed with the decoction.

Of this there is made a profitable spather or slice to be vsed in making of compound plaisters [ G] and pessaries that ease paine.

Of the smoke of this is made a blacke which serueth to make inke of, and for eating sores in the [ H] corners of eies, and against the falling away of the haire of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lids, and for watering and bleere eies, as Dioscorides teacheth.

Of Rosins.

¶ The Kindes.

1 OVt of the Pine trees, especially of the wilde kinds, there issueth forth a liquid, whitish, and sweet smelling Rosin, and that many times by it selfe; but more plentifully either out of the cut and broken boughes, or forth of the body when the tree commeth to be a Torch Pine.

2 there issueth also forth of the crackes and chinkes of the barke, or out of the cut boughes, a certaine dry Rosin, and that forth of the Pine Tree or Firre Tree.

There is likewise found a certaine congealed Rosin vpon the cones or apples.

It is called in Latine, Resina: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in high Dutch, Hartz: in low Dutch, Herst: in Ita∣lian, Ragia: in Spanish, Resina: in English, Rosin.

The first is named in Latine, Liquida Resina: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and of diuers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that it to say, issueth out of it selfe: of the Lacedemonians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Primislua, the first flowing Rosin: and in Cicilia, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as Galen writeth in his third booke of medicines according to the kindes: in shops Resina Pini, or Rosin of the Pine tree, and common Rosin. It hapneth oftentimes through the negligent and carelesse gathering thereof, that certaine small pieces of wood, and little stones be found mixed with it: this kinde of Rosin Galen surnameth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as though he should say, confu∣sed, which being melted and clensed from the drosse becommeth hard and brittle.

The like hapneth also to another liquid Rosin, which after it is melted, boiled, and cooled a∣gaine, is hard and brittle, and may likewise be beaten, ground, and searced; and this Rosin is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Fricta, and many times Colophonia, in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: which name is vsed among the Apothecaries, and may stand for an English name; for Galen in his third booke of Me∣dicines according to their kindes saith, that it is called Fricta, and of some Colophonia: that, saith he, is the driest Rosin of all, which some call Fricta, others Colophonia: because in times past, as Diosco∣rides writeth, it was fetched from Colophon, this being yellow or blacke in comparison of the rest, is white when it is beaten: Pliny in his 14. booke, 20. chapter.

The second Rosin is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, specially that of the Pitch tree without fatnesse, and that soone waxeth dry, which Galen in his 6. booke of Medicines according to the kindes, cal∣leth properly 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: that which in Asia is made of the Pitch tree being very white, is called Spagas, as Pliny testifieth.

The third is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the same is also named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: this is vnknowne in shops. Yet there is to be sould a certaine dry Rosin, but the same is compounded of the Rosins of the Pine tree, of the cones or clogs, and of the Firre tree mixed altogether, which they call Gari∣pot: this is vsed in perfumes in stead of Frankincense, from which notwithstanding it farre diffe∣reth.

¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

All the Rosins are hot and dry, but not all after one manner: for there is a difference among [ A] them: they which be sharper and more biting, are hotter, as that which commeth of the cones, being of Rosins the hottest, because it is also the sharpest: the Rosin of the Pitch Tree is not so much biting, and therefore not so hot: the Rosin of the Firre tree is in a meane between them both; the liquid Rosin of the Pine is moister, comming neere to the qualitie and facultie of the Larch Rosin.

The Rosins which are burnt or dried, as Dioscorides testifieth, are profitable in plaisters, and com∣positions [ B] that ease wearisomenesse; for they do not onely supple or mollifie, but also by reason of the thinnesse of their parts and drynesse, they digest: therefore they both mollifie and wast away swellings, and through the same facultie they cure wearisomnesse, being vsed in compound medi∣cines for that purpose.

The liquid Rosins are very fitly mixed in ointments, commended for the healing vp of greene [ C] wounds, for they both bring to suppuration, and do also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and vnite them together.

Moreouer, there is gathered out from the Rosins as from Frankencense, a congealed smoke, called [ D] in Latine Fuligo; in Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and in English, Blacke, which serueth for medicines that beauti∣fie the eie lids, and cure the fretting sores of the corners of the eies, and also watering eies, for it drieth without biting.

There is made hereof saith Dioscorides, writing inke, but in our age not that which we write [ E] withall, but the same which serueth for Printers to print their bookes with, that is to say, of this blacke, or congealed smoke, and other things added.

Of Pitch and Tar.

The manner of drawing forth of Pitch.

Out of the fattest wood of the Pine tree changed into the Torch Pine, is drawne Pitch by force of fire. A place must be paued with stone, or some other hard matter, a little higher in the mid∣dle, about which there must also be made gutters, into which the liquor shall fall; then out from them other gutters are to be drawne, by which it may be receiued; being receiued, it is put into barrels. The place being thus prepared, the clouen wood of the Torch Pine must be set vpright; then must it be couered with a great number of Fir and Pitch boughes, and on euery part all about with much lome and earth: and great heed must be taken, least there be any cleft or chinke re∣maining, onely a whole left in the top of the furnace, thorow which the fire may be put in, and the flame and smoke may passe out: when the fire burneth the Pitch runneth sorth, first the thin, and then the thicker.

This liquor is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Pix: in English, Pitch, and the moisture, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same that first runneth is named of Plinie in his 16. booke, 11. chapter, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: There is boyled in Europe, saith he, from the Torch Pine a liquid Pitch vsed about ships, and seruing for many other purposes; the wood being clouen is burned with fire, and set round about the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on euery side, after the manner of making Charcoles: the first liquor runneth thorow the gutter like water: (this in Syria is called Cedrium, which is of so great vertue, as in Aegypt the bodies of dead men are preserued, being all couered ouer with it) the liquor following being now thicker, is made Pitch. But Dioscorides writeth, that Cedria is gathered of the great Cedar tree, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the li∣quor drawne out of the Torch tree by force of fire, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: this is, that which the Latines call Pix liquida: the Italians, Pece liquida: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Durch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Poix foudire: in Spanish, Pex liquida: certaine Apothecaries, Kitran: and we in English, Tar.

And of this when it is boiled is made a harder Pitch: this is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in La∣tine, Arida, or sicca Pix: of diuers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: as though they should say, Iterata Pix, or Pitch iterated: because it is boiled the second time. A certaine kinde hereof being made clammie or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in shops, Pix naualis, or Ship Pitch: in high Dutch, Bach: in low Dutch, Steenpeck: in Italian, Pece secca: in French, Poix seche: in Spanish, Pez seca: in English, Stone Pitch.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Pitch is hot and dry, Tarre is hotter, and stone pitch more drying, as Galen writeth. Tar is good [ A] against inflammations of the almonds of the throte, and the uvula, and likewise the Squincie, be∣ing outwardly applied.

It is a remedie for mattering eares with oile of Roses: it healeth the bitings of Serpents, if it be [ B] beaten with salt and applied.

With an equall portion of wax it taketh away foule ilfauoured nailes, it wasteth away swel∣lings [ C] of the kernels, and hard swellings of the mother and fundament.

With barly meale and a boies vrine it consumeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the Kings euill: it staieth eating vl∣cers, [ D] if it be laid vnto them with brimstone, and the barke of the Pitch Tree, or with branne.

If it be mixed with fine Frankincense, and a cerote made thereof, it healeth chops of the funda∣ment [ E] and feet.

Stone Pitch doth mollifie and soften hard swellings: it ripens and maketh matter, and wasteth [ F] away hard swellings and inflammations of kernels: it filleth vp hollow vlcers, and is fitly mixed with wound medicines.

What vertue Tarre hath when it is inwardly taken we may reade in Dioscorides and Galen, but [ G] we set downe nothing thereof, for that no man in our age will easily vouchsafe the taking.

There is also made of Pitch a congealed smoke or blacke, which serueth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same purposes, [ H] as that of the Rosins doth.

CHAP. 43. Of the Firre or Deale Tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Firre tree groweth very high and great, hauing his leaues euer greene; his trunke or body smooth, euen and straight, without ioints or knots, vntill it hath gotten branches; which are many and very faire, beset with leaues, not much vnlike the leaues of the Ewe tree, but smaller: among which come forth floures vpon the taller trees, growing at the bottomes of the leaues like little catkins, as you may see them exprest in a branch apart by themselues: the fruit is like vnto the Pine Apple, but smaller and narrower, hanging downe as the Pine Apple: the timber hereof excelleth all other timber for the masting of ships, posts, rails, deale boords, and sundry other purposes.

[illustration]

1 Abies. The Firre tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Abies mas. The male Firre tree.

2 There is another kinde of Firre tree, which is likewise a very high and tall tree, and higher than the Pine: the body of it is straight without knots below, waxing smaller and smaller euen to the very top: about which it sendeth forth boughes, foure together out of one and the selfe same part of the body, placed one against another, in manner of a crosse, growing forth of the foure sides of the body, and obseruing the same order euen to the very top: out of these boughes grow others also, but by two and two, one placed right against another, out of the sides, which bend downwards when the other beare vpwards: the leaues compasse the boughes round about, and the branches thereof: they be long, round, and blunt pointed, narrower, and much whiter than those of the Pitch tree, that is to say, of a light greene, and in a manner of a white colour: the cones or clogs be long, and longer than any others of the cone trees, they consist of a multitude of soft scales, they hang downe from the end of the twigs, and doe not easily fall downe, but remaine on the tree a very long time: the kernels in these are small, not greater than the kernels of the Cherrie stone, with a thinne skin growing on the one side, very like almost to the wings of Bees, or great Flies: the timber or substance of the wood is white, and clad with many coats, like the head of an Onion.

[illustration]

‡ Abietis ramus cumjulis. A branch with Catkins or floures.

¶ The Place.

The Firre trees grow vpon high mountains, in many woods of Germany and Bohemia, in which it continueth alwaies greene; it is found also on hils in Italy, France, & other countries; it commeth downe oftentimes into the val∣lies: they are found likewise in Pruse, Pomera∣nia, Liefeland, Russia, & especially in Norway, where I haue seene the good liest trees in the world of this kinde, growing vpon the rockie and craggie mountaines, almost without any earth about them, or any other thing, sauing a little mosse about the roots, which thrust them selues here and there into the chinkes and cra∣nies of the rockes, and therefore are easily cast downe with any extreme gale of winde. I haue seen these trees growing in Cheshire, Stafford∣shire, and Lancashire, where they grew in great plenty, as is reported, before Noahs floud: but then being ouerturned and ouerwhelmed haue lien since in the mosses and waterie moorish grounds very fresh and sound vntill this day, & so full of a resinous substance, that they burne like a Torch or Linke, and the inhabitants of those countries do call it Fir-wood, and Fire∣wood vnto this day: out of this tree issueth the rosin called Thus, in English, Frank insence: but from the young Fir trees proceedeth an excel∣lent cleare and liquid Rosin, in taste like to the peelings or outward rinde of the Pomecitron.

¶ The Time.

The time of the Fir tree agreeth with the Pine trees.

¶ The Names.

The tree is called in Latine Abies: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: amongst the Graecians of our time the same name remaineth whole and vncorrupt: it is called in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thannen baum: in Low Dutch, Witte Dennen boom, or Abel-boom, and Mast-boom: in Ita∣lian, Abete: in Spanish, Abeto: in English, Firre-tree, Mast-tree, and Deale-tree. The first is called in rench, du Sap, or Sapin: the other is Suiffe.

The liquid rosin which is taken forth of the barke of the young Firre-trees, is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Lachryma abietis, and Lachryma 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in the shops of Germany, as also of England, Terebinthina Veneta, or Venice Turpentine: in Italian, Lagrimo: diuers do thinke that Di∣oscorides calleth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Oleasa Resina, or oile Rosin; but oile Rosin is the same that Pix liquida, or Tar is.

Arida Abietum Resina, or drie Rosin of the Fir trees, is rightly called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and in Latine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Resina: it hath a sweet smell, and is oftentimes vsed among other perfumes in stead of Frankincense.

¶ The Temperature.

Thebarke, fruit, and gums of the Fir tree, are of the nature of the Pitch tree and his gums.

¶ The Vertues.

The liquid Rosin of the Fir tree called Turpentine, looseth the belly, driueth forth hot cholerick [ A] humours, clenseth and mundifieth the kidnies, prouoketh vrine, and driueth forth the stone and grauell.

The same taken with Sugar and the pouder of Nutmegs, cureth the strangurie, staieth the Go∣norrhoea [ B] or the inuoluntary issue of mans nature, called the running of the rains, and the white flux in women.

It is very profitable for all green and fresh wounds, especially the wounds of the head: for it hea∣leth [ C] and clenseth mightily, especially if it be washed in Plantaine water, and afterward in Rose wa∣ter, the yolke of an egge put thereto, with the pouders of Olibanum and Masticke finely searced, ad∣ding thereto a little Saffron.

CHAP. 44. Of the Larch Tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Larch is a tree of no small height, with a body growing straight vp: the bark wher∣of in the nether part beneath the boughes is thicke, rugged, and full of chinks; which being cut in sunder is red within, and in the other part aboue smooth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, some∣thing whitewithout: it bringeth forth many boughes diuided into other lesser branches, which be tough and pliable. The leaues are small, and cut into many iags, growing in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thicke toge∣ther like tassels, which fall away at the approch of Winter: the floures or rather the first shewes of the cones or fruit be round, and grow out of the tenderest boughes, being at the length of a braue red purple colour: the cones be small, and like almost in bignesse to those of the Cypresse tree, but longer, and made vp of a multitude of thin scales like leaues: vnder which lie small seeds, hauing a thin 〈◊〉〈◊〉 growing on them very like to the wings of Bees and wasps: the substance of the wood is very hard, of colour, especially that in the midst, somewhat red, and very profitable for workes of long continuance.

[illustration]

1 Laricis ramulus. A branch of the Larch tree.

[illustration]

2 Larix cum Agarico suo. The Larch tree with his Agarick.

It is not true that the wood of the Larch tree tree cannot be set on fire, as Vitruvius reporteth of the castle made of Larch wood, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 besieged, for it burneth in chimneies, and is turned in∣to coles, which are very profitable for Smithes, as Matthiolus writeth.

There is also gathered of the Larch tree a liquid Rosin, very like in colour and substance to the whiter hony, as that of Athens or of Spaine, which notwithstanding issueth not forth of it selfe, but runneth out of the stocke of the tree, when it hath been bored euen to the heart with a great and long auger and wimble.

Galen writeth, that there be after a sort two kindes hereof, in his 4. booke of Medicines, accor∣ding to the kinds, one like vnto Turpentine, the other more sharper than this, hotter, more liquid

of a stronger smell, and in taste bitterer and hotter: but the later is thought not to be the Rosine of the Larch, but of the Fir-tree, which Galen because it is after a sort like in substance, might haue ta∣ken for that of the Larch tree.

There groweth also vpon the Larch tree a kinde of Mushrum or excrescence, not such as is vpon other trees, but whiter, softer, more loose and spungie than any other of the Mushrums, and good for medicine, which beareth the name of Agaricus, or Agaricke: I find that Pliny supposeth all the Masticke trees, and those that beare Galls, do bring forth this Agaricum: wherein he was somewhat deceiued, and especially in that he took Glandifera for Conifera, that is, those trees which beare mast or Acornes, for the Pine apple trees: but among all the trees that beare Agaricus, the Larch is the chiefe, and bringeth most plenty of Agarick.

¶ The Place.

The Larch tree groweth not in Greece, or in Macedon, but chiefely vpon the Alpes of Italy, not far from Trent, hard by the riuers Benacus and Padus; and also in other places of the same moun∣taines: it is likewise found on hils in Morauia, which in times past was called the countrey of the Marcomans: Fuchsius writeth, that it groweth also in Silesia: others, in Lusatia, in the borders of Poland: it also groweth plentifully in the woods of Gallia Cesalpina.

Pliny hath said somewhat hereof, contradicting the writings of others, in his 16 book, 8 chapter, where he saith, that specially the Acorne trees of France do beare Agaricke, and not only the acorn trees, but the Cone trees also; among which, saith he, the Larch tree is the chiefe that bringeth forth Agaricke, and that not onely in Gallia, which now is called France, but rather in Lumbardy and Piemont in Italy, where there be whole woods of Larch trees, although they be found in some smal quantitie in other countries.

The best Agarick is that which is whitest, very loose and spungie, which may easily be broken, and is light, and in the first taste sweet, hard, and well compact: that which is heauy, blackish, and containing in it little threds as it were of sinewes, is counted pernicious and deadly.

¶ The Time.

Of all the Cone trees onely the Larch tree is found to be without leaues in the Winter: in the Spring grow fresh leaues out of the same knobs, from which the former did fall. The cones are to be gathered before winter, so soone as the leaues are gone: but after the scales are loosed and ope∣ned, the seeds drop away: the Rosine must be gathered in the Sommer moneths.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine also Larix, in Italian and Spanish, Larice: in high Dutch, Lerchenbaum: in low Dutch Lorkenboom: in French, Melese: in English, Larch tree, and of some Larix tree.

The liquid Rosin is named by Galen also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Latines call it Resina Larigna, or Resina Laricea, Larch Rosin: the Italians, Larga: the Apothecaries, Terebinthina, or Turpentine, and it is sold and al∣so mixed in medicines in stead thereof: neither is that a thing newly done; for Galen likewise in his time reporteth, that the Druggers sold the Larch Rosine in stead of Turpentine: and this may bee done without errour; for Galen himselfe in one place vseth Larch Rosin for Turpentine; and in ano∣ther, Turpentine for Larch Rosine, in his booke of medicines according to the kindes.

The Agaricke is also called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Agaricum and Agaricus, and so likewise in shops: the Italians, Spaniards, and other nations do imitate the Greeke word; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 English we call it Agaricke.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The leaues, barke, fruit and kernell, are of temperature like vnto the Pine, but not so strong. [ A]

The Larch Rosin is of a moister temperature than all the rest of the Rosines, and is withall with∣out [ B] sharpnesse or biting, much like to the right Turpentine, and is fitly mixed with medicines which perfectly cure vlcers and greene wounds.

All Rosins, saith Galen, that haue this kinde of moisture and clamminesse ioined with them, do as [ C] it were binde together and vnite dry medicines, and because they haue no euident biting qualitie, they doe moisten the vlcers nothing at all: therefore diuers haue very well mixed with such compound medicines either Turpentine Rosin, or Larch Rosin: thus far Galen. Moreouer, Larch Ro∣sin performeth all such things that the Turpentine Rosin doth, vnto which, as we haue said, it is much like in temperature, which thing likewise Galen himselfe affirmeth.

Agaricke is hot in the first degree and dry in the second, according to the old writers. It cutteth, [ D] maketh thin, clenseth, taketh away obstructions or stoppings of the intrailes, and purgeth also by stoole.

Agaricke cureth the yellow iaundice proceeding of obstructions, and is a sure remedie for cold [ E] shakings, which are caused of thicke and cold humors.

The same being inwardly taken and outwardly applied, is good for those that are bit of veno∣mous [ F] beasts which hurt with their cold poison.

It prouoketh vrine, and bringeth downe the menses: it maketh the body well co loured, driueth [ G] forth wormes, cureth agues, especially quotidians and wandring feuers, and others that are of long continuance, if it be mixed with fit things that serue for the disease: and these things it performes by drawing forth and purging away grosse, cold, and flegmaticke humors, which cause the dis∣eases.

From a dram weight, or a dram and a halfe, to two, it is giuen at once in substance or in pouder: [ H] the weight of it in an infusion or decoction is from two drams to fiue.

But it purgeth slowly, and doth somewhat trouble the stomacke; and therefore it is appointed [ I] that Ginger should be mixed with it, or wilde Carrot seed, or Louage seed, or Sal gem, in Latine, Salfossilis.

Galen, as Mesue reporteth, gaue it with wine wherein Ginger was infused: some vse to giue it [ K] with Oxymel, otherwise called syrrup of vineger, which is the safest way of all.

Agaricke is good against the paines and swimming in the head, or the falling Euill, being taken [ L] with syrrup of vineger.

It is good against the shortnesse of breath, called Asthma, the inueterate cough of the lungs, the [ M] ptysicke, consumption, and those that spet bloud: it comforteth the weake and seeble stomacke, causeth good digestion, and is good against wormes.

CHAP. 45. Of the Cypresse tree.

[illustration]

Cupressus satiua & syluestris. The Garden and wild Cypresse tree.

¶ The Description.

THe tame or manured Cypresse tree hath a long thicke and straight body; whereupon many slender branches do grow, which do not spred abroad like the branches of other trees, but grow vp alongst the body, yet not touching the top: they grow after the fashion of a steeple, broad below, and narrow toward the top: the substance of the wood is hard, sound, well compact, sweet of smell, and somewhat yellow, almost like the yellow Saunders, but not altogether so yellow, nei∣ther

doth it rot nor wax old, nor cleaueth or choppeth itself. The leaues are long, round like those of Tamariske, but fuller of substance. The fruit or nuts do hang vpon the boughes, being in man∣ner like to those of the Larch tree, but yet thicker and more closely compact: which being ripe do of themselues part in sunder, and then falleth the seed, which is shaken out with the winde: the same is small, flat, very thin, of a swart ill fauoured colour, which is pleasant to Ants or Pismires, and serueth them for food.

Of this diuers make two kindes, the female and the male; the female barren, and the male fruit∣full. Theophrastus reporteth, that diuers affirme the male to come of the female. The Cypresse yeelds forth a certaine liquid Rosin, like in substance to that of the Larch tree, but in taste maruel∣lous sharpe and biting.

The wilde Cypresse, as Theophrastus writeth, is an high tree, and alwaies greene, so like to the other Cypresse, as it seemeth to be the same both in boughes, body, leaues, and fruit, rather than a certaine wilde Cypresse: the matter or substance of the wood is sound, of a sweet smell, like that of the Cedar tree, which rotteth not: there is nothing so crisped as the root, and therefore they vse to make precious and costly workes thereof.

‡ I know no difference betweene the wilde and tame Cypresse of our Author, but in the hand∣somnesse of their growth, which is helped somewhat by art. ‡

¶ The Place.

The tame and manured 〈◊〉〈◊〉 groweth in hot countries, as in Candy, Lycia, Rhodes, and also in the territorie of Cyrene: it is reported to be likewise found on the hills belonging to Mount Ida, and on the hills called Leuci, that is to say white, the tops whereof be alwaies couered with snow. Bellonius denieth it to be found vpon the tops of these hills, but in the bottoms on the rough parts and ridges of the hills: it groweth likewise in diuers places of England where it hath beene planted, as at Sion a place neere London, sometime a house of Nunnes: it groweth also at Green∣wich, and at other places, and likewise at Hampsted in the garden of M^r. Wade, one of the Clerkes of her Maiesties priuy Councell.

The wilde kinde of Cypresse tree groweth hard by Ammons Temple, and in other parts of the countrey of Cyrene vpon the tops of mountaines, and in extreme cold countries. Bellonius affir∣meth, that there is found a certaine wilde Cypresse also in Candy, which is not so high as other Cypresse trees, nor groweth sharpe toward the top, but is lower, and hath his boughes spred flat, round about in compasse: he saith the body thereof is also thicke: but whether this be Thya, of which Theophrastus and Pliny make mention, we leaue it to consideration.

¶ The Time.

The tame Cypres tree is alwaies greene; the fruit may be gathered thrice a yeare, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 May, and September, and therefore it is syrnamed Trifera.

The wilde Cypres tree is late, and very long before it buddeth.

¶ The Names.

The tame Cypres is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in shops, Cypres∣sus: in Italian, Cypresso: in French and Spanish, Cipres: in high-Dutch, Cipressenbaum: in low∣Dutch, Cypresse boom: in English, Cypres, and Cypres tree.

The fruit is named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Pilulae Cupressi, Nuces Cupressi, and Galbu∣li: in shops, Nuces Cypressi: in English, Cypres nuts or clogs. This tree in times past was dedica∣ted to Pluto, and was said to be deadly; whereupon it is thought that the shadow thereof is vnfor∣tunate.

The wilde Cypres tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: from this doth differ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, being a name not of a plant, but of a mortar in which dry things are beaten: Thya, as Pliny writeth, lib. 13. cap. 16. was well knowne to Homer: he sheweth that this is burned among the sweet smells, which Circe was much delighted withall, whom he would haue to be taken for a goddesse, to their blame that call sweet and odoriferous smells, euen all of them, by that name; because he doth especially make mention withall in one verse, of Cedrus and Thya: the copies haue falsly Larix, or Larch tree, in which it is manifest that he spake onely of trees: the verse is extant in the fift booke of Odysses, where he mentioneth, that Mercurie by Iupiters commandement went to Calypsus den, and that he did smell the burnt trees Thya and Cedrus a great way off.

Theophrastus attributeth great honor to this tree, shewing that the roofs of old Temples became famous by reason of that wood, and that the timber thereof, of which the rafters are made is euer∣lasting, and it is not hurt there by rotting, cobweb, nor any other infirmitie or corruption.

¶ The Temperature.

The fruit and leaues of the Cypres are dry in the third degree, and astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

The Cypres nuts being stamped and drunken in wine, as Dioscorides writeth, stoppeth the laske [ A] and bloudy flix, it is good against the spitting of bloud and all other issues of bloud.

They glue and heale vp great vlcers in hard bodies: they safely and without harme soke vp and [ B] consume the hid and secret moisture lying deepe and in the bottome of weake and moist infir∣mities.

The leaues and nuts are good to cure the rupture, to take away the Polypus, being an excrescence [ C] growing in the nose.

Some do vse the same against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and eating sores, mixing them with parched Barley [ D] meale.

The leaues of Cypres boyled in sweet wine or Mede, helpes the strangurie and difficulty of ma∣king [ E] water.

It is reported, that the smoke of the leaues doth driue away gnats, and that the clogs do so like∣wise. [ F]

The shauings of the wood laid among garments preserueth them from the moths: the rosin kil∣leth [ G] Moths, little wormes, and magots. † 1.16

CHAP. 46. Of the Tree of Life.

[illustration]

Arhor Vitae. The Tree of Life.

¶ The Description.

THe tree Tree of Life groweth to the height of a small tree, the barke being of a darke reddish colour: the timber very hard, the branches sprea∣ding themselues abroad, hanging down toward the ground by reason of the weakenesse of the twiggie branches surcharged with very oileous and ponde∣rous leaues, casting, and spreading themselues like the feathers of a wing, resembling those of the Sa∣uine tree, but thicker, broader, and more ful of gum∣mie or oileous substance: which being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the hands do yeeld an aromatick, spicie, or gummie sauor, very pleasant, and comfortable; amongst the leaues come forth small yellowish floures, which in my garden fall away without any fruit: but as it hath beene reported by those that haue seene the same, there followeth a fruit in hot regions, much like vnto the fruit of the Cypres tree, but smaller, compact of little and thinne scales closely pact one vpon another, which my selfe haue not yet seene. The branches of this tree laid downe in the earth wil very easily take root, euen like the Woodbinde or some such plant; which I haue often proued, and thereby haue greatly multiplied these trees.

¶ The Place.

This tree groweth not wilde in England, but it groweth in my garden very plentifully.

¶ The Time.

It endureth the cold of our Northerne clymat, yet doth it lose his gallant greenes in the winter moneths: it floureth in my garden about May.

¶ The Names.

Theophrastus and Pliny, as some thinke, haue called this sweet and aromatical tree Thuia, or Thya: some call it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lycia: the new writers do terme it Arbor vitae: in English, the tree of life, I doe not meane that whereof mention is made, Gen. 3. 22.

¶ The Temperature.

Both the leaues and boughes be hot and dry.

¶ The Vertues.

Among the plants of the New-found land, this Tree, which Theophrastus calls Thuia, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

is the most principal, and best agreeing vnto the nature of man, as an excellent cordial, and of a very pleasant smell.

CHAP. 47. Of the Yew tree.

[illustration]

Taxus. The Yew tree.

¶ The Description.

‡ IN stead of the description and place mentioned by our Author (which were not amisse) giue me leaue to present you with one much more accurate, sent me by M^r. Iohn Goodyer.

Taxus glandifera bacciferáque. The Yew bearing Acornes and berries.

THe Yew tree that beareth Acornes and berries is a great high tree remaining al∣waies greene, and hath vsually an huge trunke or body as big as the Oke, couered ouer with a scabbed or scaly barke, often pilling or falling off, and a yong smooth barke appearing vnderneath; the timber hereof is somewhat red, neere as hard as Box, vniuersally couered next the barke with a thickewhite sap like that of the Oke, and hath many big limmes diuided into many smal spreading branches: the leaues be about an inch long, narrow like the leaues of Rosemary, but smooth, and of a darker greene colour, growing all alongst the little twigs or branches close together, seldome one opposite against another, often hauing at the ends of the twigs little branches composed of many leaues like the former, but shorter and broader, close∣ly compact or ioyned together: amongst the leaues are to be seene at all times of the yeare, small slender buds somewhat long, but neuer any floures; which at the very beginning of the Spring grow bigger and bigger, till they are of the fashion 〈◊〉〈◊〉 little Acornes, with a white kernell within: after they are of this forme, then groweth vp from the bottomes of the Acornes a reddish matter, making beautiful reddish berries more long than round, smooth on the out side, very clam∣mie within, and of a sweet taste, couering all the Acorne, onely leauing a little hole at the top, where the top of the Acorne is to be seene: these 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or deuoured by birds, leaue behinde them a littlewhitish huske made of a few scales, appearing like a little floure, which peraduenture may deceiue some, taking it to be so indeed: it seemes this tree, if it were not hindred by cold weather, would alwaies haue Acornes and berries on him, for he hath alwaies little buds, which so soone as the Spring yeelds but a reasonable heate, they grow iuto the forme of Acornes: about the begin∣ning of August, seldome before, you shall finde them turned into ripe berries, and from that time till Christmasse, or a little after, you may see on him both Acornes and red berries.

Taxus tantum florens. The Yew which only floures.

The Yew which onely beareth floures and no berries, is like the other in trunke, timber, barke, and leaues; but at the beginning of Nouember, or before, this tree doth beginne to be very thicke set or fraught on the lower side or part of the twigs or little branches, with small round buds, verie neere as big, and of the colour of Radish seed, and do so continue all the Winter, till about the beginning or middle of Februarie, when they open at the top, sending forth one small sharpe poin∣tall, little longer than the huske, diuided into many parts, or garnished towards the top with many

small dusty things like floures, of the colour of the husks; and if you shall beate or throw stones into this tree about the end of Februarie, or a good space after, there will proceed and fly from these floures an aboundance of dustie smoke. These dusty floures continue on the trees till about haruest, and then some and some fall away, and shortly after the round buds come vp as afore∣said.

¶ The Place.

These trees are both very common in England: in Hampshire there is good plentie of them growing wilde on the chalkie hills, and in Church-yards where they haue been planted.

¶ The Time.

The time is expressed in their descriptions. Dec. 19. 1621. Iohn Goodyer. ‡

¶ The Names.

This tree is named by Dioscorides, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: by Theophrastus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: but Nicander in his book of Coun∣terpoysons, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Galen doth also call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: it is named in Latine Taxus: in high-Dutch, Ey∣benbaum: in low-Dutch, Ibenboom: in Italian, Tasso: in Spanish, Toxo, and Taxo: in French, Yf: in English, Ewe, or Yew tree: in the vnlearned shops of Germany, if any of them remaine, it is cal∣led Tamariscus; where in times past they were wont not without great error, to mix the bark hereof in compound medicines, in stead of the Tamariske barke.

¶ The Temperature.

The Yew tree, as Galen reporteth, is of a venomous qualitie, and against mans nature. Dioscorides writeth, and generally all that heretofore haue dealt in the facultie of Herbarisme, that the Yew tree is very venomous to be taken inwardly, and that if any doe sleepe vnder the shadow thereof it causeth sicknesse and oftentimes death. Moreouer, they say that the fruit thereof being eaten is not onely dangerous and deadly vnto man, but if birds do eat thereof, it causeth them to cast their feathers, and many times to die. All which I dare boldly affirme is altogether vntrue: for when I was yong and went to schoole, diuers of my schoole-fellowes and likewise my selfe did eat our fils of the berries of this tree, and haue not only slept vnder the shadow thereof, but among the bran∣ches also, without any hurt at all, and that not one time, but many times. Theophrastus saith, That 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, animalia, Gaza translates them Iumenta, or labouring beasts, do die, if they do eat of the leaues; but such cattell as chew their cud receiue no hurt at all thereby.

Nicander in his book of Counterpoisons doth reckon the Yew tree among the venomous plants, setting downe also a remedie, and that in these words, as Gorraeus hath translated them.

Parce venenata Taxo, quae surgit in Oeta Abietibus similis, lethoque absumit acerbo Ni praeter morempleno cratere meraca Fundere vina pares, cum primum sentiet aeger Arctari obstructas fauces animaeque canalem.

‡ Shun th' poys'nous Yew, the which on Oeta growes, Like to the Firre, it causes bitter death; Vnlesse besides thy vse pure wine that flowes From empty'd cups, thou drinke, when as thy breath Begins to faile, and passage of thy life Growes strait. —

Pena and Lobel also obserued that which our Author here affirmes, and dayly experience shewes it to be true, that the Yew tree in England is not poysonous: yet diuers affirme, that in Prouince in France, and in most hot countries, it hath such a maligne qualitie, that it is not safe to sleepe or long to rest vnder the shadow thereof. ‡

CHAP. 48. Of the Iuniper tree.

¶ The Kindes.

AMong the Iuniper trees one is lesser, another greater, being a strange and forreine tree: one of these bringeth forth a floure and no fruit; the other fruit and no floures.

¶ The Description.

1 THe common Iuniper tree groweth in some parts of Kent vnto the stature and bignes of a faire great tree, but most commonly it growes very low like vnto ground Furres: this

[illustration]

1 Iuniperus. The Iuniper tree.

[illustration]

2 Iuniperus maxima. The great Iuniper tree.

[illustration]

‡ 3 Iuniperus Alpina minor. Small Iuniper of the Alps.

tree hath a thin bark or rinde, which in hot re∣gions will chop and rend it self into many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or pieces: out of which rifts issueth a cer∣taine gum or liquour much like vnto Frankin∣cense: the leaues are very small, narrow, and hard, and somwhat prickly, growing euer green along the branches, thicke together: amongst which come forth round and small berries, greene at the first, but afterward blacke decli∣ning to blewnesse, of a good sauor, and sweet in taste, which do wax somwhat bitter after they be dry and withered.

2 The great Iuniper tree comes now and then to the height of the Cypres tree, with a greater and harder lease, and also with a fruit as big as Oliue berries, as Bellonius writeth, of an exceeding faire blew colour, and of an excel∣lent sweet sauor.

‡ 3 This exceeds not the height of a cu∣bit, but growes low, and as it were creeps vpon the ground, and consists of sundry thicker and shorter branches than the common kind, tough also, writhen, and hard to breake; 3 leaues al∣waies growing at equall distances, as in the common, but yet broader, shorter, and thicker, neither lesse pricking than they, of a whitish greene colour on the inside, and green without, incompasse the tender branches. Clusius, who giues vs this figure and historie, obserued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the floure, but the fruit is like that of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

but yet somewhat longer; It growes vpon the Austrian Alpes, and ripens the fruite in August and September. ‡

¶ The Place.

The common Iuniper tree is found in very many places, especially in the South parts of England.

Bellonius reporteth, that the greater groweth vpon mount Taurus: Aloisius Anguillara writeth, that it is found on the sea shores of the Ligurian and Adriaticke sea and in Illyricum, bringing forth great berries: and others say that it growes in Prouence of France: it commeth vp for the most part in rough places and neere to the sea, as Dioscorides noteth.

¶ The Time.

The Iuniper tree floureth in May; the floure whereof is nothing else but as it were a little yel∣lowish dust or powder strowed vpon the boughes. The fruit is ripe in September, and is seldome found either winter or Sommer without ripe and vnripe berries, and all at one time.

¶ The Names.

The Iuniper tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Apothecaries keepe the Latine name Iuniperus: the Arabians call it Archonas and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the Italians, Ginepro: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Spanish, Enebro, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Zimbro: the French men and base Almaines 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Iuniper tree.

The lesser is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Iuniperus. The great Iuniper Tree is called as some thinke in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine (by Lobel) Iuniperus maximus Illyricus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bacca, by reason of the colour of the berries, and may be called in English, blew Iuniper.

The berries are called Grana Iuniperi: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, although the Tree it selfe also is often∣times called by the same name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: it is termed in high Dutch, Krametbeer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, Genevrebesien: in Spanish, Neurinas: in English, Iuniper berries.

The gum of the Iuniper tree is vsually called of the Apothecaries Vernix: in Latine, Lachryma 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Scrapio nameth it Sandarax and Sandaracha; but there is another Sandaracha among the Grecians, being a kinde of Orpment, which growes in the same minerals wherein Orpment doth, and this doth farre differ from Vernix, or the Iuniper gum. Pliny in his 11. booke, 7. chapter maketh mention also of another Sandaracha, which is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Cerinthus: this is the meate of Bees whilest they be about their worke.

¶ The Temperature.

Iuniper is hot and dry, and that in the third degree, as Galen teacheth; the berries are also hot, but not altogether so drie: the gum is hot and dry in the first degree, as the Arabians write.

¶ The Vertues.

The fruite of the Iuniper tree doth clense the liuer and kidnies, as Galen testifieth: it also ma∣keth [ A] thin clammie and grosse humors: it is vsed in counterpoysons and other wholesome medi∣cines: being ouer largely taken it causeth gripings and gnawings in the stomacke, and maketh the head hot: it neither bindeth nor looseth the belly: it prouoketh vrine.

Dioscorides reporteth, that this being drunke is a remedy against the infirmitie of the chest, [ B] coughes, windines, gripings and poisons, and that the same is good for those that be troubled with cramps, burstings, and with the disease called the mother.

It is most certaine that the decoction of these berries is singular good against an old cough, and [ C] against that with which children are now and then extremely troubled, called the Chin cough, in which they vse to rise vp raw, tough and clammy humors, that haue many times bloud mixed with them.

Diuers in Bohemia do take in stead of other drinke, the water wherein those berries haue been [ D] steeped, who liue in wonderfull good health.

This is also drunke against poisons and pestilent feuers, and it is not vnpleasant in the drinking: [ E] when the first water is almost spent, the vessell is againe filled vp with fresh.

The smoke of the leaues and wood driueth away serpents, and all infection and corruption of [ F] the aire, which bring the plague, or such like contagious diseases: the iuice of the leaues is laid on with wine, and also drunke against the bitings of the viper.

The ashes of the burned barke, being applied with water, take away scurffe and filth of the [ G] 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The powder of the wood being inwardly taken, is pernicious and deadly, as Dioscorides vulgar [ H] copies do affirme; but the true copies vtterly deny it, neither do any of the old writers affirme it.

The fume and smoke of the gum doth stay flegmaticke humors that distill out of the head, and [ I] stoppeth the rheume: the gum doth stay raw and flegmaticke humors that sticke in the stomacke and guts, if it be inwardly taken, and also drunke.

It killeth all maner of wormes in the belly, it staieth the menses, and hemorrhodes: it is com∣mended [ K] also against spitting of bloud; it dryeth hollow 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and filleth them with flesh, if it be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereon: being mixed with oile of Roses, it healeth chops in the hands and feet.

There is made of this and of oile of Lineseed, mixed together, a liquor called Vernish, which [ L] is vsed to beautifie pictures and painted tables with, and to make iron glister, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it from the rust.

CHAP. 49. Of the prickly Cedar, or Cedar Iuniper.

¶ The Kindes:

THe prickly Cedar tree is like to Iuniper, and is called the small or little Cedar, for difference from the great and tall Cedar, which bringeth Cones; and of this there are two kindes, as Theophrastus and Pliny do testifie, that is to say, one of Lycia, and another crimson.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Crimson or prickly Cedar seemeth to be very like to the Iuniper tree in body and boughes, which are writhed, knotty, and parted into very many wings: the sub∣stance of the wood is red, and sweet of smell like that of the Cypresse; the tree is co∣uered ouer with a rugged barke: the leaues be narrow and sharpe pointed, harder than those of Iu∣niper, sharper and more pricking, and standing thinner vpon the branches: the fruite or berry is sometimes as big as a hasell nut, or, as Theophrastus saith, of the bignesse of Myrtle berries, and be∣ing ripe it is of a reddish yellow, or crimson colour, sweet of smell, and so pleasant in taste, as euen the countrey-men now and than do eate of the same with bread.

[illustration]

1 Oxycedrus Phoenicia. Crimson prickly Cedar.

[illustration]

3 Oxycedrus Lycia. Rough Lycian Cedar.

2 The other low Cedar which growes in Lycia is not so high as the former, hauing likewise a writhed body as big as a mans arme, full of boughes; the barke is rough, yellowish without, and red within: the leaues stand thicker, like at the first to those of Iuniper, but yet somewhat shor∣ter, and in the third or fourth yeere thicker, long and round withall, comming neere to the leaues

[illustration]

‡ 3 Cedrus Lycia altera. The other Lycian Cedar.

of the Cypres tree, or of the second Sauine, that is, blunt, and not pricking at all, which being bruised betweene the fingers do yeeld a very pleasant smel: so doth one and the selfe same plant bring forth be∣low sharpe and prickly leaues, and aboue thick and blunt ones, as that notable learned Herbarist Clusi∣us hath most diligently obserued: the fruit or berry is round like that of Iuniper, of colour yellow when it is ripe, inclining to a red, in taste somwhat bitter, but sweet of smell.

‡ 3 This also hath Cypresse-like leaues, not vnlike those of the last described, yet somwhat thicker and broader: the fruit is also much larger, being as big as Hasell nuts, and of a red or skarlet colour; whence Lobel calleth it Cedrus Phoenicia al∣tera. ‡

¶ The Place.

The prickely Cedar with the crimson colour commeth vp higher and greater in certaine places of Italy, Spaine, and Asia, and in other Countries; for that which grows on mount Garganus in Apulia is much higher and broader than those that grow elsewhere, and bringeth forth greater berries, of the bignesse of an hasell nut, and sweeter, as that most diligent writer Bellonius reporteth. Carolus Clusius sheweth, that the prickely Cedar and the Iuniper tree be of so great a growth in diuers places of Spaine, as he hath obserued, as that the body of them is as thicke as a man.

The Lycian Cedar is found in Prouence of France, not far from Massilia, and groweth in a great part of Greece, in Illyricum and Epirum.

¶ The Time.

Both of them are alwaies greene, and in Winter also full of fruit, by reason that they continual∣ly bring forth berries, as when the old do fall new 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their places: in the spring grow vp new buds and beginnings of berries: in Autumne they wax ripe the second yeare, as doe the berries of Iuniper.

¶ The Names.

They are called in Latine, Minores, and Humiles Cedri, little and low Cedars, for difference from the tall and great Cedar which beareth Cones.

The former is named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Oxycedrus, and Cedrus Punica: in English, Prickly Cedar, and Crimson Cedar: Pliny syrnameth it Phoenicea, of the crimson co∣lour of the fruit: the Spaniards call this also Enebro, as Clusius testifieth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the same name which they giue to the Iuniper: wherein likewise they are thought to imitate diuers of the old Writers, who haue not by names distinguished the Iuniper from the Cedar, but haue, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 noteth, called them Cedros, Cedar trees; yet with an addition, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or prickly Cedar.

The other with the blunt leafe is named by Theophrastus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: of Pliny also, Lycia Cedrus: in Prouince of France, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: diuers name this Sabina, and vse it in stead of Sauine, which they want; as the Apothecaries of Epidaurus, and in diuers cities of Greece, and also in Illyricum and Epirum, as Bellonius testifieth. Some would haue it to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Thya; but Thya, according to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, is like, not onely in body, leaues, and boughes, but in fruit also, to the Cypresse tree, but the fruit of this is nothing like to the Cypresse Cones.

The fruit of this Cedar is named by Theophrastus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Cedris: notwithstanding Cedrus, as hee himselfe doth also testifie (〈◊〉〈◊〉 nameth it Credula) is a certaine little shrub which neuer groweth to a tree.

The gum or liquor which issueth forth of the prickly Cedar is also called Vernix, and is sold in stead thereof.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The little Cedar, as Galen writeth, is hot and dry in a manner in the third degree: the matter or [ A] substance thereof is sweet of smell, like that of Iuniper, and is vsed for perfumes and odoriferous smells together with the leaues.

The berries or fruit of the low Cedar haue the faculties not so strong, as the same Author testi∣fieth, [ B] insomuch as that they may also be eaten, yet if they be taken too plentifully, they cause head-ache, and breed heate and gnawings in the stomacke. Yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is a difference between these two Cedar berries; for the crimson ones are not so hot and dry, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they are sweeter and plea∣santer to the taste, and therefore they are better to be eaten, and do also yeeld vnto the body a kind of nourishment: but the berries of that of Lycia are biting, hotter and drier also than those of Iuni∣per, from which they differ especially in the biting qualitie, they bring no nourishment at all, and though a man eate neuer so few of them he shall feele gnawings in his stomacke, and paine in his head.

The Peasants do feed thereon rather to satisfie their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, than for any delight they haue in [ C] the taste, or the physicall vertues thereof; albeit they be good against the strangurie, and prouoke vrine.

CHAP. 50. Of Sauin.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be two kindes of Sauin; one like in leafe to Tamariske, the other to the Cypresse tree; whereof the one beareth berries, the other is barren.

[illustration]

1 Sabina sterilis. Barren Sauin.

[illustration]

2 Sabina baccifera. Sauin bearing berries.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first Sauin, which is the common kind, and best of all knowne in this country, grow∣eth in manner of a low shrub or tree: the stem or trunke whereof is somtimes as big as a mans arme, diuiding it selfe into many branches set full of small leaues like vnto Cypres, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but thicker, and more sharpe or prickely, remaining greene Winter and Sommer, in smell 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or very strong, barren both of floures and fruit.

[illustration]

‡ 3 Sabina baccata altera. The lesser berry-bearing Sauin.

2 The other Sauin is an high tree, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith, as tall as the Almond tree, and much like to the tame Cypresse tree: the bodie is writhed, thicke, and sometimes of so great a compasse as that it cannot be fathomed; the substance of the wood is red within, as is that of the Iuniper, and of the prickely Cedar: the barke is not very thicke, and it is of a yellowish red: the leaues are of a maruellous gallant greene colour, like to those of the Cypres tree, yet thicker or more in number; in taste bitter, of a spicie smell, and like Rosin: the boughes are broader, and thicke set as it were with wings, like those of the Pitch tree and of the Yew tree: on which grow a great number of berries, very round like those of the little Ce∣dars, which at the first are green, but when they be ripe they are of a blackish blew. Out of the root hereof issueth oftentimes a rosin, which being hard is like to that of the Iuniper tree, and doth also crumble in the chewing.

‡ 3 There is another, which differs from the last described onely in that the leaues are smaller and lesse pricking than those of the for∣mer, as also the branches lesser: Lobel calls this Sauina baccata altera. ‡

¶ The Place.

Both of them grow vpon hills in woods, and in other like vntoiled places, as in Candy, My∣sia, and elsewhere. P. Bellonius reporteth that he found them both vpon the tops of the moun∣taines Taurus, Amanus, and Olympus.

The first is planted in our English gardens almost euery where: the second is planted both by the seed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the slip: the slips must be set in a ground that is meanly moist and shadowie, till they haue taken root: the shrubs which grow of these decline toward the one side, retaining still the nature of the bough: but that Sauin which is planted by the seed groweth more vpright; this in continuance of time bringeth forth seeds, and the other for the most part remaines barren: both these grow in my garden.

¶ The Time.

They both continue alwaies greene: the one is found to be loden with ripe fruit commonly in Winter, but it hath fruit at all times; for before the old berries fall, new are come vp.

¶ The Names.

Sauine is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Sabina.

The first is commonly called in the Apothecaries shops by the name Sauina: of diuers, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the Italians and Spaniards keepe the Latine name: it is called in high-Dutch, Siben baum: in low-Dutch, Sauel boom: in French, Sauenier: in English, common Sauine, or garden Sauine.

Some name the other Cupressus Cretica, or Cypres of Candy, as Pliny saith, lib. 12. cap. 17. making mention of a tree called Bruta: some there are that take this to be altera Sabina, or the second 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and to be read Bruta for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Brathu, by altering of the vowels. For it is described by Plin. li. 12. cap. 17. to be like the Cypresse tree, in these words; They seeke in the mountaine Elimaei the tree Bruta, being like to the broad Cypres tree, hauing white boughes, yeelding a sweet smell when it is set on fire; whereof mention is made with a miracle, in the stories of Claudius Caesar. It is repor∣ted that the Parthians do vse the leaues in drinks; that the smell is very like to that of the Cypres tree, and that the smoke thereof is a remedie against other woods. It groweth beyond Pasitigris, neere vnto the towne Sittaca, on mount Zagrus. Thus far Pliny.

The mountaines Elimaei are described by Strabo in the countrey of the Assyrians, next after the mountaine Sagrus aboue the Babylonians; by Ptolomaeus not far from the Persian gulfe: therefore it is hard to say that Bruta is Sabina 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the second Sauine, seeing that so great a distance of the place may vndoubtedly cause a difference, and that it is not largely but briefely described. It 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Thya mentioned by Theophrastus is more like vnto Sauine: but yet forasmuch as Thya is like in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Cypres tree, and not to the fruit or berries of the little Cedars, it is also verie

manifest, that the second Sauine is not Thya, neither Vitae arbor, so called of the later Herbarists: it is likewise named by Lobel, Sabina genuina baccifera, atrocaerulea, that is, the true Sauine that bea∣reth berries of a blackish blew colour.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues of Sauine, which are most vsed in medicine, are hot and dry in the third degree, and of subtill parts, as Galen saith.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues of Sauin boyled in Wine and drunke prouoke vrine, bring downe the menses with [ A] force, draw away the after-birth, expell the dead childe, and kill the quicke: it hath the like ver∣tue receiued vnder in a perfume.

The leaues stamped with honey and applied, cure vlcers, stay spreading and creeping vlcers, [ B] scoure and take away all spots and freckles from the face or body of man or woman.

The leaues boyled in oyle Oliue, and kept therein, kill the wormes in children, if you anoint [ C] their bellies therewith: and the leaues poudered and giuen in milke or Muscadell do the same.

The leaues dried and beate into fine pouder, and strewed vpon those kindes of excrescences sub [ D] praeputio, called Caroles, and such like, gotten by dealing with vncleane women, take them away perfectly, curing and healing them: but if they be inueterate and old, and haue been much tampe∣red withall, it shall be necessarie to adde vnto the same a small quantitie of Auripigmentum in fine pouder, and vse it with discretion, because the force of the medicine is greatly increased thereby and made more corrosiue.

CHAP. 51. Of Tamariske.

[illustration]

1 Tamariscus Narbonensis. French Tamariske.

[illustration]

2 Tamariscus Germanica. Germane Tamariske.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first kinde of Tamariske groweth like a small hedge tree, couered with a reddish barke, hauing many branches set and bedeckt with leaues, much like vnto Heath: among which come forth small mossie white floures declining to purple, which turne into a pappous or downie seed, that flieth away with the winde, as that of Willow doth: the root is wooddie as the roots of other shrubs be, and groweth diuers waies.

2 The Germane Tamariske hath many wooddie branches or shoots rising from the root, with a white bark, hauing his leaues thicker and grosser than the former, and not so finely iagged or cut: The floures are reddish, and larger than the former, growing not vpon foot-stalkes, many thick clu∣stering together, as those of the former, but each a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 distance from another on the tops of the branches spike fashion, and begin to floure below: which do turne into seed, that is likewise carried away with the winde.

¶ The Place.

Tamariske groweth by running streames, and many times by riuers that breake forth, and not seldome about fenny grounds, commonly in a grauelly soile, for it best prospereth in moist and sto∣ny places: it is sound in Germany, Vindelicia, Italy, Spaine, and also in Greece.

The Tamarisks do also grow in Egypt and Syria, as Dioscorides writeth, and likewise in Tylus an Island in Arabia, as Theophrastus noteth: the wood wherof, saith he, is not weak as with vs in Greece, but strong like 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or timber, or any other strong thing: this Tamariske Dioscorides doth call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is to say, tame, or planted; and saith that it bringeth forth fruit very like to Galls, in taste rough and binding.

Petrus Bellonius in his second booke of singularities reporteth, that hee saw in Egypt very high Tamarisks and great like other trees, and that sometimes in moist places by riuers sides and many times also in dry and grauelly grounds where no other trees did grow, which now and then did beare hanging on the boughes such a multitude of Galls, that the inhabitants call Chermasel, as be∣ing ouer loden, they were ready to breake. Both these grow and prosper well in gardens with vs here in England.

¶ The Time.

These trees or shrubs floure in May, and in the later end of August, their seed is carried away with the wind.

¶ The Names.

They are called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and in Latine also Myrica, and Tamarix: in shops, Tamariscus: of Octautus Horatianus, Murica: Dioscorides maketh that which groweth in Greece and Italy to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 orwilde Tamariske: it is named in high Dutch Tamarischen holk, and Pork: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Tamarlschboome: in Italian, Tamarigio: in Spanish, Tamarguira, and Tamariz: in French, Tamaris: in English, Tamariske.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Tamariske hath a clensing and cutting facultie with a manifest drying; it is also somewhat [ A] astringent or binding, and by reason of these qualities it is very good for an hard spleen, being boy∣led with vineger or wine, either the root or leaues, or tender branches, as Galen writeth.

Moreouer Dioscorides teacheth, that the decoction of the leaues made with wine, doth waste the [ B] spleene, and that the same is good against the tooth-ache, if the mouth be washed therewith: that it bringeth downe the Menses, if the patient sit therein; that it killeth lice and nits, if the parts be bathed therewith.

The ashes of burnt Tamariske hath a drying facultie, and greatly scouring withall, and a little [ C] binding.

The floures and downie seed of the greater Tamariske doth greatly binde, insomuch as it com∣meth [ D] very neere to the Gall named Galla Omphacitis, but that the roughnesse of taste is more euident in the Gall; the which floures are of an vnequall temperature, for there is ioined to the nature ther∣of a great thinnesse of parts, and clensing facultie, which the Gall hath not as Galen writeth.

These floures we fitly vse (saith Dioscor.) in stead of Gall, in medicines for the eies and mouth: [ E]

It is good to stanch bloud, and to stay the laske and womens whites, it helpeth the yellow iaun∣dice, [ F] and also cureth those that are bit of the venomous spider called Phalangium; the barke serueth for the same purposes.

The leaues and wood of Tamariske haue great power and vertue against the hardnesse and stop∣ping [ G] of the spleene, especially the leaues being boiled in water, and the decoction drunke, or else 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a small vessell of Ale or Beere, and continually drunke: and if it bee drunke forth of a cup or dish made of the wood or timber of Tamariske, is of greater efficacie.

CHAP. 52. Of Heath, Hather, or Linge.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of Heath, some greater, some lesser; some with broad leaues, and some nar∣rower: some bringing forth berries, and others nothing but floures.

¶ The Description.

1 THe common Heath is a low plant, but yet wooddie and shrubby, scarce a cubit high: it bringeth forth many branches, whereupon do grow sundry little leaues somewhat hard and rough, very like to those of Tamariske, or the Cypresse tree: the floures are orderly placed a∣longst the branches, small, soft, and of a light red colour tending to purple: the root is also wood∣die, and creepeth vnder the vpper crust of the earth: and this is the Heath which the Antients tooke to be the right and true Heath.

[illustration]

1 Erica vulgaris, sive Pumila. Common or dwarfe Heath.

[illustration]

‡ Erica vulgaris hirsuta. Rough leaued Heath.

There is another Heath which differeth not from the precedent, sauing that this plant bringeth forth floures as white as snow, wherein consisteth the difference: wherefore we may call it Erica pumila alba, Dwarfe Heath with white floures.

2 The great Heath, (which Carolus Clusius at his being in England found in the barren grounds about Windsor, which in his Spanish trauels he maketh the first kinde): groweth to the height of two cubits, seldome higher, full of branches, couered with a blackish barke: whereon are set in very good order by couples, small, rough, square leaues finer than those of Tamariske or Cypresse. The floures inclose the little twiggie branches round about at certaine distances, from the lower part to the top fashioned like little bottles, consisting of foure parts, of a shining purple colour, very beau∣tifull to behold, and the rather to be esteemed because it floureth twise in the yeare: the root is like∣wise wooddie.

[illustration]

† 1.17 3 Erica maior flore albo 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The great Heath with white floures.

[illustration]

4 Erica maior flore purpureo. Great Heath with purple floures.

[illustration]

† 1.18 5 Erica cruciata. Crossed Heath.

[illustration]

6 Erica Pyramidalis. Steeple Heath.

‡ 3 This, saith Clusius, which is the largest that I haue seene, sometimes excceeds the height of a man, very shrubby, hauing a hard and blackish red wood: the leaues are small and short, grow∣ing about the branches by foures, of a very a stringent taste: it hath plentiful store of floures grow∣ing all alongst the branches, so that somtimes the larger branches haue floures for a foot in length: this floure is hollow and longish, well smelling, white and beautifull. It growes betweene Lisbone and the Vniuersity of Conimbrica in Portugal where it floures in Nouember, December, and Ianu∣arie. ‡

† 1.19 4 Of this kind there is another sort with whitish purple floures, more frequently found than the other sort, which floures are somwhat greater than the former, but in forme like, and flouring at the same time. ‡ The leaues also are hairy, and grow commonly by foures: the hollow floures grow clustering together at the very tops of the branches, and are to be found in Iuly and Au∣gust; it growes on diuers heathy places of this kingdome. ‡

5 Crossed Heath groweth to the height of a cubit and a halfe, full of branches, commonly lying along vpon the ground, of a swart darke colour: whereon do grow small leaues, set at certaine spaces by two vpon one side, and two on the other, opposite, one answering another, euen as doe the leaues of Crosse-wort. The floures in like manner stand alongst the branches Crosse fashion, of a darke ouerworne greenish colour. The root is likewise wooddy, as is all the rest of the plant.

6 This Steeple Heath hath likewise many wooddy braunches, garnished with small leaues which easily fall off from the dryed stalks; among which come forth diuers little mossie greenish floures of small moment. The whole bush for the most part groweth round together like a little cocke of hay, broad at the lower part, and sharp aboue like a Pyramide or steeple, whereof it tooke his name.

[illustration]

7 Erica tenuifolia. Small leafed Heath.

[illustration]

8 Erica tenuifolia caliculata. Challice Heath.

7 This small or thinne leafed Heath is also a low and base shrub, hauing many small and slen∣der shoots comming from the root, of a reddish browne colour; whereupon doe grow verie manie small leaues, not vnlike to them of common Time, but much smaller and tenderer: the floures grow in tufts at certaine spaces, of a purple colour. The root is long and of a wooddie substance. ‡ The branches of this are commonly whitish, the leaues very green: the floures are smallest at both ends and biggest in the middest, hollow, and of a faire purple colour, which doth not easily decay: it

floures most part of Summer, and growes in many Heathie grounds. ‡

8 Challice Heath hath also many wooddy branches growing from the roots, slender, of a red∣dish browne colour, a foot and a halfe high, garnished with very little leaues, lesser than those of Time: the floures grow on the tops and vpper parts of the branches, and be in number, fiue, six or moe, hanging downewards, in fashion long, hollow within like a little tunnell or open cup or chal∣lice, of a light purplish colour: the root creepeth and putteth forth in diuers places new springs or shoots.

9 The Heath that bringeth forth berries hath many weake and slender branches of a reddish colour, which trailing vpon the ground do take hold 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in sundry places, whereby it mightily increaseth: the leaues are somewhat broad, of a thicke and fleshie substance, in taste somthing dry∣ing at the first, but afterwards somewhat sharpe and biting the tongue: among which come forth small floures of an herbie colour: which being vaded there succeed small round berries, that at the first are greene, and afterward blacke, being as big as those of Iuniper; wherein is contained purple iuice like that of the Mulberry: within those berries are contained also small three cornered grains: the root is hard, and of a wooddy substance. ‡ I found this growing in great plenty in Yorkshire on the tops of the hills by Gisbrough, between it and Rosemary-topin (a round hill so called) and some of the people thereabouts told me they called the fruit Crake berries. This is the same that Mat∣thiolus calls Erica Baccifera: and it is the Erica Coris folio 11. of Clusius. ‡.

[illustration]

‡ 9 Erica baccifera procumbens. Heath bearing Berries.

[illustration]

10 Erica baccifera tenuifolia. Small leafed Heath with Berries.

‡ 10 This which our Authour figured as you seee in the tenth place (putting the description of the former thereto) hath brittle branches growing some cubit high, couered with a barke blacker than the rest: the leaues are like those of the former, but blacker and smaller, growing about the stalks by threes, of a hottish taste with some astriction. In September and October it carries a fruit on the tops of the branches different from the rest, for it is very beautifull, white, transparent, resem∣bling dusky and vneuen pearles in forme and colour, succulent also, and of an acide taste, commonly containing three little seeds in each berry: in Nouember this fruit becomes dry, and falls away of it selfe. Clusius onely obserued this in Portugall, and at the first sight a far off tooke the white ber∣ries to haue been graines of Manna. He calls it Erica Coris folio. 10.

11 I remember (saith Dodonaeus) that I obserued another Heath which grew low; yet sent forth

[illustration]

‡ 11 Erica pumila, 3. Dod. Dodonaeus his Dwarfe Heath.

[illustration]

‡ 12 Erica ternis per intervalla ramis. Heath with three branches at a ioint.

[illustration]

‡ 13 Erica perigrina Lobelij. Lobels strange Heath.

[illustration]

‡ 14 Erica Coris folio 7. Clusij: Creeping Dutch Heath.

[illustration]

‡ 15 Erica Coris folio. 9. Clusij. Small Austrian Heath.

many wooddy and twiggy branches, hauing vpon them little narrow and longish leaues; on these stalkes spike fashion to the tops of them, yet but on one side, grow elegant redde floures, pointed with blacke. This growes in that tract of Ger∣many which leads from Bohemia to Noremberg on dry and vntilled places, and neere woods. It floures in Aprill.

12 This shrubby Heath is commonly some cubit high, hauing slender branches which come out of the maine stemmes commonly three toge∣ther; and the leaues also grow in the same order; the tops of the branches are adorned with many floures of a darke purple colour, hollow, round, biggest below, and standing vpon long foot stalks. Clusius found this growing in the vntilled places of Portingale aboue Lisbone, where it floured in December; he calls it Erica 〈◊〉〈◊〉 folio, 5.

13 Besides all these (saith Lobel, hauing first treated of diuers plants of this kinde) there is a certaine rarer species growing like the rest after the manner of a shrub in pots, in the Garden of M^r. Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the leafe is long, and the purple floures, which as far as I remember consisted of foure little leaues apiece, grow on the tops of the branches. I know not whence it was brought, and therfore for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rarity I call it Erica peregrina, that is, Strange, or Forreine Heath.

14 This hath many round blackish purple branches some foot or cubit high, lying oft times along vpon the ground: these are beset with ma∣ny narrow little leaues, almost like those of the third described, yet somewhat longer, commonly growing foure, yet sometimes fiue together, of an astringent taste; the little floures grow on the top of the branches, longish, hollow, and of a light purple colour, comming out of foure little leaues almost of the same colour; when these are ripe and dryed they containe a blackish and small seed; the root is hard, wooddy, and runnes diuers waies; the weake branches also that lie vpon the ground now and then take root againe. Clusius found this growing plentifully in diuers mountanous places of Germany where it floured in Iune, and Iuly.

15 The weake stalkes of this are some foot high, which are set with many small greene leaues growing commonly together by threes; the tops of the branches are deckt with little hollow and longish floures diuided at their ends into foure parts, of a flesh colour, together 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the foure lit∣tle leaues out of which they grow, hauing eight blackish little threds in them, with a purplish pointall in the middle. The seed is blacke and small; the root wooddy as in other plants of this kinde. Clusius found this in some mountanous woods of Austria, where it floured in Aprill and May. ‡

¶ The Place.

Heath groweth vpon dry mountaines which are hungry and barren, as vpon Hampsteed Heath neere London, where all the sorts do grow, except that with the white floures, and that which bea∣reth berries. ‡ There are not aboue three or foure sorts that I could euer obserue to grow there. ‡

Heath with the white floures groweth vpon the downes neere vnto Grauesend.

Heath which beareth berries groweth in the North parts of England, namely, at a place called Crosby Rauenswaith, and in Crag close also in the same countrey: from whence I haue receiued the red berries by the gift of a learned Gentleman called M^r. Iames Thwaites.

¶ The Time.

These kindes or sorts of Heath do for the most part 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all the Sommer, euen vntill the last of September.

¶ The Names.

Heath is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine also Erica: diuers do falsly name it Myrica: in high and low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Erica: in Spanish, Breso Quirro: in French, Bruyre: in English, Heath, Hather, and Linge.

¶ The Temperature.

Heath hath, as Galen saith, a digesting facultie, consuming by vapors: the floures and leaues are to be vsed.

¶ The Vertues..

The tender tops and floures, saith Dioscorides, are good to be laid vpon the bitings and stingings [ A] of any venomous beast: of these floures the Bees do gather bad hony.

The barke and leaues of Heath may be vsed for, and in the same causes that Tamariske is vsed. [ B]

CHAP. 53. Of Heath of Ierico.

[illustration]

1 Rosa Hiericontea maior. The Heath Rose of Ierico.

¶ The Description.

1 THis kinde of Heath which of the la∣ter writers hath been called by the name Rosa Hiericontea; the coiner spoiled the name in the mint, for of all plants that haue bin written of, there is not any more vnlike vnto the Rose, or any kinde thereof than this plant: what moued them thereto I know not: but thus much of my owne knowledge, it hath neither shape, nature, nor facultie agreeing with any Rose; the which doubtlesse is a kinde of Heath, as the barren soile, and that among Heath, doth eui∣dently shew, as also the Heathie matter where∣with the whole plant is possessed, agreeing with the kindes of Heath in very notable points. It riseth vp out of the ground, of the height of four inches, or an hand breadth, compact or made of sundry hard stickes, (which are the stalkes) clasping or shutting it selfe together into a round forme, intricately weauing it selfe one sticke ouerthwart another, like a little net: vpon which wooddy stickes do grow leaus not vnlike to those of the Oliue tree, which maketh the whole plant of a round forme, and hollow with∣in; among the leaues on the inside grow small mossie floures, of a whitish herbie colour, which

[illustration]

2 Rosa Hiericontea siccata. The Heath Rose of Ierico dried.

turn into little seed, like the seed of Rocket, but lesser: the whole plant is of the substance of heath, and wooddie.

2 The second figure setteth forth the dried plant, as it is brought vnto vs from beyond the seas; which being set into a dish of warme water, for halfe an houre, openeth it selfe in forme, as when it did grow, and taken forth vntill it be drie, returneth shut vp againe as before.

¶ The Place.

It groweth in the barren grounds of France, and other hot regions, among the Heath and such like plants: it is a stranger in England, yet dried we haue them in great plenty. ‡ I haue not read nor heard that this grows wilde in France; but Bellonius saith it growes in Arabia deserta: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith it easily grew and flourished many yeares in his garden at Basill. ‡

¶ The Time.

The seed being sowne in our cold climate, is sowne in Aprill; it perisheth when it is sprung vp, and bringeth neither floures nor seed.

¶ The Names.

This kinde of Heath is called Rosa 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or de Hiericho, the Rose of Ierico: of some, the Rose of Ierusalem, and also Rosa 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, the Heath Rose.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

There is not any of the antient nor later writers that haue set downe any certaintie of this plant [ A] as touching the temperature and faculties, but onely a bare picture with a slender description.

CHAP. 54. Of the Chaste Tree.

[illustration]

1 Vitex, sive Agnus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Chaste tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Vitex latiore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 folio. Chaste tree with cut leaues.

¶ The Description.

1 VItex, or the Cháste tree, groweth after the manner of a bushie shrub or hedge tree, ha∣uing many twiggie branches, very pliant and easie to be bent without breaking, like to the willow: the leaues are for the most part diuided into fiue or seuen sections or di∣uisions, much like the leaues of Hemp, whereof each part is long and narrow, very like vnto the wil∣low leafe, but smaller: the floures do grow at the vppermost parts of the branches, like vnto spikie eares, clustering together about the branches, of a light purple or blew colour, and very sweet smel: the fruit is small and round, like vnto the graines or cornes of pepper.

‡ 2 Lobel mentions another varietie hereof that differs from the former onely in that it hath broader leaues, and these also snipt about the edges. ‡

¶ The Place.

Vitex groweth naturally in Italy, and other hot regions, by water courses and running streames: I haue it growing in my garden.

¶ The Time.

Vitex beginneth to recouer his last leaues in May, and the floures come forth in August.

¶ The Names.

† The Grecians call this shrub 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Agnos (i.) 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Chaste: because, saith Pliny in his 24. booke, 9. Chapter, the Athenian Matrons in their feast called Thesmophoria dedicated to the ho∣nour of Ceres, desirous to keepe themselues chaste, doe lay the leaues in their beds vnder them: the Latines name it Vitex, and of diuers it is termed, as wee finde among the bastard and counterfeit names, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Salix marina, or Salix Amerina, and Piper Agreste: in high Dutch, Schaff∣mulle, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, and also of the Apothecaries, Agnus Castus: the Italians, Vitice, Agno Casto: in Spanish, Gattile casto: in English, Chaste tree, Hempe tree, and of diuers Agnus castus.

‡ The name Agnus Castus comes by confounding the Greeke name Agnos with Castus, the Latine interpretation thereof. ‡

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues and fruit of Agnus castus are hot and drie in the third degree: they are of very thin parts, and waste or consume winde.

The Vertues.

Agnus Castus is a singular medicine and remedie for such as would willingly liue chaste, for it [ A] withstandeth all vncleannesse, or desire to the flesh, consuming and drying vp the seed of generati∣on, in what sort soeuer it be taken, whether in pouder onely, or the decoction drunke, or whether the leaues be carried about the body; for which cause it was called Castus; that is to say, chaste, cleane, and pure.

The seed of Agnus Castus drunken, driueth away, and dissolueth all windinesse of the stomacke, [ B] openeth and cureth the stoppings of the liuer and spleen; and in the beginning of dropsies, it is good to be drunke in wine in the quantitie of a dram.

The leaues stamped with butter, dissolue and asswage the swellings of the genitories and cods, [ C] being applied thereto.

The decoction of the herbe and seed is good against pain and inflammations about the matrix, [ D] if women be caused to sit and bathe their priuy parts therein: the seed being drunke with Penny∣roiall bringeth downe the menses, as it doth also both in a fume and in a pessary: in a Pultis it cu∣reth the head-ache, the Phrenticke, and those that haue the Lethargie are woont to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here∣with, oile and vineger being added thereto.

The leaues vsed in a fume, and also strowed, driue away serpents; and beeing layed on doe cure [ E] their bitings.

The seed laied on with water doth heale the clifts or rifts of the fundament; with the leaues, it is [ F] a remedie for lims out of ioint, and for wounds.

It is reported that if such as iourney or trauell do carry with them a branch or rod of Agnus Ca∣stus [ G] in their hand, it will keep them from Merry-galls, and wearinesse: Diosc.

CHAP. 55. Of the Willow Tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe common Willow is an high tree, with a body of a meane thicknesse, and riseth vp as high as other trees doe if it be not topped in the beginning, soone after it is planted; the

barke thereof is smooth, tough, and flexible: the wood is white, tough, and hard to be broken: the leaues are long, lesser and narrower than those of the Peach tree, somewhat greene on the vpper side and slipperie, and on the nether side softer and whiter: the boughes be couered either with a pur∣ple, or else with a white barke: the catkins which grow on the toppes of the branches come first of all forth, being long and mossie, and quickly turne into white and soft downe, that is carried away with the winde.

[illustration]

1 Salix. The common Willow.

[illustration]

2 Salix aquatica. The Oziar or water Willow.

2 The lesser bringeth forth of the head, which standeth somewhat out, slender wands or twigs, with a reddish or greene barke, good to make baskets and such like workes of: it is planted by the twigs or rods being thrust into the earth, the vpper part whereof when they are growne vp, is cut off, so that which is called the head increaseth vnder them, from whence the slender twigs doe grow, which being oftentimes cut, the head waxeth greater: many times also the long rods or wands of the higher Withy trees be lopped off and thrust into the ground for plants, but deeper, and aboue mans height: of which do grow great rods, profitable for many things, and commonly for bands, wherewith tubs and casks are bound.

3 The Sallow tree or Goats Willow, groweth to a tree of a meane bignesse: the trunke or bo∣dy is soft and hollow timber, couered with a whitish rough barke: the branches are set with leaues somewhat rough, greene aboue, and hoarie vnderneath: among which come forth round catkins, or aglets that turne into downe, which is carried away with the winde.

4 This other Sallow tree differeth not from the precedent, but in this one point, that is to say, the leaues are greater and longer, and euery part of the tree larger, wherein is the difference. ‡ Both those last described haue little roundish leaues like little eares growing at the bottoms of the foot∣stalkes of the bigger leaues, whereby they may bee distinguished from all other Plants of this kinde. ‡

5 The Rose Willow groweth vp likewise to the height and bignesse of a shrubby tree; the bo∣dy whereof is couered with a scabbed rough barke: the branches are many, whereupon do grow ve∣ry many twigs of a reddish colour, garnished with small long leaues, somewhat whitish: amongst which come forth little floures, or rather a multiplication of leaues, ioined together in forme of a

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

[illustration]

3 Salix Caprearotundi folia. The Goat round leafed Willow.

[illustration]

4 Salix Caprea latifolia. The Goat broad leafed Sallow.

[illustration]

5 Salix Rosea Anglica. The English Rose Willow.

Rose, of a greenish white colour, which doe not only make a gallant shew, but also yeeld a most cooling aire in the heat of Sommer, being set vp in houses, for the decking of the same.

6 The low or base Willow groweth but low, & leaneth weakly vpon the ground, hauing many small and narrow leaues, set vpon limber and pliant branches, of a darke or blackish greene colour: amongst which comeforth long slender stems full of mossie floures, which turne into a light downie substance that flieth away with the winde.

7 The dwarfe Willow hath very small and slender branches, seldome times aboue a foot, but neuer a cubit high, couered with a duskish barke, with very little and narrow leaues, of a greene colour aboue, and on the vpper side, but vnderneath of a hory or ouer∣worne greenish colour, in bignesse and fa∣shion of the leaues of garden Flax: among which come forth little duskish floures, which doe turne into downe that is carried away with the winde: the root is small and threddy, of the bignesse of a finger, and of a blackish colour.

8 There is another kinde of willow like to the former, and differeth from it in that, the leaues of this kinde are smaller and nar∣rower, as big as the leaues of Myrtle, hauing small knobbie floures of a duskish co∣lour,

[illustration]

6 Salix humilis. The low Willow.

[illustration]

7 Chamaeitea, siue Salix pumila. Thedwarfe Willow.

[illustration]

‡ 8 Salix humilis repens. Creeping dwarfe Willow.

which turne into downe that flyeth away with the winde: the root is small and limber, not growing deep, but running along vpon the vpper crust of the earth.

¶ The Place.

These Willowes grow in diuers places of England: the Rose-Willow groweth plen∣tifully in Cambridge shire, by the riuers and ditches there in Cambridge towne they grow aboundantly about the places called Paradise and Hell-mouth, in the way from Cambridge to Grandchester: I found the dwarfe Willowes growing neere to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or marish ground at the further end of Hamp∣sted heath vpon the declining of the hill, in the ditch that incloseth a small Cottage there, not halfe a furlong from the said house or cottage.

¶ The Time.

The willowes do floure at the beginning of the Spring.

¶ The Names.

The Willow tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Salix: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Durch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Salcio: in French, Saux: in Spanish, Salguei∣ro, Salzer, and Sauz: in English, Sallow, Wi∣thie, and Willow.

The greater is called in Latine Salix perticalis, common Withy, Willow, and Sallow, especial∣ly that which being often lopped sendeth out from one head many boughs: the kinde hereof with the red barke is called of Theophrastus, blacke Withy; and the other, white: Pliny calleth the black Graeca, or Greeke Withie (the red, being the Greeke Withy, saith he, is easie to be cleft) and the whiter, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Theophrastus writeth, that the Arcadians do call the lesser 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pliny also nameth this Helice: both of them do make this to be Salicis tertia species, the third kinde of Sallow: the same is likewise called in Latine, Salix pumila, Salix viminalis, Gallica Salix; and by Columella, Sabina, which he saith that many do terme Amerina: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Osier, small Withy, Twig Withy: Petrus Crescentius nameth it Vincus.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues, floures, seed, and barke of Willowes are cold and dry in the second degree, and a∣stringent.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues and barke of Withy or Willowes do stay the spitting of bloud, and all other fluxes [ A] of bloud whatsoeuer in man or woman, if the said leaues and barke be boiled in wine and drunke.

The greene boughes with the leaues may very well be brought into chambers and set about the [ B] beds of those that be sicke of feuers, for they do mightily coole the heate of the aire, which thing is a wonderfull refreshing to the sicke Patients.

The barke hath like vertues: Dioscorides writeth, that this being burnt to ashes, and steeped in [ C] vineger, takes away cornes and other like risings in the feet and toes: diuers, saith Galen, doe slit the barke whilest the Withy is in flouring, and gather a certain iuice, with which they vse to take away things that hinder the sight, and this is when they are constrained to vse a clensing medicine of thin and subtill parts.

CHAP. 56. Of the Oliue Tree.

[illustration]

1 Oleasativa. The manured Oliue tree.

[illustration]

2 Oleasyluestris. The wilde Oliue tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe tame or manured Oliue tree groweth high and great with many branches, full of long narrow leaues not much vnlike the leaues of Willowes, but narrower and smaller: the floures be white and very small, growing vpon clusters or bunches: the fruit is long and round, wherein is an hard stone: from which fruit is pressed that liquor which we call oyle Oliue.

2 The wilde Oliue is like vnto the tame or garden Oliue tree, sauing that the leaues are some∣thing smaller: among which sometimes do grow many prickely thornes: the fruit hereof is lesser than of the sormer, and moe in number, which do seldome come to maturitie or ripenes in somuch that the oile which is made of those berries continueth euer green, and is called Oile Omphacine, or oile of vnripe Oliues.

¶ The Place.

Both the tame and the wilde Oliue trees grow in very many places of Italy, France, and Spaine, and also in the Islands adioyning: they are reported to loue the sea coasts; for most do thinke, as Columella writeth, that aboue sixty miles from the sea they either dy, or else bring forth no fruit: but the best, and they that do yeeld the most pleasant Oyle are those that grow in the Island called Candy.

¶ The Time.

All the Oliue trees floure in the moneth of Iune: the fruit is gathered in Nouember or Decem∣ber: when they be a little dried and begin to wrinckle they are put into the presse, and out of them is sqeezed oile, with water added in the pressing: the Oliues which are to be preserued in salt and pickle must be gathered before they be ripe, and whilest they are greene.

¶ The Names.

The tame or garden Oliue tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Oleasatiua, and Vrbana: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Oliuo domestico: in French, Oliuier: in Spanish, Oliuo, and Oliuera: in English, Oliue tree.

The berry is called Oliua: in Greeke also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Spanish, Azcytuna: in French, Dutch, and English, Oliue.

Oliues preserued in brine or pickle are called Colymbades.

Thewilde Oliue tree is named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Oleasyluestris, Oleaster, Cotinus, Olea Aethiopica: in Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Oliuosaluatico: in Spanish, Azcbuche, Azambul∣heyro: in French, Oliuier sauuage: in English, wilde Oliue tree.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The Oliues which be so ripe as that either they fall off themselues, or be ready to fall, which are [ A] named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, be moderatly hot and moist, yet being eaten they yeeld to the body little nourishment.

The vnripe oliues are dry and binding. [ B]

Those that are preserued in pickle, called Colymbades, do dry vp the ouermuch moisture of the [ C] stomacke, they remoue the loathing of meate, stirre vp an appetite; but there is no nourishment at all that is to be looked for in them, much lesse good nourishment.

The branches, leaues, and tender buds of the Oliue tree do coole, dry, and binde, and especial∣ly [ D] of the wilde Oliue; for they be of greater force than those of the tame: therefore by reason they be milder they are better for eye medicines, which haue need of binding things to be mixed with them.

The same do stay S. Anthonies fire, the shingles, epinyctides, night wheales, carbuncles, and ea∣ting [ E] vlcers: being laid on with honey they take away eschares, clense foule and filthy vlcers, and quench the heate of hot swellings, and be good for kernels in the flanke: they heale & skin wounds in the head, and being chewed they are a remedie for vlcers in the mouth.

The iuyce and decoction also are of the same effect: moreouer, the iuice doth stay all maner of [ F] bleedings, and also the whites.

The iuice is pressed forth of the stamped leaues, with wine added thereto (which is better) or [ G] with water, and being dried in the Sun it is made vp into little cakes like perfumes.

The sweat or oyle which issueth forth of the wood whilest it is in burning healeth tetters, scurfs [ H] and scabs, if they be anointed therewith.

The same which is pressed forth of the vnripe Oliues is as cold as it is binding. [ I]

The old oile which is made of sweet and ripe Oliues, being kept long, doth withall become hot∣ter, [ K] and is of greater force to digest or waste away; and that oile which was made of the vnripe O∣liue, being old, doth as yet retaine some part of his former 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and is of a mixt faculty, that is to say, partly binding, and partly digesting; for it hath got this digesting or consuming faculty by age, and the other propertie of binding of his owne nature.

The oile of ripe Oliues mollifieth and asswageth paine, dissolueth tumors or swellings, is good [ L] for the stiffenesse of the ioints, and against cramps, especially being mingled according to art, with good and wholesome herbes appropriate vnto those diseases and griefes, as Hypericon, Cammomill, Dill, Lillies, Roses, and many others, which do sortifie and increase his vertues.

The oile of vnripe Oliues, called Omphacinum Oleum, doth stay, represse, and driue away the be∣ginning [ M] of tumors and inflammations, cooling the heate of burning vlcers and exulcerations.

CHAP. 57. Of Priuet or Prim Print.

[illustration]

Ligustrum. Priuet, or Prim Print.

¶ The Description.

PRiuet is a shrub growing like a hedge tree, the branches and twigs wherofbe straight, and couered with soft glistring leaues of a deepe green colour, like those of Peruincle, but yet longer, greater also than the leaues of the Oliue tree: the floures be white, sweet of smell, very little, growing in clusters; which being vaded there succeed clusters of berries, at the first greene, and when they be ripe blacke like a little cluster of grapes, which yeeld a purple iuice: the root groweth euery way aslope.

¶ The Place.

The common Priuet groweth naturally in enery wood, and in the hedge rowes of our Lon∣don gardens: it is not found in the countrey of Polonia and other parts adiacent.

¶ The Time.

It sloureth in the end of May, or in Iune: the berries are ripe in Autumne or about Winter, which now and then continue all the Winter long; but in the meane time the leaues fall a∣way, and in the Spring new come vp in their places.

¶ The Names.

It is called in Latine, Ligustrum: in Italian at this day, Guistrico, by a corrupt word drawne from Ligustrum: it is the Grecians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and in no wise 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: for Cyprus is a shrub that grow∣eth naturally in the East, and Priuet in the West. They be very like one vnto another, as the descriptions doe declare, but yet in this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 differ, as witnesseth Bellonius, because the leaues of Priuet do fall away in winter, and the leaues of Cyprus are alwaies greene: moreouer, the leaues of Cyprus do make the haire red, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith, and (as Bellonius reporteth) do giue a yellow colour: but the leaues of Priuet haue no vse at all in dying. And therefore Pliny, lib. 24. cap. 10. was deceiued, in that he iudged Priuet to be the selfe same tree which Cyprus is in the East: which thing notwithstanding he did not write as hee himselfe thought, but as other men suppose; for, lib. 12. cap. 14. he writeth thus: Some (saith he) affirme this, viz. Cyprus, to be that tree which is called in Italy, Ligustrum; and that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Priuet is that plant which the Grecians call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the description doth declare.

Phillyria, saith Dioscorides, is a tree like in bignesse to Cyprus, with leaues blacker and broader than those of the Oliue tree: it hath fruit like to that of the Mastick tree, blacke, something sweet, standing in clusters, and such a tree for all the world is Priuet, as we haue before declared.

Serapio the Arabian, cap. 44. doth call Priuet Mahaleb. There is also another Mahaleh, which is a graine or seed of which Auicen maketh mention, cap. 478. that it doth by his warme and comforta∣ble heate dissolue and asswage paine. Serapio seemeth to intreat of them both, and to containe di∣uers of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnder the title of one chapter: it is named in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Tro∣esne: in English, Priuet, Primprint, and Print.

Some there be that would haue the berries to be called Vaccinia, and Vaccinium to be that of which Vitruvius hath made mention in his seuenth booke of Architecture or the art of building, chap. 14. of purple colours: after the same manner, saith he, they temper Vaccinium, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 milke vnto it do make a gallant purple: in such breuitie of the old writers what can be certainely determined.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues and fruit of Priuet are cold, dry, and astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues of Priuet do cure the swellings, apostumations, and vlcers of the mouth or throat, [ A] being gargarised with the iuyce or decoction thereof, and therefore they be excellent good to be put into lotions, to wash the secret parts, and the scaldings with women, cankers and sores in chil∣drens mouthes.

CHAP. 58. Of Mocke-Priuet.

[illustration]

1 Phillyrea angustifolia. Narrow leaued Mock-Priuet.

[illustration]

2 Phillyrea latiore folio. The broader leaued Mock-Priuet.

¶ The Description.

1 CYprus is a kinde of Priuet, and is called Phillyrea, which name all the sorts or kindes thereof do retaine, though for distinctions sake they passe vnder sundry titles. This plant groweth like an hedge tree, sometimes as big as a Pomegranat tree, beset with slender twiggy boughes which are garnished with leaues growing by couples, very like the leaues of the Oliue tree, but broader, softer, and of a greene colour: from the bosomes of these leaues come forth great bunches of small white floures, of a pleasant sweet smell: which being vaded, there succeed clusters of blacke berries very like the berries of the Alder tree.

2 The second Cyprus, called also Phillyrealatifolia, is very like the former in body, branches,

[illustration]

3 Phillyrea serrata 2. Clusij. The second toothed Priuet of Clusius.

leaues, floures, and fruit; and the difference is this, that the leaues of this plant are broa∣der, but in facultie they are like.

3 This kinde of Priuet riseth vp like an hedge bush, of the height of fiue or six cu∣bits: the branches are long, fragile or brittle, couered with a whitish barke; whereon are set leaues somwhat broad, iagged on the ed∣ges like the teeth of a saw, and of a deep green colour: among which come forth the floures, which neither my Author nor my selfe haue seene: the berries grow vpon small foot∣stalks, for the most part three together, being round, and of the bignesse of pepper graines, or Myrtle berries, of a blacke colour when they be ripe.

¶ The Place.

These plants do grow in Syria neere the city Ascalon, and were found by our industri∣ous Pena in the mountaines neere Narbone and Montpelier in France: the which I plan∣ted in the garden at Barn-Elmes neere Lon∣don, belonging to the right Honourable the Earle of Essex: I haue them growing in my garden likewise.

¶ The Time.

The leaues shoot forth in the first of the Spring: the floures shew themselues in May and Iune: the fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

This Priuet is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and in Latine also Cyprus; and may be named in English, Easterlin Priuet, and Mocke-Priuet, for the reason following: they are deceiued who taking Pliny for their Author, do thinke that it is Ligustrum, or our Westerne Priuet, as wee haue shewed in the former chap. it is the Arabians Alcanna, or Henne: and it is also called of the Turks Henne euen at this present time.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues of these kindes of Priuet haue a binding qualitie, as Dioscorides writeth.

¶ The Vertues.

Being chewed in the mouth they heale the vlcers thereof, and are a remedie against inflamma∣tions [ A] or hot swellings.

The decoction thereof is good against burnings and scaldings. [ B]

The same being stamped and steeped in the iuice of Mullen and laid on, do make the haire red, [ C] as Dioscorides noteth. Bellonius writeth, that not only the haire, but also the nether parts of mans body and nailes likewise are coloured and died herewith, which is counted an ornament among the Turks.

The floures being moistned in vineger and applied to the temples asswageth head-ache. [ D]

There is also made of these an oile called Olcum Cyprinum, sweet of smell, and good to heate and [ E] supple the sinewes.

CHAP. 59. Of bastard Priuet.

¶ The Description.

1 THis shrubby tree, called Macaleb, or Mahaleb, is also one of the Priuets: it riseth vp like vnto a small hedge tree, not vnlike vnto the Damson or Bullesse tree, hauing many vp∣right stalks and spreading branches: whereon do grow leaues not vnlike those of the Phillyrea of Clusius description: amongst which come forth mossie floures of a white colour, and of a perfect

sweet smell, growing in clusters, many hanging vpon one 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which the Grauer hath omitted: after which come the berries, greene at the first, and blacke when they be ripe, with a little hard stone within, in which lieth a kernell.

2 Gesner and Matthiolus haue set sorth another Macaleb, being also another bastard Priuet. It groweth to a small hedge tree, hauing many greene branches set with round leaues like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Elme tree, somwhat snipt about the edges: the floures are like those of the precedent: The fruit, or rather the kernell thereof, is as hard as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Corall, somewhat round, and of a shi∣ning blacke colour; which the cunning French Perfumers do bore thorow, making thereof brace∣lets, chaines, and such like trifling toyes, which they send into England, smeared ouer with some odde sweet compound or other, and they are here sold vnto our curious Ladies and Gentlewomen for rare and strange Pomanders, for great summes of money.

[illustration]

1 Phillyrea arbor, verior Macaleb. Bastard Priuet.

[illustration]

2 Macaleb Gesueri. Corall Priuet.

¶ The Place.

These trees grow in diuers places of France, as about Tholouse, and sundry other places: they are strangers in England.

¶ The Time.

The floures bud forth in the Spring: the fruit is ripe in Nouember and December.

¶ The Names.

This bastard Priuet is that tree which diuers suspect to be that Mahaleb or Macaleb of which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 writeth, cap. 478. and which also Serapio speaketh of out of Mesue: but it is an hard thing to affirme any certaintie thereby, seeing that Auicen hath described it without markes: notwithstan∣ding this is taken to be the same of most writers, and those of the best: we may call it in English, bastard Priuet, or Corall, or Pomander Priuet, being without doubt a kinde thereof.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Concerning this bastard Priuet we haue learned as yet no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof in Physicke. The kernels [ A] which are found in the stones or fruit, as they be like in taste to those of Cherries, so be they also answerable to them in temperature; for they are of a te 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heate, and do gently prouoke vrine, and be therefore good for the stone: more we haue not to write than hath beene spoken in the de∣scription.

CHAP. 60. Of the fruitlesse Priuet.

¶ The Description.

1 THis shrubby bush, called of Pliny and Carolus Clusius, Alaternus, groweth vp to a small hedge tree, in forme like vnto a bastard Priuet; but the leaues are more like those of Ilex, or the French Oke, yet stiffer and rounder than those of Macaleb: amongst which come forth tufts of greenish yellow floures like those of the Lentiske tree: vnder and among the leaues come forth the berries, like those of Laurus Tinus, in which are contained two kernels like to the Acines or stones of the Grape.

[illustration]

1 Alaternus Plinij. Fruitlesse Priuet.

[illustration]

2 Alaternus humilior. The lower fruitlesse Priuet.

2 The second kinde of Alaternus is likewise a fruitlesse kinde of Priuet, hauing narrow leaues somewhat snipt about the edges: from the bosomes whereof come forth small herby coloured floures; which being vaded, there succeedeth the fruit, whereof Auicen speaketh, calling it by the name Fagaras, being a fruit in bignesse and forme like those in shops called Cocculus-indi, and may be the same for any thing that hath been written to the contrarie. This fruit hangeth as it were in a darke ash-coloured skin or huske, which incloseth a slender stiffe shell like the shell of a nut, co∣uered with a thin or blacke filme, whether it be the fruit of this plant it is not censured; notwith∣standing you shall finde the figure hereof among the Indian fruits, by the name Fagaras.

‡ This hath shorter branches and rounder leaues than the former: the floures are larger and greener; to which succeed fruit clustering together, first greene, then red, and afterwards blacke, and consisting of three kernells: it floures in Februarie and the beginning of March, and growes in sundry places of Spaine. The fruit of this is not the Fagaras, neither doth the Fagaras mentioned by our Author any way agree with the Cocculus Indi of the shops, as shall be shewed hereafter in their fitplces. ‡

¶ The Place.

These plants do grow in the shadowie woods of France, and are strangers in England.

¶ The Time.

The time answereth the rest of the Priuets.

¶ The Names.

Alaternus of Pliny is the same Phillyrea which Theophrastus hath written of by the name 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Bellonius also, lib. 1. cap. 42. of his Singularities, and the people of Candy call it Elaeprinon: the Por∣tugals, Casca: in French, Dalader, and Sangin blanc: in English, barren or fruitlesse Priuet: not∣withstanding some haue thought it to beare fruit, which at this day is called Fagaras: with vs, Coc∣culus-Indi, as we haue said. ‡ I can by no meanes approue of the English name here giuen by our Author; but iudge the name of Euer-greene Priuet, (giuen it by M^r. Parkinson) to be much more fitting to the thing. ‡

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Whether the plant be vsed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 medicine I cannot as yet learne: the fishermen of Portugall do [ A] vse to seethe the barke thereof in water, with the which decoction they colour their nets of a red∣dish colour, being very sit for that purpose: the wood also is vsed by Dyers to dye a darke blacke withall.

CHAP. 61. Of the white and blew Pipe-Priuet.

[illustration]

1 Syring a alba. White Pipe.

[illustration]

2 Syring a caerulea. Blew Pipe.

¶ The Description.

1 THe white Pipe groweth like an hedge tree, or bushy shrub: from the root wherof arise many shoots, which in short time grow to be equall with the old stocke, whereby in little time it increaseth to infinite numbers, like the common English Prim or Pri∣uet, whereof doubtlesse it is a kinde, if we consider euery circumstance: the branches are couered with a rugged gray barke: the timber is white, with some pith or spongie matter in the middle like Elder, but lesser in quantitie. These little branches are garnished with small crumpled leaues of the shape and bignesse of Peare tree leaues, and very like in forme: among which come forth

[illustration]

‡ 3 Syringa Arabica. Arabian Pipe.

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Balanus Myrepsica, siue Glans vnguentaria. The Oylie Acorne.

the floures, growing in tufts, compact of foure small leaues of a white colour, and of a plea∣sant sweet smell; but in my iudgement they are too sweet, troubling and molesting the head in very strange manner. I once gathered the floures and laid them in my Chamber window, which smelled more strongly after they had lien together a few houres, with such an vnacquainted sauor, that they awaked me out of my sleepe, so that I could not take any rest till I had cast them out of my cham∣ber. When the floures be vaded then follo∣weth the fruit, which is small, curled, and as it were compact of many little folds, broad to∣wards the vpper part, and narrow towards the stalk, and black when it is ripe, wherin is con∣tained a slender and long seed. The root here∣of spreadeth it selfe abroad in the ground, af∣ter the manner of the roots of such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trees.

2 The blew Pipe groweth likewise in maner of a smal hedge tree, with many shoots rising from the root like the former, as our common Priuet doth, whereof it is a kinde; The branches haue some small quantitie of pith in the middle of the wood, and are coue∣red with a darke blacke greenish barke or rinde. The leaues are exceeding greene, and crumpled or turned vp like the brimmes of an hat, in shape very like vnto the leaues of the Poplar tree: among which come the floures, of an exceeding faire blew colour, compact of many small floures in the forme of a bunch of grapes: each floure is in shew like those of Valeriana rubra Dodonaei, consisting of foure parts like a little star, of an exceeding sweet sauor or smel, but not so strong as the former, When these floures be gone, there succeed flat cods, and somewhat long, which being ripe are of a light colour, with a thinne mem∣brane or filme in the midst, wherein are seeds almost foure square, narrow and ruddy.

‡ 3 This (which Clusius setteth forth by the name of Iasminum Arabicum, or Syrin∣ga Arabica) groweth some two or three cu∣bits high, diuided into many slender bran∣ches, whereon by couples at each ioint stand leaues like those of the first described, but thinner, and not snipt about the edges: on the tops of the branches grow the floures, wholly white, consisting of nine, ten, or twelue leaues set in two rankes: these floures are very sweet, hauing a sent as it were compounded of the Spanish Iasmine, and Orange floures. It is a tender plant, and may be graffed vpon the com∣mon Iasmine, whereon it thriues well, and floures most part of the Sommer. It groweth plentiful∣ly in Egypt; and Prosper Alpinus is thought to mention this by the name of Sambac Arabum, siue Gelseminum Arabicum. ‡

4 Glans vnguentaria, or the oylie Acorne, is the fruit of a tree like Tamariske, of the bignesse of an Hasell Nut; out of the kernell whereof, no otherwise than out of bitter Almonds, is pressed an oylie iuyce which is vsed in pretious Oyntments, as Dioscorides 〈◊〉〈◊〉: neither is it in our time wholly reiected; for the oyle of this fruit mixed with sweet odours serueth to persume

gloues and diuers other things; and is vulgarly knowne by the name of Oyle of Ben.

¶ The Place.

1. 2. These trees grow not wilde in England, but I haue them growing in my garden in very great plenty.

¶ The Time.

They floure in Aprill and May, but as yet they haue not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any fruit in my garden, though in Italy and Spaine their fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

The later Physitians call the first Syringa, or rather 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: that is to say, a Pipe, because the stalks and branches thereof, when the pith is taken out, are hollow like a pipe: it is also many times syr∣named Candida, or white, or Syringa candido slore, or Pipe with a white floure, because it should dif∣fer from Lillach, which is sometimes named Syringa coerulea, or blew Pipe: in English, White Pipe.

Blew Pipe the later Physitians, as we haue said, do name Lillach, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉: of some, Syringa 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or blew Pipe: most do expound the word Lillach, and call it Ben: Serapio's and the Arabians 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is Glans vnguentaria, which the Grecians name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from which Lillach doth very much differ: among other differences it is very apparant, that Lillach bringeth forth no Nut, howsoeuer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth falsly picture it with one; for it hath only a little cod, the seed whereof hath in it no oile at all. The figure of the Balanus Myrepsica we haue thought good to insert in this chapter, for want of a more conuenient roome.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Concerning the vse and faculties of these shrubs neither we our selues haue found out any thing [ A] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 learned ought of others.

‡ The Balanus Myrepsica taken in the quantitie of a dram, causeth vomit; drunk with Hydromel [ B] it purges by stoole, but is hurtfull to the stomacke.

The oile pressed out of this fruit, which is vsually termed oyle of Ben, as it hath no good or plea∣sing [ C] smell, so hath it no ill sent, neither doth it become rancide by age, which is the reason that it is much vsed by perfumers.

The oile smoothes the skin, softens and dissolues hardnesse, and conduces to the cure of all cold [ D] affects of the sinewes; and it is good for the paine and noise in the eares, being mixed with Goose∣grease, and so dropped in warme in a small quantitie. ‡

CHAP. 62. Of Widow-Waile, or Spurge Oliue.

¶ The Description.

WIdow-waile is a small shrub about two cubits high. The stalke is of a wooddy substance, branched with many small twigs, full of little leaues like Priuet, but smaller and blac∣ker, on the ends whereof grow small pale yellow floures: which being past, there succee∣deth a three cornered berrie like the Tithymales, for which cause it was called Tricoccos, that is, three berried Chamelaea: these berries are greene at the first, red afterward, and browne when they be withered, and containe in them an oylie fatnesse like that of the Oliue, being of an hot and bi∣ting taste, and that doe burne the mouth, as do both the leaues and rinde. The root is hard and wooddy.

¶ The 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

It is found in most vntilled grounds of Italy and Languedoc in France, in rough and desart pla∣ces. I haue it growing in my garden.

¶ The Time.

It is alwaies greene: the seed is ripe in Autumne.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as though they should say, low or short Oliue tree: the Latines, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Oleastellus, and likewise Citocacium: it is also named of diuers, Oliuella, as Matthiolus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith: it is called in English, Widow-Waile, quia facit viduas.

The fruit is named of diuers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Coccus 〈◊〉〈◊〉: but he is deceiued, saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that nameth the fruit of Spurge-Oliue, Coccus 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Auicen and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 call 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Spurge Oliue, Mezereon: vnder which name notwithstanding they haue also contained both the Chamaeleons or Carlines; and so haue they confounded Chamelaea or Spurge Oliue with the Carlines, and likewise 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Spurge flax.

[illustration]

Chamelaea Arabum Tricoccos. Widow-Waile.

¶ The Temperature.

Both the leaues and fruit of Spurge-Oliue, as we haue said, are of a burning and extrme hot temperature.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues, saith Dioscorides, purge both [ A] flegme and choler, especially taken in pills, so that two parts of Wormewood be mixed with one of Spurge Oliue, and made vp into pils with Mede or honied water. They melt not in the belly, but as many as be taken are voided whole. [ B]

Mesue likewise hath a description of pills of the leaues of Mezereon, that is, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Spurge-Oliue (yet Syluius expoundeth it Thy∣melaea, or Spurge-Flax) but in stead of Worm∣wood he taketh the outward substance of the yellow Mirobalans and Cepula Mirobalans, and maketh them vp with Tereniabin, that is to say, with Manna and soure 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which they call Tamarinds, dissolued in Endiue wa∣ter; and appointeth the same leaues to be first tempered with very strong vineger, and to be dried.

These pills are commended against the [ C] Dropsie, for they draw forth watery humours, but are violent to nature; therfore we must vse them as little as may be. Moreouer, Dioscorides addeth, that the leaues of Spurge Oliue beaten with hony do clense filthy or crusted vlcers.

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Germanica, siue Mezereon. Spurge Flax, or the dwarfe Bay.

CHAP. 63. Of Germane Oliue Spurge.

¶ The Description.

THe dwarfe Bay tree, called of Dutch men Mezereon, is a smal shrub two cubits high: the branches be tough, limber, & easie to bend, very soft to be cut; whereon grow long leaues like those of Priuet, but thicker and fatter. The floures appeare before the leaues, oft times in Ianuarie, clustring together about the stalks at certain distances, of a whitish colour tending to purple, and of a most fragrant and pleasant sweet smel: after come the small berries, green at the first, but being ripe, of a shining red co∣lour, and afterward wax of a dark black colour, of a very hot and burning taste, inflaming the mouth and throat, being tasted, with danger of choking. The root is wooddy.

¶ The Place and Time.

This plant grows naturally in the moist and shadowy woods of most of the East countries, especially about Meluin in Poland, from whence I haue had great plenty thereof for my garden, where they floure in the first of the Spring, and ripen their fruit in August.

¶ The Names.

It is vsually called in high-Dutch. Zeilant Zeidelbast, Lenszkraut, and Kellerhals: 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Apothecaries of our countrey name it Mezereon, but we had rather call it Chamelaea Germanica: in English, Dutch Mezereon, or it may be called Germane Oliue Spurge. We haue heard, that di∣uers Italians do name the fruit thereof Piper Montanum, Mountaine Pepper. Some say that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Spurge Laurell is this plant, but there is another Laureola, of which we will hereafter treat: but by what name it is called of the old writers, and whether they knew it or no, it is hard to tell. It is thought to be Cneoron album Theophrasti, but by reason of his breuitie, we can affirme no certainty.

There is, saith he, two kindes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the white and the blacke, the white hath a leafe, long, like in forme to Spurge Oliue: the black is ful of substance like Mirtle; the low one is more white, the same is with smell, and the blacke without smell. The root of both which groweth deepe, is great: the branches be many, thicke, wooddie, immediatly growing out of the earth, or little aboue the earth, tough: wherefore they vse these to binde with, as with Oziars. They bud and floure when the Autumne Equinoctiall is past, and a long time after. Thus much Theophrastus.

The Germane Spurge Oliue is not much vnlike to the Oliue tree in leafe: the floure is sweet of smell: the buds whereof, as we haue written, come forth after Autumne: the branches are wooddy and pliable: the root long, growing deepe: all which shew that it hath great likenesse and affinity with Cneoron, if it be not the very same.

¶ The Temperature.

This plant is likewise in all parts extreme hot: the fruit, the leaues, and the rinde are very sharpe and biting: they bite the tongue, and set the throte on fire.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues of Mezereon do purge downeward, flegme, choler, and waterish humours with great [ A] violence.

Also if a drunkard do eat one graine or berry of this plant, hee cannot be allured to drinke any [ B] drinke at that time; such will be the heat of his mouth and choking in the throat.

This plant is very dangerous to be taken into the body, & in nature like to the Sea Tithymale, [ C] leauing (if it be chewed) such an heat and burning in the throat, that it is hard to be quenched.

The shops of Germany and of the Low-countries dowhen need require vse the leaues hereof [ D] in stead of Spurge Oliue, which may be done without errour; for this Germane Spurge Oliue is like in vertue and operation to the other, therefore it may be vsed in stead therof, and prepared after the like and selfe-same manner.

CHAP. 64. Of Spurge Flax.

[illustration]

1 Thymelaea. Spurge Flax, or mountaine Widow waile.

¶ The Description.

SPurge Flax bringeth forth many slender branched sprigs aboue a cubite high, coue∣red round with long and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaues like those of flax, narrower & lesser than the leaues of Spurge Oliue. The floures are white, small, standing on the vpper parts of the sprigs: the fruit is round, greene at the first, but red when it is ripe, like almost to the round berries of the Hawthorne, in which is a white kernel couered with a blacke skinne, very hot and burning the mouth like Mezereon: the root is hard and wooddie.

¶ The Place.

It groweth in rough mountains, and in vn∣toiled places in hot regions. It groweth in my garden.

¶ The Time.

It is greene at any time of the yeare, but the fruit is perfected in Autumne.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Syrians, as Dioscorides witnesseth, Apolinon: diuers also Chamelaea, but not properly: but as Dioscorides saith, the leafe is properly called Cneoron, & the fruit Coccos Cnidios; notwithstanding those which Theophrastus calleth Cneora seem to dif∣fer from Thymelaea, or Spurge Flax, vnlesse Ni∣grum Cneoron be Thymelaea for Theophrastus 〈◊〉〈◊〉

that there be two kindes of Cneoron; the one white, the other blacke: this may be called in English, Spurge Flax, or mountaine Widow Wayle: the seed of Thymelaea is called in shops, Granum Gni∣dium.

¶ The Temperature.

Spurge Flax is naturally both in leaues and fruit extreme hot, biting and of a burning qualitie.

¶ The Vertues.

The graines or berries, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith, purge by siege choler, slegme and water, if twenty [ A] graines of the inner part be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but t burneth the mouth and throat, wherefore it is to be giuen with fine floure or Barly meale, or in Raisons, or couered with clarified hony, that it may be swal∣lowed.

The same being stamped with Niter and vineger, serueth to annoint those with, which can hard∣ly [ B] sweat.

The leaues must be gathered about haruest, and being dried in the shade, they are to be layed vp [ C] and reserued.

They that would giue them must beat them, and take forth the strings: the quantity of two oun∣ces [ D] and two drams put into wine tempered with water, purgeth and draweth forth watery humors: but they purge more gently if they be boiled with Lentils, and mixed with pot-herbes chopped.

The same leaues beaten to pouder and made vp into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or flat cakes, with the iuice of [ E] sower grapes are reserued for vse.

The herbe is an enemy to the stomacke, which also destroyeth the birth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it be applied. [ F] † 1.20

CHAP. 65. Of Spurge Laurell.

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Laurell, or Spurge Laurell flouring.

[illustration]

Laureola cum fructu. Laurell with his fruit.

¶ The Description.

SPurge Laurell is a shrub of a cubit high, of tentimes also of two, and spreadeth with many little boughes, which are tough and lithy, and couered with a thicke rinde. The leaues be long, broad, grosse, smooth, blackish greene, shining, like the leaues of Laurell, but lesser, thicker, and without smell, very many at the top, clustering together. The floures be long, hollow, of a whitish greene, hanging beneath and among the leaues: the berries when they be ripe are blacke, with a hard ker∣nell within, which is a little longer than the seed of Hempe: the pulpe or inner substance is white: the root wooddie, tough, long, and diuersly parted, growing deepe: the leaues, fruit and barke, as wel of the root as of the little boughes, doe with their sharpnesse and burning qualitie bite and set on fire the tongue and throat.

¶ The Place.

It is found on mountaines, in vntilled, rough, shadowie, and wooddie places, as by the lake of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Geneua, and in many places neere the riuer of Rhene and of the Maze. ‡ It growes abun∣dantly also in the woods in the most parts of England. ‡

¶ The Time.

The floures bud very soon, a little after the Autume Equinoctiall: they are full blown in Winter, or in the first Spring: the fruit is ripe in May and Iune: the plant is alwaies greene, and indureth the cold stormes of winter.

¶ The Names.

It is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of the likenesse it hath with the leaues of the Laurell or Bay tree: in Latine likewise Daphnoides: the later Latinists for the same cause name it Laureola, as though they should say Minor Laurus, or little Laurell. it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, notwithstanding there is another Chamaedaphne, and another Peplion. This shrub is commonly called in English, Spurge Laurell; of diuers, Laurell or Lowry.

So ne say that the Italians name the berries hereof Piper montanum, or Mountaine Pepper, as also the berries of Dutch Mezereon: others affirme them to bee called in High Dutch also, Zei∣lant.

It may be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉: for it is much like to a Mirtle in leafe, it is also a branched plant, tough and pliable, hauing a deep root, without smell, with a blacke fruit.

¶ The Temperature.

It is like in temperature and facultie to the Germane Spurge Oliue, throughout the whole sub∣stance biting and extreme hot.

¶ The Vertues.

The drie or greene leaues of Spurge Laurell, saith Dioscorides, purgeth by siege flegmaticke hu∣mors; [ A] it procureth vomite and bringeth downe the menses, and being chewed it draweth water out of the head.

It likewise causeth neezing; moreouer, fifteene graines of the seed thereof drunke, are a purga∣tion. [ B]

CHAP. 66. Of Rose Bay, or Oleander.

¶ The Description.

1 ROse Bay is a small shrub of a gallant shew like the Bay tree, bearing leaues, thicker, greater, longer and rougher than the leaues of the Almond tree: the floures be of a faire red colour, diuided into fiue leaues, not much vnlike a little Rose: the cod or fruit is long, like 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Vincetoxicum, and full of such white downe, among which the seed lieth hid∣den: the root is long, smooth, and wooddie.

2 The second kinde of Rose bay, is like the first, & differeth in that, that this plant hath white floures; but in other respects it is very like.

[illustration]

1 Nerium, sive Oleander. The Rose Bay.

[illustration]

2 Nerium flore albo. The Rose Bay with white floures

¶ The Place.

These grow in Italy and other hot regions, by riuers and the Sea side: I haue them growing in my garden.

¶ The Time.

In my garden they floure in Iuly and August: the cods be ripe afterwards.

¶ The Names.

This plant is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by Nicander, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine likewise Nerion, and also Rhodo∣dendron, and Rhododaphne, that is to say, Rosea arbor, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Laurus: in shops, Oleander: in Italian, Oleandro: in Spanish, Adelfa, Eloendro, and Alendro: in French, Rosagine: in English, Rose tree, Rose Bay, Rose Bay tree and Oleander.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

This tree being outwardly applied, as Galen saith, hath a digesting facultie: but if it be inwardly [ A] taken it is deadly and poisonsome, not only to men, but also to most kindes of beasts.

The floures and leaues kill dogs, asses, mules, and very many of other foure footed beasts: but if [ B] men drinke them in wine they are a remedy against the bitings of Serpents, and the rather if Rue be added.

The weaker sort of cattell, as sheep and goats, if they drinke the water wherein the leaues haue [ C] been steeped, are sure to die.

CHAP. 67. Of dwarfe Rose Bay.

¶ The Description.

DWarfe Nerium, or Rose Bay, hath leaues which for the most part are alwaies green, rough, and small, of a pale yellow colour like Box, far lesser than Oleander: the whole plant is of a shrub∣bie stature, leaning this way and that way, as not able to stand vpright without helpe; his bran∣ches are couered and set full of small floures, of a shining scarlet or crimson colour; growing vpon

[illustration]

1 Chamaerhododendros Alpigena. Dwarfe Rose Bay.

the hils as ye go from Trent to Verona, which in Iune and Iuly are as it were couered with a scarlet coloured carpet, of an odoriferous sa∣uor, and delectable aspect, which being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there commeth seed and faire berries like A∣sparagus.

¶ The Place.

The place and time are expressed in the de∣scription.

¶ The Names.

This may be called in English, Dwarfe Rose Bay of the Alps. I find not any thing ex∣tant of the vertues, so that I am constrained to leaue the rest vnto your owne discretion. † 1.21

CHAP. 68. Of the Bay or Laurell tree.

¶ The Description.

[illustration]

Laurus. The Bay tree.

1 THe Bay or Laurell tree commeth oftentimes to the height of a tree of a mean bignesse; it is full of boughes, coue∣red with a greene barke: the leaues thereof are long, broad, hard, of colour greene, sweet∣ly smelling, and in taste somwhat bitter: the floures alongst the boughes and leaues are of a greene colour: the berries are more long than round, and be couered with a black rind or pill: the kernell within is clouen into two parts, like that of the Peach and Almond, and other such, of a browne yellowish colour, sweet of smell, in taste somewhat bitter, with a little sharpe or biting qualitie.

2 There is also a certaine other kinde hereof more like to a shrub, sending forth out of the roots many offsprings, which notwith∣standing groweth not so high as the former, and the barkes of the boughes be somewhat red: the leaues be also tenderer, and not so hard: in other things 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnlike.

These two Bay trees Dioscorides was not ignorant of; for he saith, that the one is nar∣row leafed, and the other broader leafed, or rather harder leafed which is more like.

¶ The Place.

The Laurell or bay tree groweth natural∣ly

in Spaine and such hot regions; we plant and set it in gardens, defending it from cold at the be∣ginning of March especially.

I haue not seene any one tree thereof growing in Denmarke, Sweuia, Poland, Liuonia, or Russia, or in any of those cold countries where I haue trauelled.

¶ The Time.

The Bay tree groweth greene winter and Sommer: it floureth in the Spring, and the black fruit is ripe in October.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Laurus: in Italian, Lauro: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, Laurus boome: in French, Laurier: in Spanish, Laurel, Lorel, and Loureiro: in English, Laurell, or Bay tree.

The fruit is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Lauri baccae: in high Dutch, Looerbeeren: in low Dutch, Bakeleer: in Spanish, Vayas: in English, Bay berries.

The Poets faine that it tooke his name of Daphne, Lado his daughter, with whom Apollo fell in loue.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The Berries and leaues of the Bay tree, saith Galen, are hot and very drie, and yet the berries more [ A] than the leaues.

The barke is not biting and hot, but more bitter, and it hath also a certaine astrictiue or binding [ B] qualitie.

Bay Berries with Hony or Cute, are good in a licking medicine, saith Dioscorides, against the [ C] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Consumption of the lungs, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of breathing, and all kinde of fluxes or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the chest.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Berries taken in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, are good against the bitings and stingings of any venomous beast, and against all venome and poison: they clense away the morphew: the iuice pressed out hereof is a re∣medy for paine of the eares, and deafenesse, if it be dropped in with old wine and oile of Roses: this is also mixed with ointments that are good against wearisomnesse, and that heate and discusse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 waste away humors.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 berries are put into Mithridate, Treacle, and such like medicines that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made to refresh [ E] such people as are growne sluggish and dull by meanes of taking opiate medicines, or such as haue any venomous or poisoned quality in them.

They are good also against cramps and drawing together of sinewes. [ F]

We in our time do not vse the berries for the infirmities of the lungs, or chest, but minister them [ G] against the diseases of the stomacke, liuer, spleene, and bladder: they warme a cold stomacke, cause concoction of raw humours, stirre vp a decaied appetite, take away the loathing of meat, open the stopping of the liuer and spleene, prouoke vrine, bring down the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and driue forth the secon∣dine.

The oile pressed out of these, or drawne forth by decoction, doth in short time take away scabs [ H] and such like filth of the skin.

It 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them that are beaten blacke and blew, and that be bruised by squats and falls, it remoo∣ueth [ I] blacke and blew spots and congealed bloud, and digesteth and wasteth away the humors ga∣thered about 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grieued part.

Dioscorides saith, that the leaues are good for the diseases of the mother and bladder, if a bath be [ K] made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to bathe and sit in: that the greene leaues do gently binde, that being applied, they are good against the stingings of waspes and Bees; that with Barly meale parched and bread, they asswage all kinde of inflammations, and that being taken in drinke they mitigate the paine of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nacke, but procure vomite.

The Berries of the Bay tree stamped with a little Scammonie and Saffron, and laboured in a [ L] mortar with vineger and oile of Roses to the sorme of a liniment, and applied to the temples and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the head, do greatly cease the paine of the Megrim.

It is reported that common drunkards were accustomed to eat in the morning fasting two leaues [ M] thereof against drunkennesse.

The later Physitions doe oftentimes vse to boyle the leaues of Laurell with diuers meats, especi∣ally [ N] fishes, and by so doing there happeneth no desire of vomiting: but the meat seasoned herewith becommeth more sauory and better for the stomacke.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 barke of the root of the Bay tree, as Galen writeth, drunken in wine prouoketh vrine, breakes [ O] the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and driueth forth grauell: it openeth the stoppings of the liuer, the spleene, and all other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the inward parts: which thing also Dioscorides affirmeth, who likewise addeth that it killeth the childe in the mothers wombe.

It helpeth the dropsie and the iaundise, and procureth vnto women their desired sicknesse. [ N] * 1.22

CHAP. 69. Of the Wilde Bay tree.

¶ The Description.

1 LAurus Tinus, or the wilde Bay tree, groweth like a shrub or hedge bush, hauing many tough and pliant branches, set full of leaues very like to the Bay leaues, but smaller and more crumpled, of a deepe and shining greene colour: among which come forth tufts of whitish floures, turning at the edges into a light purple: after which follow small 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a blew colour, containing a few graines or seeds like the stones or seeds of grapes: the leaues and all the parts of the plant are altogether without smell or sauour.

[illustration]

1 Laurus Tinus. The wilde Bay tree.

[illustration]

2 Laurus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Portingale wilde Bay tree.

2 Tinus Lusitanica groweth verie like to Cornus Foemina, or the Dog-berry tree, but the branches be thicker, and more stiffe, couered with a reddish barke mixed with 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the leaues are like the former, but larger, hauing many sinewes or vaines running through the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like as in the leaues of Sage: the floures hereof grow in tufts like the precedent, but they are of colour 〈◊〉〈◊〉 declining to purple: the small branches are likewise of a purple colour: the leaues haue no smell 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all, either good or bad: the berries are smaller than the former, of a blew colour declining to blacknesse.

¶ The Place.

The wilde Bay groweth plentifully in euery field of Italy, Spain, and other regions, which differ according to the nature and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of those countries: they grow in my garden and prosper ve∣ry well.

¶ The Time.

The wilde Laurell is euer greene, and may oftentimes be seene most part of the winter, and the beginning of the spring, with the floures and ripe berries growing both at one season.

¶ The Names.

It is called in Latine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Laurus syluestris: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Cato nameth it Laurus sylua∣tica: in Italian, Lauro syluatico: in Spanish, Vua de Perro, otherwise Follado; and of diuers, Durillo: in English wilde Bay.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Pliny nor any other of the Antients haue touched the faculties of this wilde Bay, neither haue we any vnderstanding thereof by the later writers, or by our owne experience.

CHAP. 70. Of the Box Tree.

[illustration]

Buxus. The Box tree.

¶ The Description.

THe great Box is a faire tree, bearing a great body or trunke: the wood or timber is yel∣low and very hard, and fit for sundry workes, hauing many boughes and hard branches, beset with sundry small hard green leaues, both win∣ter and Sommer like the Bay tree: the floures are very little, growing among the leaues, of a greene colour: which being vaded there suc∣ceed small blacke shining berries, of the bignes of the seeds of Corianders, which are inclosed in round greenish huskes, hauing three feet or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a brasse or boiling pot: the root is like∣wise yellow, and harder than the timber, but of greater beauty, and more fit for dagger hastes, boxes, and such like vses, whereto the trunke or body serueth, than to make medicines; though foolish empericks and women leaches, do mini∣ster it against the Apoplexie and such diseases: Turners and Cutlers, if I mistake not the mat∣ter, do call this wood Dudgeon, wherwith they make Dudgeon hafted daggers.

There is also a certaine other kinde hereof, growing low, and not aboue halfe a yard high, but it spreadeth all abroad: the branches here of are many and very slender: the leaues bee round, and of a light greene.

¶ The Place.

Buxus, or the Box tree groweth vpon sundry waste and barren hils in England, and in diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dens.

¶ The Time.

The Box tree groweth greene winter and Sommer: it floureth in Februarie and March, and the seed is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Latine, Buxus: in high Dutch, Buchszbaum: in low Dutch, Bur∣boom: in Italian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Box tree.

The lesser may be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and in Latine, Humi Buxus, or Humilis Buxus: in English, dwarf Box, or ground Box, and it is commonly called Dutch Box.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The leaues of the Box tree are hot, drie, and astringent, of an euill and lothsome smell, not vsed in [ A] medicine, but onely as I said before in the description.

CHAP. 71. Of the Myrtle Tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first and greatest Myrtus is a small tree, growing to the height of a man, hauing ma∣ny faire and pliant branches, couered with a browne barke, and set full of leaues much like vnto the Laurell or Bay leafe, but thinner and smaller, somewhat resembling the leaues of Peru∣incle, which being bruised do yeeld forth a most fragrant smell, not much inferiour vnto the smell of Cloues, as all the rest of the kindes do: among these leaues come forth small white floures, in shape like the floures of the Cherry tree, but much smaller, and of a pleasant sauour, which do turn into small berries, greene at the first, and afterwards blacke.

[illustration]

1 Myrtus Laurea maxima. The Myrtle tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Myrtus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 latifolia. Great Spanish Myrtle.

2 There is also another kind of Myrtus called Myrtus Baetica latifolia, according to Clusius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Laurea, that hath leaues also like Bay leaues, growing by couples vpon his pleasant greene bran∣ches, in a double row on both sides of the stalkes, of a light greene colour, and somewhat thicker than the former, in sent and smell sweet: the floures and fruit are not much differing from the first kinde.

3 There is likewise another kinde of Myrtus called Exotica, that is strange and not common: it groweth vpright vnto the height of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like vnto the last before mentioned, but that it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with greater plenty of leaues, which do fold in themselues hollow and almost double, broa∣der pointed, and keeping no order in their growing, but one thrusting within another, and as it were crossing one another confusedly; in all other points agreeing with the precedent.

4 There is another sort like vnto the former in floures and branches, but the leaues are smooth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and plaine, and not crumpled or folded at all, they are also much smaller than any of the for∣mer. The fruit is in shape like the other, but that it is of a white colour, whereas the fruit of the other is blacke.

5 There is also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kinde of Myrtle, called Myrtus minor, or noble Myrtle, as being the

[illustration]

‡ 3 Myrtus exotica. Strange Myrtle.

[illustration]

‡ 4 Myrtus fructu albo. Myrtle with white berries.

[illustration]

‡ 5 Myrtus minor. The little Myrtle.

[illustration]

‡ 6 Myrtus Baetica syluestris. Wilde Spanish 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

chiefe of all the rest (although most common and best knowne) and it groweth like a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or hedge bush, very like vnto the former, but much smaller: the leaues are smal and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much in shape resembling the leaues of Masticke Time called Marum, but of a fresher greene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 floures be white, nothing differing from the former sauing in greatnesse, and that sometimes they are more double.

‡ 6 This growes not very high, neither is it so shrubby as the former: the branches are small and brittle: the leaues are of a middle bignesse, sharpe pointed, standing by couples in two 〈◊〉〈◊〉, seldome in foure as the former, they are blackish also and wel smelling. the floure is like that of the rest: the fruit is round, growing vpon long stalks out of the bosomes of the leaues, first greene, then whitish, lastly blacke, of a winy and pleasant taste with some astriction. This growes wilde in di∣uers places of Portugall, where Clusius found it flouring in October: he calls it Myrtus Baetica 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ‡

¶ The Place.

These kindes of Myrtles grow naturally vpon the wooddy hills and fertill fields of Italy and Spain. ‡ The two last are nourished in the garden of Mistresse Tuggy in Westminster, and in some other gardens. ‡

¶ The Time.

Where they ioy to grow of themselues they floure when the Roses do: the fruit is ripe in 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in England they neuer beare any fruit.

¶ The Names.

It is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Myrtus: in the Arabicke tongue, Alas: in Italian, Myrto: in Spanish, Arrayhan: in the Portingale language, Murta, and Murtella: other Nations doe almost keepe the Latine name, as in English it is called Myrtle, or Myrtle tree.

Among the Myrtles that which hath the fine little leafe is surnamed of Pliny, Tarentina; & that which is so thicke and full of leaues is Exotica, strange or forreine. Nigra Myrtus is that which hath the blacke berries: Candida, which hath the white berries, and the leaues of this also are of a lighter greene: Satiua, or the tame planted. One is cherished in gardens and orchards: Syluestris, or the wild Myrtle is that which groweth of it selfe; the berries of this are oftentimes lesser, and of the other, greater. Pliny doth also set downe other kindes; as Patritia, Plebeia, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 alis: but what manner of ones they are he doth not declare: he also placeth among the Myrtles, Oxymyrsine, or Kneeholm, which notwithstanding is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Myrtles, but a thornie shrub.

Pliny in his 14. book, 16. chap. saith, that the wine which is made of the wilde Myrtle tree is cal∣led Myrtidanum, if the copie be true. For Dioscorides and likewise Sotion in his Geoponikes report, that wine is made of Myrtle berries when they be thorow ripe, but this is called Vinum Myrteum, or Myrtites, Myrtle wine.

Moreouer, there is also a wine made of the berries and leaues of Myrtle stamped and steeped in Must, or wine new pressed from the grape, which is called, as Dioscorides saith, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or wine of Myrtles.

The Myrtle tree was in times past consecrated to Venus. Pliny in his 15. booke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. chapter, saith thus, There was an old Alter belonging to Venus, which they now call Murtia.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The Myrtle consisteth of contrary substances, a cold earthinesse bearing the preheminence; it [ A] hath also a certaine subtill heat, therefore, as Galen saith, it drieth notably.

The leaues, fruit, buds, and iuice do binde, both outwardly applied and inwardly taken: they stay [ B] the spitting of bloud, and all other issues thereof: they stop both the whites and reds in women, if they sit in a bath made therewith: after which manner and by fomenting also they stay the super∣fluous course of the hemorrhoides.

They are a remedy for laskes, and for the bloudy flix, they quench the fiery heat of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if [ C] they be laid on with parched Barly meale.

They be also with good successe outwardly applied to all inflammations newly beginning, and [ D] also to new paine vpon some fall, stroke or straine.

They are wholsome for a moist and watery stomacke: the fruit and leaues dried prouoke 〈◊〉〈◊〉: [ E] for the greene leaues containe in them a ceartaine superfluous and hurtfull moisture.

It is good with the decoction herof made with wine, to bathe lims that are out of ioint, and bur∣stings [ F] that are hard to be cured, and vlcers also of the outward parts: it helpeth spreading 〈◊〉〈◊〉, scoureth away the dandrafe and sores of the head, maketh the haires blacke, and keepeth them

from shedding; withstandeth drunkennesse, if it be taken fasting, and preuaileth against poison, and the bitings of any venomous beast.

There is drawne out of the green berries thereof a iuice, which is dried and reserued for the fore∣said [ G] vses.

There is likewise pressed out of the leaues a iuice, by adding vnto them either old wine or raine [ H] water, which must be vsed when it is new made, for being once drie it putrifieth, and as Dioscorides saith, loseth his vertues.

CHAP. 72. Of sweet Willow or Gaule.

[illustration]

Myrtus Brabantica, sive Elaeagnus Cordi. Gaule, sweet willow, or Dutch Myrtle tree.

¶ The Description.

GAule is a low and little shrub or wooddy plant hauing many brown & hard bran∣ches: whereupon doe grow leaues some∣what 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hard, thicke, and oileous, of an hot sauour or smell somewhat like Myrtus: among the branches come forth other little ones, wherupon do grow many spokie eares or tufts, full of small floures, and after them succeed great store of square seeds clustering together, of a strong and bitter taste. The root is hard, and of a wooddie substance.

¶ The Place.

This Gaule groweth plentifully in sundry places of England, as in the Ile of Ely, & in the Fennie countries thereabouts, wherof there is such store in that countrey, that they make fa∣gots of it and sheaues, which they call Gaule sheaues, to burne and heat their ouens. It grow∣eth also by Colebrooke, and in sundry other places.

¶ The Time.

The Gaule floureth in May and Iune, and the seed is ripe in August.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called of diuers in Latine, Myr∣tus Brabantica, and Pseudomyrsine; and Cordus cal∣leth it Elaeagnus, Chamaeleagnus, and Myrtus Bra∣bantica. Elaeagnus is described by Theophrastus to be a shrubbie plant like vnto the Chaste tree, with a soft and downie leafe, and with the floure of the Poplar tree; and that which we haue described is no such plant. It hath no name among the old writers for ought we know, vnlesse it be Rhus syluestris 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Pliny his wilde Sumach, of which hee hath written in his 24. book, 11 chap. [There is, saith he, a wilde herbe with short stalkes, which is an enemy to poison, and a killer of mothes.] It is called in low Dutch, Gagel: in English, Gaule.

¶ The Temperature.

Gaule or the wilde Myrtle, especially the seed, is hot and drie in the third degree: the leaues be hot and drie, but not so much.

¶ The Vertues.

The fruit is troublesome to the brain; being put into beere or aile whilest it is in boiling (which [ A] many vse to do) it maketh the same heady, fit to make a man quickly drunke.

The whole shrub, fruit and all, being laied among clothes, keepeth them from moths and worms. [ B]

CHAP. 73. Of Worts or Wortle berries.

¶ The Kindes.

〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Worts, of which we treat in this place, differ from Violets, neither are they estee∣med for their floures but berries: of these Worts there be diuers sorts found out by the later Writers.

[illustration]

1 Vaccinia nigra. Blacke Worts or Wortle berries.

[illustration]

2 Vaccinia rubra. Red Worts or Wortle berries.

¶ The Description.

1 VAccinia nigra, the blacke Wortle or Hurtle, is a base and low shrub or wooddy plant, bringing forth many branches of a cub it high, set full of small leaues of a dark greene colour; not much vnlike the leaues of Box or the Myrtle tree: amongst which come forth little hollow floures turning into small berries, greene at the first, afterward red, and at the last of a blacke colour, and full of a pleasant and sweet iuyce: in which doe lie diuers little thinne whitish seeds: these berries do colour the mouth and lips of those that eate them, with a black co∣lour: the root is wooddy, slender, and now and then creeping.

2 Vaccinia rubra, or red Wortle, is like the former in the manner of growing, but that the leaues are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and harder, almost like the leaues of the Box tree, abiding greene all the Winter long: among which come forth small carnation floures, long and round, growing in clusters at the top of the branches: afterwhich succeed small berries, in shew and bignesse like the former, but that they are of an excellent red colour, and full of iuyce, of so orient and beautifull a purple to limne withall, that Indian Lacca is not to be compared thereunto, especially when this iuyce is prepared and dressed with Allom according to art, as my selfe haue proued by experience: the tast is rough and astringent: the root is of a wooddy substance.

3 Vaccinia alba, or the white Wortle, is like vnto the former, both in stalks and leaues, but the berries are of a white colour, wherein consisteth the difference.

‡ The figure which our Author here giues in the third place hath need of a better description,

[illustration]

3 Vaccinia alba. The white Worts or Wortle berries.

[illustration]

4 Vaccinia Pannonica, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vitis idaea. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wortle berries.

[illustration]

5 Vaccinia Vrsi, siue Vua Vrsi apud Clusium. Beare Wortle berries.

[illustration]

† 6 Vitis Idaea folijs subrotundis maior. Great round leaued Wortle berries.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 the difference is not onely in the colour of the berries. This differs from the former in forme and bignesse; for it sends forth many stalkes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the root, and these three, foure, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cubits high, thicke, and diuided into sundry branches, couered for the most part with a blackish barke: at the beginning of the Spring from the buds at the sides of the branches it sends 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaues all ho∣rie and hairy vnderneath, and greene aboue: from the midst of these, vpon little foot-stalkes stand clustering together many little floures, consisting of fiue white leaues apiece without smell; and then the leaues by little and little vnfold themselues and cast off their downinesse, and become snipt about the edges. The fruit that succeeds the floures is round, blacke, somewhat like, but bigger than a Haw, full of iuyce of a very sweet taste; wherein lies ten or more longish smooth blackish seeds. It growes vpon the Austrian and Stirian Alps, where the fruit is ripe in August. Clusius calls it Vitis Idaea 3. Pena and Lobel, Amelancher: Gesner by diuers names, as Myrtomalus, Pe∣tromelis, Pyrus ceruinus, &c. ‡

4 Carolus Clusius in his Pannonicke Obseruations hath set downe another of the Wortle 〈◊〉〈◊〉, vnder the name of Vitis Idaea, which differeth from the other Wortle berries, not onely in sta∣ture, but in leaues and fruit also. ‡ The leaues are long, narrow, sharpe pointed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of veines, a lit∣tle hairy, and lightly snipt about the edges, greener aboue than below: the fruit growes from the tops of the branches of the former yeare, hanging vpon long foot-stalkes, and being as big as lit∣tle Cherries, first greene, then red, and lastly blacke, full of iuyce, and that of no vnpleasant taste, containing no kernels, but flat white seeds commonly fiue in number: the stalkes are weake, and commonly lie vpon the ground: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 found it vpon the Austrian mountaine Snealben, with the fruit partly ripe, and partly vnripe, in August. It is his Vitis Idaea 1. ‡

5 The same Author also setteth forth another of the Wortle berries, vnder the title of Vua 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which is likewise a shrubby plant, hauing many feeble branches, whereon grow long leaues blunt at the points, and of an ouerworn green colour: among which, at the tops of the stalks come 〈◊〉〈◊〉 clusters 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bottle-like floures of an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 colour: the fruit followeth, growing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in clusters, green at the first, and blacke when they be ripe: the root is of a wooddy substance. ‡ This is alwaies greene, and the floures are of a whitish purple colour. ‡

6 ‡ This differs from the second, in that the leaues are thinner, more full of veines, and whiter 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the floure is like the common kind, whitish purple, hollow, and diuided into fiue parts: the fruit also is blacke, and like that of the first described. This growes on diuers mountainous places of Germany, where Clusius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, who made it his Vitis Idaea 2. ‡

¶ The Place.

These plants prosper best in a lean barren soile, and in vntoiled wooddy places: they are now and then found on high hils subiect to the winde, and vpon mountaines: they grow plentifully in both the Germanies, Bohemia, and in diuers places of France and England; namely in Middlesex on Hampsted heath, and in the woods thereto adioyning, and also vpon the hills in Cheshire called Broxen hills, neere Beeston castle, seuen miles from the Nantwich; and in the wood by Highgate called Finchley wood, and in diuers other places.

The red Wortle berry groweth in Westmerland at a place called Crosby Rauenswaith, where also doth grow the Wortle with the white berry, and in Lancashire also vpon Pendle 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

‡ I haue seene none of these but only the first described, growing vpon Hampsted heath. The white formerly mentioned in the third description, and here againe in the place, seems only a varie∣tie of the second hauing white berries, as far as I can gather by our Author; for it is most certaine, that it is not that which he figured, and I haue described in the third place. ‡

¶ The Time.

The Wortle berries do floure in May, and their fruit is ripe in Iune.

¶ The Names.

VVortle berries is called in high-Dutch, Hepdelbeeren: in low-Dutch, Crakebesien because they make a certaine cracke whilest they be broken betweene the teeth: of diuers, Hauerbesien: the French men, Airelle, or Aurelle, as Iohannes de Choul writeth: and we in England, VVorts, VVhortle berries, Blacke-berries, Bill berries, and Bull-berries, and in some places, VVin-berries.

Most of the shops of Germany do call them Myrtilli, but properly 〈◊〉〈◊〉: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Myrtle tree, as the Apothecaries name them at this day. This plant hath no name for ought wee can learne, either among the Greekes or antient Latines; for whereas most doe take it to be Vitis Idaea, or the Corinth tree, which Pliny syrnameth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it is vntrue; for Vitis Idaea is not on∣ly like to the common Vine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is also a kinde of Vine: and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who hath made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hereof doth call it, without an Epethete, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, simply, as a little after we wil declare; which with∣out doubt he would not haue done if he had found it to differ from the common Vine: For what things soeuer receiue a name of some plant, the same are expressed with some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 added to be known to differ from others; as Laurus Alexandrina, Vitis alba, Vitis nigra, Vitis syluestris, and such like.

Moreouer, those things which haue borrowed a name from some plant are like thereunto, if not

wholly, yet either in leafe or fruit, or in some other thing. Vitis alba & nigra, that is, the white and blacke Bryonies, haue leaues and clasping tendrels as hath the common Vine; and clyme also after the same manner: Vitis syluestris, or the wilde Vine, hath such like stalks as the Vine hath, and brin∣geth forth fruit like to the little Grapes. Laurus Alexandrina, and Chamedaphne, and also Daphnoi∣des, are like in leaues to the Laurell tree: Sycomorus is like in fruit to the Fig tree, and in leaues to the Mulberry tree: Chamaedrys hath the leafe of an Oke; Peucedanus of the Pine tree: so of others which haue taken their names from some other: but this low shrub is not like the Vine either in any part, or in any other thing.

This Vitis Idaea groweth not on the vppermost and snowie parts of mount Ida (as some would haue it, but about Ida, euen the hill Ida, not of Candy, but of Troas in the lesser Asia, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his fifth booke of Geographie, chap. 3. doth call Alexandri Troas, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Troy: whereupon it is also aduisedly named of Pliny, lib. 14. cap. 3. Vitis Alexandrina, no otherwise than 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Laurus is said of Theophrastus to grow there: Laurus, syrnamed 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quaedam, or a certaine Fig tree, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. that is to say the Vine, are reported, saith he, to grow pro∣perly about Ida. Like vnto this Vine are those which Philostratus in the life of Apollonius reporteth to grow in Maeonia, and Lydia, scituated not far from Troy, comparing them to those vines which grow in India beyond Caucasus: The Vines there, saith he, be very small, like as be those that do grow in Maeonia and Lydia, yet is the wine which is pressed out of them of a maruellous pleasant taste.

This Vine which growes neere to mount Ida is reported to be like a shrub, with little twigs and branches of the length of a cubit, about which are grapes growing aslope, blacke, of the bignes of a beane, sweet, hauing within a certaine winie substance, soft: the leafe of this is round, vncut, and little.

This is described by Pliny, lib. 14, cap. 3. almost in the selfe same words: It is called, saith he, A∣lexandrina vitis, and groweth neere vnto Phalacra: it is short, with branches a cubit long, with a blacke grape of the bignes of the Latines Beane, with a soft pulpe and very little, with very sweet clusters growing aslope, and a little round leafe without cuts.

And with this description the little shrub which the Apothecaries of Germany do call 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth nothing at all agree, as it is very manifest; for it is low, scarce a cubit high, with a few short branches not growing to a cubit in length: it doth not bring forth clusters or bunches, nor yet fruit like vnto grapes, but berries like those of the Yew tree, not sweet, but somewhat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and astrin∣gent; in which also there are many little white flat seeds: the leafe is not round, but more long than round, not like to that of the Vine, but of the Box tree. Moreouer, it is thought that this is not found in Italy, Greece, or in the lesser Asia, for that Matthiolus affirmeth the same to grow no where but in Germanie and Bohemia; so far is it from being called or accounted to be Vitis Idaea or Alexandrina.

The fruit of this may be thought not without cause to be named Vaccinia, sith they are berries; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they may be termed of Baccae, berries, Vaccinia, as though they should be called Baccinia. Yet this letteth not that there may be also other Vaccinia's: for Vaccinia is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 dictio, or a word of di∣uers significations. Virgil in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 booke of his Bucolicks, Eclog. 10. affirmeth, that the written Hyacinth is named of the Latines, Vaccinium, translating into Latine Theocritus his verse which is taken out of his tenth Eidyl.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

Virgil: Et nigrae Violae, sunt & Vaccinia nigra.

Vitruvius, lib. 7. of his Architecture doth also distinguish Vaccinium from the Violet, and shew∣eth, that of it is made a gallant purple; which seeing that the written Hyacinth cannot do, it must needs be that this Vaccinium is another thing than the Hyacinth is, because it serues to giue a pur∣ple dye.

Pliny also, lib. 16. cap. 18. hath made mention of Vaccinia, which are vsed to dye bond-slaues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with, and to giue them a purple colour.

But whether these be our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Whortle berries it is hard to affirme, especially seeing that Pliny reckoneth vp Vaccinia amongst those plants which grow in waterie places; but ours grow on high places vpon mountaines subiect to windes, neither is it certainly knowne to grow in Italy. Howsoeuer it is, these our Whortles may be called Vaccinia, and do agree with Plinies and Vitru∣vius his Vaccinia, because garments and linnen cloath may take from these a purple die.

The red Whortle berries haue their name from the blacke Whortles, to which they be in form very like, and are called in Latine, Vaccinia rubra: in high-Dutch, Rooter Heidelbeere: in low-Dutch, Roode Crakebesien: the French men, Aurelles Rouges: they be named in English

Red Worts, or red Wortle berries. Conradus Gesnerus hath called this plant Vitis Idaea rubris 〈◊〉〈◊〉: but the growing of the berries doth shew, that this doth farre lesse agree with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉; than the blacke; for they do not hang vpon the sides of the branches as do the black (which deceiued them that thought it to be Vitis Idaea) but from the tops of the sprigs in clusters.

As concerning the names of the other they are touched in their seuerall descriptions.

¶ The Temperature.

These Vaccinia or Wortle berries are cold euen in the later end of the second degree, and dry al∣so, with a manifest astriction or binding qualitie.

Red Wortle berries are cold and dry, and also binding.

¶ The Vertues.

The iuyce of the blacke Wortle berries is boyled till it become thicke, and is prepared or kept [ A] by adding hony and sugar vnto it: the Apothecaries call it Rob, which is preferred in all things be∣fore the raw berries themselues; for many times whilest they be eaten or taken raw they are offen∣siue to a weake and cold stomacke, and so far are they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 binding the belly, or staying the laske, as that they also trouble the same through their cold and raw qualitie, which thing the boiled 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called Rob doth not any whit at all.

They be good for an hot stomacke, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thirst, they mitigate and allay the heate of hot [ B] burning agues, they stop the belly, stay 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cure the bloudy flix proceeding of choler, and helpe the felonie, or the purging of choler 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and downwards.

The people of Cheshire do eate the blacke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in creame and milke as in these South parts [ C] we eate Strawberries, which stop and binde the belly, putting away also the desire to vomit.

The red Wortle is not of such a pleasant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as the blacke, and therefore not so much vsed to [ D] be eaten; but (as I said before) they make the fairest carnation colour in the world.

CHAP. 74. Of the Marish Worts or Fenne-Berries.

[illustration]

Vaccinia palustria. Marish Worts.

¶ The Description.

THe Marish Wortle berries grow vpon the bogs in marish or moorish grounds, cree∣ping thereupon like vnto wilde Time, hauing many small 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and tender stalkes layd al∣most flat vpon the ground, beset with smal nar∣row leaues fashioned almost like the leaues of Thyme, but lesser: among which come forth little berries like vnto the common blacke Wortle berrie in shape, but somewhat longer, sometimes all red, and sometimes spotted or specked with red spots of a deeper colour: in taste rough and astringent.

¶ The Place.

The Marish Wortle growes vpon bogs and such like waterish and fenny places, especially in Cheshire and Staffordshire, where I haue found it in great plenty.

¶ The Time.

The Berries are ripe about the end of Iuly, and in August.

¶ The Names.

They are called in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉: that is to say, Fen-Grapes, or Fen∣Berries, and Marish-worts, or Marish-Berries. Valerius Cordus nameth them Oxycoccon. wee haue called them Vacciniapalustria, or Marish Wortle berries, of the likenesse they haue to the other ber∣ries: some also call them Mosse-Berries, or Moore-berries.

¶ The Temperature.

These Wortle berries are cold and dry, hauing withall a certain thinnesse of parts and substance, with a certaine binding qualitie adioyned.

¶ The 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

They take away the heate of burning agues, and also the drought, they quench the furious heate [ A] of choler, they stay vomiting, restore an appetite to meate which was lost by reason of cholericke and corrupt humors, and are good against the pestilent diseases.

The iuice of these also is boyled till it be thicke, with sugar added that it may be kept, which is [ B] good for all things that the berries are, yea and far better. † 1.23

CHAP. 75. Of Cloud-berry.

[illustration]

Vaccinia Nubis. Cloud-berries.

¶ The Description.

THe Cloud-berrie hath many small threddy roots, creeping farre abroad vnder the vpper crust of the earth, and also the mosse, like vnto Couch-grasse, of an ouerworn reddish colour, set here and there with smal tufts of hairy strings: from which rise vp two small stalks, hard, tough, and of a wooddy substance (neuer more nor lesse) on which doe stand the leaues like those of the wilde Mallow, and of the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉, full of small nerues or sinewes run∣ning in each part of the same: between the leaues commeth vp a stalke likewise of a wooddy substance, whereon doth grow a small floure consisting of fiue leaues, of an herby or yellowish green colour like those of the wilde Auens. After commeth the fruit, greene at the first, after yellow, and the sides next the Sun red when they be ripe; in forme almost like vnto a little heart, made as it were of two, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no more but one, open aboue, and closed together in the bottom, of a harsh or sharpe taste, where∣in is contained three or foure little white seeds.

¶ The Place.

This plant groweth naturally vpon the tops of two high mountaines (among the mossie places) one in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called Ingleborough, the other in Lancashire called Pendle, two of the highest mountaines in all England, where the clouds are lower than the tops of the same all Winter long, whereupon the people of the countrey haue called them Cloud-berries, found there by a curious gentleman in the knowledge of plants, called M^r. Hesketh, often remembred.

¶ The Time.

The leaues spring vp in May, at which time it floureth: the fruit is ripe in Iuly.

¶ The Temperature.

The fruit is cold and dry, and very astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

The fruit quencheth thirst, cooleth the stomacke, and allayeth inflammations, being eaten as [ A] Worts are, or the decoction made and drunke. ‡ 1.24

CHAP. 76. Of shrub Heart-Wort of Aethiopia.

¶ The Description.

THis kind of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being the Aethiopian Sesely, hath blackish stalks of a wooddy substance: this plant diuideth it selfe into sundry other armes or branches, which are beset with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sat and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaues, fashioned somewhat like the Wood-binde leaues, but thicker, and

[illustration]

Seseli Aethiopicum srutex. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sesely, or Hart-woort of Ethiopia.

more gummie, approching very neere vnto the leaues of Oleander both in shape and sub∣stance, being of a deepe or darke green colour, and of a very good sauour and smell, and con∣tinueth greene in my garden both winter and Sommer, like the Bay or Laurell. The floures do grow at the tops of the branches in yellow rundles like the floures of Dill; which being past, there succeedeth a darke or duskie seed resembling the seed of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and of a bitter taste. The root is thicke and of a wooddy substance.

¶ The Place.

It is found both in stony places, and on the sea coasts not farre from Marsilles, and like∣wise in other places of Languedocke: it also groweth in Ethiopia, in the darke and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 woods: it groweth in my garden.

¶ The Time.

It flourisheth, floureth and seedeth in Iuly and August.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the La∣tines likewise Aethiopicum Seseli: the Aegyp∣tians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, Dogs horrour: in Eng∣lish, Sesely of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Ethiopian Hart∣woort.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Sesely of Ethiopia is thought to haue the same faculties that the Sesely of Marsilles hath, [ A] whereunto I refer it.

CHAP. 77. Of the Elder tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of Elders, some of the land, and some of the water or marish grounds; some with very jagged leaues, and others with double floures, as shall be declared.

¶ The Description.

1 THe common Elder groweth vp now and then to the bignesse of a meane tree, casting his boughes all about, and oftentimes remaineth a shrub: the body is almost all wood∣die, hauing very little pith within; but the boughes and especially the young ones which be iointed, are full of pith within, and haue but little wood without: the barke of the body and great armes is rugged and full of chinks, and of an ill fauoured wan colour like ashes: that of the boughes is not very smooth, but in colour almost like; and that is the outward barke, for there is another vnder it neerer to the wood, of colour greene: the substance of the wood is sound, some∣what yellow, and that may be easily cleft: the leaues consist of fiue or six particular ones fastened to one rib, like those of the Walnut tree, but euery particular one is lesser, nicked in the edges, and of a ranke and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 smell. The floures grow on spokie rundles, which be thin and scattered, of a white colour and sweet smell: after them grow vp little berries, greene at the first, afterwards blacke, whereout is pressed a purple juice, which being boiled with Allom and such like things, doth serue very well 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Painters vse, as also to colour vineger: the seeds in these are a little flat, and somewhat long. There groweth oftentimes vpon the bodies of those old trees or shrubs a certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called Auricula Iudae, or Iewes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which is soft, blackish, couered with a skin, somewhat like now and then to a mans eare, which being plucked off and dryed,

shrinketh together and becommeth hard. This Elder groweth euery where, and is the common Elder.

2 There is another also which is rare and strange, for the berries of it are not blacke, but white: this is like in leaues to the former.

[illustration]

1 Sambucus. The common Elder tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Sambucus fructu albo. Elder with white berries.

3 The jagged Elder tree groweth like the common Elder in body, branches, shootes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, floures, fruit, and stinking smell, and differeth onely in the fashion of the leaues, which doth so much disguise the tree, and put it out of knowledge, that no man would take it for a kinde of El∣der, vntill he hath smelt thereunto, which will quickely shew from whence he is descended: for these strange Elder leaues are very much jagged, rent or cut euen vnto the middle rib. From the trunke of this tree as from others of the same kinde, proceedeth a certaine fleshie excrescence like vnto the eare of a man, especially from those trees that are very old.

4 This kinde of Elder hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which are white, but the berries redde, and both are not contained in spokie rundles, but in clusters, and grow after the manner of a cluster of grapes: in leaues and other things it resembleth the common Elder, saue that now and then it groweth higher.

¶ The Place.

The common Elder groweth euery where: it is planted about 〈◊〉〈◊〉-burrowes for the shadow of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; but that with the white berries is rare: the other kindes grow in like places; but that with the clustered fruit groweth vpon mountaines; that with the jagged leaues groweth in my garden.

¶ The Time.

These kindes of Elders do floure in Aprill and May, and their fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine and of the Apothecaries, Sambucus: of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Salicetus, Beza: in high Dutch, Holunder, Holder: in low Dutch, Ulier: in Italian, Sambuco: in French, Hus and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Spanish, Sauco, Sauch, Sambugueyro: in English, Elder, and Elder tree: that with the white berries diuers would haue to be called Sambucus sylucstris, or wilde Elder, but Matthiolus calleth it Montana, or mountaine Elder.

[illustration]

3 〈◊〉〈◊〉 laciniatis folijs. The iagged Elder tree.

[illustration]

4 Sambucus racemosa, vel 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Harts Elder, or Cluster Elder.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Galen attributeth the like facultie to Elder that he doth to Danewoort, and saith that it is of a [ A] drying qualitie, gluing, and moderatly digesting: and it hath not only these faculties, but others also; for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, leaues, first buds, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and fruit of Elder, do not only dry, but also heate, and haue withall a purging qualitie, but not without trouble and hurt to the stomacke.

The leaues and tender crops of common Elder taken in some broth or pottage open the belly, [ B] purging both slimie flegme and cholericke humors: the middle barke is of the same nature, but stronger, and purgeth the said humors more violently.

The seeds contained within the berries dried are good for such as haue the dropsie, and such as [ C] are too fat, and would faine be leaner, if they be taken in a morning to the quantity of a dram with wine for a certaine space.

The leaues of Elder 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in water vntill they be very soft, and when they are almost boiled e∣nough [ D] a little oile of sweet Almonds added thereto, or a little Lineseed oile; then taken forth and laid vpon a red cloath, or a piece of scarlet, and applied to the hemorrhoides or Piles as hot as can be suffered, and so let to remaine vpon the part affected, vntill it be somewhat cold, hauing the like in a readinesse, applying one after another vpon the diseased part, by the space of an houre or more, and in the end some bound to the place, and the patient put warme a bed; it hath not as yet failed at the first dressing to cure the said disease; but if the Patient be dressed twice it must needs doe good if the first faile.

The greene leaues pouned with Deeres suet or Bulls tallow are good to be laid to hot swellings [ E] and tumors, and doth asswage the paine of the gout.

The inner and greene barke doth more forcibly purge: it draweth forth choler and waterie hu∣mors; [ F] for which cause it is good for those that haue the dropsie, being stamped, and the liquor pressed out and drunke with wine or whay.

Of like operation are also the fresh floures mixed with some kinde of meat, as fried with egges, [ G] they likewise trouble the belly and moue to the stoole: being dried they lose as well their purging qualitie as their moisture, and retaine the digesting and attenuating qualitie.

The vinegar in which the dried floures are steeped are wholsome for the stomacke: being vsed [ H] with meate it stirreth vp an appetite, it cutteth and attenuateth or maketh thin grosse and raw hu∣mors.

The facultie of the seed is somewhat gentler than that of the other parts: it also moueth the [ I] belly, and draweth forth waterie humors, being beaten to pouder, and giuen to a dram weight: be∣ing new gathered, steeped in vineger, and afterwards dried, it is taken, and that effectually, in the like weight of the dried lees of wine, and with a few Anise seeds, for so it worketh without any ma∣ner of trouble, and helpeth those that haue the dropsie. But it must be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for certaine daies to∣gether in a little wine, to those that haue need thereof.

The gelly of the Elder, otherwise called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eare, hath a binding and drying qualitie: the in∣fusion [ K] thereof, in which it hath bin steeped a few houres, taketh away inflammations of the mouth, and almonds of the throat in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if the mouth and throat be washed therewith, and doth in like manner helpe the uvula.

Dioscorides saith, that the tender and greene leaues of the Elder tree, with barley meale parched, [ L] do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hot swellings, and are good for those that are burnt or scalded, and for such as be bitten with a mad dog, and that they glew and heale vp hollow vlcers.

The pith of the young boughes is without qualitie: This being dried, and somewhat pressed or [ M] quashed together, is good to lay vpon the narrow orifices or holes of fistula's and issues, if it be put therein.

CHAP. 78. Of Marish or Water Elder.

[illustration]

1 Sambucus aquatilis, siue palnstris. Marish or water Elder.

[illustration]

2 Sambucus Rosea. The Rose Elder.

¶ The Description.

1 MArish Elder is not like to the common Elder in leaues, but in boughes: it groweth after the manner of a little tree: the boughes are couered with a barke of an ill fa∣uoured Ash colour, as be those of the common Elder: they are set with ioints by

certaine distances; and haue in them great plenty of white pith, therefore they haue lesse wood, which is white and brittle: the leaues be broad, cornered, like almost to Vine leaues, but lesser and foster: among which come forth spoked rundles which bring forth little floures, the vttermost whereof alongst the borders be greater, of a gallant white colour, euery little one consisting of fiue leaues: the other in the midst and within the borders be smaller, and it floures by degrees, and the whole 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is of a most sweet smell: after which come the fruit or berries, that are round like those of the common Elder, but greater, and of a shining red colour, and blacke when they be withered.

2 Sambucus Rosea, or the Elder Rose groweth like an hedge tree, hauing many knotty branches or shoots comming from the root, full of pith like the common Elder: the leaues are like the vine leaues; among which come forth goodly floures of a white colour, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and dashed here and there with a light and thin Carnation colour, and do grow thicke and closely compact together, in quantitie and bulke of a mans hand, or rather bigger, of great beauty, and sauoring like the floures of the Haw-thorne: but in my garden there groweth not any fruit vpon this tree, nor in any other place, for ought that I can vnderstand.

3 This kinde is likewise an hedge tree, very like vnto the former in stalks and branches, which are iointed and knotted by distances, and it is full of white pith: the leaues be likewise cornered: the floures hereof grow not out of spoky rundles, but stand in a round thicke and globed tuft, in bignesse also and fashion like to the former, sauing that they tend to a deeper purple colour, wher∣in only the difference consists.

¶ The Place.

Sambucus palustris, the water Elder, growes by running streames and water courses, and in hedges by moist ditch sides.

The Rose Elder groweth in Gardens, and the floures are there doubled by Art, as it is sup∣posed.

¶ The Time.

These kindes of Elders do floure in Aprill and May, and the fruit of the water Elder is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

The water Elder is called in Latine, Sambucus aquatica, and Sambucus palustris: it is called Opu∣lus, and Platanus, and also Chamaeplatanus, or the dwarfe Plane tree, but not properly: Valerius Cordus maketh it to be Lycostaphylos: the Saxons, saith Gesner, do call it Vua Lupina; from whence Cordus inuented the name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: it is named in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 holder, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 holder: in low Dutch, Swelcken, and Swelckenhout: of certaine French men, Obiere: in English, Marish El∣der, and Whitten tree, Ople tree, and dwarfe Plane tree.

The Rose Elder is called in Latine, Sambucus Rosea, and Sambucus aquatica, being doubtles a kind of the former water Elder, the floures being doubled by art, as we haue said: it is called in Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Roose: in English, Gelders Rose, and Rose Elder.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Concerning the faculties of these Elders, and the berries of the Water Elder, there is nothing found in any writer, neither can we set downe any thing hereof of our owne knowledge.

CHAP. 79. Of Dane-Wort, Wall-Wort, or Dwarfe Elder.

¶ The Description.

DAne-wort, as it is not a shrub, neither is it altogether an herby plant, but as it were a Plant participating of both, being doubtles one of the Elders, as may appeare both by the leaues, floures, and fruit, as also by the smell and taste.

Wall-wort is very like vnto Elder in leaues, spoky tufts, and fruit, but it hath not a wooddie stalke; it bringeth sorth only greene stalks, which wither away in Winter: these are edged, and full of ioynts, like to the yong branches and shoots of Elder: the leaues grow by couples, with di∣stances, wide, and consist of many small leaues which stand vpon a thicke ribbed stalke, of which euery one is long, broad, and cut in the edges like a saw, wider and greater than the leaues of the common Elder tree: at the top of the stalkes there grow tufts of white floures tipt with red, with fiue little chiues in them pointed with blacke, which turne into blacke berries like the Elder, in the which be little long seed: the root is tough, and of a good and reasonable length, better for Phy∣sicks vse than the leaues of Elder.

[illustration]

Ebulus, siue Sambucus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Dane-wort, or dwarfe Elder.

¶ The Place.

Dane-wort growes in vntoiled places neere common waies, and in the borders of fields: it groweth plentifully in the lane at Kilburne Abbey by London: also in a field by S. Ioans neere Dartford in Kent: and also in the high∣way at old Branford townes end next London, and in many other places.

¶ The Time.

The floures are perfected in Sommer, and the berries in Autumne.

¶ The Names.

It is named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, hu∣milis Sambucus, or low Elder: it is called in Latine, Ebulus, and Ebulum: in high-Dutch, Attich: in low-Dutch, Adich: in Italian, E∣bulo: in French, Hieble: in Spanish, Yezgos: in English, Wall-wort, Dane-wort, and dwarfe Elder.

¶ The Temperature.

Wall-wort is of temperature hot and drie in the third degree, and of a singular qualitie, which Galen doth attribute vnto it, to wast and consume; and also it hath a strange and speci∣all facultie to purge by the stoole: the roots be of greatest force, the leaues haue the chiefest strength to digest and consume.

¶ The Vertues.

The roots of Wall-wort boiled in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and [ A] drunken are good against the dropsie, for they purge downwards watery humors.

The leaues do consume and waste away hard swellings if they be applied pultis-wise, or in a fo∣mentation [ B] or bath.

Dioscorides saith, that the roots of Wall-wort doe soften and open the matrix, and also correct [ C] the infirmities thereof, if they be boiled for a bath to sit in; and dissolue the swellings and paines of the belly.

The iuice of the root of Dane-wort doth make the haire blacke. [ D]

The yong and tender leafe quencheth hot inflammations, being applied with Barly meale: it [ E] is with good successe laid vpon burnings, scaldings, and vpon the bitings of mad dogs; and with Bulls tallow or Goats suet it is a remedie for the gout.

The seed of Wall-wort drunke in the quantitie of a dram is the most excellent purger of wate∣rie [ F] humors in the world, and therefore most singular against the dropsie.

If one scruple of the seed be bruised and taken with syrrup of Roses and a little Secke, it cureth [ G] the dropsie, and easeth the gout, mightily purging downwards waterish humors, being once taken in the weeke.

CHAP. 80. Of Beane Trefoile.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first kinde of Anagyris or Laburnum groweth like vnto a small tree, garnished with many small branches like the shoots of Oziars, set full of pale greene leaues, alwaies three together, like the Lotus or medow Trefoile, or rather like the leaues of Vitex, or the Cytisus bush: among which come forth many tufts of floures of a yellow colour, not much vn∣like the floures of Broome: when these floures be gone there succeed small flat cods, wherein are contained seeds like Galega or the Cytisus bush: the whole plant hath little or no sauour at all: the root is soft and gentle, yet of a wooddy substance.

2 Stinking Trefoile is a shrub like to a little tree, rising vp to the height of six or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cubits, or sometimes higher: it sendeth forth of the stalks very many slender branches; the barke whereof is of a deep greene colour: the leaues stand alwaies three together, like those of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or medow Trefoile, yet of a lighter greene on the vpper side: the floures be long, as yellow as gold, very like to those of Broome, two or three also ioined together: after them come vp broad cods, wherein do lie hard fruit like Kidney Beanes, but lesser; at the first white, afterwards tending to a purple, and last of all of a blackish blew: the leaues and floures hereof haue a filthy smell, like those of the stinking Gladdon, and so ranke withall, as euen the passers by are annoied therewith.

[illustration]

1 Anagyris. Beane Trefoile.

[illustration]

2 Anagyris 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Stinking Beane Trefoile.

‡ Of Anagyris there are foure kindes, two with stinking leaues; the one with longish leaues, the other with rounder.

Two other whose leaues do not stinke; the one of these hath sometimes foure or fiue leaues on one stalke, and the leaues are long and large. The other hath them lesser and narrower. ‡

¶ The Place.

These grow of themselues in most places of Languedocke and Spaine, and in other countries also by high waies sides, as in the Isle of Candy, as Bellonius writeth: the first I haue in my garden; the other is a stranger in England. ‡ Master Tradiscant hath two sorts hereof in his garden. ‡

¶ The Time.

They floure in Iune, and the seed is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

The Beane Trefoile is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which name remaineth vncorrupt in Candy euen to this day: in Latine also Anagyris, and Laburnum: of the people of Anagni in Italy named Eghelo, which is referred vnto Laburnum, of which Pliny writeth in his 16. booke, 18. chapter. In English, Beane Trefoile, or the Peascod tree.

¶ The Temperature.

Beane Trefoile, as Galen writeth, hath a hot and digesting faculty.

¶ The Vertues.

The tender leaues, saith Dioscorides, being stamped and layed vpon cold swellings, do waste away [ A] the same.

They are drunke with Cute in the weight of a dram against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the lungs and doe [ B] bring downe the menses, the birth, and the afterbirth.

They cure the head-ache being drunke with wine; the iuice of the root digesteth and ripeneth [ C] if the seed be eaten it procureth vomite, which thing, as Matthiolus writeth, the seed not onely of stinking Beane Tresoile doth effect, but that also of the other likewise.

CHAP. 81. Of Iudas Tree.

[illustration]

Arbor Iude. Iudas Tree.

¶ The Description.

IVdas tree is likewise one of the hedge plants: it groweth vp vnto a tree of a reaso∣nable bignesse, couered with a dark colou∣red barke, whereon doe grow many twiggie tough branches of a brown colour, garnished with round leaues, like those of round Birth∣woort, or Sowbread, but harder, and of a dee∣per greene colour: among which come forth small floures like those of Peason, of a purple colour, mixed with red, which turn into long flat cods, pressed hard together, of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or wan colour, wherein is contained small flat seeds, like the Lentill, or rather like the seed of Medica, fashioned like a little kidney: the root is great and wooddie.

¶ The Place.

This shrub is found in diuers prouinces of Spaine, in hedges, and among briers & bram∣bles: the mountaines of Italy, and the fields of Languedocke are not without this shrub: it groweth in my garden.

¶ The Time.

The floures come forth in the Spring, and before the leaues: the fruit or cods be ripe in Sommer.

¶ The Names.

It is commonly named in Latine Arbor Iu∣dae: some haue called it Sycomorus, or Syco∣more tree, and that because the floures and cods hang downe from the bigger branches: but the right Sycomore tree is like the Fig-tree in fruit, & in leaues to the Mulberrie tree, wherupon it is so named. Others take it to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: of which Theophrastus writeth thus, Cercis bringeth forth fruit in a cod; which words are all so few, as that of this no certaintie can be gathered, for therebe more shrubs that bring forth fruit in cods. The French men call it Guainier, as though they should say, Vaginula: or a little sheath: most of the Spaniards do name it Algorouo loco, that is, Siliqua syluestris or fatua, wilde or foolish cod: others, Arbold' amor, for the brauenesse sake: it may be called in En∣glish, Iudas tree, for that it is thought to be that whereon Iudas did hang himselfe, and not vpon the Elder tree, as it is vulgarly said.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The temperature and vertues of this shrub are vnknowne, and not found out: for whereas Matthi∣olus maketh this to be Acacia, by adding falfely thornes vnto it, it is but a surmise.

CHAP. 82. Of the Carob tree, or Saint Iohns Bread.

¶ The Description.

THe Carob tree is also one of those that beare cods; it is a tree of a middle bignesse, very full of boughes: the leaues long, and consist of many set together vpon one middle rib, like those of the Ash, but euery particular one of them is broader, harder and rounder: the fiuit or long cods in some places are a foot in length, in other places shorter by halfe, an inch broad, smooth, & thick; in which do lie flat and broad seeds: the cods themselues are of a sweet taste, and are eaten of di∣uers, but not before they be gathered and dried; for being as yet green, though ripe, they are vnplea∣sant to be eaten by reason of their ill sauoured taste.

[illustration]

Ceratia siliqua, sive Ceratonia. The Carob tree.

¶ The Place.

This groweth in Apulia, a Prouince of the kingdome of Naples, and also in diuers vntoi∣led places in Spaine: it is likewise found in India and other countries Eastward, where the cods are so full of sweet iuice as that it is vsed to preserue Ginger and other fruites, as Matthiolus sheweth. Strabo lib. 15. saith, that Aristobulus reporteth how there is a tree in In∣dia of no great bignes, which hath great cods, ten inches long, full of hony; Quas qui 〈◊〉〈◊〉 non facile 〈◊〉〈◊〉; which thing peraduenture is onely to be vnderstood of the greene cods, & those that are not yet dry: it is very wel known in the coasts of Nicea and Liguria in Italy, as also in all the tracts and coasts of the West Indies, and Virginia. It groweth also in sun∣dry places of Palestine, where there is such plenty of it, that it is left vnto swine and other wilde beasts to seed vpon, as our Acornes and Beech mast. Moreouer, both young and old feed thereon for pleasure and some haue eaten thereof to supply and help the necessary nou∣rishment of their bodies. This of some is cal∣led Saint Iohns bread, and thought to be that which is translated Locusts, whereon S. Iohn did feed when he was in the wildernesse, be∣sides the wilde hony whereof he did also eat; but there is small certainty of this: but most certaine that the people of that countrey doe feed vpon these cods, in Greeke called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Siliquae: but Saint Iohns food is called in Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉: which word is often vsed in the Reuelation written by Saint Iohn, and translated Locusts. Now wee must also remember that this Greeke word hath two seuerall interpretations or significations, for taken in the good part, it signi∣fieth a kinde of creeping creature, or flie, which hoppeth or skippeth vp and down, as doth the gras∣hopper; of which kinde of creatures it was lawfull to eat, Leuit. 11. 22. and Mat. 3. 4. It signifieth also those Locusts which came out of the smoke of the bottomles pit, mentioned Apoc. 9. v. 3. 4. &c. which were like vnto horses prepared for battell. The Hebrew word which the English translators haue turned Grashoppers, Tremelius daresnot giue the name Locust vnto it, but calleth it by the He∣brew name Arbis, after the letters and Hebrew name, saying thus in the note vpon the 22. verse of the 11. chapter of Leuit. These kindes of creeping things neither the Hebrews nor the Historiogra∣phers, nor our selues do know what they meane: wherefore we still retaine the Hebrew words, for all the foure kindes thereof: but it is certaine that the East countrey Grashoppers and Locusts were sometimes vsed in meat, as Math. 3. 4. and Marc. 1. 6. Plin lib. 11. Natur. Histor. cap 26. and 29.

Thus far Tremelius and Iunius. By that which hath been said it appeareth what S. Iohn the Baptist fed of, vnder the title Locusts: and that it is nothing like vnto this fruit Ceratia siliqua: I rather take the husks or shells of the fruit of this tree to be the cods or husks whereof the prodigall childe would haue fed, but none gaue them vnto him, though the swine had their fill thereof. These cods being drie are very like beane cods, as I haue often seen. I haue sowne the seeds in my garden, where they haue prospered exceeding well.

‡ There is no doubt but the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Siliquae mentioned in Saint Lukes Gospel, Chap. 15. v. 16. were the cods or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this tree. I cannot beleeue that either the fruit of this or the Locusts, were the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 mentioned in the third chapter of Saint Mat. v. 4. But I am of the opinion of the Greeke Father Isodore Pelusiota, who, lib. 1. Epist. 132. hath these words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. That is: The Acrides which Iohn fed vpon are not liuing creatures like to Beetles, as some vnlearnedly suppose, farre be it from vs so to thinke; but they are the tender buds of herbes and plants or trees; neither on the other side is the Meli agrion any herbe so called, but mountaine hony gathered by wilde Bees, &c. ‡

¶ The Time.

The Carob tree bringeth forth fruit in the beginning of the Spring, which is not ripe till Au∣tumne.

¶ The Names.

The Carob tree is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine likewise, Ceratonia: in Spanish, Garouo: in English, Carob tree; and of some, Beane tree, and Saint Iohns Bread: the fruit or cod is named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine Siliqua, or Siliqua dulcis: in diuers shops, Xylocaracta: in other shops in Italy, Carobe, or Carobole: of the Apothecaries of Apulia, Salequa: it is called in Spanish, Alfarobas, or Algarovas: and without an article Garouas: in high Dutch, S. Johans 〈◊〉〈◊〉: that is to say, Sancti Iohan. panis, or S. Iohns Bread, neither is it knowne by any other name in the Low-countries: Some call it in En∣glish, Carob.

¶ The Temperature.

The Carob tree is drie and astringent, as is also the fruit, and containeth in it a certaine sweetnes as Galen saith.

¶ The Vertues.

The fruit of the Carob Tree, beeing eat when it is greene, doth gently loose the belly; but [ A] beeing dry it is hard of digestion, and stoppeth the belly, it prouoketh vrine, it is good for the sto∣macke, and nourisheth well, and much better than when it is greene and fresh.

CHAP. 83. Of Cassia Fistula, or Pudding Pipe.

¶ The Description.

CAssia purgatrix, or Cassia fistula, groweth vp to be a faire tree, with a tough barke like leather, of the colour of Box, whereupon some haue supposed it to take the Greeke name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Latine, Coriaceus: the armes and branches of this are small and limber, beset with many goodly leaues, like those of the Wall-nut tree: among which come forth small floures of a yellow colour, com∣pact or consisting of six little leaues, like the floures of Chelidonium minus, or Pile-woort: after these be vaded, there succeed goodly blacke round, long cods, whereof some are two foot long, and of a wooddy substance: in these coddes are contained a blacke pulpe, very sweet and soft, of a pleasant taste, and seruing to many vses in Physicke, in which pulpe lieth the seed couched in little cels or partitions: this seed is flat and brownish, not vnlike the seed of Ceratia Siliqua, and in other respects very like vnto it also.

¶ The Place.

This tree groweth much in Egypt, especially about Memphis and Alexandria, and most parts of Barbarie, and is a stranger in these parts of Europe.

¶ The Time.

The Cassia tree groweth green winter and sommer: it sheddeth his old leaues when new are come, by meanes whereof it is neuer void of leaues: it floureth early in the spring, and the fruit is ripe in Autumne.

[illustration]

Cassia fistula. Pudding Pipe tree.

¶ The Names.

This tree was vnknowne to the old writers, or so little accounted of, as that they haue made no mention of it at all: the Arabians were the first that esteemed of it, by reason they knew the vse of the pulpe which is found in the Pipes: and after them the later Grecians, as Actuarius & o∣ther of his time, by whom it was named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is to say in Latine, Casia nigra. The fruit thereof, saith Actuarius in his fist booke, is like a long pipe, hauing within it a thicke humour or moisture, which is not congealed all alike tho∣row the pipe, but is separated and diuided with many partitions, being thin wooddy skins. The Apothecaries call it Casia 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and with a dou∣ble ss Cassia 〈◊〉〈◊〉: it is called in English after the Apothecaries word, Cassia fistula, and may also be Englished, Pudding Pipe, because the cod or Pipe is like a pudding: but the old Cas∣sia fistula, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greeke, is that sweet and odoriferous barke that is rolled together, after the manner of a long and roundpipe, now named of the Apothecaries Cassia lignea, which is a kinde of Cinamon.

¶ The Temperature.

The pulpe of this pipe which is chiefely in request, is moist in the later end of the first de∣gree, and little more than temperatly hot.

The Vertues.

The pulpe of Casia 〈◊〉〈◊〉 extracted with violet water, is a most sweet and pleasant medicine, and [ A] may be giuen without danger to all weak people of what age and sex soeuer they be, yea it may be ministred to women with childe, for it gently purgeth cholcricke humours and slimie flegme, if it be taken in the weight of an ounce.

Cassia is good for such as be vexed with hot agues, pleurisies, iaundice, or any other inflammation [ B] of the liuer, being taken as afore is shewed.

Cassia is good for the reines and kidneies, driueth forth grauell and the stone, especially if it bee [ C] mingled with the decoction of Parsley, and Fennell roots, and drunke.

It purgeth and purifieth the bloud, making it more cleane than before, breaking therewith the [ D] actimonie and sharpnesse of the mixture of bloud and choler together.

It dissolueth all phlegmons and inflammations of the brest, lungs, and the rough artery called [ E] Trachea arteria, easing those parts exceeding well.

Cassia abateth the vehemencie of thirst in agues, or any hot disease whatsoeuer, especially if it be [ F] taken with the iuice of Intybum, Cichoreum, or Solanum, depured according to Art: it abateth also the intemperate heat of the reines, if it be receiued with diureticke simples, or with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on of Licorice onely, and will not suffer the stone to grow in such persons as do receiue and vse this medi∣cine:

The best Cassia for your vse is to be taken out of the most ful, most heauy, & fairest cods, or canes, [ G] and those which do shine without, and are full of soft pulpe within; that pulpe which is newly ta∣ken forth is better than that which is kept in boxes, by what Art soeuer.

Cassia being outwardly applied, taketh away the roughnesse of the skin, and being laid vpon hot [ H] swellings, it bringeth them to suppuration.

Many singular compounded medicines are made with this Cassia, which here to recite belongs [ I] not to my purpose or history.

CHAP. 84. Of the Lentiske, or Masticke tree.

¶ The Description.

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Masticke tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Mastick tree groweth commonly like a shrub without any great body, rising vp with many springs and shoots like the Hasell; and oftentimes it is of the height and bignesse of a meane tree: the boughes thereof are tough, and flexible; the barke is of a yellowish red colour, pliable likewise, and hard to be broken: there stand vpon one rib for the most part 8 leaues, set vpon a middle rib, much like to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Licorice, but harder, of a deepe greene colour, and oftentimes somewhat red in the brims, as also hauing diuers vains running along of a red colour, and somthing strong of smel: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be mossie, and grow in clusters vpon long 〈◊〉〈◊〉: after them come vp the berries, of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Vetches, greene at the first, afterwards of a purple colour, and last of all, black, fat, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with a hard black stone within; the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉- of is white, of which also is made 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 witnesseth: it bringeth forth likewise cods besides the fruit (which may be rather 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an excrescence, than a cod) writhed like a 〈◊〉〈◊〉; in which lieth at the first a liquour, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when this waxeth stale, little liuing things like vnto gnats, as in the Turpentine hornes, and in the folded leaues of the Elm tree, There commeth forth of the Mastick tree a Ro∣sin, but dry, called Masticke.

¶ The Place.

The Masticke tree groweth in many regions, as in Syria, Candy, Italy, Languedocke, and in most Prouinces of Spaine: but the chiefest is in Chios an Island in Greece, in which it is diligently and specially looked vnto, and that for the Masticke sake, which is there gathered from the husbanded Masticke trees by the inhabitants euery yeare most carefully, and is sent from thence into all parts of the world.

¶ The Time.

The floures be in their pride in the spring time, and the berries in Autumne: the Mastick must be gathered about the time when the Grapes be.

¶ The Names.

This tree is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Lentiscus: in Italian, Lentisque: in Spanish, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Masticke tree; and of some, Lentiske tree.

The Rosin is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Lentiscina Resina, and likewise, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in shops, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in high and low Dutch and French also, Mastic: in Spa∣nish, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Masticke.

Clusius writeth, that the Spaniards call the oile that is pressed out of the berries, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mata.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues, barke, and gum of the Masticke tree are of a meane and temperate heate, and are drie in the second degree, and somewhat astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues and barke of the Masticke tree stoppe the laske, the bloudy flixe, the spitting of [ A]

bloud, the pissing of bloud, and all other fluxes of bloud: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are also good against the falling sickenesse, the falling downe of the mother, and comming forth of the fundament.

The gum Masticke hath the same vertue, if it be relented in wine and giuen to be drunke. [ B]

Masticke chewed in the mouth is good for the stomacke, staieth vomiting, increaseth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ C] comforteth the braines, staieth the falling downe of the rheumes and watery humors, and maketh a sweet breath.

The same infused in Rose water is excellent to wash the mouth withall, to fasten loosete eth, [ D] and to comfort the iawes.

The same spred vpon a piece of leather or veluet, and laid plaisterwise vpon the temples, staieth [ E] the rheume from falling into the iawes and teeth, and easeth the paines thereof.

It preuaileth much against vlcers and wounds, being put into digestiues and healing Vn∣guents. [ F]

It draweth flegme sorth of the head gently and without trouble. [ G]

It is also vsed in waters which serue to clense and make faire the face with. [ H]

The decoction of this filleth vp hollow vlcers with flesh if they be bathed therewith. [ I]

It knitteth broken bones, staieth eating vlcers, and prouoketh vrine. [ K]

CHAP. 85. Of the Turpentine Tree.

[illustration]

1 Terebint hus. The Turpentine tree.

[illustration]

2 Terebint hus latifolia. The broad leafed Turpentine tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first Turpentine Tree groweth to the height of a tall and faire tree, hauing many long boughes or branches, dispersed abroad, beset with long leaues, consisting of sun∣dry other small leaues, each whereof resembleth the Bay leafe, growing one against another vpon a little stem or middle rib, like vnto the leaues of the Ash tree: the floures be small & reddish, grow∣ing vpon clusters or bunches that turne into round berries, which at their beginning are greene, afterwards reddish, but being ripe wax blacke, or of a darke blew colour, clammie, full of fat

and oilous in substance, and of a pleasant sauour: this plant beareth an empty cod, or crooked horne somewhat reddish, wherein are found small flies, wormes or gnats, bred and ingendred of a certaine humorous matter, which cleaueth to the inner sides of the said cods or hornes, which wormes haue no physicall vse at all. The right 〈◊〉〈◊〉 issueth out of the branches of those trees, if you do cut or wound them, the which is faire and cleere, and better than that which is ga∣thered from the barke of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tree.

2 The second kinde of Turpentine tree is very like vnto the former, but that it groweth not so great: yet the leaues are greater and broader, and of the same fashion, but very like to the leaues of the Pistacia tree. The berries are first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a scarlet colour, and when they be ripe of a skie co∣lour. The great horned cods are sharpe pointed, and somewhat 〈◊〉〈◊〉, consisting as it were of the substance of gristles. And out of those bladders being broken do creepe and come small flies or gnats, bred of a fuliginous excrement, and ingendred in those bladders. The tree doth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yeeld his Turpentine by dropping like the former.

¶ The Place.

These trees grow, as Dioscorides saith, in Iurie, Syria, Cyprus, Africke, and in the Islands called Cyclades. Bellonius reporreth that there are found great store of them in Syria, and Cilicia, and are brought from thence to Damascus to be sold. Clusius saith, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 growes of it selfe in Langue∣docke, and in very many places of Portingale and Spaine, but for the most part like a shrub, and without bearing Turpentiue.

Theophrastus writeth, that it groweth about the hill Ida, and in Macedonia, short, in manner of a shrub, and writhed; and in Damascus and Syria great, in manner of a small tree: he also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 downe a certaine male Turpentine tree, and a female: the male, saith he, is barren, and the female fruitfull. And of these he maketh the one with a berry red at the first, of the bignesse of a Lentill, which cannot come to ripenes; and the other with the fruit greene at the first, afterwards some∣what of a yellowish red, and in the end blacke, waxing ripe in the spring, of the bignesse of the Grecians Beane, and rosenny.

He also writeth of a certaine Indian Turpentine tree, that is to say, a tree like in boughes and leaues to the right Turpentine tree, but differing in fruit, which is like vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

¶ The 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The floures of the Turpentine tree come forth in the spring together with the new buds; the berries are ripe in September and October, in the time of Grape gathering. The hornes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about the same time.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and also many times 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Terebinthus: in Itali∣an, Terebintho: in Spanish, Cornicabra: in French, Terebinte: in English, Turpentine tree: the Ara∣bians call it Botin, and with an article Albotin.

The Rosin is surnamed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Terebinthina: in high Dutch, Termintijn: in Eng∣lish, Turpentine, and right Turpentine: in the Arabian language Albotia, who name the fruit Granum viride, or greene berries.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The barke, leaues, and fruit of the Turpentine tree do somewhat binde, they are hot in the se∣cond [ A] degree, and being greene they dry moderately; but when they are dryed they dry in the se∣cond degeee; and the fruit approacheth more neere to those that be dry in the third degree, and also hotter. This is fit to be eaten, as Dioscorides saith, but it hurteth the stomacke.

It prouoketh vrine, helpeth those that haue bad spleenes, and is drunke in wine against the bi∣tings [ B] of the poysonsome spiders called Phalangia.

The Rosin of the Turpentine tree excelleth all other Rosins, according to Dioscorides his opini∣nion: [ C] but Galen writeth, that the Rosin of the masticke tree beareth the preheminence, and then the Turpentine.

This Rosin hath also an astringent or binding facultie, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not so much as masticke, but it [ D] hath withall a certaine bitternesse ioyned, by reason whereof it digesteth more than that of the Masticke tree: thorow the same qualitie there is likewise in it so great a clensing, as also it healeth scabs, in his 8. booke of the faculties of simple medicines; but in his booke of medicines accor∣ding to the kindes, he maketh that of the Turpentine tree to be much like the Rosins of the Larch tree, which he affirmeth to be moister than all the rest, and to be without both sharpnesse and bi∣ting.

The fruit of Turpentine prouoketh vrine and stirreth vp fleshly lust. [ E]

The Rosine of this tree, which is the right Turpentine, looseth the belly, openeth the stoppings [ F] of the liuer and spleene, prouoketh vrine, and driueth forth grauell, being taken the quantitie of two or three Beanes.

The like quantitie washed in water diuers times vntill it be white, then must be put thereto the [ G] like quantity of the yolk of an egge, and laboured togetheradding thereto by little and little (con∣tinually stirring it) a small draught of possit drinke made of white wine, and giuen to drink in the morning fasting, ithelpeth most speedily the Gonorrhaea, or running of the reines, commonly at the first time, but the medicine neuer faileth at the second time of the taking of it, which giues stooles from foure to eight, according to the age and strength of the patient.

CHAP. 86. Of the Frankincense tree.

¶ The Description.

THe tree from which Frankincense floweth is but low, and hath leaues like the Mastick tree; yet some are of opinion that the leafe is like the leafe of a Peare tree, and of a grassie colour: the rinde is like that of the Bay tree, whereof there are two kindes: the one groweth in mountains and rockie places, the other in the plaine: but those in the plaines are much worse than those of the mountaines: the gum hereof is also blacker, fitter to mingle with Pitch, and such other stuffe to trim ships, than for other vses.

[illustration]

Arbor Thurifera. The Frankincense tree.

[illustration]

Thuris Limpidifolium Lobelij. The supposed leafe of the Frankincense tree.

Theuet in his Cosmographie saith, that the Frankincense tree doth resemble a gummie or rosiny Pine tree, which yeeldeth a iuice that in time groweth hard, and is called Thus, Frankincense, in whom is found sometime certaine small graines like vnto grauell, which they call the Manna of Frankincense.

Of this there is in Arabia two other sorts, the one, the gum wherof is gathered in the Dog daies when the Sun is in Leo, which is white, pure, cleare, and shining. Pena writeth that he hath seene the cleare Frankincense called Limpidum, and yeelding a very sweet smell when it is burnt, but the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath been seldome seene; which the Physition Launanus gaue to Pena and Lobel, together with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pieces of the Rosine, which he had of certaine mariners, but he could affirme nothing of cer∣taintie whether it were the leafe of the Frankincense, or of some other Pine tree, yeelding the like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or gum. It is, saith he (which doth seldom happen in other leaues) from the lower part or foot of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to the vpper end, as it were doubled, consisting of two thin rindes or coats, with a sheath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and a halfe long, at the top gaping open like a hood or fooles coxcombe, and as it were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with a helm at, which is a thing seldome seene in a leafe, but is proper to the floures of Napellus,

or Lonchitis, as writers affirme; the other is gathered in the spring, which is reddish, worser than 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other in price or value, because it is not so well concocted in the heat of the Sunne. The Arabians wound this tree with a knife, that the liquour may flow out more abundantly, whereof some trees yeeld threescore pounds of Frankinsence.

¶ The Place.

Dioscorides saith it groweth in Arabia, and especially in that quarter which is called Thurifera, the best in that countrey is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and is round, and if it be broken, is fat within, and when it is burned doth quickly yeeld a smel: next to it in goodnes is that which groweth in Smilo, lesser than the other, and more yellow.

¶ The Time.

The time is already declared in the description.

¶ The Names.

It is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Thus: in Italian, Incenso: in Dutch, Uueirauch: in Spanish, Encenso: in French, Enceus: in English, Frankincense, and Incense: in the Arabian tongue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and of some few, Cond. r. ‡ The Rosin carries the same name; but in shops it is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, os the Greeke name and article put before it. ‡

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

It hath, as Dioscorides saith, a power to heate and binde. [ A]

It driueth away the dimnesse of the eye-sight, filleth vp hollow 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it closes raw wounds, stai∣eth [ B] all corruptions of bloud, although it fall from the head.

Galen writeth thus of it; Thus doth heate in the second degree, and drie in the first, and hath some [ C] small astriction, but in the white there is a manifest astriction; the rinde doth manifestly binde and dry exceedingly, and that most certainly in the second degree, for it is of more grosser parts than Frankincense, and not so sharpe, by reason whereof it is much vsed in spitting of bloud, swellings in the mouth, the collicke passion, the flux in the belly rising from the stomacke, and bloudy flixes.

The fume or smoke of it hath a more drier and hotter quality than the Frankincense it selfe, be∣ing [ D] dry in the third degree.

It doth also clense and fill vp the vlcers in the eies, like vnto Myrrhe: thus far Galen. [ E]

Dioscorides saith, that if it be drunk by a man in health, it driueth him into a frensie: but there are [ F] few Greekes of his minde.

Auicen reporteth that it doth helpe and strengthen the wit and vnderstanding, but the often ta∣king [ G] of it will breed the head-ache, and if too much of it be drunke with wine it killeth.

CHAP. 87. Of Fisticke Nuts.

[illustration]

Pistacia. The Fisticke Nut.

¶ The Description.

THe tree which beareth Fisticke Nuts is like to the Turpentine tree: the leaues hereof be greater than those of the Masticke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after the same maner, and in like order that they are, being of a faint yellow colour out of a green; the fruit or Nuts do hang by their stalks in clu∣sters, being greater than the Nuts of Pine Ap∣ples, and much lesser than Almonds: the husks without is of a grayish colour sometimes red∣dish, the shell brickle and white; the substance of the kernell greene; the taste sweet, pleasant to be eaten, and something sweet of smell.

¶ The Place.

Fisticke Nuts grow in Persia, Arabia, Sy∣ria, and in India; now they are made free Deni∣zons in Italy, as in Naples and in other Prouin∣ces there.

¶ The Time.

This tree doth floure in May, and the fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

This Nut is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Athe∣naeus: Nicander Colophonius in his booke of Trea∣cles nameth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Possidonius nameth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: others, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Latines obseruing the same termes, haue named it Pistacion, Bistacion, or Phi∣stacion:

the Apothecaries, Fistici: the Spaniards, Alhocigos, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 English, Fisticke Nut.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The kernels of the Fisticke Nuts are oftentimes eaten as be those of the Pine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ A] of temperature hot and moist; they are not so easily 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but much easier than 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the iuice is good, yet somewhat thicke; they yeeld to the body no small nourishment, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bodies that are consumed: they recouer strength.

They are good for those that haue the phthisicke, or rotting away of the lungs. [ C]

They concoct, ripen, and clense forth raw humours that cleaue to the lights and chest. [ D]

They open the stoppings of the liuer, and be good for the infirmities of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; they also remoue out of the kidneies sand and grauell; and asswage their paine: they are also good for vlcers.

The kernels of Fisticke nuts condited, or made into 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with sugar, and eaten, doe procure [ E] bodily lust, vnstop the lungs and the brest are good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the shortnesse of breath, and are an ex∣cellent preseruatiue medicine being ministred in wine against the bitings of all manner of wilde beasts.

CHAP. 88. Of the Bladder Nut.

[illustration]

Nux vesicaria. The Bladder Nut.

¶ The Description.

THis is a low tree, hauing diuers young springs growing forth of the root: the sub∣stance of the wood is white, very hard & sound; the barke is of a light greene: the leaues con∣sist of fiue little ones, which be nicked in the edges like those of the Elder, but lesser, not so greene nor ranke of smell. It hath the pleasant whitish floures of Bryonie or Labrusca, both in smell and shape, which turne into smal corne∣red bladders of winter Cherries, called Alka∣kengie, but of an ouerworne greenish colour: in these bladders are contained two little nuts, and sometimes no more but one, lesser than the Hasell nut, but greater than the Ram Cich, with a wooddie shel and somewhat red: the kernell within is something green; in taste at the first sweet, but afterwards lothsome, and ready to prouoke vomit.

¶ The Place.

It groweth in Italy, Germany and France; it groweth likewise at the house of sir Walter Culpepper neere Flimmewell in the Weild of Kent, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Frier yard without Saint Paules gate in Stamford, and about Spalding Abbey, and in the garden of the right honou∣rable the Lord Treasurer my very good Lord and Master, and by his house in the Strand. It groweth also in my garden, and in the garden hedges of sir Francis Carew neere Croydon, se∣uen miles from London.

¶ The Time.

This tree floureth in May, the Nuts be ripe in August and September.

¶ The Names.

It is commonly called in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which signifieth in low Dutch 〈◊〉〈◊〉: diuers call it in Latine Pistacium Germanicum: we thinke it best to call it Nux vesicaria. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his Epistles doth iudge the Turks 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Hebulben to agree with this: Gulielmus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 affirmeth, Coulcoul to be vsed of diuers in Constantinople for a daintie, especially when they be new brought out of Egypt. This plant hath no old name, vnlesse it be Staphylodendron 〈◊〉〈◊〉:

forwhich it is taken of the later writers: and Pliny hath written of it in his 16. book, 16. chap. There is also (saith he) beyond the Alpes a tree, the timber whereof is very like to that of white Maple, and is called Staphylodendron, it beareth cods, and in those kernels, hauing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Hasel nut. It is called in English, S. Anthonies nuts, wilde Pistacia, or Bladder nuts: the Italians call it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Saluaticke: the French men call it Baguenaudes a patre nostres, for that the Friers do vse to make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the nuts.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

These nuts are moist and ful of superfluous raw humours, and therefore they easily procure a rea∣dinesse [ A] to vomite, and trouble the stomacke, by reason that withall they be somewhat binding, and therefore they be not to be eaten.

They haue as yet no vse in medicine, yet notwithstanding some haue attributed vnto them some [ B] vertues in prouoking of Venerie.

CHAP. 89. Of the Hasell tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Hasell tree groweth like a shrub or small tree, parted into boughes without ioints, tough and pliable: the leaues are broad, greater and fuller of wrinckles than those of the Alder tree, cut in the edges like a saw, of colour greene, and on the backside more white, the bark is thin: the root is thicke, strong, and growing deep; in stead of floures hang downe catkins, aglets, or blowings, slender, and well compact: afterwhich come the Nuts standing in a tough cup of a greene colour, and iagged at the vpper end, like almost vnto the beards in Roses. The shell is smooth and wooddie: the kernel within consisteth of a white, hard, and sound pulpe, and is couered with a thin skin, oftentimes red, most commonly white; this kernell is sweet and pleasant vnto the taste.

[illustration]

1 Nux Auellana, sive Corylus. The Filberd Nut.

[illustration]

2 Corylus syluestris. The wilde hedge Nut.

2 Corylus syluestris is our hedge Nut or Hasell Nut tree, which is very well knowne, and there∣fore needeth not any description: whereof there are also sundry sorts, some great, some little, some rathe ripe, some later, as also one that is manured in our gardens, which is very great, bigger than any Filberd, and yet a kinde of Hedge nut: this then that hath beene said shall suffice for Hedge∣Nuts.

‡ 3 The small Turky Nut tree growes but low, and the leaues grow without order, vpon the twigs, they are in shape like those of the former, but somewhat longer: the chiefe difference con∣sists in the fruit, which is small, and like an Hasell Nut, but shorter: the huske, wherein somtimes one, otherwhiles more Nuts are contained, is very large, tough, and hard, diuided both aboue and below into a great many iags, which on euery side couer and hold in the Nuts, and these cups are very rough without, but smooth on the inside. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first set this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (hauing receiued it from Constantinople) by the name of Auellana pumila 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ‡

[illustration]

3 Auellana pumila 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cum suo 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Filberd Nut of Constantinople.

¶ The Place.

The Hasell trees do commonly grow in Woods and in dankish vntoiled places: they are also set in Orchards, the Nuts whereof are better, and of a sweeter taste, and be most commonly red within.

¶ The Time.

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or aglets come forth very timely, before winter be fully past, and fall away in March or Aprill, so soone as the leaues come forth: the Nuts be ripe in August.

¶ The Names.

This shrub is called in Latine, Corylus: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pontica, or Ponticke Nut: in high-Dutch, Hasel strauck: in low-Dutch, Haseleer: in English, Hasel tree, and Filberd tree; but the Filberd tree is properly that which groweth in gardens and Orchards, and whose fruit is commonly wholly couered ouer with the huske, and the shell is thinner.

The Nut is named in Latine, Nux Pontica, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nux, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nux: it is also called Nux Praenesti∣na, Nux 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and commonly Nux auellana, by which name it is vsually knowne to the Apo∣thecaries: in high-Dutch, Hasel Nusz: in low-Dutch, Hasel Noten: in Italian, Nocciuole, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Spanish, Auellanas: in English, Hasell nut, and Filberd.

These Nuts that haue their skinnes red are the garden and planted Nuts, and the right Pontick Nuts or Filberds: they are called in high-Dutch, Rhurnusz, and Rotnusz: in low-Dutch, Roode Hasel Noten: in English, Filberds, and red Filberds.

The other Nuts which be white are iudged to be wilde.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Hasell Nuts newly gathered, and not as yet dry, containe in them a certaine superfluous moi∣sture, [ A] by reason whereof they are windie: not onely the new gathered Nuts, but the dry also, be very hard of digestion; for they are of an earthy and cold essence, and of an hard and sound substance, for which cause also they very slowly passe thorow the belly, therefore they are troublesome and clogging to the stomacke, cause head-ache, especially when they be eaten in too great a quantitie.

The kernells of Nuts made into milke like Almonds do mightily bind the belly, and are good [ B] for the laske and the bloudy flix.

The same doth coole exceedingly in hot feuers and burning agues. [ C]

The catkins are cold and dry, and likewise binding: they also stay the lask. [ D]

‡ The kernels of Nuts rather cause than cure the bloudy flix and lasks, wherefore they are not [ E] to be vsed in such diseases. ‡

CHAP. 90. Of the Wall-nut tree.

[illustration]

Nux Iuglans. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tree.

¶ The Description.

THis is a great tree with a thicke and tall body: the barke is somewhat greene, and tending to the colour of ashes, and oftentimes full of clefts: the boughes spread themselues far abroad: the leaues consist of fiue or six fast∣ned to one rib, like those of the Ash tree, and with one standing on the top, which be broa∣der and longer than the particular leaues of the Ash, smooth also, and of a strong smell: the catkins or aglets come forth before the Nuts: these Nuts do grow hard to the stalke of the leaues, by couples, or by three & three; which at the first when they be yet but tender haue a sweet smel, and be couered with a green huske: vnder that is a wooddy shell in which the kernell is contained, being couered with a thin skin, parted almost into foure parts with a woody skin as it were: the inner pulp where∣of is white, sweet and pleasant to the tast; and that is when it is new gathered, for after it is dry it becommeth oily and ranck.

¶ The Place.

The Walnut tree groweth in fields neere common high-wayes, in a fat and fruitfull ground, and in orchards: it prospereth on high fruitfull bankes, it loueth not to grow in wate∣rie places.

¶ The Time.

The leaues together with the catkins come forth in the Spring: the Nuts are gathered in Au∣gust.

¶ The Names.

The tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Nux, which name doth signifie both the tree and the fruit: in high Dutch, Auszbaum: in low-Dutch, Aoote boome, and Aootelaer: in French, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Spanish, Nogueyra: in English, Walnut tree, and of some, Walsh nut tree. The Nut is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, Nux Regia, or the Kingly Nut: it is likewise named

Nux Inglans, as though you should say Iouis glans, Iupiters Acorne; or Iuvans glans, the helping A∣corne: and of diuers, Persica Nux, or the Persian Nut: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nusz, and Baum∣nusz: in low-Dutch, Ookernoten, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Noten: In Italian, Noci: in French, Noix: in Spa∣nish, Nuezes, and Nous: in English, Walnut; and of some, Walsh nut.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The fresh kernels of the nuts newly gathered are pleasant to the taste: they are a little cold, and [ A] haue no small moisture, which is not perfectly concocted: they be hard of digestion, and nourish little: they slowly descend.

The dry nuts are hot and dry, and those more which become oily and ranke: these be very hurt∣full [ B] to the stomacke, and besides that they be hardly concocted, they increase choler, cause head∣ache, and be hurtfull for the chest, aud for those that be troubled with the cough.

Dry Nuts taken fasting with a fig and a little Rue withstand poyson, preuent and preserue the [ C] body from the infection of the plague, and being plentifully eaten they driue wormes forth of the belly.

The greene and tender Nuts boiled in Sugar and eaten as Suckad, are a most pleasant and dele∣ctable [ D] meate, comfort the stomacke, and expell poyson.

The oile of Walnuts made in such manner as oile of Almonds, maketh smooth the hands and [ E] face, and taketh away scales or scurfe, blacke and blew marks that come of stripes or bruises.

Milke made of the kernels, as Almond milke is made, cooleth and pleaseth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the [ F] languishing sicke body.

With onions, salt, and hony, they are good against the biting of a mad dog or man, if they be [ G] laid vpon the wound.

Being both eaten, and also applied, they heale in short time, as Dioscorides saith, Gangrens, Car∣buncles, [ H] aegilops, and the pilling away of the haire: this also is effectually done by the oile that is pressed out of them, which is of thin parts, digesting and heating.

The outward greene huske of the Nuts hath a notable binding facultie. [ I]

Galen deuised and taught to make of the iuyce thereof a medicine for the mouth, singular good [ K] against all inflammations thereof.

The leaues and first buds haue a certaine binding qualitie, as the same Authour sheweth; yet [ L] there doth abound in them an hot and dry temperature.

Some of the later Physitions vse these for baths and lotions for the body, in which they haue a [ M] force to digest and also to procure sweat.

CHAP. 91. Of the Chestnut tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Chestnut tree is a very great an high tree: it casteth forth very many boughes: the body is thicke, and sometimes of so great a compasse as that two men can hardly fa∣thom it: the timber or substance of the wood is sound and durable: the leaues be great, rough, wrinkled, nicked in the edges, and greater than the particular leaues of the Walnut tree. The blowings or catkins be slender, long, and greene: the fruit is inclosed in round a rough and prickly huske like to an hedge-hog or Vrchin, which opening it selfe doth let fall the ripe fruit or Nut. This nut is not round, but flat on the one side, smooth, and sharpe pointed: it is couered with a hard shell, which is tough and very smooth, of a darke browne colour: the meate or inner substance of the nut is hard and white, and couered with a thin skin which is vnder the shell.

2 The Horse Chestnut groweth likewise to be a very great tree, spreading his great and large armes or branches far abroad, by which meanes it maketh a very good coole shadow. These bran∣ches are garnished with many beautifull leaues, cut or diuided into fiue, six, or seuen sections or di∣uisions, like to the Cink foile, or rather like the leaues of Ricinus, but bigger. The floures grow at the top of the stalks, consisting of foure small leaues like the Cherry blossome, which turne into round rough prickly heads like the former, but more sharpe and harder: the nuts are also rounder. ‡ The floures of this, saith Clusius (whose figure of them I here giue you) come out of the bosom of the leafe which is the vppermost of the branch, and they are many in number growing vpon pret∣tie long foot-stalkes, consisting each of them of foure white leaues of no great bignesse; the two vppermost are a little larger than the rest, hauing round purple spots in their middles: out of the middle of the floure come forth many yellowish threds with golden pendants. The fruit is con∣tained in a prickly huske that opens in three parts, and it is rounder and not so sharpe pointed as

[illustration]

1 Castanea. Chestnut tree.

[illustration]

2 Castanea Equina cum flore. Horse Chestnut tree in floure.

[illustration]

Castaneae Equinae 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

‡ 3 Castaneae Peruanae fructus.

the ordinary 〈◊〉〈◊〉, neither 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 coat hath it any peeling within as the o∣ther hath, neither is it of so good a taste. ‡

‡ 3 This Americane Chestnut is al∣most round, but that it is a little flatted on the sides, especially whereas it is fastned to the stalke: the vtter coat is sufficiently thicke, yet brittle, and as it were fungous, of a brownish yellow colour: vnder this are a∣boundance of small yet stiffe prickles, fast sticking to the shell that containes the ker∣nell: the shell it selfe is brownish, not thick, but tough and hard to breake, smooth and shining on the inside, wherein is contained a kernel of the bignesse and colour of an hares kidney, white within, and sweet in taste like an almond or the common Chestnut. Clusi∣us cals this Castanea Peruana, or Chestnut of Peru; and hee saith hee had it from the fa∣mous Geographer Abraham Ortelius, who had it sent him by Benedictus Arias Monta∣nus. The figure is exprest vnder that of the Horse Chestnut. ‡

¶ The Place.

The first growes on mountaines and sha∣dowie places, and many times in the vallies: they loue a soft and blacke soile. There be sundry woods of Chestnuts in England, as a

mile and a halfe from Feuersham in Kent, and in sundry other places: in some countries they be greater and pleasanter: in others smaller, and of worse taste.

The Horse Chestnut groweth in Italy, and in sundry places of the East countries. ‡ It is now growing with M^r. Tradescant at South Lambeth. ‡

¶ The Time.

The blowings or aglets come forth with the leaues in Aprill; but the Nuts later, and be not ripe till Autumne.

¶ The Names.

The Chestnut tree beares the name of the Nut both in Greeke and Latine: in high-Dutch Ke∣stenbaum, and Kastanibaum: in low-Dutch, Castaniboom: in French, Castaignier: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Chestnut tree.

The Nut is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Castanea, Iouis glans, Sardinia glans: in high-Dutch Kesten: in low-Dutch, Castanien: in Italian, Castagne: in French, Chastaigne: in Spanish, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Castanas: in English, Chestnut: the greater Nuts be named of the Italians, Marroni: of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men and of diuers base Almaines, Marons.

The Horse Chestnut is called in Latine, Equina Castanea: in English, Horse Chestnut, for that the people of the East countries do with the fruit thereof cure their horses of the cough, shortnesse of breath, and such like diseases.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Our common Chestnuts are very dry and binding, and be neither hot nor cold, but in a mean be∣tweene [ A] both: yet haue they in them a certaine windinesse, and by reason of this, vnlesse the shell be first cut, they skip suddenly with a cracke out of the fire whilest they be rosting.

Of all the Acornes, saith Galen, the Chestnuts are the chiesest, and doe onely of all the wilde [ B] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yeeld to the body commendable nourishment; but they slowly descend, they be hardly con∣cocted, they make a thicke bloud, and ingender winde: they also stay the belly, especially if they be eaten raw.

Being boiled or rosted they are not of so hard digestion, they more easily descend, and are lesse [ C] windy, yet they also make the body costiue.

Some 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that of raw Chestnuts dried, and afterwards turned into meale, there is made a [ D] kinde of bread: yet it must needs be, that this should be dry and brittle, hardly concocted, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 slow in passing thorow the belly; but this bread may be good against the laske and bloudy flix.

An Electuarie of the meale of Chestnuts and hony is very good against the cough and spitting [ E] of bloud.

The barke of the Chestnut tree boiled in wine and drunke, stops the laske, the bloudy flix, and [ F] all other issues of bloud.

CHAP. 92. Of the Beech tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Beech is an high tree, with boughes spreading oftentimes in manner of a circle, and with a thicke body hauing many armes: the barke is smooth: the timber is white, hard, and verie profitable: the leaues be smooth, thin, broad, and lesser than those of the blacke Poplar: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or blowings be also lesser and shorter than those of the Birch tree, and yellow: the fruit or Mast is contained in a huske or cup that is prickly, and rough bristled, yet not so much as that of the Chestnut: which fruit being taken forth of the shells or vrchin husks, be couered with a soft and smooth skin like in colour and smoothnesse to the Chestnuts, but they be much lesser, and of another forme, that is to say, traingled or three cornered: the kernell within is sweet, with a cer∣taine astriction or binding qualitie: the roots be few, and grow not deepe, and little lower than vnder the turfe.

¶ The Place.

The Beech tree loueth a plaine and open countrey, and groweth very plentifully in many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and desart places of Sussex, Kent, and sundry other countries.

¶ The Time.

The Beech floureth in Aprill and May, and the fruit is ripe in September, at what time the Deere do eate the same very greedily, as greatly delighting therein; which hath caused forresters and huntsmen to call it Buck-mast.

[illustration]

Fagus. The Beech.

¶ The Names.

The tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in La∣tine, Fagus: in high-Dutch, Buchbaum, or Buch: in low-Dutch, Bukenboom: in Ita∣lian, Faggi: in Spanish, Haia, Faia, and Fax: in French, Fan, or Hestre: in English, Beech tree, Beech-mast, and Buck-mast.

The fruit is called in Latine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fagi: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in low-Dutch, Bue∣ken nootkens: in French, Faine: in English, Beech-mast. Dioscorides reckons the Beech among the Acorne trees; and yet is the mast nothing at all like to an Acorne. Of Theo∣phrastus it is called Oxya: of Gaza, Sciscina.

Pliny also makes mention of this tree, but vnder the name of Ostrya (if so be in stead of Ostrya we must not reade Oxya) lib. 13. ca. 21. It bringeth forth (saith he, meaning Greece) the tree Ostrys, which they likewise call o∣strya, growing alone among 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stones, like to the Ash tree in barke and boughes, with leaues like those of the Peare tree, but somewhat longer and thicker, and with wrin∣kled cuts which runne quite thorow, with a seed like in colour to a Chestnut, and not vn∣to barley: the wood is hard and firme, which being brought into the house there followes hard trauell of childe and miserable deaths, as it is reported; and therefore it is to be for∣borne, and not vsed as fire wood, if Plinies co∣pies be not corrupted.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues of Beech do coole: the kernell of the Nut is somwhat moist.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues of Beech are very profitably applied vnto hot swellings, blisters, and excoriations; [ A] and being chewed they are good for chapped lips, and paine of the gums.

The kernels or mast within are reported to ease the paine of the kidneyes proceeding of the [ B] stone, if they be eaten, and to cause the grauell and sand the easier to come forth. With these, mice and Squirrels are greatly delighted, who do mightily encrease by feeding thereon: Swine also be fatned herewith, and certaine other beasts: also Deere do feed thereon very greedily: they be like∣wise pleasant to Thrushes and Pigeons.

Petrus Crescentius writeth, That the ashes of the wood is good to make glasse with. [ C]

The water that is found in the hollownesse of Beeches cureth the naughty scurfe, tetters, and [ D] scabs of men, horses, kine, and sheepe, if they be washed therewith.

CHAP. 93. Of the Almond tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Almond tree is like to the Peach tree, yet is it higher, bigger, of longer continuance: the leaues be very long, sharpe pointed, snipt about the edges like those of the Peach tree: the floures be alike: the fruit is also like a peach, hauing on one side a cleft, with a soft skin without, and couered with a thin cotton; but vnder this there is none, or very little pulp, which is hard like a gristle not eaten: the nut or stone within is longer than that of the peach, not so rugged, but smooth; in which is contained the kernel, in taste sweet, and many times bitter: the root of the tree groweth deepe: the gum which soketh out hereof is like that of the peach tree.

‡ There are diuers sorts of Almonds, differing in largenes and taste: we commonly haue three or foure sorts brought to vs, a large sweet Almond, vulgarly termed a Iordan almond; and a lesser, called a Valence Almond: a bitter Almond of the bignesse of the Valence almond, and somtimes another bitter one lesse than it. ‡

[illustration]

Amygdalus. The Almond tree.

¶ The Place.

The natural place of the Almond is in the hot regions, yet we haue them in our London gardens and orchards in great plenty.

¶ The Time.

The Almond floureth betimes with the Peach: the fruit is ripe in August.

¶ The Names.

The tree is called is Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in La∣tine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Amandier: in En∣glish, Almond tree.

The fruit is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Amygdalum: in shops, Amygdala: in high-Dutch, Mandel: in low-Dutch, A∣mandelen: in Italian, Mandole: in Spanish, Almendras, Amelles, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Amandes: in English, Almond.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Sweet Almonds when they be dry be mo∣deratly [ A] hot; but the bitter ones are hot and dry in the second degree. There is in both of them a certaine fat and oily substance, which is drawne out by pressing.

Sweet Almonds being new gathered are [ B] pleasant to the taste, they yeeld some kind of nourishment, but the same grosse and earthy, and grosser than those that be dry, and not as yet withered. These do likewise slowly des∣cend, especially being eaten without their skins; for euen as the huskes or branny parts of corne doe serue to driue downe the grosse excrements of the belly, so doe likewise the skins or husks of the almonds: therefore those that be blanched do so slowly descend, as that they do withall binde the belly; whereupon they are giuen with good successe to those that haue the laske or the bloudy flix.

There is drawne out of sweet Almonds, with liquor added, a white iuice like milke, which ouer [ C] and besides that it nourisherth, and is good for those that are troubled with the laske and bloudie flix, it is profitable for those that haue the pleurisie and spit vp filthy matter, as Alexander Trallia∣nus witnesseth: for there is likewise in the Almonds an opening and concocting qualitie, with a certaine clensing faculty, by which they are medicinable to the chest and lungs, or lights, and serue for the raising vp of flegme and rotten humors.

Almonds taken before meate do stop the belly, and nourish but little; notwithstanding many [ D] excellent meates and medicines are therewith made for sundry griefes, yea very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and whol∣some meates, as Almond butter, creame of Almonds, marchpane, and such like, which dry and stay the belly more than the extracted iuyce or milke; and they are also as good for the chest and lungs.

They do serue also to make the Physicall Barley water, and Barley Creame, which are giuen [ E] in hot Feuers, as also for other sicke and feeble persons, for their further refreshing and nourish∣ments.

The oile which is newly pressed out of the sweet Almonds is a mitigater of paine and all maner [ F] of aches. It is giuen to those that haue the pleurisie, being first let bloud; but especially to those that are troubled with the stone of the kidnies; it slackens the passages of the vrine, and maketh them glib or slipperie, and more ready to suffer the stone to haue free passage: it maketh the belly soluble, and therefore it is likewise vsed for the collicke.

It is good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 women that are newly deliuered; for it quickly remoueth the throwes which re∣maine [ G] after their deliuery.

The oile of Almonds makes smooth the: hands and face of delicat persons, and clenseth the skin [ H] from all spots, pimples, and lentils.

Bitter Almonds doe make thinne and open, they remoue stoppings out of the liuer and spleene, [ I] therfore they be good against paine in the sides: they make the body soluble, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

downe the menses, helpe the strangurie, and clense forth of the chest and lungs clammie humors: if they be mixed with some kinde of looch or medicine to licke on: with starch they stay the spit∣ting of bloud.

And it is reported that fiue or six being taken fasting do keepe a man from being drunke. [ L]

These also clense and take away spots and blemishes in the face, and in other parts of the body; [ M] they mundifie and make cleane foule eating vlcers.

With hony they are laid vpon the biting of mad dogs; being applied to the temples with vine∣neger [ N] or oile of Roses, they take away the head-ache, as Dioscoriaes writeth.

They are also good against the cough and shortnesse of winde. [ O]

They are likewise good for those that spit bloud, if they be taken with the fine floure of Amylum. [ P]

There is also pressed out of these an oile which prouoketh vrine, but especially if a few scorpi∣ons [ Q] be drowned, and steeped therein.

With oile it it singular good for those that haue the stone, and cannot easily make water but [ R] with extremitie of paine, if the share and place betweene the cods and fundament be anoynted therewith.

Dioscorides saith, that the gum doth heate and binde, which qualities notwithstanding are not [ S] perceiued in it.

It helpeth them that spit bloud, not by a binding facultie, but thorow the clamminesse of his [ T] substance, and that is by closing vp of the passages and pores, and so may it also cure old coughes, and mitigate extreame paines that proceed of the stone, and especially take away the sharpenesse of vrine, if it be drunke with Bastard, or with any other sweet potion, as with the decoction of Li∣corice, or of Raisons of the sunne. The same doth likewise kill tetters in the outward parts of the bodie (as Dioscorides addeth) if it be dissolued in vineger.

CHAP. 94. Of the Peach tree.

¶ The Kindes.

‡ THere are diuers sorts of Peaches besides the foure here set forth by our Author, but the trees do not much differ in shape, but the difference chiefely consists in the fruit, where∣of I will giue you the names of the choice ones, and such as are to be had from my friend M^r. Mil∣len in Old-street, which are these; two sorts of Nutmeg Peaches; The Queenes Peach; The New∣ington Peach; The grand Carnation Peach; The Carnation Peach; The Blacke Peach; the Me∣locotone; the White; The Romane; The Alberza; The Island Peach; Peach du Troy. These are all good ones. He hath also of that kinde of Peach which some call Nucipersica or Nectorins, these following kindes; the Roman red, the best of fruits; the bastard Red; the little dainty green; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yellow; the white; the russet, which is not so good as the rest. Those that would see any ful∣ler discourse of these may haue recourse to the late worke of M^r. Iohn Perkinson, where they may finde more varieties, and more largely handled, and therefore not necessarie for me in this place to insist vpon them. ‡

¶ The Description.

1 THe Peach tree is a tree of no great bignesse: it sendeth forth diuers boughes, which be so brittle, as oftentimes they are broken with the weight of the fruit or with the winde. The leaues be long, nicked in the edges, like almost to those of the Walnut tree, and in taste bitter: the floures be of a light purple colour. The fruit or Peaches be round, and haue as it were a chinke or cleft on the one side; they are couered with a soft and thin downe or hairie cotton, being white without, and of a pleasant taste; in the middle whereof is a rough or rugged stone, wherein is contained a kernell like vnto the Almond; the meate about the stone is of a white colour. The root is tough and yellowish.

2 The red Peach tree is likewise a tree of no great bignesse: it also sendeth forth diuers boughes or branches, which be very brittle. The leaues be long, and nicked in the edges like to the precedent. The floures be also like vnto the former; the fruite or Peaches be round, of a red colour on the outside; the meate likewise about the stone is of a gallant red colour. These kindes of Peaches are very like to wine in taste, and therefore maruellous pleasant.

3 Persica praecocia, or the d'auant Peach tree is like vnto the former, but his leaues are greater and larger. The fruit or Peaches be of a russet colour on the one side, and on the other side next vnto the sun of a red colour, but much greater than the red Peach: the stones whereof are like vnto the former: the pulpe or meate within is of a golden yellow colour, and of a pleasant taste.

[illustration]

Persicaalba. The white Peach.

4 Persica lutea, or the yellow Peach tree, is like vnto the former in leaues and floures: his fruit is of a yellow colour on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and likewise on the inside, harder than the rest, in the middle of the Peach is a wooddy, hard, and rough stone, full of crests and gutters, in which doth lie a kernell much like to that of the Al∣mond, and with such a like skin: the substance within is white, and in taste something bitter. The fruit hereof is of greatest pleasure, and best taste of all the other of his kinde; although there be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this day diuers other sorts that are of very good taste, not remembred of the anci∣ent, or set downe by the later writers, whereof to speake particularly, would not be greatly to our pretended purpose, considering we hasten to an end.

‡ 5 There is also kept in some of our choise gardens a kind of Peach which hath a very dou∣ble and beautiful floure, but it is seldome succee∣ded by any fruit; they call this, Persica flore pleno, The double blossomed Peach. ‡

¶ The Place.

They are set and planted in gardens and vine∣yards: I haue them all in my garden, with many other sorts.

¶ The Time.

The Peach tree soone commeth vp: it beares fruit the third or fourth yeere after it is planted, and it soone decaieth, and is not of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 conti∣nuance; it floureth in Aprill, or a little while after that the leaues appeare, and hath his fruit ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

The Peach tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Malus Persica, and Persica: in high Dutch, Persichboum: in low Dutch, Perse boom: in French, Perscher: in English, Peach tree.

The fruit, as Galen testifieth, is named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 also without any addition: in Latine, Malum Persicum, and Persicum. in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, Persen: in Italy, Pesche: in Spanish, Pexegos: in French, Pisches: in English, Peach.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Peaches be cold and moist, and that in the second degree; they haue a juice and also a substance [ A] that doth easily putrifie, which yeeldeth no nourishment, but bringeth hurt, especially if they be eaten after other meates; for then they cause the other meates to putrifie. But they are lesse hurt∣full if they be taken first; for by reason that they are moist and slippery, they easily and quickly descend; and by making the belly slippery, they cause other meates to slip downe the sooner.

The kernels of the Peaches be hot and dry, they open and clense; they are good for the stop∣pings [ B] of the liuer and spleene.

Peaches before they be ripe do stop the laske, but being ripe they loose the belly, and ingender [ C] naughty humors, for they are soone corrupted in the stomacke.

The leaues of the Peach tree do open the stopping of the liuer, and do gently loosen the belly: [ D] and being applied plaisterwise vnto the nauell of young children, they kill the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and driue them forth.

The same leaues boiled in milke, do kill the wormes in children very speedily. [ E]

The same being dried, and cast vpon greene wounds, cure them. [ F]

The floures of the Peach tree infused in warme water for the space of ten or twelue houres, and [ G] strained, and more floures put to the said liquor to infuse after the same manner, and so iterated six or eight times, and strained again, then as much sugar as it will require added to the same liquor and boiled vnto the consistence or thicknes of a syrrup, and two spoonefulls hereof taken, doth so singularly well purge the belly, that there is neither Rubarbe, Agaricke, nor any other purger com∣parable vnto it; for this purgeth downe waterish humors mightily, and yet without griefe or trouble, either to the stomacke, or lower parts of the body.

The kernell within the Peach stone stamped small, and boiled with Vineger vntill it be brought [ H] to the forme of an ointment, is good to restore and bring again the haire of such as be troubled with the Alopecia.

There is drawne forth of the kernels of Peaches, with Peniroyall water, a iuice like vnto milke, [ I] which is good for those that haue the Apoplexy: if the same be oftentimes held in the mouth it draweth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 water and recouereth the speech.

The gum is of a meane temperature, but the substance thereof is tough and clammy, by reason [ K] whereof it dulleth the sharpnes of thin humors: it serueth in a looch or licking medicine for those that be troubled with the cough, and haue rotten lungs, and stoppeth the spitting and raising vp of bloud, and also stayeth other fluxes.

CHAP. 95. Of the Aprecocke or Abrecocke tree.

[illustration]

1 Armeniaca malus maior. The greater Aprecocke tree.

[illustration]

2 Armeniaca malus minor. The lesser Aprecocke tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THis tree is greater than the Peach tree, and hath a bigger body, it lasteth longer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if it be grafted or inoculated: the leaues hereof are broad, and sharpe pointed, like those of blacke Poplar, but lesser, and comming more neere to the leaues of birch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the edges: the floures are somewhat white: the fruit round like a peach, yellow within and without, in which doth lie a browne stone, nothing rough at all as is that of the Peach, shorter also, and lesser, in which is included a sweet kernell.

2 We haue another sort of Aprecocke, whose trunk or body is equall with the other in great∣nesse, it is like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in leaues and brittle branches: his time of flouring, flourishing, and manner of growing accordeth: the only point wherein they differ is, that this tree bringeth forth lesse fruit, and not so good in taste; in euery other respect it is like.

‡ Of this also M^r. Parkinson hath set forth diuers varieties; and my forementioned friend M^r. Millen hath these fiue sorts; the common, the long and great, the Muske, the Barbary, and the early Aprecocke. ‡

¶ The Place.

These trees do grow in my garden, and now adaies in many other gentlemens gardens through∣out all England.

¶ The Time.

They floure and flourish in Aprill, and their fruit is ripe in Iuly.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Malus Armeniaca: in English, Abrecocke tree, and Aprecocke tree.

The fruit is named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and of diuers 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which be words corrupted from the Latine; for Praecox in Latine is diuers times called Praecoquum: it is named Malum Armenia∣cum, and commonly Armeniacum: it is called in high-Dutch, Molletteu Mollelin, S. Iohans Pfersing: in low-Dutch, Uroege 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Auant Persen: in Italian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Bacoche, Griso∣mele, Moniache: in French, Abricoz: in Spanish, Aluarcoques, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as, and Albercocs: in English, Abrecocke, and of some, Aprecocke, and Aprecox.

Galen seemeth to make a difference betweene Praecocia and Armeniaca, in his booke of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of nourishments, preferring Praecocia before Armeniaca; yet he doth confesse that both of them be called Armeniaca: others pronounce them Armenia with foure syllables. And in his booke of the saculties of simple medicines he affirmeth, that both the fruit and the tree are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: diuers of the later Physitions do between these also make a difference, saying, that the greater ones and those that are grasted be Armeniaca (which the French men call Auant Perses) and the lesser Prae∣cocia: in French, Abricoz.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Aprecocks are cold and moist in the second degree, but yet not so moist as Peaches, for which [ A] cause they do not so soone or easily putrifie; and they are also more wholesome for the stomacke, and pleasant to the taste; yet do they likewise putrifie, and yeeld but little nourishment, and the same cold, moist, and full of excrements: being taken after meate they corrupt and putrifie in the stomacke; being first eaten before other meate they easily descend, and cause the other meates to passe downe the sooner, like as also the Peaches do.

The kernell within the same is sweet, and nothing at all like in facultie to that of the Peach. [ B]

The vertues of the leaues of this tree are not as yet found out. [ C]

CHAP. 96. Of Pomegranat tree.

¶ The Kindes.

AS there be sundry sorts of Apples, Peares, Plums, and such like fruits; so there are two sorts of Pomegranates, the garden and the wilde, and a third sort which is barren and fruitles: the fruit of the garden Pomegranat is of three sorts; one hauing a soure iuyce or liquour; another ha∣uing a very sweet and pleasant liquor, and the third the taste of Wine: of the wilde also there be two sorts, and the difference betweene them is no more than betwixt crabs and weildings, which are both wilde kindes of Apples: therefore the description of the garden Pomegranat shal suffice 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the rest.

¶ The Description.

1 THe manured Pomegranat tree groweth vp to the height of a hedge tree, being seuen or eight cubits high, hauing many pliant and twiggy branches, very limber, tough, and of a browne colour: whereon are set very many leaues in shape like those of the Pri∣uet, but more like those of the Myrtle tree, of a bright shining greene colour tending to yellow∣nesse: amongst which there stand certaine sharpe thornes confusedly set, and likewise hollow floures like vnto the hedge Rose, indented on the edges like a starre, of a Carnation colour, and very single: after which commeth the fruit, couered with a hard barke, of an ouerworne purplish colour, full of graines and kernels, which after they be ripe are of a gallant crimson colour, and ful of iuyce, which differeth in taste according to the soile, clymat, and countrey where they grow; some be sweet, others soure, and the third are in a middle betweene them both, hauing the taste of Wine.

[illustration]

1 Malus Granata, siue Punica. The Pomegranat tree.

[illustration]

2 Malus Punica syluestris. The wilde Pomegranat.

[illustration]

Balaustia, siue Pleni flores Gran. syl. The double floures of wild Pomegranat.

† 2 The wilde Pomegranat tree is like the other in leaues and twiggy branches, but it is more prickly and horrid: of this there are two sorts, the one hauing such floures & fruit as the tame Pom∣granat; the other bearing floures very double, as may appeare by the figure, which wither and fall away, leauing no fruit behind them, as the double floured Cherry doth, and diuers other herbes and trees also; & it is altogether barren of fruit: of this Dioscorides makes sundry sorts, differing in colour: one is white, saith he; another yellowish red, and a third sort of the colour of the Rose: this with red floures is best knowne among the Apothecaries.

¶ The Place.

Pomegranats grow in hot countries toward the South, in Italy, Spaine, and chiefely in the king∣dome of Granado, which is thought to be so na∣med of the great multitude of Pomgranats, which be commonly called Granata they grow in a num∣ber of places also without manuring: yet being manured they prosper better; for in gardens, vine∣yards, orchards, and other like husbanded grounds they come vp more cheerefully: I haue recouered diuers yong trees hereof, by sowing of the seed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grains, of the height of three or foure cubits, atten∣ding Gods leisure for floures and fruit.

¶ The Time.

The Pomegranate floureth in the moneths of May and Iune: the fruit is ripe in the end of Au∣gust.

¶ The Names.

The Pomegranate tree is called in Latine, Malus Punica: in Greeke, of the Athenians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Galen saith: in English, Pomegranate tree: the fruit is also named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Malum Punicum: in shops, Malum, or Pomum Granatum: in high Dutch, Granatopffel: in low Dutch, Gra∣tappel: in Italian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Pomo Granato: in Spanish, Granadas, and Romanas: in French, Pommes Granades: in English, Pomegranate.

The floure of the fruitfull Pomegranate tree is called of the Grecians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: which is notwith∣standing properly the cup of the floure: the Latines name it also Cytinus.

The floure of the wilde and barren Pomegranate tree is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Apothecaries doe likewise terme it Balaustium.

The pill or rinde of the Pomegranate which is so much in vse, is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Malicorium, and Sidium: in shops it is called Cortex granatorum, or Pomegranate Pill.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The iuicie grains of the Pomegranate are good to be eaten, hauing in them a meetly good iuice: [ A] they are wholesome for the stomacke, but they all containe in them a thin and small nourishment, or none at all.

The sweet ones be not so cold as the rest, but they easily cause hot swellings to arise, and they [ B] are not so much commended for agues.

The soure ones, and especially if they be withall something harsh, doe euidently coole, dry, and [ C] something binde.

They are good for the heart burne, they represse and stay the ouermuch vomiting of choler, [ D] called the Felonie: they are a remedie against the bloudy flixe, aptnesse to vomite, and vomite it selfe.

There is made of the iuice of these soure Pomegranats a fyrrup, which serueth for the same pur∣poses, [ E] and is also many times very profitable against the longing of women with childe, vnlesse the coldnesse of the stomacke be a hinderance thereunto.

The seeds of the graines, and especially of the sower Pomegranat, being dried, do likewise coole [ F] and binde.

They stop the flix, stay vomiting, and stanch the spitting vp of bloud, they strengthen the sto∣macke. [ G]

Of the same effect be the floures, both of the tame and wilde Pomegranate tree, being like to the [ H] seeds in temperature and vertues.

They fasten the teeth, and strengthen the gums, if the same be washed therewith. [ I]

They are good against burstings that come by falling downe of the guts, if they be vsed in plai∣sters [ K] and applied.

The rinde or pill is not onely like in facultie to the seeds, and both the sorts of floures, but also [ L] more 〈◊〉〈◊〉; for it cooleth and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more forceably; it bringeth downe the hot swellings of the almonds in the throat, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vsed in a gargarisme or a lotion for the throat, and it is a singular remedy for all things that need cooling and binding.

Dioscorides writeth, that there is also gathered a iuice out of both those sorts of floures, which is [ M] very like in facultie and vertue to Hypocistis, as the same Author affirmeth.

The blossomes of the tame and wilde Pomegranates, as also the rinde or shell thereof made into [ N] pouder, and drunke in red wine, or boyled in red wine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the decoction drunke, is good against the bloudy flix, and all other issues of bloud; yea it is good for women to sit ouer, & bathe themselues in the decoction hereof: these foresaid blossomes and shels are good also to put into restraining pouders, for the stanching of bloud in wounds.

The seeds or stones of Pomegranats dried in the Sun, and beaten to pouder, are of like operati∣on [ O] with the floures: they stop the laske and all issues of bloud in man or woman, being taken in the manner aforesaid.

CHAP. 97. Of the Quince Tree.

¶ The Kindes.

COlumella maketh three kindes of Quinces, Struthia, Chrysomeliana, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but what manner ones they be hee doth not declare, notwithstanding wee finde diuers sorts differing as well in

forme, as taste and substance of the fruit, wherof some haue much core and many kernels, and others 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

Malus Cotonca. The Quince tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Quince tree is not great, but groweth low, and many times in maner of a shrub: it is couered with a rugged barke, which hath on it now and then certaine scales: it sprea∣deth his boughes in compasse like other trees; about which stand leaues somewhat round, like those of the common Apple tree, greene and smooth aboue, and vnderneath soft and white: the floures be of a white pur∣ple colour: the fruit is like an apple, saue that many times it hath certaine embowed and swelling diuisions: it differeth in fashion and bignesse; for some Quinces are lesser and round trust vp together at the top with wrin∣kles, others longer and greater: the third sort be after a middle manner betweene both; they are all of them set with a thin cotton or freeze, and be of the colour of gold, and hurt∣full to the head by reason of their strong smell; they all likewise haue a kinde of cho∣king taste: the pulp within is yellow, and the seed blackish, lying in hard skins, as doe the kernels of other apples.

¶ The Place.

The Quince tree groweth in gardens and orchards, and is planted oftentimes in hed∣ges and fences belonging to gardens & vine∣yards: it delighteth to grow on plaine and euen grounds, and somewhat moist withall.

¶ The Time.

These apples be ripe in the fall of the leafe, and chiefely in October.

¶ The Names.

The tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Malus Cotonea: in English, Quince tree.

The fruit is named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Malum Cotoneum, Pomum Cydonium, and many times, Cydonium, with∣out any addition; by which name it is made known to the Apothecaries: it is called in high Dutch, Quitten, Quittenopfell, or Kuttenopffel: in low Dutch, Queappel: in Italian, Mele cotogne: in Spanish, Codoyons, Membrilhos, and Marmellos: in French, Pomme de coing: in English, Quince.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Quinces be cold and dry in the second degree, and also very much binding, especially when they [ A] be raw: they haue likewise in them a certaine superfluous and excrementall moisture, which will not suffer them to lie long without rotting: they are seldom eaten raw: being rosted or baked they be more pleasant.

They strengthen the stomacke, stay vomiting, stop lasks, and also the bloudy flix. [ B]

They are good for those that spit vp bloud, or that vomit bloud; and for women also that haue too [ C] great plenty of their monethly courses.

Simeon Sethi writeth, that the woman with childe, which eateth many Quinces during the time [ D] of her breeding, shall bring forth wise children, and of good vnderstanding.

The Marmalade, or Cotiniate, made of Quinces and sugar, is good and profitable for the streng∣thening [ E] of the stomacke, that it may retaine and keepe the meat therein vntill it be perfectly dige∣sted: it likewise stayeth all kindes of fluxes, both of the belly and other parts, and also of bloud: which Cotiniate is made in this manner:

Take faire Quinces, pare them, cut them in pieces, and cast away the core, then put vnto euery [ F] pound of Quinces a pound of sugar, and to euery pound of sugar a pinte of water: these must bee boiled together ouer a still fire till they be very soft, then let it be strained or rather rubbed through a strainer, or an hairy sieue, which is better, and then set it ouer the fire to boile againe, vntill it be

stiffe, and so box it vp, and as it cooleth put thereto a little Rose water, and a few graines of Muske, well mingled together, which will giue a goodly taste vnto the Cotiniat. This is the way to make Marmalade:

Take whole Quinces and boile them in water vntill they be as soft as a scalded codling or apple, [ G] then pill off the skin, and cut off the flesh, and stampe it in a stone morter; then straine it as you did the Cotiniate; afterward put it into a pan to drie, but not to seeth at all: and vnto euery pound of the flesh of Quinces, put three quarters of a pound of sugar, and in the cooling you may put in rose water and a little Muske, as was said before.

There is boiled with Quinces oile which therefore is called in Greeke Melinon, or oile of Quin∣ces, [ H] which we vse, saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉, so oft as we haue need of a binding thing.

The seed of Quinces tempered with water, doth make a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or a thing like 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which [ I] being held in the mouth, is maruellous good to take away the roughnesse of the tongue in hot bur∣ning seuers.

The same is good to be layed vpon burnings or scaldings, and to be put into clisters against the [ K] bloudy flix; for it easeth the paine of the guts, and alaieth the sharpnesse of biting 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Many other excellent, dainty and wholesome confections are to be made of Quinces, as ielly of [ L] Quinces, and such odde conceits, which for breuitie sake I do now let passe.

CHAP. 98. Of the Medlar Tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THere are diuers sorts of Medlars, some greater, others lesser: some sweet, and others of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 harsh taste: some with much core, and many great stony kernels, others fewer: and likewise one of Naples called Aronia.

[illustration]

1 Mespilus sativa. The manured Medlar.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Mespilus sativa altera. The other Garden Medlar.

¶ The Description.

1 THe manured Medlar tree is not great, the body whereof is writhed, the boughes hard, not easie to be broken: the leaues be longer, yet narrower than those of the apple tree, darke, greene aboue, and somewhat whiter and hairy below: the floures are white and great, hauing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaues a piece: the fruit is small, round; and hath a broad compassed nauell or crowne at the top: the pulpe or meat is at the first white, and so harsh or choking, that it cannot be eaten before it become soft; in which are contained fiue seeds or stones, which be flat and hard.

‡ 2 There is another which differeth from the last described, in that the leaues are longer and narrower, the stocke hath no prickles vpon it: the fruit also is larger and better tasted: in other respects it is like to the last described. This is the Mespilus fructu prestantiore of Tragus, and Mespilus Domestica of Lobel. ‡

3 The Neapolitane Medlar tree groweth to the height and greatnesse of an Apple tree, hauing many tough and hard boughes or branches, set with sharp thornes like the white Thorne, or Haw∣thorne: the leaues are very much cut or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like the Hawthorne leaues, but greater, and more like Smallage or Parsley, which leaues before they fal from the tree do wax red: among these leaues come forth great tufts of floures of a pale herby colour: which being past, there succeed small long fruit, lesser than the smallest Medlar, which at the first are hard, and greene of colour, but when they be ripe, they are both soft and red, of a sweet and pleasant taste: wherein is contained three small hard stones, as in the former, which be the kernels 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seeds thereof.

[illustration]

3 Mespilus Aronia. The Neapolitane Medlar.

[illustration]

‡ 4 Chamaemespilus. Dwarfe Medlar.

4 There is a dwarfe kinde of Medlar growing naturally vpon the Alpes, and hils of Narbone, and on the rocks of Mount Baldus nigh Verona, which hath been by some of the best learned estee∣med for a kinde of Medlar: others, whose iudgements cannot stand with truth or probability, haue supposed it to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of the Alpes: this dwarfe Medlar groweth like a small hedge tree, of four or fiue cubits high, bearing many smal twiggie wands or crops, beset with many slender leaues green aboue, and of a skie colour vnderneath, in shew like to a dwarfe Apple tree, but the fruit is

very like the Haw, or fruit of the white Thorne, and of a red colour. ‡ The floures come forth in the Spring three or foure together, hollow, and of an herbie colour, it growes in diuers places of the Alpes: it is the Chamaemespilum of the Aduers. and the Chamaemespilus Gesneri, of Clusius. ‡

¶ The Place.

The Medlar trees do grow in Orchards, and oftentimes in hedges 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Briars and Brambles; being grafted in a white Thorne it prospereth wonderfull well, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bringeth forth fruit twise or thrise bigger than those that are not grafted at all, almost as great as little apples: we haue diuers sorts of them in our Orchards.

¶ The Time.

It is very late before Medlars be ripe, which is in the end of October, but the floures come forth timely enough.

¶ The Names.

The first is called in Greeke by Theophrastus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Mespilus: in high Dutch, Nespel∣baum: in low Dutch, Mispelboome: in French, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Medlar tree.

The Apple or fruit is named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine likewise, Mespilum: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in low Dutch, Mispele: in Italian, Nespolo: in French, Nefsle: in Spanish, Nesperas: in En∣glish, Medlar.

Dioscorides affirmeth, that this Medlar tree is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and of diuers, Sitanion: Galen also in his booke of the faculties of simple medicines nameth this Epimelis, which is called, as he saith, by the countrey men in Italy, Vnedo, and groweth plentifully in Calabria; for vnder the name of Mespi∣lus, or Medlar tree, he meaneth no other than Tricoccus, which is also named Aronia.

The Neapolitane Medlar tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Galen calleth it Epimelis.

The fruit hereof is called Tricoccos of the three graines or stones that it hath: they of Naples call it Azarolo: and we may name it in English, three graine Medlar, or Neapolitane Medlar, or Med∣lar of Naples.

¶ The Temperature.

The Medlars are cold, drie, and astringent; the leaues are of the same nature: the dwarfe Medlar is dry, sharpe, and astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

Medlars do stop the belly, especially when they be greene and hard, for after that they haue been [ A] kept a while, so that they become soft and tender, they doe not binde or stop so much, but are then more fit to be eaten.

The fruit of the three grain Medlar, is eaten both raw and boiled, and is more wholesome for the [ B] stomacke.

These Medlars be oftentimes preserued with sugar or hony: and being so prepared they are plea∣sant [ C] and delightfull to the taste.

Moreouer, they are singular good for women with childe: for they strengthen the stomacke, and [ D] stay the lothsomnesse thereof.

The stones or kernels of the Medlars, made into pouder and drunke, doe breake the stone, expell [ E] grauell, and procure vrine.

CHAP. 99. Of the Peare tree.

¶ The Description.

TO write of Peares and Apples in particular, would require a particular volume: the stocke or kindred of Peares are not to be numbred: euery country hath his peculiar fruit: my selfe knows one curious in grasfing and planting of fruits, who hath in one piece of ground, at the point of three score sundry sorts of Peares, and those exceeding good, not doubting but if his minde had been to seeke after multitudes, he might haue gotten together the like number of those of worse kinds: be∣sides the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of those that be wilde, experience sheweth sundry sorts: and therefore I thinke it not amisse to set downe the figures of some few with their seuerall titles, as well in Latine as En∣glish, and one generall description for that, that might be said of many, which to describe apart, were to send an owle to Athens, or to number those things that are without number.

‡ Our Author in this chapter gaue eight figures with seuerall titles to them, so I pluckt a peare from each tree, and put his title to it, but not in the same order that he obserued, for hee made the Katherine peare tree the seuenth, which I haue now made the first, because the figure expresses the whole tree. ‡

¶ The generall description.

THe Peare tree is for the most part higher than the Apple tree, hauing boughes not spread a∣broad, but growing vp in height: the body is many times great: the timber or wood it selfe is very tractable or easie to be wrought vpon, exceeding fit to make moulds or prints to be grauen on, of colour tending to yellownesse: the leafe is somewhat broad, finely nicked in the edges, greene aboue, and somewhat whiter vnderneath: the floures are white: the Peares, that is to say, the fruit, are for the most part long, and in forme like a Top; but in greatnes, colour, forme, and tast very much differing among themselues; they be also couered with skins or coats of sundry colours: the pulpe or meat differeth, as well in colour as tast: there is contained in them kernels, blacke when they be ripe: the root groweth strait downe with some braunches running aslope.

[illustration]

Pirus superba, siue Katherina. The Katherine Peare tree.

[illustration]

1 Pyra Praecocia. The Ienneting Peare.

[illustration]

2 Pyra Iacobaea. Saint Iames Peare.

[illustration]

3 Pyrum regale. The Peare royall.

[illustration]

4 Pyrum Palatinum. The Burgomot Peare.

[illustration]

5 Pyrum Cydonium. The Quince peare.

[illustration]

6 Pyrum 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Bishops peare.

[illustration]

7 Pyrum hyemale. The Winter peare.

¶ The Place.

The tame Peare trees are planted in Orchards, as be the apple trees, and by grafting, though vp on wilde stockes, come much varietie of good and pleasant fruits. All these before specified, and many sorts more, and those most rare and good, are growing in the ground of Master Richard 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a most cunning and curious graffer and planter of all manner of rare fruits, dwelling in a small village neere London called Twicknam; and also in the ground of an excellent graffer and painfull planter, M^r. Henry Banbury, of Touthill street neere Westminster, and likewise in the ground of a diligent and most affectionate louer of plants M^r. Warner neere Horsey downe by London, and in diuers other grounds about London. ‡ Most of the best peares are at this time to be had with M^r. Iohn Millen in Old-street, in whose nursery are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be found the choisest fruits this kingdom yeelds. ‡

¶ The Time.

The floures do for the most part come 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Aprill, the leaues afterwards: all peares are not ripe at one time: some be ripe in Iuly, others in August, and diuers in September and later.

¶ The Names.

The tame or Orchard peare tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or with a double 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

vrbana, or Cultiua: of Tarentinus in his Geoponikes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in low Dutch, Peerboom: in French, Porrier.

The Peare or fruit it selfe is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Pyrum: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Pere: in French, Poyre: in Spanish, Peras: in English, Peare.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Leauing the diuers and sundry surnames of Peares, let vs come to the faculties which the Physi∣tions [ A] ought to know; which also varie according to the differences of their tasfes: for some Peares are sweet, diuers fat and vnctuous, others soure, and most are harsh, especially the wilde peares, and some consist of diuers mixtures of tastes, and some hauing no taste at all, but as it were a wa∣terish taste.

All Pears are cold, and all haue a binding qualitie and an earthie substance: bur the Choke pears [ B] and those that are harsh be more earthie, and the sweet ones lesse: which substance is so full of su∣perfluous moisture in some, as that they cannot be eaten raw. All manner of Peares doe binde and stop the belly, especially the Choke and harsh ones, which are good to be eaten of those that haue the laske and the bloudy flix.

The harsh and austere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may with good successe be laied vpon hot swellings in the begin∣ning, [ C] as may be the leaues of the tree, which do both binde and coole.

Wine made of the iuice of peares called in English, Perry, is soluble, purgeth those that are not [ D] accustomed to drinke thereof, especially when it is new; notwithstanding it is as wholsome a drink being taken in small quantitie as wine; it comforteth and warmeth the stomacke, and causeth good digestion.

CHAP. 100. Of the wilde Peare tree.

¶ The Kindes.

AS there be sundry kindes of the manured Peares, so are there sundry wilde; wherof to write apart were to small purpose: therefore one description with their seuerall titles shall be sufficient for their distinctions.

[illustration]

Pyrum strangulatorium 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The great Choke peare.

¶ The generall Description.

THe wilde Peare tree grows likewise great, vpright, full of branches, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the most part Pyramides like, or of the fashion of a steeple, not spread abroad as is the Apple or Crab tree: the timber of the trunke or body of the tree is very firme and sollid, and likewise smooth, a wood very fit to make diuers sorts of instru∣ments of, as also the hafts of sundry tooles to worke withal; and likewise serueth to be cut in∣to many kindes of moulds, not only such prints as these figures are made of, but also many sorts of pretty toies, for coifes, brest-plates, and such like, vsed among our English gentlewomen: the branches are smooth, couered with a blackish barke, very fragile or easie to break, whereon do grow leaues, in some greater, in other lesser: the floures are like those of the manured Pear tree, yetsome whiter than others: the fruit differ not in shape, yet some greater than others; but in taste they differ among themselues in diuers points, some are sharpe, soure, and of an austere taste; some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pleasant, others harsh and bit∣ter, and some of such a choking taste, that they are not to be eaten of hogs & wild beasts, much lesse of men: they also differ in colour, euery circumstance whereof to distinguish apart would greatly enlarge our volume, and bring to the Reader small 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

1 Pyrum strangulatorium maius. The great Choke peare:

[illustration]

2 Pyrum strangulatorium minus. The small Choke peare.

[illustration]

3 Pyrus syluestris. The wilde hedge Peare tree.

[illustration]

4 Pyrus syluestris minima. The wilde Crab peare tree.

[illustration]

5 Pyrus pedicularia. The Lowsie wilde peare.

[illustration]

6 pyrus Coruina. The Crow peare tree.

¶ The Place.

The wilde peares grow of themselues without manuring in most places, as woods, or in the borders of fields, and neere to high waies.

¶ The Time.

The time of wilde peares answereth the tame or manured peare, notwithstanding for the most part they are not ripe much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Winter.

¶ The Names.

The wilde peare tree is called in Latine, Pyrus syluestris and Pyraster: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 by which name both the fruit and tree are knowne. Peares haue diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 among the antient Writers, and specially in Pliny, in his 15. booke, 15. chapter, none of which are knowne to the later Writers (or not desired:) euery citie or euery countrey haue names of themselues, and peares haue also diuers names according to to the places.

The Temperature.

All peares are of a cold temperature, and the most part of them of a binding qualitie and an earthie substance.

¶ The Vertues.

The vertues of the wilde peares are referred vnto the garden peares as touching their binding facultie, but are not to be eaten, because their nourishment is little and bad.

CHAP. 101. Of the Apple tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THe Latine name Malus reacheth far among the old Writers, and is common to many trees, but we will briefely first intreat of Mali, properly called Apple trees, whose stocke or kindred is so infinite, that we haue thought it not amisse, to vse the same order or method with Apples that wee haue done with peares; that is, to giue them seuerall titles in Latine and English, and one generall description for the whole.

¶ The Description.

THe Apple tree hath a body or truncke commonly of a meane bignesse, not very high, hauing long armes or branches, and the same disordered: the barke somewhat plaine, and not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rugged: the leaues bee also broad, more long than round, and finely nicked in the edges. The floures are whitish tending vnto a blush colour. The fruit or Apples doe differ in greatnesse, forme, colour, and taste; some couered with a red skinne, others yellow or greene, varying infi∣nitely

according to the soyle and climate, some very great, some little, and many of a middle sort; some are sweet of taste, or something soure; most be of a middle taste betweene sweet and soure, the which to distinguish I thinke it impossible; notwithstanding I heare of one that intendeth to write a peculiar volume of Apples, and the vse of them; yet when he hath done what hee can 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hee hath done nothing touching their seuerall kindes to distinguish them. This that hath beene said shall suffice 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Historie.

‡ Our Author gaue foure figures more out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with these titles. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reginale, the Queening or Queene of Apples. 5 Platomela sive Pyra aestiua: The Sommer Peare∣maine. 6 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sive Pyra hyemalia: the Winter Pearemaine.

[illustration]

1 Malus Carbonaria. The Pome Water tree.

[illustration]

2 Malus Carbonaria longo fructu. The Bakers ditch Apple tree.

¶ The Place.

The tame and graffed Apple trees are planted and set in gardens and orchards made for that purpose: they delight to grow in good and fertile grounds: Kent doth abound with apples of most sorts. But I haue seene in the pastures and hedge-rows about the grounds of a worshipful gen∣tleman dwelling two miles from Hereford called Master Roger Bodnome, so many trees of all sorts, that the seruants drinke sor the most part no other drinke but that which is made of Apples; The quantity is such, that by the report of the Gentleman himselfe, the Parson hath for tithe many hog∣sheads of Syder. The hogs are fed with the fallings of them, which are so many, that they make choise of those Apples they do eat, who will not taste of any but of the best. An example doubtles to be followed of Gentlemen that haue land 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liuing: but enuie saith, the poore wil break down our hedges, and we shall haue the least part of the fruit) but sorward in the name of God, graffe, set, plant and nourish vp trees in euery corner of your grounds, the labour is small, the cost is nothing, the commoditie is great, vour selues shall haue plenty, the poore shall haue somewhat in time of want to relieue their necessitie, and God shall reward your good mindes and diligence.

¶ The Time.

They bloom about the end of Aprill, or in the beginning of May. The forward apples be ripe about the Calends of Iuly, others in September.

¶ The Names.

The Apple tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Malus and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in high Dutch, Opffel∣baum: in low Dutch, Appelboom: in French, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Apple-tree.

The Grecians name the fruit 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Latines, Malum or Pomum: in high Dutch, Opfell: in low Dutch, Appel: in French and Spanish, Mansanas: in English, Apple.

¶ The Temperature.

All Apples be of temperature cold and moist, and haue ioined with them a certaine excremen∣tall or superfluous moisture: but as they be not all of like coldnesse, so neither haue they like quan∣titie of superfluous moisture. They are soonest rotten that haue greatest store of moisture, and they may be longer kept in which there is lesse store: for the abundance of excrementall moisture is the cause why they rot.

Sweet Apples are not so cold and moist, which being rosted or boyled, or otherwise kept, retaine or keepe the soundnesse of their pulpe.

They yeeld more nourishment, and not so moist a nourishment as do the other Apples, and doe not so easily passe through the belly.

Soure Apples are colder and also moister: the substance or pulpe of these when they be boiled doth run abroad, and retaineth not his soundnesse: they yeeld a lesser nourishment, and the same raw and cold.

They do easily and speedily passe through the belly, and therefore they do mollifie the belly, especially being taken before meat.

Harsh or Austere Apples being vnripe, are cold; they ingender grosse bloud, and great store of winde, and often bring the Collicke.

Those Apples which be of a middle taste containe in them oftentimes two or three sorts of tasts, and yet do they retaine the faculties of the other.

¶ The Vertues.

Rosted Apples are alwaies better than the raw, the harm whereof is both mended by the fire, and [ A] may also be corrected by adding vnto them seeds or spices.

Apples be good for an hot stomacke: those that are austere or somewhat harsh doe strengthen a [ B] weake and feeble stomacke proceeding of heat.

Apples are also good for all inflammations or hot swellings, but especially for such as are in [ C] their beginning, if the same be outwardly applied.

The iuice of Apples which be sweet and of a middle taste, is mixed in compositions of diuers [ D] medicines, and also for the tempering of melancholy humours, and likewise to mend the qualities of medicines that are dry: as are Serapium expomis Regis Saporis, Confectio Alkermes, and such like com∣positions.

There is likewise made an ointment with the pulpe of Apples and Swines grease and Rose wa∣ter, which is vsed to beautifie the face, and to take away the roughnesse of the skin, which is called in shops Pomatum: of the Apples whereof it is made.

The pulpe of the rosted apples, in number foure or fiue, according to the greatnesse of the Ap∣ples, [ F] especially of the Pome-water, mixed in a wine quart of faire water, laboured together vntill it come to be as apples and Ale, which wee call Lambes Wooll, and the whole quart drunke last at night, within the space of an houre, doth in one night cure those that pisse by droppes with great anguish and dolour; the strangurie, and all other diseases proceeding of the difficultie of making water; but in twise taking it, it neuer faileth in any: oftentimes there happeneth with the foresaid diseases the Gonorrhaea, or running of the Raines, which it likewise healeth in those persons, but not generally in all; which my selfe haue often proued, and gained thereby both crownes and credit.

The leaues of the tree do coole and binde, and be also counted good for inflammations, in the [ G] beginning.

Apples cut in pieces, and distilled with a quantitie of Camphere and butter-milke, take away [ H] the markes and scarres gotten by the small pockes, being washed therewith when they grow vnto their state and ripenesse: prouided that you giue vnto the patient a little milk and Saffron, or milk and mithridate to drinke, to expell to the extreme parts that venome which may lie hid, and as yet not seene.

CHAP. 102 Of the Wilding or Crab tree.

¶ The Kindes.

LIke as there be diuers manured Apples, so are there sundry wilde Apples, or Crabs, whereof to write apart were to small purpose, and therefore one description shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the rest.

[illustration]

Malus syluestris. The wilding or Crab tree.

¶ The generall Description.

THere be diuers wilde Apple trees not hus∣banded, that is to say, not 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the fruit whereof is harsh and binding: for by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 both Apples and Peares become more milde and pleasant. The crab or wilding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 growes oftentimes to a reasonable greatnesse, equall with the Apple tree: the wood is hard, firme, and sollid; the barke rough; the branches or boughes many; the floures and fruit like those of the apple tree, some red, others white, some greater, others lesser: the difference is known to all, therefore it shall suffice what hath been said for their seuerall distinctions: we haue in our London gardens a dwarfe kinde of sweet Apple, called Chamaemalus, the dwarfe apple tree, or Paradise apple, which beareth apples very timely without grafting.

‡ Our Author here also (out of Taberna∣montanus) gaue foure figures, whereof I onely retaine the best, with their seueral titles. 1 Ma∣lus syluestris rubens. The great wilding or red Crab tree: 2 Malus syluestris alba. The white wilding or Crab tree: 3 Malus syluestris 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The smaller Crab tree: 4 Malus duracina sylue∣stris. The choking leane Crab-tree. ‡

¶ The Place.

The Crab tree groweth wilde in woods and hedge rowes almost euery where.

¶ The Time.

The time answereth those of the garden.

¶ The Names.

Their titles doth set forth their names in Latine and English.

¶ The Temperature.

Of the temperature of wilde apples hath beene sufficiently spoken in the former Chapter.

¶ The Vertues.

The iuice of wilde Apples or crabs taketh away the heate of burnings, scaldings, and all inflam∣mations: [ A] and being laid on in short time after it is scalded, it keepeth it from blistering.

The iuice of crabs or Veriuice is astringent or binding, and hath withall an abstersiue or clensing [ B] qualitie, beeing mixed with hard yeest of Ale or Beere, and applied in manner of a cold oint∣ment, that is, spread vpon a cloth first wet in the Veriuice and wrung out, and then laid to, taketh away the heat of Saint Anthonies fire, all inflammations what soeuer, healeth scab'd legs, burnings and scaldings wheresoeuer it be.

CHAP. 103. Of the Citron, Limon, Orange, and Assyrian Apple trees.

¶ The Kindes.

THe Citron tree is of kindred with the Limon tree, the Orange is of the same house or stocke, and the Assyrian Apple tree claimeth a place as neerest in kinred and neighbourhood: where∣ore I intend to comprehend them all in this one chapter.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Citron tree is not very great, hauing many boughes or branches, tough and pliable, couered with a greene barke: whereon do grow greene leaues, long, somewhat broad, ve∣ry smooth, and sweet of smell like those of the Bay tree: among which come forth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and there certaine prickles, set far in sunder: from the bosome whereof come forth smal floures, consisting of siue little leaues, of a white colour tending to purple, with certaine threds like haires growing in the middle: the fruit is long, greater many times than the Cucumber, often lesser, and not much

[illustration]

1 Malus medica. The Pome Citron tree.

[illustration]

2 Malus Limonia. The Limon tree.

greater than the Limon: the barke or rinde is of a light golden colour, set with diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or bumps, and of a very pleasant smell: the pulpe or substance next vnto it is thick, white, hard, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a kinde of aromaticall or spicie smell, almost without any taste at all: the softer pulpe within that is not so firme or solid, but more spungie, and full of a sower iuice, in which the seed lieth hid, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and thicker than a graine of Barley.

2 The Limon tree is like vnto the Pome Citron tree in growth, thorny branches, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of

a pleasant sweet smell, like those of the Bay-tree: the floures hercof are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 than those of the Citron tree, and of a most sweet smell: the fruit is long and thicke, lesser than the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Citron: the rinde is yellow, somewhat bitter in taste, and sweet of smell: the pulpe is white, more in quan∣titie than that of the Citron, respecting the bignes; in the middle part whereof is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more soft spungic pulpe, and fuller of soure juice: the seeds are like those of the Pome Citron.

3 The Orenge tree groweth vp to the height of a small Peare tree, hauing many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 boughes or branches, like those of the Citron tree: the leaues are also like those of the Bay-tree, ‡ but that they differ in this, that at the lower end next the stalke there is a lesser lease made al∣most after the vulgar figure of an heart, whereon the bigger leafe doth stand, or is fastned: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & they are of a sweet 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the floures are white, of a most pleasant sweet smell also: the fruit is round like a ball, euery circumstance belonging to the forme is very well knowne to all; the taste is soure, sometimes sweet, and often of a taste betweene both: the seeds are like those of the Limon.

[illustration]

3 Malus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Orange tree.

[illustration]

4 Malus Assyria. The Assyrian Apple tree.

4 The Assyrian Apple tree is like vnto the Orange tree: the branches are like: the leaues are greater: the floures are like those of the Citron tree: the fruit is round, three times as big as the Orange: the barke or peeling is thicke, rough, and of a pale yellow colour, wherein appeare often as it were small clifts or crackes: the pulpe or inner substance is full of iuice, in taste sharpe, as that of the Limon, but not so pleasant: the seeds are like those of the Citron.

¶ The Place.

The Citron, Limon, and Orange trees do grow especially on the sea coasts of Italy, and on the Islands of the Adriaticke Turrhence, and also Aegaean Seas, & likewise on the maine land, neer vnto meeres and great lakes: there is also great store of them in Spaine, but in places especially ioining to the sea, or not farre off: they are also found in certaine prouinces of France which lie vpon the midland sea. They were first brought out of Media, as not onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 writeth, but also the Poet Virgil affirmeth in the second book of his Georgickes, writing of the Citron tree after this maner:

Media fert tristes succos, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Felicis mali, quo non praesentius vllum, Pocula si 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

Miscueruntque herbas, & non innoxiaverba, Auxilium venit, ac membris agit atra venena. Ipsaingens arbos, faciesque simillima Lauro; Et, si non alium late iactaret odorem, Laurus erit; folia haud vllis labentia ventis; Flos apprime tenax. Animas & olentia 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Orafouent illo, & senibus medicantur anhelis.

The Countrey Media beareth iuyces sad, And dulling tastes of happy Citron fruit, Than which, no helpe more present can be had, If any time stepmothers worse than brute haue poyson'd pots, and mingled berbs of sute With hurtfull charmes: this Citron fruit doth chase Blacke venome from the body in euery place. The tree it selfe in growth is large and big, And very like in shew to th'Laurell tree; And would be thought a Laurell, leafe and twig, But that the smell it casts doth disagree: The floure it holds as fast as floure may be: Therewith the Medes a remedie do finde For stinking breaths and mouthes a cure most kinde, And helpe old men which hardly fetch their winde.

¶ The Time.

These trees be alwaies greene, and do, as Pliny saith, beare fruit at all times of the yere, some fal∣ling off, others waxing ripe, and others newly comming forth.

¶ The Names.

The first is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Malus Medica, and Malus Citria: in English, Ci∣tron tree, and Pomecitron tree.

The fruit is named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Malum Medicum, and Malum Citrium: and Citromalum. Aemilyanus in Athenaeus sheweth, that Iuba King of Mauritania hath made mention of the Citron, who saith that this Apple is named among them, Malum Hespericum: Galen denieth it to be called any longer Malum Medicum, but Citrium; and saith, that they who call it Medicum do it to the end that no man should vnderstand what they say: the Apothecaries call these apples Ci∣trones: in high-Dutch, Citrin opffell, Citrinaten: in low-Dutch, Citroenen: in Italian, Citroni, and Cedri: in Spanish, Cidras: in French, Citrons: in English, Citron Apple, and Citron.

The second kinde of Citron is called in Latine, Limonium Malum; in shops, Limones: in French, Limons: in low-Dutch, Limonen: in English, Limon, and Lemon.

The third is named in Latine, Malnm anarantium or Anerantium: and of some Aurantium: of others, Aurengium, of the yellow colour of gold: some would haue them called Arantia, of Aranti∣um, a towne in Achaia or Arania, of a countrey bearing that name in Persia: it is termed in Italian Arancio: in high-Dutch, Pomeranken: in low-Dutch, Araengie Appelen: in French, Pommes d'Orenges: in Spanish, Naransas: in English, Orenges.

The fourth is named of diuers, Pomum Assyrium, or the Citron of Assyria, and may be Englished Adams Apple, after the Italian name; and among the vulgar sort of Italians, Lomie, of whom it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also called Pomum Adami, or Adams Apple; and that came by the opinion of the common rude people, who thinke it to be the same Apple which Adam did eate of in Paradise, when he transgres∣sed Gods commandment; whereupon also the prints of the biting appeare therein, as they say: but others say that this is not the Apple, but that which the Arabians do call Musa or Mosa, whereof A∣uicen, cap. 395. maketh mention: for diuers of the Iewes take this for that through which by eating, Adam offended, as Andrew Theuet sheweth.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

All these fruits consist of vnlike parts, and much differing in facultie. [ A]

The rindes are sweet of smell, bitter, hot, and dry. [ B]

The white pulpe is cold, and containeth in it a grosse iuice, especially the Citron. [ C]

The inner substance or pap is soure, as of the Citrons and Limons, cold and dry, with thinnesse [ D] of parts.

The seed because it is bitter is hot and dry. [ E]

The rinde of the Pomecitron is good against all poysons, for which cause it is put into treacles [ F] and such like confections.

It is good to be eaten against a stinking breath, for it maketh the breath sweet; and being so ta∣ken [ G] it comforteth the cold stomacke exceedingly.

The white, sound, and hard pulpe is now and then eaten, but very hardly concocted, and ingen∣dreth [ H] a grosse, cold, and phlegmaticke iuyce; but being condite with sugar, it is both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in taste, and easie to be digested, more nourishing, and lesse apt to obstruction and binding or stop∣ping.

Galen reporteth, that the inner iuice of the Pomecitron was not wont to be eaten, but it is now [ I] vsed for sauce; and being often vsed, it represseth choler which is in the stomacke, and procures ap∣petite: it is excellent good also to be giuen in vehement and burning feuers, and against all pesti∣lent and venomous or infectious diseases: it comforteth the heart, cooleth the inward parts, cut∣teth, diuideth, and maketh thin, grosse, tough, and slimy humors.

Of this foresaid sharpe iuice there is a syrrup ptepared, which is called in shops, Syrupus de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ K] Citri, very good against the foresaid infirmities.

Such a sirrup is also prepared of the sharpe iuice of Limons, of the same quality and operation, [ L] so that in stead of the one, the other will serue very well.

A dozen of Orenges cut in slices and put into a gallon of water, adding thereto an ounce of [ M] Mercurie sublimate, and boiled to the consumption of the halfe, cureth the itch and manginesse of the body.

Men in old time (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 writeth in his fourth booke) did not eate Citrons, but were [ N] contented with the smell, and to lay them amongst cloathes, to preserue them from Moths.

As often as need required they vsed them against deadly poysons; for which thing they were [ O] especially commended euen by Virgils verses, which we haue before alledged.

Athenaeus, lib. 3. hath extant a story of some that for certaine notorious offences were condemned [ P] to be destroyed of Serpents, who were preserued and kept in health and safetie by the eating of Citrons.

The distilled water of the whole Limons, rinde and all, drawne out by a glasse Still, takes away [ Q] tetters and blemishes of the skin, and maketh the face faire and smooth.

The same being drunke prouoketh vrine, dissolueth the stone, breaketh and expelleth it. [ R]

The rinde of Orenges is much like in facultie to that of the Citrons and Limons, yet it is so [ S] much the more hot as it is more biting and bitter.

The inner substance or soure pap which is full of iuice is of like facultie, or not much inferiour [ T] to the facultie of the pap of Citrons or Limons; but the sweet pap doth not much coole or drie, but doth temperatly heate and moisten, being pleasant to the taste: it also nourisheth more than doth the soure pap, but the same nourishment is thin and little; and that which is of a middle tast, hauing the smacke of wine, is after a middle sort more cold than sweet, and lesser cold than soure: the sweet and odoriferous floures of orenges be vsed of the perfumers in their sweet smelling oint∣ments.

Two ounces of the iuice of Limons, mixed with the like quantitie of the spirit of wine, or the [ V] best Aqua vitae (but the spirit of wine rectified is much better) and drunk at the first approch of the fit of an ague, taketh away the shaking presently: the medicine seldome faileth at the second time of the taking thereof perfectly to cure the same; but neuer at the third time, prouided that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be couered warme in a bed, and caused to sweat.

There is also distilled out of them in a glasse still, a water of a maruellous sweet smell, which be∣ing [ X] inwardly taken in the weight of an ounce and a halfe, moueth sweat, and healeth the ague.

The seed of all these doth kill wormes in the belly, and driueth them forth: it doth also migh∣tily [ Y] resist poyson, and is good for the stinging of scorpious, if it be inwardly taken.

Those which be called Adams Apples are thought to be like in faculties to the soure iuyce, [ Z] especially of the Limons, but yet they be not so effectuall.

CHAP. 104. Of the Cornell tree.

¶ The Description.

THe tame Cornell tree groweth somtime of the height and bignesse of a smal tree, with a great number of springs: it is couered with a rugged barke: the wood or timber is very hard and dry, without any great quantity of sap therein: the leaues are like vnto the Dog berry leaues, crum∣pled rugged, and of an ouerworne colour: the floures grow in small bunches before any leaues do appeare, of colour yellow, and of no great value (they are so small) in shew like the floures of the

[illustration]

Cornus mas. The male Cornel tree.

Oliue tree: which being vaded, there come small long berries, which at the first bee greene, and red when they be ripe; of an austere and harsh taste, with a certaine sourenesse: within this berry is a small stone, exceeding hard, white within like that of the Oliue, wherunto it is like both in the fashion and oftentimes in the big∣nesse of the fruit.

¶ The Place.

This groweth in most places of Germa∣nie without manuring: it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not wild in England. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yet there be sundry trees of them growing in the gardens of such as loue rare and dainty plants, whereof I haue a tree or two in my garden.

¶ The Time.

The tame Cornell tree floureth some∣time in February, & commonly in March, and afterwards the leaues come forth as an vntimely birth: the berries or fruit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in August.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Latines. Cornus: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch Cornoele boom: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Corniolo: in French, Cornillier: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Cornizolos: in English, the Cornell tree, and the Cornelia tree; of some, long Cher∣rie tree.

The fruit is named in Latine, Cornum: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, Cornoele: in Italian, Cornole: in English, Cornel berries and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cherries.

This is Cornus mas Theophrasti, or Theophrastus his male Cornell tree; for he setteth downe two sorts of the Cornell trees, the male and the female: he maketh the wood of the male to be sound, as in this Cornell tree; which we both for this cause and for others also haue made to be the male. The female is that which is commonly called Virga sanguinea, or Dogs berry tree, and Cornus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the wilde Cornell tree, of which we will treat in the next Chapter following.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The fruit of the Cornell tree hath a very harsh or choking taste: it cooleth, drieth, and bindeth [ A] yet may it also be eaten, as it is oftentimes.

It is a remedie against the laske and bloudy flix, it is hurtfull to a cold stomacke, and increaseth [ B] the rawnesse thereof: the leaues and tender crops of the tree are likewise of an harsh and choking taste, and do mightily dry.

They heale greene wounds that are great and deepe, especially in hard bodies, but they are not [ C] so good for small wounds and tender bodies, as Galen writeth.

CHAP. 105. Of the female Cornell or Dog-Berry tree.

¶ The Description.

THat which the Italians call Virga sanguinea, or the bloudy Rod, is like to the Cornel tree, yet it groweth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into a tree, but remaineth a shrub: the yong branches thereof are iointed, and be of an obscure red purple: they haue within a white spongie pith like that of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but the old stalks are hard and stiffe, the substance of the which is also white, and answerable to those of the Cornell tree: the leaues are also like, the middle rib whereof as also the brittle foot-stalkes are somewhat reddish: at the top whereof stand white floures in spoky rundles, which turne into

[illustration]

Cornus foemina. The Dog-berry tree.

greene at the first, and of a shining black colour when they be ripe, in taste vnpleasant, and not cared for of the birds.

¶ The Place.

This shrub groweth in hedges and bushes in euery countrey of England.

¶ The Time.

The floures come forth in the Spring in the moneth of Aprill: the berries are ripe in Au∣tumne.

¶ The Names.

The Italians do commonly call it Sanguino, and Sanguinello: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Crescentius termes it San∣guinus; and Matthiolus, Virga sanguinea: 〈◊〉〈◊〉, lib. 24. cap. 10. hath written a little of Virga 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Neither is Virga Sanguinea, saith hee, counted more happy; the inner barke whereof doth breake open the scarres which they before haue healed. It is an hard thing, or peraduen∣ture a rash part, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by these few words, that Pliny his Virga Sanguinea is the same that the Italian Sanguino is. This is called in high∣Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cor∣noelle, that is to say, Cornus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or wilde Cornell tree: and in French, Cornellier 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Hounds tree, Hounds berry, Dogs berry tree, Pricke-Timber: in the North coun∣trey they call it Gaten tree, or Gater tree; the berries whereof seem to be those which Chaucer calleth Gater berries: Valerius Cordus nameth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, Falsa or Spuria Cornus, false or bastard Cornell tree: this seemeth also to be Theophrastus his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Cornus foemina, fe∣male Cornell tree. This hath little branches hauing pith within, neither be they hard nor sound, like those of the male: the fruit is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, not fit to be eaten, and a late fruit which is not ripe till after the Autumne Aequinoctiall; and such is the wilde Cornell tree or Gater tree, the yong and tender branches whereof be red, and haue (as wee haue written) a pith within: the fruit or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be vnpleasant, and require a long time before they can be ripe.

¶ The Temperature.

The berries hereof are of vnlike parts; for they haue some hot, bitter, and clensing, and very many cold, dry, harsh, and binding, yet they haue no vse in medicine.

¶ The Vertues.

Matthiolus writeth, that out of the berries first boiled, and afterwards pressed, there issueth an [ A] oyle which the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 countrey people do vse in lamps: but it is not certaine, nor very like, that the barke of this wilde Cornell tree hath that operation which Pliny reporteth of Virga Sanguinea; for he saith, as we haue already set downe, that the inner barke thereof doth break and lay open the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which they before haue healed.

CHAP. 106. Of Spindle tree or Pricke-wood.

¶ The Description.

1 PRickewood is no high shrub, of the bignesse of the Pomegranat tree: it spreadeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with his branches: the old stalks haue their barke somewhat white; the new and those that be lately growne be greene, and foure square: the substance of the wood is hard, and mixed with a light yellow: the leaues be long, broad, slender, and soft: the floures be white, many standing vpon one foot-stalke, like almost to a spoked rundle: the fruit is foure square, red, and containing foure white seeds, euery one whereof is couered with a yellow coat, which being ta∣ken off giueth a yellow die.

[illustration]

1 Euonymus Theophrasti. English Prick-timber tree.

[illustration]

2 Euonymus latifolius. Broad leafed Spindle tree,

[illustration]

3 Euonymus Pannonicus. Hungarie Spindle tree.

2 This other sort of Euonymus groweth to the forme of an hedge tree, of a meane big∣nesse, the trunke or body whereof is of the thicknesse of a mans leg, couered with a rough or scabbed barke of an ouerworn russet colour. The branches thereof are many, slen∣der, and very euen, couered with a greene barke whilest they be yet young and tender; they are also very brittle, with some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the middle like that of the Elder. The leaues are few in number, full of nerues or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 di∣spersed like those of Plantaine, in shape like those of the Pomecitron tree, of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 smell and bitter taste: amongst which come forth slender footstalks very long and naked, whereon do grow small floures consisting of foure small leaues like those of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tree, but lesser, of a white colour tending to a blush, with some yellownesse in the middle: after commeth the fruit, which is larger than the former, and as it were winged, parted commonly into foure, yet somtimes into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parts; and opening when it is ripe, it sheweth the white graines filled with a yellow 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The root is tough and wooddy, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it selfe farre abroad vnder the vpper crust of the earth.

3 The same Author setteth forth another sort which he found in the mountaines of Morauia and Hungary, hauing a trunke or stocke of the height of three or foure cubits, couered with a bark greene at the first, afterward sprinkled ouer with many blacke spots: the boughes are diuided to∣ward the top into diuers small branches, very brittle and easie to breake, whereon are placed leaues by couples also, one opposite to another, somewhat snipt about the edges, in shape like those of the great Myrtle, of an astringent taste at the beginning, after somewhat hot and bitter: amongst which come forth small floures standing vpon long naked foot-stalkes, consisting of foure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaues of a bright shining purple colour, hauing in the middle some few spots of yellow: after commeth the fruit, foure cornered, not vnlike to the common kinde, of a spongious substance, and a gold yellow colour: wherein is contained not red berries like the other, but blacke, very like to those of Fraxinella, of a shining blacke colour like vnto burnished horne; which are deuoured of birds when they be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the rather because they fall of themselues out of their huskes, other∣wise the bitternesse of the husks would take away the delight.

¶ The Place.

The first commeth vp in vntoiled places, and among shrubs, vpon rough bankes and heapes of earth: it serueth also ostentimes for hedges in fields, growing amongst Brambles and such other Thornes.

The other sorts Carolus Clusius sound in a wood of Hungarie beyond the riuer Drauus, and also vpon the mountaines of Morauia and other places adiacent.

¶ The Time.

The floures appeare in Aprill: the fruit is ripe in the end of August, or in the moneth of Sep∣tember.

¶ The Names.

Theophrastus calleth this shrub 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and describeth it in his third booke of the Historie of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: diuers also falsly reade it Anonymos: Petrus Crescentius calleth it Fusanum, because spindles be made of the wood hereof; and for that cause it is called in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, yet most of them 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Fusano: in French, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Spindle tree, Prick-wood, and Prick-timber.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

This shrub is hurtfull to all things, as Theophrastus writeth, and namely to Goats: hee saith the [ A] fruit hereof killeth; so doth the leaues and fruit destroy Goats especially, vnlesse they scoure as wel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as downwards: if three or foure of these fruits be giuen to a man they purge both by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and stoole.

CHAP. 107. Of the blacke Aller tree.

¶ The Description.

THe blacke Aller tree bringeth forth from the root straight stalkes diuided into diuers bran∣ches: the outward barke whereof is blacke, and that next to the wood yellow, and giueth a colour as yellow as Saffron: the substance of the wood is white and brittle, with a reddish pith in the midst: the leaues be like those of the Alder tree, or of the Cherry tree, yet blacker, and a little rounder: the floures be somewhat white: the fruit are round berries, in which appeare a certaine rift or chinke, as though two were ioined together, at the first greene, afterwards red, and last of all blacke: in this there be two little stones: the root runneth along in the earth.

¶ The Place.

The Aller tree groweth in moist woods and copses: I found great plenty of it in a wood a mile from Islington, in the way from thence toward a small village called Harnsey, lying vpon the right hand of the way; and in the woods at Hampsted neere London, and in most woods in the parts a∣bout London.

¶ The Time.

The leaues and floures appeare in the beginning of the Spring; and the berries in Autumne.

¶ The Names.

This shrub is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or blacke Alder: and by others, Frangula: Petrus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it Auornus: in low 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and oftentimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because boies make for themselues arrowes 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: it is called in English, blacke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and of diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pricke tree.

[illustration]

Alnus nigra, siue Frangula. The blacke Aller tree.

¶ The Temperature.

The inner barke of the blacke Aller tree is of a purging and dry qualitie.

¶ The Vertues.

The inner barke hereof is vsed of diuers [ A] country men, who drink the infusion there∣of when they would be purged: it purgeth thicke phlegmaticke humors, and also cho∣lericke, and not only by the stoole, but ma∣ny times also by vomit, not without great trouble and paine to the stomacke: it is therefore a medicine more fit for clownes than for ciuill people, and rather for those that seed grossely, than for dainty people.

There be others who affirme that the dri∣ed [ B] barke is more gentle, and causeth lesser paine: for the greene bark (say they) which is not yet dried containeth in it a certaine superfluous moisture which causeth gri∣pings and vomitings, and troubles the sto∣macke.

The same barke being boiled in wine or [ C] vineger makes a lotion for the tooth 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and is commended against scabs and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nesse of the skin.

The leaues are reported to be good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ D] for cattell, especially for kine, and to cause them to yeeld good store of milke.

CHAP. 108. Of the Seruice tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Seruice tree groweth to the height and bignesse of a great tree, charged with many great armes or boughes which are set with sundry small 〈◊〉〈◊〉, garnished with ma∣ny great leaues somewhat long like those of the Ash: the floures are white, and stand in clusters, which turne into small browne berries somewhat long, which are not good to be eaten vntill they haue lien a while, and vntill they be soft like the Medlar, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is like in taste and operation.

2 The common Seruice tree groweth likewise to the height of a great tree with a straight bo∣dy of a brownish colour, full of branches, set with large displayed leaues like the Maple or the White-Thorne, sauing that they are broader and longer: the floures are white, and grow in tufts; which being fallen, there come in place thereof small round berries, browne vpon one side and red∣dish toward the Sun, of an vnpleasant taste in respect of the former: in which are contained little blackish kernels.

¶ The Place.

These trees are found in woods and groues in most places of England: there be many smal 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof in a little wood a mile beyond Islington from London: in Kent it groweth in great aboun∣dance, especially about Southfleet and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ‡ The later of these I haue seene growing wilde in diuers places, but not the former in any place as yet. ‡

¶ The Time.

They floure in March, and their fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

The first is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Sorbus: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Cormier: in English, Seruice tree, and of some after the La∣tines, Sorbe tree.

[illustration]

1 Sorbus. The Seruice tree.

[illustration]

2 Sorbus terminalis. Common Seruice tree.

The common Seruice tree is named of Pliny, Sorbus torminalis: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Common Seruice tree.

The berries or fruit of the Seruice tree is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Sorbum: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Sorbe, and Sorbole: in French, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Spanish, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Sorbas: in English, Seruice; of some, Sorbe Apple.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Seruice berries are cold and binding, and much more when they be hard, than when they are milde and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in some places they are quickly soft, either hanged in a place which is not altoge∣ther cold, or laid in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or chaffe: those Seruices are eaten when the belly is too soluble, for they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same; and if they yeeld any nourishment at all, the same is very little, grosse, and cold; and [ A] therefore it is not expedient to eate of these or other-like fruits, nor to vse them otherwise than in medicines.

These do stay all manner of fluxes of the belly, and likewise the bloudy flixe; as also vomiting: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bleeding if they be cut and dried in the sunne before they be ripe, and so reserued for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these we may vse diuers waies according to the manner of the greife and grieued part.

CHAP. 109. Of the Ash tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Ash also is an high and tall tree: it riseth vp with a straight body, now and then of no small bignesse, now and then of a middle size, and is couered with a smooth bark: the wood is white, smooth, hard, and somewhat rough grained: the tender branches hereof and such as be new growne vp are set with certaine ioints, and haue within a white and spon∣gie pith: but the old boughes are wooddy throughout, and be without either ioints or much pith: the leaues are long and winged, consisting of many standing by couples, one right against another vpon one rib or stalke, the vpermost of all excepted, which standeth alone; of which euery parti∣cular one is long, broad, like to a Bay leafe, but softer, and of a lighter greene, without any sweet

smell, and nicked round about the edges: out of the yonger sort of the boughes, hard to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on of the leaues, grow sorth hanging together many long narrow and flat cods, as it were like al∣most to diuers birds tongues, where the seed is persected, which is of a bitter taste: the roots be many, and grow deepe in the ground.

[illustration]

Fraxinus. The Ash tree.

¶ The Place.

The Ash doth better prosper in moist pla∣ces, as about the borders of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Ri∣uer sides, than in dry grounds.

¶ The Time.

The leaues and keyes come forth in Aprill and May, yet is not the seed ripe before the fall of the leafe.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and of diuers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Fraxinus: in high∣Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Frassino: in French, Fresne: in Spanish, Fresno, Fraxino, and Frei∣xo: in English, Ash tree.

The fruit like vnto cods is called of the A∣pothecaries, Lingua Auis, and Lingua Passerina it may be named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: yet some would haue it called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 O∣thers make Ornus or the wilde Ash to be cal∣led Orneoglossum: it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in English, Ash keyes, and of some, Kite-keyes.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The leaues and bark of the Ash tree are dry [ A] and moderatly hot: the seed is hot and dry in the second degree.

The iuice of the leaues or the leaues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ B] being applied, or taken with wine, cure the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of vipers, as Dioscorides saith.

The leaues of this tree are of so great vertue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as that they dare not so much as [ C] touch the morning and euening shadowes of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but shun them afar off, as Pliny reports, li. 16. cap. 13. He also affirmeth, that the serpent being penned in with boughes layd round about, will sooner run into the fire, if any be there, than come neere the boughes of the Ash: and that the Ash doth floure before the Serpents appeare, and doth not cast his leaues before they be gon againe.

We write (saith he) vpon experience, that if the serpent be set within the circle of a fire and the [ D] boughes, the serpent will sooner run into the fire than into the boughes. It is a wondersull 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in nature, that the Ash should floure before these serpents appeare, and not cast his leaues be∣fore they begon againe.

Both of them, that is to say the leaues and the barke, are reported to stop the belly: and being [ E] boiled with vineger and water, do stay vomiting, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they be laid vpon the stomacke.

The leaues and barke of the Ash tree boiled in wine and drunk, do open the stopping of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ F] and spleene, and do greatly comfort them.

Three or foure leaues of the Ash tree taken in wine each morning from time to time, doe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ G] those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that are fat, and keepeth them from feeding which do begin to wax fat.

The seed or Kite-keyes of the Ash tree prouoke vrine, increase naturall seed, and stirre vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ H] lust, especially being poudred with nutmegs and drunke.

The wood is profitable for many things, being exalted by Homers commendations, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ I] speare, as Pliny writeth. The shauings or small pieces thereof being drunke are said to be pernici∣ous and deadly, as Dioscorides affirmeth.

The Lee which is made with the Ashes of the barke cureth the white scurse, and such other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ K] roughnesse of the skin, as Pliny testifieth.

CHAP. 110. Of the wilde Ash, otherwise called Quicke-Beame or Quicken tree.

[illustration]

Sorbus syluestris, siue Fraxinus Bubula. The Quicken tree, wilde Ash, or wilde Seruice tree.

¶ The Description.

THe wilde Ash or Quicken Tree Pena setteth forth for the wilde Seruice: this tree groweth seldome or neuer to the stature and height of the Ash tree, notwithstanding it growes to the bignes of a large tree: the leaues be great and long, and scarcely be discerned from the leaues of the Seruice tree: the floures bee white, and sweet of smell, and grow in tusts, which do turne into round ber∣ries, greene at the first, but when they be ripe of a deepe red colour, and of an vnpleasant taste: the branches are as full of iuice as the Osiar, which is the cause that boyes doe make Pipes of the barke thereof as they doe of Willowes.

¶ The Place.

The wilde Ash or Quicken tree groweth on high mountaines, and in thicke high woods in most places of England, especially about Nampt∣wich in Cheshire, in the Weilds of Kent, in Suffex and diuers other pla∣ces.

¶ The Time.

The wild Ash floures in May, and the berries are ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

The Latines call this tree Ornus, and oftentimes Syluestris Fraxinus, or wilde Ash: and it is also Fraxini species, or a kinde of Ash; for the Grecians (as not only Pliny writeth, but also Theophrastus) hath made two kindes of Ash, the one high and tall, the other lower: the high and tall one is Fra∣xinis vulgaris, or the common Ash; and the lower Ornus, which also is named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fraxinus, mountaine Ash; as the other, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or field Ash; which is also named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or as Gaza translateth it, Bubula Fraxinus, but more truly Magna Fraxinus, or great Ash; for the syllable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a signe of bignesse: this Ornus or great Ash is named in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of diuers, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Fresne sauuage: in English, Wilde Ash, Quicken tree, Quick-beame tree, and Wicken tree. Matthiolus makes this to be Sorbus sylue∣stris, or wilde Seruice tree.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Touching the faculties of the leaues, barke, or berries, as there is nothing found among the old, [ A] so is there nothing noted among the later writers: but Pliny seemeth to make this wilde Ash like in faculties to the common Ash; for lib. 16. cap. 13. where he writes of both the Ashes, hee saith, that the common Ash is Crispa, and the mountaine Ash Spissa: and sorthwith he addeth this: The Grecians write, that the leaues of them do kill cattell, and yet hurt not those that chew their cud; which the old writers haue noted of the Yew tree, and not of the Ash tree. Pliny was deceiued by the ncerenesse of the words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the Yew tree, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Ash tree: so that hee hath falsly attributed that deadly facultie to the Ash tree, which doth belong to the Yew tree.

The leaues of the wilde Ash tree boiled in wine are good against the paine in the sides, and the [ B] stopping of the liuer, and asswage the bellies of those that haue the tympanie and dropsie.

Benedictus Curtius Symphoryanus is deceiued in the historie of Ornus, when he thinketh out of Vir∣gils [ C] Georgicks, that Ornus hath the floure of the Peare tree; for out of Virgils verses no such thing at

all can be gathered: for he in intreateth not of the forms of trees, but of the graffing of diuers into others, vnlike and differing in nature; as of the graffing of the Nut tree into the Strawberry tree; the Apple into the Plane tree, the Beech into the Chestnut tree; the Peare into the wilde Ash or 〈◊〉〈◊〉-beame tree, the Oke into the Elme tree: and in this respect hee writeth, that the Plane tree bringeth forth an Apple, the Beech tree a Chestnut; the wilde Ash tree bringeth forth the white floure of the Peare tree, as is most manifest out of Virgils owne words, after this manner, in the second booke of his Georgicks:

Inseritur vero ex foetu nucis Arbutas horrida, Et steriles Platani malos gessere valentes, Castaneae Fagos: Ornus incanuit albo Flore Pyri, glandémque sues fregere sub Vlmis.

The Tree-Strawb'ry on Walnuts stocke doth grow, And barren Planes faire Apples oft haue borne; Chestnuts, Beech-Mast; the Quicken tree doth shew The Peares white floure; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oft times th' Acorn Haue gathered vnder Elmes. —

CHAP. 111. Of Coriars Sumuch.

[illustration]

1 Rhus Coriaria. Coriar Sumach.

[illustration]

2 Rhus Myrtifolia. Wil de or Myrtle Sumach.

¶ The Description.

1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sumach groweth vp vnto the height of a hedge tree, after the manner of the Flder tree, bigger than Dioscorides reporteth it to be, or others, who affirme that Rhus groweth two cubits high: whose errors are the greater: but this Rhus is so like to the

Seruice tree in shape and manner of grow ing, that it is hard to know one from the other; but that the leaues are soft and hairy, hauing a red sinew or rib thorow the midst of the leafe: the floures grow with the leaues vpon long stems clustering together like cats taile, or the catkins of the nut tree, but greater, and of a whitish green colour: after which come clusters of round berries, grow∣ing in bunches like grapes,

2 Pliny his Sumach, or the Sumach of Plinies description, groweth like a small hedge tree, ha∣uing many slender twiggie branches, garnished with little leaues like Myrtus, or rather like the leaues of the Iuiube tree; among which come forth slender mossie floures, of no great account or va∣lue, which bring forth small seeds, inclosed within a cornered case or huske, fashioned like a spoon: the trunke or body of both these kindes of Sumach being wounded with some iron Instrument, yeeldeth a gum or liquour.

¶ The Place.

Sumach groweth, as Dioscorides saith, in stony places: it is found in diuers mountaines & woods in Spaine, and in many places on the mount Apennine in Italy, and also neere vnto Pontus. Archi∣genes in Galen, in the 8. book of medicines according to the places affected, sheweth, that it grow∣eth in Syria, making choice of that of Syria.

¶ The Time.

The floures of Sumach come forth in Iuly, the seed with the berries are ripe in Autumne.

¶ The Names.

This is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rhus, saith Pliny, hath no Latine name; yet Gaza after the significati∣on of the Greeke word, faineth a name, calling it Fluida: the Arabians name it Sumach: the Itali∣ans, Sumacho: the Spaniards, Sumagre: in low Dutch, by contracting of the word they cal it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Sumach, Coriars Sumach, and Leather Sumach: the leaues of the shrub be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Rhus coriaria, or Rhoe.

The seed is named Eruthros: and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Rhus Culinaria, and Rhus obsoniorum: in En∣glish, Meat Sumach, and Sauce Sumach.

¶ The Temperature.

The fruit, leaues, and seed hereof do very much binde, they also coole and drie: drie they are in the third degree, and cold in the second, as Galen teacheth.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues of Sumach boyled in wine and drunken, do stop the laske, the inordinate course of [ A] womens sicknesses, and all other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 issues of bloud.

The seed of Sumach eaten in sauces with meat, stoppeth all manner of fluxes of the belly, the [ B] bloudy flix, and all other issues, especially the white issues of women.

The decoction of the leaues maketh haires blacke, and is put into stooles to fume vpward into [ C] the bodies of those that haue the Dysenterie, and is to be giuen them also to drinke.

The leaues made into an ointment or plaister with hony and vineger, staith the spreading nature [ D] of Gangraenes and Pterygia.

The drie leaues sodden in water vntill the decoction be as thicke as hony, yeeld forth a certaine [ E] oilinesse, which performeth all the effects of Licium.

The seed is no lesse effectuall to be strowed in pouder vpon their meats which are Coeliaci or Dy∣senterici. [ F]

The seedes pouned, mixed with honie and the powder of Oken coles, healeth the Hemor∣thoides. [ G]

There issueth out of the shrub a gum, which being put into the hollownesse of the teeth, taketh [ H] away the paine, as Dioscorides writeth.

CHAP. 112. Of red Sumach.

¶ The Description.

1 THese two figures are of one and the selfe same plant; the first sheweth the shrub being in floure: the other when it is full floured with the fruit growne to ripenesse, notwithstan∣ding some haue deemed them to be of two kindes, wherein they were deceiued.

† This excellent and most beautifull plant Coggygria (beeing reputed of the Italians and the Venetians for a kind of Rhus or Sumach, because it is vsed for the same purposes whereto Rhus ser∣ueth

and therein doth farre excéll it) is an hedge plant growing not aboue the height of foure or fiue cubits, hauing tough and pliant stalks and twiggie branches like to Oziers, of a brown colour. The leaues be round, thick, and stiffe like the leaues of Capparis, in colour and sauor of Pistacia leaues, or Terebinthus; among which ariseth a small vpright sprig, bearing many smal clustering little gree∣nish yellow floures, vpon long and red stalks. After which sollow small reddish Lentill-like seeds that carry at the tops a most fine woolly or flockie tuft, crisped and curled like a curious wrought silken fleece, which curleth and foldeth it selfe abroad like a large bush of haires.

[illustration]

1 Coggygria Theophrasti. Venice Sumach.

& or

[illustration]

Cotinus Coriarius Plinij. Red Sumach.

¶ The Place.

Coggygria groweth in Orleans neere Auignion, and in diuers places of Italy, vpon the Alpes of Styria, and many other places. It groweth on most of the hils of France, in the high woods of the vpper Pannonia or Austria, and also of Hungaria and Bohemia.

¶ The Time.

They floure and flourish for the most part in Iuly.

¶ The Names.

The first is called Coggygria, and Coccygria in English, Venice Sumach, or Silken Sumach; of Pli∣ny, Cotinus, in his 16. booke, 18. chapter. There is, saith he, on mount Apennine a shrub which is cal∣led Cotinus adlineamenta modo Conchylij colore insignis, and yet Cotinus is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Olea syluestris, the wilde Oliue tree, from which this shrub doth much differ; and therfore it may rightly be called Co∣tinus Coriaria. Diuers would haue named it Scotinus, which name is not found in any of the old wri∣ters. The Pannonians do call it Farblauff: it is also thought that this shrub is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Plinij, of which in his 13. booke, 22. chapter he writeth in these words: Coggygria is also like to Vnedo in leafe, not so great; it hath a property to loose the fruit with downe, which thing happeneth vnto no other tree.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues and slender branches together with the seeds are very much binding, cold and drie as the other kindes of Sumach are.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues of Coggygria, or Silken Sumach, are sold in the markets of Spaine and Italy for great [ A]

summes of money, vnto those that dresse Spanish skinnes, for which purpose they are verie excel∣lent.

The root of Cotinus, as Anguillara noteth, serueth to die with, giuing to wooll and cloth a reddish [ B] colour, which Pliny knew, shewing that this shrub (that is to say the root) is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 modo Con∣chylij colore insignis.

CHAP. 113. Of the Alder Tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Alder tree or Aller, is a great high tree hauing many brittle branches, the barke is of a browne colour, the wood or timber is not hard, and yet it will last and indure verie long vnder the water, yea longer than any other timber whatsoeuer: wherefore in the fenny and soft marish grounds they do vse to make piles and posts thereof, for the strengthening of the walls and such like. This timber doth also serue very well to make troughes to conuey water in stead of pipes of Lead. The leaues of this tree are in shape somewhat like the Hasell, but they are blacket & more wrinckled, very clammie to handle, as though they were sprinckled with honie. The blossome or floures are like the aglets of the Birch tree: which being vaded, there followeth a scaly fruit closely growing together, as big as a Pigeons egge, which toward Autumne doth open, and the seed falleth outand is lost.

[illustration]

1 Alnus. The Alder tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Alnus hirsuta. Rough leaued Alder.

‡ 2 Clusius and Bauhine haue obserued another kinde of this which differs from the ordinary, in that it hath larger and more cut leaues, and these not shining aboue, but hoary vnderneath: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as also the rough heads are not so large as those of the former: the barke also is whiter. Clu∣sius makes it his Alnus altcra: and Bauhine, his Alnus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or folio incano. ‡

¶ The Place.

The Aller or Alder tree delighteth to grow in low and moist waterish places.

¶ The Time.

The Aller bringeth sorth new leaues in Aprill, the fruit whereof is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Alnus: Petrus Crescentius nameth it 〈◊〉〈◊〉: it is called in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Alno: in French, Aulne: in English, Alder and Aller.

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues and barke of the Alder tree are cold, drie, and astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues of Alder are much vsed against hot swellings, vlcers, and all inward 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ A] especially of the Almonds and kernels of the throat.

The barke is much vsed of poore countrey Diers, for the dying of course cloth, cappes, hose, and [ B] such like into a blacke colour, whereunto it serueth very well.

CHAP. 114. Of the Birch tree.

[illustration]

Betula. The Birch tree.

¶ The Description.

THe common Birch tree waxeth likewise a great tree, hauing many bough es 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with many small rods or twigs, very limber and pliant: the barke of the young twigs and branches is plaine, smooth, and full of sap, in colour like the Chestnut; but the rind of the body or trunk is hard without, white, rough, and vneuen, full of chinkes or creuises: vnder which is found another fine barke, plaine, smooth, and as thin as paper which hereto∣fore was vsed in stead of paper, to write vpon, before the making of paper was knowne: in Russia and these cold regions it serueth in stead of tiles and slate to couer their houses withall: this tree beareth for his floures cer∣taine aglets like the Hasell tree, but smaller, wherein the seed is contained.

¶ The Place.

This common Birch tree grows in woods, fenny grounds, and mountaines, in most pla∣ces of England.

¶ The Time.

The catkins or aglets do first appeate, and then the leaues, in Aprill or a little later.

¶ The Names.

Theophr astus calleth this tree in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: diuers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: others 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: it is named in La∣tine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: diuers also write it with a double ll Betulla, as some of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 copies haue it: it is called in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Betu∣la: by them of Trent, Bedallo: in French, Bouleau: in English, Birch tree.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Concerning the medicinable vse of the Birch tree, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his parts, there is nothing extant either in the old or new writers.

This tree, saith Pliny in his 16-booke, 18. chapter, Mirabili candore & tenuitate terribilis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 virgis: for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 times past the Magistrates roddes were made heereof: and in our time also the Schoolemasters and parents do terrifie their children with rods made of Birch.

It serueth well to the decking vp of houses, and banquetting roomes, for places of pleasure, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of streets in the crosse or gang weeke, and such like.

CHAP. 115. Of the Hornebeame, or Hard beame Tree.

[illustration]

Betul us, sive Carpinus. The Hornebeame tree.

¶ The Description.

BEtulus, or the Hornebeam tree grows great, and very like vnto the Elme, or Wich 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tree, hauing a great body: the wood or tim∣ber whereof is better for arrowes and shafts, pul∣leies for mills, and such like deuises, than Elme or Wich Hazell; for in time it waxeth so hard, that the toughnesse and hardnesse of it may be rather compared vnto horn than vnto wood, and therefore it was called Hornebeame, or Hard∣beame: the leaues hereof are like the Elme, sa∣uing that they be tenderer: among those hang certaine triangled things, vpon which be found knaps, or little heads of the bignesse of Ciches, in which is contained the fruit or seed: the root is strong and thicke.

¶ The Place.

Betulus or the Hornebeame tree growes plen∣tifully in Northamptonshire, also in Kent by Grauesend, where it is commonly taken for a kinde of Elme.

¶ The Time.

This tree doth spring in Aprill, and the seed is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

The Hornebeam tree is called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which is as if you should say Coniugalis, or be∣longing to the yoke, because it serueth well to make 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of, in Latine, Iuga, yokes wherewith oxen are yoked together, which are also euen at this time made thereof, as witnesseth Benedictus Curtius Symphorianus, and our selues haue sufficient knowledge thereof in our owne country; and therefore it may be Englished Yoke Elme. It is called of some, Carpinus and Zugia: it is also called Betulus, as if it were a kinde of Birch, but my selfe bet∣ter like that it should be one of the Elmes: in high Dutch, Ahorne: in French, Carne: in Ita∣lian, Carpino: in English, Hornebeame, Hardbeame, Yoke Elme, and in some places, Witch hasell.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

This tree is not vsed in medicine, the vertues are not expressed of the Antients, neither haue wee [ A] any certaine experiments of our owne knowledge more than hath beene said for the vse of Hus∣bandrie.

CHAP. 116. Of the Elme tree.

‡ OVr Author onely described two Elmes, and those not so accurately but that I thinke I shall giue the Reader content, in exchanging them for better receiued from M^r. Goodyer; which are these.

Vlmus vulg 〈◊〉〈◊〉 folio lato scabro. The common Elme.

1 THis Elme is a very great high tree, the barke of the young trees, and boughes of the El∣der, which are vsually lopped or shred, is smooth and very tough, and, wil strip or pil from the wood a great length without breaking: the bark of the body of the old trees as the trees grow in bignesse, teares or rents, which makes it very rough. The innermost wood of the tree is of reddish

yellow or brownish colour, and curled, and after it is drie, very tough, hard to cleaue or rent, whereof aues of Carts are most commonly made: the wood next the barke, which is called the sap, is white, Before the leaues come sorth the floures appeare, about the end of March, which grow on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or branches, closely compacted or thrust together, and are like to the chiues growing in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of most floures, of a reddish colour: afterwhich come flat seed, more long than broad, not much vnlike the garden Arach seed in forme and bignesse, and doe for the most part fall away before or shortly after the leaues spring forth, and some hang on a great part of the Sommer: the leaues grow on the twigges, of a darke, greene colour; the middle size whereof are two inches broad, and three inches long, some are longer and broader, some narrower and shorter, rough or harsh in handling on both sides, nickt or indented about the edges, and many times crumpled, hauing a nerue in the middle, and many smaller nerues growing from him: the leafe on one side of the nerue is alwaies longer than on the other. On these leaues oftentimes grow blisters or small bladders, in which at the spring are little wormes, about the bignesse of Bed-fleas. This Elme is common in all parts of England, where I haue trauelled.

Vlmus minor folio angusto scabro.

The Narrow leaued Elme.

2 This tree is like the other, but much lesser and lower, the leaues are vsually about two inches and a halfe long, and an inch or an inch and a quarter broad, nickt or indented about the edges, and hath one side longer than the other, as the first hath, and are also harsh or rough on both sides, the

[illustration]

1 Vlmus vulgatiss. folio lato scabro. The common Elme tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Vlmus minor folio augusto scabro. The narrow leaued Elme.

barke or rinde will also strip as the first doth: hitherto I haue not obserued either the floures or seed, or blisters on the leaues, nor haue I had any sight of the timber, or heard of any vse thereof. This kinde I haue seene growing but once, and that in the hedges by the high way as I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betweene Christ Church and Limmington in the New Forrest in Hampshire,

about the middle of September 1624. from whence I brought some small plants of it, not a foot in length, which now, 1633. are risen vp ten or twelue foot high, and grow with me by the first kinde, but are easily to be discerned apart, by any that will looke on both.

[illustration]

‡ 3 Vlmus folio latissimo scabro. Witch Hasell, or the broadest leaued Elme.

[illustration]

4 Vlmus folio glabro. Witch Elme, or smooth leaued Elme.

Vlmus folio latissimo scabro.

Witch Hasell, or the broadest leaued Elme.

3 This groweth to be a very great tree, and also very high, especially when he groweth in moods amongst other trees: the barke on the outside is blacker than that of the first, and is also ve∣ry tough, so that when there is plenty of sap it will strip or peele from the wood of the boughes from the one end to the other, a dozen foot in length or more, without breaking, whereof are often made cords or ropes: the timber hereof is in colour neere like the first; it is nothing so firme or strong for naues of Carts as the fruit is, but will more easily cleaue; this timber is also coue∣red with a white sappe next the barke: the branches or young boughes are grosser and bigger, and do spread themselues broader, and hang more downewards than those of the first; the floures are nothing but chiues, very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those of the first kind: the seed is also like, but something bigger: the leaues are much broader and longer than any of the kindes of Elme, vsually three or foure inches broad, and fiue or six inches long, also rough or harsh in handling on both sides, snipt or indented about the edges, neere resembling the leaues of the Hasell: the one side of the leaues are also most commonly longer than the other, also on the leaues of this Elme are sometimes blisters or bladders like those on the first kinde. This prospereth and naturally groweth in any soile moist or dry, on high hills, and in low vallies in good plenty in most places in Hampshire, wher it is commonly called VVitch Hasell. Old men affirme, that when long boughes were in great vse, there were very many made of the wood of this tree, for which purpose it is mentioned in the statutes of England by the name of VVitch Hasell, as 8. El. 10. This hath little affiaitie with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which in Essex is called VVitch Hasell.

Vlmus folio glabro.

VVitch Elme, or smooth leauen Elme.

4 This kinde is in bignesse and height like the first, the boughes grow as those of the VVitch Hasell doe, that is hanged more downewards than those of the common Elme, the barke is blacker than that of the first kinde, it will also peele from the boughes: the floures are like the first, and so are the seeds: the leaues in forme are like those of the first kinde, but are smooth in handling on both sides. My worthy friend and excellent Herbarist of happy memorie M^r. Willi∣am Coys of Stubbers in the parish of Northokington in Essex told me, that the wood of this kinde was more desired for naues of Carts than the wood of the first. I obserued it growing very plenti∣fully as I rode between Rumford and the said Stubbers, in the yeere 1620. intermixed with the first kinde, but easily to be discerned apart, and is in those parts vsually called VVitch Elme. ‡

¶ The Place.

The first kinde of Elme groweth plentifully in all places of England. The rest are set forth in their descriptions.

¶ The Time.

The seeds of the Elme sheweth it selfe first, and before the leaues; it falleth in the end of Aprill, at what time the leaues begin to spring.

¶ The Names.

The first is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Vlmus: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 holtz, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, Oimen: in French, Orme, and Omeau: in Italian, Olmo. in Spanish, Vlmo: in English, Elme tree.

The seed is named by Plinie and Columella, Samera. The little wormes which are found with the liquor within the small bladders be named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Culices, and Muliones.

The other Elme is called by Theophrastus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; which Gaza translateth Montiulmus or moun∣taine Elme. Columella nameth it Vernacula, or Nostras Vlmus, that is to say, Italica, or Italian Elme: it is called in low Dutch, Herseleer, and in some places, Heerenteer.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The leaues and barke of the Elme be moderately hot, with an euident clensing facultie; they [ A] haue in the chewing a certaine clammie and glewing qualitie.

The leaues of Elme glew and heale vp greene wounds, so doth the barke wrapped and swadled [ B] about the wound like a band.

The leaues being stamped with vineger do take away scurffe. [ C]

Dioscorides writeth, that one ounce weight of the thicker barke drunke with wine or water pur∣geth [ D] flegme.

The decoction of Elme leaues, as also of the barke or root, healeth broken bones very speedily, [ E] if they be fomented or bathed therewith.

The liquor that is found in the blisters doth beautifie the face, and scoureth away all spots, [ F] freckles, pimples, spreading tetters, and such like, being applied thereto.

It healeth greene wounds, and cureth ruptures newly made, being laid on with Spleenwoort and [ G] the trusse closely set vnto it.

CHAP. 117. Of the Line or Linden Tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe female Line or Linden tree waxeth very great and thicke, spreading forth his bran∣ches wide and farre abroad, being a tree which yeeldeth a most pleasant shadow, vnder and within whose boughes may be made braue sommer houses and banqueting arbors, because the more that it is surcharged with weight of timber and such like, the better it doth flou∣rish. The barke is brownish, very smooth, and plaine on the outside, but that which is next to the timber is white, moist and tough, seruing very well for ropes, trases, and halters. The timber is whitish, plaine and without knots, yea very soft and gentle in the cutting or handling. Better gunpouder is made of the coles of this wood than of VVillow coles. The leaues are greene,

smooth, shining and large, somewhat snipt or toothed about the edges: the floures are little, whi∣tish, of a good sauour, and very many in number, growing clustering together from out of the mid∣dle of the leafe: out of which proceedeth a small whitish long narrow leafe: after the floures suc∣ceed cornered sharpe pointed Nuts, of the bignesse of Hasell Nuts. This tree seemeth to be a kinde of Elme, and the people of Essex about Heningham (wheras great plenty groweth by the way sides) do call it broad leafed Elme.

[illustration]

1 Tilia faemina. The female Line tree.

[illustration]

2 Tilia mas. The male Line tree.

2 The male Tilia or Line tree groweth also very great and thicke, spreading it selfe far abroad like the other Linden tree: his bark is very tough and pliant, and serueth to make cords and halters of. The timber of this tree is much harder, more knottie, and more yellow than the timber of the other, not much differing from the timber of the Elme tree: the leaues hereof are not much vnlike luy leaues, not very greene, somewhat snipt about the edges: from the middle whereof come forth clusters of little white floures like the former: which being vaded, there succeed small round pel∣lets, growing clustering together, like Iuy berries, within which is contained a little round blackish seed, which falleth out when the berry is ripe.

¶ The Place.

The female Linden tree groweth in some woods in Northampton shire; also neere Colchester, and in many places alongst the high way leading from London to Henningham, in the countie of Essex.

The male Linden tree groweth in my Lord Treasurers garden at the Strand, and in sundry other places, as at Barn-elmes, and in a garden at Saint Katherines neere London. ‡ The female growes in the places here named, but I haue not yet obserued the male. ‡

¶ The Time

These trees floure in May, and their fruit is ripe in August.

¶ The Names.

The Linden tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Tilia: in high Dutch, Linden, and Linden∣baum: in low Dutch, Linde, and Lindenboom: the Italians, Tilia: the Spaniards, Teia: in French, Tilet and Tilieul: in English, Linden tree, and Line tree.

¶ The Temperature.

The barke and leaues of the Linden or Line tree, are of a temperate heat, somewhat drying and astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

[ A] The leaues of Tilia boiled in Smithes water with a piece of Allom and a little honey, cure the sores in childrens mouthes.

[ B] The leaues boiled vntill they be tender; and pouned very small with hogs grease, and the pou∣der of Fenugrecke and Lineseed, take away hot swellings and bring impostumes to maturation, being applied thereto very hot.

[ C] The floures are commended by diuers against paine of the head proceeding of a cold cause, against dissinesse, the Apoplexie, and also the falling sicknesse, and not onely the floures, but the di∣stilled water thereof.

[ D] The leaues of the Linden (saith Theophrastus) are very sweet, and be a fodder for most kinde of cattle: the fruit can be eaten of none.

CHAP. 118. Of the Maple tree.

[illustration]

‡ 1 Acer maius. The great Maple.

[illustration]

† 2 Acer minus. The lesser Maple.

¶ The Description.

THe great Maple is a beautifull and high tree, with a barke of a meane smoothnesse: the sub∣stance of the wood is tender and easie to worke on; it sendeth forth on euery side very many goodly boughes and branches, which make an excellent shadow against the heate of the Sun; vpon

which are great, broad, and cornered leaues, much like to those of the Vine, hanging by long red∣dish stalks: the floures hang by clusters, of a whitish greene colour; after them commeth vp long fruit fastened together by couples, one right against another, with kernels bumping out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the place in which they are combined: in all the other parts flat and thin like vnto parchment, or resembling the innermost wings of grashoppers: the kernels be white and little.

2 There is a small Maple which doth oftentimes come to the bignes of a tree, but most com∣monly it groweth low after the maner of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the barke of the young shoots hereof is likewise smooth; the substance of the wood is white, and easie to be wrought on: the leaues are cornered like those of the former, slippery, and fastened with a reddish stalke, but much lesser, very like in big∣nes, and smoothnes to the leafe of Sanicle, but that the cuts are deeper: the floures be as those of the former, greene, yet not growing in clusters, but vpon spoked roundles: the fruit standeth by two and two vpon a stem or foot-stalke.

¶ The Place.

The small or hedge Maple groweth almost euery where in hedges and low woods.

The great Maple is a stranger in England, only it groweth in the walkes and places of pleasure of noble men, where it especially is planted for the shadow sake, and vnder the name of Sycomore tree.

¶ The Time.

These trees floure about the end of March, and their fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Acer: in English, Maple, or Maple tree.

The great Maple is called in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the French men, Grand Erable, and Plasne abusiuely, and this is thought to be properly called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: but they are far decei∣ued that take this for Platanus, or the Plane tree, being drawne into this errour by the neerenesse of the French word; for the Plane tree doth much differ from this. ‡ This is now commonly (yet not rightly) called the Sycomore tree. And seeing vse will haue it so, I thinke it were not vnfit to call it the bastard Sycomore. ‡

The other is called in Latine, Acer minor: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Erable: in English, small Maple, and common Maple.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

What vse the Maple hath in medicine we finde nothing written of the Grecians, but Pliny in his [ A] 14. booke, 8. chapter affirmeth, that the root pouned and applied, is a singular remedy for the paine of the liuer. Serenus Sammonicus writeth, that it is drunke with wine against the paines of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Si latus immeritum morbo tentatur acuto, Accensum tinges lapidem stridentibus vndis. Hinc bibis: aut Aceris radicem tundis, & vna. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vino capis: hoc praesens medicamen habetur.

Thy harmelesse side if sharpe disease inuade, In hissing water quench a heated stone: This drinke. Or Maple root in pouder made, Take off in wine, a present med'cine knowne.

CHAP. 119. Of the Poplar tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers trees vnder the title of Poplar, yet differing very notably, as shall be declared in the descriptions, whereof one is the white, another the blacke, and a third sort set downe by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which is the Aspe, named by him Lybica; and by Theophrastus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: likewise there is another of America, or of the Indies, which is not to be found in these regions of Europe.

¶ The Description.

1 THe white Poplar tree commeth soone to perfection, and groweth high in short time, full of boughes at the top: the barke of the body is smooth, and that of the boughes is like∣wise white withall: the wood is white, easie to be cleft: the leaues are broad, deeply gashed, & cor∣nered like almost to those of the Vine, but much lesser, smooth on the vpper side, glib, and somwhat greene; and on the nether side white and woolly: the catkins are long, downy, at the first of a pur∣plish colour: the roots spread many waies, lying vnder the turfe, and not growing deepe, and there∣fore it happeneth that these trees be oftentimes blowne downe with the winde.

[illustration]

1 Populus alba. The white Poplar tree.

[illustration]

2 Populus nigra. The blacke Poplar tree.

2 The black Poplar tree is as high as the white, and now and then higher, oftentimes fuller of boughes, and with a thicker body: the barke thereof is likewise smooth, but the substance of the wood is harder, yellower, and not so white, fuller of veines, and not so easily cleft: the leaues be som∣what long, and broad below towards the stem, sharp at the point, and a little snipt about the edges, neither white nor woolly, like the leaues of the former, but of a pleasant greene colour: amongst which come forth long aglets or catkins, which do turne into clusters: the buds which shew them∣selues before the leaues spring out, are of a reasonable good sauour, of the which is made that pro∣fitable ointment called Vnguentum Populeon.

3 The third kinde of Poplar is also a great tree: the barke and substance of the wood is some∣what like that of the former: this tree is garnished with many brittle and tender branches, set full of leaues, in a manner round, much blacker and harder than the blacke Poplar, hanging vpon long and slender stems, which are for the most part stil wauering, and make a great noise by being beaten one to another, yea though the weather be calme, and scarce any winde blowing; and it is knowne by the name of the Aspen tree: the roots hereof are stronger, and grow deeper into the ground than those of the white Poplar.

4 This strange Poplar, which some do call Populus rotundifolia, in English, the round leafed Pop∣lar of India, waxeth a great tree, bedect with many goodly twiggie branches, tough and limmer like

[illustration]

3 Populus Libyca. The Aspen tree.

[illustration]

4 Populus Americana. The Indian Poplar tree.

[illustration]

‡ 5 Populus alba folijs minoribus. The lesser leaued white Poplar.

the Willow, full of ioints where the leaues do grow, of a perfect roundnesse, saue where it cleaueth or groweth to the stalk: from the bosoms or corners of these leaues come forth small aglets, like vnto our Poplar, but smal∣ler: the leafe is thick, and very like the leaues of Arbor Iudae, but broader, of an astringent taste, somewhat heating the mouth, and sal∣tish.

5 There is also another sort of Poplar which groweth likewise vnto a great tree, the branches whereof are knotty and bunched forth as though it were full of scabs or sores: the leaues come forth in tufts most common∣ly at the end of the boughes, not cut or iag∣ged, but resembling the leaues of that Atri∣plex called Pes Anserinus; in colour like the former, but the aglets are not so closely pac∣ked together, otherwise it is like.

¶ The Place.

These trees doe grow in low moist places, as in medowes neere vnto ditches, standing waters and riuers.

The first kinde of white Poplar groweth not very common in England, but in some places here and there a tree: I found many both small & great growing in a low medow

turning vp a lane at the farther end of a village called Black-wall, from London; and in Essex at a place called Ouenden, and in diuers other places.

The Indian Poplar groweth in most parts of the Islands of the West Indies.

¶ The Time.

These trees do bud forth in the end of March and beginning of Aprill, at which time the buds must be gathered to serue for Vnguentum Populeon.

¶ The Names.

The white Poplar is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Populus alba: of diuers, Farfarus, as of Plant us in his Comedie Penulus, as you may see by his words set downe in the chap. of Colts-foot, pag. 813.

It is called in high-Dutch, Poppelbaum, Meisz Alberbaum: in low-Dutch, Abeel, of his ho∣rie or aged colour, and also Abeelboome; which the Grammarians doe falsly interpret Abies, the Firre tree: in Italian, Popolo nero: in French, Peuplier blanc, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Aubeau: in English, white Poplar tree, and Abeell, after the Dutch name.

The second is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Populus nigra: by Petrus Crescentius, Albarus: in high-Dutch, Aspen: in low-Dutch, Populier: in Italian, Popolo nero: in French, Peuplier noir: in Spanish, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Poplar tree, blacke Poplar, and Pepler. The first or new sprung buds whereof are called of the Apothecaries, Oculi 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Poplar buds: others chuse rather to call it Gemma Populi: some of the Grecians name it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: whereupon they grounded their er∣ror, who rashly supposed that those rosenny or clammy buds are not to be put or vsed in the com∣position of the ointment bearing the name of the Poplar, and commonly called in English, Po∣pilion and Pompillion, but the berries that grow in clusters, in which there is no clamminesse at all.

They are also as far deceiued, who giuing credit to Poets fables, do beleeue that Amber 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the clammy rosin falling into the riuer Poo.

The third is called of diuers, Populus tremula, which word is borrowed of the French men, who name it Tremble: it also receiued a name amongst the low Countrey men, from the noise and rat∣ling of the leaues, viz. Rateeler: this is that which is named of Pliny, Libyca and by Theophr. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: which Gaza calleth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mont ana: in English, Aspe, and Aspen tree, and may also be called Tremble, after the French name, considering it is the matter whereof womens tongues were made, (as the Poets and some others report) which seldom cease wagging.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The white Poplar hath a clensing facultie, saith Galen, and a mixt temperature, consisting of a [ A] waterie warme essence, and also a thin earthy substance.

The barke, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 writeth, to the weight of an ounce (or as others say, and that more tru∣ly, [ B] of little more than a dram) is a good remedie for the Sciatica or ache in the huckle bones, and for the strangurie.

That this barke is good for the Sciatica, Serenus Sammonicus doth also write: [ C]

Saepius occultus victa coxendice morbus Perfurit, & gressus diro 〈◊〉〈◊〉 moratur: Populus alba dabit medicos de cortice potus.

An hidden disease doth oft rage and raine, The hip ouercome and vex with the paine, It makes with vile aking one tread slow and shrinke; The barke of white Poplar is helpe had in drunke.

The same barke is also reported to make a woman barren, if it be drunke with the kidney of a [ D] Mule, which thing the leaues likewise are thought to perform, being taken after the floures or reds be ended.

The warme iuice of the leaues being dropped into the eares doth take away the paine thereof. [ E]

The rosin or clammy substance of the blacke Poplar buds is hot and dry, and of thin parts, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ F] and mollifying: it is also fitly mixed acopis & malagmatis: the leaues haue in a manner the like operation for all these things, yet weaker, and not so effectuall, as Galen teacheth.

The leaues and yong buds of blacke Poplar doe asswage the paine of the gout in the hands or [ G] feet, being made into an ointment with May butter.

The ointment made of the buds is good against all inflammations, bruses, squats, falls, and such [ H] like: this ointment is very well knowne to the Apothecaries.

Paulus Aegineta teacheth to make an oile also hereof, called Aegyrinum, or oile of blacke Poplar. [ I]

CHAP. 120. Of the Plane tree.

[illustration]

Platanus. The Plane tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Plane is a great tree, hauing very long and farre spreading boughes casting a wonderfull broad shadow, by reason wherof it was highly commended and esteemed of a∣mong the old Romans: the leaues are cornered like those of Palma Christi, greater than Vine leaues, and hanging vpon little red foot-stalkes: the floures are small and mossie, and of a pale yel∣lowish colour: the fruit is round like a ball, rugged, and somewhat hairy; but in Asia more hairy and greater, almost as big as a Walnut: the root is great, dispersing it selfe far abroad.

¶ The Place.

The Plane tree delighteth to grow by springs or riuers: Pliny reports that they were wont to be cherished with wine: they grew afterward (saith he) to be of so great honour (meaning the Plane trees) as that they were cheri∣shed and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with wine: and it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 found by experience that the same is very comfortable to the roots, and wee haue alreadie taught, that trees desire to drinke wine. This tree is strange in Italy, it is no where seene in Germany, nor in the low-Countries: in Asia it groweth plentifully: it is found also in Candy, growing in vallies, and neere vnto the hill Athos, as Petrus Bellonius in his Singularities doth declare: it groweth in many places of Greece, and is found planted in some places of Italy, for pleasure rather than for profit. My seruant William Marshall (whom I sent into the Mediterra∣nean sea as Surgeon vnto the Hercules of London) found diuers trees hereof growing in Lepanto, hard by the sea side, at the entrance into the towne, a port of Morea, being a part of Greece, and from thence brought one of those rough buttons, being the fruit thereof. ‡ There are one or two yong ones at this time growing with M^r. Tradescant. ‡

The Plane trees cast their leaues in Winter, as Bellonius testifieth, and therefore it is no maruel that they keepe away the Sun in Sommer, and not at all in Winter: there is, saith Pliny, no greater commendation of the tree, than that it keepeth away the Sunne in Sommer, and entertaineth it in Winter.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and likewise in Latine Platanus: it beareth his name of the bredth: the French mens Plasne doth far differ from this, which is a kind of Maple: this tree is na∣med in English, Plane tree.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The Plane tree is of a cold and moist essence, as Galen saith: the greene leaues are good to be [ A] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon hot swellings and inflammations in the beginning.

Being boiled in wine they are a remedie for the running and the watering of the eyes, if they be [ B] applied.

The barke and balls do dry: the barke boiled in vineger helpeth the tooth-ache,

The fruit of the Plane tree drunke with wine helpeth the bitings of mad dogs and serpents, and [ C] mixed with hogs grease it maketh a good ointment against burning and scalding.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 The burned barke doth mightily dry, and scoureth withall; it remoueth the white scurfe, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ D] moist vlcers.

The dust or downe, saith Galen, that lieth on the leaues of the tree is to be taken heed of, for if [ F] it be drawne in with the breath, it is offensiue to the winde-pipe by his extreme drinesse, and ma∣king the same rough, and hurting the voice, as it doth also the sight and hearing, if it fall into the eyes or eares. Dioscorides doth not attribute this to the dust or downe of the leaues onely, but also to that of the balls.

CHAP. 121. Of the Wayfaring Tree.

[illustration]

Lantana, siue Viburnum. The Wayfaringtree.

¶ The Description.

THe Wayfaring mans tree growes vp to the height of an hedge tree, of a mean bignes: the trunke or body thereof is couered with a russet barke: the branches are long, tough, and easie to be bowed, and hard to be broken, as are those of the Willow, couered with a soft whi∣tish barke, whereon are broad leaues thicke and rough, sleightly indented about the edges, of a white colour, and somewhat hairy whilest they be fresh and green; but when they begin to wi∣ther and fall away, they are reddish, and set to∣gether by couples one opposit to another. The floures are 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and grow in clusters: after which come clusters of fruit of the bignesse of a pease, somewhat flat on both sides, at the first greene, after red, and blacke when they be ripe: the root disperseth it selfe far abroad vnder the vpper crust of the earth.

¶ The Place.

This tree groweth in most hedges in rough and stony places, vpon hils and low woods, espe∣cially in the chalky grounds of Kent about Cobham, Southfleet, and Grauesend, and in all the tract to Canturbury.

¶ The Time.

The floures appeare in Sommer: the berries are ripe in the end of Autumne, and new leaues come forth in the Spring.

This hedge tree is called Viurna of Ruellius: in French, Viorne, and Viorna: in Italian, Lantana: it is reputed for the tree Viburnum, of which Virgil maketh mention in the first Eclog, where hee commendeth the city Rome for the loftinesse and statelinesse thereof, aboue other Cities, saying, that as the tall Cypres trees do shew themselues aboue the low and shrubby Viorn, so doth Rome aboue other cities lift vp her head very high; in these verses:

Verum haec tantùm alias inter cuput exulit vrbes, Quantum lenta solent inter viburna cupressi.

But this all other cities so excels, As Cypresse, which 'mongst bending Viornes dwels.

‡ I iudge Viburnum not to be a name to any particular plant, but a generall name to all low and bending shrubs; amongst which this here described may take place as one. I enquired of a countrey man in Essex, if he knew any name of this: he answered, it was called the Cotton tree, by reason of the softnesse of the leaues. ‡

¶ The Temperature.

The leaues and berries of Lantana are cold and dry, and of a binding qualitie.

¶ The Vertues.

The decoction of the leaues of Lantana is very good to be gargled in the mouth against al swel∣lings [ A] and inflammations thereof, against the scuruie and other diseases of the gums, and fastneth loose teeth.

The same boiled in lee doth make the haires blacke if they be bathed or washed therewith, and [ B] suffered to dry of it selfe.

The berries are of the like facultie, the pouder whereof when they be dried stay the laske, all is∣sues [ C] of bloud, and also the whites.

It is reported, that the barke of the root of the tree buried a certaine time in the earth, and after∣wards [ D] boiled and stamped according to art, maketh good Bird-lime for Fowlers to catch Birds with.

CHAP. 122. Of the Beade tree.

[illustration]

1 Zizypha candida. The Beade tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Zizypha Cappadocica. The Beade tree of Cappadocia.

¶ The Description.

1 THis tree was called Zizypha candida by the Herbarists of Montpellier; and by the Vene∣tians and Italians, Sycomorus, but vntruly: the Portugals haue termed it Arbor Paradi∣zo: all which and each whereof haue erred together, both in respect of the fruit and of the whole tree: some haue called it Zizypha, though in facultie it is nothing like; for the taste of this fruit is very vnpleasant, virulent, and bitter. But deciding all controuersies, this is the tree which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 calleth Azederach, which is very great, charged with many large armes, that are garnished with twiggie branches, set full of great leaues consisting of sundry small leaues, one growing right op∣posite to another like the leaues of the Ash tree or Wicken tree, but more deepely cut about the edges like the teeth of a saw: among which come the floures, consisting of fiue small blew leaues layd abroad in manner of a starre: from the middest whereof groweth forth a small hollow cup

resembling a Chalice: after which succeedeth the fruit, couered with a brownish yellow shel, very like vnto the fruit of Iuiubes (whereof Dodonaeus in his last edition maketh it a kinde) of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bitter, and vnpleasant taste, with a six cornered stone within, which being drawne on a string, ser∣ueth to make Beades of, for want of other things.

2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cappadocica groweth not so great as the former, but is of a meane stature, and full of boughes: the barke is smooth and euen, and that which groweth vpon the trunke and great boughes is of a shining scarlet colour: out of these great armes or boughes grow slender twigges, white and soft, which are set full of whitish leaues, but more white on the contrarie or backe part, and are like to the leaues of Willow, but narrower and whiter: amongst these leaues come forth small hollow yellowish floures, growing at the ioints of the branches, most commonly three to∣gether, and of a pleasant sauour, with some few threds or chiues in the middle thereof. After which succeedeth the fruit, of the bignesse and fashion of the smallest Oliue, white both within and without, wherein is contained a small stone which yeeldeth a kernell of a pleasant taste, and very sweet.

¶ The Place.

Matthiolus writeth, that Zizyphus candida is found in the cloisters of many monasteries in Italy; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith that it groweth in many places in Venice and Narbon; and it is wont now of late to be planted and cherished in the good liest orchards of all the low-Countries.

Zizyphus Cappadocica groweth likewise in many places of Italy, and specially in Spaine: it is also cherished in gardens both in Germany and in the low-Countries. ‡ It groweth also here in the garden of M^r. Iohn Parkinson. ‡

¶ The Time.

These trees floure in Iune in Italy and Spain; their fruit is ripe in September; but in Germany and the low-Countries there doth no fruit follow the floures.

¶ The Names.

Zizyphus candida Auicen calleth Azederach, or as diuers read it, Azederaeth: and they name it, saith he, in Rechi, Arbor Mirobalanorum, or the Mirobalane tree, but not properly, and in Tabrasten and Kien, and Thihich. The later writers are far deceiued in taking it to be the Sycomore tree; and they as much, that would haue it to be the Lote or Nettle tree: it may be named in English, Bead tree, for the cause before alledged.

The other is altera species Zizyphi, or the second kinde of Iuiube tree, which Columella in his ninth booke and fourth chap. doth call Zizyphus alba, or white 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tree, for difference from the other that is syrnamed Rutila, or glittering red. Pliny calleth this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cappadocica, in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 booke, ninth chapter, where he entreateth of the honour of Garlands, of which he saith there be two sorts, whereof some be made of floures, and others of leaues: I would call the floures (saith he) brooms, for of those is gathered a yellow floure, and Rhododendron, also Zizypha, which is called Cappadocica. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of these are sweet of smell, and like to Oliue floures. Neither doth Columella or Pliny vn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take this for Zizyphus, sor both the leaues and floures grow out of the tender and yong sprung twigs, as they likewise do out of the former: the floures are very sweet of smel, and cast their sauor far abroad: the fruit also is like that of the former.

¶ The Temperature.

Auicen writing and intreating of Azadaraeth, saith, that the floures thereof be hot in the third degree, and dry in the end of the first.

Zizyphus Cappadocica is cold and dry of complexion.

¶ The Vertues.

The floures of Zizyphus, or Azadaraeth open the obstructions of the braine. [ A]

The distilled water thereof killeth nits and lice, preserueth the haire of the head from falling, [ B] especially being mixed with white wine, and the head bathed with it.

The fruit is very hurtfull to the chest, and a troublesome enemie to the stomacke; it is dange∣rous, [ C] and peraduenture deadly.

Moreouer, it is reported, that the decoction of the barke and of Fumitorie, with Mirobalans ad∣ded, [ D] is good for agues proceeding of flegme.

The iuice of the vppermost leaues with honey is a remedie against poison. [ E]

The like also hath Rhasis: the Beade tree, saith he, is hot and dry: it is good for stoppings of [ F] the head; it maketh the haire long; yet is the fruit thereof very offensiue to the stomacke, and of∣tentimes found to be pernitious and deadly.

Matthiolus writeth, that the leaues and wood bringeth death euen vnto beasts, and that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ G] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is resisted by the same remedies that Oleander is.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cappadocica preuaileth against the diseases aforesaid, but the decoction thereof is verie [ H] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whose water scaldeth them with the continuall issuing thereof, as also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such as haue the running of the reines and the exulcerations of the bladder and priuy parts.

A looch or licking medicine made thereof or the syrrup, is excellent good against spitting of [ G] bloud proceeding of the distillations of sharpe or salt humors. † 1.25

CHAP. 123. Of the Lote, or Nettle tree.

[illustration]

Lotus arbor. The Nettle tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Lote whereof we write is a tree as big as a Peare tree, or bigger and higher: the body and armes are very thicke; the barke whereof is smooth, of a gallant green colour tending to blewnesse: the boughes are long, and spread themselues all about: the leaues be like those of the Nettle, sharpe pointed, and nicked in the edges like a saw, and dasht here and there with stripes of a yellowish white colour: the berries be round, and hang vpon long stalkes like Cherries, of a yel∣lowish white colour at the first, and after∣wards red, but when they be ripe they be somewhat blacke.

¶ The Place.

This is a rare and strange tree in both the Germanies: it was brought out of Italy, where there is found store thereof, as Matthi∣olus testifieth: I haue a small tree thereof in my garden. There is likewise a tree thereof in the garden vnder London wall, sometime belonging to M^r. Gray, an Apothecary of London; and another great tree in a garden neere Coleman street in London, being the garden of the Queenes Apothecarie at the impression hereof, called M^r. Hugh Morgan, a curious conseruer of rare simples. The Lote tree doth also grow in Africke, but it somewhat differeth from the Italian Lote in fruit, as Pliny in plaine words doth shew in his thir∣teenth booke, seuenteenth chapter. That part of Africke, saith he, that lieth towards vs, bringeth forth the famous Lote tree, which they call Celtis, and the same well knowne in Italy, but altered by the soile: it is as big as the Peare tree, although Nepos Cornelius reporteth it to be shorter: the leaues are full of fine cuts, otherwise they be thought to be like those of the Holme tree. There be many differences, but the same are made especially by the fruit: the fruit is as big as a Beane, and of the colour of Saffron, but before it is thorow ripe, it changeth his color as doth the Grape. It growes thicke among the boughes, after the manner of the Myrtle, not as in Italy, after the man∣ner of the Cherry; the fruit of it is there so sweet, as it hath also giuen a name to that countrie and land, too hospitable to strangers, and forgetfull of their owne countrey.

It is reported that they are troubled with no diseases of the belly that eate it. The better is that which hath no kernell, which in the other kinde is stony: there is also pressed out of it a wine, like to a sweet wine; which the same Nepos denieth to endure aboue ten daies, and the berries stamped with Alica are reserued in vessels for food. Moreouer we haue heard say, that armies haue been fed therewith, as they haue passed too and fro thorow Africke. The colour of the wood is blacke: they vse to make flutes and pipes of it: the root serueth for kniues hafts, and other short workes: this is there the nature of the tree: thus farre Pliny. In the same place he saith, that this renow∣med tree doth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about Syrtes and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and in his 5. booke, 7. chapter he sheweth that there is not far from the lesser Syrtis, the Island Menynx, surnamed Lotophagitis, of the plenty of Lote trees.

Strabo in his 17. booke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that not onely Menynx, but also the lesser Syrtis is said to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉: first, saith he, lieth Syrtis a certaine long Island by the name Cereinna, and another lesser, called Circinnitis; next to this is the lesser Syrtis, which they call Lotophagitis Syrtis: the compasse of this gulfe is almost 1600. furlongs; the bredth of the mouth 600. By both the capes there be Islands ioined to the maine land, that is, Circinna and Menynx, of like bignesse: they thinke that Menynx is the countrey of the Lotophagi, or those that feed of the Lote trees; of which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Homer maketh mention, and there are certaine monuments to be seen, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Altar, and the fruit is selfe, for there be in it great plenty of Lote trees, whose fruit is wonderful sweet: thus saith Strabo.

This Lote is also described by Theophrastus; in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 booke he saith, that there be very ma∣ny kindes, which be seuered by the fruit: the fruit is of the bignes of a beane, which when it wax∣eth ripe doth alter his colour as grapes do: the fruit of which the Lotophagi do eate is sweet, pleasant, harmeles, and wholesome for the belly, but that is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which is without kerneis, and of this they make their wine.

This Lote tree, as the same Author 〈◊〉〈◊〉, is by nature euerlasting: as for example, the Lote trees whereof Pliny hath written in his 16. booke, 44. chapter. At Rome, saith he, the Lote tree in Lucinas court, how much elder it was than the church of the citie, built in the yeere which was without magistrates, 469. it is vncertaine: there is no doubt but that it was elder, because Lucina bare the name of that Lucus or groue. This is now about 450. yeeres old. That is elder which is surnamed Capillata, or hairie; because the haire of the vestall virgins was brought vnto it: but the other Lote tree in Vulcans church, which Romulus built by the victory of tenths is taken to be as old as the citie, as Massurius witnesseth.

¶ The Time.

They lose their leaues at the first approch of winter; and recouer them againe in Aprill: the fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine by Pliny, Celtis: in Italian, Perlaro: by those of Trent, Bagolaro: and in English, Lote tree, and Nettie tree.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The Lote tree is not greatly binding as Galen saith, but of thin parts, and of a drying nature. [ A]

The decoction of the wood beaten small, being either drunke or vsed clisterwise, is a remedy [ B] for the bloudy flix; and for the whites and reds.

It stoppeth the laske, and maketh the haire yellow, and as Galen addeth, keepeth haires from [ C] falling.

The shiuers or small pieces thereof, as the same Author alleageth, are boiled sometimes in wa∣ter, [ D] sometimes in wine, as need shall require.

CHAP. 124. Of Italian wood of Life, or Pocke wood, vulgarly called Lignum vitae.

¶ The Description.

1 ITalian Lignum vitae, or Wood of Life, groweth to a faire and beautifull tree, hauing a straight and vpright body, couered ouer with a smooth and darke greene barke, yeelding forth many twiggy branches, set forth of goodly leaues, like those of the Peare tree, but of greater beautie, and somewhat broader: among which commeth forth the fruit, growing close to the branches, almost without stalkes: this fruit is round, and at the first greene, but blacke when it is ripe, as big as Cherries, of an excellent sweet taste when it is dried: but this is not the Indian Lignum sanctum, or Guaiacum, whereof our bowles and physicall drinkes be made, but it is a bastard kind therof, first planted in the common garden at Padua, by the learned Fallopius, who supposed it to be the right Guaiacum.

‡ 2 The leaues of this are longer and narrower than the former, but firme also and nervous like as they are; the fruit is in shape like Sebestens, but much lesse, of a blewish colour when it is ripe, with many little stones within; the taste hereof is not vnpleasant. Matthiolus calls this Pseudo∣lotus; and Tabernamontanus, Lotus Africana: whose figure our Author in the last chapter saue one gaue vnfitly for the Zizyphus Cappadocica. ‡

¶ The Place.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Patauinum groweth plentifully about Lugdunum, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lions in France: I planted it in

the garden of Barne. Elmes neere London two trees: besides, there groweth another in the garden of M^r. Gray an Apothecarie of London, and in my garden likewise.

[illustration]

1 Guaiacum Patauinum latifolium. Broad leafed Italian Wood of life.

[illustration]

2 Guaiacum Patauinum angustifol. Narrow leafed Italian Guaiacum.

¶ The Time.

It floureth in May, and the fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

Guaiacum Patauinum hath been reputed for the Lotus of Theophrastus: in English it is called the bastard Meuynwood.

‡ This hath no affinitie with the true Indian Guajacum which is frequently vsed in medi∣cine. ‡

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

‡ The fruit of this is thought to be of the same temper and qualitie with that of the Nettle∣tree. ‡

CHAP. 125. Of the Strawberry tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Strawberry tree groweth for the most part low, very like in bignesse to the Quince tree (whereunto Dioscorides compareth it.) The body is couered with a reddish barke, both rough and scaly: the boughes stand thicke on the top, somewhat reddish: the leaues bee broad, long, and smooth, like those of Bayes, somewhat nicked in the edges, and of a pale greene colour: the floures grow in clusters, being hollow and white, and now and then on the one side somewhat of a purple colour: in their places come forth certaine berries hanging downe vpon lit∣tle long stems like vnto Strawberries, but greater, without a stone within, but onely with little seeds, at the first greene, and when they be ripe they are of a gallant red colour, in taste somewhat harsh, and in a manner without any relish; of which Thrushes and Black-birds do feed in Winter.

[illustration]

Arbutus. The Strawberry tree.

¶ The Place.

The Strawberry tree groweth in most Coun∣tries of Greece, in Candy, Italy, and Spaine, also in the vallies of the mountaine Athos, where, be∣ing in other places but little, they become great huge trees, as P. Bellonius writeth. Iuba also repor∣teth, that there be in Arabia of them fifty cubits high. They grow only in some few gardens with vs.

¶ The Time.

The Strawberry tree floureth in Iuly and Au∣gust, and the fruit is ripe in September, after it hath remained vpon the tree by the space of an whole yeare.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Arbutus: in English, Strawberry tree, and of some, Arbute tree.

The fruit is named in Creeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or as others reade it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Memaecylum, and Arbutus; and Pliny calleth it Vnedo: Ground Strawberries (saith he) haue one body, and Vnedo, much like vnto them, another body, which onely in apple is like to the fruit of the earth: The Ita∣lians call this Strawberry Albatro the Spaniards, Madrono, Medronheyro, and Medronho: in French, Arboutes, Arbous: It may be termed in English, Tree Strawberry.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The fruit of the Strawberry tree is of a cold temperature, hurting the stomacke, and causing [ A] head-ache; wherefore no wholesome food, though it be eaten in some places by the poorer sort of people.

CHAP. 126. Of the Plum tree.

¶ The Kindes.

TO write of Plums particularly would require a peculiar volume, and yet the end not to be at∣tained vnto, nor the stocke or kindred perfectly knowne, neither to be distinguished apart: the number of the sorts or kindes are not knowne to any one countrey: euery Clymat hath his owne fruit, far different from that of other countries: my selfe haue three score sorts in my garden, and all strange and rare: there be in other places many more common, and yet yearely commeth to our hands others not before knowne, therefore a few figures shall serue for the rest. ‡ Let such as require a larger historie of these varieties haue recourse to the oft mentioned Worke of M^r. Par∣kinson: and such as desire the things themselues may finde most of the best with M^r. Iohn Millen in Old street. ‡

¶ The Description.

1 THe Plum or Damson tree is of a meane bignesse: it is couered with a smooth barke: the branches are long, whereon do grow broad leaues, more long than round, nicked in the edges: the floures are white: the Plums do differ in colour, fashion, and bignes, they all consist of pulpe and skin, and also of kernell, which is shut vp in a shell or stone. Some Plums are of a blackish blew, of which some be longer, others rounder, others of the colour of yel∣low wax, diuers of a crimson red, greater for the most part than the rest. There be also green Plums, and withall very long, of a sweet and pleasant taste: moreouer, the pulpe or meate of some is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and easilier separated from the stone: of other-some it is moister, and cleaueth faster: our common Damson is knowne to all, and therefore not to be stood vpon.

[illustration]

1 Prunus Domestica. The Damson tree.

[illustration]

2 Prunus Mirobalana. The Mirobalane Plum tree.

[illustration]

3 Prunus Amygdalina. The Almond Plum tree.

[illustration]

5 Prunus syluestris. The Sloe tree.

2 The Mirobalan Plum tree groweth to the height of a great tree, charged with many great armes or boughes, which diuide themselues into small twiggy branches, by means whereof it yeel∣deth a goodly and pleasant shadow: the trunke or body is couered with a finer and thinner barke than any of the other Plum trees: the leaues do somewhat resemble those of the Cherry tree, they are very tender, indented about the edges: the floures be white: the fruit is round, hanging vpon long foot-stalkes pleasant to behold, greene in the beginning, red when it is almost ripe, and being full ripe it glistereth like purple mixed with blacke: the flesh or meate is full of iuice pleasant in taste: the stone is small, or of a meane bignesse: the tree bringeth forth plenty of fruit euery other yeare.

3 The Almond Plum groweth vp to the height of a tree of a meane bignesse: the branches are long, smooth, and euen: the leaues are broad, somthing long, and ribbed in diuers places, with small nerues running through the same: the floures are white, sprinkled with a little dash of pur∣ple scarcely to be perceiued: the fruit is long, hauing a cleft downe the middle, of a browne red colour, and of a pleasant taste.

4 The Damascen Plum tree groweth likewise to a meane height, the branches very brittle; the leaues of a deepe green colour: the fruit is round, of a blewish blacke colour: the stone is like vnto that of the Cherry, wherein it differeth from all other Plums.

5 The Bullesse and the Sloe tree are wilde kindes of Plums, which do vary in their kind, euen as the greater and manured Plums do. Of the Bullesse, some are greater and of better taste than others. Sloes are some of one taste, and some of others, more sharpe; some greater, and others les∣ser; the which to distinguish with long descriptions were to small purpose, considering they be all and euery of them knowne euen vnto the simplest: therefore this shall suffice for their seueral de∣scriptions.

¶ The Place.

The Plum trees grow in all knowne countries of the world: they require a loose ground, they al∣so receiue a difference from the regions where they grow, not only of the forme or fashion, but e∣specially of the faculties, as we will forthwith declare.

The Plum trees are also many times graffed into trees of other kindes, and being so ingraffed, they faciem parent is, succum adoptionis, vt Plinius dicit, exhibent.

The greatest varietie of these rare Plums are to be found in the grounds of M^r. Vincent Pointer of Twicknam, before remembred in the Chap. of Apples: although my selfe am not without some, and those rare and delicate.

The wilde Plums grow in most hedges through England.

¶ The Time.

The common and garden Plum trees do bloome in April: the leaues come forth presently with them: the fruit is ripe in Sommer, some sooner, some later.

¶ The Names.

The Plumme tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Prunus: in high- Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low- Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Spanish, Ciruelo: in French, Prunier: in English. Plum tree?

The fruit is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Prunum: in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low∣Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian and French, Prune: in Spanish, Prunas: in English, Prune, and Plum. These haue also names from the regions and countries where they grow.

The old Writers haue called those that grow in Syria neere vnto Damascus, Damascena Pruna: in English, Damsons, or Damaske Prunes: and those that grow in Spain, Hispanica, Spanish Prunes or Plums. So in our age we vse to call those that grow in Hungarie, Hungarica, or Pannonica, Plums of Hungarie: some, Gallica Pruna, or French Prunes. of the country of France. Clearcus Peripateticus saith, that they of Rhodes and Sicilia do call the Damaske Prunes Brabula.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Plummes that be ripe and new gathered from the tree, what sort soeuer they are of, do moisten [ A] and coole, and yeeld vnto the body very little nourishment, and the same nothing good at all: for as Plummes do very quickly rot, so is also the iuice of them apt to putrifie in the body, and like∣wise to cause the meate to putrifie which is taken with them: onely they are good for those that would keepe their bodies soluble and coole; for by their moisture and slipperinesse they do mol∣lifie the belly.

Dried Plums, commonly called Prunes, are wholsomer, and more pleasant to the stomack, they [ B] yeeld more nourishment, and better, and such as cannot easily putrifie. It is reported, saith Galen in his booke of the faculties of Nourishments, that the best doe grow in Damascus a city of Syria; and next to those, they that grow in Spaine: but these doe nothing at all binde, yet diuers of the Damaske Damson Prunes very much; for Damaske Damson Prunes are more astringent, but they of Spaine be sweeter. Dioscorides saith, that Damaske Prunes dried do stay the belly; but Galen 〈◊〉〈◊〉, inhis books of the faculties of simple medicines, that they do manifestly loose the belly,

yet lesser than they that bee brought out of Spaine; being boiled with Mead or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 water, which hath a good quantitie of honey in it, they loose the belly very much (as the same Authour saith) although a man take them alone by themselues, and much more if the Mead be supped after them. We most commend those of Hungarie being long and sweet; yet more those of Morauia the chiefe and principall citie in times past of the Prouince of the Marcomans: for these after they be dried, that the waterie humour may be consumed away, be most pleasant to the taste, and do easily without any trouble so mollifie the belly, as that in that respect they go beyond Cassia and Manna, as Thomas Iordanus 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The leaues of the Plum tree are good against the swelling of the Vuula, the throat, gums, & ker∣nels [ C] vnder the throat and iawes; they stop the rheume and falling downe of humors, if the decocti∣on thereof be made in wine, and gargled in the mouth and throat.

The gumme which commeth out of the Plum-tree doth glew and fasten together, as Dioscorides [ D] saith.

Being drunke in wine it wasteth away the stone, and healeth Lichens in infants and young chil∣dren; [ E] if it be layed on with vineger, it worketh the same effects that the gum of the Peach and cher∣rie tree doth.

The wilde Plums do stay and binde the belly, and so do the vnripe plummes of what sort soeuer, [ F] whiles they are sharpe and sower, for then are they astringent.

The iuice of Sloes doth stop the belly, the lask and bloudy flix, the inordinat course of womens [ G] termes, and all other issues of bloud in man or woman, and may very well be vsed in stead of Acatia, which is a thornie tree growing in Aegypt, very hard to be gotten, and of a deere price, and therfore the better for wantons; albeit our Plums of this countrey are equall vnto it in vertues.

CHAP. 127. Of Sebesten, or the Assyrian Plum.

[illustration]

Sebestenae, Myxa, sive Myxara. Assyrian Plums.

¶ The Description.

SEbestines are also a kinde of Plums: the tree whereof is not vnlike to the Plum tree, sa∣uing it groweth lower than the most of the manured Plum trees; the leaues be harder and rounder; the floures grow at the tops of the bran∣ches consisting of fiue small white leaues, with pale yellowish threds in the middle, like those of the Plum tree: after followeth the fruit like to little Plummes, fastened in little skinny cups, which when they be ripe are of a greenish black colour, wherein is contained a small hard stone. The fruit is sweet in taste, the pulpe or meat is very tough and clammie.

¶ The Place.

The Sebesten trees grow plentifully in Syria and Egypt; they were in times past forreine and strange in Italy, now they grow almost in euery garden, being first brought thither in Plinie his time. Now do the Sebesten trees, saith he, in his 15. booke, 18. chapter, begin to grow in Rome, among the Seruice trees.

¶ The Time.

The time answereth the common Plums.

¶ The Names.

Pliny calleth the tree Myxa, it may bee suspe∣cted that this is the tree which Matron Para∣dus in his Atticke banket in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but we cannot certainely affirme it, and especially because diuers haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deemed thereof. The berry or fruit is named

Myxon and Myxarion, neither haue the Latines any other name. The Arabians and the Apotheca∣ries do call it Sebesten: which is also made an English name: we may call it the Assyrian Plum.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Sebestens be very temperately cold and moist, and haue a thicke and clammie substance; there∣fore [ A] they nourish more than most fruits do, but withall they easily stop the intrailes, and stuffe vp the narrow passages, and breed inflammations.

They take away the ruggednesse of the throat and lungs, and also quench thirst, being taken in a [ B] looch or licking medicine, or prepared any other kinde of way, or else taken by themselues.

The weight of ten drams, or of an ounce and a halfe of the pap or pulpe hereof being inwardly ta∣ken, [ C] doth loose the belly.

There is also made of this fruit a purging Electuarie, but such an one as quickly mouldeth, and [ D] therefore it is not to be vsed but when it is new made.

CHAP. 128. Of the Indian Plums, or Mirobalans.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers kinds of Mirobalans, as Chebulae, Belliricae, Emblicae, &c. They likewise grow vpon diuers trees, and in countries far distant one from another, and Garcias the Portugall Physition is of opinion, that the fiue kindes grow vpon fiue diuers trees.

[illustration]

Myr. flaua,

[illustration]

Myr. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

Myr. chepula

[illustration]

Myr. 〈◊〉〈◊〉

¶ The Description.

1 THe first of the Mirobalan trees, called Chebulae, is a shrubbie tree altogether wilde (which the Indians doe call Aretca:) in stature not vnlike to the Plum tree; the branches are many, and grow thicke toge∣ther, whereon are set leaues like those of the Peach tree. The fruit is greater than any of the rest, somwhat long, fashioned like a peare.

2 This second kinde of Mirobalan, called Flaua, or Citrina, which some do call Aritiqui, but the common people of India, Arare, grow∣eth vpon a tree of meane stature, hauing ma∣ny boughes standing finely in order, and set full of leaues like vnto the Seruice tree.

3 The third kinde of Mirobalans, called Emblicae, the Indians doe call Amiale, which grow vpon a tree of mean stature, like the for∣mer, but the leaues are very much iagged, in shape like the leaues of Ferne, but that they be somewhat thicker: the Indians do not put the fruit hereof vnto physicall vses, but occu∣pie it for the thickening and tanning of their leather in stead of Rhus, or Coriars Sumach, as also to make inke and bletch for other pur∣poses.

4 Mirobalani Belliricae, called of the Saua∣ges Gotni, and Guti, groweth vp to a meane stature, garnished with leaues like vnto Laurell or the Bay tree, but somewat lesser, thinner, and of a pale greene colour.

5 The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kinde of Mirobalans is called Indicae, which the Indians do call Rezannale; it groweth vpon a tree of meane stature, or rather vpon a shrub or hedge plant, bearing leaues like the Willow, and a fruit eight square. There is a fift kinde, the tree whereof is not mentioned in Authors.

¶ The Place and Time.

The last foure kindes of Mirobalans do grow in the kingdome of Cambaia: they grow likewise in Goa, Batecala, Malanor, and Dabul: the Kebula in Bisnager, Decan, Guzarate, and Bengala, & ma∣ny other places of the East Indies. The time agreeth with other fruits in those countries.

¶ The Names.

Those which we haue said to be yellow, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of those countries where they grow doe

call 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arare; those that be blacke they call Rezennale; the Bellericae, Gotim; the Chebulae, 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the Emblicae are called Aretiqui.

¶ The Temperature.

All the kindes of Mirobalans are in taste astringent and sharpe like vnto the vnripe Sorbus or Seruice berries, and therefore they are of complexion cold and drie.

¶ The Vertues.

The Indians vse them rather to bind than purge; but if they dovse them for a purge, they vse the [ A] decoction of them, and vse them much conserued in sugar, and especially the Chebulae; the yellow and blacke be good that way likewise.

The yellow and Bellericae taken before meat, are good against a laske, or weake stomacke, as Garci∣as [ B] writeth.

The yellow and blacke, or Indicae, and the Chebulae, purge lightly, if two or three drams be taken, [ C] and draw superfluous humors from the head.

The yellow, as some write, purge choler, Chebulae flegme, Indicae melancholie, and strengthen the [ D] inward parts, but rosted in the embers, or otherwise wasted, they drie more than they purge.

There are two sorts especially brought into these parts of the world conserued, the Chebulae, and [ E] of them the best are somewhat long like a small Limon, with a hard rinde and black pith, of the tast of a conserued Wall-nut; and the Bellericae, which are round and lesser, and tenderer in eating.

Lobel writeth, that of them the Emblicae do meanly coole, some do drie in the first degree, they [ F] purge the stomacke of rotten flegme, they comfort the braine, the sinewes, the heart, and liuer, pro∣cure appetite, stay vomite, and coole the heat of choler, helpe the vnderstanding, quench thirst, and the heate of the intrailes: the greatest and heauiest be the best.

They purge best, and with lesser paine, if they be laid in water in the Sun vntill they swell, & sod [ G] on a soft fire, & after they haue sod and be cold, preserued in foure times so much white honey, put to them.

Garcias found the distilled water to be right profitable against the French disease, and such like [ H] insections.

The Bellericae are also of a milde operation, and do comfort, and are cold in the first degree, and [ I] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the second: the others come neere to the Emblicae in operation. † 1.26

CHAP. 129. Of the Juiube tree.

[illustration]

Iuiube Arabu, sive Ziziphus Dodonaei. The Iuiube tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Iuiube tree is not much lesser than 〈◊〉〈◊〉 candida, hauing a wreathed trunke or body, and a rough barke full 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rifts or cranies, and stiffe branches, beset with strong and hard prickles; from whence grow out many long twigs, or little stalkes, halfe a foot or more in length, in shew like Rushes, limmer, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bowing themselues, and very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like the twigges of Spartum: about which come 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaues one aboue another, which are somewhat long, not very great, but hard and tough like to the leaues of Peruinca or Peruinckle; & among these leaues come forth pale and mossie little floures: after which succeed long red well ta∣sted sweet berries as big as Oliues (of a meane quantity) or little Prunes, or smal Plums, wher∣in there are hard round stones, or in which a small kernell is contained.

¶ The Place.

There be now at this day Iuiube trees grow∣ing in very many places of Italy, which in times past were newly brought thither out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and that about Pliny his time, as he himselfe hath written in his 17. book, 10. chap.

¶ The Time.

It 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Aprill, at which time the seeds or stones are to be set or sowne for increase.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with Iota in the second syllable: in Latine likewise, Zizyphus; and of Petrus Crescentius, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Iuiube tree.

The fruit or Plums are named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Galen calleth them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 plainely sheweth in his 369. chapter, intreating of the Iuiube, in which be set downe those things that are mentioned concerning Serica in Galens books of the faculties of Nourishments: in Latine likewise Zizypha and Serica: in shops, Iuiubae: in English, Iuiubes.

¶ The Temperature.

Iuiubes are temperate in heate and moisture.

¶ The Vertues.

The fruit of the Iuiube tree eaten is of hard digestion, and nourisheth very little; but being taken [ A] in syrrups, electuaries, and such like confections, it appeaseth and mollifieth the roughnesse of the throat, the brest and lungs, and is good against the cough, but exceeding good for the reines of the backe, and kidneies and bladder.

CHAP. 130. Of the Cherrie Tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THe antient Herbarists haue set down foure kindes of Cherrie trees, the first is great and wilde; the second tame or of the garden: the third, whose fruit is 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the fourth is that which is called in Latine Chamaecerasus, or the dwarfe Cherrie tree. The later writers haue found diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more, some bringing forth great fruit, others lesser; some with white fruit, some with blacke, others of the colour of blacke bloud, varying infinitely according to the climate and countrey where they grow.

[illustration]

1 Cerasus vulgaris. The common English Cherrie tree.

[illustration]

3 Cerasus Hispanica. The Spanish Cherrie tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe English Cherrie tree groweth to an high and great tree, the body whereof is of a meane bignesse, which is parted aboue into very many boughes, with a barke somewhat smooth, and of a browne crimson colour, tough and pliable: the substance or timber is also browne in the middle, and the outward part is somewhat white. The leaues be great, broad, long, set 〈◊〉〈◊〉 veines or nerues, and sleightly nicked about the edges: the floures are white, of a mean bignes, con∣sisting of fiue leaues, and hauing certaine threds in the middle, of the like colour: the Cherries be round, hanging vpon long stems or foot-stalks, with a stone in the midst which is couered with a pulpe or soft meat; the kernell thereof is not vnpleasant to the taste, though somewhat bitter.

2 The Flanders Cherry tree differeth not from our English Cherrie tree in stature or forme of leaues or floures; the difference consisteth in this, that this tree bringeth forth his fruit sooner, and greater than the other: wherefore it may be called in Latine, Cerasus precox, sive Belgica.

[illustration]

5 Cerasus Serotina. Late ripe Cherrie tree:

[illustration]

6 Cerasus vno pediculo plura. The Cluster Cherrie tree.

3 The Spanish Cherrie tree groweth vp to the height of our common Cherrie tree: the wood or timber is soft and loose, couered with a whitish scalie barke: the branches are knottie, greater & fuller of substance than any other Cherry tree: the leaues are likewise greater and longer than any of the rest, in shape like those of the Chestnut tree: the floures are like the others in forme, but whi∣ter of colour: the fruit is greater and longer than any, white for the most part all ouer, except those that stand in the hottest place where the Sun hath some reflexion against a wall: they are also white within, and of a pleasant taste.

4 The Gascoine Cherrie tree groweth very like to the Spanish Cherry tree in stature, floures, and leaues: it differeth in that it bringeth forth very great Cherries, long, sharpe pointed, with a certaine hollownesse vpon one side, and spotted here and there with certaine prickles of purple co∣lour as small as sand: the taste is most pleasant, and excelleth in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

5 The lateripe Cherry tree groweth vp like vnto our wilde English Cherry tree, with the like

[illustration]

7 Cerasus multiflora fructus edens. The double floured Cherry tree bearing fruit.

[illustration]

8 Cerasus multiflora pauciores fructus edens. The doule floured barren Cherry tree.

[illustration]

9 Cerasus auium nigra & racemosa. Birds Cherry, and blacke Grape Cherry tree.

[illustration]

10 Cerasus racemosarubra. Red Grape Cherry tree.

leaues, branches, and floures, sauing that they are sometimes once doubled: the fruit is small, round, and of a darke bloudy colour when they be ripe, which the French-men gather with their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and hang them vp in their houses in bunches or handfulls against winter, which the Physi∣tians do giue vnto their patients in hot and burning seuers, being first steeped in a little warme water, that causeth them to swell and plumpe vp as full and fresh as when they did grow vpon the tree.

6 The Cluster Cherry-tree differeth not from the lastdescribed either in leaues, branches, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the floures are also like, but neuer commeth any one of them to be double. The fruit is round, red when they be ripe, and many growing vpon one stem or footstalke in clusters, like as the Grapes do. The taste is not vnpleasant, although somewhat soure.

7 This Cherrie-tree with double floures growes vp vnto a small tree, not vnlike to the com∣mon Cherrie-tree in each respect, sauing that the flours are somewhat doubled, that is to say, three 〈◊〉〈◊〉 foure times double; after which commeth fruit (though in small quantitie) like the other com∣mon Cherrie.

8 The double floured Cherrie-tree growes vp like vnto an hedge bush, but not so great nor high as any of the others; the leaues and branches differ not from the rest of the Cherrie-trees. The floures hereof are exceeding double, as are the floures of Marigolds, but of a white colour, and smelling somewhat like the Hawthorne floures; after which come seldome or neuer any fruit, al∣though some Authors haue said that it beareth sometimes fruit, which my selfe haue not at any time seen; notwithstanding the tree hath growne in my garden many yeeres, and that in an excel∣lent good place by a bricke wall, where it hath the reflection of the South sunne, fit for a tree that is not willing to beare fruit in our cold climat.

[illustration]

11 Cerasus nigra. The common blacke Cherry-tree

[illustration]

12 Chamaecerasus. The dwarfe Cherry-tree.

9 The Birds Cherry-tree, or the blacke Cherry-tree, that bringeth forth very much fruit vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 branch (which better may be vnderstood by sight of the figure, than by words) springeth vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an hedge tree of small stature, it groweth in the wilde woods of Kent, and are there vsed for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to graft other Cherries vpon, of better taste, and more profit, as especially those called the Flanders Cherries: this wilde tree growes very plentifully in the North of England, especially at a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called Heggdale, neer vnto Rosgill in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in diuers other places about 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and there called Hegberrie-tree: it groweth likewise in Martome Parke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

miles from Blackeburne, and in Harward neere thereunto; in Lancashire almost in euery hedge: the leaues and branches differ not from those of the wilde Cherry-tree: the floures grow alongst the small branches, consisting of fiue small white leaues, with some greenish and yellow thrums in the middle: after which come the fruit, greene at the first, blacke when they be ripe, and of the big∣nesse of Sloes; of an harsh and vnpleasant taste.

10 The other birds Cherry-tree differeth not from the former in any respect, but in the colour of the berries; for as they are blacke; so on the contrary, these are red when they be ripe, wherein they differ.

11 The common blacke Cherry-tree growes vp in some places to a great stature: there is no difference betweene it and our common Cherry-tree, sauing that the fruit hereof is very little in respect of other Cherries, and of a blacke colour.

12 The dwarfe Cherry-tree groweth very seldome to the height of three cubits: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or body small, couered with a darke coloured blacke: whereupon do grow very limber and pliant twiggy branches: the leaues are very small, not much vnlike to those of the Priuite bush: the floures are small and white: after which come Cherries of a deepe red colour when they be ripe, of taste somewhat sharpe, but not greatly vnpleasant: the branches laid downe in the earth, quickly take root, whereby it is greatly increased.

My selfe with diuers others haue sundry other sorts in our gardens, one called the Hart Cherry, the greater and the lesser; one of a great bignesse, and most pleasant in taste, which we call Luke Wardes Cherry, because he was the first that brought the same out of Italy; another we haue cal∣led the Naples Cherry, because it was first brought, into these parts from Naples: the fruit is very great, sharpe pointed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like a mans heart in shape, of a pleasant taste, and of a deepe blac∣kish colour when it is ripe, as it were of the colour of dried bloud.

We haue another that bringeth forth Cherries also very greatb, igger than any Flanders Cher∣rie, of the colour of Iet, or burnished horne, and of a most pleasant taste, as witnesseth M^r. Bull, the Queenes Maiesties Clockemaker, who did taste of the fruit (the tree bearing onely one Cherry, which he did eate; but my selfe neuer tasted of it) at the impression hereof. We haue also another, called the Agriot Cherry, of a reasonable good taste. Another we haue with fruit of a dun colour, tending to a watchet. We haue one of the dwarffe Cherries, that bringeth forth fruit as great as most of our Flanders Cherries, whereas the common sort hath very small Cherries, and those of an harsh taste. These and many sorts more we haue in our London gardens, whereof to write par∣ticularly would greatly enlarge our volume, and to small purpose: therefore what hath been said shall suffice. ‡ I must here (as I haue formerly done, in Peares, Apples and other such fruites) re∣fer you to my two friends M^r. Iohn Parkinson, and M^r. Iohn Millen, the one to furnish you with the history, and the other with the things themselues, if you desire them. ‡

¶ The Time.

The Cherrie-trees bloome in Aprill; some bring forth their fruit sooner; some later: the red Cherries be alwaies better than the blacke of their owne kinde.

¶ The Names.

The Cherry-tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and also in Latine, Cerasus: in high-Dutch: 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Cerisier: in English, Cherry-tree.

The fruit or Cherries be called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and in Latine likewise, Cerasa: in Eng∣lish, Cherries: the Latine and English names in their seuerall titles shall suffice for the rest that might be said.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The best and principall Cherries be those that are somewhat sower: those little sweet ones [ A] which be wilde and soonest ripe be the worst: they containe bad juice, they very soon putrifie, and do ingender ill bloud, by reason whereof they do not onely breed wormes in the belly, but trou∣blesome agues, and often pestilent feuers: and therefore in well gouerned common wealths it is carefully prouided, that they should not be sold in the markets in the plague time.

Spanish Cherries are like to these in faculties, but they do not so soone putrifie: they be like∣wise [ B] cold, and the iuice they make is not good.

The Flanders or Kentish Cherries that are through ripe, haue a better juice but watery, cold [ C] and moist: they quench thirst, they are good for an hot stomacke, and profitable for those that haue the ague: they easily descend and make the body soluble: they nourish nothing at all.

The late ripe Cherries which the French-men keep dried against winter, and are by them [ D] called Morclle, and we after the same name call them Morell Cherries, are dry, and do somewhat binde; these being dried are pleasant to the taste, and wholesome for the stomacke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as Prunes be, and do stop the belly.

Generally all the kindes of Cherries are cold and moist of temperature, although some more [ E] cold and moist than others: the which being eaten before meat doe soften the belly very gently, they are vnwholsome either vnto moist and rheumaticke bodies, or for vnhealthie and cold sto∣mackes.

The common blacke Cherries do strengthen the stomack, and are whole somer than the red Cher∣ries, [ F] the which being dried do stop the laske.

The distilled water of Cherries is good for those that are troubled with heate and inflammati∣ons [ G] in their stomackes, and preuaileth against the falling sicknesse giuen mixed with wine.

Many excellent Tarts and other pleasant meats are made with Cherries, sugar, and other delicat [ H] spices, whereof to write were to small purpose.

The gum of the Cherrie tree taken with wine and water, is reported to helpe the stone; it may do [ I] good by making the passages slippery, and by tempering & alaying the sharpnesse of the humors; and in this maner it is a remedy also for an old cough. Dioscorides addeth, that it maketh one well coloured, cleareth the sight, and causeth a good appetite to meat.

CHAP. 131. Of the Mulberrie tree.

[illustration]

1 Morus. The Mulberrie tree.

[illustration]

2 Morus alba. The white Mulberrie tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe common Mulberie tree is high, and ful of boughes: the body wherof is many times great, the barke rugged; & that of the root yellow: the leaues are broad and sharp poin∣ted, something hard, and nicked on the edges; in stead of floures, are blowings or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which are downie: the fruit is long, made vp of a number of little graines, like vnto a blacke∣Berrie, but thicker, longer, and much greater, at the first greene, and when it is ripe blacke, yet is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (whereof it is full) red: the root is parted many waies.

2 The white Mulberrie tree groweth vntill it be come vnto a great and goodly stature, almost as big as the former: the leaues are rounder, not so sharpe pointed, nor so deeply snipt about the ed∣ges, yet sometimes sinuated or deeply cut in on the sides, the fruit is like the former, but that it is white and somewhat more tasting like wine.

¶ The Place.

The Mulberry trees grow plentifully in Italy and other hot regions, where they doe maintaine great woods and groues of them, that there Silke wormes may feed thereon. The Mulberry tree is fitly set by the slip; it may also be grafted or inoculated into many trees, being grafted in a white Poplar, it bringeth forth white Mulberies, as Beritius in his Geoponickes reporteth. These grow in sundry gardens in England.

¶ The Time.

Of all the trees in the Orchard the Mulberry doth last bloome, and not before the cold weather is gone in May (therefore the old Writers were wont to call it the wisest tree) at which time the Silke wormes do seeme to reuiue, as hauing then wherewith to seed and nourish them selues, which all the winter before do lie like small graines or seeds, or rather like the dunging of a flesh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon a glasse, or some such thing, as knowing their proper time both to performe their duties for which they were created, and also when they may haue wherewith to maintaine and preserue their owne bodies, vnto their businesse aforesaid.

The berries are ripe in August and September. Hegesander in Athenaeus affirmeth, that the Mul∣berie trees in his time did not bring forth fruit in twentie years together, and that so great a plague of the gout then raigned and raged so generally, as not onely men, but boies, wenches, eunuchs, and women were troubled with that disease.

¶ The Names.

This tree is named in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Morus: in shops, Morus Celsi: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 boom: in French, Meurier: in English, Mulberry tree.

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Morum: in shops, Morum Celsi: in high Dutch 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Italian, Moro: in French, Meure: in Spanish, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Mores: in English, Mulberry.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Mulberries being gathered before they be ripe, are cold and dry almost in the third degree, and do [ A] mightily binde; being dried they are good for the laske and bloudy flix, the pouder is vsed in meat, and is drunke with wine and water.

They stay bleedings, and also the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; they are good against inflammations or hot swellings of [ B] the mouth and iawes, and for other inflammations newly beginning.

The ripe and new gathered Mulberries are likewise cold and be ful of iuice, which hath the taste [ C] of wine, and is something drying, and not without a binding qualitie: and therefore it is also mixed with medicines for the mouth, and such as helpe the hot swellings of the mouth, and almonds of the throat; for which infirmities it is singular good.

Of the iuice of the ripe berries is made a confection with sugar, called Diamorum: that is, after [ D] the manner of a syrrup, which is exceeding good for the vlcers and hot swellings of the tongue, throat, and almonds, or Vuula of the throat, or any other malady arising in those parts.

These Mulberries taken in meat, and also before meat, do very speedily passe through the belly, [ E] by reason of the moisture and slipperinesse of their substance, and make a passage for other meats, as Galen saith.

They are good to quench thirst, they stir vp an appetite to meat, they are not hurtfull to the sto∣macke, [ F] but they nourish the body very little, being taken in the second place, or after meat, for al∣though they be lesse hurtfull than other like fruits, yet are they corrupted and putrified, vnlesse they speedily descend.

The barke of the root is bitter, hot and drie, and hath a scouring facultie: the decoction hereof [ G] doth open the stoppings of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and spleen, it purgeth the belly, and driueth forth wormes.

The same bark being steeped in vineger helpeth the tooth ache: of the fame effect is also the de∣coction [ H] of the leaues and barke, saith Dioscorides, who sheweth that about haruest time there issu∣eth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the root a iuice, which the next day after is found to be hard, and that the same is very good against the tooth-ache; that it wasteth away Phyma, and purgeth the belly.

Galen saith, that there is in the leaues and first buds of this tree a cerraine middle facultie, both [ I] to binde and scoure.

CHAP. 132. Of the Sycomore tree.

[illustration]

Sycomorus. The Sycomore tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Sycomore tree is of no small height, being very like to the mulbe∣rie tree in bignesse & shew, as also in leafe: the fruit is as great as a Fig, and of the same fashion, very like in iuice and taste to the wilde Fig, but sweeter, and without any grains or seeds within, which groweth not forth of the tender boughes, but out of the body and great old armes very fruitfully: this tree hath in it plenty of milkie iuice, which so soon as any part is broken or cut, doth issue forth.

¶ The Place.

It groweth, as Dioscorides writeth, very plentifully in Caria and Rhodes, and in sundry places of Egypt, as at the great Cayre or Alkaire, and in places that doe not bring forth much wheat, in which it is an helpe, and sufficeth in stead of bread & corne when there is scarsitie of victuals. Galen writeth, that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a plant of the Sycomore tree like to the wilde Fig tree, fruit and all.

¶ The Time.

It bringeth forth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 three or foure times in one yeare, and oftner if it be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with an iron knife, or other like in∣strument.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of the Fig tree and the Mulbery tree: in Latine, Sycomorus: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Celsus nameth it backward Morosycos: the Egyptians of our time do call it Ficus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Pharao his Fig tree, as witnesseth Bellonius: and it is likewise termed Ficus Aegyptia, Egyptian Fig tree, and also Morus Aegyptia, or Egyptian Mulberrie tree. We cal it English, Sycomore tree af∣ter the Greek and Latine, and also Mulberry Fig tree, which is the right Sycomore tree, and not the great Maple, as we haue said in the chapter of the Maple.

The fruit is named in Greeke Sycomoron, and in Italian, Sycomoro and Fico d'Egitto.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The fruit of the Sycomore tree hath no sharpnesse in it at all, as Galen saith. It is somwhat sweet [ A] in raste, and is of temperature moist after a sort, and cold as be Mulberries.

It is good, saith Dioscorides, for the belly; but it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, without any nourishment, and [ B] troublesome to the stomacke.

There issueth forth of the barke of this tree in the beginning of the Spring, before the fruit ap∣peareth, [ C] a liquour, which being taken vp with a spunge, or a little wooll, is dried, made vp into fine cakes, and kept in gallie pots: this mollifieth, closeth wounds together, and dissolueth grosse hu∣mours.

It is both inwardly taken and outwardly applied against the bitings of serpents, hardnesse of the [ D] milt or spleene, and paine of the stomacke proceeding of a cold cause: this liquor doth very quick∣ly putrifie.

CHAP. 133. Of the Fig tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe garden Fig tree becommeth a tree of a meane slature, hauing many branches full of white pith within, like Elderne pith, and large leaues of a darke greene colour, diuided into sundry sections or diuisions. The fruit commeth out of the branches without any floure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all that euer I could perceiue, which fruit is in shape like vnto Peares, of colour either whitish, or some∣what red or of a deep blew, full of small graines within, of a sweet and pleasant taste; which beeing broken before it be ripe, doth yeeld most white milk, like vnto the kindes of Spurge, and the leaues also beeing broken doe yeeld the like liquour; but when the Figges be ripe, the iuice thereof is like honie.

[illustration]

1 Ficus. The Fig tree.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Chamaeficus. The dwarfe Fig tree.

2 The dwarfe Fig-tree is like vnto the former in leaues and fruit, but it neuer groweth aboue the height of a man, and hath many small shoots comming from the roots, whereby it greatly in∣creaseth.

There is also another wilde kinde, whose fruit is neuer ripe; Theophrastus nameth it Erincos; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Caprificus.

¶ The Place.

The Fig trees do grow plentifully in Spain and Italy, and many other countries, as in England; where they beare fruit, but it neuer commeth to kindely maturitie, except the tree be planted vnder an hot wall, whereto neither North, nor Northeast windes can come.

¶ The Time.

The dwarfe Fig tree groweth in my garden, and bringeth forth ripe and very great fruit in the moneth of August, of which Figs sundry persons haue eaten at pleasure.

In England the Fig trees put not forth their leaues vntill the end of May, where oftentimes the fruit commeth forth before the leaues appeare.

¶ The Names.

The Fig tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and of diuers, for difference sake betweene it and the wild Fig tree, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Ficus, and Ficus satiua, and Vrbana: in high Dutch, Feygenbaum: in low-Dutch, Uijgheboom: in French, Figuier: in Italian, Fico: in Spanish, Higuera: in English, Fig tree.

The fruit is named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Ficus: and the vnripe fruit, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Gros∣sus: that which is dried is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Carica: in high-Dutch, Feygen: in low-Dutch, Uijghen: in French, Figues: in Italian, Fichi: in Spanish, Higos: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Fig: the little seeds which are found in them are named by Galen, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Cechramides.

¶ The Temperature.

The greene Figs new gathered are somewhat warme and moist: the dry and ripe Figs are hot al∣most in the third degree, and withall sharpe and biting.

The leaues also haue some sharpnesse, with an opening power, but not so strong as the iuice.

¶ The Vertues.

The dry Figs do nourish better than the greene or new Figs; notwithstanding they ingender [ A] not very good bloud, for such people as do feed much thereon doe become low sie.

Figs be good for the throat and lungs, they mitigate the cough, and are good for them that be [ B] short winded: they ripen flegme, causing the same to be easily spet out, especially when they be sodden with Hyssop, and the decoction drunke.

Figges stamped with Salt, Rew, and the kernels of Nuts withstand all poyson and corruption [ C] of the aire. The King of Pontus, called Mithridates, vsed this preseruatiue against all venom and poyson.

Figs stamped and made into the forme of a plaister with wheat meale, the pouder of Fenugreek, [ D] and Lineseed, and the roots of marish Mallowes, applied warme, do soften and ripen impostumes, phlegmons, all hot and angry swellings and tumors behinde the eares: and if you adde thereto the roots of Lillies, it ripeneth and breaketh Venerious impostumes that come in the flanke, which impostume is called Bubo, by reason of his lurking in such secret places: in plaine English termes they are called 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Figs boiled in Wormwood wine with some Barly meale are very good to be applied as an im∣plaister [ E] vpon the bellies of such as haue the dropsie.

Dry Figges haue power to soften, consume, and make thinne, and may be vsed both outwardly [ F] and inwardly, whether it be to ripen or soften impostumes, or to scatter, dissolue, and consume them.

The leaues of the Fig tree do waste and consume the Kings Euill, or swelling kernells in the [ G] throat, and do mollifie, waste, and consume all other tumors, being finely pouned and laid there∣on: but after my practise, being boiled with the roots of marish Mallowes vntill they be soft, and so incorporated together, and applied in forme of a plaister.

The milky iuyce either of the figs or leaues is good against all roughnesse of the skinne, lepries, [ H] spreading sores, tetters, small pockes, measels, pushes, wheales, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, lentiles, and all other spots, scuruinesse, and deformitie of the body and face, being mixed with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 meale and appli∣ed: it doth also take away warts and such like excrescences, if it be mingled with some fattie or greasie thing.

The milke doth also cure the tooth-ache, if a little lint or cotton be wet therein, and put into the [ I] hollownesse of the tooth.

It openeth the veines of the hemorrhoids, and looseneth the belly, being applied to the funda∣ment. [ K]

Figs stamped with the pouder of Fenugreeke, and vineger, and applied plaisterwise, doe ease [ L] the intollerable paine of the hot gout, especially the gout of the feet.

The milke thereof put into the wound proceeding of the biting of a mad dog, or any other ve∣nomous [ M] beast, preserueth the parts adioyning, taketh away the paine presently, and cureth the hurt.

The greene and ripe Figs are good for those that be troubled with the stone of the kidneyes, for [ N] they make the conduits slipperie, and open them, and do also somewhat clense: whereupon after the eating of the same, it hapneth that much grauell and sand is conueyed forth.

Dry or barrell Figs, called in Latine Caricae, are a remedie for the belly, the cough, and for old [ O] infirmities of the chest and lungs: they scoure the kidnies, and clense forth the sand, they mitigate the paine of the bladder, and cause women with child to haue the easier deliuerance, if they feed thereof for certaine dayes together before their time.

Dioscorides saith, that the white liquor of the Fig tree, and iuice of the leaues, do curdle milke as [ P] rennet doth, and dissolue the milke that is cluttered in the stomacke, as doth vineger.

It bringeth downe the menses, if it be applied with the yolke of an egge, or with yellow wax. [ Q]

CHAP. 134. Of the prickly Indian Fig tree.

[illustration]

Ficus Indica. The Indian Fig tree.

[illustration]

Fructus. The fruit.

¶ The Description.

THis strange and admirable plant, called Ficus Indica, seemes to be no other thing than a mul∣tiplication of leaues, that is, a tree made of leaues, without body or boughes; for the leafe set in the ground doth in short space take root, and bringeth out of it selfe other leaues, from which do grow others one after another, till such time as they come to the height of a tree, hauing also in the meane season boughes as it were comming from those leaues, sometimes more, other∣whiles sewer, as Nature list to bestow, adding leafe vnto leafe, whereby it occupieth a great piece of ground: these leaues are long and broad, as thicke as a mans thumbe, of a deepe greene colour, set full of long, slender, sharpe, and whitish prickles: on the tops of which leaues come forth long 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not vnlike to those of the manured Pomegrenat tree, of a yellow colour: after which com∣meth the fruit like vnto the common Fig, narrow below, and bigger aboue, of a greene colour, and stuffed full of a red pulpe and iuice, staining the hands of them that touch it, as do the Mulberries, with a bloudy or sanguine colour: the top of which Figs are inuironed with certaine scaly leaues like a crowne, wherein are also contained small graines that are the seeds: the which being sowne, do bring forth plants round bodied, like vnto the trunke of other trees, with leaues placed thereon like the other; which being set in the ground bring forth trees of leaues, as we haue shewed.

‡ Vpon this plant in some parts of the West Indies grow certain excrescences, which in con∣tinuance of time turn into Insects; and these out-growings are that high prized Cochenele wher∣with they dye colours in graine. ‡

¶ The Place.

This plant groweth in all the tract of the East and West Indies, and also in the countrey 〈◊〉〈◊〉, now called Virginia, from whence it hath beene brought into Italy, Spaine, England, and other countries: in Italy it sometimes beareth fruit, but more often in Spaine, and neuer as yet in England, although I haue bestowed great pains and cost in keeping it from the iniury of our cold 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

It groweth also at S. Crux and other places of Barbary, and also in an Island of the Mediterra∣nean sea, called Zante, about a day and nights sailing with a meane winde from Petrasse a port in Morea, where my seruant William Marshall (before remembred) did see not only great store of those trees made of leaues, but also diuers other round bodied plants of a woody substance: from whence he brought me diuers plants thereof in tubs of earth, very fresh and greene, which flourished in my garden at the impression hereof.

¶ The Time.

These plants do grow greene and fresh both Winter and Sommer, by the relation of my fore∣said seruant: notwithstanding they must be very carefully kept in these countries from the extre∣mitie of Winter.

¶ The Names.

This is thought to be the plant called of Pliny, 〈◊〉〈◊〉; whereof he hath written, lib. 21. ca. 17. in this manner: About Opuns is the herbe Opuntia, to mans taste sweet, and it is to be maruelled, that the root should be made of the leaues, and that it should so grow. Opuns is a city neere vnto Phocis in Greece, as Pausanias, Strabo, and Pliny testifie: but it is commonly called in Latine, Ficus Indica: of the Indians, Tune, and Tunas, and also Anapallus, as testifieth Bellonius: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Indi∣an Fig tree.

There is a certaine other described for the Indian Fig tree, by Theophrastus, lib. 4. which Pliny, lib. 12. cap. 5. doth eloquently expresse almost in the same words, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into Latine, whereof we intend to speake in the next chapter.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

We haue no certaine instruction from the Antients, of the temperature of faculty of this plant, [ A] or of the fruit thereof: neither haue we any thing whereof to write of our owne knowledge, more than that we haue heard reported of such as haue eaten liberally of the fruit hereof, that it changed their vrine to the colour of bloud; who at the first sight thereof stood in great doubt of their life, thinking it had been bloud, whereas it proued afterwards by experience to be nothing but the tin∣cture or colour the vrine had taken from the iuice of the fruit, and that without all hurt or griefe at all.

It is reported of some, that the iuice of the fruit is excellent good against vlcers of long conti∣nuance. [ B]

‡ Cochenele is giuen alone, and mixed with other things, in maligne diseases, as pestilent fe∣uers [ C] and the like, but with what successe I know not. ‡

CHAP. 135. Of the arched Indian Fig tree.

¶ The Description.

THis rare and admirable tree is very great, straight, and couered with a yellowish bark tending to tawny: the boughes and branches are many, very long, tough, and flexible, growing very long in short space, as do the twigs of Oziars, and those so long and weake, that the ends thereof hang downe and touch the ground, where they take root and grow in such sort, that those twigs become great trees: and these being growne vp vnto the like greatnesse, doe cast their bran∣ches or twiggy tendrels vnto the earth, where they likewise take hold and root; by meanes wherof it commeth to passe, that of one tree is made a great wood or desart of trees, which the Indians do vse for couerture against the extreme heate of the Sun, wherewith they are grieuously vexed: some likewise vse them for pleasure, cutting downe by a direct line a long walke, or as it were a vault, through the thickest part, from which also they cut certaine loope-holes or windowes in some pla∣ces, to the end to receiue thereby the fresh coole aire that entreth thereat, as also for light, that they may see their cattell that feed thereby, to auoid any danger that might happen vnto them ei∣ther by the enemie or wilde beasts: from which vault or close walke doth rebound such an admi∣rable echo or answering voice, if one of them speake vnto another aloud, that it doth resound or answer againe foure or fiue times, according to the height of the voice, to which it doth answer, and that so plainly, that it cannot be knowne from the voice it selfe: the first or mother of this wood or desart of trees is hard to be knowne from the children, but by the greatnesse of the body, which three men can scarsely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about: vpon the branches whereof grow leaues hard and wrinckled, in shape like those of the Quince tree, greene aboue, and of a whitish hoary colour vnderneath, whereupon the Elephants delight to feed: among which leaues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth the fruit, of the bignes of a mans thumbe, in shape like a small Fig, but of a sanguine or bloudy colour, and of a sweet tast,

but not so pleasant as the Figs of Spaine; notwithstanding they are good to be eaten, and withall very 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

Arbor ex Goa, siue Indica. The arched Indian Fig tree.

¶ The Place.

This wondrous tree groweth in diuers pla∣ces of the East Indies, especially neere vnto Goa, and also in Malaca: it is a stranger 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most parts of the world.

¶ The Time.

This tree keepeth his leaues green 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Sommer.

¶ The Names.

This tree is called of those that haue tra∣uelled, Ficus Indica, the Indian Fig; and Ar∣bor Goa, of the place where it groweth in grea∣test plenty: we may call it in English, the ar∣ched Fig tree.

‡ Such as desire to see more of this Fig tree, may haue recourse to Clusius his Exo∣ticks, lib. I. cap. I. where he shewes it was men∣tioned by diuers antient Writers, as Q. Cur∣tius, lib. 9. Plin. lib. 12. ca. 5. Strabo, lib. 5. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Hist. Plant. lib. 4. cap. 5. by the name of Ficus Indica. ‡

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

We haue nothing to write of the tempe∣rature or vertues of this tree, of our owne knowledge: neither haue wee receiued from others more, than that the fruit hereof is ge∣nerally eaten, and that without any hurt at all, but rather good, and also nourishing.

CHAP. 136. Of Adams Apple tree, or the West-Indian Plantaine.

¶ The Description.

WHether this plant may be reckoned for a tree properly, or for an herby Plant, it is dispu∣table, considering the soft and herby substance whereof it is made; that is to say, when it hath attained to the height of six or seuen cubits, and of the bignesse of a mans thigh, notwithstanding it may be cut downe with one stroke of a sword, or two or three cuts with a knife, euen with as much ease as the root of a Radish or Carrot of the like bignesse: from a thicke fat threddy root rise immediately diuers great leaues, of the length of three cubits and a halfe, some∣times more, according to the soile where it groweth, and of a cubit and more broad, of bignes suf∣ficient to wrap a childe in of two yeares old, in shape like those of Mandrake, of an ouerworn green colour, hauing a broad rib running thorow the middle thereof: which leaues, whether by reason of the extreme hot scorching Sun, or of their owne nature, in September are so dry and withered, that there is nothing thereof left or to be seene but onely the middle rib. From the middest of these leaues riseth vp a thicke trunke, whereon doth grow the like leaues, which the people do cut off, as also those next the ground, by meanes whereof it riseth vp to the height of a tree, which o∣therwise would remaine a low and base plant. This manner of cutting they vse from time to time, vntill it come to a certaine height, aboue the reach of the Elephant, which greedily seeketh after the fruit. In the middest of the top among the leaues commeth sorth a soft and fungous stumpe, whereon do grow diuers apples in forme like a small Cucumber, and of the same bignesse, couered

with a thin rinde like that of the Fig, of a yellow colour when they be ripe: the pulpe or substance of the meate is like that of the Pompion, without either seeds, stones, or kernels, in tast not great∣ly perceiued at the first, but presently after it pleaseth, and entiseth a man to eat liberally thereof, by a certaine entising sweetnes it yeelds: in which fruit, if it be cut according to the length (saith myne Author) oblique, transuerse, or any other way whatsoeuer, may be seen the shape and forme of a crosse, with a man fastned thereto. My selfe haue seene the fruit, and cut it in pieces, which was brought me from Aleppo in pickle; the crosse I might perceiue, as the forme of a spred-Egle in the root of Ferne; but the man I leaue to be sought for by those that haue better eyes and iudg∣ment than my selfe.

[illustration]

Musa Serapionis. Adams Apple tree.

[illustration]

Musae Fructus. Adams Apple.

‡ Aprill 10. 1633. my much honored friend D^r. Argent (now President of the Colledge of Physitions of London) gaue me a plant he receiued from the Bermuda's: the length of the stalke was some two foot; the thicknesse thereof some seuen inches about, being crested, and full of a soft pith, so that one might easily with a knife cut it asunder. It was crooked a little, or indented, so that each two or three inches space it put forth a knot of some halfe inch thicknesse, and some inch in length, which incompassed it more than halfe about; and vpon each of these ioints or knots; in two rankes one aboue another, grew the fruit, some twenty, nineteene, eighteene, &c. more or lesse, at each knot: for the branch I had, contained nine knots or diuisions, and vpon the lowest knot grew twenty, and vpon the vppermost fifteene. The fruit which I receiued was not ripe, but greene, each of them was about the bignesse of a large Beane; the length of them some fiue inches, and the bredth some inch and halfe: they all hang their heads downewards, haue rough or vneuen ends, and are fiue cornered; and if you turne the vpper side downward, they somewhat resemble a boat, as you may see by one of them exprest by it selfe: the huske is as thicke as a Beanes, and will easily shell off it: the pulpe is white and soft: the stalke whereby it is fastned to the knot is verie short, and almost as thicke as ones little finger. This stalke with the fruit thereon I hanged vp in my shop, were it became ripeabout the beginning of May, and lasted vntil Iune: the pulp or meat was very soft and tender, and it did eate somewhat like a Muske-Melon. I haue giuen you the fi∣gure of the whole branch, with the fruit thereon, which I drew as soone as I receiued it, and it is marked with this figure 1. The figure 2. sheweth the shape of one particular fruit, with the lower

side vpwards. 3. The same cut through the middle long wayes. 4. The same cut side wayes. I haue been told (but how certaine it is I know not) that the floures which precede the fruit are bell-fashioned, and of a blew colour. I could obserue no seed in the fruit; it may be it was be∣cause it had been cut from the stocke so long before it came to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This Plant is found in many places of Asia, Africke, and America, especially in the hot regions: you may find frequent mention of it amongst the sea voyages to the East and West Indies, by the name of Plantaines, or Platanus, Bannanas, Bonnanas, Bouanas, Dauanas, Poco, &c. some (as our Author hath said) haue iud∣ged it the forbidden fruit; other-some, the Grapes brought to Moses out of the Holy-land. ‡

[illustration]

Musae fructus exactior Icon. An exacter figure of the Plantaine fruit.

¶ The Place.

This admirable tree groweth in Egypt, Cyprus, and Syria, neere vnto a chiefe city there called Alep, which we call Aleppo, and also by Tripolis, not far from thence: it groweth also in Cana∣ra, Decan, Guzarate, and Bengala, places of the East Indies.

¶ The Time.

From the root of this tree shooteth forth yong springs or shoots, which the people take vp and plant for the increase in the Spring of the yeare. The leaues wither away in September, as is aboue said.

¶ The Names.

It is called Musa by such as trauell to Aleppo: by the Arabians, Musa Maum: in Syria, Mose: The Grecians and Christians which inhabit Syria, and the Iewes also, suppose it to be that tree of whose fruit Adam did taste; which others thinke to be a ridiculous fable: of Pliny, Opuntia.

It is called in the East Indies (as at Malauar where it also groweth) Palan: in Malayo, Pican: and in that part of Africa which we call Ginny, Bananas: in English, Adams Apple tree.

¶ The Temperature.

Dioscorides and Serapio iudge, that it heateth in the end of the first degree, and moistneth in the end of the same.

¶ The Vertues.

The fruit hereof yeeldeth but little nourishment: it is good for the heate of the breast, lungs, [ A] and bladder: it stoppeth the liuer, and hurteth the stomacke if too much of it be eaten, and pro∣cureth

loosenesse in the belly: whereupon it is requisit for such as are of a cold constitution, in the eating thereof to put vnto it a little Ginger or other spice.

It is also good for the reines, or kidnies, and to prouoke vrine: it nourisheth the childe in the mo∣thers [ B] wombe, and stirreth to generation.

CHAP. 137. Of the Date tree.

[illustration]

Palma. The Date tree.

[illustration]

Palmarum fructus & flores cum Elate. The fruit and floures of the Date tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Date tree groweth very great and high: the body or trunke thereof is thicke, and coue∣red with a scaly rugged barke, caused by the falling away of the leaues: the boughes grow onely on the top, consisting of leaues set vpon a wooddy middle rib like those of Reeds or Flags: the inner part of which rib or stalke is soft, light, hollow, and spongie. Among the leaues come forth the floures included in a long skinny membrane, as it were a sheath or hose, like that which couereth the Floure de-Luce before it be blowne, which being opened of it selfe, white floures start forth, standing vpon short and slender foot-stalkes, which are fastened with certaine small filaments or threddy strings like vnto little branches: after which spring out from the same branches the fruit or Dates, which be in fashion long and round, in taste sweet, and many times somewhat harsh, of a yellowish red colour; wherein is contained a long hard stone, which is in stead of kernell and seed; the which I haue planted many times in my Garden, and haue growne to the height of three foot: but the first frost hath nipped them in such sort, that soone after they perished, notwithstanding my industrie by couering them, or what else I could doe for their succour.

¶ The Place.

The Date trees grow plentifully in Africa and Egypt; but those which are in Palestina and

Syria be the best: they grow likewise in most places of the East and West Indies, where there be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sorts, as well wilde, as tame or manured.

¶ The Time.

The Date tree is alwaies green, and floureth in the Spring time: the fruit is ripe in September, and being then gathered they are dried in the Sunne, that they may be the better both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into other countries far distant, as also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from rotting at home.

¶ The Names.

The tree is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Palma: in English, Date tree.

The fruit is named in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: that is to say, Glans Palmarum, or the fruit of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trees: and by one word, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Palmula: in shops, Dactylus: in high-Dutch, Datte∣len: in low-Dutch, Dadelen: in Italian, Dattoli: in French, Dattes: in Spanish, Tamaras, and Dat∣tiles: in English, Date.

The cod or sheath wherein the floures and Dates are wrapped, is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and of some, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

All manner of Dates whatsoeuer are hard of digestion, and cause head-ache: the worser sort be [ A] those that be dry and binding, as the Egyptian Dates; but the soft, moist, and sweet ones are lesse hurtfull.

The bloud which is ingendred of Dates in mans body is altogether grosse, and somewhat clam∣my: [ B] by these the liuer is very quickly stopped, especially being inflamed and troubled with some hard swelling: so is the spleene likewise.

The Dates which grow in colder regions, when they cannot come to perfect ripenesse, if they be [ C] eaten too plentifully, do fill the body full of raw humors, ingender winde, and oft times cause the leprosie.

The drier sorts of Dates, as Dioscorides saith, be good for those that spet bloud, for such as haue [ D] bad stomacks, and for those also that be troubled with the bloudy flix.

The best Dates, called in Latine Caryotae, are good for the roughnesse of the throat and lungs. [ E]

There is made hereof both by the cunning Confectioners and Cookes, diuers excellent cordi∣all, [ F] comfortable, and nourishing medicines, and that procure lust of the body very mightily.

They do also refresh and restore such vnto strength as are entring into a consumption, for they [ G] strengthen the feeblenesse of the liuer and spleene, being made into conuenient broths, and physi∣call medicines directed by a learned Physitian.

Dry Dates do stop the belly, and stay vomiting, and the wambling of womens stomackes that [ H] are with childe, if they be either eaten in meates or otherwise, or stamped and applied vnto the sto∣macke as a pectorall plaister.

The ashes of the Date stones haue a binding qualitie, and emplastick facultie, they heale pushes [ I] in the eyes, Staphylomata, and falling away of the haire of the eye lids, being applied together with Spikenard: with wine it keepeth proud flesh from growing in wounds.

The boughes and leaues do euidently binde, but especially the hose, that is to say, the sheath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ K] case of the floures: and therefore it is good to vse these so oft as there is need of binding.

The leaues and branches of the Date tree do heale greene wounds and vlcers, refresh and coole [ L] hot inflammations.

Galen in his booke of Medicines according to the kindes mentioneth a composition called Dia∣palma, [ M] which is to be stirred with the bough of a Date tree in stead of a spature or a thing to stirre with, for no other cause than that it may receiue thereby some kinde of astriction or binding force.

CHAP. 138. Of the wilde Date trees.

¶ The Description.

1 THeophrastus maketh this plant to be a kinde of Date tree, but low and of small growth, seldome attaining aboue the height of a cubit: on the top whereof shoot forth for the most part long leaues like those of the Date tree, but lesser and shorter; from the sides whereof breakes forth a bush of threddy strings: among which riseth vp small branches gar∣nished with clusters of white floures, in which before they be opened are to be seene vnperfect shapes of leaues, closely compassed about with an innumerable sort of thin skinny hulls; which rude shapes with the floures are serued vp and eaten at the second course among other iunkets, with a little salt and pepper, being pleasant to the taste. ‡ The stalke is about the thicknes of ones

[illustration]

1 Palmites, siue Chamaerriphes. The little wilde Datc tree.

[illustration]

2 Palmapinus, siue Palma conifera. The wilde Date tree bearing 〈◊〉〈◊〉

[illustration]

‡ Fructus Palmapini. The fruit of the Cone-Date.

little finger, here and there set with a few crooked pricks: the leaues within some hand∣full or two of the stalke are cut vp and made into little besomes, which are sold in many glasse shops here in London. ‡

2 The wilde Date tree that brings forth cones or key-clogs, is of most trauellers into the Indies thought to be barren of Dates, ex∣cept sometimes it yeeldeth forth some small berries like vnto Dates, but dry, and nothing worth. This tree groweth to the height and bignesse of a low tree; the trunke or body whereof is soft, of a fungous or pithy sub∣stance, vnfit for building, as is the manured Date tree: the branch it selfe was brought vnto vs from the Indies, dry & void of leaues, wherefore we must describe the leaues by re∣port of the bringer. The branches (saith my Author) are couered ouer with long flaggie leaues, hanging downe of a great length like those of the Date tree: the branches are also couered with a scaly or scabbed barke, verie rough, one scale or plate lying ouer another, as tiles vpon a house: thc fruit growes at the end of the branches, not vnlike a great Pine Apple cone, couered ouer with a skinne like the Indian Nut: wherein is contained a shel, within which shell lieth hid an acorn or long

〈◊〉〈◊〉 of an inch long, and sometimes longer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hard to be broken, in taste like the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; which the sauage people do grate and stampe to pouder to make them bread.

¶ The Place.

Theophrastus saith the first growes in Candy, but much more plentifully in Cilicia, and are now found in certaine places of Italy by the sea side, and also in diuers parts of Spaine.

The other hath been found by trauellers into the West Indies, from whence haue bin brought the naked branches with the fruit.

¶ The Time.

The time answereth that of the manured Date tree.

¶ The Names.

The little Date tree or wilde Date tree is named of Theophrastus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Naples, Cephaglio∣ne: in Latine commonly Palmites. That which is found in the midst of the yong springs, and is vsed to be eaten in banquets, is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Palmae cerebrum, the brain of the Date tree.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Galen supposeth that the brain of the Date tree consisteth of sundry parts, that is to say, of a cer∣taine [ A] waterie and warme substance, and of an earthy and cold; therefore it is moist and cold, with a certaine astriction or binding qualitie.

Being taken as a meat it ingendreth raw humors and winde, and therefore it is good to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ B] with pepper and salt.

CHAP. 139. Of the drunken Date tree.

[illustration]

Areca, siue Faufel. The drunken Date tree.

¶ The Description.

THe drunken Date tree, which Carolus Clusius calleth Faufel, is an Indian tree of a great bignes, the timber whereof is very soft and spongious, exceeding smooth and plaine vnto a great

height, not possible to be climbed vp; and therefore the Indians for their easier ascending vp, at some distances do tie round about the tree certaine wyths or ropes made of the barkes of trees, as may be perceiued by the figure, whereby very easily they go vp and downe to gather the fruit at their pleasure. The top of the tree is diuided into sundry branches, in substance like to the great cane; whereupon do grow faire flaggie leaues like those of the Palme or Date tree, whereof doubt∣lesse this is a wilde kinde: from the bottome of which branches commeth forth fruit in long bun∣ches like traces of Onions, couered with a soft pulpe like vnto the Wall-nut, rough, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 full of haire of a yellowish colour, and like the dried Date when it is ripe: within which huske is con∣tained fruit like vnto the Nutmeg, but greater, very hard, and striped ouer with red and white veines, or sinues.

¶ The Place, Time, and Names.

This Date tree, which the Arabians call Faufel, that is by interpretation, Auellana Indica, the In∣dian Nut or Filberd, Auicen and Scrapio call Filfel, and Fufel. It groweth in the East Indies in di∣uers and sundry places, as in Malauar, where vulgarly it is called Pac; and of the Nobles and Gen∣tlemen, Areca: which name is vsed amongst the Portugals which dwell in those Indies: in Guza∣rate and Decan it is called Cupare: in Zeilan, Poaz: in Malaca, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Cochin, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in En∣glish, the drunken Date tree, which name we haue coined from his qualitie, because the fruit ma∣keth those drunke that eate thereof.

¶ The Temperature.

It is cold and dry in the second degree.

¶ The Vertues.

The fruit of Areca before it be ripe is reckoned amongst the stupefactiue or a stonishing medi∣cines; [ A] for whosoeuer eateth thereof waxeth drunke, because it doth exceedingly amase and asto∣nish the senses.

When the Indians are vexed with some intolerable ache or paine, or must of necessitie endure [ B] some great torment or torture, then do they take of this fruit, whereby the rigor of that pain which otherwise they should feele, is very much mitigated.

The iuice of the fruit of Areca doth strengthen the gums, fasten the teeth comfort the stomack, [ C] stay vomiting and loosenesse of the belly: it doth also purge the body from congealed or clotted bloud gathered within the same.

CHAP. 140. Of the Indian Nut tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Grecians haue not known, but the Arabians haue mentioned this Indian Nut tree, the body whereof is very great, smooth and plaine, void of boughes or branches, of a great height; wherefore the Indians do wrap ropes about the body thereof, as they doe vpon the tree last described, for their more ease in gathering the fruit: the timber whereof is verie spongie within, but hard without, a matter fit to make their Canoos and boats of: on the top of the tree grow the leaues like those of the Date tree, but broad, and sharpe at the point as thornes, whereof they vse to make needles, bodkins, and such like instruments, wherewith they sow the sailes of their ships, and do such like businesse: among these leaues come forth clusters of floures like those of the Chestnut tree, which turne into great fruit of a round forme, and somwhat sharp at one end; in that end next vnto the tree is one hole, somtimes two bored through: this Nut or fruit is wrap∣ped in a couerture, consisting of a substance not vnlike to hempe before it be beaten soft: there is also a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and gentler stuffe next vnto the shell, like vnto Flax before it be made soft: in the mid∣dle whereof is contained a great Nut couered with a very hard shell, of a browne colour before it be polished, afterward of a blacke shining colour like burnished horne: next vnto the shell vpon the inside there cleaueth a white cornelly substance firme and sollid, of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and taste of a blanched Almond: within the cauitie or hollownes thereof is contained a most delectable liquor like vnto milke, and of a most pleasant taste.

2 We haue no certaine knowledge from those that haue trauelled into the Indies, of the tree which beareth this little Indian Nut; neither haue we any thing of our owne knowledge, more, than that we see by experience that the fruit hereof is lesser, wherein consisteth the difference.

‡ The other, expressed in the same table with the former, by the name of Mehenbethene, Clusi∣us receiued it by the same name from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Padua: yet it doth not (as hee saith) well agree with the description; and he rather approues of their opinion who refer it to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnguentaria,

[illustration]

1 Nux Indica arbor. The Indian Nut tree.

[illustration]

Nux Indica. The Indian Nut.

[illustration]

2 Nucula Indica. The little Indian Nut.

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉. 3

or Ben. It is some inch long, of a triangular figure, with a hard and wooddy shel: which broken, shewes three cells or partitions, in each whereof is contained a long kernell white and sweet. ‡

¶ The Place.

This Indian Nut groweth in some pla∣ces of Africa, and in the East Indies, and in all the Islands of the West Indies, especi∣ally in Hispaniola, Cuba, and Saint Iohns Island, and also vpon the continent by Car∣thagena, Nombre de Dios, and Panama, and in Virginia, otherwise called Norembega, part of the same continent, for the most part neere vnto the sea side, and in moist places, but it is seldome found in the vp∣landish countries.

¶ The Time.

It groweth greene Winter and Sommer.

¶ The Names.

The fruit is called in Latine, Nux Indica: of the Indians, Cocus: of the Portugals that dwell in the East Indies, Cocco, taken from the end, wherein are three holes representing the head of a Mon∣kie: Serapio and Rhasis do call this tree Iaralnare, idest, Arborem Nuciferam, the tree bearing Nuts: of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Glauci al hend: of the vulgar people, Maro, and the fruit Narel; which name Narel is com∣mon among the Persians and Arabians: it is called in Malauar, Tengamaran: the ripe fruit, 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and the greene fruit. Eleri: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is called Lanhan: in Malaio, Triccan: and the Nut, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The distilled liquor is called Sula; and the oile that is made thereof, Copra.

¶ The Temperature.

It is of a meane temper betwixt hot and cold.

¶ The Vertues and vse.

The Indians do vse to cut the twigs and tender branches toward the euening, at the ends where∣of [ A] they haue bottle gourds, hollow canes, and such like things, fit to receiue the water that drop∣peth from the branches thereof, which pleasant liquor they drinke in stead of wine; from the which is drawne a strong and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Aqua Vitae, which they vse in time of need against all manner of sicknesses; of the branches and boughes they make their houses; of the trunk or body of the tree, ships and boates; of the hempon the outward part of the fruit, they make ropes and cables; and of the siner stuffe, sailes for their ships.

Likewise they make of the shell of the Nut, cups to drinke in, which we likewise vse in England, [ B] garnished with siluer for the same purposes. The kernell serueth them for bread and meat; the milkie iuice doth serue to coole and refresh their wearied spirits: out of the kernel when it is stam∣ped, is pressed a most precious oile, not onely good for meat, but also for medicine, wherewith they annoint their feeble lims after their tedious trauell, by meanes whereof the ache and paine is miti∣gated, and other infirmities quite taken away proceeding of other causes.

CHAP. 141. Of the Dragon Tree.

[illustration]

1 Draco arbor. The Dragon tree.

[illustration]

Draconis fructus. The Dragon tree fruit.

¶ The Description.

THis strange and admirable tree groweth very great, resembling the Pine tree, by reason it doth alwaies flourish, and hath his boughes or branches of equal length and bignesse, which are bare and naked, of eight or nine cubits long, and of the bignesse of a mans 〈◊〉〈◊〉: from the ends of which do shoot out leaues of a cubit and a halfe long, and full two inches broad, somewhat thicke, and raised vp in the middle, then thinner and thinner like a two edged sword: among which come forth little mossie floures, of small moment, and turne into berries, of the bignesse of Cherries, of a yel∣lowish

colour, round, light and bitter, couered with a threesold skin or filme, wherein is to be seene, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and diuers other report, the forme of a Dragon, hauing a long necke or gaping mouth; the ridge or backe armed with sharpe prickles, like the Porcupine; it hath also a long taile, & foure feet, very easie to be discerned: the figure of it we haue set forth vnto you according to the great∣nesse thereof, because our words and meaning may be the better vnderstood, and also the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the tree in his full bignesse, because it is impossible to be expressed in the figure: the trunke or bo∣dy of the tree is couered with a rough barke, very thin, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be opened or wounded with any small toole or instrument; which being so wounded in the Dog daies, bruised or bored, doth yeeld forth drops of a thicke red liquour, which of the name of the tree are called Dragons teares, or San∣guis Draconis, Dragons bloud: diuers haue doubted whether the liquour or gummie iuice were all one with Cinnabaris of Dioscorides (not meaning that Cinaber made of Quicksiluer) but the receiued opinion is, they differ not, by reason their qualitie and temperature worke the like effect.

¶ The Place.

This tree groweth in an Island which the Portugals call Madera, and in one of the Canarie Islands, called Insula Portus Sancti; and as it seemeth it was first brought out of Africke, although some are of a contrary opinion, and say, that it was first brought from Carthagena, in America, by the Bishop of the same Prouince.

¶ The Time.

The time of his growing we haue touched in the description, where wee said that it flourisheth and groweth greene all the yeare.

¶ The Names.

The names haue beene sufficiently spoken of in the description and in their seuerall titles.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

‡ The Sanguis Draconis which is thought to proceed from this tree hath an astringent faculty, [ A] and is with good successe vsed in the ouermuch flowing of the courses, in fluxes, Dysenteries, spit∣ting of bloud, fastening loose teeth, and such other affects which require astriction.

Smiths also vse it to varnish ouer their workes to giue them a sanguine colour, and keep them [ B] from rust. ‡

CHAP. 142. Of the Sassafras, or Ague tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Sassafras tree grows very great, much like vnto the Pine tree: the trunke or body is straight, smooth, and void of boughes, of a great height: it is couered with a two fold grosse rinde, the vppermost of the colour of ashes, that next the wood of a tawnie colour: on the top come forth ma∣ny goodly branches, like those of the Palme tree, whereon doe grow greene leaues, somewhat like those of the Fig tree, of a sweet smell when they be greene, but much sweeter when they be dry, de∣clining to the smell of Fenell, with much sweetnesse in taste: they are greene Winter and Sommer, neither bearing fruit nor floures, but is altogether barren as it is said: the roots are grosse, confor∣mable to the greatnesse of the tree, of a tawnie colour, dispersing themselues far abroad vnder the vpper crust of the earth, by meanes whereof they are often cast downe with meane blasts of winde.

‡ The wood of the tree is very strong, hard and brittle, it hath not so strong & a pleasant smell as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the root, neither is it in such vse. The leaues are of two sorts, some long and smooth, and not snipt about the edges: other-some, and those chiefely on the ends of the branches, are deep∣ly gashed in, as it were diuided into three seuerall parts. I haue giuen the figure of a branch taken from a little tree, which grew in the Garden of Master Wilmote at Bow, who died some few yeares agoe. ‡

¶ The Place.

This tree groweth in the most parts of the West Indies, especially about the cape of Florida Wingandico, and Virginia, otherwise named Norembega.

¶ The Time.

It flourisheth and keepeth greene Winter and Sommer.

[illustration]

Svssafras. The Sassafras tree.

¶ The Names.

The Spaniards and French men haue na∣med this tree, Sassafras: the Indians in their tongue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: for want of an English name we are contented to call it the Ague tree, of his vertue in healing the Ague.

¶ The Temperature.

The boughes and branches hereof are hot ct dry in the second degree; the rinde is hot∣ter, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that it entreth into the third degree of heate and drinesse, as is manifestly perceiued in the decoction.

¶ The Vertues.

The best of all the tree is the root, and that [ A] worketh the best effect, the which hath the rinde cleauing very fast to the inner part, and is of colour tawnie, and much more sweet of smell than all the tree and his branches.

The rinde tasteth of a more sweet smell [ B] than the tree; and the water being sod with the root is of greater and better effects than any other part of the tree, and is of a more sweet smell, and therefore the Spaniards vse it, for that it worketh better and greater ef∣fects.

It is a tree that groweth neere vnto the sea, [ C] and in temperate places that haue not much drouth, nor moisture. There be mountaines growing full of them, and they cast forth a most sweet smell, so that at the beginning when they saw them first, they thought they had been trees of Cinnamon, & in part they were not deceiued: for that the rinde of this tree hath as sweet a smell as Cinamon hath, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 imitate it in colour and sharpnesse of taste, and pleasantnesse of smell: and so the water that is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of it is of a most sweet smell and taste, as the Cinamon is, and procureth the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as Cinamon doth.

The wood hereof cut in smal pieces and boiled in water, to the colour of Claret wine, and drunk [ D] for certaine daies together helpeth the dropsie, remoueth oppilation or stopping of the liuer, cu∣reth quotidian and tertian agues, and long feuers.

The root of Sassafras hath power to comfort the liuer, and to free from oppilations, to comfort [ E] the weake and feeble stomacke, to cause good appetite, to consume windinesse, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cause of cruditie and indigestion, stay vomiting, and make sweet a stinking breath.

It prouoketh vrine, remoueth the impediments that doe cause barrennesse, and maketh women [ F] apt to conceiue.

CHAP. 143. Of the Storax tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Storax tree groweth to the height and bignesse of the Quince tree: the trunke or bodie is couered with a barke or rinde like vnto the Birch tree: the branches are small and limmer, whereon do grow leaues like those of the Quince tree, greenish aboue, and whitish vnderneath: a∣mong which come forth white floures, like those of the Orange tree, of an vnpleasant smell: after commeth the fruit or berries, standing vpon long and slender footstalks, couered ouer with a little woollinesse, of the bignesse of a bladder nut, and of the same colour; wherein is contained small

[illustration]

Styrax arbor. The Storax tree.

seed, whereunto also cleaue certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 teares, bearing the name of the tree, and which issue from the trunk or body when it is wounded.

¶ The Place.

This tree groweth in diuers places of France, Italy and Spaine, where it bringeth forth little or no gum at all: it groweth in Iudaea, Pamphy∣lia, Syria, Pisidia, Sidon, and many other places of Iurie or Palestine, as also in diuers Islands in the Mediterranean sea, namely Cyprus, Candy, Zant, and other places, where it bringeth forth his gummy liquour in full perfection of sweet∣nesse, and also in great plenty, where it is gathe∣red and put into great Canes or Reeds, whereof as some deeme it took the name Calamita; others deeme oft he leaues of Reeds wherein they wrap it: hereof I haue two small trees in my garden, the which I raised of seed.

¶ The Time.

It floureth in May, and the fruit is ripe in September.

¶ The Names.

This tree, as may be gathered by some, was called Styrax, by reason of that gum or liquour which droppeth out of the same, being like vnto the hollow pipes of Ise, that hang at the eaues of houses in Winter, called Styria, or of the Canes or the leaues of Reeds spoken of before: in La∣tine, Storax Calamitae: in English, Storax, which is kept in Canes or the leaues of Reeds: there floweth from some of these trees a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gum∣mie liquor, which neuer groweth naturally hard, but remaineth alwaies thinne, which is called li∣quid Styrax, or Storax.

¶ The Temperature.

The gum of this tree is of an heating, mollifying, and concocting qualitie.

¶ The Vertues.

It helpeth the cough, the falling downe of rheumes and humours into the chest, and hoarsnesse [ A] of the voice: it also helpeth the noise and sounding of the eares, preuaileth against Strumas, or the Kings euill, nodes on the nerues, and hard swellings proceeding of a cold cause: it preuaileth also against all cold poisons, as Hemlocks and such like.

Of this gum there are made sundry excellent perfumes, pomanders, sweet waters, sweet bags, [ B] and sweet washing balls, and diuers other sweet chaines & bracelets, whereof to write were imper∣tinent to this historie.

CHAP. 144. Of the Sorrowfull tree or Indian Mourner.

¶ The Description.

ARbor tristis, the sad or sorrowfull tree waxeth as big as an Oliue tree, garnished with many good∣ly branches, set full of leaues like those of the Plum tree: among which come forth most odo∣riferous and sweet smelling floures, whose stalkes are of the colour of Saffron, which flourish and shew themselues onely in the night time, and in the day time looke withered and with a mourning cheere: the leaues also at that time shrinke in themselues together, much like a tender plant that is frost bitten, very sadly lumping, lowring, and hanging downe the head, as though it loathed the light, and could not abide the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Sun. I should but in vain lose labour in repeating a foo∣lish fansie of the Poeticall Indians, who would make fooles beleeue, that this tree was once a faire daughter of a great Lord or King, and that the Sun was in loue with her, with other toies which I

[illustration]

Arbor tristis. The sorrowfull tree.

omit. ‡ The floures are white, somewhat like those of Iasmine, but more double, and they are of a very sweet smell: there succeed them many little cods, containing some six seeds a piece somewhat like those of Stramo∣nium. ‡

¶ The Place, Time, and Names.

This tree groweth in the East Indies, espe∣cially in Goa, and Malayo: in Goa it is cal∣led Parizataco: in Malayo, Singadi: in Decan, Pul: of the Arabians, Guart: and of the Persi∣ans and Turkes, Gul: in English, the Sad or Sorrowfull tree, or the Indian mourner. The time is specified in the description.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

We haue no ceartaine knowledge of the [ A] temperature hereof, neuerthelesse we read that the Indians do colour their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and meates with the stalkes of the floures here∣of in stead of Saffron, or whatsoeuer that they desire to haue of a yellow colour.

It is reported, that if a linnen cloth be stee∣ped [ B] in the distilled water of the floures; and the eyes bathed and washed therewith, hel∣peth the itching and paine therof, and staieth the humours that fall downe to the same.

There is made of the splinters of the wood [ C] certaine tooth-pickes, and many pretty toies for pleasure.

CHAP. 145. Of the Balsam tree.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of trees from which do flow Balsames, very different one from another, not onely in forme, but also in fruit, liquour, and place of growing; the which to distinguish would require more time and trauell than either our small time wil affoord, or riches for our maintenance to discouer the same in their naturall countries: which otherwise by report to set downe certaine matter by incertainties, would discredit the Author, and no profit shall arise thereby to the Rea∣der: notwithstanding we wil set downe so much as we haue found in the workes of some trauellers, which best agree with the truth of the historie.

¶ The Description.

1 THere be diuers trees growing in the Indies, whose fruits are called by the name of the fruit of the Balsam tree: among the rest this whose figure we haue set forth vnto your view, we our selues haue seene and handled; and therefore the better able to describe it. It is a fruit very crooked, and hollowed like the palme of an hand, two inches long, halfe an inch thicke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with a thicke smooth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of the colour of a drie Oken leafe; wherein is contained a kernell (of the same length and thicknesse, apt to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said shell or rinde) of the substance of an Almond; of the colour of ashes, fat, and oilie; of a good smell, and very vnpleasant in taste.

2 The wood we haue dry brought vnto vs from the Indies for our vse in Physicke (a small de∣scription may serue for a dry sticke) neuerthelesse wee haue other fruits brought from the Indies, whose figures are not set forth, by reason they are not so well knowne as desired; whereof one is of the bignes of a Wal-nut, somewhat broad on the vpper side, with a rough or rugged shell, vneuen, blacke of colour, and full of a white kernell, with much iuice in it; of a pleasant taste and smell, like the oile of Mace: the whole fruit is exceeding light, in respect of the quantitie or bignesse, euen as

it were a piece of Corke; which notwithstanding sinketh to the bottome when it falleth into the water, like as doth a stone.

[illustration]

1 Balsamifructus. The fruit of the Balsam tree.

[illustration]

‡ 3 Balsamum Alpini cum Carpobalsamo. The Balsam tree with the fruit.

This tree, saith Garcias, that beareth the fruit Carpobalsamum, is also one of the Balsam trees: it groweth to the height and bignesse of the Pomegranate tree, garnished with very many branches: whereon do grow leaues like those of Rue, but of colour whiter, alwaies growing greene: amongst which come forth floures, whereof we haue no certaintie: after which commeth forth fruit like that of the Turpentine tree, which in shoppes is called Carpobalsamum, of a pleasant smell; but the liquour which floweth from the wounded tree is much sweeter: which liquour of some is called Opobalsamum.

‡ Prosper Alpinus hath writ a large Dialogue of the Balsam of the Antients, and also figured and deliuered the historie thereof in his booke De Plant. Aegypti, cap. 14. whether I refer the curious I haue presented you with a slip from his tree, and the Carpobalsamum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth by our Author, which seemes to be of the same plant. The leaues of this are like to those of Lentiscus, alwaies greene, and winged, growing three, fiue, or seuen fastened to one foot-stalke; the wood is gummie, reddish, and well smelling: the floures are small and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like those of Acatia, growing vsually three nigh to∣gether: the fruit is of the shape and bignesse of that of the Turpentine tree, containing yellow and well smelling seeds, filled with a yellowish moisture like honey, their taste is bitterish, & somwhat biting the tongue. ‡

Of these Balsam trees there is yet another sort: the fruit whereof is as it were a kernell without a shell, couered with a thin skin straked with many veines, of a browne colour: the meat is firm and solid, like the kernell of the Indian Nut, of a white colour, and without smell, but of a grateful tast; and it is thought to be hot in the first degree, or in the beginning of the second.

There be diuers sorts more, which might be omitted because of tediousnesse: neuerthelesse I wil trouble you with two speciall trees worthy the noting: there is, saith my Author, in America a great tree of monstrous hugenesse, beset with leaues and boughes euen to the ground; the trunke wherof is couered with a twofold bark, the one thick like vnto Corke, & another thin next to the tree: from betweene which barks doth flow (the vpper barke being wounded) a white Balsam like vnto teares

or drops, of a most sweet sauour, and singular effects, for one drop of this which thus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the tree, is worth a pound of that which is made by decoction: the fruit hereof is small in re∣spect of the others; it seldome exceedeth the bignes of a Pease, of a bitter taste, inclosed in a nar∣row huske, of the length of a finger, something thin, and of a white colour; which the Indians do vse against head-ache: which fruit of most is that we haue before described, called Carpobalsamum.

It is also written, that in the Island called Hispaniola; there groweth a small tree, of the height of two men, without the industry of man, hauing stalkes or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the colour of ashes; whereon do grow greene leaues, sharpe at both ends, but more greene on the vpper side than on the lower; ha∣uing a middle rib somewhat thicke and standing out; the foot-stalkes whereon they grow are somewhat reddish: among which leaues commeth fruit growing by clusters, as long as a mans hand, fingers and all: the stones or graines in the fruit be few, and greene; but growing to rednesse more and more as the fruit waxeth ripe. From the which is gathered a juice after this manner: they take the young shootes and buds of the tree, and also the clusters of the fruit, which they bruise, and boile in water to the thickenesse of hony, which being strained, they keepe it for their vses.

They vse it against wounds and vlcers; it stoppeth and stancheth the bloud; maketh them cleane; bringeth vp the flesh, and healeth them mightily, and with better successe than true Bal∣same. The branches of the tree being cut, do cast forth by drops a certaine cleare water, more worth than Aqua vitae, most wholesome against wounds, and all other diseases proceeding from cold causes, if it be drunken some few daies together.

¶ The Place.

These trees grow in diuers parts of the world, some in Aegypt, and most of those countries adia∣cent: there groweth of them in the East and West Indies; as trauellers in those parts report.

¶ The Time.

These trees for the most part keepe greene winter and Sommer.

¶ The Names.

Balsame is called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine also Balsamum: of the Arabians Balseni, Balesina, and Belsan: in Italian, Balsamo: in French, Baume.

The liquor that floweth out of the tree when it is wounded, is called Opobalsamum: the wood 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the fruit Carpobalsamum: and the liquor which naturally floweth from the tree in Aegypt Balsamum.

¶ The Temperature.

Balsame is hot and dry in the second degree, with astriction.

¶ The Vertues.

Naturall Balsame taken in a morning fasting, with a little Rosewater or wine, to the quantitie [ A] of fiue or six drops, helpeth those that be asthmatike, or short of winde: it preuaileth against the paines of the bladder, and stomacke, and comforteth the same mightily; and also amendeth a stin∣king breath; & takes away the shaking fits of the quotidian 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if it be taken two or three times.

It helpeth consumptions, clenseth the barren wombe, especially being annointed vpon a pessary, [ B] or mother suppositorie, and vsed.

The stomacke being annointed therewith, digestion is helped thereby; it also preserueth the [ C] stomacke from obstructions and windinesse; it helpeth the hardnesse of the spleene; easeth the griefes of the reines and belly, proceeding of cold causes.

It also taketh away all manner of aches, proceeding of cold causes, if they be annointed there∣with; [ D] but more speedily, if a linnen cloth be wet therein, and laid thereon: vsed in the same man∣ner, it dissolueth hard tumors, called 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and strengthneth the weake members.

The same refresheth the braine, and comforteth the parts adioining, it helpeth the palsie, con∣vulsions, [ E] and all griefes of the sinewes, if they be annoitned therewith.

The maruellous effects that it worketh in new and greene wound, were heere too long to set [ F] downe, and also superfluous; considering the skilfull Chirurgion whom it most concerneth, doth know the vse thereof; and as for the beggerly Quacksaluers, Runnagates, and knauish Mounti∣banks, we are not willing to instruct them in things so far aboue their reach, capacitie and worthi∣nesse.

CHAP. 146. Of a kinde of Balme, or Balsame Tree.

¶ The Description.

THis tree which the people of the Indies do call Molli, groweth to the bignesse of a great tree, hauing a trunke or body of a darke greene colour, sprinkled ouer with many ash coloured

spots: the branches are many, and of very great beautie; whereupon do grow leaues not vnlike to those of the Ash-tree, consisting of many small leaues, set vpon a middle rib; growing narrower euer towards the point, euery particular one jagged on the sides like the teeth of a saw; which be∣ing plucked from the stem, yeeldeth forth a milkie juice; tough and clammie, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like the bruised leaues of Fenell, and as it seemeth in taste somewhat astringent: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grow in clu∣sters vpon the twiggie branches, like those of the Vine a little before the grapes be formed: after followeth the fruit or berries, somewhat greater than Pepper cornes, of an oilic substance, greene at the first, and of a darke reddish colour when they be ripe. ‡ The first of the sigures was taken from a tree, only of three yeeres growth, but the latter from a tree come to his full growth, as it is affirmed in Clusius his Cur. Poster. It differs only in that the leaues of the old trees are not at all snipt or diuided on the edges. ‡

[illustration]

1 Molli, siue Molly Clusij, & Lobelij. The Balsame tree of Clusius and Lobels description.

[illustration]

‡ 2 Molle arboris adult ae ramus. A branch of the old tree of Molle.

¶ The Place.

This tree, saith a learned Physition called Ioh. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, doth grow in the King of Spaine his garden at Madryll, which was the first that euer he did see: since which time, Iohn Ferdinando Se∣cretary vnto the foresaid king did shew vnto the said Fragosus in his owne 'garden a tree so large, and of such beautie, that he was neuer satisfied with looking on it, and meditating vpon the vertues thereof. Which words I haue receiued from the hands of a famous learned man, called M^r. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Browne, D^r. in Physicke, and Physition to the Queenes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, at the impression hereof; faith∣fully translated out of the Spanish tongue, without adding or taking any thing away.

They grow plentifully in the vales and low grounds of Peru, as all affirme that haue trauelled to the VVest Indies; as also those that haue described the singularities thereof. My selfe with diuers others, as namely M^r. Nicholas Lete, a worshipfull Merchant of the Citie of London; and also a most skilfull Apothecary, M^r. Iames Garret, who haue receiued seeds hereof from the right Hono∣rable the Lord Hunsdon, Lord high Chamberlaine of England, worthy of triple honour for his care in getting, as also for his curious keeping rare and strange things brought from the far∣thest parts of the world; which seedes we haue sowne in our gardens, where they haue brought forth plants of a foot high; and also their beautifull leaues: notwithstanding our care, 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

and industry, they haue perished at the first approch of winter, as not being able by reason of their tendernesse to indure the cold of our Winter blasts.

¶ The Time.

As touching the time of his flourishing, and bringing his fruit to maturitie, we haue as yet no certaine knowledge, but is thought to be greene both VVinter and Sommer.

¶ The Names.

This most notable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is called by the Indian name Molle: of some, Molly, and Muelle, taken from his tender softnesse, as some haue deemed: it may be called the Fennell tree, or one of the Balme, or Balsam trees.

¶ The Temperature.

This tree is thought to be of an astringent or binding qualitie; whereby it appeares besides the hot temperature it hath, to be compounded of diuers other faculties.

¶ The Vertues.

The Indians vse to seeth the fruit or berries hereof in water, and by a speciall skill they haue in [ A] the boiling, do make a most wholesome wine or drinke, as also a kind of vineger, and sometimes ho∣ny; which are very strange effects, these three things being so contrary in taste.

The leaues boiled, and the decoction drunke, helpeth them of any disease proceeding of a cold [ B] cause.

The gum which issueth from the tree, being white like vnto Manna, dissolued in milke, taketh [ C] away the web of the eics, and cleareth the sight, being wiped ouer with it.

The barke of this tree boiled, and the legs that be swolne and full of paine, bathed and washed [ D] with the decoction diuers times, taketh away both infirmities in short space.

This tree is of such estimation among the Indians, that they worship it as a god, according vnto [ E] their sauage rites and ceremonies: much like as Pliny reporteth of Homers Moly, the most renowned of all plants, which they had in old time in such estimation and reuerence, that as it is recorded, the gods gaue it the name of Moly, and so writeth Ouid:

Pacifer huic dederat florem Cyllenius album, Moly vocant Superi, nigraradice tenetur.

If any be desirous to see more hereof, they may reade a learned discourse of it set forth in the La∣tine [ F] tongue, by the learned Lobel, who hath at large written the historie thereof, dedicated vnto the right Honourable, the Lord Chamberlaine, at the Impression hereof, faithfully ouerseene and ex∣amined by the learned Physition before remembred, M^r. Doctor Browne, and his censure vpon the same. ‡ Together with Lobels reply, who iudged this plant (and not without good reason) to be a kinde of the true Balsam of the Antients, and not much different from that set forth by Pro∣sper Alpinus, whereof I haue made mention in the foregoing chapter. ‡

CHAP. 147. Of the Canell, or Cinnamon tree.

¶ The Description.

1 THe tree which hath the Cinnamon for his barke is of the stature of an Oliue tree: hauing a body as thick as a mans thigh, from which the Cinnamon is taken; but that taken from the smaller branches is much better: which branches or boughes are many, and very straight; wher∣on do grow beautifull leaues, in shape like those of the Orenge tree, and of the colour of the Bay leafe (not as it hath been reported) like vnto the leaues of flags or floure de-Luce: among these plea∣sant leaues and branches come forth many faire white floures, which turne into round blacke fruit or berries, of the bignesse of an Hasell Nut, or the Oliue berry, and of a blacke colour; out of which is pressed an oile, that hath no smell at all vntill it be rubbed and chafed betweene the hands: the trunke or body with the greater armes or boughes of the tree are couered with a double or twofold barke, like that of Suber, the Corke tree: the innermost whereof is the true and pleasant Cinnamon, which is taken from the tree, and cast vpon the ground in the heate of the Sunne; through the heate

[illustration]

Canellae folium, Bacillus, & Cortex. The leafe, barke, and trunke of the Cin∣namon tree.

thereof it turneth and foldeth it selfe round together, as wee daily see by viewing the thing it selfe: this tree being thus peeled, recouereth a new barke in the space of three yeares, and is then ready to be disbarked as afore. That Cinnamon which is of a paleco∣lour hath not been well dried in the Sunne: that of a faire browne colour is best; & that which is blackish, hath been too much dri∣ed, and also hath taken some wet in the time of drying.

‡ 2 Besides the Cinnamon vulgarly knowne and vsed, there is another sort which also is commonly receiued for the Cassia of Dioscorides and the Antients. Now this dif∣fers from the former in that it is of a redder colour, of a more hard, sollid, and compact substance, commonly also thicker, & if you chew it, more clammy and viscous: the taste and smell are much like Cinnamon, yet not altogether so strong as that of the best Cin∣namon. There is much controuersie in late Writers concerning both the true Cinna∣mon, and Cassia of the Antients: the which I haue not time nor space here to mention, much lesse to insist vpon: I haue obserued that both the Cinnamon and Cassia that we haue are couered ouer with a rough grayish barke, like that of an Oke or other such tree, which is cleane scraped off, and taken away before it be brought to vs. ‡

¶ The Place.

The chiefest places where the trees doe grow that beare Cinnamon, are Zeilan, and Malauar: but those of Zeilan are the best: they grow in other of the Molucca Ilands, as Iaoa, or Iaua, the greater and the lesse, and also in Mindanoa, for the most part vpon mountaines.

¶ The Time.

The Cinnamon tree groweth green win∣ter and Sommer, as do all the other trees of the Moluccaes, and East Indies for the most part: the boughes whereof are cut off at sea∣sonable times, by the expresse commandement of the King of the Country; and not before he hauc appointed the time.

There hath beene some controuersie among writers concerning the tree whose bark is Cassia, and that tree that beareth Cinnamon, making them both one tree: but that opinion is not to be recei∣ued: for there is a great difference betweene them, as there is betwixtan Oke, and a Chestnut tree; for the tree whose barke is Cassia, is doubtlesse a bastard kinde of Canell, or Cinnamon: in shew it is very like, but in sweetnesse of smell and other circumstances belonging to Cinnamon, farre in∣feriour.

¶ The Names.

Cinnamon is called in Italian Canella: in Spanish, Canola: in French, Canelle: in high Dutch, Zimmet coezlin: the Grecians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Latines likewise Cinnamomum: the Arabians, Darseni, and as some say, Querfaa, others, Querfe: in Zeilan, Cuurde: in the Island Iaua they name it Cameaa: in Ormus, Darchini (i.) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chinense, the wood of China: in Malauar, Cais mains, which in their tongue signifieth Dulce 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Sweet wood: in English, Cinnamome, Cinnamon, and Canell. The other is called Cassia, and Cassia lignea.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Dioscorides writeth, that Cinnamon hath power to warme, and is of thinne parts: it is also drie

and astringent, it prouoketh vrine, cleareth the eies, and maketh sweet breath.

The decoction bringeth downe the menses, preuaileth against the bitings of venomous beasts' [ B] the inflammation of the intestines and reines.

The distilled water hereof is profitable to many, and for diuers infirmities, it comforteth the [ C] 〈◊〉〈◊〉, cold, and feeble stomacke, easeth the paines and frettings of the guts and intrailes procee∣ding of cold causes, it amendeth the cuill colour of the face, maketh sweet breath, & giueth a most pleasant taste vnto diuers sorts of meats, and maketh the same not onely more pleasant, but also more wholesome for any bodies of what constitution soeuer they be, notwithstanding the binding qualitie.

The oile drawne chimically preuaileth against the paines of the brest, comforteth the stomacke, [ D] breaketh windinesse, causeth good digestion, and being mixed with some honie, taketh away spots from the face, being annointed therewith.

The distilled water of the floures of the tree, as Garcias the Lusitanian Physition writeth, excel∣leth [ E] far in sweetnesse all other waters whatsoeuer, which is profitable for such thingsas the barke it selfe is.

Out of the berries of this tree is drawn by expression, as out of the berries of the Oliue 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a cer∣taine [ F] oyle, or rather a kinde of fat like butter, without any smell at all, except it bee made warme, and then it smelleth as the Cinnamon doth, and is much vsed against the coldnesse of the sinewes all paines of the ioints, and also the paines and distemperature of the stomacke and breast.

To write as the worthinesse of the subiect requireth, would aske more time than we haue to be∣stow [ G] vpon any one plant; therefore these few shall suffice, knowing that the thing is of great vse a∣mong many, and knowne to most.

‡ Cassia vsed in a larger quantitie serueth well for the same purposes which Cinnamon [ H] doth. ‡

CHAP. 142. Of Gum Lacke and his rotten tree.

[illustration]

Lacca cum suis bacillis. Gum Lacke with his staffe or sticke.

¶ The Description.

THe tree that bringeth forth that excremen∣tal substance called Lacca, bothin the shops of Europ and elsewhere, is called of the Arabi∣ans, Persians and Turkes, Loc 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as who should say, Lacca of Sumutra: some which haue so termed it, haue thought that the first plentie thereof came from Sumutra, but herein they haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for the abundant store thereof came from Pegu, where the inhabitants therof do cal it Lac, & others of the same Prouince, Trec: the history of which tree, according to that famous Herbarist Clusius is as followeth. [There is in the countrey of Pegu and Malabar, a great tree, whose leaues are like them of the Plum tree, ha∣uing many small twiggie branches; when the trunk or body of the tree waxeth old, it rotteth in sundry places, wherein do breed certain great Ants or Pismires, which continually work and labour in the time of Haruest and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a∣gainst the penurie of Winter: such is the dili∣gence of those Ants, or such is the nature of the tree wherein they harbour, or both, that they prouide for their winter sood, a lumpe or masse of substance, which is of a crimson colour, so beautifull and so faire, as in the whole World the like is not seene, which serueth not onely to physicall, vses but is a perfect and costly colour for Painters, called by vs, Indian Lack. The Pismires (as I said) worke out this colour, by sucking the substance or matter of Lacca from the tree, as Bees do make honie and wax, by sucking the matter

thereof from all herbes, trees, and floures, and the inhabi tants of that country, do as diligently seek for this Lacca, as we in England and other countries seeke in the woods for honie; which Lacca af∣ter they haue found, they take from the tree, and dry it into a lump; among which sometimes there come ouer some sticks and pieces of the tree with the wings of the Ants, which haue fallen among it, as we daily see.

‡ The Indian Lacke or Lake which is the rich colour vsed by Painters, is none of that which is vsed in shops, nor here figured or described by Clusius, wherefore our Author was much mistaken in that he here confounds together things so different; for this is of a resinous substance, and a faint red colour, and wholly vnfit for Painters, but vsed alone and in composition to make the best hard sealing wax. The other seemes to be an artificiall thing, and is of an exquisite crimson colour, but of what it is, or how made, I haue not as yet found any thing that carries any probabilitie of truth. ‡

¶ The Place.

The tree which beareth Lacca groweth in Zeilan and Malauar, and in other parts of the East Indies.

¶ The Time.

Of the time we haue no certaine knowledge.

¶ The Names.

Indian Lacke is called in shops Lacca: in Italian, Lachetta: Auicen calleth it Luch: Paulus and Dioscorides, as some haue thought, Cancamum: the other names are expressed in the description.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Lack or Lacca is hot in the second degree, it comforteth the heart and liuer, openeth obstructi∣ons, [ A] expelleth vrine, and preuaileth against the dropsie.

There is an artificiall Lack made of the scrapings of Brasill and Saffron, which is vsed of Pain∣ers, [ B] and not to be vsed in Physicke as the other naturall Lacca.

CHAP. 149. Of the Indian leafe.

[illustration]

Tamalapatra. The Indian leafe.

¶ The Description.

TAmalapatra, or the Indian leafe grows vpon a great tree like the Orenge tree, with like leaues also, but broader, a little sharp pointed, of a greene glistering colour, and three small ribs running through each leafe, after the man∣ner of Ribwort, wherby it is easie to be known: it smelleth somewhat like vnto Cloues, but not so strong as Spikenard or Mace (as some haue deemed) nor yet of so sub till and quick a sent as Cinnamon. There was sent or added vnto this figure by Cortusus a certaine fruit like vnto a small Acorn, with this inscription, Fru∣ctus Canellae, the fruit of the Canell tree, which may be doubted of, considering the descripti∣on of the forenamed tree holden generally of most to be perfect.

¶ The Place.

The Indian leafe groweth not fleeting vpon the water like vnto Lens palustris, as Dioscorides and Pliny do set downe, (though learned and painfull writers) but is the leafe of a great tree, a branch whereof wee haue set forth vnto your view, which groweth in Arabia and Cambaya, far from the water side.

¶ The Time.

Of the time we haue no certain knowledge, but it is supposed to be green winter and som∣mer.

¶ The Names.

Tamalapatra is called of the Indians in their mother tongue, especially of the Arabians, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Indi, or Ladegi Indi, that is, Folium Indicum, or Indum, the Indian leafe: but the Mauritanians doe call it Tembul. The Latines and Grecians following some of the Arabians, haue called it Mala∣bathrum.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The Indian leafe is hot and dry in the second degree, agreeing with Nardus in temperature, or as [ A] others report with Mace: it prouoketh vrine mightily, warmeth and comforteth the stomacke, and helpeth digestion.

It preuaileth against the pin and web in the eyes, the inflamed and waterie eyes, and all other in∣firmities [ B] of the same.

It is laid among cloathes, as well to keepe them from moths and other vermine, as also to giue [ C] vnto them a sweet smell.

CHAP. 150. Of the Cloue tree.

[illustration]

Caryophylli veri Clusij. The true forme of the Cloue tree.

¶ The Description.

THe Cloue tree groweth great in forme like vnto the Bay tree, the trunke or bo∣die whereof is couered with a russet barke: the branches are many, long, and very brittle, whereupon do grow leaues like those of the Bay tree, but somewhat narrower: amongst which come the floures, white at the first, af∣ter of a greenish colour, waxing of a darke red colour in the end: which floures are the very cloues when they grow hard: after when they be dried in the Sunne they become of that dusky black colour which we dayly see, wherein they continue. For those that wee haue in estimation are beaten downe to the ground before they be ripe, and are suffered there to lie vpon the ground vntill they bee dried throughly, where there is neither grasse, weeds, nor any other herbes growing to hinder the same, by reason the tree draw∣eth vnto it selfe for his nourishment all the moisture of the earth a great circuit round about, so that nothing can there grow for want of moisture, and therfore the more con∣uenient for the drying of the Cloues. Con∣trariwise, that grosse kinde of Cloues which hath beene supposed to be the male, are nothing else than fruit of the same tree tarrying there vntill it fall downe of it selfe vnto the ground, where by reason of his long lying, and meeting with some raine in the mean season, it loseth the quick taste that the others haue. Some haue called these Fusti, whereof we may English them Fusses. Some affirme that the floures hereof surpasse all other floures in sweetnesse when they are greene; and hold the opinion, that the hardned floures are not the Cloues themselues, (as wee haue written) but thinke them rather to be the seat or huske wherein the floures doe grow: the greater number hold the former opinion. And further, that the trees are increased without labour, graffing, plan∣ting, or other industrie, but by the falling of the fruit, which beare fruit within eight yeares after they be risen vp, and so continue bearing for an hundred yeares together, as the inhabitants of that countrey do affirme.

¶ The Place.

The Cloue tree groweth in some few places of the Molucca Islands, as in Zeilan, Iaua the grea∣ter and the lesse, and in diuers other places.

¶ The Time.

The Cloues are gathered from the fifteenth of September vnto the end of Februarie, not with hands, as we gather Apples, Cherries, and such like fruit, but by beating the tree, as Wall-nuts are gotten, as we haue written in the description.

¶ The Names.

The fruit hereof was vnknowne to the antient Grecians: of the later writers called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine also Caryophyllus, and Clavus: in French, Clou de Gyrofle: the Mauritanians, Charhumfel: in Italian, Carofano: in high-Dutch, Nagel: in Spanish, Clauo de especia: of the Indians, Calasur: in the Molucca's, Changue: of the Pandets, Arumfel, and Charumfel: in English, Cloue tree, & Cloues.

¶ The Temperature.

Cloues are hot and dry in the third degree.

¶ The Vertues.

Cloues strengthen the stomacke, liuer, and heart, helpe digestion, and prouoke vrine. [ A]

The Portugall women that dwell in the East Indies draw, from the Cloues when they bee yet [ B] greene, a certaine liquor by distillation, of a most fragrant smell, which comforteth the heart, and is of all cordials the most effectuall.

Cloues stop the belly: the oile or water thereof dropped into the eyes, sharpens the sight, and [ C] clenseth away the cloud or web in the same.

The weight of foure drams of the pouder of Cloues taken in milke procureth the act of genera∣tion. [ D]

There is extracted from the Cloues a certaine oile or rather thicke butter of a yellow colour; [ E] which being chafed in the hands smelleth like the Cloues themselues, wherewith the Indians do cure their wounds and other hurts, as we do with Balsam.

The vse of Cloues, not onely in meat and medicine, but also in sweet pouder and such like, is [ F] sufficiently knowne: therefore this shall suffice. † 1.27

CHAP. 151. Of the Nutmeg tree.

[illustration]

1 Nux Muscata rotunda, siue foemina. The round or female Nutmeg.

[illustration]

2 Nux Myristica oblonga, fiue 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The longish or male Nutmeg.

[illustration]

Nux Moschatacum sua Maci. The Nutmeg with his Mace about him.

¶ The Description.

1 THe tree that beareth the Nutmeg and the Mace is in forme like to the Peare tree, but the leaues of it are like those of the Bay or Orenge tree, al∣waies greene on the vpper side, and more whi∣tish vnderneath; among which come forth the Nut and Mace as it were the floures. The Nut appeareth first, compassed about with the Mace, as it were in the middle of a single rose, which in processe of time doth wrap and in∣close the Nut round on euery side: after com∣meth a huske like that of the Wall-nut, but of an harder substance, which incloseth the Nut with his Mace as the Wall-nut husk doth co∣uer the Nut, which in time of ripenesse doth cleaue of it selfe as the Wall-nut huske doth, and sheweth his Mace, which then is of a per∣fect crimson colour, and maketh a most good∣ly shew, especially when the tree is well laden with fruit: after the Nut becommeth dry, the Mace likewise gapeth and forsaketh the Nut, euen as the first huske or couerture, and leaues it bare and naked, as we all do know; at which time it getteth to it selfe a kinde of darke yel∣low colour, and loseth that braue crimson dye which it had at the first.

‡ 2 The tree which carrieth the male Nutmeg (according to Clusius) thus differs from the last described: the leaues are like those of the former in shape, but much bigger, being sometimes a foot long, and three or foure inches broad; their common length is seuen or eight inches, and bredth two and a halfe: they are of a whi∣tish colour vnderneath, and greene and shining aboue. The Nuts also grow at the very ends of the branches, sometimes two or three together, and not onely one, as in the common kinde. The Nut it selfe is also larger and longer: the Mace that incompasses it is of a more elegant colour, but not so strong as that of the former.

I can scarse beleeue our Authors assertion in the foregoing description, that the Nut appeareth first, compassed about with the Mace as it were in the middest of a single Rose, &c. But I rather thinke they all come forth together, the Nutmeg, Mace, the greene outward huske and all, iust as we see Wall-nuts do, and onely open themselues when they come to full maturitie. In the third figure you may see exprest the whole manner of the growing of the Nutmeg, together with both the sorts of Nutmegs taken forth of their shells. ‡

¶ The Place.

The Nutmeg tree groweth in the Indies, in an Island especially called Banda, and in the Islands of Molucca, and in Zeilan, though not so good as the first.

¶ The Time.

The fruit is gathered in September in great aboundance, all things being common in those countries.

¶ The Names.

The Nutmeg tree is called of the Grecians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: of the Latines, Nux 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Nux Myristica: in Italian, Noce Moscada: in Spanish, Nuez de escetie: in French, Noix Muscade: in high-Dutch, Moschat Nurz: of the Arabians, Leuzbane, or Gianziban: of the countrey people where they grow, Palla: The Maces, Bunapalla. In Decan the Nut is called Iapatri, and the Maces, Iaifol: of Auicen, Iausiband, (i.) Nux Bandensis. The Maces he calleth Befbase: in English, Nutmeg.

¶ The Temperature.

The Nutmeg, as the Mauritanians write, is hot and dry in the second degree complete, and som∣what astringent.

¶ The Vertues.

Nutmegs cause a sweet breath, and amend those that do stink, if they be much chewed and hol∣den [ A] in the mouth.

The Nutmeg is good against freckles in the face, quickneth the sight, strengthens the belly and [ B] feeble liuer; it taketh away the swelling in the spleene, stayeth the laske, breaketh winde, and is good against all cold diseases in the body.

Nutmegs bruised and boiled in Aqua vitae vntill they haue wasted and consumed the moisture, [ C] adding thereto of Rhodomel (that is, honey of Roses) gently boiling them, being strained to the forme of a syrrup, cure all paines proceeding of windie aud cold causes, if three spoonfulls be gi∣uen fasting for certaine dayes together.

The same bruised and boyled in strong white wine vntill three parts be sodden away, with the [ D] roots of Mother-wort added thereto in the boyling, and strained: this liquor drunke with some su∣gar cureth all gripings of the belly proceeding of windinesse.

As touching the choice, there is not any so simple but knoweth that the heauiest, fattest, and ful∣lest [ E] of iuice are the best, which may easily be found out by pricking the same with a pinne or such like.

CHAP. 152. Of the Pepper Plant.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of Pepper, that is to say, white, blacke, and long Pepper, one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and longer than the other; and also a kinde of Ethiopian Pepper.

[illustration]

1 Piper nigrum. Blacke Pepper.

[illustration]

2 Piper album. White Pepper.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Plant that beareth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pepper groweth vp like a Vine among bushes and brambles where it naturally groweth; but where it is manured it is sowne at the bot∣tome of the tree Faufel and the Date trees, whereon it taketh hold, and clymbeth vp euen to the top, as doth the Vine, ramping and taking hold with his clasping tendrels of any other

thing it meeteth withall. The leaues are few in number, ‡ growing at each ioint one, first on one side of the stalke, then on the other, like in shape to the long vndiuided leaues of luy, but thinner, sharpe pointed, and sometimes so broad, that they are foure inches ouer, but most commonly two inches broad, and foure long, hauing alwaies fiue pretty large nerues running alongst them. The fruit grow clustering together vpon long stalks, which come forth at the ioints against the leaues, as you may see in the figure: the root (as one may coniecture) is creeping; for the branches that lie on the ground do at their ioints put forth new fibres or roots. We are beholden to Clusius for this exact figure and description, which he made by certaine branches which were brought home by the Hollanders from the East Indies. The curious may see more hereof in his Exotickes and notes vpon Garcias. ‡

[illustration]

† 1.28 3 Piper longum. Long Pepper.

[illustration]

4 Piper Aethiopicum, siue Vita longa. Pepper of Ethiopia.

2 The Plant that brings white Pepper is not to be distinguished from the other plant, but only by the colour of the fruit, no more than a Vine that beareth blacke Grapes, from that which brin∣geth white: and of some it is thought, that the selfe same plant doth sometimes change it selfe from black to white, as diuers other plants do. ‡ Neither Clusius, nor any other else that I haue yet met with, haue deliuered vs any thing of certaine, of the plant whereon white Pepper growes: Clu∣sius only hath giuen vs the manner how it growes vpon the stalkes, as you may see it here exprest ‡.

There is also another kinde of Pepper, seldome brought into these parts of Europe, called Piper Canarium: it is hollow within, light, and empty, but good to draw flegme from the head, to helpe the tooth-ache and cholericke affects.

3 The tree that beareth long Pepper hath no similitude at all with the plant that brings black and white Pepper: some haue deemed them to grow all on one tree, which is not consonant to truth, for they grow in countries far distant one from another, and also that countrey where there is blacke Pepper hath not any of the long Pepper; and therefore Galen following Dioscorides, were together both ouerseen in this point. This tree, saith Monardes, is not great, yet of a wooddy sub∣stance, dispersing here and there his clasping tendrels, wherewith it taketh hold of other trees and such other things as do grow neere vnto it. The branches are many and twiggie, whereon growes the fruit, consisting of many graines growing vpon a slender foot-stalke, thrust or compact close

[illustration]

‡ 5 Piper Caudatum. Tailed Pepper.

together, greene at the first, and afterward blac∣kish; in taste sharper and hotter than common blacke Pepper, yet sweeter, and of better taste. ‡ For this figure also I acknowledge my selfe beholden to the learned and diligent Clusi us, who caused it to be drawne from a branch of some foot in length, that he receiued from D^r. Lambert Hortensius, who brought it from the In∣dies. The order of growing of the leaues, and fruit is like that of the blacke; but the joints stand somewhat thicker together, the leafe also doth little differ from that of the blacke, onely it is thinner, of a lighter greene, and (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thought) hath a shorter foot-stalke, the veines or nerues also were lesse imminent, more in number, and run from the middle rib to the sides, rather than alongst the leafe. ‡

4 This other kinde of Pepper brought vnto vs from Aethiopia, called of the country where it groweth, Piper Aethiopicum: in shops, Amomum, and also Longa Vita. It groweth vpon a small tree, in manner of an hedge bush, where∣upon grow long cods in bunches, a finger long, of a browne colour, vneuen, and bunched or puft vp in diuers places, diuided into fiue or six loc∣kers or cels, each whereof containeth a round seed somewhat long, lesser than the seeds of Paeony, in taste like common Pepper, or Cardamomum, whose facultie and temperature it is thought to haue, whereof we hold it a kinde.

5 Another kinde of Pepper is sometimes brought, which the Spaniards do call Pimenta de 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that is, Pepper with a taile: it is like vnto Cubebes, round, full, somewhat rough, blacke of colour, and of a sharpe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taste, like the common Pepper, of a good smell: it groweth by clusters vp∣on small stems or stalkes, which some haue vnaduisedly taken for Amomum. The King of Portin∣gal forbad this kinde of Pepper to be brought ouer, for feare least the right Pepper should be the lesse esteemed, and so himselfe hindered in the sale thereof.

¶ The Place.

Blacke and white Pepper grow in the kingdome of Malauar, and that very good; in Malaca al∣so, but not so good; and also in the Islands Sunde and Cude: there is great store growing in the kingdome of China, and some in Cananor, but not much.

Pepper of Aethiopia groweth in America, in all the tract of the country where Nata and Car∣thago are situated. The rest hath been spoken of in their seuerall descriptions. The white Pepper is not so common as the blacke, and is vsed there in stead of salt.

¶ The Time.

The plant riseth vp in the first of the spring; the fruit is gathered in August.

¶ The Names.

The Grecians, who had best knowledge of Pepper, do call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the Latines, Piper: the Ara∣bians, Fulfel and Fulful: in Italian, Pepe: in Spanish, Pimenta: in French, Poiure in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Pepper.

That of Aerhiopia is called, Piper Aethiopicum, Amomum, Vita longa, and of some, Cardamomum, whereof we hold it to be a kinde. I receiued a branch hereof at the hands of a learned Physition of London, called M^r. Steuen Bredwell, with his fruit also.

¶ The Temperature.

The Arabians and Persian Physitians iudge, that Pepper is hot in the third degree.

But the Indian Physitians which for the most part are Emperickes, hold that Pepper is cold, as almost all other spice, which are hot indeed: the long Pepper is hot also in the third degree, and as we haue said, is thought to be the best of all the kindes.

¶ The Vertues.

Dioscorides and others agreeing with him, affirme, that Pepper resisteth poison, and is good to [ A] be put in medicaments for the eies.

All Pepper heateth, prouoketh vrine, digesteth, draweth, disperseth, and clenseth the dimnesse [ B] of the sight as Dioscorides noteth.

CHAP. 153. Of bastard Pepper, called Betle, or Betre.

[illustration]

Betle, siue Betre. Bastard Pepper.

¶ The 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

THis plant climeth and rampeth vpon trees, bushes, or whatsoeuer else it meeteth with∣all, like vnto the Vine, or the blacke Pepper, whereof some hold it for a kinde. The leaues are like those of the greater Bindeweed, but somewhat longer, of a dustie colour, with di∣uers veines or ribs running through the same. The fruit groweth among the leaues, very croo∣kedly writhed, in shape like the taile of a Ly∣zard, of the taste of Pepper, yet very pleasant to the palate.

¶ The Place.

It groweth among the Date trees, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in most of the Molucca Islands, especially in the marrish grounds.

¶ The Time.

The time answereth that of Pepper.

¶ The Names.

This hath been taken for the Indian leafe, but not properly: of most it is called Tembul, and Tambul: in Malauar 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Decan, Gu∣zarat, and Canam it is called Pam: in Molaio, Siri.

¶ The Vse and Temperature.

The leaues chewed in the mouth are of a bit∣ter taste, whereupon (saith Garcias) they put thereto some Areca and with the lime made of oyster shels, whereunto they also adde some Amber Griece, Lignum Aloes, and such like, which they stampe together, making it into a paste, which they role vp into round balls, keepe dry for their vse, and carry the same in their mouthes vntill by little and little it is consumed; as when we carry sugar-Candy in our mouthes, or the iuice of Licorice; which is not onely vnto the seely Indians meate, but also drinke in their tedious trauels, refreshing their wearied spirits; and hel∣ping memory: which is esteemed among the Empericke Physitions, to be hot and dry in the se∣cond degree. ‡ Garcias doth not affirme that the Indians eate it for meate, or in want of drinke, but that they eate it after meate, and that to giue the breath a pleasant sent, which they count a great grace, so that if an inferiour person that hath not chewed Betre, or some such thing, come to speak with any great man, he holds his hand before his mouth lest his breath should offend him. ‡

CHAP. 154. Of Graines, or Graines of Paradise.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of Graines, some long, others Peare fashion; some greater; and others lesser.

¶ The Description.

† THe first figure hereof setteth forth vnto your view the cod wherein the hot spice lieth, which we call Graines: in shops, Grana Paradisi: it groweth, by the report of the Lear∣ned, vpon a low herby plant: the leaues are some foure inches long, and three broad, with some∣what a thicke middle rib, from which run transuerse fibres; they much in shape resemble those of Cloues. The fruit is like a great cod or huske, in shape like a Fig when it groweth vpon the tree, but of colour russet, thrust full of small seeds or graines of a darke reddish colour (as the Figure sheweth which is diuided) of an exceeding hot taste.

[illustration]

Cardamomi genera. The kindes or sorts of Graines.

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 manus vulg

[illustration]

Caxdamomum manus vulg.

The other sorts may be distinguished by the sight of the picture, considering the onely diffe∣rence consists in forme.

¶ The Place.

Graines grow in Ginny, and the Cardamones in all the East Indies, from the port of Calecute vnto Cananor; it groweth in Malauar, in Ioa, and in diuers other places.

¶ The Time.

They spring vp in May, being sowne of seed, and bring their fruit to ripenesse in September.

¶ The Names.

Graines are called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Cardamomum: of the Arabians, Corrumeni: of diuers Gentiles, Dore: of Auicen, Saccolaa quebir (i.) magnum: the other, Saccolaa ceguer (i.) minus. It is called in Malauar, Etremelli: in Zeilan, Encal: in Bengala, Guzarat, and Decan, Hil, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The first and largest sort are called of some, Mileguetta, and Milegetta: in English, Grains, and Graines of Paradice.

¶ The Temperature.

Auicen writeth, that Saccolaa, Cardamomum, or Grana Paradisi, are hot and dry in the third degree, with astriction.

¶ The Vertues.

The Graines chewed in the mouth draw forth from the head and stomacke waterish and pitui∣tous [ A] humors.

They also comfort and warme the weake, cold, and feeble stomacke, helpe the ague, and rid the [ B] shaking fits, being drunke with Sacke.

CHAP. 155. Of Yucca or Jucca.

[illustration]

Yucca, siue Iucca Peruana. The root whereof the bread Casaua or Cazaua is made.

¶ The Description.

THe Plant of whose root the Indian bread called Cazaua is made, is a low herbe consisting onely of leaues and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: it hath neither stalke, floures, nor fruit, that I can vn∣derstand of others, or by experience of the plant it selfe, which hath growne in my gar∣den foure yeares together, and yet doth grow and prosper exceedingly; neuerthelesse with∣out stalke, fruit, or floures, as aforesaid. It hath a very great root, thicke and tuberous, and ve∣rie knobby, full of iuice somewhat sweet in taste, but of a pernicious qualitie, as saith my Author: from which root riseth vp immedi∣ately forth of the ground very many leaues ioyned vnto the head of the root in a round circle; the which are long, of the length of a cubit, hollowed like a gutter or trough, verie smooth, and of a greene colour, like that of Woade: the edges of the leaues are sharpe like the edge of a knife, and of a browne 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the point of the leafe is a prick as sharp as a needle, which hurteth those that vnadui∣sedly passe by it: the leafe with aduised eye viewed is like vnto a little 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or such like boat: they are also very tough hard to break, and not easie to cut, except the knife be very sharpe.

‡ Lobel in the second part of his Aduersa∣ria largely describes and figures this plant; and there hee affirmes hee wrot a description (the which he there sets downe) for our Au∣thor; but he did not follow it, and therefore committed these errours: First, in that hee saith it is the root whereof Cazaua bread was made; when as Lobel in his description said he thought it to be Alia species à Yucca Indica ex qua panis communis fit. Secondly, in that he set downe the place out of the Historia Lugd. (who tooke it out of Theuet) endeauouring by that meanes to confound it with that there mentioned, when as he had his from M^r. Edwards his man. And thirdly, (for which in∣deed he was most blame-worthy, and wherein he most shewed his weakenesse) for that hee doth confound it with the Manihot or true Yuicca, which all affirme to haue a leafe like that of hemp, par∣ted into seuen or more diuisions: and also in that he puts it to the Arachidna of Theophrastus, when as he denies it both floure and fruit; yet within some few yeares after our Author had set forth this Worke it floured in his garden.

This some yeares puts forth a pretty stiffe round stalke some three cubits high, diuided into di∣uers vnequall branches carrying many pretty large floures, shaped somewhat like those of Fritil∣laria, but that they are narrower at their bottomes: the leaues of the floure are six: the colour on the inside white, but on the out side of an ouerworne reddish colour from the stalke to the middest of the leafe; so that it is a floure of no great beautie, yet to be esteemed for the raritie. I saw it once floure in the garden of M^r. Wilmot at Bow, but neuer since, though it hath been kept for many yeares in sundry other gardens, as with M^r. Parkinson and M^r. Tuggy. This was first written of by our Author; and since by Lobel and M^r. Parkinson, who keepe the same name, as also Bauhine, who to distinguish it from the other calls it Yucca folijs Aloes. ‡

¶ The Place.

This plant groweth in all the tract of the Indies, from the Magellane straights vnto the cape of Florida, and in most of the Islands of the Canibals, and others adioyning, from whence I had that plant brought me that groweth in my garden, by a seruant of a learned and skilfull Apothecary of Excester, named M^r. Tho. Edwards.

¶ The Time.

It keepeth greene both Winter and Sommer in my garden, without any couerture at all, not∣withstanding the iniurie of our cold clymat.

¶ The Names.

It is reported vnto me by Trauellers, that the Indians do call it in some parts, Manihot, but ge∣nerally Yucca and Iucca: it is thought to be the plant called of Theophrastus, Arachidna; and of Pliny, Aracidna.

¶ The Temperature.

This plant is hot and dry in the first degree, which is meant by the feces or drosse, when the poi∣sonous iuice is pressed or strained forth, and is also dry in the middle of the second degree.

CHAP. 156. Of the fruit Anacardium, and Caious, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

¶ The Description.

THe antient writers haue been very briefe in the historie of Anacardium: the Grecians haue tou∣ched it by the name of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, taking the name from the likenesse it hath of an heart both in shape and colour, called of the Portugals that inhabit the East Indies, Faua de Malaqua, the bean of Malaca; for being greene, and as it hangeth on the tree, it resembleth a Beane, sauing that it is much bigger: but when they be dry they are of a shining blackish colour, containing between the outward rinde and the kernell (which is like an Almond) a certaine oile of a sharpe causticke or burning qualitie, called Mel Acardinum, although the kernell is vsed in meates and sauces, as we do Oliues and such like, to procure appetite.

[illustration]

Anacardium. The Beane of Malaca.

[illustration]

Caious. The kidney Beane of Malaca.

The other fruit groweth vpon a tree of the bignesse of a Peare tree: the leaues are much like to those of the Oliue tree, but thicker and fatter, of a feint greene colour: the floures are white, consi∣sting of many small leaues much like the floures of the Cherry tree, but much doubled, without smell: after commeth the fruit (according to Clusius, of the forme and magnitude of a goose egge, full of iuice; in the end whereof is a nut) in shape like an Hares kidney, hauing two rindes, be∣tween which is contained a most hot and sharp oile like that of Anacardium, whereof it is a kind.

The Beane or kernell it selfe is no lesse pleasant and wholsome in eating, than the Pistacia, or Fi∣sticke nut, whereof the Indians do eate with great delight, affirming that it prouoketh Venerie, wherein is their chiefest felicitie. The fruit is contained in long cods like those of Beans, but grea∣ter: neere vnto which cods commeth forth an excrescence like vnto an apple, very yellow, of a good smell, spongious within, and full of iuice, without any seeds, stones, or graines at all, somewhat sweet in taste, at the one end narrower than the other, Peare fashion, or like a little bottle, which hath bin reputed of some for the fruit, but not rightly; for it is rather an excrescence, as is the oke Apple.

¶ The Place.

The first growes in most parts of the East Indies, especially in Cananor, Calecute, Cambaya, and Decan. The later in Brasile.

¶ The Time.

These trees floure and flourish Winter and Sommer.

¶ The Names.

Their names haue been touched in their descriptions. The first is called Anacardium, of the like∣nesse it hath with an heart: of the Arabians, Balador: of the Indians, Bibo.

The second is called Caious, and is thus written, Caiöüs, and Caius: of some, Caiocus.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

The oile of the fruit is hot and dry in the fourth degree, it hath also a causticke or corrosiue qua∣litie: [ A] it taketh away warts, breaketh apostumes, preuaileth against leprie, alopecia, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the paine of the teeth, being put into the hollownesse thereof.

The people of Malauar do vse the said oile mingled with chalke, to marke their cloathes or any [ B] other thing they desire to be coloured or marked, as we do vse chalke, okar, and red marking stones, but their colour will not be taken forth againe by any manner of art whatsoeuer.

They also giue the kernell steeped in whay to them that be asthmaticke or short winded; and [ C] when the fruit is yet green they sticke the same so steeped against the wormes.

The Indians for their pleasure will giue the fruit vpon a thorne or some other sharpe thing, and [ D] hold it in the flame of a candle, or any other flame, which there will burne with such crackings, lightnings, and withall yeeld so many strange colours, that it is great pleasure to the beholders which haue not seene the like before.

CHAP. 157. Of Indian Morrice Bells, and diuers other Indian Fruits.

[illustration]

† 1.29 1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Theueti. Indian Morrice Bels.

[illustration]

† 1.30 2 Fructus Higuero. Indian Morosco bels.

¶ The Description.

THis fruit groweth vpon a great tree of the bignesse of a Peare tree, full of branches, garnished with many leaues which are alwaies greene, three or foure fingers long, and in bredth two: when the branches are cut off there issueth a milky iuice not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the fruit in his venomous

qualitie. The trunke or body is couered with a grayish barke: the timber is white and soft, not fit to make fire of, much lesse for any othervse; for being cut and put to the fire to burne, it yeeldeth sorth such a loathsome and horrible stinke, that neither man nor beast are able to endure it: where∣fore the Indians haue no vse thereof, but onely of the fruit, which in shape is like the Greeke letter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the bignesse of a Chestnut, and couered with a most hard shell, wherein is contained a kernel of a most venomous and poysonsome qualitie, wherewith the men being angry with their wiues, do poyson them, and likewise the women their husbands: they likewise vse to dip or anoint and invenome their arrowes therewith, the more speedily to dispatch their enemies. Which kernell they take forth with some conuenient instrument, leauing the shell as whole as may be, not tou∣ching the kernell with their hands because of its venomous qualitie, which would spoile their hands, and sometimes take away their life also. In which shells they put some little stones, and tye them vpon strings (as you may perceiue by the figure) which they dry in the Sunne, and after tye them about their legs, as we do bells, to set forth their dances, and Morosco Matachina's, wherein they take great pleasure, by reason they thinke themselues to excell in those kindes of dances. Which ratling sound doth much delight them, because it setteth forth the distinction of sounds, for they tune them and mix them with great ones and little ones, in such sort as we doe chimes or bells.

2 There is also another sort hereof, differing onely in forme; they are of the like venomous qualitie, and vsed for the same purpose. ‡ The fruit of Higuerro is like that of a gourd in pulpe, and it may be eaten: the shape of the fruit is round, whereas the former is three cornered. ‡

¶ The Place.

These do grow in most parts of the West Indies, especially in some of the Islands of the Cani∣bals, who vse them in their dances more than any of the other Indians. ‡ You may see these vpon strings as they are here figured, amongst many other varieties, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Iohn Tradescant at South Lambeth. ‡

¶ The Time.

We haue no certaine knowledge of the time of flouring or bringing the fruit to maturitie.

¶ The Names and Vse.

We haue sufficiently spoken of the names and vse hereof, therefore what hath beene said may suffice.

CHAP. 158. Of the vomiting and purging Nuts.

[illustration]

1 Nuces vomicae. Vomiting Nuts.

[illustration]

1 Nuces purgantes. Purging Nuts.

¶ The Description.

1 AVicen and Serapio make Nux vomica, and Nux 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to be one, whereabout there hath been much cauelling; yet the case is plaine, if the text be true, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Apple's Nux Methel Of the tree that beareth the fruit that is called in shops 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vom 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nux Methel, we haue no certaine knowledge: some are of opinion, that the fruit is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 herbe, and not the nut of a tree: and therefore since the case among the learned resteth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leaue the rest that might be said to a further consideration. The fruit is round, flat, like a little 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a russet ouerworne colour, fat and firme, in taste sweet, and of such an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 possible to stampe it in a mortar to powder; but when it is to be vsed, it must be grated or scraped with some instrument for that purpose.

2 There be certaine Nuts brought from the Indies, called purging Nuts, of their qualitie in purging grosse and filthie humors, for want of good instruction from those that haue trauelled the Indies, we can write nothing of the tree it selfe: the Nut is somewhat long, ouall, or in shape like an egge, of a browne colour: within the shell is contained a kernell, in taste sweet, and of a purging facultie.

¶ The Place and Time.

These Nuts do grow in the desarts of Arabia, and in some places of the East Indies: we haue no certaine knowledge of their springing, or time of maturitie.

¶ The Names.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 affirmeth the vomiting Nut to be of a poisonous qualitie, cold in the fourth degree, ha∣uing a stupifying nature, and bringeth deadly sleepe.

¶ The Vertues.

Of the Physicall vertues of the vomitting Nuts we thinke it not necessarie to write, because the [ A] danger is great, and not to be giuen inwardly, but mixed with other compositions, and that very cu∣riously by the hands of a faithfull Apothecarie.

The pouder of the Nut mixed with some flesh, and cast vnto crowes and other rauenous fowles, [ B] doth kill and so dull their sences at the least, that you may take them with your hands.

They make also an excellent sallet, mixed with some meat or butter, and laied in the garden [ C] where cats vse to scrape to burie their excrements, spoyling both the herbes and also seeds new sowne.

CHAP. 159. Of diuers sorts of Indian fruits.

¶ The Kindes.

THese fruits are of diuers sorts and kinds, wherof we haue little knowledge, more than the fruits themselues, with the names of some of them: therefore it shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to set forth vnto your view the forme onely, leauing vnto Time, and those that shall succeed, to write of them at large, which in time may know that, that in this time of infancie is vnknowne.

‡ OVr Authour formerly in this Chapter set forth diuers figures of Indian fruits, and amongst the rest Beritinus, Cacao, Cocci Orientales, Buna, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c. but he gaue but onely three descriptions, and these either false or to no purpose; wherefore I haue omitted them, and in this chapter giuen you most of these fruits which were formerly figured ther∣in, together with an addition of sundry other out of Clusius his Exotickes, whose figures I haue made vse of, and here giuen you all those which came to my hands, though nothing so many as are set sorth in his Exotickes; neither, if I should haue had the figures, would the shortnesse of my time nor bignesse of the booke (being already growne to so large a volume) suffer mee to haue inserted them; therefore take in good part those I here giue, together with the briefe histories of them.

¶ The Description.

1 THe first and one of the best knowne of these fruits, are the Cubibae, called of the Arabi∣an Physitions Cubibe and Quabeb; but of the vulgar, Quabebochini; in Iaoa where they plentisully grow, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the other Indians, (the Malayans excepted) call them Cu∣bas sini, not for that they grow in China, but because the Chinois vse to buy them in Iaoa and Sun∣da, and so carry them to the other ports of India. The plant which carries this fruit hath leaue

[illustration]

1 Cubibae. Cubibs.

[illustration]

2 Cocci Orientales. Cocculus Indi.

[illustration]

cubibe

[illustration]

Cocci.

[illustration]

3 Fagara.

[illustration]

4 Mungo.

[illustration]

5 Buna.

[illustration]

‡ 6 Amomum verum.

[illustration]

‡ 7 Amomum spurium.

[illustration]

‡ 8 Vmomis.

[illustration]

9 Beritinus.

[illustration]

‡ 10 Nuces insanae. Mad Nuts.

like those of pepper, but narrower, and it also windes about trees like as Iuy or Pepper doth: the fruit hangs in clusters, like as those we call red Currans, and not close thrust together in bunches, as grapes: the fruit or berries are of the bignesse of Pepper cornes, wrinckled, and of a brownish co∣lour: they are of a hot and biting aromaticke taste, and oft times hollow within, but if theybe not hollow, then haue they a pretty reddish smooth round seed vnder their rough vtter huske; each of these berries commonly hath a piece of his foot-stalke adhering to it. It is reported that the Na∣tiues where it growes first gently boile or scald these berries before they sell them, that so none 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may haue them, by sowing the seeds. Some haue thought these to haue beene the Carpesium of the Antients; and other-some haue iudged them the seeds of Agnus Castus, but both these opinions are erronious.

These are hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree; wherefore they are good against the [ A] cold and moist affects of the stomacke and flatulencies: they helpe to clense the breast of tough and thicke humours; they are good for the spleene, for hoarsnesse and cold affects of the wombe, chewed with Masticke, they draw much slegmaticke matter from the head, they heat and comfort the braine. The Indians vse them macerated in wine to excite venerie.

2 The Plant which carries this fruit is vnknowne, but the berrie is well knowne in shoppes by the name of Cocculus Indicus some call them Cocci Orientales: others, Cocculae Orientales: some, as Cor∣dus for one, thinke them the fruit of Solanum furiosum: others iudge them the fruit of a Tithymale, or of a Clematis. These berries are of the bignesse of Bay berries, commonly round, and growing but one vpon a stalke; yet sometimes they are a little cornered, and grow two or three clustering toge∣ther: their outer coat or shell is hard, rough, and of a brownish duskie colour: their inner substance is very oily, of a bitter taste.

They are vsed with good successe to kill lice in childrens heads, being made into pouder and so [ B] strowed amongst the haire. They haue also another faculty which our Author formerly set downe in the chapter of Alaternus (where he confounded these with Fagaras) in these words, which I haue there omitted, to insert here;

In England we vse the fruit called Cocculus Indi in pouder mixed with flower, hony, and crummes [ C] of bread to catch fish with, it being a numming, soporiferous, or sleeping medicine, causeth the fish to turne vp their bellies, as being sencelesse for a time.

3 Fagara is a fruit of the bignesse of a Chich-pease couered with a thin coat of a blackish ash colour, vnder which outer coat is a slender shell containing a sollid kernell, involued in a thin and blacke filme. The whole fruit both in magnitude, forme, and colour is so like the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Indus last described, that at the first sight one would take it to be the same. Auicen mentions this in his 266. Chap. after this manner. What is Fagara? It is a fruit like a Chich, hauing the seed of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in the hollownesse is a blacke kernell as in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and it is brought out of Sofale.

He places it amongst those that heate and dry in the third degree and commends it against the coldnesse of the stomacke and liuer, it helps concoction, and bindes the belly.

4 This which Clusius thinkes to be Mungo (which is vsed in the East Indies about Guzarat and Decan for prouender for horses) is a small fruit of the bignesse of Pepper, crested, very like Corian∣der seed, but that it is bigger and blacke, it is of a hot taste.

5 Buna is a fruit of the bignesse of Fagara, or somewhat bigger or longer, of a blackish ash co∣lour, couered with a thin skin, furrowed on both sides longwise, whereby it is easily diuided into two parts, which containe each a kernell longish and flat vpon one side, of a yellowish colour, and acide taste. They say that in Alexandria they make a certaine very cooling drinke hereof. Rauwol∣fius in his iournal seemes to describe this fruit by the name of Bumu: and by the appellation, forme, and faculties; he thinkes it may be the Buncho of Auicen, and Buncha of Rhasis, to Almansor. Clusius.

6 This is a kind of Cardamome: and by diuers it is thought to be the true Amomum of the Antients, and to this purpose Nicholas Marogna, a Physition of Verona, hath written a treatise which is set forth at the later end of Pona's description of Mount Baldus, to which I refer the curious: these cods or berries (whether you please to call them) grow thicke clustering together, they are round, and commonly of the bignesse of a cherry: the outer skin is tough, smoother, whiter, and lesse cre∣sted than that of the Cardamome: within this filme lye the seeds clustering together, yet with a thin filme parted into three, the particular seeds are cornered, somewhat smoother and larger than those of Cardamomes, but of the same aromaticke taste, and of a browne colour. Their tempera∣ture and faculties may be referred to those of Cardamomes.

7. 8. This with the next ensuing are by Clusius set forth by the names I here giue you them, though (as he saith) neither of them agree with the Amomum of Dioscorides, they were only branches set thicke with leaues, hauing neither any obseruable smell or taste: they were sent to the learned and diligent Apothecarie Walarandus Donrez of Lyons, from Ormuz the famous Mart & port town in the Persian Bay.

9 Those that accompanied the renowned Sir Francis Drake in his voyage about the World,

[illustration]

11 Cacao. Small Cocoes.

[illustration]

12 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Quince Dates.

[illustration]

‡ 13 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Arara. Orukoria. Cropiot.

[illustration]

‡ 14 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Tree Melon.

[illustration]

‡ 15 〈◊〉〈◊〉: The Pinia, or Pine Thistle.

light vpon a certaine desert Island, wherein grew many very tall trees, and looking for something amongst these to refresh themselues, amongst others they obserued some bigger than Okes, hauing leaues like those of the Bay tree, thicke and shining, not snipt about the edges; their fruit was lon∣gish like to the small 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Ilex or Holme Oke, but without any cup; yet couered with a thin shell of an ash colour, and somtimes blacke, hauing within it a longish white kernell wrap∣ped in a thin 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being without any manifest taste; They when they found it, though much op∣prest with hunger, yet durst not taste thereof, least it should haue been poisonous: but afterwards comming to the Island Beretina, not far from this, they found it to abound with these trees, & lear∣ned that their fruit was not poisonous, but might be eaten. Wherupon afterwards they in want of other victuals, boiled some as they do Pease, and ground others into floure, wherewith they made puddings. They found this tree also in the Moluccoes.

10 The first expressed in this table is the mad Plum, or as Clusius had rather terme it the Mad Nut; for he calls them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Insanae Nuces. The Hollanders finding them in their return from the East Indies, and eating the kernels, were for a time distracted, and that variously, according to the particular temperature of each that ate of them; as you may see in Clusius Exot. lib. 2. Cap. 26. This was round, little more than two inches about, with a shell not thicke, but sufficiently strong, brownish on the out side, and not smooth, but on the inside of a yellowish colour and smooth, con∣taining a membranous stone or kernell couered with a black pulp, in form and bignesse not much vnlike a Bullas or Sloe, hauing a large white spot on the lower part whereas it was fastened to the stalke: vnder the pulpe lay the kernell, somewhat hard, and of an ash colour: the foot-stalke was short and commonly carried but one fruit, yet sometimes they obserued two growing together: the tree wheron this fruit grew was of the bignesse of a Cherry tree, hauing long and narrow leaues like those of the Peach tree: the other fruit figured in the 2. place was of a brownish yellow colour, som∣what bigger, but not vnlike a small Nut, and inch long, and somwhat more about, smaller below, and bigger aboue, and as it were parted into foure, being very hard and sollid. Of this see more in the fourteenth place.

11 The Cacoa is a fruit well knowne in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parts of America; for they in some places vse it in stead of money, and to make a drinke, of which, though bitter, they highly esteeme: the trees which beare them are but small, hauing long and narrow leaues, and will onely grow well in places shadowed from the Sun. The fruit is like an Almond taken out of his husk, and it is couered with a thin blacke skin, wherein is contained a kernell obliquely diuided into two or three parts, brow∣nish, and distinguished with ash coloured veines, of an astringent and vngratefull taste.

12 This which Clusius had from Cortusus, for the fruit of Bdellium, is thought to be the Cuci of Pliny, and is the Cuciophera of Matthiolus, and by that name our Author had it in this Chapter. The whole fruit is of the bignesse of a Quince, and of the same colour, with a sweet and fibrous flesh, vn∣der which is a nut of the bignesse of a large Walnut or somewhat more, almost of a triangular form, bigger below, and smaller aboue, well smelling, of a darke ash colour, with a very hard shell, which broken there is therein contained a hard kernell of the colour and hardnesse of marble, hauing a hollownesse in the middle, as much as may containe a Hasell Nut.

13 In this table are foure seuerall fruits described by Clusins Exot. lib. 2. c. 21. The first is cal∣led Baruce, and is said to grow vpon a high tree in Guyana called Hura: it consisted of many Nuts of some inch long, strongly fastened or knit together, each hauing a hard wooddy shell, falling into two parts, containing a round and smooth kernell couered with an ash coloured silme.

They say the natiues there vse this fruit to purge and vomite. [ A]

The second called Arara growes in Kaiana, but how, it is not knowne: it was some inch long, co∣uered with a skin sufficiently hard and blacke, fastened to a long and rugged stalke that seemed to haue carried more than one fruit: the kernell is blacke, and of the bignesse of a wilde Oliue.

The natiues vse the decoction hereof towash maligne vlcers, and they say the kernell will loose [ B] the belly.

The third named Orukoria is the fruit of a tree in Wiapock, called Iuruwa, they vse this to cure their wounds, dropping the iuice of the fruit into them. This fruit is flat almost an inch broad, and two long, but writhen like the cod of the true Cytisus, but much bigger, very wrinckled, of an ash co∣lour, containing a smooth seed.

The fourth called Cropiot is a small and shriuelled fruit, not much vnlike the particular ioints of the Aethiopian pepper.

The sauages vse to take it mixed amongst their Tabaco to asswage head-ache: there were diuers [ C] of them put vpon a string (as you may see in the figure) the better to dry them.

14 This which by Clusius & Lobel is thought to be the Guanabanus mentioned by Scaliger Exerc. 281. part. 6. is a thicke fruit some foot and halfe long, couered with a thicke and hard rinde, freezed ouer with a soft downinesse, like as a Quince is, but of a greenish colour, with some veines, or rather furrowes running alongst it, as in 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the lower end is somewhat sharp: at the vpper end it is

fastened to the boughes, with a firme, hard, and fibrous stalke: this fruit containes a whitish pulpe, which the Ethiopians vse in burning seuers to quench the thirst, for it hath a pleasant tartnesse: this dried becomes friable, so that it may be brought into pouder with ones fingers, yet retaineth its aciditie: in this pulp lye seeds like little Kidneis, or the seeds of the true 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of a black shining colour, with some fibres comming out of their middles: these sowne brought forth a plant hauing leaues like the Bay tree, but it dyed at the approch of Winter. Clus.

15 Ananas Pinias, or Pine Thistle is a plant hauing leaues like the Aizoon aquaticum, or water

[illustration]

‡ 16 Fabae Aegyptiae affinis.

[illustration]

‡ 17 Coxco Cypote. Amygdalae Peruanae: Almonds of Peru.

[illustration]

‡ 18 Buenas Noches.

[illustration]

‡ 19 Fructus tetragonus. The square Coco.

[illustration]

‡ 20 Arboris laniferae siliqua. A cod of the wooll-bearing tree.

Sengreene, somewhat sharpe and prickly about the edges: the stalke is round, carrying at the top therof one fruit of a yellowish colour when it is ripe, of the bignes of a Melon, couered with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rinde: the smell is gratefull, so newhat like that of the Malocotone: at the top of the fruit, and sometimes below it come forth such buds as you see here presented in the figure, which they set in the ground and preserue the kind by in stead of seed: the meat of this fruit is sweet & very pleasant of taste, & yeelds good nourishment; there are certaine small fibres in the meat thereof, which though they do not offend the mouth, yet hurt they the gums of such as too frequently feed thereon.

16 The forme of this is somewhat strange, for it is like a large Poppy head cut off nigh the top: the substance thereof was membranous and wrinckled, of a brownish colour, very smooth: the cir∣cumference at the top is about nine inches, and so it growes smallerand smaller euen to the stalke, which seems to haue carried a floure whereto this fruit succeeded: the top of the fruit was euen, and in it were orderly placed 24. cauities, in each whereof was contained a little Nut like an Acorn al∣most an inch long, and as much thick; the vpper part was of a brownish colour, & the kernel within was rank and all mouldy. Clusius could learne neither whence this came, nor how it grew, but with a great deale of probability thinks it may be that which the Antients described by the name of Faba Aegyptia.

17 The former of these two Clusius receiued by the name of Coxco Cypote, that is the Nut Cypote: It is of a dusky browne colour, smooth, and shining, but on the lower part of an ash colour, rough, which the Painter did not well expresse in drawing the figure. The 2. hee receiued by the name of Almendras del Peru, (i.) Almonds 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Peru: the shell was like in colour and substance to that of an almond, and the kernell not vnlike neither in substance nor taste: yet the forme of the shell was dif∣ferent, for it was triangular, with a backe standing vp, and two sharp sides, and these very rough.

18 This was the fruit of a large kind of Convolvulus which the Spaniards called Buenas noches, or Goodnight, because the floures vse to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as soone as night came. The seeds were of a sooty co∣lour as big as large Pease, being three of them contained in a skinny three cornered head. You may see more hereof in Clusius, Exot. lib. 2. cap. 18.

19 This is the figure of a square fruit which Clusius coniectures to haue been some kind of In∣dian Nut or Coco: it was couered with a smooth rinde, was seuen inches long, and a foot and halfe about, being foure inches and a halfe from square to square.

20 About Bantam in the East Indies growes a tall tree sending forth many branches, which are set thicke with leaues long and narrow, bigger than those of Rosemary: it carries cods six inches long, and fiue about, couered with a thin skin, wrinckled and sharp pointed, which open themselues from below into fiue parts, and are full of a soft woolly or Cottony matter, wherewith they stuffe cushions, pillowes and the like, and also spin some for certaine vses: amongst the downe lye blacke seeds like those of Cotton, but lesse, and not fastened to the downe.

21 This which Clus calls Palma 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the Bag Date, because it carries the figure of an Hip∣pocras bag, was found in a desart Island in the Antlantick ocean, by certaine Dutch mariners who obserued whole woods thereof: these bags were some of them 22. or more inches long, and some seuen inches broad in the broadest place, strongly woue with threds crossing one another, of a brow∣nish yellow colour. These sachels (as they report who cut them from the tree) were filled with fruit of the bignesse of a Walnut huske and all: within these were others, as round as if they had bin tor∣ned, and so hard that you could scarce breake them with a hammer: in the midst of these were white kernels, tasting at the first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like pulse, but afterwards bitter like a Lupine.

22. The tree which carries this rough cod is very large, as I haue been told by diuers: some who saw it in Persia, & others that obserued it in Mauritius Island. Clusius also notes that they haue bin brought from diuers places: the cod is some three inches long, and some two inches broad, of a du∣skie red colour, and all rough and prickly: in these cods are contained one, two or more round nuts or seeds of a grayish ash colour, hauing a little spot on one side, where they are fastened to the cod they are exceeding hard, and difficult to breake, but broken they shew a white kernel very bitter and vnpleasant of taste. I haue seen very many and haue some of these, and some haue offered to sel them sor East Indian Beazor, whereto they haue some small resemblance, though nothing in facultie like them (if I may credit report, which I had rather do than make tryall) for I haue been told by some that they are poisonous; and by others, that they strongly procure vomit.

〈◊〉〈◊〉. The long cod expressed in this figure is called in the East Indies (as Clusius was told) Kaye 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it was round, the thicknesse of ones little finger, and six inches long: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was thick, black, hard and wrinckled, and it contained a hard pulpe of a sowrish taste, which they affirm was eatable.

The other was a cod of some inch and halfe long, and some inch broad, membranous, rough, and of a brownish colour, sharp pointed, and opening into two parts, and distinguished with a thin 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into foure cels, wherein were contained 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Peare fashioned little berries, hauing golden spots especially in the middles. This growes in Brasile, and as Clusius was informed was called 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

24 In the second place of the tenth figure and description in this chapter you may finde the

[illustration]

‡ 21 Palma saccifera. The Sachell Date.

[illustration]

‡ 22 Lobus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Beazor Nuts.

[illustration]

‡ 23 Kaie baka. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

[illustration]

‡ 24 Nucula Indica racemosa. The Indian, or rather Ginny Nut.

[illustration]

‡ 25 Fructus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Scalie fruits.

[illustration]

‡ 26 Fructus alij Exotici. Other strange fruits.

[illustration]

‡ 26 Fructus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Exotici. Other strange fruits.

single Nut here figured, described, & set forth; but this figure better expresses the manner of growing therof: for first it presents to the view the nuts in their outer husks growing close to∣gether, then the single nuts in and out of their husks, and lastly their kernell: the shell of this nut containes in it a certaine oilie substance, somwhat resembling the oile of sweet almonds: the tree whereof this nut is the fruit growes in Ginny, and is much vsed by the people there, for they presse a liquour forth of the leaues, or else boile them in water, & this serues them in stead of wine & beare, or at least for a common drink, of the fruit they make bread of a very sweet and pleasant taste.

25 These scaily fruits are set forth by Clu∣sius, Exot. l. 2 c. 3. The first was three inches long and two inches about, and had in it a longish hard sollid kernell, with many veines dispersed ouer it, and such kernels are somtimes polished, whereby they become white, and then their blacke veines make a fine shew, which hath gi∣uen occasion to som e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 s to put them to saile for rare and precious stones.

The second was small, round and scaily, and the scailes turned their points downwards to∣wards the stalke.

The third was also scaily, of the bignesse of a Walnut in his huske, with the scailes very or∣derly placed, and of a brownish colour: it had a kernel which ratled in it when it was shaken.

26 The first of the two in the former table was brought from Ginny, it was of the bignesse and shape of a plum, two inches long, and one and halfe broad, of a thicke fungous substance, somewhat wrinckled, and blackish on the out∣side, and within containing a certaine whitish insiped friable pulpe, wherein lay a few small seeds.

The second was some inch and halfe long, an inch thicke, couered with an ash coloured skin, composed within of many fibres almost like the huske of the Nut Faufell, at the lower end it stood in a double cup, and it was sharp pointed

at the vpper end: in this skin was contained a kernell, or rather nut, blacke, hard, and very wrinckled not much vnlike to that of Faufell, whereto I refer it as a kinde thereof. These two are treated of by Clusius, Exot. lib. 2. c. 23.

The first of the second table (wherein are contained foure figures) was of a round forme, yet a little flat on one side, distinguished vnder the blacke and shining coat wherewith it was couered, with furrowes running euery way, not vnlike to the Nut Faufell taken forth of his couer: the inner pulpe was hard and whitish, first of a salt, and then of an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ingent taste.

The second of these was an inch long, but rather the kernell of a fruit, than a fruit it selfe; it was round except at the one end, and all ouer knobby (though the picture expresse not so much) there was also some shew of a triangular forme at each end.

The third was two inches and a halfe long, and in the broadest part some inch and more broad: it was somewhat crooked, the backe high and rising, the top narrow, and the lower part sharp pointed, of an ash colour with thicke and eminent nerues running alongst the back from the top to the low∣er part, exprest with such art as if they had been done by some curious hand: it seemed to haue bin couered ouer with another 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but it was worne off by the beating of the waues of the sea vpon the shore.

The fruit Cunane figured in the fourth place of this table, was two inches long, and an inch broad at the head, and so smaller by little & little, with a back standing out, smooth, black, and shining, ha∣uing three holes at the top, one aboue, & two below: they said it grew vpon a smal tree called Mor∣remor, and was yet vnripe, but when it was ripe it would be as big again, and that the natiues where itgrew (which was as I take it about Wiapock) rost it vpon the coles, and eate it against the head∣ache. Clusius sets forth these foure in his Exot. l. 2. c. 22. he describes Cunane cap. 21. ‡

CHAP. 160. Of Sun-Dew, Youth woort, Ros Solis.

[illustration]

1 Ros Solis folio rotundo. Sun-Dew with round leaues.

[illustration]

2 Ros Solis folio oblongo. Sun-Dew with longish leaues.

¶ The Description.

1 SVn-Dew is a little herb, and groweth very low, it hath a few leaues standing vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stems, very small, something round, a little hollow, and like an eare picker, hairy and red∣dish as be also the stems, hauing dew and moisture vpon them at the driest time of the yeare, and when the Sun shineth hottest euen at high noone; and a moneth after there spring vp lit∣tle stalks, a hand breadth high, on which stand small whitish floures: the roots are very slender, and like vnto haires.

2 The second kinde is like vnto the former, in stalks and floures, but larger, and the leaues are longer, and not so round, wherein consisteth the difference.

¶ The Place.

They grow in desart, sandie and sunny places, but yet waterie, and seldome other-where than a∣mong the white marish mosse which groweth on the ground and also vpon bogs.

¶ The Time.

Sun-Dew flourisheth in Sommer, it floureth in May or Iune: it is to be gathered when the wea∣ther is most dry and calme. The distilled water hereof that is drawne forth with a glasse still, is of a glittering yellow colour like gold, and coloureth siluer put therein like gold.

¶ The Names.

It is called in Latine, Ros Solis: of diuers, Rorella: it is named of other, Salsi Rosa, of the dew which hangeth vpon it, when the Sun is at the hottest: it is called in high Dutch, Sondaw, and Suidaw: in low Dutch, Loopichecruit, which in English signifieth Lustwoort, because sheepe and other 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if they do but onely taste of it, are prouoked to lust. It is called in English, Sun-Dew, Ros Solis. Youth-woort: in the Northern parts, Red Rot, because it rotteth sheepe; and in Yorkeshire, Moore grasse.

¶ The Temperature.

It is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or causticke herbe, and very much biting, being hot and drie in the fourth degree.

¶ The Vertues.

The leaues being stamped with salt do exulcerate and raise blisters, to what part of the body so∣euer [ A] they be applied.

The later Physitions haue thought this herbe to be a rare and singular remedie for all those that [ B] be in a consumption of the lungs, and especially the distilled water thereof: for as the herbe doth keep and hold fast the moisture and dew, and so fast, that the extreme drying heate of the Sun can∣not consume and waste away the same: so likewise men thought that herewith the naturall and ra∣dical humidity in mens bodies is preserued and cherished. But the vse therof doth otherwise teach, and reason sheweth the contrarie: for seeing it is an extreme biting herb, and that the distilled wa∣ter is not altogether without this biting qualitie, it cannot be taken with safety: for it hath also bin obserued, that they haue sooner perished that vsed the distilled water hereof, than those that abstai∣ned from it, and haue followed the right and ordinarie course of diet.

Cattell of the female kinde are stirred vp to lust by eating euen of a small quantity: which thing [ C] hath greatly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their vain opinion, without sence or reason; for it doth not moue nor prouoke cattell to lust, for that it increaseth the substance of the seed, but because through his sharp and bi∣ting qualitie it stirreth vp a desire to lust, which before was dulled, and as it were asleepe.

It strengthneth and nourisheth the body, especially if it be distilled with wine, and that liquour [ D] made thereof which the common people do call Rosa Solis.

If any be desirous to haue the said drinke effectuall for the purposes aforesaid, let them lay the [ E] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Rosa Solis in the spirit of wine, adding thereto Cinnamon, Cloues, Maces, Ginger, Nut∣megs, Sugar, and a few graines of Muske, suffering it so to stand in a glasse close stopt from the aire, and set in the Sun by the space of ten daies, then straine the same, and keep it for your vse.

CHAP. 161. Of Mosse of trees.

¶ The Description.

TRee Mosse hath certaine things like haires, made vp as it were of a multitude of slender leaues, now and then all to be iagged, hackt, and finely carued, twisted and interlaced one in another, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fast to the barkes of trees, hanging downe from the bodies: one of this kinde is more

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 quernus. The Mosse of the Oke & of other trees.

slender and thin, another more thicke, another shorter, another longer; all of them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the most being of a whitish colour, yet oftentimes there is a certaine one also which is blacke, but lesser and thinner: the most commendable of them all, as Pliny saith, be those that are whitish, then the red∣dish, and lastly such as be blacke.

¶ The Place.

This Mosse is found on the Oke tree, the white and blacke Poplar tree, the Oliue tree, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tree, the Apple tree, the Peare tree, the Pine tree, the wilde Pine tree, the Pitch tree, the Firre tree, the Cedar tree, the Larch tree, & on a great sort of other trees. The best, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith, is that of the Cedar tree, the next of the Poplar, in which kinde the white and the sweet smelling Mosse is the chiefest; the blackish sort is of no account. Matthiolus writeth, that in Italy that Mosse is sweet which groweth on the Pine tree, the Pitch tree, the Fir tree, & the Larch tree, and the sweetest that of the Larch tree.

¶ The Time.

Mosse vpon the trees continueth all the yeare long.

¶ The Names.

It is called of the Grecians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the Latins, Muscus: the Arabians and some Apothecaries in other countries call it Vsnea: in high Dutch, Mosz in low Dutch, Mosch: the French men, Lu Mousch: the Italians, Musgo: in Spanish, Musco de los arbores: in English, Mosse, tree Mosse, or Mosse of trees.

¶ The Temperature.

Mosse is somewhat cold and binding, which notwithstanding is more and lesse according vnto the nature and facultie of that tree on which it groweth, and especially of his barke: for it taketh vnto it selfe and also retaineth a certaine propertie of that barke, as of his breeder of which hee is ingendred: therefore the Mosse which commeth of the Oke doth coole and very much binde, be∣sides his owne and proper facultie, it receiueth also the extreme binding quality of the Oke barke it selfe.

The Mosse which commeth of the Cedar tree, the Pine tree, the Pitch tree, the Fir tree, the Larch tree, and generally all the Rosine trees are binding, and do moreouer digest and soften.

¶ The Vertues.

Serapio saith, that the wine in which Mosse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 been steeped certain daies, bringeth sound sleep, [ A] strengtheneth the stomacke, staieth vomiting, and stoppeth the belly.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 writeth, that the decoction of Mosse is good for women to sit in, that are troubled [ B] with the whites; it is mixed with the oile of Ben, and with oiles to thicken them withall.

It is fit to be vsed in compositions which serue for sweet perfumes, and that take away wearisom∣nesse; [ C] for which things that is best of all which is most sweet of smell.

CHAP. 162. Of ground Mosse.

¶ The Kindes.

THere groweth also on the supersiciall or vppermost part of the earth diuers Mosses, as also vpon rocks and stony places, and marish grounds, differing in forme not a little.

¶ The Description.

1 THe common Mosse groweth vpon the earth, and the bottome of old and antient trees, but specially vpon such as grow in shadowie woods, and alsoat the bottom of shadowy

[illustration]

1 Muscus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vulgaris, Common ground Mosse.

[illustration]

2 Muscus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 scoparius, Beesome ground Mosse.

[illustration]

3. 4. Muscus capillaris, siue Adianthuni aureum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & minus. Goldilockes or golden Maiden-haire the bigger and lesse.

hedges and ditches, and such like places: it is very well knowne by the softnesse and length there∣of, being a mosse most common, and therefore needeth not any further description.

2 Beesome Mosse, which seldome or neuer is found but in bogs and marish places, yet some∣times haue I found it in shadowie dry ditches, where the Sun neuer sheweth his face: it groweth vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a cubit high, euery particular leafe consisting of an innumerable sort of hairy threds set vpon a middle rib, of a shining blacke colour like that of Maiden-haire, or the Capillare Mosse A∣dianthum 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whereof it is a kinde.

3 This kinde of Mosse, called Muscus capillaris, is seldome found but vpon bogs and moorish places, and also in some shadowie dry ditches where the Sun doth not come. I found it in great aboundance in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ditch vpon the left hand neere vnto a gate that leadeth from Hampsted

[illustration]

5 Muscus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 floridus. Flouring branched Mosse.

heath toward Highgate; which place I haue shewed vnto diuers expert Surgeons of Lon∣don, in our wandering abroad for our farther knowledge in Simples. This kind of Mosse, the stalkes thereof are not aboue one hand∣full high, couered with short haires standing very thicke together, of an obscure yellow green colour; out of which stalkes spring vp sometimes very fine naked stems, somewhat blacke, vpon the tops of which hang as it were little graines like wheat cornes. The roots are very slender and maruellous fine.

‡ Of this Adiamhum aureum there are three kindes, different onely in magnitude, and that the two bigger haue many hairie threds vpon their branches, when as the least hath onely three or foure close to the root; and this is the least of plants that I euer yet saw grow. ‡

4 Of this there is also another kinde al∣together lesser and lower. This kind of mosse groweth in moist places also, commonly in old mossie and rotten trees, likewise vpon rocks, and oftentimes in the chinks and cran∣nies of stone walls.

5 † 1.31 There is oftentimes found vpon old Okes and Beeches, and such like ouer-grown trees, a kinde of Mosse hauing many slender branches, which diuide themselues into other lesser bran∣ches; whereon are placed confusedly very many small threds like haires, of a greenish ash colour: vpon the ends of the tender branches sometimes there commeth forth a floure in shape like vnto a little buckler or hollow Mushrom, of a whitish colour tending to yellownes, and garnished with the like leaues of those vpon the lower branches.

[illustration]

6 Muscus Pyxidatus. Cup or Chalice Mosse.

6 Of this Mosse there is another kinde, which Lobel in his Dutch Herbal hath set forth vnder the title of Muscus Pyxtdatus, which I haue Englished, Cup Mosse or Chalice Mosse: it groweth in the most barren dry and grauelly ditch bankes, creeping flat vpon the ground like vnto Liuerwort, but of a yellowish white colour: among which leaues start vp here and there certaine little things fashioned like a little cup called a Beaker or Chalice, and of the same colour and substance of the lower leaues, which vndoubtedly may be taken for the floures: the pouder of which Mosse giuen to children in any liquor for certaine dayes together, is a most certaine remedie against that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 malady called the Chin-cough.

7 There is likewise found in the shadowie places of high mountaines, and at the foot of old

and rotten trees, a certaine kinde of Mosse in face and shew not vnlike to that kinde of Oke Ferne called Dryopteris. It creepeth vpon the ground, hauing diuers long branches, consisting of many small leaues, euery particular lease made vp of sundry little leaues, set vpon a middle rib one oppo∣site to another.

[illustration]

7 Muscus Filicinus. Mosse Ferne.

[illustration]

8 Muscus corniculatus. Horned or knagged Mosse.

[illustration]

9 Muscus denticulatus. Toothed Mosse.

8 There is found vpon the tops of our most barren mountaines, but especially were sea Coles are accustomed to be digged, stone to make iron of, and also where ore is gotten for tinne and lead, a certaine small plant: it riseth forth of the ground with many bare and naked branches, diuiding themselues at the top into sundry knags like the forked hornes of a Deere, euery part whereof is of an ouerworne whitish colour.

‡ Our Author formerly gaue another figure and description of this plant, by the name of Ho∣losteum petroeum, which I haue omitted, thinking this the better. Tragus, Lonicerus, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 re∣ferre this to the Fernes, and the last of them calleth it Filix 〈◊〉〈◊〉 corniculata: Pena and Lobel made it their Holostium 〈◊〉〈◊〉: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 calls it Adianthum 〈◊〉〈◊〉, scu furcatum. ‡

9 There is found creeping vpon the ground a certaine kinde of Mosse at the bottom of Heath and Ling, and such like bushes growing vpon barren mountaines, consisting as it were of scales made vp into a long rope or cord, dispersing it selfe far abroad into sundry branches, thrusting out

here and there certain roots like threds, which take hold vpon the vpper crust of the earth, whereby it is sent and dispersed far abroad: the whole plant is of a yellowish greene colour.

10 This other kinde of Mosse is found in the like places: it also disperseth it selfe far abroad, and is altogether lesser than the precedent, wherein consists the difference.

[illustration]

10 Muscus minor denticulatus. Little toothed Mosse.

[illustration]

11 Muscus clauatus, siue Lycopodium. Club Mosse, or Wolfe claw Mosse.

[illustration]

† 1.32 12 Muscus clauatus folijs 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Heath Cypres.

11 There is likewise another kinde of Mosse, which I haue not elsewhere found than vpon Hampsted heath, neere vnto a little cottage, growing close vpon the ground amongst bushes and brakes, which I haue shewed vnto diuers Surgeons of London, that haue walked thither with me for their further knowledge in Simples, who haue gathered this kinde of Mosse, wherof some haue

[illustration]

13 Muscus ex cranio humano. Mosse growing vpon the skull of a man.

made them hat-bands, girdles, and also bands to tye such things as they had before gathered, for the which purpose it most fitly serued; some pieces whereof are six or eight foot long, consisting as it were of many hai∣rie leaues set vpon a tough string, very close couched and compact together, from which is also sent forth certaine other branches like the first: in sundry places there be sent down fine little strings, which serue in stead of roots, wherewith it is fastened to the vpper part of the earth, and taketh hold likewise vpon such things as grow next vnto it. There spring also from the branches bare and naked stalkes, on which grow certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as it were like the catkins or blowings of the Ha∣sell tree, in shape like a little club 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the reede Mace, sauing that it is much lesser, and of a yellowish white colour, very well resem∣bling the claw of a Wolfe, whereof it tooke his name; which knobby katkins are altoge∣ther barren, and bring forth neither seed nor floure.

[illustration]

‡ 14 Muscus parvus stellaris. Small Heath Mosse.

‡ 12 This, whose figure in the former edition was by our Author vnfitly put for Lauander Cotton (hauing more regard to the title of the figure in Tabernamontanus, than to see whether it were that which he there described) is no other than a kinde of Muscus clauatus, or Club-Mosse. It is thought to be the Selago mentioned by Pliny, lib. 25. cap. 11. Tragus and some others call it Sa∣uina 〈◊〉〈◊〉: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Chamaecyparissus: but Bauhine the most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nameth it Muscus clauatus folijs 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and Turner not vnfitly in English, Heath Cypresse. This is a low plant, and keepes greene Winter and Sommer: the leaues are like those of Cypresse, bitter in taste, but without smell: it carries such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or catkins as the former, and those of a yellowish co∣lour: it is found growing in diuers wooddy mountainous places of Germanie, where they call it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or wilde Sauine. ‡

13 This kinde of Mosse is found vpon the skulls or bare scalps of men and women, lying long in charnell houses or other places, where the bones of men and women are kept together: it grow∣eth very thicke, white, like vnto the short mosse vpon the trunkes of old Okes: it is thought to be a singular 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the falling Euill and the Chin-cough in children, if it be poudered, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 giuen in sweet wine for certaine daies together.

‡ 14 Vpon diuers heathy places in the moneth of May is to be found growing a little short Mosse not much in shape different from the first described, but much lesse, and parted at the top into star-fashioned heads. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 calls this, Muscus in Ericetis 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ‡

¶ The Place.

Their seuerall descriptions set forth their naturall places of growing.

¶ The Time.

They flourish especially in the Sommer moneths.

¶ The Names.

Goldilocke is called in high-Dutch, Widertodt, golden Wedertodt, Iung Urauwen har: in low-Dutch, Gulden Wederdoot: Fuchsius nameth it Polytrichon Apuleij, or Apuletus his Mai∣den-haire, neuerthelesse Apuleius Maiden-haire is nothing else but Dioscorides his Trichomanes, cal∣led English Maiden-haire; and for that cause wee had rather it should be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Muscus capillaris, or hairy Mosse. This is called in English, Goldilockes: it might also be termed Golden Mosse, or Hairy Mosse.

Wolfes claw is called of diuers Herbarists in our age, Muscus terrestris: in high-Dutch, Beer∣lay, Surtelkraut, Seilkraut: in low-Dutch, Wolfs clauwen; whereupon wee first named it Lycopodium, and Pes Lupi: in English, Wolfes foot, or Wolfes claw, and likewise Club-Mosse. Most shops of Germanie in former times did falsly terme it Spica celtica: but they did worse, and were very much too blame, that vsed it in compound medicines in stead of Spica celtica, or French Spikenard: as touching the rest, they are sufficiently spoken of in their descriptions.

¶ The Temperature.

The Mosses of the earth are dry and astringent, of a binding qualitie, without any heate or cold.

Goldilocks and the Wolfes clawes are temperate in heate and cold.

¶ The Vertues.

[ A] The Arabian Physitians do put Mosse amongst their cordiall medicines, as fortifying the sto∣macke, to stay vomit, and to stop the laske.

[ B] Mosse boiled in Wine and drunke stoppeth the spitting of bloud, pissing of bloud, the termes, and bloudy flix.

[ C] Mosse made into pouder is good to stanch the bleeding of greene and fresh wounds, and is a great helpe vnto the cure of the same.

[ D] Wolfes claw prouoketh vrine, and as Hieronymus Tragus reporteth, wasteth the stone, and driueth it forth.

[ E] Being stamped and boyled in wine and applied, it mitigateth the paine of the gout.

[ F] Floting wine, which is now become slimie, is restored to his former goodnesse, if it be hanged in the vessell, as the same Author testifieth.

CHAP. 163. Of Liuerwort.

¶ The Description.

1 LIuerwort is also a kinde of Mosse which spreadeth it selfe abroad vpon the ground, ha∣uing many vneuen or crumpled leaues lying one ouer another, as the scales of Fishes do, greene aboue, and browne vnderneath: amongst these grow vp small short stalkes, spred at the top like a blasing starre, and certaine fine little threds are sent downe, by which it clea∣ueth and sticketh fast vpon stones, and vpon the ground, by which it liueth and flourisheth.

2 The second kinde of Liuerwort differeth not but in stature, being altogether lesse, and more smooth or euen: the floures on the tops of the slender stems are not so much laid open like a star; but the especiall difference consisteth in one chiefe point, that is to say, this kinde being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a pot, and set in a garden aboue the ground, notwithstanding it spitteth or casteth round about the place great store of the same fruit, where neuer any did grow before.

‡ Of this sort which is small, and oftentimes found growing in moist gardens among Beares∣eares, and such plants, when they are kept in pots, there are two varieties, one hauing little stalkes some inch long, with a starre-fashioned head at the top: the other hath the like tender stalke, and a round head at the top thereof. ‡

3 This is found vpon rockes and stony places, as well neere vnto the sea, as further into the land: it groweth flat vpon the stones, and creepeth not far abroad as the ground Liuerwort doth, it only resteth it selfe in spots and tufts set here and there, of a dusty russet colour aboue, and blackish vnderneath: among the crumpled leaues rise vp diuers small stems, whereupon do grow little star∣like floures of the colour of the leaues: it is often found at the bottom of high trees growing vpon

[illustration]

1 Hepatica terrestris. Ground Liuer-wort.

[illustration]

2 Hepatica 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Small Liuer-wort with starry and round heads.

[illustration]

3 Hepatica petraea. Stone Liuerwort.

high mountaines, especiall in shadowie pla∣ces.

¶ The Place.

This is often found in shadowy and moist places, on rocks and great stones layd by the highway, and in other common paths where the Sun beams do seldome come, and where no traueller frequenteth.

¶ The Time.

It brings forth his blasing stars and leaues oftentimes in Iune and Iuly.

¶ The Names.

It is called of the Grecians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: of the Latines, Lichen: and of some, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, Muscus, or Mosse, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 witnes∣seth: it is named in shops Hepatica, yet there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also many other herbes named 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Liuer-worts, for difference whereof this may fitly be called Hepatica 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Stone Liuer-wort, hauing taken that name from the Germanes, who call this Liuerwort, Steyn Leberkraut: and in low-Dutch, Steen Leuercrupt: in English, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

¶ The Temperature.

This Stone Liuerwort is of temperature cold and dry, and somewhat binding.

¶ The Vertues.

It is singular good against the inflammations of the liuer, hot and sharpe agues, and tertians which proceed of choler.

Dioscorides teacheth, that Liuer-wort being applied to the place stancheth bleeding, takes away all inflammations, and that it is good for a tetter or ring-worme, called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and that it is a remedie for them that haue the yellow iaundice, euen that which commeth by the inflamma∣tion of the liuer; and that furthermore it quencheth the inflammations of the tongue.

CHAP. 164. Of Lung-wort, or wood Liuer-wort, and Oister-greene.

[illustration]

1 Lichen arborum. Tree Lung-wort.

[illustration]

2 Lichen marinus. Sea Lung-wort, or Oister-greene.

¶ The Description.

1 TO Liuerwort there is ioyned Lung-wort, which is also another kinde of Mosse, drier, broader, of a larger size, and set with scales: the leaues hereof are greater, and diuersly folded one in another, not so smooth, but more wrinckled, rough and thicke almost like a Fell or hide, and tough withall: on the vpper side whitish, and on the nether side blackish or dusty, it seemeth to be after a sort like to lungs or lights.

2 This kinde of sea Mosse is an herby matter much like vnto Liuer-wort, altogether without stalke or stem, bearing many greene leaues, very vneuen or crumpled, and full of wrinkles, and som∣what broad, not much differing from leaues of crispe or curled Lettuce: this groweth vpon rockes within the bowels of the sea, but especially among oisters, and in greater plenty among those Oi∣sters which are called Wall-fleet Oisters: it is very well knowne euen to the poore Oister-women which carry Oisters to sell vp and downe, who are greatly desirous of the said mosse for the decking and beautifying of their Oisters, to make them sell the better. This mosse they doe call Oister∣greene.

‡ 3 The branches of this elegant plant are some handfull or better high, spred abroad on e∣uerie side, and only consisting of sundry single roundish leaues, whereto are fastned somtimes one,

sometimes two or more such leaues, so that the whole plant consists of branches made vp of such round leaues, fastned together by diuers little & verysmal threds: the lower leaues which stick fast to the rockes are of a brownish colour, the other of a whitish or a light greene colour, smooth and shining. This growes vpon rockes in diuers parts of the Mediterranean. Clusius setteth it forth by the name of Lichen Marinus; and he receiued it from Imperato by the name of Sertuloria: and Cortu∣sus had it from Corsica, by the title of Corallina latifolia; and he called it Opuntia marina, hauing refe∣rence to that mentioned by Theophrast. lib. 1. cap. 12. Hist. Plant. ‡

[illustration]

† 3 Lichen marinus rotundifolius. Round leaued Oister-weed.

[illustration]

4 Quercus marina. Sea Oke or Wracke.

[illustration]

‡ 4 Quercus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 varietas: A varietie of the sea Oke or Wrack.

4 There is also another sort of sea Weed found vpon the drowned rockes, which are naked and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 water at euery tyde. This sea Weed groweth vnto the rocke, fastned vnto the same at one

end, being a soft herby plant, very slipperie, insomuch that it is a hard matter to stand vpon it with∣out falling: it rampeth far abroad, and here and there is set with certaine puft vp tubercles or blad∣ders, full of winde, which giueth a cracke when it is broken: the leafe it selfe doth somewhat re∣semble the Oken leafe, whereof it tooke his name Quercus marina, the sea Oke: of some, Wracke, and Crow Gall. His vse in physicke hath not beene set sorth, and therefore this bare description may suffice.

[illustration]

‡ 5 Quercus marina secunda. Sea Thongs.

[illustration]

‡ 6 Quercus marina tertia. The third sea Wracke.

‡ Of this Quercus marina, or Fucus, there are diuers sorts, whereof I will giue you the figures and a briefe historie: the first of these is onely a varietie of the last described, differing there-from in the narrownesse of the leaues, and largenesse of the swolne bladders.

5 This growes to the length of fiue or six foot, is smooth and membranous, being some halfe fingers bredth, and variously diuided, like wet parchment or leather cut into thongs: this hath no swolne knots or bladders like as the former; and is the Fucus marinus secundus of Dodonaeus.

6 This Wracke or sea weed hath long and flat stalkes like the former, but the stalks are thicke set with swolne knots or bladders, out of which sometimes grow little leaues, in other respects it is not vnlike the former kindes. Dodonaeus makes this his Fucus marinus 3.

7 The leaues of this other Wracke, which Dodonaeus makes his Fucus marinus quartus, are nar∣rower, smaller, and much diuided; and this hath either none or very few of those swollen bladders which some of the former kindes haue.

8 This, which Lobel calleth Alga marina, hath iointed blacke branched creeping roots of the thicknesse of ones finger, which end as it were in diuers eares, or hairy awnes, composed of whitish hairy threds somewhat resembling Spikenard: from the tops of those eares forth leaues, long, nar∣row, soft, and grasse-like, first greene, but white when they are dry. It growes in the sea as the for∣mer. They vse it in Italy and other hot countries to packe vp glasses with, to keepe them from breaking.

9 Of this Tribe are diuers other plants; but I will onely giue you the history of two more, which I first obserued the last yeare, going in company with diuers London Apothecaries to finde Simples, as farre as Margate in the Island of Tenet; and whose figures (not before extant that I know of) I first gaue in my Iournall or enumeration of such plants as we there and in other pla∣ces found. The first of these by reason of his various growth is by Bauhine in his Prodromus distin∣guished

into two, and described in the second and third places. The third he calls Fucus longissi∣mo, latissimo, crassoque folio, and this is marked with the figure 1. The second he calls Fucus arboreus polyschides; and this you may see marked with the figure 2. This sea Weed (as I haue said) hath a various face, for sometimes from a fibrous root, which commonly groweth to a pibble stone, or fastened to a rocke, it sendeth forth a round stalke seldome so thicke as ones little finger, and about some halfe foot in length, at the top whereof growes out a single leafe, sometimes an ell long, and then it is about the bredth of ones hand, and it ends in a sharpe point, so that it very well resem∣bles a two edged sword. Sometimes from the same root come forth two such fashioned leaues, but then commonly they are lesser. Otherwhiles at the top of the stalke it diuides it selfe into eight, nine, ten, twelue, more or fewer parts, and that iust at the top of the stalke, and these neuer come to that length that the single leaues do. Now this I iudge to be the Fucus polyschides of Bau∣hine. That these two are not seuerall kindes I am certaine; for I haue marked both these varieties from one and the same root, as you may see them here exprest in the figure. At Margate where they grow they call them sea Girdles, and that name well befits the single one; and the diuided one they may call Sea Hangers, for if you do hang the tops downewards, they doe reasonable well resemble the old fashioned sword-hangers. Thus much for their shape: now for their colour, which is not the same in all; for some are more greene, and these can scarce be dried; other-some are whitish, and these do quickly dry, and then both in colour and substance are so like parchment, that such as know them not would at the first view take them to be nothing else. This is of a glu∣tinous substance, and a little saltish taste, and diuers haue told me they are good meate, being boi∣led tender, and so eaten with butter, vineger, and pepper.

[illustration]

‡ 7 Quercus marina quaria. Iagged Sea Wracke.

[illustration]

‡ 8 Alga. Grasse Wracke.

10 This which I giue you in the tenth place is not figured or described by any that as yet I haue met with; wherefore I gaue the figure and description in the forementioned Iournall, which I will here repeate. This is a very succulent and fungous plant, of the thicknesse of ones thumbe; it is of a darke yellowish colour, and buncheth forth on euerie side with many vnequall tuberosi∣ties or knots: whereupon M^r. Thomas Hickes being in our companie did fitly name it Sea rag∣ged Staffe. We did not obserue it growing, but found one or two plants thereof some foot long apiece.

[illustration]

‡ 9 Facus phasganoides & polyschides. Sea Girdle and Hangers.

[illustration]

‡ 10 Fucus spongiosus nodosus. Sea ragged Staffe.

[illustration]

‡ 11 Conferua. Hairy Riuerweed.

11 In some slow running waters is to be found this long greene hairy weed, which is thought to be the Conferua of Pliny: it is made vp onely of long hairy greene threds, thicke thrummed to∣gether without any particular shape or fashion, but only following the current of the streame. ‡

¶ The Place.

It groweth vpon the bodies of old Okes, Beech, and other wilde trees, in darke & thick woods: it is oftentimes found growing vpon rocks, and also in other shadowie places.

¶ The Time and Names.

It flourisheth especially in the Sommer moneths.

It taketh his name Pulmonaria of the likenesse of the forme which it hath with lungs or lights, called in Latine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of some, Lichen: it is called in high-Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low-Dutch 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in French, Herbe à Poulmon: in English, Lung-wort, and wood Liuerwort.

¶ The Temperature.

This seemeth to be cold and dry.

¶ The Vertues:

It is reported that shepheards and certaine horseleeches do with good successe giue the pouder [ A] hereof with salt vnto their sheepe and other cattell which be troubled with the cough, and be bro∣ken winded.

Lungwoort is much commended of the learned Physitions of our time against the diseases of [ B] the lungs, especially for the inflammations and vlcers of the same, being brought into pouder, and drunke with water.

It is likewise commended for bloudy and greene wounds, and for vlcers in the secret parts, and [ C] also to stay the reds.

Moreouer, it stoppeth the bloudy flix, and other flixes and scourings, either vpwards or downe∣wards, especially if they proceed of choler: it stayeth vomiting, as men say, and it also stoppeth the belly.

Oister greene fried with egges and made into a tansie & eaten, is a singular remedy for to streng [ D] then the weaknesse of the backe.

CHAP. 165. Of Sea Mosse, or Coralline.

¶ The Kindes.

THere be diuers sorts of Mosse, growing as well within the bowels of the sea, as vpon the rocks, distinguished vnder sundry titles.

[illustration]

1 Muscus marinus, sive Corallina alba. White Coralline, or sea Mosse.

[illustration]

† 2 Muscus marinus albidus. White sea Mosse.

[illustration]

3 Corallina Anglica. English Coralline.

¶ The Description.

1 THis kinde of Sea Mosse hath many small stalkes finely couered or set ouer with small leaues, very much cut or iagged, euen like the leaues of Dill, but hard, and of a stonie substance.

2 The second is much like vnto the former, yet not stony, but more finely cut, and growing more vpright, branching it selfe into many diuisions at the top, growing very thicke together, and in great quantitie, out of a piece of stone, which is fashioned like an hat or small stonie head, wher∣by it is fastened vnto the rocks.

3 This third kinde of sea mosse is very well knowne in shops by the name Corallina; it yeeldeth forth a great number of shoots, in shap much like vnto Corall; being full of small branches disper∣sed here and there, diuersly varying his colour, according to the place where it is found, beeing in some places red, in othersome yellow, and of an herby colour; in some gray, or of an ash colour, and in othersome very white.

4 The fourth kinde of Sea Mosse is somewhat like the former, but smaller, and not so plentiful where it groweth, prospering alwaies vpon shels, as of Oysters, Muscles, and Scallops, as also vpon rolling stones, in the bottome of the water, which haue tumbled downe from the high cliffes and rocks, notwithstanding the old prouerbe, that rolling stones neuer gather Mosse.

[illustration]

4 Corallina minima. The smallest Coralline.

[illustration]

5 Muscus Corallinus, sive Corallina montana. Corall Mosse, or mountaine Coralline.

5 There is found vpon the rocks and mountaines of France, bordering vpon the Mediterranean sea, a certaine kinde of Coralline, which in these parts hath not been found: it groweth in manner like vnto a branch of Corall, but altogether lesser, of a shining red colour, and of a stony substance.

‡ I know not what our Author meant by this description; but the plant which here is figured out of Taber namontanus (and by the same title he hath it) is of a Mosse growing vpon Hampstead heath, and most such places in England: it growes vp some two or three inches high, and is diuided into very many little branches ending in little threddy chiues: all the branches are hollow, and of a very light whitedry substance, which makes it somewhat to resemble Coralline, yet is it not stony at all. ‡

6 There is also found vpon the rocks neere vnto Narbone in France, and not far from the sea, a

[illustration]

6 Fucus marinus tenuifolius. Fenell Coralline, or Fenell Mosse.

[illustration]

‡ 7 Fucus-ferulaceus. Sea Fenell.

[illustration]

‡ 8 Fucus tenuifolius alter. Bulbous sea Fennell.

[illustration]

‡ 9 Muscus marinus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Branched Sea Mosse.

kinde of Coralline. it groweth vp to the forme of a small shrub, branched diuersly; whereon doe grow small grasse-like leaues, very finely cut or iagged, like vnto Fennel; yet are they of a stony sub∣stance, as are the rest of the Corallines; of a darke russet colour.

‡ 7 This growes also in the like places, hauing many small long Fennell-like diuided leaues vpon stalks some foot long, with some swelling eminences here & there set in the diuisions of the leaues: this is by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called by the name I here giue you it.

8 This also hath fine cut leaues like those of Fennell, but much lesse & shorter, of a faire green colour: these grow vp from round tuberous roots, which together with the fibres they send forth are of a blackish colour: the stalks also are tuberous and swolne, as in other plants of this kind. It growes in the sea with the former. Dodonaeus calls this Fucus marinus virens tenuifolius.

9 This kinde of sea Mosse growes some foure or more inches long, diuided into many bran∣ches, which are subdiuided into smaller, set with leaues finely iagged, like those of Cammomill; at first soft, flexible, and transparent, greene below, and purplish aboue; being dried, it becommeth rough and fragile, like as Coralline. It growes in the Mediterranean sea.

10 This Sea Mosse is a low little excrescence, hauing somewhat broad cut leaues growing ma∣ny from one root: in the whole face it resembles the mosse that grows vpon the branches of Okes and other trees, and is also white and very like it, but much more brittle. This by Dodonaeus is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Marinus tertius.

[illustration]

‡ 10 Muscus marinus 3. Dod. Broad leafed Sea mosse.

[illustration]

‡ 11 Abies marina Belgica, Clus. Clusius his Sea Firr.

11 Vpon the rocks and shels of sea fishes are to be found diuers small plants, hauing resem∣blance to others that grow vpon the land; and Clusius saith, vpon the coast of the Low countries he obserued one which very much resembled the Fir-tree, hauing branches growing orderly on both sides, but those very brittle and small, seldome exceeding a handfull in height, and couered as it were with many small scales. He obserued others that resembled Cypresse trees, and other bran∣ches that resembled Tameriske or heath. ‡

¶ The Place.

These Mosses grow in the sea vpon the rocks, and are oftentimes found vpon Oister shels, Mus∣kell shells, and vpon stones: I found very great plenty thereof vnder Reculuers and Margate, in the Isle of Thanet; and in other places alongst the sands from thence vnto Douer.

¶ The Time.

The time answereth the other Mosses, and are found at all times of the yeare.

¶ The Names.

Sea Mosse is called in Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Latine, Muscus marinus: of the Apothecaries, Italians, and French men, Corallina: in Spanish, Malharquiana yerua: in high Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in low Dutch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Sea Mosse, and of many Corallina, after the Apothecaries word, and it may be called Corall Mosse. The titles distinguish the other kindes.

¶ The Temperature.

Corallina consisteth, as Galen saith, of an earthie and waterish essence, both of them cold: for by his taste it bindeth, and being applied to any hot infirmitie, it also euidently cooleth: the earthie essence of this Mosse hath in it also a certaine saltnesse, by reason whereof likewise it drieth migh∣tily.

¶ The Vertues.

Dioscorides commendeth it to be good for the gout which hath need to be cooled. [ A]

The later Physitions haue found by experience, that it killeth wormes in the belly; it is giuen to [ B] this purpose to children in the weight of a dram or thereabouts.

That which cleaueth to Corall, and is of a reddish colour, is of some preferred and taken for the [ C] best: they count that which is whitish, to be the worser. Notwithstanding in the French Ocean, the Britain, the low countrey, or else in the Germane ocean sea, there is scarce found any other than the whitish Coralline, which the nations neere adioyning do effectually vse.

CHAP. 166. Of Corall.

[illustration]

1 Corallium rubrum. Red Corall.

[illustration]

2 Corallium nigrum, sive 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Blacke Corall.

[illustration]

3 Corallium album. White Corrall.

[illustration]

4 Corallium album alterum. The other white or yellow Corrall.

[illustration]

‡ 5 Coralloides albicans. Whitish bastard Corall.

¶ The Description.

1 ALthough Corrall be a matter or substance, euen as hard as stones; yet I thinke it not a∣misse to place and insert it here next vnto the mosses, and the rather 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do shew themselues, as well in the maner of their growing, as in their place 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, like vnto the Mosses. This later age wherein we liue, hath sound moe kindes hereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 knowne or mentioned among the old writers. Some of these Corrals grow in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or stony matter; others in a straight forme, with crags and ioints, such as we see by experi∣ence: the which for that they are so well knowne, and in such request for Physicke, I will not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to describe; only this remember, that there is some Corrall of a pale yellow colour, as there be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 red, and some white.

2 The blacke Corrall groweth vpon the rocks neere to the sea about Massilia, in manner of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 former; herein differing from it, in that this is of a shining blacke colour, and very smooth, grow∣ing vp rather like a tree, than like a shrub

3 The white Corrall is like to the former, growing vpon the rocks neere the sea, and in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parts of England, about Saint Michaels mount; but the branches hereof are smaller, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, finelier dispersed into a number of branches, of a white colour.

[illustration]

‡ 6 Coralloides rubens. Reddish bastard Corall.

[illustration]

7 Spongia marina alba. White Spunge.

[illustration]

‡ 8 Spongia infundibuli forma. Funnell fashioned Spunge.

[illustration]

‡ 9 Spongia ramosa, Branched Spunge.

4 The fourth and last groweth also vpon the Westerne rocks of the sea, and in the place afore∣named, and varieth his colour, sometimes waxing white, sometimes yellow, and sometimes red.

‡ 5 This growes vp with many branches some two or three handfulls high; the inner part is a hard wooddy substance, which is couered ouer with a white and hard stony matter, so that it much resembleth white Corall, but that it is neither so thicke, hard, nor smooth, but is rough

and bends easily without breaking, which Corall will not do. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 calls this Corallina alba, it growes in the Mediteranian sea, and vpon the Coasts of Spaine.

6 This in all respects is like the last described, the colour excepted, which is a darke red, and therefore better resembles the red Corall. Clusius refers both these to the Quercus marina mentio∣ned by Theophr 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Hist. plant. lib. 7. cap. 4. ‡

7 There is found growing vpon the rockes neere vnto the sea, a certaine matter wrought toge∣ther, of the fome or froth of the sea, which we call spunges, after the Latine name, which may very fitly be inserted among the sea Mosses, whereof to write at large would greatly increase our vo∣lume, and little profit the reader, considering we hasten to an end, and also that the vse is so well knowne vnto all: therefore these few lines may serue vntill a further consideration, or a second Edition. ‡ Spunges are not like the Alcyonium, that is, an accidentall matter wrought together of the froth of the sea, as our Author affirmes, but rather of a nobler nature than plants, for they are said to haue sence, and to contract themselues at the approach of ones hand that comes to cut them vp, or for feare of any other harme-threatning object, and therefore by most writers they are referred to the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which some render Plantanimalia, that is, such as are neither absolute plants, nor liuing creatures, but participate of both: they grow of diuers shapes and colours vpon the Rockes in the Mediterranian, as also in the Archipelago, or Aegean sea.

8 Clusius obserued one yet adhering to the stone whereon it grew, which in shape resembled a funnell, but in substance was like another Spunge.

9 There is also to be found vpon our English coast a small kinde of spunge cast vp by the sea, and this is also of different shapes and colour, for the shape it is alwaies diuided into sundry branches, but that after a different manner; and the colour is oft times brownish, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gray or white. Lobel makes it Conferuae marinae genus. ‡

¶ The Place.

The place of their growing is sufficiently spoken of in their seuerall descriptions.

¶ The Time.

The time answereth the other kindes of sea Mosses.

¶ The Names.

Corallium rubrum is called in English, red Corrall. Corallium 〈◊〉〈◊〉, blacke Corrall. Corallium album, white Corrall.

¶ The Temperature.

Corrall bindeth, and meanely cooleth: it clenseth the scars and spots of the eies, and is very ef∣fectuall against the issues of bloud, and caseth the difficultie of making water.

¶ The Vertues.

Corrall drunke in wine or water, preserueth from the spleene; and some hang it about the [ A] neckes of such as haue the falling sickenesse, and it is giuen in drinke for the same purpose.

It is a soueraigne remedy to drie, to stop, and stay all issues of bloud whatsoeuer in man or wo∣man, [ B] and the dysentery.

Burned Corrall drieth more than when it is vnburned, and being giuen to drinke in water, it [ C] helpeth the gripings of the belly, and the griefes of the stone in the bladder.

Corrall drunke in wine prouoketh sleepe: but if the patient haue an ague, then it is with better [ D] successe ministred in water, for the Corrall cooleth, and the water moistneth the body, by reason whereof it restraineth the burning heate in agues, and represseth the vapours that hinder sleepe.

CHAP. 167. Of Mushrumes, or Toadstooles.

¶ The Kindes.

SOme Mushrumes grow forth of the earth; other vpon the bodies of old trees, which differ altogether in kindes. Many wantons that dwell neere the sea, and haue fish at will, are very desirous for change of diet to feed vpon the birds of the mountaines; and such as dwell vpon the hills or champion grounds, do longe after sea fish; many that haue plenty of both, do hunger after the earthie excrescences, called Mushrumes: whereof some are very venomous and full of poison, others not so noisome; and neither of them very wholesome meate; wherefore for the auoi∣ding of the venomous qualitie of the one, and that the other which is lesse venomous may be dis∣cerned from it, I haue thought good to set forth their pictures with their names and places of growth. ‡ Because the booke is already grown too voluminous, I will only giue you the figures of such as my Author hath here mentioned, with some few others, but not trouble you with any more history, yet distinguish betweene such as are eatable, and those that be poysonous, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at least not to be eaten; for the first figured amongst the poysonous ones, is that we call Iewes-eare, which hath nopoysonous facultie in it. Clusius (all whose figures I could haue here giuen you) hath written a peculiar tract of these bastard plants, or excrescences, where such as desire it may finde them susfi∣ciently discoursed of. ‡

[illustration]

1 Fungi vulgatissimi esculenti. Common Mushrums to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

¶ The Description.

1 GRound Mushrums grow vp in one night, standing vpon a thicke and round stalke, like vnto a broad hat or buckler, of a very white colour vntil it begin to wither, at what time it loseth his faire white, declining to yellownesse: the lower side is somewhat hollow, set or decked with fine gutters, drawne along from the middle centre to the circumference or round edge of the brim.

2 All Mushroms are without pith, rib, or veine: they differ not a little in bignesse and colour, some are great, and like a broad brimmed hat; others smaller, about the bignesse of a siluer coine called a doller: most of them are red vnderneath; some more, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lesse; others little or nothing red at all: the vpper side which beareth out, is either pale or whitish, or else of an ill fauored colour like ashes (they commonly call it Ash colour) or else it seemeth to be somewhat yellow.

There is another kinde of Mushrums called Fungi parui lethales galericulati: in English, deadly Mushrums, which are fashioned like vnto an hood, and are most venomous and full of poison.

There is a kinde of Mushrum called Fungus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 laethalis, that is also a deadly Mushrum, fashioned like a little buckler.

There is another kinde of Mushrum, which is also most venomous and full of poison, bearing al∣so the shape of a buckler, being called Fungus venenatus Clyptiformis: in English, the stinking veno∣mous Mushrom.

[illustration]

2 Fungi tethales, aut saltem non esculenti. Poyson Mushrums, or at the least such as are not vulgarly 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The Mushrums or Toodstooles which grow vpon the trunkes or bodies of old trees, very much resembling Auricula Iudae, that is Iewes eare, do in continuance of time grow vnto the substance of wood, which the Foulers do call Touchwood, and are for the most halfe circuled or halfe round, whose vpper part is somewhat plaine, and sometime a little hollow, but the lower part is plaited or pursed together. This kinde of Mushrum the Grecians do call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and is full of venome or poi∣son as the former, especially those which grow vpon the Ilex, Oliue, and Oke trees.

There is likewise a kinde of Musbrum called Fungus Fanaginosus, growing vp in moist and sha∣dowie woods, which is also venomous, hauing a thicke and tuberous stalke, an handfull high, of a duskish colour; the top whereof is compact of many small diuisions, like vnto the hony combe.

[illustration]

Fungus sambucinus, sive Auricula 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Iewes eares.

[illustration]

Fungi lethales, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 non esculenti. Poysonous Mushrums.

There is also found another, set forth vnder the title Fungus virilis penis arecti forma, which wee English, Pricke Mushrum, taken from his forme.

3 Fungus orbicularis, or Lupi crepitus, some do call it Lucernarum fungus: in English, Fusse balls, Pucke Fusse, and Bulfists, with which in some places of England they vse to kill or smolder their Bees, when they would driue the Hiues, and bereaue the poore Bees of their meat, houses, and liues: these are also vsed in some places where neighbours dwell far asunder, to carry and reserue fire from place to place, whereof it tooke the name, Lucernarum Fungus: in forme they are very round, sticking and cleauing vnto the ground, without any stalks or stems; at the first white, but afterward of a du∣skish colour, hauing no hole or breach in them, whereby a man may see into them, which being tro∣den vpon do breath forth a most thin and fine pouder, like vnto smoke, very noisome and hurtfull vnto the eies, causing a kinde of blindnesse, which is called Poor-blinde, or Sand-blinde.

[illustration]

Fungi lethales, sive non esculenti. Poisonous Mushrums.

There is another kinde of Fungus, or Mushrum, which groweth in moist medowes, and by ditch sides, fiue or six inches high, couered ouer with a skin like a piece of sheepes leather, of a russet co∣lour; which being taken away there appeareth a long and white stumpe, in forme not much vnlike to an handle, mentioned in the title, or like vnto the white and tender stalke of Aron, but greater: this kinde is also full of venome and poison.

There is likewise a kinde of Mushrum, with a certaine round excrescence, growing within the earth; vnder the vpper crust or face of the same, in dry and grauelly grounds in Pannonia and the Prouinces adioining which do cause the ground to swel, and be full of hils like Mole-hils. The peo∣ple where they grow, are constrained to dig them vp and cast them abroad like as we do Mole-hils. spoiling their grounds, as Mole-hils are hurtfull vnto our soile: these haue neither stalks, leaues, fibres nor strings annexed or fastened vnto them, and for the most part are of a reddish colour, but within of a whitish yellow: the Grecians haue called this tuberous excrescence, Idna, and the La∣tines Tubera: the Spaniards do call them Turmas de 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may call them Spanish Fusse bals.

¶ The Place.

Mushrums come vp about the roots of trees, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 places of medowes, and Ley Land newly

[illustration]

Fungus fauiginosus. Hony-comb'd Mushrome.

[illustration]

Fungus Virilis Penis effigie. Pricke Mushrom.

[illustration]

Tubera terrae. Fusse-balls, or Puckfists.

turned; in woods also where the ground is sandy, but yet dankish: they grow likewise out of wood, forth of the rotten bodies of trees, but they are vnprofitable and nothing worth. Poisonsome Mu∣shroms, as Dioscorides saith, groweth where old rusty iron lieth, or rotten clouts, or neere to serpents dens, or roots of trees that bring forth venomous fruit. Diuers esteeme those for the best which grow in medowes, and vpon mountaines and hilly places, as Horace saith, lib. ser. 2. satyr. 4.

— pratensibus optima fungis 〈◊〉〈◊〉, alijs malè creditur.

The medow Mushroms are in kinde the best, It is ill trusting any of the rest.

¶ The Time.

Diuers come vp in Aprill, and last not till May, for they flourish but whilest Aprill continues: others grow later, about August; yet all of them after raine, and therefore they are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one yere sooner, and another later. Mushroms, saith Pliny, grow in shoures of raine: they come of the slime of trees, as the same Author affirmeth.

¶ The Names.

They are called in Latine, Fungi: in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Italian, Fonghi: in Spanish, Hungos, Cu∣gumenos: in French, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which word the low-Countrey men also vse, and call them Cam∣pernoellen: in high-Dutch, Schwemme, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in English, Mushroms, Toad-stooles, and Paddock-stooles.

The Mushroms that come vp in Aprill are called in Latine of some, Spongiolae: of the Italians, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and in high-Dutch, Morchel.

They that are of a light red are called of some Boleti, among the later ones which rise and fall a∣way in seuen dayes. The white, or those which be somewhat yellow, are called in Latine, Suilli: which the later Physitions name Porcini, or Swine Mushroms. Suilli, saith Pliny, are dried, being hanged vpon rushes, which are thrust through them. The dry ones are in our age also eaten in Bo∣hemia and Austria: they that grow by the roots of Poplar trees are called of the Latines, Populnei, Poplar Mushroms.

Puffes-fists are commonly called in Latine, Lupi crepit us, or Wolfes fists: in Italian, Vescie de Lupo: in English, Puffes-fists, and Fusse-balls in the North. Pliny nameth them Pezicae, as though he should say, flat.

Tree Mushroms be called in Greeke, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in Latine, Fungi arborum, and Fungi arborei: in En∣glish, tree Mushroms, or Touch-wood: in high-Dutch also Schwemme. They are all thought to be poisonsome, being inwardly taken. Nicander writeth, that the Mushroms of the Oliue tree, the Ilex tree, and of the Oke tree bring death.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

Galen affirmes, that they are all very cold and moist, and therefore do approch vnto a venomous [ A] and murthering facultie, and ingender a clammy, pituitous, and cold nutriment if they be eaten. To conclude, few of them are good to be eaten, and most of them do suffocate and strangle the ea∣ter. Therefore I giue my aduice vnto those that loue such strange and new fangled meates, to be∣ware of licking honey among thornes, lest the sweetnesse of the one do not counteruaile the sharp∣nesse and pricking of the other.

Fusse-balls are no way eaten: the pouder of them doth dry without biting: it is fitly applied to [ B] merigalls, kibed heeles, and such like.

In diuers parts of England where people dwell farre from neighbours, they carry them kindled [ C] with fire, which lasteth long: whereupon they were called Lucernarum Fungi.

The dust or pouder hereof is very dangerous for the eyes, for it hath been often seen, that diuers [ D] haue been pore-blinde euer after, when some small quantitie thereof hath been blowne into their eyes.

The countrey people do vse to kill or smother Bees with these Fusse-balls, being set on fire, sor [ E] the which purpose it fitly serueth.

‡ The fungous excrescence of the Elder, commonly called a Iewes eare, is much vsed against [ F] the inflammations and all other sorenesses of the throat, being boiled in milke, steeped in beere, vineger, or any other conuenient liquor. ‡

CHAP. 168. Of great Tooth-wort, or Clownes Lung-wort.

¶ The Description.

1 THere is often found among the Mushroms a certaine kinde of excrescence consisting of a jelly or soft substance, like that of the Mushroms, and therefore it may the more fitly be here inserted: it riseth forth of the ground in forme like vnto Orobanche, or the Broome-Rape, and also in substance, hauing a tender, thicke, tuberous, or mis-shapen body, consisting as it were of scales like teeth (whereof it tooke his name) of a dusty shining colour tending to purple. The stalke riseth vp in the middle garnished with little gaping hollow floures like those of Satyrion; on the outside of an ouerworne whitish colour: the whole plant resembleth a rude forme of that

gellie, or slimie matter, found in the fields, which we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the falling of stars: the root is small and tender.

2 There is also another sort hereof found, not differing from the precedent: the chiefe diffe∣rence consisteth in that, that this plant is altogether lesser; ‡ and hath a root diuersly diuarica∣ted like Corall, white of colour, full of juice, and without any fibres annexed thereto ‡; in other respects like.

[illustration]

1 Dentaria maior Mathioli. Great Toothwoort, or Lungwoort.

[illustration]

2 Dentaria minor. Little Lungwoort.

¶ The Place.

These plants do grow at the bottome of Elme trees, and such like, in shadowie places: I found it growing in a lane called East-lane, vpon the right hand as ye go from Maidstone in Kent vnto Cockes Heath, halfe a mile from the towne; and in other places thereabout: it doth also grow in the fields about Croidon, especially about a place called Groutes, being the land of a worshipfull Gentleman called M^r. Garth: and also in a wood in Kent neere Crayfoot, called Rowe, or Rough∣hill: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 groweth likewise neere Harwood in Lancashire, a mile from Whanley, in a wood called Talbot banke.

¶ The Time.

They flourish in May and Iune.

¶ The Names.

There is not any other name extant, more than is set forth in the description.

¶ The Temperature and Vertues.

There is nothing extant of the faculties hereof, either of the ancient or later writers: neither haue we any thing of our owne experience; onely our countrie women do call it 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and do vse it against the cough, and all other imperfections of the lungs: but what benefit they reape thereby I know not; neither can any of iudgement giue me further instruction thereof.

CHAP. 166. Of Saunders.

¶ The Kindes.

THe ancient Greekes haue not knowne the sorts of Saunders: Garcias and others describe three, Album, Rubrum, and Pallidum: which in shops is called Citrinum.

¶ The Description.

1 THe Saunders tree groweth to the bignesse of the Walnut-tree, garnished with many goodly branches; whereon are set leaues like those of the Lentiske tree, alwaies greene; among which come forth very faire floures, of a blew colour tending to black∣nesse; after commeth the fruit of the bignesse of a Cherry, greene at the first, and blacke when it is ripe; without taste, and ready to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 downe with euery little blast of winde: the timber or wood is of a white colour, and a very pleasant smell.

2 There is likewise another which groweth very great, the floures and fruit agree with the other of his kinde: the wood is of a yellowish colour, wherein consisteth the difference.

‡ 3 The third fort which wee call Red-Saunders is a very hard and sollid wood, hauing lit∣tle or no smell, the colour thereof is very red, it groweth not in those places where the other grow, neither is the forme of the tree described by any that I know of, it is frequently vsed to colour sauces, and for such like vses. ‡

¶ The Place.

The white and yellow Saunders grow naturally, and that in great aboundance, in an Island called Timor, and also in the East-Indies beyond the riuer Sanges or rather Ganges, which the Indians call Hanga, and also about Iaua, where it is of better odour than any that groweth else∣where.

The red Saunders growes within the riuer Ganges, especially about Tanasarim, and in the mar∣rish grounds about Charamandell: Auicen, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and most of the Mauritanians call it by a corrupt name, Sandal: in Timor, Malaca, and in places neere adioyning, Chandama: in Decan and Guzarate, 〈◊〉〈◊〉: in Latine, Sandalum and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, adding thereto for the colour album, flauum, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and rubrum, that is, white, yellow, and red Saunders.

¶ The Time.

These trees which are the white and yellow Saunders grow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Winter and Sommer, and are not one knowne from another, but by the Indians themselues, who haue taken very certaine notes and markes of them, because they may the more speedily distinguish them when the Mart commeth.

¶ The Names.

Their names haue been susficiently spoken of in their descriptions.

¶ The Temperature.

† Yellow and white Saunders are hot in the third degree, and dry in the second. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Saunders are not so hot. †

¶ The Vertues.

The Indians do vse the decoction made in water, against hot burning agues, and the ouermuch [ A] flowing of the menses, Erisipelas, the gout, and all inflammations, especially if it be mixed with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Nightshade, Housleeke, or Purslane.

The white Saunders mixed with Rose water, and the temples bathed therewith, ceaseth the [ B] paine of the megrim, and keepeth backe the flowing of humours to the eies.

Auicen affirmeth it to be good for all passions of the hart, and maketh it glad and merry, and [ C] therefore good to be put in collises, iellies, and all delicate meates which are made to strengthen and reuiue the spirits.

‡ Red Saunders haue an astrictiue and strengthning facultie, but are not cordiall as the other [ D] two, they are vsed in diuers medicines and meates both for their facultie and pleasing red colour which they giue to them. ‡

CHAP. 170. Of Stony wood, or wood made Stones.

¶ The Description.

AMong the wonders of England this is one of great admiration, and contrarie vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reason and capacitie, that there should be a kinde of wood alterable into the hardnesse of a stone called Stonie wood, or rather a kinde of water, which hardneth wood and other things, into the nature and matter of stones. But we know that the workes of God are

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lapideum, siue in Lapides conuersum. Stonie wood, or wood made stones.

wonderfull, if we doe but narrowly search the least of them, which we dayly behold; much more if we turne our eyes vpon those that are seldome seene, and knowne but of a few, and that of such as haue painfully trauelled in the secrets of Nature. This strange alteration of nature is to be seene in sundry parts of Eng∣land & Wales, through the qualities of some waters and earth, which change such things in∣to stone as do fall therein, or which are of pur∣pose for triall put into them. In the North part of England there is a Well neere vnto Knaesborough, which will change any thing into stone, whether it be wood, timber, leaues of trees, mosse, leather gloues, or such like. There be diuers places in Bed ford shire, War∣wickshire, and Wales, where there is ground of that qualitie, that if a stake be driuen into it, that part of the stake which is within the ground will be a firme and hard stone, and all that which is aboue the ground retaineth his former sub∣stance and nature. Also my selfe being at Rougby (about such time as our fantasticke people did with great concourse and multitudes repaire and run headlong vnto the sacred Wells of Newnam 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in the edge of Warwickshire, as vnto the water of life, which could cure all diseases) I went from thence vnto these Wells, where I found growing ouer the same a faire Ash tree, whose boughes did hang ouer the spring of water, whereof some that were seare and rotten, and some that of purpose were broken off, fell into the water, and were all turned into stones. Of these boughes or parts of the tree I brought into London, which when I had broken in pieces, therein might be seene, that the pith and all the rest was turned into stones; yea many buds and flourings of the tree falling into the said water, were also turned into hard stones, still retaining the same shape and fa∣shion that they were of before they were in the water. I doubt not but if this water were proued about the hardning of some Confections Physicall, for the preseruation of them, or other special ends, it would offer greater occasion of admiration for the health and benefit of mankinde, than it doth about such things as already haue been experimented, tending to very little purpose.

CHAP. 171. Of the Goose tree, Barnacle tree, or the tree bearing Geese.

[illustration]

Britannicae Conchae anatiferae. The breed of Barnacles.

¶ The Description.

HAuing trauelled from the Grasses growing in the bottome of the fenny waters, the Woods, and mountaines, euen vnto Libanus it selfe; and also the sea, and bowels of the same, wee are arriued at the end of our Historie; thinking it not impertinent to the conclusion of the same, to end with one of the maruells of this land (we may say of the world.) The historie where∣of to set forth according to the worthinesse and raritie thereof, would not only require a large and peculiar volume, but also a deeper search into the bowels of nature, than my intended purposewil 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me to wade into, my sufficiencie also considered; leauing the historie thereof rough hewen, vnto some excellent men, learned in the secrets of nature, to be both fined and refined: in the mean space take it as it falleth out, the naked and bare truth, though vnpolished. There are found in the North parts of Scotland and the Islands adiacent, called Orchades, certain trees whereon do grow certaine shells of a white colour tending to russet, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are contained little liuing creatures: which shells in time of maturitie do open, and out of them grow those little liuing things, which falling into the water do become fowles, which we call 〈◊〉〈◊〉; in the North of England, brant Geese; and in Lancashire, tree Geese: but the other that do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the land perish and come to nothing. Thus much by the writings of others, and also from the mouths 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people of those parts, which may very well accord with truth.

But what our eyes haue seene, and hands haue touched we shall declare. There is a small Island in Lancashire called the Pile of Foulders, wherein are found the broken pieces of old and bruised ships, some whereof haue been cast thither by shipwracke, and also the trunks and bodies with the branches of old and rotten trees, cast vp there likewise; whereon is found a certaine spume or froth that in time breedeth vnto certaine shels, in shape like those of the Muskle, but sharper pointed, and of a whitish colour: wherein is contained a thing in forme like a lace of silke finely wouen as it were together, of a whitish colour, one end whereof is fastned vnto the inside of the shell, euen as the fish of Oisters and Muskles are: the other end is made fast vnto the belly of a rude masse or Iumpe, which in time commeth to the shape and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a Bird: when it is perfectly formed the shell gapeth open, and the first thing that appeareth is the foresaid lace or string; next come the legs of the bird hanging out, and as it groweth greater it openeth the shell by degrees, til at length it is all come forth, and hangeth onely by the bill: in short space after it commeth to full maturi∣tie, and falleth into the sea, where it gathereth feathers, and groweth to a fowle bigger than a Mal∣lard, and lesser than a Goose, hauing blacke legs and bill or beake, and feathers blacke and white, spotted in such manner as is our Mag-Pie, called in some places a Pie-Annet, which the people of Lancashire call by no other name than a tree Goose: which place aforesaid, and all those parts ad∣ioyning do so much abound 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that one of the best is bought for three pence. For the truth hereof, if any doubt, may it please them to repaire vnto me, and I shall satisfie them by the testi∣monie of good witnesses.

Moreouer, it should seeme that there is another sort hereof; the historie of which is true, and of mine owne knowledge: for trauelling vpon the shore of our English coast betweene Douer and Rumney, I found the trunke of an old rotten tree, which (with some helpe that I procured by Fi∣shermens wiues that were there attending their husbands returne from the sea) we drew out of the water vpon dry land: vpon this rotten tree I found growing many thousands of long crimson blad∣ders, in shape like vnto puddings newly filled, before they be sodden, which were very cleere and shining; at the nether end whereof did grow a shell fish, fashioned somewhat like a small Muskle, but much whiter, resembling a shell fish that groweth vpon the rockes about Garnsey and Garsey, called a Lympit: many of these shells I brought with me to London, which after I had opened I found in them liuing things without forme or shape; in others which were neerer come to ripenes I found liuing things that were very naked, in shape like a Bird: in others, the Birds couered with soft downe, the shell halfe open, and the Bird ready to fall our, which no doubt were the Fowles called Barnakles. I dare not absolutely auouch euery circumstance of the first part of this history, concerning the tree that beareth those buds aforesaid, but will leaue it to a further consideration; howbeit that which I haue seene with mine eyes, and handled with mine hands, I dare confident∣ly auouch, and boldly put downe for veritie. Now if any will obiect, that this tree which I saw might be one of those before mentioned, which either by the waues of the sea or some violent wind had been ouerturned, as many other trees are; or that any trees falling into those seas about the Orchades, will of themselues beare the like fowles, by reason of those seas and waters, these being so probable coniectures, and likely to be true, I may not without preiudice gainesay, or indeauour to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

‡ The Barnakle, whose fabulous breed my Author here sets downe, and diuers others haue

also deliuered, were found by some Hollanders to haue another originall, and that by egges, as other Birds haue: for they in their third voyage to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out the North-East passage to China, and the Molucco's, about the eightieth degree and eleuen minutes of Northerly latitude, found two little Islands, in the one of which they found aboundance of these Geese sitting vpon their egges, of which they got one Goose, and tooke away sixty egges, &c. Vide Pontani, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & vrb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Hist. lib. 2. cap. 22. Now the shells out of which these birds were thought to fly, are a kinde of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 marinus; and thus Fabius Columna, in the end of his Phytobasanos, writing piscium aliquot historia, iudiciously proues: to whose opinion I wholly subscribe, and to it I refer the Curious. His asseueration is this: Conchas vulgò Anatiferas, non esse fructus terrestres, neque ex ijs Anates oriri; sed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 marinae speciem. I could haue said somthing more hereof, but thus much I thinke may serue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with that which Fabius Columna hath written vpon this point. ‡

¶ The Place.

The borders and rotten plankes whereon are found these shels wherein is bred the Barnakle, are taken vp in a small Island adioyning to Lancashire, halfe a mile from the maine land, called the Pile of Foulders.

¶ The Time.

They spawne as it were in March and Aprill; the Geese are formed in May and Iune, and come to fulnesse of seathers in the moneth after.

And thus hauing through Gods assistance discoursed somewhat at large of Grasses, Herbes, Shrubs, Trees, and Mosses, and certaine Excrescences of the earth, with other things moe, incident to the historie thereof, we conclude and end our present Volume, with this wonder of England. For the which Gods name be euer honored and praised.

FINIS.

Notes

• † 1.1

  The vertues in the two last places 〈◊〉〈◊〉 belong to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Cordus, and is described in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the foregoing Chapter, by the name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.2

  There were formerly two figures in this chapter, which differed onely in that the first, which was the Sexa 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, narrower, and sharper 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 than the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which was the second.
• † 1.3

  There were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the fifth and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 places here two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 different, but that which was in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place was a little larger, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 title which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diuided 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them: for as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was ouer in the fifth; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the sixth.
• † 1.4

  Both the figures formerly were of the first described.
• † 1.5

  The description that formerly was in the first place belonged to that described and figured in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.6

  The figures were formerly 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.7

  In this chapter formerly in the first place was againe 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the time 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Spanish 〈◊〉〈◊〉: which I haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 omitted, because it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and described in the last 〈◊〉〈◊〉: saue one before. In the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that figured in the third: and in the third place was a description to no purpose, which I therefore omitted, and as you see described 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and put in the first place that which formerly held the second.
• † 1.8

  This chapter hath vndergone a great alteration: as thus; the first, third, and fourth descriptions belonged to the third figure: the second and fifth descrip∣tion, to the fifth figure: and the first, second, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 figures had no descriptions belonging to them. The figure that was in the first place is now in the third; the second still holds his place: the third is in the first, belonging thereto of right: and for handsomnesse sake I haue made the fourth and fifth change places. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also in the sixth place was formerly mentioned by our Author (but now omitted) in the chapter of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.9

  This chapter hath vndergone a great alteration: as thus; the first, third, and fourth descriptions belonged to the third figure: the second and fifth descrip∣tion, to the fifth figure: and the first, second, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 figures had no descriptions belonging to them. The figure that was in the first place is now in the third; the second still holds his place: the third is in the first, belonging thereto of right: and for handsomnesse sake I haue made the fourth and fifth change places. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also in the sixth place was formerly mentioned by our Author (but now omitted) in the chapter of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.10

  This chapter hath vndergone a great alteration: as thus; the first, third, and fourth descriptions belonged to the third figure: the second and fifth descrip∣tion, to the fifth figure: and the first, second, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 figures had no descriptions belonging to them. The figure that was in the first place is now in the third; the second still holds his place: the third is in the first, belonging thereto of right: and for handsomnesse sake I haue made the fourth and fifth change places. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also in the sixth place was formerly mentioned by our Author (but now omitted) in the chapter of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.11

  The figure which was in the third place was of the plant described in the second which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not with the description which was taken out of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.12

  Oar Author gaue but formerly one figure, which was that in the second place, and he would haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vs, that it was of the right 〈◊〉〈◊〉, yet in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vs otherwaies.
• † 1.13

  The figure which was in the 2. place, was of the Lycium Italicum of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and others; but the description and title better 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hispanicum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which therefore I put thereto. The figure also of the Lycium Italicum of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Author 〈◊〉〈◊〉 againe in the next chapter saue two.
• † 1.14

  Our Author in this chapter gaue onely the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the third, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the second, with the names and faculties in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.15

  Our Author out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gaue the figures of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Galls; some being 〈◊〉〈◊〉, others small; some round, others longish, and other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cornered.
• † 1.16

  Our Author in this chapter hath put together two chapters of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the one of Cypresse, the other of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and others. Vid. Pempt. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. cap. 7 & 8.
• † 1.17

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which our Author gaue in the ninth place by the name of Erica 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I take to be the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 2. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (which you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place) and in stead thereof I haue giuen you our ordinary berry-bearing Heath.
• † 1.18

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which our Author gaue in the ninth place by the name of Erica 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I take to be the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 2. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (which you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place) and in stead thereof I haue giuen you our ordinary berry-bearing Heath.
• † 1.19

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which our Author gaue in the ninth place by the name of Erica 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I take to be the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 2. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (which you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place) and in stead thereof I haue giuen you our ordinary berry-bearing Heath.
• † 1.20

  Our Author formerly following 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gaue two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and descriptions in this Chapter, but being both of one thing I omitted the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.21

  The other plant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Author 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in this chapter in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. place by the name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he set it forth before by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and one description, in the 11. and 12. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he 8 chap. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.22

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Author here also gaue the two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the male Bay 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 female Bay: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 difference in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or none, wherefore I haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.23

  I haue brought this Chapter and the next following from the place they formerly held, and seated them here amongst the rest of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• ‡ 1.24

  My friend M. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 receiued a plant hereof out of Lancashire: and by the shape of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I could not iudge it to differ from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 described, pag. 1273. neither doe the descriptions much differ in any materiall point: the figures differ more; but I iudge this a very 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.25

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that formerly was in the second place, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the narrow leaued kinde of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which you shall finde in the second place of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.26

  I haue in this chapter contented my selfe with the expressing of the fruits out of Clusius and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the figures of the three Mirabalan 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; because I iudge them rather drawne by fancy than by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.27

  There were formerly three figures in this chapter: wherefore I omitted two as impertinent.
• † 1.28

  I haue omitted in this chapter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which was formerly here.
• † 1.29

  The figures were transposed.
• † 1.30

  The figures were transposed.
• † 1.31

  The figure formerly in the first place 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Muscus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being a small kinde of Muscus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sixth were both of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and so of the two descriptions I haue made one more accurate, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 figure.
• † 1.32

  The figure formerly in the first place 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Muscus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being a small kinde of Muscus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sixth were both of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and so of the two descriptions I haue made one more accurate, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 figure.