The historie of the vvorld: commonly called, The naturall historie of C. Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland Doctor of Physicke. The first [-second] tome

THE NINTH BOOKE OF [unspec K] THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE, (Book 9)

WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS.

CHAP. I. [unspec L]

¶ The nature of water Creatures.

I Haue thus shewed the nature of those beasts that liue vpon the land, and therein haue some societie & fellowship with men. And considering, that of all others be∣sides in the world, they that flie be the least, we will first treat of those fish that keep in the sea, not forgetting those also either in running fresh riuers or standing lakes.

CHAP. II. [unspec M]

¶ What the reason is why the sea should breed the greatest liuing creatures.

THe waters bring forth more store of liuing creatures, and the same greater than the land. The cause wherof is euident, euen the excessiue abundance of moisture. As for the fouls & birds, who liue hanging, as it were, & houering in the aire, their case is otherwise. Now

in the sea, being so wide, so large and open, readie to receiue from heauen aboue the genitall [unspec A] seeds and causes of generation; being so soft and pliable, so proper & fit to yeeld nourishment and encrease; assisted also by Nature, which is nouer idle, but alwaies framing one new creature or other: no maruell it is if there are found so many strange and monstrous things as there be. For the seeds and vniuersall elements of the world are so interlaced sundry waies, and min∣gled one within another, partly by the blowing of the winds, and partly with the rolling and agation of the waues, insomuch as it may truly be said, according to the vulgar opinion, that whatsoeuer is engendred and bred in any part of the world besides, is to be found in the sea: and many more things in it, which no where else are to be seen. For there shall ye meet with fishes, resembling not onely the forme and shape of land creatures liuing, but also the figure and fa∣shion of many things without life: there may one see bunches of grapes, swords, and sawes, re∣presented; [unspec B] yea, and also cow•…•…umbers, which for colour, smell, and taste, resembleth those grow∣ing vpon the earth. And therefore we need the lesse to wonder, if in so little shell fishes as are cockles, there be somewhat standing out like horse-heads.

CHAP. III.

¶ Of the monstrous fishes in the Indian sea.

THe Indian sea breedeth the most and biggest fishes that are: among which, the Whales and Whirlepooles called Balaenae, take vp in length as much as foure acres or arpens of land: likewise the Pristes are two hundred cubits long: and no maruell, since Locusts are there to be found of foure cubits in length: and yeeles within the riuer Ganges of thirtie foot [unspec C] in length. But these monstrous fishes in the sea, are most to be seen about the middest of Sum∣mer, & when the daies be at the longest with vs. For then by the means of whirlewinds, storms, winds, and blustering tempests which come with violence down from the mountains and pro∣montories, the seas are troubled from the very bottome, and turned vpside downe: whereupon the surging billowes thereof, raise these monsters out of the deep, and roll them vp to be seen. For in that manner so great a multitude of Tunnies were discouered and arose, that the whole armada of king Alexander the great, seeing them comming like to an armie of enemies in order of battell, was driuen to range & make head against them, close vnited together: for otherwise, if they had sailed scattering asunder, there had bin no way to escape, but ouerturned they had bin, with such a force and sway came these Tunnies in a skull vpon them. And verily, no voice, [unspec D] crie, hollaing and houting, no nor any blowes and raps affrighted this kind of fish, only at some cracke or crashing noise they be terrified: and neuer are they troubled and disquieted so much as when they perceiue some huge thing ready to fall vpon them.

In the red sea there lies a great demie Island named Cadara, so farre out into the sea, that it maketh a huge gulfe vnder the wind, which king Ptolomaeus was 12 daies and 12 nights a row∣ing through: forasmuch as there is no wind at all vses to blow there. In this creeke so close and quiet, there be fish and Whales grow to that bignes, that for their very weight and vnweldines of their bodie, they are not able to stirre. The Admirals and other captaines of the fleet of the foresaid Alexander the great, made report, That the Gedrosi, a people dwelling vpon the riuer Arbis, vse to make of such fishes chawes, the dores of their houses; also that they lay their [unspec E] bones ouerthwart from one side of the house to another, in stead of beames, joists and rafters to beare vp their floores and roufes: and that some of them were found to be fortie cubits long.

In those parts there be found in the sea certaine strange beasts like sheep, which goe forth to land, feed vpon the roots of plants and herbes, and then returne againe into the sea. Others also which are headed like Horses, Asses, and Buls: and those many times eat downe the stan∣ding corne vpon the ground.

CHAP. IIII.

¶ Which be the greatest fishes in any coast of the Ocean sea.

THe biggest and most monstrous creature in the Indish Ocean, are the whales called Pri∣stis [unspec F] & Balaena. In the French Ocean there is discouered a mighty fish called Physeter, [i. a Whirlepoole] rising vp aloft out of the sea in manner of a columne or pillar, higher than

the very sailes of the ships: and then he spouteth and casteth forth a mightie deale of water, as [unspec G] it were out of a conduit, enough to drowne and sinke a ship. In the Ocean of Gades, betweene Portugale and Andalusia, there is a monstrous fish to be seen like a mightie great tree, sprea∣ding abroad with so mightie armes, that in regard thereof onely, it is thought verily it neuer entred into the streights or narrow sea there by of Gibraltar. There shew themselues other∣whiles fishes made like two great wheeles, and thereupon so they be called: framed distinctly with foure armes, representing as many spokes: and with their eies they seem to couer close the naues from one side to the other, wherein the said spokes are fastened.

CHAP. V.

¶ Of Tritons, Nereides, and sea-Elephants, and their formes. [unspec H]

IN the time that Tiberius was Emperour, there came vnto him an Embassador from Vlissipon, sent of purpose to make relation, That vpon their sea-coast there was discouered within a certain hole, a certain sea goblin, called Triton, sounding a shell like a trumpet or cornet: and that he was in forme and shape like those that are commonly painted for Tritons. And as for the Meremaids called Nereides, it is no fabulous tale that goes of them: for look how painters draw them, so they are indeed: onely their bodie is tough & skaled all ouer, euen in those parts wherein they resemble a woman. For such a Meremaid was seen and beheld plainly vpon the same coast neere to the shore: and the inhabitants dwelling neere, heard it a far off when it was a dying, to make pitteous mone, crying & chattering very heauily. Moreouer, a lieutenant or [unspec I] gouernor vnder Augustus Caesar in Gaule, aduertised him by his letters, That many of these Ne∣reides or Mearmaids were seen cast vpon the sands, and lying dead. I am able to bring forth for mine authors diuers knights of Rome, right worshipfull persons and of good credit, who testi∣fie, that in the coast of the Spanish Ocean neer vnto Gades, they haue seen a Mere-man, in eue∣ry respect resembling a man as perfectly in all parts of the bodie as might be. And they report moreouer, that in the night season he would come out of the sea abord their ships: but look vp∣on what part soeuer he setled, he waied the same downe, & if he rested and continued there any long time, he would sinke it cleane. In the daies of Tiberius the Emperor, in a certain Island vp∣on the coast of the prouince of Lions, the sea after an ebbe left vpon the bare sands 300 sea∣monsters and aboue, at one flote together, of a wonderfull varietie and bignesse, differing asun∣der. [unspec K] And there were no fewer found vpon the coast of the Santones. And among the rest there were sea-Elephants and rams, with teeth standing out; & hornes also, like to those of the land, but that they were white like as the fore-said teeth: ouer & besides, many Meremaids. Turanius hath reported, That a monster was driuen and cast vpon the coast of Gades, betweene the two hindmost fins whereof in the taile, were 16 cubits: it had 122 teeth, whereof the biggest were a span or nine inches in measure, and the least halfe a foot. M. Scaurus among other strange and wonderfull sights that he exhibited to the people of Rome, to doe them peasure in his Aedile∣ship, shewed openly the bones of that sea-monster, before which ladie Andromeda (by report) was cast to be deuoured: which were brought to Rome from Ioppe, a towne in Iudaea: and they caried in length fortie foot: deeper were the ribs than any Indian Elephant is high, and the [unspec L] ridge-bone a foot and halfe thicke.

CHAP. VI.

¶ Of the Balaenes and Orcae.

THese monstrous Whales named Balaenae, otherwhiles come into our seas also. They say that in the coast of the Spanish Ocean by Gades, they are not seen before midwinter when the daies be shortest: for at their set times they lie close in a certain calme deep and large creeke, which they chuse to cast their spawn in, and their delight aboue all places to breed. The Orcae, other monstrous fishes, know this full well, and deadly enemies they be vnto the foresaid [unspec M] whales. And verily, if I should pourtrait them, I can resemble them to nothing else but a migh∣tie masse and lumpe of flesh withour all fashion, armed with most terrible, sharpe, and cutting teeth. Well, these being ware that the Whales are there, breake into this secret by-creek out of the way, seeke them out, and if they meet either with the young ones, or the dammes that haue

newly spawn'd, or yet great with spawn, they all to cut & hack them with their trenchant teeth: [unspec A] yea, they run against them as i•…•… were a foist or ship of warre armed with sharp brazen pikes in the beake-head. But contrariwise, the Balaenes or Whales aforesaid, that cannot wind and turne aside for defence, and much lesse make head and resist, so vnweldie as they bee by reason of their owne weightie and heauie bodie, (and as then eith•…•… big bellied, or else weakened late∣ly with the paines of trauell and caluing their young ones) haue no other meanes of helpe and succor but to shoot into the deepe, and gaine sea-roome to defend themselues from the ene∣mie. On the other side, the Orc•…•… labour (to cut them short of their purpose) to lie betweene them and home in their very way, and otherwhiles kill them vnawares in the streights, or driue them vpon the shelues and shallows, or else force them against the very rocks, & so bruise them, When these combats and fights are seen the sea seemes as if it were angry with it selfe: for al∣beit [unspec B] no winds are vp, but all calme in that creek and gulfe, yet ye shall haue waues in that place where they encounter (with the blasts of their breath, and the blowes giuen by the assailant) so great, as no tempestuous whirle windes whatsoeuer are able to raise. In the hauen of Ostia likewise there was discouered one of these Orcaes, and the same assailed by Claudius the Em∣perour. It chanced to come as he was making the said harbour or pere, drawne and trained thi∣ther with the sweetnes of certaine beasts hides that were brought out of Gaule, and were cast away and perished by the way. Of them for certaine daies she had fed, and still following them, with the weight of her heauie bodie had made a furrow and channel (as it were) with her bellie in the bottome among the shelues: and by reason of the flowing of the sea she was so inuested and compassed in with the sands, that by no means possible she could turn about: but stil while she goes after these hides whereof she fed, she was by the billows of the sea cast aflote on the [unspec C] shore, so as her back was to be seene a great deale aboue the water, much like to the bottome or keele of a ship turned vpside downe. Then the Emperour commanded to draw great nets and cords with many folds along the mouth of the hauen on euery side behind the fish, himselfe accompanied with certaine Pretorian cohorts, for to shew a pleasant sight vnto the people of Rome, came against this monstrous fish, and out of many hoies and barks the souldiers launced darts and jauelines thicke. And one of them I saw my selfe sunke downe right with the abun∣dance of water that this monstrous fish spouted and filled it withall. The Whales called Bale∣nae haue a certaine mouth or great hole in their forehead, and therefore as they swim aflore a∣loft on the water, they send vpon high (as it were) with a mighty strong breath a great quantity of water when they list, like stormes of raine. [unspec D]

CHAP. VII.

¶ Whether fish do breath and sleep, or no.

ALl writers are fully resolued in this, That the Whales abouesaid, as well the Balaenae as the Orcae, and some few other fishes bred & nourished in the sea, which among other in∣ward bowels haue lights, doe breath. For otherwise it were not possible▪ that either they or any other beast, without lights or lungs should blow: and they that be of this opinion, suppose likewise, that no fishes hauing guils, do draw in and deliuer their wind again to and fro: nor ma∣ny other kinds besides, although they want the foresaid gils. Among others, I see that Aristotle [unspec E] was of that mind, and by many profound and learned reasons persuaded & induced many more to hold the same. For mine owne part, if I should speake frankely what I think, I professe that, I am not of their judgment. For why? Nature if she be so disposed, may giue in steed of light some other organs and instruments of breath: to this creature one, to that another: like as many other creaturs haue another kind of moist humor in lieu of blood. And who would maruel, that this vitall spirit should pierce within the waters, considering that•…•…he seeth euidently how it ri∣seth againe and is deliuered from thence: also how the aire entreth euen into the earth, which is the grosest & hardest of al the elements? As we may perceiue by this good argument, that some creatures, which albeit they be alwaies couered within the ground, yet liue and breath neuer∣thelesse, and namely, the Wants or Mold-warpes. Moreouer, I haue diuers pregnant & effectu∣all [unspec F] reasons inducing me to beleeue, that all water creatures breathe each one after their maner, as Nature hath ordained. First and principally, I haue obserued oftentimes by experience, That fishes evidently breath and pant for wind (after a sort) in the great heat of Summer: as also that

they yawne and gape when the weather is calme & the sea still. And they themselues also who [unspec G] hold the contrarie, confesse plainly; that fishes doe sleepe. And if that be true, How, I pray you, can they sleep if they take not their wind? Moreouer, whence come those bubbles which con∣tinually are breathed forth from vnder the water? and what shall we say to those shell fishes which wax and decay in substance •…•…f bodie, according to the effect of the Moones encrease or decrease? But aboue all, fishes haue hearing and smelling, and no doubt both these senses are performed and maintained by the benefit and matter of the aire: for what is smell and sent, but the verie aire, either infected with a bad, or perfumed with a good sauour? How beit I leaue eue∣ry man free to his own opinion, as touching these points. But to returne againe to our purpose: this is certaine, that neither the Whales called Balaenae, nor the Dolphins, haue any guills: and yet do both these fishes breathe at certaine pipes and conduits, as it were reaching downe into [unspec H] their lights: from the forehead, in rhe Balaenes; and in the Dolphins, from the backe. Further∣more, the Sea-calues or Seales, which the Latines call Phocae, doe both breath and sleepe vpon the drie land. So do the sea Tortoises also, whereof we will write more anon.

CHAP. VIII.

¶ Of Dolphins.

THe swiftest of al other liuing creatures whatsoeuer, & not of sea-fish only, is the Dolphin; quicker than the flying fowle, swifter than the arrow shot out of a bow. And but that this fish is mouthed far beneath his snout, and in manner towards the mids of his belly, there [unspec I] were not a fish could escape from him, so light and nimble he is. But nature in great prouidence fore-seeing so much, hath giuen these fishes some let & hinderance, for vnlesse they turned vp∣right much vpon their backe, catch they can no other fish: and euen therein appeareth most of all their wonderfull swiftnesse and agilitie. For when the Dolphins are driuen for very hunger to course and pursue other fishes down into the bottom of the sea, and therby are forced a long while to hold their breath, for to take their wind again, they lance themselues aloft from vnder the water as if they were shot out of a bow; and with such a force they spring vp again, that ma∣ny times they mount ouer the very sailes and mastes of ships. This is to be noted in them, that for the most part they sort themselues by couples like man and wife. They are with yong nine moneths, and in the tenth bring forth their little ones, and lightly in Summer time; and other∣whiles [unspec K] they haue two little dolphins at once. They suckle them at their teats, like as the whales or the Balaenes do: yea, & so long as their little ones are so yong that they be feeble, they carry them too and fro about them: nay when they are growne to be good big ones, yet they beare them companie still a long time, so kind and louing be they to their young. Young Dolphins come very speedily to their growth, for in ten yeres they are thought to haue their full bignes: but they liue thirtie yeres, as hath bin known by the experience and triall in many of them, that had their taile cut for a marke when they were yong, and let go again. They lie close euery yere for the space of thirty daies, about the rising of the Dog-starre; but it is strange how they be hidden, for no man knowes how: and in very deed a wonder it were, if they could not breath vn∣der the water. Their manner is, to breake forth of the sea and come aland, and why they should so do, it is not known: for presently assoon as they touch the dry ground, they die: and so much [unspec L] the sooner, for that their pipe or conduit aboue-said incontinently closeth vp and is stopped. Their tongue stirreth within their heads, contrary to the nature of all other creatures liuing in the waters: the same is short and broad fashioned like vnto that of a swine. Their voice resem∣bleth the pittifull groning of a man: they are saddle-backed, & their snout is camoise and flat, turning vp. And this is the cause that all of them (after a wonderfull sort) know the name Simo, and take great pleasure that men should so call them. The Dolphin is a creature that carries a louing affection not only vnto man, but also to musicke: delighted he is with harmony in song, but especially with the sound of the water instrument, or such kind of pipes. Of a man he is no∣thing affraid, neither auoides from him as a stranger: but of himselfe meeteth their ships, plai∣eth [unspec M] and disportes himselfe, and fetcheth a thousand friskes and gamboles before them. He will swim along by the mariners, as it were for a wager, who should make way most speedily, and alwaies outgoeth them, saile they with neuer so good a fore-wind.

In the daies of Augustus Caesar the Emperour, there was a Dolphin entred the gulfe or poole

Lucrinus, which loued wondrous well a certain boy a poore mans son: who vsing to goe euery [unspec A] day to schoole from Baianum to Puteoli, was woont also about noone-tide to stay at the water side, and to call vnto the Dolphin, Simo, Simo, and many times would giue him fragments of bread, which of purpose he euer brought with him, and by this meanes allured the Dolphin to come ordinarily vnto him at his call. [I would make scruple and bash to insert this tale in my storie and to tell it out, but that Mecenas Fabianus, Flauius Alfius, and many others haue set it downe for a truth in their chronicles.] Well in processe of time, at what houre soeuer of the day, this boy lured for him & called Simo, were the Dolphin neuer so close hidden in any secret and blind corner, out he would and come abroad, yea and skud amaine to this lad: and taking bread and other victuals at his hand, would gently offer him his back to mount vpon, and then downe went the sharpe pointed prickles of his fins, which he would put vp as it were within a sheath for fear of hurting the boy. Thus when he had him once on his back, he would carry him [unspec B] ouer the broad arme of the sea as farre as Puteoli to schoole; and in like manner conuey him backe again home: and thus he continued for many yeeres rogether, so long as the child liued. But when the boy was fallen sicke & dead, yet the Dolphin gaue not ouer his haunt, but vsually came to the wonted place, & missing the lad, seemed to be heauie and mourne againe, vntill for very griefe & sorrow (as it is doubtles to be presumed) he also was found dead vpon the shore.

Another Dolphin there was not many yeeres since vpon the coast of Affricke, neere to the citie Hippo, called also Diarrhytus, which in like manner would take meat at a mans hand, suf∣fer himselfe gently to be handled, play with them that swom and bathed in the sea, and carrie on his backe whosoeuer would get vpon it. Now it fell out so, that Flauianus the Proconsull or lieutenant Generall in Affrick vnder the Romans, perfumed and besmeered this Dolphin vpon [unspec C] a time with a sweet ointment: but the fish (as it should seem) smelling this new & strange smel fell to be drow sie and sleepie, and hulled to and fro with the waues, as if it had bin halfe dead: and as though some iniurie had bin offered vnto him, went his way and kept aloufe, and would not conuerse any more for certaine moneths with men, as before-time. Howbeit in the end he came again to Hippo, to the great wonder & astonishment of all that saw him. But the wrongs that some great persons and lords did vnto the citizens of Hippo, such I mean as vsed to come for to see this sight: and namely, the hard measure offered to those townesmen, who to their great cost gaue them entertainement, caused the men of Hippo to kill the poore Dolphin.

The like is reported in the citie Iassos, long before this time: for there was seene a Dolphin many a day to affect a certaine boy, so as he would come vnto him wheresoeuer he chanced to [unspec D] espy him. But whiles at one time aboue the rest he followed egerly after the lad going toward the towne, he shot himselfe vpon the dry sands before he was aware, and died forthwith. In re∣gard hereof, Alexander the Great ordained that the said young boy should afterwards be the chiefe priest and sacrificer to Neptune in Babylon: collecting by the singular fancie that this Dolphin cast vnto him, That it was a great signe of the speciall loue of that god of the sea vn∣to him, and that he would be good and gracious to men for his sake.

Egesidemus writeth, that in the same Iassus there was another boy named Hermias, who hauing vsed likewise to ride vpon a Dolphin ouer the sea, chanced at the last in a sodaine storme to be ouer-whelmed with waues as he sat vpon his backe, and so died, and was brought backe dead by the Dolphin: who confessing as it were that he was the cause of his death, would neuer retire [unspec E] againe into the sea, but launced himselfe vpon the sands, and there died on the drie land.

The semblable happened at Naupactum, by the report of Theophrastus. But there is no end of examples in this kinde: for the Amphilochians and Tarentines testifie as much, as touching Dolphins which haue bin enamoured of little boies: which induceth me the rather to beleeue the tale that goes of Arion. This Arion being a notable musition & plaier of the harpe, chanced to fall into the hands of certain mariners in the ship where he was, who supposing that he had good store of mony about him, which he had gotten with his instrument, were in hand to kill him and cast him ouer boord for the said monie, and so to intercept all his gaines: he, seeing himselfe at their deuotion and mercie, besought them in the best manner that he could deuise, [unspec F] to suffer him yet before he died, to play one fit of mirth with his harpe; which they granted: (at his musicke and sound of harpe, a number of Dolphins came flocking about him:) which done, they turned him ouer shipbord into the sea; where one of the Dolphins tooke him vpon his backe, and carried him safe to the bay of Taenarus.

To conclude and knit vp this matter: In Languedoc within the prouince of Narbon, and in [unspec G] the territorie of Naemausium, there is a standing poole or dead water called Laterra, wherein men and Dolphins together, vse to fish: for at one certain time of the yeare, an infinite number of fishes called Mullets, taking the vantage of the tide when the water doth ebbe, at c•…•…tain nar∣row weares and passages with great force break forth of the said poole into the sea: and by rea∣son of that violence, no nets can be set and pitched against them strong enough to abide and beare their huge weight, and the streame of the water rogether, if so be men were not cunning and craftie to wait and espie their time to lay for them, and to entrap them. In like manner the Mullets for their part, immediately make speed to recouer the deepe, which they do very soon by reason that the channell is neere at hand: and their onely hast is for this, to escape and passe that narrow place which affordeth opportunitie to the fishers to stretch out and spread their [unspec H] nets. The fisher-men being ware thereof, and all the people besides (for the multitude knowing when fishing time is come, run thither, and the rather for to see the pleasant sport) crie as lowd •…•…s euer they can to the Dolphins for aid, & call Simo, Simo, to help to make an end of this their game and pastime of fishing. The Dolphins soon get the eare of their crie, and know what they would haue; and the better, if the North-winds blow and carrie the sound vnto them: for if it be a Southerne wind, it is later ere the voice be heard, because it is against them. Howbeit, be the wind in what corner soeuer, the Dolphins resort thither flock-meale, sooner than a man would thinke, for to assist them in their fishing. And a wondrous pleasant sight it is to behold the squadrons as it were of those Dolphins, how quickly they take their places and be araunged in battell array euen against the very mouth of the said poole, where the Mullets vse to shoot in∣to [unspec I] the sea: to see (I say) how from the sea, they oppose themselues and fight against them; and driue the Mullets (once affrighted and skared) from the deep, vpon the shelues. Then come the fishers and beset them with net and toile, which they beare vp and fortifie with strong forkes: howbeit for all that, the Mullets are so quicke & nimble, that a number of them whip ouer, get away, and escape the nets. But the Dolphins then are readie to receiue them: who contenting themselues for the present to kill only, make foule worke and hauocke among them; & put off the time of preying and feeding vpon, vntil they haue ended the battel & atchieued the victo∣rie. And now the skirmish is hot, for the Dolphins also perceiuing also the men at worke, are the more egre and couragious in fight, taking pleasure to be enclosed within the nets, and so most valiantly charge vpon the Mullets: but for feare lest the same should giue an occasion [unspec K] vnto the enemies & prouoke them to retire and slie backe; between the boats, the nets, and the men there swimming, they glide by so gently and easily, that it cannot be seen where they gat out. And albeit they take great delight in leaping, & haue the cast of it, yet none assaieth to get forth, but where the nets lie vnder them: but no sooner are they out, but presently a man shall see braue pastime between them, as they scuffle & skirmish as it were vnder the rampier. And so the conflict being ended, and all the fishing sport done, the Dolphins fal to spoile and eat those which they killed in the first shock and encounter. But after this seruice performed, the Dolphins retire not presently into the deep againe, from whence they were called, but stay vntil the morrow, as if they knew very well that they had so carried themselues, as that they de∣serued a better reward than one daies refection and victuals: and therefore contented they are not and satisfied, vnlesse to their fish they haue some sops and crums of bread giuen them soa∣ked [unspec L] in wine, & that their bellies ful. Mutianus makes mention of the semblable maner of fishing in the gulfe of Iassos: but herein is the difference, for that the Dolphins come of their own ac∣cord without calling, take their part of the bootie at the fishers hands: and euery boat hath a Dolphin attending vpon it as a companion, although it be in the night season & at torch light

Ouer and besides, the Dolphins haue a kind of common-wealth and publick society among themselues: for it chanced vpon a time, that a king of Caria had taken a Dolphin, and kept him fast as a prisoner within the harbor: whereupon a mighty multitude of other Dolphins resorted thither, and by certain signes of sorrow and mourning that they made, euident to be perceiued and vnderstood, seemed to craue pardon and mercie for the prisoner: and neuer gaue ouer vntill the king had giuen commandement that he should be enlarged and let goe. Also the little [unspec M] ones are euermore accompanied with some one of the bigger sort, as a guide to guard & keep him. To conclude, they haue beene seene to carry one of their fellowes when he is dead, into some place of securitie, that he should not be deuoured and torne of other sea-monsters.

CHAP. IX. [unspec A]

¶ Of Porpuisses.

THe Porpuisses, which the Latines cal Tursiones, are made like the Dolphins: howbeit they differ, in that they haue a more sad and heauie countenance: for they are nothing so gamesome, playfull, and wanton, as be the Dolphins: but especially they are snouted like dogges when they snarle, grin, and are readie to doe a shewd turne.

CHAP. X.

¶ Of sea Tortoises, and how they are taken, [unspec B]

THere be found Tortoises in the Indian sea so great, that one only shel of them is sufficient for the roufe of a dwelling house. And among the Islands principally in the red sea, they vse Tortoise shells ordinarily for boats and wherries vpon the water.

Many waies the fisher-men haue to catch them; but especially in this manner: They vse in the mornings when the weather is calm and still, to flote aloft vpon the water, with their backs to be seen all ouer: and then they take such pleasure in breathing freely & at libertie, that they forget themselues altogether: insomuch as their shell in this time is so hardened and baked with the sun, that when they would they cannot diue and sinke vnder the water againe, but are forced against their wills to flote aboue, and by that meanes are exposed as a prey vnto the fi∣shermen. [unspec C] Some say that they go forth in the night to land for to feed, where, with eating gree∣dily, they qe wearie; so that in the morning, when they are returned again, they fall soon asleep aboue the water, and keepe such a snorting and routing in their sleepe, that they bewray where they be, and so are easily taken: and yet there must be three men about euery one of them: and when they haue swom vnto the Tortoise, two of them turne him vpon his backe, the third casts acord or halter about him, as hee lyeth with his belly vpward, and then is he haled by many more together, to the land. In the Phoenician sea, they make no great ado to take them; for why, at a certaine time of the yeere they resort of themselues by great multitudes in skulls vp into the riuer Eleutherius.

The Tortoise hath no teeth, but the sides and brimmes of his neb or becke, are sharpe and [unspec D] keene: where of the vpper part or chaw shutteth close vpon the nether, like to the lid of a boxe. In the sea they liue of muscles, cockles, and such small shell-fishes, for their mouths are so hard that they be able to crush and break stones therewith. Their manner is to goe aland, where a∣mong the grasse they lay egges as bigge as birds egs, to the number commonly of a hundred. When they haue so done, they hide them within the earth in some little hole or gutter, sure enough from any place where the water commeth, they couer them with mould, beat it hard downe with their brest, and so pat it smooth, and in the night time sit vpon them: they couvie a whole yeare before they hatch. Some say, that the looking wistly vpon their egs with their eies serueth in stead of sitting. The female flieth from the male, and will not abide to en∣gender, vntill such time as he pricke her behind and sticke somewhat in her taile for running [unspec E] away from him so fast.

The Troglodites haue among them certaine Tortoises, with broad hornes like the pegs in a Lute or Harpe, and the same will wagge and stirre so, as in swimming they helpe themselues therewith, and are guided and directed by them. And this kind of Tortoise is called Celtium: of exceeding great bignesse, but rare to be found, and hard to come by: for their exceeding sharpe prickes like rockes, among which they keepe, fright the Chelonophagi (who delight to feed vpon them) that they dare not search after them. And the Troglodites, vnto whom these Tortoises vse to swim, adore them as holy and sacred things.

There be also land Tortoises (called thereupon in the workes that are made of them in pan∣nell wise, Chersinae) found in the deserts and wildernesse of Affrick, and principally in that [unspec F] part which is drie and full of sands: and they are thought to liue on nothing else but the moist dew. And in very truth, no other liuing creature there breedeth besides them.

CHAP. XI. [unspec G]

¶ Who first deuised the cleauing of Tortoise shells into thin plates like pannell.

THe first man that inuented the cutting of Tortoise shells into thin plates, therewith to seele beds, tables, cupbords, and presses, was Carbilius Pollio, a man very ingenious and in∣uentiue of of such toies, seruing to riot and superfluous expense.

CHAP. XII.

¶ A diuision of water beasts into their seuerall kindes.

THe creatures that breed and liue in the water, be not all couered and clad alike: for some [unspec H] haue a skin ouer them, and the same hairie, as the Seales and Water horses. Others haue but a bare skin, as the Dolphins. There be again that haue a shell like a barke, as the Tor∣toises: and in others, the shell is as hard as the flint, and such be the oysters, muscles, cockles, and winkles. Some be couered ouer with crusts or hard pills, as the locusts: others haue besides them, sharpe prickles, as the vrchins. Some be scaled, as fishes: others are rough coated, as the Soles, and with their skins folke vse to polish and smooth wood and yuorie. Some haue a ten∣der and soft skin, as Lampreys: others none at all, as the Pourcuttle or Pourcontrell.

CHAP. XIII. [unspec I]

¶ Of the Sea-•…•…alfe▪ or Seale.

THe great Whales, called Pristis and Balaena, bring forth their young aliue, and perfect li∣uing creatures: likewise all those that are couered with haire, as the Sea-calfe or Seale. She calueth on the drie land as other cattell, and whensoeuer she calues, she gleans after∣wards as kine do. The female is tied and lined to the male, like as bitches to dogges: she neuer bringeth more than two at once; and she giueth milke at her dugs and paps, to her young. Shee bringeth them to the sea not before they be twelue daies old, and •…•…en she traines and acquain∣teth them to swim and keepe the water ordinarily. These Seales be hardly killed, vnlesse a man dash out their braines. In their sleepe, they seeme to low or blea, and thereupon they be called Sea-calues. Docible they be & apt to learn whatsoeuer is taught them. They will salute folke [unspec K] with a kind of countenance and regard: also with a voice such as it is, resembling a certain rude and rumbling noise. If a man cal them by their name, they wil turn again, and in their language answere. There is no liuing creature sleepeth more soundly than they. The fins which they vse to swim withall in the sea, serue their turnes in stead of fee•…•… to go vpon, when they be on land. Their skins, after they be flaied from their bodies, retaine still a proprietie and nature of the seas; for euer as the water doth ebbe, they are more rugged▪ and the haires or bristles stand vp. Moreouer, their right finnes or legs are thought to haue a power and vertue to pro•…•…ke sleep, if they be laid vnder ones beds head.

CHAP. XIIII. [unspec L]

¶ Of fishes that be without haire, how they breed, and how many, sorts there be of them.

OF such creatures as want haire, two only there be that bring forth their young with life: and namely, the Dolphin and the Viper. Of fishes, properly so called, there be 74 kinds: besides those that haue rough crustie skins, which I count not; wherof there be 30 sorts. Of euery one of them in particular, we will speake else-where, and at another time: for now we are to treat of the natures of the chiefe and principall.

CHAP. XV. [unspec M]

¶ Of the names and natures of many fishes.

THe Tunies are exceeding great fishes: we haue seene some of them to weigh 15 talents. and the taile to be 2 cubits broad and a span. In some fresh riuers also, there be fish found

full as bigge: and namely, the riuer-Whale called Silurus, in Nilus; the Lax, in the Rhene; the Attilus, in the Po. This fish growes so fat with ease & lying still, that otherwhiles it weigheth [unspec A] 1000 pounds, and being taken with a great hooke fastened and linked to a chaine, cannot be drawne forth of the riuer but with certaine yokes of oxen. And yet as big as he is, there is one little fish in comparison of him called Clupea, that killeth him: for vpon a maruellous desire that he hath to a certain vein that he hath within his iawes, he bites it in sunder with his teeth, and so dispatcheth the forenamed great fish Attilus.

As for the Silurus, a cut-throat he is where soeuer he goeth, a great deuourer, and maketh foule worke: for no liuing creatures come amisse vnto him; he setteth vp all indifferently. The very horses oftentimes as they swim, he deuoures, and specially in Moenus, a riuer of Germany neere to Lisboa or Erlisbornis.

Moreouer, in the riuer Donow, there is taken the Mario, a fish much like to a ruffe or Por∣puis, [unspec B] Also in the riuer Borysthenes, there is found a fish by report, exceeding great, with no chine nor bone at all betweene; and yet the meat thereof is passing sweet and pleasant.

Within Ganges a riuer of India, there be fishes snouted and tailed as Dolphins, 15 cubits long, which they call Platanistae. And Statius Sebosus reports as strange a thing besides, name∣ly, that in the said riuer there be certain wormes or serpents with two finnes of a side, sixtie cu∣bits long, of color blew, and of that hew take their •…•…ame [and be called Cyonoeides.] He saith moreouer, that they be so strong, that when the Elephants come into the riuer for drinke, they catch fast hold with their teeth by their trunks or muzzles, and mauger their hearts force them downe vnder the water; of such power and force they are. [unspec C]

The male Tunies haue no finnes vnder their bellies. In the spring tim•…•… they goe out of the great [Mediterranean] sea, and by whole flotes and troupes enter into Pontus; for in no other sea doe they bring forth their young. Their young frie, which accompanie their dams (when they are lightened of their burden) into the sea againe in the autumne, are called Cordylae. After∣wards, they begin to call them Pelamides, and in Latine Limosae, of the mud wherein they are kept: and when they be aboue one yere old, then they be Tunies indeed, & so called. These Tu∣nies are cut into pieces, whereof the nape of the necke, the belly, and the flesh about the canell bone of the throat, are most commendable for meat, but these parcels only when they be fresh and new killed, and yet then will they rise in a mans stomacke, and make him belch sower. The other parts being full of good meat and oleous withall, are laid in salt, and so put vp in barrels▪ [unspec D] and kept. And these pieces of the Tunie thus conduit and powdred, are called Melandrya, cut in slices like to oke shingles for all the world. The worst pieces of all others, be those that are next the taile, because they are not fat: but the best is that which is toward the throat: howsoe∣uer in other fishes the taile-peece is in greatest request, as being most stirred & exercised. As for the yong Tunies called Pelamides, they are diuided & cut into parcels, that be named A∣polecti: but when they be cut peece-meale into certain squares, those pieces are named Cybia.

All kind of fishes grow exceeding soon to their bignesse, and especially in the sea Pontus: the reason is, because a number of riuers bring fresh water into it, & in some sort make it sweet: and namely in it, there is one called Amia, which grows so fast & so euidently, that a man may perceiue how it waxeth from day to day. These fishes, together with the old Tunies and the [unspec E] young, called Pelamides, enter into great flotes & skuls into the sea Pontus, for the sweet food that they there find: and euery companie of them hath their seuerall leaders and captaines: and before them al, the Maquerels lead the way, which, while they be in the water, haue a colour of brimstone; but without, like they be to the rest. The Maquerels serue the market well in Spaine, and furnish the fish shambles: namely, when as the Tunies repaire not into their seas. As for the sea Pontus, there enter into it few or no rauenours that haunt and deuoure fishes, vnlesse it be the Seales & little Dolphins. The old Tunies, when they come into it, chuse the right side (vp∣on the coast of Asia) but go forth at the left. And this is the reason therof, as it is thought, For that they see better with their right eie; & yet the sight of either of them is very good. With∣in the channell of the Thracian Bosphorus, by which Propontis ioyneth to the sea Euxinus, in [unspec F] the very streight of the Firth that diuides Asia from Europe, neer to Chalcedon vpon the coast of Asia, there standeth a rocke, exceeding white and bright withall, which is so transparent and shining from the verie bottome of the sea to the top of the water, that the Tunies (affrighted at the sodaine sight thereof) to auoid it, goe alwaies amaine in whole flotes, toward the cape

ouer against Bizantium, which cape therupon beareth the name of Auricorum. And therefore it is, that the Bizantines make great gaine by fishing for them: whereas the Chalcedonians [unspec G] haue a great misse of that commoditie, and yet the arme of the sea or frith betweene them, is not past halfe a mile, or a mile at the most, ouer. Nost they euer wait for the North wind, that (together with the tide) they might with more ease passe cut of Pontus. Howbeit, the onely taking of them at Bizantium, is when they return again into Pontus. In Winter the Tunnies stirre not nor raunge abroad: but looke, wheresoeuer they are then found to be, there they take vp their Winter herbour, and make their abode vntill the spring Aequinoctiall about mid-March. Many times they will accompanie the ships that saile thereby with full winde, and it is a wonderfull pleasant sight for the sailers to see them from the sterne, how for certaine houres together, and for the space of some miles, they will follow and attend vpon the poupe, be the wind neuer so good, nay, although they strike at them with the trout-spear sundry times, [unspec H] or lance at them some three-tined instrumenr, yet will they not be chased away, nor skared. These Tunnies that thus wait vpon the ships vnder saile, some cal Pompili. Many of them passe the Summer-time in Propontis, and neuer enter into Pontus. Soles likewise vse the same man∣ner, and yet yee shall haue many Turbots there. Neither shall a man finde the Cuttil there, al∣though there be good store of Sea-cuts or Calamaries. Moreouer, of stone fishes, such as liue among rocks, the sea Thrush, the sea Merle•…•…nd the purple shel-fishes are not to be found, where Oysters notwithstanding are in great abundance. For all such Winter in the Aegaean sea, called now Archipelago. Of them that enter into the sea Pontus, there is none staies there, but goes forth again, saue only the shell fish called the Saredane, or Trichia: for I thinke it good, in such diuersitie of fishes names, seeing that one and the self same fish is in many countries called di∣uersly, [unspec I] to vse the Greeke name for the most of them. These fish, I say, alone go vp the riuer Ister, and out of it they passe againe by certain issues and conduits vnder the ground, and so descend into the Adriatick sea: and euermore a man shall see this kind of fish comming down thither, but neuer mounting vp again out of that sea. The right fishing for the Tunnies, & the only ta∣king of them is from the rising of the star * 1.1 Vergiliae, to the setting of Arcturus. All the winter time besides they lie hidden in the deep, at the bottom of pits and gulfes within the sea, vnlesse they come forth to take their pleasure in some warme season, or otherwhiles when the Moon is at the full. They grow sometime so fat, that their skins will not hold, but they are ready to cleaue and burst withall. The longest time that they liue is 2 yeres and not aboue. Moreouer, [unspec K] there is a little creature or vermine, made somwhat like a Scorpion, & as big as a spider, which vsually will set her sharpe sting vnder the finne, both of the Tunnie and also of the sword-fish (which many times is bigger than the Dolphin) and put them to such pain, that to auoid them they oftentimes are driuen to lance themselues, and skip into the very ships. Which propertie they haue also at other times, for feare of the violence of other fishes: & most of all, the Mullets haue this cast with them; and this they doe with such exceeding swiftnesse and agilitie, that they will fling themselues otherwhiles crosse ouer the ships.

CHAP. XVI.

¶ Of presages and foretokenings by fishes, and of their diuersitie. [unspec L]

NAture willing to endue this Element also of the water with some Auguries, hath giuen to fishes likewise a kind of prescience and foreknowledge of things ro come. And verily during the Sicilian war, as Augustus Caesar walked along the shore vpon the sands, there was a certain fish leapt forth of the sea, and light at his very feet. The Soothsaiers and wisards vpon this occurrent, being sought vnto, gaue this construction thereof, and presaged thereby. That they who at that time were lords of the sea, and held it in subiection, should be ranged vn∣der the obedience of Caesar, and at his deuotion. And yet at that present it is thought and said, That god Neptune had adopted Sex. Pompeius for his son, so fortunate he was, and such exploits had he atchieued vpon the sea.

The female kind of fishes are commonly bigger than the males. And there are some sorts of [unspec M] them, whereof there be no males at all, but all females, as the Erythini and the Chani. For they be taken alwaies spawners, and full of egs.

Fishes that be skaled, for the most part swim in troups, and sort together. The best fishing is before the sun be vp: for then fishes see least or not at all. For if the nights be cleere and Moon∣shine,

they see as well by night as day. Moreouer, they say that it is good fishing twise in one [unspec A] and the same hole: for commonly vpon the second cast, the draught is better than the first. Fi∣shes loue passing well to tast oile; they ioy also and like well in soft & gentle shewers, & there∣with they wil feed and grow fat. And good reason there is of it: for why? we see by experience that canes & reeds, although they breed in meers and standing waters, yet they grow not to the purpose without rain. Moreouer, it is obserued, that fish keeping euermore in one dead poole and neuer remoued, wil die wheresoeuer it be, vnlesse there fall rain water to refresh them. All fishes feele the cold of a sharpe and hard winter, but those especially, who are thought to haue a stone in their head, as the Pikes, the Chromes, Scienae, & Pagri. If it be a bitter season in win∣ter, many of them are taken vp blind. And therefore during those cold moneths, they lurk hid∣den in holes, and within rocks, like as we haue said, certain land creatures doe. But aboue all o∣thers [unspec B] the Lobstars called Hippuri, and the Coracini, cannot abide extremity of cold, & there∣fore be neuer caught in winter, vnles it be at certain times when they come forth of their holes, which they keep duly, and neuer stir but then. In like sort, the Lamproie, the Orphe, the Con∣ger, Perches, and all Stone-fishes that loue rocks and grauell. Men say verily, that the crampe∣fish, the Plaice, and the Sole lie hidden all winter in the ground, that is to say, in certain creui∣ses and chinks which they make in the bottome of the sea. Contrariwise, some again be as im∣patient of heat, and can as ill away with hot weather; and therefore about Mid-summer for 60 daies they lie hidden and are not to be seen: as the fish Glaucus, the Cod, and the Gilthead. Of riuer fishes, the Silurus or Sturgeon in the beginning of the dog-daies is blasted and stricken with a planet: at other times also in a thunder & lightening he is smitten, so as therewith he is [unspec C] astonied and lieth for dead. And some thinke that the like accident befalleth to the sea Bream Cyprinus. And verily, all quarters of the sea throughout, feele the rising of the dog-starre: but most of all the influence and power thereof is to be seen in the streight of Bosphorus: for then may a man perceiue ordinarily the reits of the sea, and the fishes flote aloft, and the sea so trou∣bled, that euery thing is cast vp from the bottome to the vpper part of the water.

CHAP. XVII.

¶ Of the Mullet and other fishes: and that the same in all places are not of like request.

THe Mullets haue a naturall ridiculous qualitie by themselues, to be laughed at: for when [unspec D] they be afraid to be caught, they wil hide their head, and then they think they be sure e∣nough, weening that all their body is likewise hidden. These Mullets neuerthelesse are so lecherous, that in the season when they vse to ingender, in the coasts of Phoenice & Langue∣dock, if they take a milter out of their stews or pooles where they vse to keep them, and draw a long string or line through the mouth and gils, and so tie it fast, and then put him into the sea, holding the other end of the line still in their hands, if they pul him again vnto them, they shal haue a number of spawners or femals follow him hard at taile to the bank side. Semblably, if a man do the same with a female in spawning time, hee shall haue as many milters follow after her. And in this manner they take an infinit number of Mullets. [unspec E]

In old time our ancestors set more store by the Sturgeon, & it carried the name aboue all o∣ther fishes. He is the only sish that hath the scales growing ouer the head: hee swims against the streame. But now adaies there is no such reckoning & account made of him: wherat I mar∣uell much, considering he is so hard and seldome to be found. Some call him Elops: afterwards Cornelius Nepos, and Laberius the Poet and maker of mery rimes haue written, that the sea Pikes and the cods got away all the credit from the Sturgeon, & were of greatest request. As for the Pikes aforesaid, the best and most commendable of all others be they which are called Lanati, as a man would say cotton Pikes, for the whitenesse & tendernesse of their flesh. Of cods there be two sorts, Callariae, or Haddocks, which be the lesse: and Bacchi, which are neuer taken but in the deep, and therfore they are preferred before the former. But the Pikes that are caught in [unspec F] the riuer be better than all others. The fish called Scarus now carrieth the price & praise of all others, & this fish alone is said to chew cud, to liue of grasse and weeds, and not to prey vpon o∣ther fishes. In the Carpathian sea great store of them is found: & by their good will they neuer passe the cape or promontorie Lectos in Troas. In the daies of Tiberius Claudius the Emperor,

Optatius his freed man (who sometime had bin a slaue of his) and then Admiral and Lieutenant [unspec G] generall of a fleet vnder him, brought them first out of that sea, and with them stored the whole coast of our seas betweene Ostia and Campania. Order was taken by straight inhibitions for the first fiue yeares, to kill none that were put into those seas, but if any were taken, that they should be cast in againe. In processe of time many of them came to be found and taken vp all a∣long the coast of Italy, whereas before, they were not to be had in those parts. See how glutto∣nie, and the desire to please a dainty tooth, hath deuised means forsooth to sow fish, & to trans∣plant them as it were, so to store the sea with strange breed: so that now we need no more mar∣uell, that forraine birds and foules, fet out of far countries, haue their airies at Rome, and breed there. Next to those fishes aboue named, the table is serued with a kinde of Lamprels or Ele∣pouts like to sea Lampreis, which are bred in certain lakes about the Alps, and namely, in that [unspec H] of Rhoetia called Brigantinus: & a strange thing it is, that they should be so like in proportion to those of the sea. Of all other fishes of any good account, the Barbell is next, both in request, and also in plenty. Great in quantity they are not: for hardly shall you find any of them weigh aboue two pound, neither wil they feed & grow in stews and ponds. They are bred only in the Northern sea: and neuer shall you see them in the coast of the West Ocean. Moreouer, of this Fish there be sundry sorts. And they liue all of Reits and Seawds, of Oysters, of the fat mud, & of the flesh of other Fishes. They haue all of them 2 beards, as it were, hanging down euident∣ly from their nether jaw. The worst of all this kind, is that which is called Lutarius: & this fish hath another named Sargus, that willingly euermore beareth him company: for whiles hee is rooting into the mud (wherof he taketh his name) then commeth the Sargus, and deuoures the [unspec I] food that is raised therewith. Neither are the Barbels much accepted that keep neere the shore and in the riuer within land. But the best simply are those that tast like vnto the shel-fish Con∣chylium. Fenestella gaue them the name Mulli, of certaine moyles or fine shooes, which in co∣lour they do resemble. They cast spawn thrice in one yere at the least: for so often their young Fry is seen. Our great belligods say, that a Barbell when he is dying, changeth his hue, and tur∣neth into an hundred colours: the proofe and experience whereof may be seen if he be put into a glasse: for through it, it is a prety sport to see how he altereth and changeth his skales beeing ready to die, one way into a pale and wan colour, otherwhiles into a reddish hue, one after ano∣ther for many times together. M. Apicius (who was a man of all others most inuentiue and won∣derful for his witty deuises to maintain riot and excesse) thought it was a singular way to stide and kill these Barbels in a certain pickle, called the Roman Allies sauce (see how euen such a thing as that, hath found a syrname for sooth & a proper addition.) And he also went about to prouoke men to deuise a certain manger or broth made of their liuers, like to that dripping or grauie called Alec, that commeth of Fishes when they pine and corrupt. For surely it is more easie for me to say who set men a work that way first, than set down who woon the best game in the end, and was the greatest glutton. Asturius Celer, a man of great calling and high place, who sometime had bin Consull, shewed his prodigalitie in this Fish, & it was when C. Caligula was Emperor: for he gaue for one Barbell eight thousand Sesterces. Certes, the consideration here∣of rauisheth my mind, and carrieth it away to behold & wonder at those, who in their reproofs [unspec L] of gluttonie and gourmandise, complained that a cooke carried a greater price in the market than a good horse of seruice. For now adaies a cooke will cost as much as the charge of a tri∣umph: and one Fish as deare as a cook. And to conclude, no man is better esteemed and regar∣ded more, than he that hath the most cunning cast to wast the goods, & consume the substance of his lord and master.

CHAP. XVIII.

¶ Of the Barbil, the fish Coracinus, Stock-fish, and Salmon.

LIcinius Mutianus reporteth, That in the red sea there was taken a Barbell that weighed 80 [unspec M] pounds. Oh, what a price would he haue borne among our gluttons here with vs! What would he haue cost our prodigall spend thrifts, if hee had bin taken vpon our coasts neere Rome? Moreouer, this is the nature of fish, that some are chiefe in one place, and some in ano∣ther. As for example, the Coracinus in Egypt carieth the name for the best fish. At Gades in Spain, the Doree or Goldfish, called Zeus and Faber. About the Isle Ebusus, the Stock-fish is

much called for; whereas in other places it is counted but a base muddy and filthy fish; and [unspec A] which no where else they know how to seeth perfectly, vnlesse it be first well beaten with cud∣gels. In the country of Aquitaine or Guienne in France, the riuer Salmon passeth all other sea Salmons whatsoeuer.

Of fish, some haue many folds of guils, some single, others double. At these guils they deli∣uer again and put forth the water that they take in at the mouth. You may know when fish be old by their hard scales: and yet all fishes are not scaled alike. There be two lakes in Italy at the foot of the Alps, named Larius and Verbanus, wherein fishes are to be seen euery yeare at the rising of the star Vergiliae, thicke of scales, and the same sharp pointed like to the tongues of buckles, wherwith horsemen or men at arms do fasten their greiues: and neuer els but about that moneth do they appeare.

CHAP. XIX. [unspec B]

¶ Of the fish Exocoetus.

THe Arcadians make wonderous great account of their Exocoetus; so called, for that hee goeth abroad and taketh vp his lodging on the dry land to sleep. This fish (by report) a∣bout the coast Clitorius hath a kind of voice, and yet is without guils. And of some he is named Adonis. But besides him, the sea Tortoises also, (called Mures Marini) the Polypes & Lampreies vse to go forth to land. Moreouer, in the riuers of India there is one certaine fish doth so, but it leaps back again into the water: for whereas many other fishes passe out of the sea into riuers and lakes, there is great and euident reason thereof, namely, for that they are in [unspec C] more safetie there, both to cast their spawn vnder the wind where the water is not so rough, and full of waues: and also to bring forth their little ones, because there be no great fishes to de∣uour them. That these dumb creatures should haue the sence herof, thus to know these causes, and obserue duly their times, is very strange and wonderfull, if a man would sound the depth thereof: but more he would maruell to consider, how few men there be that know which is the best season for fishing, while the Sun passeth through the signe Pisces.

CHAP. XX.

¶ A diuision of fishes according to the forme and shape of their bodies. [unspec D]

OF sea fishes some be plain and flat, as Byrts or Turbots, Solds, Plaice, & Flounders. And these differ from the Turbots onely in the making of their body: for in a Turbot the right side turns vpward, and in a Plaice the left. Others again be long and round, as the Lamprey and Congre. And hereupon it is that they haue a difference in their fins, which Na∣ture hath giuen to fish in stead of feet. None haue aboue foure, some two, some three, others none at all. Only in the lake Fucinus there is a fish which in swimming vseth 8 fins. All that be long and slipperie, as Eeles and Congres, haue ordinarily two in all, and no more. Lampries haue none to swim with, ne yet perfect guils: all of this kind winde and wriggle with their bo∣dies within the water, and so erche forward like as serpents doe vpon the earth. They creepe also when they are vpon dry land, and therefore such liue longer than the rest out of the water. [unspec E] Also of the foresaid flat fishes some haue no finnes, as the puffin or fork-fish: for their bredth serueth them sufficiently to beare them vp, and to swim. And amongst those that are counted soft, the Pourcuttell hath no fins, for his feet standeth him in stead of fins to swim with.

CHAP. XXI.

¶ Of Yeeles.

YEeles liue 8 yeares. And if the North wind blow, they abide aliue without water 6 daies, but not so long in a Southern wind. But yet in Winter time they may not endure to be [unspec F] in a little water, nor if it be thick and muddy: wherupon, about the rising of the star Vir∣giliae they be commonly taken, for that the riuers about that time vse to be troubled. Their feeding most commonly is in the night. Of all fish, they alone, if they be dead, flote not aboue the water.

CHAP. XXII. [unspec G]

¶ The manner of taking them in the lake Benacus.

THere is a lake in Italy called Benacus, within the territorie of Verona, through which the riuer Mincius runs: at the issue whereof euerie yere about the moneth of October, when the Autumne star Arcturus ariseth, whereby (as it euidently appeareth) the lake is trou∣bled as it were with a winter storme and tempest, a man shall see rolling amongst the waues a wonderfull number of these Yeels wound & tangled one within another: insomuch as in the leapweeles and weernets deuised for the nonce to catch them in this riuer, there be found som∣time a thousand of them wrapped together in one ball.

CHAP. XXIII. [unspec H]

¶ Of the Lamprey.

THe Lamprey spawneth at all times of the yeare, whereas all other fishes are deliuered of their yong at one certain season or other. The egs or spawne grow to a great passe excee∣ding soon. If they chance to slip out of the water to dry land, the common sort is of opi∣nion that they ingender with serpents. The male or milter of this kinde Aristotle calls Myrus. And herein is the difference, that the spawner, properly called Muraena, is of sundry colors, and withall but weake: but the Mylter or Myrus is of one hue, & withall very strong, hauing teeth standing without his mouth. In the North parts of France all the Lampreis haue in their right jaw seuen spots, resembling the seuen stars about the North pole, called Charlemaines Waine. [unspec I] They be of a yellow colour, and glitter like gold so long as the Lampreies be aliue; but with their life they vanish away, and be no more seene after they be dead. Vedius Pollio, a gentleman of Rome by calling, and one of the great fauorits and followers of Augustus Caesar, deuised expe∣riments of cruelty by means of this creature: for hee caused certain slaues condemned to die, to be put into the stewes where these Lampreies or Muraenes were kept, to be eaten and deuou∣red by them: not for that there were not wilde beasts ynow vpon the land for this feat, but be∣cause he tooke pleasure to behold a man torne and pluckt in pieces all at once: which pleasant sight he could not see by any other beast vpon the land. It is said, if they taste vineger, of all things, they become inraged and mad. They haue a very thin and tender skinne: contrariwise, Yeels haue as thick & tough. And Verrius writeth, that boyes vnder 17 yeres of age were wont [unspec K] to be swinged and whipped with Yeeles skinnes, and therefore they were freed from all other mulct and punishment.

CHAP. XXIV.

¶ Of flat and broad Fishes.

OF flat and broad fishes there is another sort, which in lieu of a chine or backe bone haue a gristle. As the Ray or Skait, the Puffin like vnto it, the Maids or Thornbacke, and the Crampfish: moreouer, those which the Greekes haue termed by the names of their sea Cow, their Dog-fish, their Aegle and Frog of the sea. In this rank are to be ranged the Squali [unspec L] also, albeit they are not so flat and broad. All this kind in general Aristotle hath called in Greek Selache, and he was the first that gaue them that name: we in Latine cannot distinguish them, vnlesse we call them all Cartilaginea, that is to say, Gristly fish. But all the sort of them that deuoure flesh are such: and their manner is to feed lying backward, like as we obserued in the dolphins. And wheras other fishes cast spawn which resemble knots of egs; these gristly fishes only, as also those great ones which we call Cete, i. Whales, bring forth their yong aliue. And yet I must except one kind of them which they call Rana, i. sea Frogs.

CHAP. XXV.

¶ Of Echeneis [i. the Stay-ship.] [unspec M]

THere is a very little fish keeping vsually about rocks, named Echeneis: it is thought, that if it settle and stick to the keele of a ship vnder water, it goeth the slower by that means:

whereupon it was so called: and for that cause also it hath but a bad name in matters of loue, [unspec A] for inchanting as it were both men and women, and bereauing them of their heat and affecti∣on that way: as also in law cases, for delay of issues and iudicial trials. But both these imputa∣tions and slanders it recompenseth again with one good vertue and commendable quality that it hath: for in great bellied women if it be applied outwardly it stayeth the dangerous flux of the womb, and holds the child vnto the full time of birth: howbeit it is not allowed for meat to be eaten. Aristotle thinketh, that it hath a number of feet, the fins stand so thick one by ano∣ther.

As for the shell fish Murex, Mutianus saith it is broader than the Purple, hauing a mouth neither rough nor round, ne yet with a beck pointed cornered-wise, but plain and euen, hauing a shell on both sides winding and turning inward. These fishes chanced vpon a time to cleaue [unspec B] fast vnto a ship, bringing messengers from Periander, with commission to gueld all the Noble∣mens sonnes in Gnidos, and stayed it a long time, notwithstanding it was vnder saile, and had a strong gale of a fore-winde at the poupe. And hereupon it is, that these Shell fishes for that good seruice are honoured with great reuerence in the Temple of Venus among the Gnidians.

But to returne again vnto our Stay-Ship Echeneis, Trebius Niger saith it is a foot long, and fiue fingers thicke, and that oftentimes it stayeth a ship. And moreouer, as he saith, it hath this vertue being kept in salt, to draw vp gold that is fallen into a pit or well being neuer so deep, if it be let downe and come to touch it.

CHAP. XXVI.

¶ The changeable nature of Fishes. [unspec C]

THe Cackarels change their colour: for these fishes being white all Winter, wax blacke when Summer comes. Likewise the Mole or Lepo called Phycis, doth alter her hue: for howsoeuer all the yeare besides it be white, in the Spring it is speckled. This is the only fish that builds vpon the reites and mosse of the sea, and layes her egs or spawneth in her nest. The sea Swallow flieth, and it resembleth in all points the bird so called. The sea Kite doth the same.

CHAP. XXVII.

¶ Of the fish called the Lanterne, and the sea Dragon. [unspec D]

THere is a fish comes ordinarily aboue the water, called Lucerna, for the resemblance that it hath of a light or lantern: for it lilleth forth the tongue out of the mouth, which see∣meth to flame and burne like fire, and in calme and still nights giues light and shineth. There is another fish that puts forth hornes aboue the water in the sea, almost a foot and halfe long, which thereupon tooke the name Cornuta. Againe, the sea Dragon if he be caught and let go vpon the sand, worketh himselfe an hollow trough with his snout incontinently, with wonderfull celeritie.

CHAP. XXVIII. [unspec E]

¶ Of bloudlesse fishes.

SOme fishes there be which want bloud, whereof wee now will speake. Of them are three sorts: first, those which be called Soft: secondly, such as be couered within crusts: & in the last place, they that are inclosed within hard shels. Of the first sort, counted soft, be reckoned the sea Cut or Calamarie, the Cuttle, the Polype, and the rest of that sort. These haue their head betweene their feet and the belly, and euery one of them haue 8 feet. As for the Cuttil and Calamarie, they haue two feet apiece longer than the rest, and the same rough, wherewith they conuey and reach meat to their mouths: and with those they stay themselues [unspec F] as it were with anchor hold against the surging waues: the rest of their feet be smal like hairs, and with them they hunt and catch their prey.

CHAP. XXIX. [unspec G]

¶ Of the Calamaries, Cuttles, Polypes, and Boat-fishes called Nautili.

ALso the Calamarie lanceth himselfe out of the water, as if he were an arrow; and euen so doth little Scalops. The male of the Cuttles kind are spotted with sundry colors more dark and blackish, yea and more firme and steady than the female. If the female be smit∣ten with a Trout-speare, or such like three-forked weapon, they wil come to aid & succor her: but she again is not so kind to them, for if the male be stricken she will not stand to it, but runs away. But both of them, the one as wel as the other, if they perceiue that they be taken in such [unspec H] streights that they cannot escape, shed from them a certain black humor like to ink, and when the water therewith is troubled and made duskish, therein they hide themselues and are no more seen.

Of Polypes or Pourcontrels there be sundry kinds. They that keep neere the shore are big∣ger than those that haunt the deep. All of them help themselues with their fins and armes, like as we do with feet and hands: as for their taile, which is sharp and two forked, it serueth them in the act of generation. These Pourcontrels haue a pipe in their back, by the help wherof they swim all ouer the seas; and it they can shift one while to the right side, & another while to the left. They swim awry or sidelong with their head aboue, which is very hard and as it were puft vp so long as they be aliue. Moreouer, they haue certain hollow concauities dispersed within [unspec I] their clawes or arms like to ventoses or cupping glasses, whereby they will stick to, and cleaue fast as it were by sucking, to any thing, which they clasp & hold so fast, lying vpward with their bellies, that it cannot be plucked from them. They neuer settle so low as the bottom of the wa∣ter, and the greater that they be, the lesse strong they are to clasp or hold any thing. Of all soft fishes they only go out of the water to dry land, especially into some rough place, for they ca∣not abide those that are plaine and euen. They liue vpon Shell-fishes, and with their haires or strings that they haue they will twine about their shels and crack them in pieces: wherefore a man may know where they lie and make their abode, by a number of shels that lie before their nest. And albeit otherwise it be a very brutish and senslesse creature, so foolish withall, that it will swim and come to a mans hand; yet it seems after a sort to be witty and wise, keeping of [unspec K] house and maintaining a familie: for all that they can take they carry home to their nest. When they haue eaten the meat of the fishes, they throw the empty shels out of dores, and lie as it were in ambuscado behind, to watch and catch fishes that swimme thither. They change their colour estsoons, and resemble the place where they be, & especially when they be afraid. That they gnaw and eat their own clees and arms, is a meere tale; for they be the congres that do them that shrewd turn: but true it is that they will grow againe, like as the taile of snakes, adders, & lizards. But among the greatest wonders of nature, is that fish which of some is cal∣led Nautilos, of others Pompilos. This fish, for to come aloft aboue the water turnes vpon his back, and raiseth or heaueth himself vp by little and little: and to the end he might swim with more ease, as disburdened of a sinke, hee dischargeth all the water within him at a pipe. After [unspec L] this, turning vp his two foremost clawes or armes, he displaieth and stretcheth out betweene them a membrane or skin of a wonderfull thinnesse: this serueth him in stead of a saile in the aire aboue water: with the rest of his arms or claws he roweth and laboreth vnder water, & with his taile in the mids he directs his course, and steereth as it were with an helme. Thus holds he on and maketh way in the sea, with a faire shew of a foist or gally vnder saile. Now if he be afraid of any thing in the way, he makes no more ado but drawes in water to ballace his body, and so plungeth himselfe down, and sinketh to the bottom.

CHAP. XXX.

Of the many-foot fish called Ozaena, of the Nauplius, and [unspec M] Locusts of the sea, or Lobster.

OF the Polypus or Pourcontrell kind with many feet, is the Ozaena, so called of the strong sauor of their heads, for which cause especially, the Lampreys follow in chase after him.

As for the Many-feet or Pourcuttels, they lie hidden for two months together: and aboue two [unspec A] yeares they liue not. They die alwaies of a consumption or Phthysicke: the female sooner than the males, and ordinarily after that they haue brought forth their yong frie. I cannot ouerpasse but record the reports of Trebius Niger, one of the traine and retinue ef L. Lucullus Proconsull in Boetica, which he vpon his knowledge deliuered as touching these Many-feet fishes called Polypi, namely, That they are most desirous and greedie of cockles, muscles, and such like shell-fishes: and they againe on the contrarie side, so soone as they feele themselues touched of the Polypes, shut their shels hard, and therwith cut asunder their clawes or armes, that were gotten within: and thus fall they to feed vpon those, who sought to make a prey of them. [Now in very truth these shel-fishes, all of them see not at all, neither haue they any other sense, but tasting of their meat, & feeling of their drinke.] These Polypi foreseeing all this, lie in wait to spie when the said cockles, &c. gape wide open, and put in a little stone between the shels, but yet beside [unspec B] the flesh & bodie of the fish, for feare lest if it touched and felt it, she would cast it forth again: thus they theeue, and without all daunger and in securitie get out the fleshie substance of the meat to deuoure it: the poore cockles draw their shels together for to clasp them between (as is aboue-said) but all in vaine, for by reason of a wedg between, they will not meet close nor come neere together. See how subtle and craftie in this point these creatures be, which otherwise are most sottish and senselesse. Moreouer, the said Trebius Niger affirmeth, that there is not any o∣ther beast nor fish in the sea more daungerous to doe a man a mischiefe within the water, than is this Pourcuttle or Many-feet Polypus: for if he chance to light on any of these diuers vnder the water, or any that haue suffered shipwracke and are cast away, he assailes them in this man∣ner: [unspec C] He catcheth fast hold of them with his clawes or armes, as if he would wrestle with them, and with the hollow concauities and noukes between, keepeth a sucking of them; and so long he suckes and sokes their bloud (as it were cupping-glasses set to their bodies in diuers places) that in the end he draweth them drie. But the only remedie is this, to turne them vpon their backe, and then they are soone done and their strength gone: for let them lie so, they stretch out themselues abroad, and haue not the power to clasp or comprehend any thing. And verily all li∣uing creatures in the sea loue the smell of them exceeding well, which is the cause that fishers besmare and anoint their nets with them, to draw and allure fishes thither.

The rest which mine author hath related as touching this fish, may seem rather monstrous lies and incredible, than otherwise: for he affirmed, that at Carteia there was one of these Poly∣pi, [unspec D] which vsed commonly to go forth of the sea, and enter into some of their open cesterns and vauts among their ponds and stewes, wherein they keep great sea-fishes, and otherwhiles would rob them of their salt-fish, and so go his waies againe: which he practised so long, that in the end he gat himselfe the anger and displeasure of the maisters and keepers of the said ponds and cesterns, with his continuall & immeasurable filching: whereupon they staked vp the place and empalled it round about, to stop all passage thither. But this thief gaue not ouer his acustomed haunt for all that, but made meanes by a certaine tree to clamber ouer and get to the fore-said salt fish; and neuer could he be taken in the manner, nor discouered, but that the dogges by their quick sent found him out and baied at him: for as he returned one night toward the sea, they assailed and set vpon him on all sides, and therwith raised the foresaid keepers, who were afrigh∣ted [unspec E] at this so sudden an alarm, but more at the strange sight which they saw. For first and fore∣most this Polype fish was of an vnmeasurable and incredible bignesse: and besides, he was be∣smeared & beraied all ouer with the brine and pickle of the foresaid salt-fish, which made him both hideous to see to, and to stinke withall most strongly. Who would euer haue looked for a Polipe there, or taken knowledge of him by such marks as these? Surely they thought no other, but that they had to deale and encounter with some monster: for with his terrible blowing and breathing that he kept, he draue away the dogs, and otherwhiles with the end of his long strin∣ged winding feet, he would lash and whip them; somtimes with his stronger clawes like arms he rapped and knoked them well and surely, as it were with clubs. In summe, he made such good shift for himselfe, that hardly and with much adoe they could kill him, albeit he receiued many [unspec F] a wound by trout-spears which they launced at him. Wel, in the end his head was brought and shewed to Lucullus for a wonder, & as big it was a as good round hogshead or barrel that would take and containe 15 Amphores: and his beards (for so Trebius tearmed his clawes and long∣stringed feet) carried such a thicknesse and bulke with them, that hardly a man could fathome

one of them about with both his armes, such knockers they were knobbed and knotted like [unspec G] clubs, and withall 30 foot long. The concauities within them, and hollow vessels like great ba∣sons, would hold 4 or 5 gallons a peece: and his teeth were answerable in proportion to the big∣nes of his bodie. The rest was saued for a wonder to be seene, and weighed 700 pound weight. This author of mine Trebius affirmeth, that Cuttels also and Calamaries haue been cast vpon that shore, ful as big. Indeed in our sea there be Calamaries taken of 5 cubits long, and Cuttels of twaine, in length: and these liue not aboue two yeares

Mutianus reporteth, that himselfe saw in Propontis another kind of fish carying as it were a ship of his owne, and making saile with it like to some galley: and a shel-fish it was fashioned with a keele like to a barge or barke, with a poupe embowed and turned vp: yea and armed as it were in the proe with a three-forked pike. Within which lay hidden (as he saith) another liuing [unspec H] creature called Nauplius, resembling a Cuttle fish; and for no other reason in the world, but to make sport and play with it for companie. Now the manner of this pastime and sailing was in two sorts: for if it were a calme sea and the winds downe, the Nauplius afore-said that went as a passenger in this shell, would put downe his feet into the water like ores, and row therewith; but if a gale of wind were aloft, he would stretch the same alength & make them serue in stead of an helme to steere withall; and then the Coquil or shel-fish would spread and display it selfe like sailes, to gather wind: so as the one of them tooke a pleasure to carrie, in manner of the vessell; the other had his delight to labour as a mariner, and to direct withall like a pilot. Thus these two fishes (otherwise senselesse & blockish) take their pleasure together, vnles peraduenture it fall out vnhappily (for certain it is that such a sight as this presages no good to sailers) that men [unspec I] marre their sport, and either part them asunder, or force them to sinke vnder water.

The Lobsters (beeing of that kinde which wanteth bloud) haue a tender and brittle crust to couer and defend them. For fiue months they lie hidden. The Crabs likewise, who at the same time keep close & secret: and both of them in the beginning of euery spring cast their old coats or shels as snakes do their skins, & take them that be new & fresh. Al others of this kind swim within the water: but the Lobsters flote aloft, and creepe as it were vpon the water. So long as they are secure of any feare and danger, they go directly straight, letting downe their hornes at length along their sides, which naturally by themselues haue a round point or bob at the end: but if they be in any feare, go vp those hornes straight, and then they creepe byas and goe side∣long. With these horns they oftentimes maintaine battaile one with another. Of all creatures, this only hath a tender and short kind of flesh, which in the seething will not hang togerher, [unspec K] vnlesse it be sodden aliue in scalding water, and then it will be stiffe and callous as brawne.

CHAP. XXXI.

Of Sea-crabs, Vrchins of the sea, and great Vrchins called Echinometra.

AS for the Lobsters, they loue rocks and stonie places: but Crabs delight in soft and deli∣cate places. In winter, they seeke after the warme or sun-shine shore: but when summer is come, they retire into the coole and deepe holes in the shade. All the sort of them take harme and paire by winter: in autumne and spring, they battle and wax fat: and especially when [unspec L] the moon is at the full: because that planet is comfortable in the night time, & with her warme light mitigateth the cold of the night. Of these Crab-fishes, there be many kinds: to wit, Lob∣sters, Creyfishes of the sea, crabs of Barbarie called Maiae, Grampels, Grits or Pungiers, Crabs of Heraclea, yellow riuer Creyfishes, and diuers others of more base account. As for the Lob∣sters, they differ from the rest in taile. In Phoenicia, there is a kind of Crabs called Hippoee, or rather Hippeis (that is to say, Horses or Horsmen) which are so swift, that it is impossible to o∣uertake them. Crabs liue long: eight clees or feet they haue apeece, all crooked and hooked: the female hath the fore clee double, the male but single. Moreouer, two of the legs or arms are for∣ked and toothed like pincers. The vpper part of these foreclawes doth stir: the nether part mo∣ueth not. The right leg in them al is bigger than the left. When they come in skuls all together [unspec M] (as somtimes they doe) they are not able to passe one by another the streights of the sea Pontus about Constantinople, whereupon they are forced to returne back againe and fetch a compasse about, and the beaten way with their tracks may be seene. The least of all these kind of Crabs, is

called Pinnnotheres [or Pinnoteres] and for his smalnesse most subiect and exposed to iniurie. [unspec A] But as subtill and crafty he is as he is little; for his maner is to shroud and hide himself with∣in the shels of empty oisters, and euer as he growes bigger and bigger, to go into those that be wider. Crabs when they be afraid will recule backward as fast as they went forward. They will fight one with another, and then ye shall see them jur and butt with their horns like rams. Sin∣gular good they are against the bitings and stingings of serpents. It is reported, that while the Sun is in the signe Cancer, the bodies within of dead crabs that lie without the water vpon drie land, wil turne to be scorpions. Of the same sort that the crabs be are the vrchins of the sea cal∣led Echini; and these in stead of feet haue certain pointed prickles. Their maner of going is to roll themselues and tumble round; and therefore many times shall yee finde them with their pricks worne. And of this sort be they that are called Echinometrae. The longest prickles they [unspec B] haue of all others, and the least shels or cases wherein they are. Neither are they all of the same colour of glasse; for about Torone they are found to be white, hauing small pricks. They haue all of them fiue egs when they lay, but they are bitter. Their mouths stand in the mids of their bodies, bending down toward the earth. It is said they haue a sore-knowledge of a sea tempest: for by reason that they are so round, and therefore soone whirled and caried here and there, they fall then to labor and gather stones, wherewith they charge and peise their bodies as with bal∣last, that they may abide more stedfast, for that they are not willing to weare their pricks with rolling and turning ouer and ouer: which when the mariners and sailers perceiue once, they presently cast many anchors and stay their ships.

CHAP. XXXII. [unspec C]

¶ Of Winckles and sea Snailes.

IN the same ranke are to be reckoned the Winkles as well of land as water. When they put themselues out of their shels they thrust out two hornes that they haue, and wil pluck them in again when they list. Eyes they haue none to see withall, and therefore these little hornes serue them in good stead to sound, as it were, and try the way as they go.

CHAP. XXXIII.

¶ Of Scallops: of the greatest Winkle called Murex, and other [unspec D] kinds of shell-fishes.

THe great Scallops in the sea are counted for the same race which lie hid also in the time as well of great heat as cold. They haue certaine nailes as it were shining like fire in the night season; yea in their very mouthes that eat them. As for the Pourcelanes or Muri∣ces, they haue a stronger skaled shell; as also all the kind of Winkles great and small. Wherin a man may see the wonderfull varietie of Nature in this play and pastime of hers, giuing them so many and sundry colours, with such diuersitie of formes and figures; for of them yee shall haue flat and plain, hollow, long, horned like the moon croissant, full round, halfe round, & cut as it were iust through the mids, bow-backt, and rising vp, smooth, rough, toothed and indented like a saw, ridged and chamfered between, wrinkling and winding vpward to the top like Cal∣tropes, [unspec E] bearing out sharpe points in the edges, without-forth broad and spread at large, within rolled in pleits. Moreouer, there be other distinct shapes besides all these: some be striped and raied with long streaks, others crested and blasing with a bush of long haire: some againe cri∣sped and curled, others made like an hollow gutter or pipe: some fashioned as it were a comb, others waving with plaits one aboue another tile-wise, others framed in the manner of a net or lattise: some are wrought crooked and byas, others spred out directly in length. A man shall see of them those that are made thick and mossie thrust together and compact, others stretcht forth at large: ye shall haue of them wrapt and lapt one within another: and to conclude, vee shall find them run round into a short fast knot, and all their sides vnited together in one: some flat and plain good to giue a clap, others turning inward crooked like a cornet, made as it were [unspec F] to sound and wind withall. Of all these sorts, the Pourcelanes or Venus-Winkles swim aboue the water, and with their concauitie or hollow part which they set into the weather, help them∣selues in stead of sailes, and so gathering wind, saile as it were aloft vpon the sea. The manner

of the Scalops is to skip, and otherwhiles they will leap forth of the water. They also can find [unspec G] the means to make a boat of themselues, and so flote aboue and saile handsomly.

CHAP. XXXIV.

¶ The riches of the sea.

BVt what meane I all this while to stand vpon these small trifling matters, when as in very truth the ouerthrow of all honestie, the ruin of good maners, and in lieu thereof all riot and superfluity proceeds from these shel-fishes, and from nothing so much? for now the world is grown to this passe, that there is nothing in it whatsoeuer so chargeable to mankind, nothing so hurtfull and dangerous as is the very sea, and that so many waies; namely, in furnishing the [unspec H] table with such varietie of dishes, in pleasing and contenting the taste with so many dainty and delicate fishes; and those carry the highest price that be gotten with greatest hazard and dan∣ger of those that take them, otherwise they be of no regard and value to speake of.

CHAP. XXXV.

¶ Of Pearles, how and where they be found.

HOwbett al that before named is nothing in comparison of the Purples, pretious Coquils and Pearls that come from thence. It was not sufficient belike to bring the seas into the [unspec I] kitchen, to let them down the throat into the belly, vnlesse men and women both caried them about in their hands and eares, upon their head, and all ouer their body. And yet what so∣cietie and affinitie is there betwixt the sea and apparell? what proportion betwixt the waues and surging billowes thereof, and wooll? for surely this element naturally receiues vs not into her bosom vnlesse we be stark naked: and set the case there were so great good fellowship with it and our bellies; how comes our backe and sides ro be acquainted with it? But wee were not contented to feed with the peril of so many men, vnlesse we be clad and araied also •…•…herewith. O, the folly of vs men! see how there is nothing that goeth to the pampering and trimming of this our carcasse, of so great price and account, that is not bought with the vtmost hasard, and costeth not the venture of a mans life! But now to the purpose. The richest merchandise of all, and the most soueraigne commoditie throughout the whole world are these Pearles. The In∣dian ocean is chief for sending them: and yet to come by them, we must go and search among those huge & terrible monsters of the sea, which we haue spoken of before: we must passe ouer so many seas, and saile into far countries so remote, and come into those parts where the heate of the sun is so excessiue and extreme; and when all is done we may perhaps misse of them: for euen the Indians themselues are glad to seeke among the Islands for them, & when they haue done all they can, meet with very few. The greatest plenty of them is to be found in the coast of Taprobane and Toidis, as hath bin said before in our Cosmographie and description of the world: and likewise about Perimula a promontorie and city of India. But the most perfect [unspec L] and exquisite of all others be they that are gotten about Arabia, within the Persian gulfe. This shell-fish which is the mother of Pearle, differs not much in the maner of breeding and genera∣tion from the Oysters: for when the season of the yeare requireth that they should engender, they seeme to yawne and gape, and so do open wide; and then (by report) they conceiue a cer∣taine moist dew as seed, wherewith they swell and grow big, and when time commeth labor to be deliuered hereof: and the fruit of these shell fishes are the Peares, better or worse, great or small, according to the qualitie and quantitie of the dew which they receiued. For if the dew were pure and cleare which went into them, then are the Pearles white, faire, and Orient: but if grosse and troubled, the Pearles likewise are dimme, foule, and duskish; pale (I say) they are, if the weather were close, darke, and threatning raine in the time of their conception. Where∣by [unspec M] (no doubt) it is apparant and plaine, that they participate more of the aire and sky, than of the water and the sea; for according as the morning is faire, so are they cleere: but otherwise, if it were misty and cloudy, they also will be thicke and muddy in colour. If they may haue their full time and season to feed, the Pearles likewise will thriue and grow bigge; but if in the time it doth chance to lighten, then they close their shells together, and for want of nou∣rishment

are kept hungrie and fasting, and so the pearles keepe at a stay and prosper not accor∣dingly [unspec A] But if it thunder withall, then suddenly they shut hard at once, and breed only those ex∣crescences which be called Physemata, like vnto bladders pust vp and hooued with wind, & no corporal substance at all: and these are the abortiue & vntimely fruits of these shel fishes. Now those that haue their ful perfection, and be sound and good indeed, haue many folds and skins wherein they be lapt, not vnproperly as it may be thought, a thicke, hard, and callous rind of the body, which they that be skilfull do pill and clense from them. Certes, I cannot chuse but won∣der how they should so greatly be affected with the aire, and joy so much therein: for with the same they wax red, and lose their natiue whitenesse and beautie, exen as the bodie of a man or woman that is caught and burnt with the sun. And therefore those shels that keep in the maine sea, and lie deeper than that the sun-beames can pierce vnto them, keep the finest and most de∣licate [unspec B] pearles. And yet they, as orient as they be, waxe yellow with age, become riueled, and looke dead without any liuely vigor: so as that commendable orient lustre (so much sought for of our great lords and costly dames) continueth but in their youth, and decaieth with yeares. When they be old, they will proue thicke and grosse in the very shels, and sticke fast vnto their sides, so as they cannot be parted from them, vnlesse they be filed asunder. These haue no more but one faire face, and on that side are round, for the backe part is flat and plaine; and hereupon such are called Tympania, as one would say, Bell bearles. We see daily of these shells which serue as boxes to carrie sweet perfumes and precious ointments, and most commendable they are for this gift, that in them there be pearls of this sort naturally growing together like twins. The pearle is soft and tender so long as it is in the water, take it forth once and preseutly it har∣deneth. As touching the shell that is the mother of Pearle, assoon as it perceiueth and feeleth [unspec C] a mans hand within it, by and by she shutteth, and b that means hideth and couereth her riches within: for well woteth she that therefore she is sought for. But let the fisher looke well to his fingers, for if she catch his hand between, off it goeth: so trenchant and sharp an edge she car∣rieth, that is able to cut it quite a two. And verily this is a just punishment for the theefe, and none more: albeit she be furnished and armed with other means of reuenge. For they keep for the most part about craggie rocks, and are there found: and if they be in the deepe, accompanied lightly they are with curst Sea-dogs. And yet all this will not serue to skar men away from fi∣shing after rhem: for why? our dames and gentlewomen must haue their eares behanged with them, there is no remedie. Some say, that these mother-pearles haue their kings and captaines, as Bees haue: that as they haue their swarmes led by a master Bee, so euery troup and companie [unspec D] of these, haue one speciall great and old one to conduct it; and such commonly haue a singular dexteritie and wonderfull gift to preuent and auoid all daungers. These they be that the dy∣vers after pearles are most carefull to come by: for if they be once caught, the rest scatter asun∣der and be soone taken vp within the nets. When they be thus gotten, it is said that they be put vp into earthen pots and well couered with salt: and when the salt hath eaten and consumed all the flesh wiihin, then certaine kernels that were within their bodies (and those be the very pearles) fall down and settle to the bottome of those pots. There is no doubt but with much vse they will weare, yea and change colour thorough negligence, if they be not well looked vnto. Their chief reputation consisteth in these fiue properties, namely, if they be orient white, great, round, smooth, and weightie. Qualities I may tell you, not easily to be found all in one: inso∣much [unspec E] as it is impossible to find out two perfitly sorted together in all these points. And here∣upon it is, that our dainties and delicates here at Rome, haue deuised this name for them, and call them Vnions; as a man would say, Singular, and by themselues alone. For surely the Greeks haue no such tearmes for them, neither know they how to cal them: nor yet the Barbarians, who found them first out, otherwise than Margarit•…•…. In the very whitenesse it selfe, there is a great difference among them. That which is found in the red sea, is the clearer and more orient. As for the Indian pearle, it resembleth the skales and plates of the stone called Specularis; how∣soeuer otherwise it passeth all others in greatnesse. The most commendation that they haue is in their colour, namely, if they may be truly called Exaluminati, i orient and cleare as Alume. They that be goodly great ones, are commendable in their degree. As for those that are long [unspec F] and pointed vpward, growing downeward broader and broader like a peare, or after the manner of Alabaster boxes, full and round in the bottome, they be called Elenchi. Our dames take a great pride in a brauerie, to haue these not only hang dangling at their fingers, but also two or

three of them together pendant at their eares. And names they haue forsooth newly deuised [unspec G] for them, when they serue their turne in this their wanton excesse and superfluitie of roiot: for when they knocke one against another as they hang at their eares or fingers, they call them Crotalia, i. Cymbals: as if they tooke delight to heare the sound of their pearles ratling to∣gether. Now adayes also it is growne to this passe, that meane women and poore mens wiues af∣fect to weare them, because they would be thought rich: and a by-word it is amongst them, That a faire pearle at a womans eare is as good in the street where she goeth as an huisher to make way, for that euery one will giue such the place. Nay, our gentlewomen are come now to weare them vpon their feet, and not at their shoo latchets only, but also vpon their startops and fine buskins, which they garnish all ouer with pearle. For it wil not suffice nor serue their turne to carie pearles about them, but they must tread vpon pearles, goe among pearles, and walke as [unspec H] it were on a pauement of pearles.

Pearles were wont to be found in our seas of Italie, but they were small & ruddie, in certain little shell fishes which they call Myae: but more plenty of such were taken vp in the streights of Bosphorus neere Constantinople. Howbeit, in Acarnania there is a little Cochle called Pinna, [i. a Nacre,] which engendreth such. Whereby it may appeare, that there be more than one sort of Mother-pearles. For king Iuba likewise hath left in writing, that in Arabia there is a kind of shell fish like vnto a Scallop, saue that it is not chamfered, but thick and rough like a sea Vrcheon, which beares Pearles within the very flesh of the fish, like vnto haile stones. But now adaies there be no such mother-pearles come to our coasts. Neither be there found in A∣carnania any of value and reputation. For why they are all in manner without proportion, nei∣ther round nor weighty, and of a marble colour. They rather about the cape of Actium are [unspec I] better, and yet they be but little ones: like as they also which are taken in the coasts of Mauri∣tania. Alexander Polyhistor, and Sudines, are of opinion that they will age, and in the end lose their colour. That they bee sollid and not hollow within, is euident by this, that with no fall they will breake. But they be not alwaies found in the middest of the flesh within the mother∣pearles, but here & there, somtime in one place, and somtime in another. Verily I haue seene of them about the brim and edges of the shell, as if they were readie to goe forth: and in some 4, in others fiue together. Vnto this day few of them haue been knowne to weigh aboue halfe an ounce and one scriptule. In * 1.2 Brittaine it is certain that some do grow; but they be small, dim of colour, and nothing orient. For Iulius Caesar (late Emperour of famous memorie) doth not [unspec K] dissimule, that the cuirace or breast-plate which he dedicated to Venus mother within her tem∣ple, was made of English pearles.

I my selfe haue seen Lollia Paulina (late wife, and after widdow, to Caius Caligula the emperor) when she was dressed and set out, not in stately wise, nor of purpose for some great solemnity, but only when she was to go to a wedding supper, or rather vnto a feast when the assurance was made, & great persons they were not that made the said feast: I haue seen her, I say, so beset and bedeckt all ouer with hemeraulds and pearles, disposed in rewes, ranks, and courses one by ano∣ther: round about the attire of her head, her cawle, her borders, her peruk of hair, her bondgrace and chaplet; at her ears pendant, about her neck in a carcanet, vpon her wrest in bracelets, & on [unspec L] her fingers in rings; that she glittered & shon again like the sun as she went. The value of these ornaments, she esteemed and rated at * 1.3 400 hundred thousand Sestertij: and offered openly to proue it out of hand by her bookes of accounts of reckonings. Yet were not these jewels the gifts and presents of the prodigall prince her husband, but the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and ornaments from her owne house, fallen to her by way of inheritance from her grandfather, which he had gotten to∣gether euen by the robbing and spoiling of whole prouinces. See what the issue and end was of those extortions and outrageous exactions of his: this was it, That M. Lollius slandered and de∣famed for receiuing bribes & presents of the kings in the East; and being out of fauor with C. Caesar, sonne of Augustus, and hauing lost his amitie, dranke a cup of poison, and preuented his iu∣diciall triall: that forsooth his neece Lollia, all to be hanged with jewels of 400 hundred thou∣sand [unspec M] Sestertij, should be seene glittering, and looked at of euery man by candle-light all a sup∣per time.

If a man would now of the one side reckon what great treasure either Curius or Fabricius car∣ried in the pompe of their triumphs; let him cast a proffer and imagine what their shews were, what their seruice at the table was: and on the other side, make an estimate of Lollia, one only

woman, the dowager of an Emperor, in what glory she sitteth at the bourd; would not he wish ra∣ther, [unspec A] that they had been pulled out of their chariots, and neuer triumphed, than that by their vi∣ctories the state of Rome should haue grown to this wastfull excesse & intollerable pride? And yet this is not the greatest example that can be produced of an excessiue riot and prodigalitie.

Two only pearles there were together, the fairest and richest that euer haue beene knowne in the world: and those possessed at one time by Cleopatra the last queen of Aegypt; which came in∣to her hands by means of the great kings of the East, and were left vnto her by descent. This princesse, when M. Antonius had strained himselfe to doe her all the pleasure he possibly could, & had feasted her day by day most sumptuously, & spared for no cost: in the hight of her pride and wanton brauerie (as being a noble curtezan, and a queene withall) began to debase the ex∣pence and prouision of Antonie, and made no reckoning of all his costly fare. When he thereat demanded againe how it was possible to goe beyond this magnificence of his, she answered a∣gaine, [unspec B] that she would spend vpon him at one supper * 1.4 100 hundred thousand Sestertij. Antonie, who would needs know how that might bee (for he thought it was impossible) laid a great wa∣ger with her about it, and shee bound it againe, and made it good. The morrow after, when this was to be tried, and the wager either to be won or lost, Cleopatra made Antonie a supper (because she would not make default, and let the day appointed to passe) which was sumptuous and roial ynough: how beit, there was no extraordinarie seruice seene vpon the board: whereat Antonius laughed her to scorne, and by way of mockerie required to see a bill with the account of the particulars. She again said, that whatsoeuer had been serued vp alreadie, was but the ouerplus aboue the rate & proportion in question, affirming still that she would yet in that supper make, vp the full summe that she was seazed at: yea, her selfe alone would eat aboue that reckoning, [unspec C] and her owne supper should cost * 1.5 600 hundred thousand Sestertij, and with that commanded the second seruice to be brought in. The seruitors that waited at her trencher (as they had in charge before) set before her one only crewet of sharpe vineger, the strength whereof is able to resolue pearles. Now she had at her eares hanging these two most precious pearles, the singular and only jewels of the world, and euen Natures wonder. As Antonie looked wistly vpon her, and expected what shee would doe, shee tooke one of them from her eare, steeped it in the vineger, and so soon as it was liquified, dranke it off. And as shee was about to doe the like to the other, L. Plancius the iudge of that wager, laid fast hold vpon it with his hand, and pronounced withal, That Antonie had lost the wager. Whereat the man fell into a passion of anger. There was an end of one pearle: but the fame of the fellow thereof may goe with it: for after that this braue queen [unspec D] the winner of so great a wager, was taken prisoner and depriued of her roiall estate, that other pearle was cut in twaine, that in memoriall of that one halfe supper of theirs, it should remaine vnto posteritie, hanging at both the eares of Venus at Rome, in the temple of Pantheon. And yet as prodigall as these were, they shall not go away with the prize in this kinde, but shall lose the name of the chiefe and principall, in superfluitie of expence. For long before their time, Clodius the sonne of Aesope the Tragedian Poet, the only heire of his father, who died excee∣ding wealthie, practised the semblable in two pearles of great price: so that Antonie needeth not to be ouer proud of his Triumuirate, seeing that he hath to match him in all his magnifi∣cence, one little better than a stage-plaier: who vpon no wager at all laid, (and that was more princely, and done like a king) but only in a brauerie, and to know what tast pearles had, morti∣fied [unspec E] them in venegre, and drunke them vp. And finding them to content his pallat wondrous well, because he would not haue all the pleasure by himselfe, and know the goodnesse thereof alone, he gaue to euery guest at his table one pearle apeece to drinke in like manner.

Fenestella writeth, that after Alexandria was conquered and brought vnder obedience to the Romans, Pearles were rise at Rome, and commonly vsed of euery man: also, that about the trou∣ble some time of Sylla they began first to be in request: and those were but small ones, and of no price. Howbeit, he is grossely deceiued, and in a great error. For Aelius Stilo doth report in his Chronicle, that in the time of warre against Iugurtha, the faire and goodly great pearles began to be named Vniones. [unspec F]

These Pearles (to say a truth) are of the nature (in a manner) of an inheritance to descend by perpetuitie. They follow commonly in right the next heires. When they passe in saile, they go with warrantize, in as solemne manner as a good lordship.

As for the rich Purples, and the precious Conchyles, euery coast is full of them. And yet to

that excesse and prodigalitie we are now growne, and out want on roiot (the mother of all inor∣dinate [unspec G] and wastfull expence) hath made them well neere as deere as Pearles.

CHAP. XXXVI.

¶ The nature of purple fishes, and the Murex or Burret.

PVrples liue ordinarily seuen yeers. They lie hidden for 30 daies space about the dogdaies, like as the Murices or Burrets do. They meet together by troupes in the spring, and with rubbing one against another, they gather and yeeld a certaine clammie substance and moi∣sture in manner of waxe. The Muribes doe the like. But that beautifull colour, so much in re∣quest for dying of fine cloth, the Purples haue in the midst of the neck and jawes. And nothing [unspec H] else it is, but a little thin liquor within a white veine: & that is it which maketh that rich, fresh, and bright colour of deepe red purple roses. As for all the rest of this fish, it yeeldeth nothing. Fishers striue to get them aliue, for when they die, they cast vp and shed that precious teinture and juice, together with their life. Now the Tyrians, when they light vpon any great Purples, they take the flesh out of their shels, for to get the bloud out of the said vein: but the lesser, they presse and grind in certain milles, and so gather that rich humor which issueth from them. The best purple colour in Asia is this, thus gotten at Tyros. But in Africke, within the Island Me∣ninx, and the coast of the Ocean by Getulia. And in Europe, that of Laconica. This is that glo∣rious colour, so full of state and maiestie, that the Roman Lictors with their rods, halbards, and [unspec I] axes make way for: this is it that graceth and setteth out the children of princes and noblemen: this maketh the distinction between a knight and a counsellor of state: this is called for & put on when they offer sacrifice to pacifie the gods: this giueth a lustre to all sorts of garments: to conclude, our great Generals of the field, and victorious captaines in their triumphs weare this purple in their mantels, enterlaced and embrodered with gold among. No maruell therefore if Purples be so much sought for: and men are to be held excused, if they run a madding after Pur∣ples. But how should the other shell-fishes called Conchylia, be so deere and high prised, con∣sidering the teincture of them carries so strong and stinking a sauor, so sullen and melancholie a colour, enclining toa blew orwatchet, and resembling rather the angrie and raging sea in a tempest? But to come to the particular description. The Purple hath a tongue of a finger long, [unspec K] pointed in the end so sharpe, and hard withall, that it is able to bore an hole and pierce into o∣ther shell-fishes, and thereby shee feeds and gets her liuing. In fresh water they will die all, or if they be plunged and throwne in any riuer: otherwise, after they be taken, they will continue aliue 50 daies, euen with that viscous and slimie humor of their owne. All shel-fish in general grow apace in a very small time: but Purples soonest of all others: for in one yere they wil come to their full bignesse. Now, if I should lay a straw here, and proceed no further in this discourse of Purples and such like, surely our luxurious and riotous spend thrifts would thinke they had great wrong, and were defrauded of their right. they might I say complaine of me, & condemne me of idlenesse, and negligence. Therefore I care not much to put my head within the diers shops and work-houses: that like as euery man for the necessity of this life, knows how the price [unspec L] of corne goes; euen so our fine folke and braue dainties, who take such pleasure and delight in these colors, may be perfect what is the reason of this their only life. In the first place, these shel-fishes that serue either for purple colors, or other lighter dies of the Conchylia, are all one in matter: the difference only is in temperature more or lesse. And indeed, reduced they may all be into two principall sorts. For the lesse shell called Buccinum, fashioned like vnto that horn or cornet, wherewith they vse to wind and sound, whereupon in tooke that name, hath a round back, and is cut like a saw in the edges. The other is named Purpura, shooteth out a long backe like a guttur, and within the one side it doth writhe and turne hollow in forme of a pipe, out of which the fish puts forth a tongue. Moreouer, this Purple is bestudded (as it were) euen as far as to the sharpe top or turbant thereof round about with sharpe knobs pointed, lightly seuen in [unspec M] number: which the sea-cornet Buccinum hath not. But this is common to both, that looke how many roundles they haue like tendrils clasping about them, so many yeares old they bee. As for the Cornet Buccinum, it sticketh alwaies to great stones and rockes, and therefore is euer found and gathered about them.

CHAP XXXVII. [unspec A]

¶ How many sorts there be of Purples.

PVrples haue another name, and be called Pelagiae, as one would say, Fishes of the deep sea. But in truth there be many sorts of them, & those diffring either in place where they keep, or in food wherof they liue. The first Lutense, i. muddy, because it is nourished of the cor∣rupt and rotten mud: the second Algense (the worst of all) feeding vpon reits or sea weeds na∣med. Alga: the third, Taeniense (better than the former twaine) for that it is gathered and taken vp about the brims & borders of the sea, called for the resemblance of fillets or lists in a cloth, Taeniae. And yet this kind ye eldeth but a light colour, and nothing deep: there be of them also, which they terme. Calculosae, of the sea grauell, which is wondrous good for all these kinde of [unspec B] wilkes and shell fishes. And last of all, which simply be the very best, the Purples Dialetae, that is to say, wandring too and fro, changing their pasture, and feeding in sundry soils of the sea (the muddy, the weedie, and the grauelly.) Now these Purples are taken with small nets, and thinne wrought, cast into the deep. Within which, for a bait to bite at, there must be certain winckles and cockles, that will shut and open, & be ready to snap, such as we see these limpins be, called Mituli. Halfe dead they should be first, that being new put into the sea again, & desirous to re∣viue and liue, they might gape for water: and then the Purples make at them with their pointed tongue, which they thrust out to annoy them: but the other feeling themselues pricked there∣with, presently shut their shels together, & bite hard. Thus the Purples for their greedinesse are caught and taken vp, hanging by their tongues. [unspec C]

CHAP. XXXVIII.

¶ The fishing time for Purples.

THe best time to take Purples, is after the dog star is risen, & before the Spring: for, when they haue made that viscous muscilage in manner of wax, their iuice and humour for co∣lour is ouer liquid, thin, & waterish. And yet the purple diers know not so much, nor take heed thereof, whereas indeed the skill thereof is a speciall point of their art, and wherein lreth all in all. Well, when they are caught, as is abouesaid, they take forth that vein before mentio∣ned; and they lay it in salt, or else they do not well: with this proportion ordinarily, namely, to [unspec D] euery hundred weight of the Purple liquor, a Sestier or pint and halfe of salt. Full three dayes and no more it must thus lie soking in powder. For the fresher that the colour is, so much is it counted richer and better. This don, they seeth it in leads, & to euery Amphore, (i. which con∣taineth about eight wine gallons) they put one hundred pound and a halfe just, of the colour so prepared. Boile it ought with a soft and gentle fire, and therfore the tunnel or mouth of the fur∣nace must be a good way off from the lead and c•…•…awdron. During which time, the workemen that tend the lead, must eftsoones skim off and clense away the fleshie substance, which cannot chuse but stick to the veines which containeth the iuice or liquour of purple beforesaid. And thus they continue 10 daies, by which time ordinarily the lead or vessell wil shew the liquour cleere, as if it were sufficiently boiled. And to make a triall thereof, they dip into it a fleece of [unspec E] wool wel rensed & washt out of one water into another: & till such time, that they see it giue a perfect die, they stil ply the fire, & giue it a higher seething. That which staineth red, is nothing so rich as that which giueth the deep & sad blackish color. When it is come to the perfection, they let the wooll lie to take the liquor 5 houres: then they haue it forth, touse and card it, and put it in againe, vntil it hath drunke vp all the colour, as much as it will. Now this is to be ob∣serued, that the sea cornet Buccinum makes no good colour of it selfe: for their dye wil shed & lose the lustre. And therfore vsually they ioine to it the sea Purple Pelagium, which maketh too deep and brown a colour: vnto which it giueth a fresh & liuely teinture, as it were in grain, and so maketh that sad purple which they desire. Thus by mixing & medling the force of both [unspec F] together, they mend one another, while the lightnesse or sadnesse of the one doth quicken and raise, or els dorr and take downe the colour of the other. To the dying of a pound of wooll, they vse this proportion of two hundred Buccina or sea Cornets, ioined with a hundred and eleuen Pelagian Purples: & so commeth that rich Amethyst or purple violet colour, so highly com∣mended

aboue all other. But the Tyrians make their deep red purple, by dipping their wool first [unspec G] in the liquor of the Pelagian purples only, whiles it is not throughly boiled to the heigth, but as it were green yet and vnripe; and therof they let it take what it can drinke. Soone after they change it into another caudron or lead, where the colour of the sea Cornets alone is boiled. And then it is thought to haue a most commendable and excellent dye, when it is as deep a red as bloud that is cold and setled, blackish at the first sight, but looke between you and the light, it carieth a bright and shining lustre. And hereupon it is, that Homer calleth bloud, Purple.

CHAP. XXXIX.

¶ When they began at Rome to weare Purple first. [unspec H]

I Find in Chronicles, that Purple hath bin vsed in Rome time out of mind. Howbeit, K. Romu∣lus neuer ware it but in his roial habit or mantle of estate, called Trabea. And wel known it is, that Tullus Hostilius was the first Roman king, who after he had subdued the Tuscanes, put on the long purple robe named Pretexta, and the cassock broched & studded with scarlet in broad guards. Nepos Cornelius who died in the daies of Augustus Caesar the Emperor, When (quoth he) I was a yong man, the light violet purple was rife and in great request, & a pound of it was sold for a * 1.6 100 deniers: and not long after the Tarentine red purple or skarlet was much called for, and of the same price. But after it, came the fine double died purple of Tyros, called Dibapha: and a man could not buy a pound of it for a * 1.7 1000 deniers, which was the price of ten pound of the other. P. Lentulus Spinther in his Aedileship of the chaire, first ware a long robe embroi∣dered [unspec I] with it, and was checked and blamed therefore. But now adaies (quoth Nepos) what is he that will not hang his parlour and dining chamber therewith, and haue carpets, cushins, & cup∣bord clothes thereof. And it is no longer ago when Spinther was Aedile, than in the seuen hun∣dreth yeare after the foundation of Rome, euen when Cicero was Consull. This purple in those daies was called Dibapha, i. twice died: & that was counted a matter of great cost, & very state∣ly withall and magnificent. But now ye shall haue no purple cloths at all of any reckoning, but they haue their double die. As for the cloth died with the purple of the shel-fish Conchylia, the maner of making the colour, and dying in all respects is the same, saue that there be no sea Cornets vsed thereto. Moreouer, the iuice or liquor for that colour, is tempered with water in [unspec K] stead of the filthy pisse and vrine of a man, altogether vsed in the other: and therein is sodden but the halfe proportion of colours to the foresaid tinctures. And thus is made that light pale stammel so highly commended, for being short of the deep rich colour: and the lesse while that the wooll is suffered to drinke the fill, the more bright and fresh it seemeth.

CHAP. XL.

¶ The prices of wooll died with these colours.

AS for these colours, they are valued dearer or cheaper, according to the coasts where these fishes are gotten more or lesse. Howbe it, it was neuer known that in any place, a pound of the right purple wooll, died with the Pelagian colour, or of the colour it selfe, was more [unspec L] worth than * 1.8 500 Sesterces: nor a pound of the Cornets purple cost aboue one hundred. I would they knew so much that pay so deare for these wares by retaile here at home, and cannot haue them, but at an excessiue rate. But here is not all, neither is this anend of expence that way, for one still draweth on another: and men haue a delight to spend and lay on still one thing after a∣nother: to make mixtures and mixtures again, and so to sophisticate the sophistications of Na∣ture: as namely to paint and die their seelings, euen the very embowed roofs and arches in buil∣ding: to mix and temper gold and siluer together, therewith to make an artificiall metall Ele∣ctrum: and by adding brasse or copper thereto, to haue another metall, counterfeiting the Co∣rinthian vessels.

CHAP. XLI.

¶ The manner of dying the Amethyst, Violet, or Purple, the Chrymson and Scarlet in grain, and the light Stammell or Lustie-gallant.

It would not suffice our prodigal spend thrifts to rob the precious stone Amethyst of his name, and to apply it to a colour; but when they had a perfect Amethyst die, they must haue it to be

drunken againe with the Tyrean purple, that they might haue a superfluous and double name * 1.9 [unspec A] compounded of both (Tyriamethistus) correspondent to their two fold cost and duple super∣fluitie. Moreouer, after they haue accomplished fully the colour of the Conchylium, they are not content vntill they haue a second die in the Tyrian purple lead. It should seeme, that these double dies and compounded colours, came first from the errour and repentance of the worke∣man when his hand missed: and so was forced to change and alter that which he had done be∣fore, and vtterly misliked. And hereof forsooth is come now a pretty cunning and art thereof: and the monstrous spirits of our wastfull persons are grown to wish and desire that, which was a fault amended first: and seeing the two-fold way of a double charge and expence troden before them by the diers, haue found the meanes to lay colour vpon colour, and to ouercast and strike a rich die with a weaker, so that it might be called a more pleasant and delicate colour. Nay it [unspec B] will not serue their turn to mingle the aboue-said tinctures of sea fishes, but they must also do the like by the die of land-colours: for when a wooll or cloth hath taken a crimson or skarlet in graine, it must be died againe in the Tyrian purple, to make (I would not else) the light, red, and fresh Lustie-gallant.

As touching the Graine, seruing to this tincture, it is red, and commeth out of Galatia, (as we shall shew in our story of earthly plants) or else about Emerita in Portugall, and that of all other is of most account. But to knit vp in one word these noble colours, note this, That when this Graine is but of one yeres age, it maketh but a weake tincture; but after foure yeeres, the strength thereof is gone. So that neither young nor old it is of any great vertue. Thus I haue sufficiently and at large treated of those means which men and women both, so highly esteem, and thinke to make most for their state and honourable port, and setting out of themselues in [unspec C] the best manner.

CHAP. XLII.

¶ Of the Nacre, or his guide and keeper, Pinnoter: and the percei∣uance of fishes.

THe Nacre also called Pinnae, is of the kind of shell-fishes. It is alwaies found and caught in muddie places, but neuer without a companion, which they cal Pinnoter, or Pinnophy∣lax. And it is no other but a little shrimpe, or in some places, the smallest crab; which bea∣reth the Nacre companie, and waites vpon him for to get some victuals. The nature of the Na∣cre [unspec D] is to gape wide, and sheweth vnto the little fishes her seelie body, without any eie at all. They come leaping by and by close vnto her: and seeing they haue good leaue, grow so hardie and bold, as to skip into her shel & fill it ful. The shrimp lying in spiall, seeing this good time and opportunitie, giueth token thereof to the Nacre, secretly with a little pinch. She hath no sooner this signall, but she shuts her mouth, and whatsoeuer was within, crushes and kils it pre∣sently: and then she deuides the bootie with the little crab or shrimp, her sentinell and compa∣nion. I maruell therefore so much the more at them who are of opinion, that fishes and beasts in the water haue no sence. Why, the very Cramp-fish Torpedo, knowes her own force & pow∣er, and being her selfe not benummed, is able to astonish others. She lieth hid ouer head and eares within the mud vnseen, ready to catch those fishes, which as they swim ouer her, be taken [unspec E] with a nummednesse, as if they were dead. There is no meat in delicate tendernesse, preferred before the liuer of this fish. Also the fish called the * 1.10 sea-Frog, (and of others the sea-Fisher) is as crafty euery whit as the other: It puddereth in the mud, and troubleth the water, that it might not be seen: and when the little seely fishes come skipping about her, then she puts out her little hornes or Barbils which she hath bearing forth vnder her eies, and by little and little tilleth and tolleth them so neere, that she can easily seaze vpon them. In like manner the Skate and the Turbot lie secret vnder the mud, putting out their finnes, which stir and crawle as if it were some little wormes; and all to draw them neer, that she might entrap them. Euen so doth the Ray-fish or Thorn-back. As for the Puffen or Fork-fish, he lieth in await like a theefe in a corner, ready to strike the fishes that passe by with a sharpe rod or pricke that he hath, which is [unspec F] his weapon. In conclusion, that this fish is very subtill and crafty, this is a good proofe, That being of all others most heauie and slow, they are found to haue in their bellie the Mullets, which of all others be the swiftest in swimming.

CHAP. XLIII. [unspec G]

¶ Of the Scolopendres, the sea-Foxes, and the Glanis.

THese Scolopendres of the sea, are like to those long earewigs of the land, which they call Centipedes, or many-feet. The maner of this fish is this, when she hath swallowed an hook to cast vp all her guts within, vntill she hath discharged her self of the said hook, and then she sups them in againe. But the sea-Foxes in the like danger haue this cast with them, namely to gather in and let it go downe into the throat more and more still of the line, vntill he come to the weakest part thereof, which he may easily fret and gnaw asunder. The Glanis is more slie and warie than they both: for his propertie is to bite at the backe of the hooke, and not to goble it vp whole, but nibble away all the bait, and leaue the hooke bare. [unspec H]

CHAP. XLIIII.

¶ Of the Ram-fish.

THis fish is a very strong theef at sea, and makes foule work where he comes: for one while he squats close vnder the shade of big ships that ride at anker in the ba•…•…, where he lies in ambush to wait when any man for his pleasure would swim and bath himselfe, that so he might surprise them: otherwhiles he puts out his nose aboue the water, to spie any small fisher boats comming, and then he swimmeth close to them, ouerturneth and sinketh them.

CHAP. XLV.

¶ Of those that haue a third or middle nature, and are neither liuing creatures [unspec I] nor yet Plants: also of the sea-Nettle-fishes, and Spunges.

I Verily for my part am of opinion, that those which properly are neither beasts nor plants, but of a third nature between or compounded of both (the sea-Nettles I mean, and Sponges) haue yet a kinde of sense with them. As for those Nettles, there be of them that in the night raunge too and fro, and likewise change their colour. Leaues they carry of a fleshie substance, and of flesh they feed. Their qualitie is to raise an itching smart, like for all the world to the weed on the land so called. His manner is, when he would prey, to gather in his body as close, streight and stiffe as possibly may be. He spieth not so soon a silly little fish swimming before him, but he spratdeth and displaieth those leaues of his like wings; with them he claspeth the [unspec K] poore fish, and so deuoures it. At other times, he lies as if he had no life at all in him, suffering himselfe to be tossed and cast too and fro among the weeds, with the waues of the sea: and look what fish soeuer he toucheth as he is thus floting, hee sets a smart itch vpon them, and whiles they scratch and rub themselues against the rockes for this itch, hee sets vpon them and eates them. In the night season he lieth for sea-Vrchens and Scalops. When he feeleth ones hand to touch him, he changeth colour, and draweth himselfe in close together on a heape: and no soo∣ner toucheth he one, but the place will itch, sting, and be ready to blister: make not good hast to catch him quickly, he is hidden out of hand and gone. It is thought verily, that his mouth ly∣eth in his root, and that he voideth his excrements at a small pipe or issue aboue, where those [unspec L] fleshie leaues are.

Of Spunges, we find three sorts: the first thicke, exceeding hard, and rough; and this is called Tragos: a second, not all so thicke, and somewhat softer; and that is named Manon: the third is fine and yet compact, wherewith they make sponges to cleanse and scoure withall, and this is tearmed Achilleum. They grow al vpon rocks: and are fed with wilkes or shel-fish, with naked fish and mud. That they are not senslesse, appeares hereby, for that when they feele that one would pluck them away, they draw in and retire back hard, so as with greater difficulty they are pulled from the rocke. The like doe they when they be beaten vpon with waues. That they liue vpon some food, it is manifest by the little coquill & muscle shels that be found within them. And some say, that about Torone they continue still aliue after they be pulcked frow the rocks: [unspec M] and that of the roots which are left behind, they grow againe. Moreouer, vpon those rocks from whence they be pulled, there is to be seen as it were some bloud sticking; & especially in those of Africke, which breed among the Syrtes. The Manae, which otherwise be the least, become very great & most soft withall, about Lycia. But they be more delicate which are nourished in

the deep gulfes, where least wind or none is stirring. The rough kind are in Hellespont: and the [unspec A] fine and ma ssie, about the cape Malea. In sun-shine places they will corrupt and putrifie; and therefore the best are in the deep gulfs and creeks, not exposed to the Sun. They be of the same dusk and blackish colour when they liue, as they are afterwards being soked & full of moisture. They cleaue to rocks neither by any one part, nor yet entire and whole all ouer: for there are be∣tween, certain void pipes 4 or 5 commonly, by which they are supposed to receiue their food and nourishment. There be more of these pipes and concauities, but aboue they are grown to∣gether hard and not hollow. A certain pellicle or thin skin a man may perceiue them to haue at their roots. For certain it is knowne, that they liue long. The worst kind of them all, be those that are called Aplysiae, because vnneth they may bee separated, nor clensed and made cleane, they are so foule, for great pipes they haue; thicke they are besides throughout, and very massie.

CHAP. XLVI. [unspec B]

¶ Of Hound-fishes or Sea-dogs.

THe dyuers that vse to plunge into the sea, are annoied very much with a number of Sea∣hounds that come about them, and put them in great jeopardie. And they say, that these fishes haue a certain dim cloud or thin web, growing & hanging ouer their heads, resem∣bling broad, flat, and gristly fishes, which clingeth them hard, and hindreth them from retiring backe and giuing way. For which cause the said dyuers (as themselues say) carry downe with them certaine sharp pricks or goads fastened to long poles: for vnlesse they be proked at and pricked with them, they will not turn their backe; by reason (as I suppose) of a mist before their [unspec C] eies, or rather of some feare & amazednesse that they be in. For I neuer heard of any man that found the like cloud or mist (for this term they giue vnto that vnhappie thing what-euer it be) in the range of liuing creatures. But yet much ado they haue and hard hold with these Hound-fishes notwithstanding; for they lay at their bellies and groines, at their heeles, and snap at e∣uery part of their bodies that they can perceiue to be white. The onely way and remedy is to make head directly affront them, and to begin with them first, and so to terrifie them: for they are not so terrible to a man, but they are as fraid of him againe. Thus within the deepe they are indifferently euen matched: but when the dyuers mount vp and rise againe aboue water, then there is some ods betweene, and the man hath the disaduantage, and is in more danger; by rea∣son that whiles he laboureth to get out of the water, he faileth of means to encounter with the [unspec D] beast, against the streame and sourges of the water. And therefore his only recourse is, to haue help and aid from his fellowes in the ship; for hauing a cord tied at one end about his shoul∣ders, he shaketh it with his left hand, to giue signe what danger hee is, whiles hee maintaineth fight with the right, by taking into it the puncheon with the sharpe point before said; and so at the other end they draw him to them: and they need otherwise to pull and hale him but soft∣ly: mary when he is neere once to the ship, vnlesse they giue him a sudden jerke and snatch him vp quickly, they may be sure to see him worried and deuoured before their face; yea and when they are at the point to be plucked vp, and euen now ready to go aboord, they are many times caught away out of their fellows hands, if they bestir not themselues the better, and put their owne good will to the help of them within the ship; namely, by plucking vp their legs and ga∣thering [unspec E] their bodies nimbly together round as it were in a ball. Well may some from ship∣boord proke at the dogs aforesaid with forks; others thrust at them with Trout speares & such like weapons, and all neuer the neere; so craftie and cautelous is this foule beast, to get vnder the very belly of the barke, and so maintain combat in safety. And therefore all the care that these fishers haue, is to prouide for this mischiefe, and to lie in wait for to entrap these fell, vn∣happie, and shrewd monsters.

CHAP. XLVII.

¶ Of those fishes that lie within a stonie and hard flintie shell: also of those that haue [unspec F] no sence: and of other nastie and filthie creatures.

THe greatest securitie that fishers and dyuers haue of safety, is when they see the broad flat gristly fishes; for certain it is, that they be neuer in any place where hurtfull and noisome

beasts do haunt: which is the cause that these dyuers which ducke and plunge for sponges, call [unspec G] those fishes Sacred.

We must needs confesse, that fishes within stone shels, haue small or no sense, as namely oi∣sters. Many are of the nature of very Plants, to wit, those that they cal Holothuria: also Pulmo∣nes, resembling the lungs of a beast: and Star-fishes, made in forme of stars (such stars I meane as it pleaseth the Painter to draw.) In sum, what is there not bred within the sea? Euen the very fleas that skip so merily in summer time within victualling houses and Ins, and bite so shroud∣ly: as also lice that loue best to lie close vnder the haire of our heads, are there engendred & to be found: for many a time the fishers twitch vp their hooks, and see a number of these skippers and creepers setled thicke about their baits which they laied for fishes. And this vermine is thought to trouble the poore fishes in their sleep by night within the sea, as well as vs on the [unspec H] land. Last of all, some fishes there be, which of themselues are giuen to breed fleas and lice, a∣mong which the Chalcis, a kind of Turbot, is one.

CHAP. XLVIII.

¶ Of venomous Sea-fishes.

MOreouer, the sea is not without her deadly poisons: for the Sea-hare, which keepeth in the Indish sea, is so venomous, that the very touching of him is pestiferous; & presently causeth vomiting and ouerturning of the stomacke, not without great danger. They which be found in our sea, seeme to be a peece or lump of flesh without all forme or fashion, in colour only resembling the land Hare. But with the Indians they be full as big, and resemble [unspec I] their Hare, only it is more stiffe and hard. And verily they cannot possibly be taken there a liue. The dragon or spider of the sea, is as dangerous & mischieuous a creature as the other: and with the pricks that stick forth of his chine and back-bone, hee doth much hurt. But in no place is there any more detestable and pernicious, than is the pike that standeth out vpon the taile of Trigonius, which we in Latine call Pastinaca, i. the Puffin or Fork fish of the sea; the which pike is fiue inches long. So venomous it is, that if it be strucke into the root of a tree, it killeth it: it is able to pierce a good cuirace or iacke of buffe, or such like, as if it were an arrow shot or a dart lanced: but besides the force and power that it hath that way answerable to yron & steele, the wound that it maketh is therewith poisoned. [unspec K]

CHAP. XLIX.

¶ Of Fishes diseases.

WE do not heare or reade, that all sorts of fishes in generall be subiect to maladies and diseases, as other beasts, and euen those that are wilde and sauage. But that this or that fish in euery kinde may be sicke, it appeareth euidently, that some of them mislike and come to be carrion leane; whereas others of the same sort, be taken, not only in good plight, but exceeding fat. [unspec L]

CHAP. L.

¶ The wonderfull manner of their generation.

IN what sort fishes do engender, if I should not in this place shew, but put it off farther, I should do great wrong to mankind, who desire to know it, as much as they wonder how it should be. In one word, fishes ingender by the friction and rubbing of their bellies one a∣gainst another: which they performe with such celeritie, that no eye is so quicke as to note and obserue it. Dolphins, and other great whales, haue no other way but that, mary they are longer somewhat about their businesse. The spawner, when the time serueth for generation, followeth [unspec M] after the male, and neuer linneth pecking and iobbing at his belly with her muzzle. Semblably a little before spawning time, the milters follow after the female, only for that they would eat their spawn when they haue cast it. But this is to be noted moreouer, that the foresaid mixture & ingendring of theirs is not sufficient to accomplish generation, vnlesse when their egs be laid or spawne cast, both male and female take it betweene them and keepe a turning of it, thereby

to breath a liuely spirit into it, and as it were besprinkle it with a vitall dew, as it floteth vpon [unspec A] the water. But turne they it and tosse it, breath they vpon it as much as they will, yet all those little egs of their spawne do not hit and come to proofe: for if they did, all seas and lakes, and al riuers and pools would be so postered ful with fishes, that a man would see nothing els: for there is not one of these females, but at once conceiueth an infinite number in her belly.

CHAP. LI.

¶ More as touching the generation of fishes, and which they be that do spawne in man∣ner of egges.

THe spawne or egs of Fishes in the sea, do grow vnto perfection, some of them exceeding scon, as that of the Lampreies: others are later ere they do so. All flat and broad Fishes, [unspec B] such namely as haue no tails and sharp pricks to hinder (as haue the Thorn-backe, Skate, and Tortoises) when they engender, leap one another. The many foot Pour-cuttles in this acti∣on fasten one of their winding clawes to the nose of the female. The Cuttels and Calamaries do the feat with their tongues or pipes rather thrust into their mouthes, clasping one another with their arms, and swimming one contrary to the other: and as they conceiue at the mouth, so they deliuer their fruit again at the mouth. This onely is the difference, that the she Calama∣ries in this busines, beare their heads downward to the earth. As for those that are soft crusted, they do it backward as dogs. Thus the Lobsters & Shrimpes ingender. Crabs at the mouth. Frogs leap one another: the male with the fore-feet clasps the arm-pits of the female, and with the hind-feet the hanches. That which is ingendred and brought forth, is as it were some little [unspec C] mites of blackish •…•…esh, which they call Tadpoles or Polwigs, shewing no good form, but that they haue some shew of eies only, and a taile. Some few daies after, their feet are framed, & then parts their taile in twain, which serueth for their feet behind. And a strange thing it is of them: after they haue liued some 6 months, they resolue into a slime or mud, no man seeth how: & af∣terward with the first rains in the Spring, returne again to their former state, as they were first shapen, no man knows after what sort, by a secret and vnknown way incomprehensible: notwith∣standing it fals out ordinarily so euery yere. As for the Limpins, Muskles, and Scallops, they breed of themselues in the mud and sands of the sea. Those which are of an harder coat, as the Pourcelanes and Purples, of a certain viscous and slimy substance like a muscilage. As for that little fry, resembling small gnats and flies of the sea, they come of a certaine putrifaction and [unspec D] sowernesse of the water: as the Apuae, which are the groundlings and Smies, of the some of the sea set in an heat & chafed after some good shewer. They that are couered with a stony shell, as Oisters, breed of the rotten and putrified slime & mud of the sea: or of the some that hath stood long about ships or stakes and posts set fast in the water, and especially if they bee of Holme wood. Howbeit, it hath bin found of late in Oister pits, that there passeth from them in stead of Sperm a certain whitish humor like milk. As for Yeels they rub themselues against rocks and stones, and those scrapings (as it were) which are fretted from them, in time come to take life and proue snigs, and no other generation haue they. Fishes of diuers kinds engender not one with another, vnlesse it be the Skate and the Raifish: and of them there commeth a fish, which in the forepart resembleth a Ray, & in Greek hath a name compounded of both [Rhinobatos.] [unspec E] Other fishes there be that breed indifferently on land and sea, according to the warme season of the yeare. In Spring time Scallops, Snailes, and Horsleeches do engender, and by the same warmth quicken and come to life; but in Autumne they turn to nothing. The Pike & Sardane breed twice a yere, like as al stone fish: the Barbels thrice, as also a kind of Turbit called Chal∣cis [i. the Shad:] the Carp 6 times: the Scorpenes and Sargi twice, namely, in Spring and Au∣tumne. Of flat broad Fishes, the Skate only twice in the yere, to wit, in Autumne, and at the set∣ting or occultation of the star Vergiliae. The greatest number of Fishes ingender for 3 moneths, April, May, & Iune. The Cods or Stockfishes in Autumne. The Sargi, Crampfishes, & Squali about the equinoctiall. Soft skinned Fishes in the spring: and the Cuttel in euery month. The [unspec F] spawn of this Fish, which hangeth together like a cluster of grapes, by the means of a certaine blacke glew or viscositie like inke, the Milter doth blow and breath vpon before it can bee good, for otherwise it commeth to no proofe. The Pour-cuttles engender in Winter, and in the Spring, and then bring forth a spawne crisped and curled (as it were) like the wreathing

branches and tendrils of a vine branch; and that in such plenty, that when they are killed they [unspec G] are not able to receiue and containe the multitude of their egs in the concauitie or ventricle of their head and belly, which they bare when they were great. They hatch them in fifty daies, but many of them proue addle and neuer come to good, there is such a number of them. The Lobsters and the rest with thin shels, lay egge after egge, and sit vpon them in that manner. The female Pourcuttle, one while sitteth ouer her egs, another while she couereth the cranie or gut∣ter where she hath laid them, with her clawes and arms enfolded crosse one ouer another lattise wise. The Cuttle laieth also vpon the dry land among the reeds, or els wheresoeuer she can find any sea-weeds or reits to grow, & by the 15 day hatcheth. The Calamaries lay egs in the deep, which hang close and thick together, as the Cuttles do. The Purples, Burrets, and such like, do lay in the Spring. The sea Vrchins are with egge euery full moone in the winter time: and the [unspec H] winkles or cocles are bred in the winter likewise. The Crampfish is found to haue 80 young at once within her, and hatcheth her tender and soft egs within her bodie, shifting them from one place of the wombe to another. In like manner do all they which are called Cartilagineus, or gristly. By which it commeth to passe, that fish alone both conceiue with egge, and yet bring forth a liuing creature. The male sheath-fish or riuer whale Silurus, of al others only is so kind as to keep and looke to the egs of the female after they be laid, many times for fifty daies after, for feare they should be deuoured of others. Other females hatch in three daies, if the male touch them. The Horne-beaks or Needle-fishes Belonae, are the only fishes which haue within them so great egs that their wombe cleaueth and openeth when they should lay them: but af∣ter that they be discharged of them, it groweth together and vniteth againe. A thing vsuall (as they say) in Blind-wormes. The fish called Mus-Marinus, diggeth a gutter or ditch within [unspec I] the ground, and there laieth her egs, and the same she couereth ouer with earth, and so lets them alone for 30 daies, then she commeth and openeth the place again, findeth her egs hatched, and leadeth her little ones to the water.

CHAP. LII.

¶ Of fishes wombes.

THe shel-fishes Erythini & Chanae, haue their wombs or matrices. As for that fish which in Greeke is called Trochos [i. the top] is thought to get it selfe with yong. The frie of all [unspec K] water creatures, at the first see not.

CHAP. LIII.

Of the exceeding long life of fishes.

IT is not long since that we heard of one fishes memorable example, which proued the long life of fishes. There is a faire house of retreat and pleasure called Pausilupum, in Campaine not far from Naples; where (as Anneus Seneca writeth) there died a fish in the fish-pooles of Caesar, 60 yeres after that it had bin put in by Pollio Vedius: and there remained two more of that [unspec L] age and of the same kind, which liued still. And since wee are come to make mention of fish∣ponds, me thinks I should do well to write somwhat more thereof, before I giue ouer this dis∣course of fishes and water creatures.

CHAP. LIV.

¶ Of Oyster pits, and who first deuised them.

THe first that inuented stewes and pits to keep oysters in, was Sergius Orata, who made such about his house in Baianum, in the daies of L. Crassus that famous oratour, before the Mar∣sians war. And this the man did not for his belly and to maintain gourmandise, but of a [unspec M] couetous mind for very gain. And by this and such wittie deuises, he gathered great reuenues: for he it was that inuented the hanging baines and pooles to bathe in aloft vpon the top of an house: and thus when he had set out his manour house for the better sale, he would make good merchandise of them, and sell them againe for commoditie and gaine. He was the first man that brought the Lucrine Oysters into name and credit for their excellent taste. For so it is,

that the same kinds of fishes, in one place are better than in another. As the Pikes in the riuer [unspec A] Tiberis, which are taken between the two bridges: the Turbot of Rauenna: the Lamprey in Si∣cilie: the Elops at Rhodes, and so forth of other sorts of fishes: for I do not meane here to make a bill of all the dainty fish to serue the kitchin. There was no talk then of English oisters, when Orata brought those of the Lucrine lake into request, for as yet the Brittish coasts were not ours; which indeed haue the best oisters of all other. But afterwards it was thought it would quit the cost and pay for the pains, to fetch oisters from the furthest part of Italy, euen as far as Brundisium. And because there should grow no quarrell, nor controuersie arise, whether these or the former had the more delicate and pleasant taste, it was of late deuised that the hungrie oisters (which in the long cariage from Brundise were almost famished) should be fed with the rest in the Lucrine Lake, and so taste alike. In those very daies, but somwhat before Orata, Lici∣nius [unspec B] Murena deuised pools and stews for to keep and feed other fishes: whose example noblemen followed and did the like after them; namely, Philip and Hortensius. Lucullus cut through a moun∣tain neere vnto Naples for this purpose, namely, to let in an arm of the sea into his fish pooles: the doing whereof cost him more mony, than the house it selfe which he there had built. Here∣upon Pompey the great gaue him the name of Roman Xerxes, in his long robe. The fishes of that poole of his, after his death, were sold for thirty hundred thousand Sesterces, i. three milions of Sesterces.

CHAP. LV.

¶ Who invented the stewes for Lampreyes.

CAius Hirtius was the man by himselfe, that before all others deuised a pond to keep Lam∣preys [unspec C] in. He it was that lent Caesar Dictator for to furnish his feasts and great suppers du∣ring the time of his triumph, 600 Lampreys, to be paied againe by weight and tale in the same kind: for sel them he would not right out for any mony, nor exchange them for other com∣modities. A house he had for his pleasure in the country, and but a very little one, yet the ponds and fishes about it sold the house for foure milions of Sesterces. In processe of time folk grew to haue a loue and cast a fancy to some one seuerall fish aboue the rest. For the excellent Ora∣tor Hortensius had an house at Bauli, vpon the side that lieth to Baiae, & a fish-pond to it belon∣ging: and he took such an affection to one Lamprey in that poole, that when it was dead (by re∣port) he could not hold but weep for loue of it. Within the same poole belonging to the said [unspec D] house, Antonia the wife of Drusus (vnto whom they fell by inheritance) had so great a liking to another Lamprey, that she could find in heart to decke it, and to hang a paire of golden earings about the guils thereof. And surely for the nouelty of this strange sight, and the name that went thereof, many folke had a desire to see Bauli, and for nothing els.

CHAP. LVI.

¶ The stewes of Winkles, and who first was the deuiser.

FVlvius Hirpinus was the first inuentor of warrens as it were for Winkles, which he caused to be made within the territory of Tarquinij, a little before the ciuil war with Pompey the great. [unspec E] And those had their distinct partitions, for sundry sorts of them: that the white, which came from the parts about Reate, should be kept apart by themselues: the Illyrian (and those were chiefe for greatnesse) alone by their selues: the Africans (which were most fruitfull) in one se∣uerall: and the Solitanes (simply the best of all the rest) in another. Nay more than that, he had a deuise in his head to feed them fat, namely, with a certain paste made of cuit & wheat meale, and many other such like: to the end forsooth, that the gluttons table might be serued plenti∣fully with home-fed & franked great Winkles also. And in time, men grew to take such a pride and glory in this artificial feat, and namely, in striuing who should haue the biggest, that in the end one of their shels ordinarily would containe * 1.11 80 measures called Quadrants, if M. Varro say true, who is mine Author. [unspec F]

CHAP. LVII. [unspec G]

¶ Of Land-fishes.

THeophrastus also telleth strange wonders of certain kinds of fishes, which are about Baby∣lon, where there be many places subject to the inundations of Euphrates and other riuers, and wherein the water standeth, after that the riuers are returned within their bankes: in which the fish remain in certain holes & caues. Some of them, saith he, vse to issue forth aland for food and releefe, going vpon their fins in lieu of feet, and wagging their tailes euer as they go. And if any chase them, or come to take them, they will retire back into their ditches afore∣said, and there make head and stand against them. They are headed like to the * 1.12 sea Frog, made [unspec H] in other parts as Gudgeons, and guilled in manner of other fishes. Moreouer, that about Hera∣clea and Cromna, and namely neere the riuer Lycus, & in many other quarters of the kingdom of Pontus, there is one kind aboue the rest that euer haunteth riuers sides, and the vtmost edges of the water: making her selfe holes vnder the banks, and within the land wherin she liueth, yea, euen when the banks are drie, and the riuers gathered into narrow channels. By reason whereof they are digged forth of the earth: and as they say that find them, aliue they be, as may appeare by mouing and stirring of their bodies. Neere vnto the aboue said Heraclea & the riuer Lycus, when it is falne and the water ebbe, there be fishes breed of the egges and spawne left vpon the mud and sand, who in seeking for their food, do stir and pant with their little guils: which they vse to do when they want no water, but euen then when as the riuer is full. Which is the reason [unspec I] also that yeeles liue a long time after they be taken forth of the water. He affirmeth moreouer, that the egs of fishes lying vpon the dry land, will come to their maturity and perfection, and namely those of the Tortoises. Also, that in the same country of Pontus, there be taken fishes vpon the yce, and gudgeons especially, which shew not that they be aliue, but by their stirring and leaping when they come to be sodden in hot caudrons. Hereof may some reason yet be ren∣dred, although the thing be strange and wonderful. The same author auoucheth, that in Paphla∣gonia there be digged out of the ground certaine land fishes that be excellent good meat, and most delicate: but they be found in dry places remote from the riuer, & whither no waters flow, wherby they are forced to make the deeper trenches for to come by them. Himself maruelleth how they should engender without the help of moisture. Howbeit, hee supposeth that there is [unspec K] a certain minerall and naturall force therin, such as we see to sweat out in pits; forasmuch as di∣uers of them haue fishes found within them. Whatsoeuer it is, surely lesse wonderfull this is, considering how the Moldwarps liue (a creature naturally keeping vnder the ground) vnlesse haply we would say that fishes were of the same nature that earth wormes be of.

CHAP. LVIII.

¶ Of the mice of Nilus.

BVt the inundation of Nilus cleareth all these matters: the ouerflowing whereof is so admi∣rable, and so far passeth all other wonders, that we may well beleeue these things. For when [unspec L] as this riuer falleth and returneth againe into his channell, a man may find vpon the mud yong Mice halfe made, proceeding from the generatiue vertue of water and earth together: ha∣uing one part of their body liuing already, but the rest as yet mishapen, and no better than the very earth.

CHAP. LIX.

¶ Of the fish Anthias, and how he is taken.

I Thinke it not meet to conceale that, which I perceiue many do beleeue & hold, as touching the fish Anthias. We haue in our Cosmographie made mention of the Isles Cheldoniae in Asia, scituate in a sea full of rocks vnder the promontory of Taurus; among which are found [unspec M] great store of these fishes: and much fishing there is for them, but they are suddenly taken, and euer after one sort. For when the time serueth, there goeth forth a fisher in a smal boat or barge for certain daies together, a pretty way into the sea, clad alwaies in apparel of one and the same colour, at one houre, and to the same place stil, where he casteth forth a bait for the fish: but the

fish Anthias is so craftie and warie, that whatsoeuer is thrown forth, he suspecteth it euermore, [unspec A] that it is a means to surprise him. He feareth therefore and distrusteth: and as he feareth, so is he as wario: vntill at length, after much practise & often vsing this deuise of flinging meat into one place, one aboue the rest groweth so hardy and bold, as to bite at it, for now by this time he is grown acquainted with the maner thereof, and secure. The fisher takes good mark of this one fish, making sure reckoning that he wil bring more thither, and be the means that he shall spe•…•…d his hand in the end. And that is no hard matter for him to do, because for certain daies toge∣ther, that fish, & none but he, dare aduenture to come alone vnto the bait. At length this hardy captaine meets with some other companions, and by little & little he commeth euery day bet∣ter accompanied than other, vntil in the end he brings with him infinite troups and squadrons together, so as now the eldest of them all (as crafty as they be) be so well vsed to know the fi∣sher, that they will snatch meat out of his hands. Then hee espying his time putteth forth an [unspec B] hook with the bait, somwhat beyond his fingers ends, flieth and seizeth vpon them more truly, then catcheth them, and speedily with a quick & nimble hand whippes them out of the water within the shadow of the ship, for feare least the rest should perceiue, & giueth them one after another to his companion within; who euer as they be snatcht vp, latcheth them in a course twillie or couering, & keeps them su•…•…e enough from strugling or squeaking, that they should not driue the rest away. The speciall thing that helpeth this game and pretty sport, is to know the captain from the rest, who brought his fellows to this feast, & to take heed in any hand that he be not twitcht vp and caught. And therfore the fisher spareth him, that he may flie and goe to some other flock for to train them to the like banket. Thus you see the maner of fishing for these Anthae. Now it is reported moreouer, that one fisher vpon a time (of spightfull minde to [unspec C] do his fellow a shrewd turn) laid wait for the said captain fish, the leader of the rest (for he was very wel known from all others) and so caught him: but when the foresaid fisher espied him in the market to be sold, and knew it was he: taking himself misused & wronged, brought his acti∣on of the case against the other, and sued him for the dammage, and in the end condemned him. Mutianus saith moreouer, That the plaintife was awarded to haue for recompence, 10 pounds of the defendant. The same fishes, if they chance to see one of their fellows caught with an hook, by report, with their sharp fins which they haue vpon their backe like sawes, cut the line in two: for he that hangeth at it, will of purpose stretch it out streight, that it may be cut a sunder more easily. But the Sargots haue another trick for that: for he that finds himselfe taken, fretteth the [unspec D] line in twaine, whereto the hooke hangeth, against a hard rocke.

CHAP. LX.

¶ Of the Sea fishes called Starres.

OVer and besides all these, I see that some deep clerks and great Philosphers haue made a wonder at the Star in the sea. And verily it is no other than a very little fish, made like a star (as we see it painted.) A soft flesh it hath within: but without forth an hard brawnie skin. Men say it is so fierie hot, that whatsoeuer it toucheth in the sea, it burneth: and look what meat it receiueth, it makes a hand with it, & digesteth it presently. What proofe there is her∣of, and how men should come to the knowledge and experience of thus much, I cannot readily [unspec E] set downe. I would thinke that rather more memorable and worthy to be recorded, whereof we haue daily experience.

CHAP. XLI.

¶ Of the Dactyli, and their wonderfull qualities.

OF the shell fish kind are the Dactyli, so called of the likenesse of mens nailes, which they resemble. The nature of this fish is to shine by themselues in the darke night, when all o∣ther light is taken away. The more moisture they haue within them, the more light they [unspec F] giue: insomuch as they shine in mens mouths as they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chawing of them: they shine in their hands: vpon the floore on their garments, if any drops 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their fattie liquor chance to fall by: so as it appeareth, that doubtlesse it is the very iuice & humor of the fish which is of that nature, which we do so wonder at in the whole body.

CHAP. LXII. [unspec G]

¶ Of the enmitie and amitie which is between fishes and other water beasts.

SVch concord there is in some, and such discord in others, as is wonderfull. The Mullet and the sea-Pike hate one another, and be euer at deadly war: likewise the Congre & the Lam∣prey: insomuch as they gnaw off one anothers taile. The Lobster is so afraid of the Polype or Pourcuttell, that if he spie him neere, he euermore dieth for very woe. The Lobsters are rea∣dy to scratch and teare the * 1.13 Congre: the Congres again do as much for the Polype. Nigidius writeth, That the sea-Pike biteth off the Mullets taile: and yet the same fishes in certaine set [unspec H] moneths are good friends, and agree well enough. He saith moreouer, that those Mullets liue all, notwithstanding their tails be so curtold. On the other side, there be examples of friendship among fishes, besides those, of whose societie and fellowship I haue already written: and name∣ly, between the great whale Balaena, and the little Musculus. For whereas the Whale aforesaid hath no vse of his eies (by reason of the heauy weight of his eie-browes that couer them) the o∣ther swimmeth before him, serueth him in stead of eies and lights, to shew when he is neere the shelues and shallowes, wherein he may be soone grounded, so big and huge he is.

Thus much of fish. Hence forward will we write of Foules.

Notes

• * 1.1

  In the be∣ginning of May.
• * 1.2

  England.
• * 1.3

  40 millions.
• * 1.4

  10 millions▪
• * 1.5

  60 millions▪
• * 1.6

  3 lib. 2 shil. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ d. •…•…erl.
• * 1.7

  31 lib. 5. shil.
• * 1.8

  3 lib. 18 shil. 2. d. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.9

  Alluding to the word A∣methyst, which resists drunkennesse.
• * 1.10

  Diable de Mer.
• * 1.11

  3 wine gal∣lons and three quarts: for Quadrans is 3 Cyathi, i. the 4 part of Sex∣tarius, & Sex∣tariusis a win•…•… pint & a halfe, or 18 ounces.
• * 1.12

  Or the sea diue•…•….
• * 1.13

  Locustae Con∣grum, ex Arist. lb. 8. c. 2. histor. animal.