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 FIFTEENTH BOOK OF [unspec A] THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE, (Book 15)

WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS [unspec B] SECVNDVS.

CHAP. I.

¶ The natures of trees that beare Fruit.

THere were no oliue trees grew in Italy, but vpon the coast side, and that within 40 miles of the sea, about the 440 yere after the foundation of the city of Rome; if it be true that Theophrastus saith, who was one of the most famous and renow∣ned Authors among the Greeks. Fenestella writeth moreouer, and affirmeth, that during the raigne of Tarquinius Priscus (which was much about the 183 yeare [unspec C] from the foundation of the city of Rome) there were no Oliue trees at all to be found, either in Italy, Spaine, or Africke: whereas now at this day they are seene all Italy o∣uer, yea and be come as far as the regions beyond the Alps, euen into the mids and very heart of France and Spaine. Indeed, in the yeare after the foundation of Rome 505 (which was when Ap∣pius Claudius, the nephew of that great Appius Claudius syrnamed the Blind, and L. Iunius were Consuls together) a pound of the oile was sold for twelue Asses: and not long after (namely, in the 680 yeare) M. Seius the son of Lucius (one of the Aediles Curule for the time beeing) brought downe the market so well, that a man might haue bought ten pound for one As; and at that price he serued the people of Rome throughout all that yeare. Lesse cause therefore a man hath to maruell hereat, who knoweth how not past 22 yeares after that (namely when Cn. [unspec D] Pompeius was the fourth time Consull) Italy was able to furnish other nations and prouinces with oile of Oliues. Hesiodus also (who was especially addicted to the study of husbandry, and of all things thought it most necessarie to be taught and published for the good of mankinde) wrote thus much concerning the Oliue, That neuer a man was knowne to that day for to haue gathered the fruit of that Oliue tree, which himselfe had planted: so late of growth were those trees in his time, and so slowly came they forward. But now adaies they come vp of kernels and stones set in plots of ground for the purpose: and being transplanted againe, they beare Oliues the second yeare after. Fabianus saith, That Oliues loue not to grow either in the coldest or the hottest grounds.

Virgill hath set downe 3 kind of Oliues, to wit, Orchitae [i. the great round Oliues:] Radij, [i. [unspec E] the long Oliues:) and those which are called Pausiae. He saith moreouer, That the Oliue trees require no tending or dressing at all, and need neither the hooke to be pruned, nor the rake and harrow to be moulded, ne yet the spade to be digged about. Doubtlesse, the goodnesse of the soile, and the temperature of the climat especially, are very requisit and much materiall alone, without farther helpe: howbeit they vse to be cut and pruned, yea, they loue also to be scraped, polished, and clensed between where the branches grow ouer-thicke, euen as well as vines, and at the same season.

The time of gathering Oliues ensueth presently vpon the vintage of grapes; but greater in∣dustry and skil is required to the making and tempering of good oile, than about new wine: for [unspec F] ye shall haue one and the self same kind of oliue to yeeld a different juice, and diuers oiles: first and formost, of the greene oliue and altogether vnripe, there is drawne the Oile oliue; which hath of all other the best verdure, and in tast excelleth the rest: and of this oile, the first running that commeth from the presse, is most commended: and so by degrees better or worse, as the

oile is drawn before or after, out of the presse: or, according to a late inuention, by treading them [unspec G] with mens feet in little panniers, and vpon hardles made of small and fine oziers. This is a rule, The riper that the oliue is, the fatter will the oile be, and more plentifull; but nothing so plea∣sant in tast. And therefore the best season to gather Oliues, both for goodnesse and abundance of oile, is when they begin to shew black. And such halfe-ripe Oliues we in Latine call Drupae, and the Greekes Drypetae. To conclude, it skilleth very much whether the berries be ripe vpon the tree, or mellow within their presse: also whether the tree be watered, that is to say, the oliues hanging thereupon be drenched and refreshed with sprinkling water, or haue no other moisture than their owne, and that which they receiue by dews and raine from heauen.

CHAP. II. [unspec H]

¶ Of Oyle.

OIle-Oliue commeth to haue a rank and vnpleasant tast if it be old kept and stale, contra∣ry to the nature of wine, which is the better for age. And the longest time that oile will continue good, is but one yere. Wherein surely if a man would well consider, he may ob∣serue the great prouidence of Nature. For seeing that wines are made to seruefor intemperance and drunkennesse, there is not that necessitie to drinke much thereof, and to spend them out of hand: and more than so, the daintie tast that they haue when they be stale, induceth men to lay them vp and keep them long. But contrariwise, she would not haue vs make such spare of oile: and therefore by reason of the generall vse and need thereof, she hath made it vulgar and com∣mon [unspec I] to all.

As touching this benefit and gift of Nature bestowed vpon mankind, Italy of all other na∣tions in the world carrieth the name for the goodnesse thereof: but principally the territory or county of Venafrum, and namely, that quarter lying toward Licinia, which yeelds the oile cal∣led Licinianum: wherupon there be no oliues comparable to them of Licinia, both for to serue the perfumers, in regard of the pleasant smel which that oile doth giue, so appropriat vnto their ointments: as also to furnish the kitchin and the table (as they say that be fine-toothed, & haue a delicate taste:) which is the cause (I say) that this oile carrieth the only name. And yet these oliues of Licinia haue this priuiledge besides, that birds loue not to come neere them. Next to these Licinian oliues, the question is between them of Istria & Baetica, whether of them should go away with the price for their goodnesse? and hard it is to say, which is the better of the two. [unspec K] A third degree there is vnder these twoaboue named, namely, of the Oliues that come from all other prouinces, setting aside the fertile soile of that tract in Africke, which yeeldeth so great increase of corn. For it should seeme that Nature hath set it apart for graine onely, seeing it so fruitfull that way: and hath not so much enuied it the benefit of wine and oile, which she hath denied those parts, as thought it sufficient that they might glory, and haue the name for their haruests. As for other points belonging to oliues, men haue erred and bin deceiued very much: neither is there in any part concerning our life, to be found more confusion, than is therein: as we will shew and declare hereafter,

CHAP. III. [unspec L]

¶ The nature of the Oliue berries: also of yong Oliue Plants.

THis fruit called the Oliue, consists of a stone or kernell, of oile, a fleshy substance, and the lees or dregs: now by these lees (called in Latine Amurca) I mean the bitter liquor of the grounds that the oile yeelds. It comes of abundance of water: and therefore as in time of drought there is least thereof, so in a rainy and watery constitution, you shall haue store and plenty. As for the proper juice of the oliue, it is their oile; and the chiefe is that which comes of those that are vnripe, like as we haue shewed before, when we treated of Ompharium, or the Oliue verjuice. This oilie substance doth increase and augment within the Oliue vntill the ri∣sing of the star Arcturus, to wit, 16 daies before the Calends of October; after which time, their [unspec M] stones and carnous matter about them do rather thriue. But marke, when there followes a glut of raine and wet weather presently vpon a dry season, the oile in them doth corrupt and turn all (well neare) into the lees aboue said, which may easily be perceiued by the colour: for it cau∣seth

the Oliue berrie to looke blacke. And therefore when this blacknesse begins to appeare, it [unspec A] is a sign that they haue somwhat (although very little) of the lees; but before that, they had non at all. And herein men are foulely dceiued taking this marke for the beginning of their ripe∣nesse: which blacke hew indeed is a signe of their corruption, and betokens that then they are in the way to be stark naught. They erre also in this, that they suppose an Oliue the more grown it is in carnositie, to be the fuller of oile: whereas in very truth, all the good juice •…•…n them is con∣verted then into the grosse and corpulent substance thereof, and thereby also the stone and ker∣nell come to be big and massie: which is the cause, that they had need of watering at that time, most of all. Which being done by great paine and labour of man, or happening through raine and plenty of showers; vnlesse there insue a drie season & faire weather to extenuate that grosse substance into which the Oliue had turned the foresaid iuice and humor, all the oile is consu∣med [unspec B] and lost. For it is heat & nothing els (as Theophrastus saith) which ingendreth oile: & ther∣fore both about the presse at first, & also in the very garners where Oliues be laid after, they vse to keep good fires, by that means to draw the more oile forth. A third default there is in oile, and that comes of two much sparing and niggardise: for some men there are, who being loth to be at cost to pluck and gather Oliues from the tree, wait still and looke that they should fal of themselues. And such folke as would seeme yet to keepe a meane herein, namely, to take some paines and be at a little cost; beat and pell them downe with perches and poles: whereby they do offer wrong to the poore trees, •…•…ea, and hinder themselues not a little the yeare following, when they shall find how much it is out of their way, thus to break their boughes and branches. Whereupon the law in old time prouided well for this inconuenience, by an expresse inhibiti∣on [unspec C] to all gatherers of Oliues, in these words, No man so hardie as to breake, strike, and beat the Oliue tree. But they that go most warily and gentl•…•… to worke, stand vnder the tree, and with some canes shake the boughes and branches therewith, or lightly smite them: but in no case let driue and lay at them either with full down-right or crosse-blowes. And yet as heedfull as they be in so doing, this good they get by striking and knapping off the young shootes and sprigs which should beare the next yeare, that they haue the trees carry fruit but once in two yeares for it. The like hapneth also, if a man stay till they fall of themselues: for by sticking on the tree be∣yond their due time, they rob the oliues to come after, of all their nutriment wherewith they should be fed, and detaine the place likewise where they should come forth and grow. An eui∣dent proofe hereof is this, That oliues vnlesse they be gathered before the ordinary & yearely [unspec D] western winds do blow, they gather heart again vpon the tree, & wil not so easily fall as before. Men vse therefore to gather the Pausian Oliues first after Autumne, which are fullest of carnosi∣ty, not so much by nature, as by misgouernement and disorder: soone after, the round Orchitae, which haue plenty of oile, & then the oliues Radij: and these, forasmuch as they be most tender, and soonest ouercome with abundance of the lees (which we called before Amurca) are therby forced to fal. Howbeit, such oliues as be thick skinned and hard; tough also and admitting no wet & rain (by which means they are the least of all others) wil abide on the tree til March: and namely, the Licinian Oliues, the Cominian, Contian, & Sergian, which the Sabins eal roial: all which change not colour & look black before the foresaid Western wind blowes, that is, about the 6 day before the Ides of February; for by that time folk think they begin to ripen. Now for [unspec E] as much as the best & most approued oile is made of them, it seems that reason also being con∣formable to this defect of theirs, justifies, & aproues the same in the end. And this is common∣ly receiued and held among them, that cold winters breed scarcity and dearth: but ful maturity brings plenty, namely when they haue leisure to ripen on the tree: howbeit this goodnes is not occasioned by the time, but by the nature rather of those kind of oliues, which be long ere they turn into the foresaid dregs Amurca. Men are also as much deceiued in this, that when Oliues be gathered, they keep them vpon borded floors in sellars and garners, & will not presse them before they haue swet: whereas, in truth, the longer they lie, the lesse oile they yeeld, & the more dregs of lees. For by this means the ordinary proportion they say is, to presse out of euery Mo∣dius of Oliues, not aboue 6 pound of oile. But no man makes any reckoning of the lees, how∣much [unspec F] it increases in measure day by day, in one & the very same kind of Oliues, the longer that they be kept ere they be pressed. In one word, it is a common error setled euery where, that men do think the abundance of oile is to be esteemed according to the bignes of the oliues: conside∣ring that the plenty of oile consists not in the greatnes of the fruit: as may appeare by those that

of some are called Roiall, of others Majorinae, and Phauliae, which euery man knoweth, are the [unspec G] biggest and fairest Oliues to see to, & yet otherwise haue least oile in them of any others. Like∣wise in Aegypt the oliues are most fleshie & ful of pulp, howbeit, least oleous. As for the coun∣try Decapolis of Syria, the oliues indeed be very smal there, & no bigger than Capers: yet com∣mended they are for their carnosity. And for that cause, the oliues from the parts beyond sea are preferred before the Italian, for goodnesse of meat, and as better to be eaten; yet those of Ita∣ly yeeld more oile. And euen within Italy, the Picene and Sidicine oliues surpasse the rest. For in truth, these are first confected and seasoned with salt: or els (as all others) prepared & condite either with lees of oile, or wine cuit. Some oliues there be, which they suffer to swim alone as they be, in their owne oile, without any help and addition of other things; and such be called Colymbades. And the same they vse otherwhiles to bruise and cleanse from their stones, and [unspec H] then confect them with green herbs, which haue some pleasant & commendable taste. Others there are, which being otherwise very green and vnripe, are presently brought to maturity, and made mellow, by lying infused and soking in hot scalding water. And a wonder it is to see, how Oliues wil drink in a sweet liquor, and how by that means they may be made toothsome, yea, and to carry the tast of any thing that a man would haue them. Among oliues there be also that are of colour purple, like to those grapes which change colour when they begin to ripen. More∣ouer, besides the aboue named sorts of oliues, there be some named Superbae [i. proud.] Also there are Oliues to be found, which being dried by themselues onely, are passing sweet, yea, and more delicate than raisins: mary these are very geason, and yet such are in Africke and about the city Emerita in Portugall. [unspec I]

As touching the very oile it self, the way to preserue it from being ouerfat and thick, is with salt. If the barke of an Oliue tree be slit and cut, it will receiue the rellice and smell of any me∣dicinable spice, and the oile thereof wil seem aromatized: otherwise pleasant in tast it is not, like as wine is: neither is there such difference in so many kinds of oliues as there is in wine: for surely we cannot at the most obserue aboue three degrees in the goodnesse of oiles, namely, according to the first, second, and third running out of the presse. Finally, the thinner that oile is, and the more subtill, the finer and daintier is the smell thereof: and yet the same same sent, in the very best of them all, continueth but a small time.

CHAP. IIII. [unspec K]

¶ The nature of Oile Oliue.

THe property of oile is to warm the body, and to defend it against the iniuries of cold: and yet a soueraigne thing it is to coole and mitigate the hot distemperature of the head. The Greekes, whom wee may count the very fathers and fosters of all vices, haue peruerted the true and right vse thereof, to serue for all excesse and superfluitie; euen as far as to the com∣mon annointing of their wrastlers with it, in their publick place of exercise. Known it is for cer∣tain, that the gouernors and wardens of those places, haue sold the oile that hath beene scraped from the bodies of the said wrastlers for 80 Sesterces at a time.

But the stately maiesty of Rome contrariwise hath done so great honour to the Oliue tree, [unspec L] that euery yere in Iuly, when the Ides come, they were wont to crowne their men of armes and gentlemen marching by their troups and squadrons in solemne wise, with chaplets of oliue, yea and the manner was of captains likewise to enter ouant in pety triumphes into Rome, adorned with Oliue coronets. The Athenians also honoured their conquerors with Oliue garlands. But generally the Greekes did set out their victors at the games of Olympia, with branches of the wild-oliue.

CHAP. V.

¶ The manner how to order Oliues.

NOw will I report the precepts and rules set down by Cato, as touching oliues. His opinion is, that the greater long Oliue Radius of Salentum, the big Orchites, the Pausia, the Ser∣giana, [unspec M] Cominiana, and the Albicera, should be planted in hot and fat grounds. He addes moreouer (as hee was a man of singular dexterity and prudent spirit) which of them in the

neighbour territories and places adioining, were taken for the best. As for the Licinian Oliues, [unspec A] he saith, They would be planted in a weely and cold hungry ground: for if it be a fat soile and a hot, the oile wil be corrupt and naught, and the very tree it self wil in short time be killed with ouermuch fertility and bearing too great a burden. Moreouer, they will put forth a red kind of mosse, which eateth and consumeth the tree. To conclude, his mind is, that Oliue hort-yards should be exposed to the sun, yet so, as they regard the West wind also in any case, for other∣wise he commendeth them not.

CHAP. VI.

¶ How to keep Oliues, and the way to make oile of them.

CAto alloweth of no other means to keep and preserue oliues (and specially the great ones [unspec B] made like cullions, named thereupon Orchita, and the Pausiae) but either in brine and pic∣kle when they are greene, or else among Lentisk branches when they are bruised and bro∣ken. The best oile is made (saith he) of the greenest and sourest oliues. Moreouer, so soon as euer they be faln, they must be gathered from off the ground; and if they be fouled and beraied with the earth, they ought to be washed clean, and then laid to dry three daies at the most. Now if it fall out to be weather disposed vnto frost, they should be pressed at 4 daies end. He giueth order also, to bestrew and sprinkle them with salt: saying moreouer, that if they be kept in bor∣ded sollors or garners, the oile will be both lesse in quantitie, & worse withal. So it wil be also, if it be let lie long in the lees, or together with the cake and grounds, when they be bruised and beaten: for this is the very fleshie and grosse substance of the Oliues, which cannot chuse but [unspec C] breed filthy dregs. And therfore he ordaineth, that oftentimes in a day it should be poured out of one vessell into another, & so by setling clarified from the grounds, & then to put it vp after∣wards into pans and panchions of earth, or els into vessels or kimnels of lead, for brasse mettall wil mar oile. All this should be done within close presses and rooms, and those kept shut, where no aire or wind may come in, that they might be as warm and hot as stouves. He forbids also to cut any wood or fuel there, to maintain fire; for that the fire made of their stones and kernels, is most kindly of any other. To the end also that the grounds & lees should be liquified and turn into oile, euen to the very last drop, the oile should be let run out of those vessels or kimnels a∣foresaid into a vat or cistern; for which purpose the vessels are often to be clensed, & the ozier paniers to be scoured with a spunge, that the oile might stand most pure & clear. But afterward [unspec D] came vp the deuise to wash oliues first in hot water, & then immediatly to put them whole as they are, into the presse; for by that means they squize forth lees & all: and then anon to bruise and crush them in a mil, & so presse them in the end. Moreouer, it is not thought good to presse the second time aboue 100 Modij, which is the full proportion of one pressure, & it is called Factus. That which after the mil comes first, is named the floure of the oile, or the Mere-gout. Lastly, to presse 300 Modij, is thought to be foure mens work ordinarily in one night and a day.

CHAP. VII.

¶ Of Oile Artificiall [unspec E]

IN Cato his time there was no artificiall Oiles, I meane, no other but that of the Oliue; and t•…•…refore I suppose it was, that he made no mention thereof: but now adaies there be many kinds. First will we treat of those that are made of trees, and principally before all the rest, of the oile of the wild oliue: thin it is, and much more bitter than that of the other gentle & true Oliue, but good for medicines onely.

Very like to it, is that which is made of Chamelaea, an herb or shrub growing in stony places to the heigth of a span & no more, with leaues and berries resembling those of the wild oliue.

The next is that which commeth of Cici, or Ricinus, [i, Palma Christi] a plant which grow∣eth plentifully in Aegypt, which some call Croto, others Trixis or wild Sesam; but long it hath not been there. In Spaine likewise this Ricinus is found of late to rise suddenly to the heigth of [unspec F] an Oliue tree, bearing the stalke of Ferula or Fennel-Geant, clad with leaues of the vine, and re∣plenished with seed resembling the graines or kernels of small and slender grapes, and of a pale colour withall: we in Latine call it Ricinus, of the resemblance that the seed hath to a ticke,

which is a vermin that annoies sheepe. For to gather an oile thereof, the manner is to seeth the [unspec G] seeds in water; the oile wil swim aloft, and so it is scummed off. But in Egypt (where there is a∣bundance thereof) they neuer vse any fire or water about it; only they corn it well with salt, and then presse out the oile, which is very fulsome and naught to be eaten, good only for lamps.

The oile of Almonds, which some cal Metopium, is made of the bitter Almonds, dri'd stam∣ped, and reduced into a masse or lumpe, which being sprinkled and soked with water, and then beaten againe in a mortar, is put into a presse or mill, and the oile drawne therout.

There is an oile made also of the Bay, together with the oile of ripe oliues ready to drop from the tree. Some take the Bay berries only, and thereout presse oile de-Baies: others vse the leaues and nothing els: and there be againe, who with the leaues take also the rind of the Bay berries; yea and put thereto Storax Calamita, and other sweet odors. Now for this purpose, the Laurell [unspec H] with broad leaues, growing wild, and bearing blacke berries, is the best.

Like vnto this oile, is that which they make of the blacke Myrtle; and the broad leafed kind thereof is the better: the berries of it ought to lie infused first in hot water, and afterwards to be boiled. Some seeth the tenderest leaues that it hath in Oile-Oliue, and then presse them forth. Others put the leaues first in the oile, & then let them stand confected in the sun, and there take their ripening.

After the same manner is the oile made of the garden Myrtle; but that of the wilde which hath the smaller seed is the better: and this Myrtle some call Oxymyrsine, others Chamae∣myrsine; and some againe name it for the smalnesse, * 1.1 Acaron, for short it is and full of little branches. [unspec I]

Moreouer, there be oiles made of the Citron and Cypresse trees: likewise of wall nuts which they call Caryinon: also the fruit of the Cedar, named Cedrelaeon.

Semblably of the graine called Gnidium, to wit, the seed of Chamelaea and Thymelaea, well elensed and stamped. In like manner of the Lentisk. As for the oile Cyprinum, how it should be made of the Egyptian nut and of Ben for to serue perfumers, hath bin shewed before. The Indians (by report) do make of Chest-nuts, of Sesame seed, & Rice. The people Ichthyophagi as they liue by eating fish only, so they make oile of fishes. And in case of necessity, otherwhiles men vse to draw an oile out of the berries of a Plane tree also, beeing steeped in water and salt, which serues for lamp oile. Yea and there is an oile made of the wild vine Oenanthe, as we haue said already in the treatise of Ointments. [unspec K]

As touching the oile which the Greeks call Gleucinum, it is made with new wine and oile∣oliue, boiled at a soft fire. Others there be that let the wine consume all into oile, and without any fire at all, do compasse the vessell wherein this composition is made, with the cake and the refuse of grapes when they be pressed, and couer it all ouer for the space of 22 daies, so as twice a day they be all mixed throughly together. Some there be who put therto not only Majoram, but also the most precious and exquisite odors that they can meet withal: and our common fen∣cing-halls, and places of publick exercises be perfumed with these sweet oiles, and do smell of them; but such they be as are the cheapest of all other.

Ouer and besides, there is made an oile of Aspalathus, sweet Calamus, Balme, Iris or Flour∣de-lis, Cardumome or grains of Paradise, Melilot, French Nard, Panace, Marjoram, Elecam∣pane, and the root of Cinamon, taking all these and letting them lie infused in oile, and so pres∣sing [unspec L] out the iuice thereof. So is oile Rosat made of Roses: the oile of Squinanth of the •…•…eet rush, which is most like to the Oile Rosat. Likewise of Henbane, Lupines, and the Daffa•…•…: the Egyptians get great store of oile out of Raddish seed, or the grasse called Gramen (which is Dent-de-chien or Quich-grasse) and this oile they call Chortinon. After the same manner the Sesame-seed doth yeeld an oile; as also the Nettle, which in Greeke they call Cnecinon, or ra∣ther Cnidinum. As for the oile of Lillies, it is made in some places, where they feare not to let it stand abroad in the aire infused to take both Sun and Moon-shine, yea and frosty weather.

They that inhabit between Cappadocia and Galatia, do compound a certain oile of herbes growing among them, which is a soueraigne remedy for sinewes either wounded or otherwise [unspec M] grieued, and they callit Selgiticum: it is much in effect like to that oile which is made in Ita∣lie of Gums, by the people Eguini.

Now for the oile of Pitch, which they call Picinum, it is made of the vapors and smoke that arise from Pitch whiles it boileth, and receiued in fleeces of wooll spread ouer the pots mouth

wherein the said Pitch is sodden: which fleeces afterwards are well wrung, and the oile is pres∣sed [unspec A] out thereof. The best oile is that which commeth from the Brutian or Calabrian pitch: the same is most fat of all others, and fullest of Rosin. The colour of the oile is reddish.

Vpon the coasts and maritime parts of Syria, there is an oile engendereth of it selfe, which the Greeks call Elaeomeli: a fatty and greasie substance it is, thicker than honey, and thinner than Rosin, of a sweet tast, issuing out of trees; and is onely medicinable and good in Physicke.

As touching old oile, it serues in right good stead for sundry sorts of maladies. It is thought also very singular for to preserue Iuory from putrefaction, for this is certaine, that the image of Saturne at Rome is full of oile-oliue all within.

CHAP. VIII. [unspec B]

¶ Of the lees or dregs of Oile-oliue, called Amurca.

CAto hath highly commended aboue all, the lees of Oile-oliue: for he would haue the bar∣rels, hogsheads, and other vessels which hold oile, to be therewith besmeared, that they should not drink vp the oile. He deuised also, that the threshing floors should be wrought and tempered with oile lees, that they might not chawn & gape, nor no Ants breed within the chinks and cranies thereof. Moreouer, he thinks it very good that the mortar, plaister, and par∣get vsed about the wals of corn barns, as also their floors, should be well sprinkled and tempred with the said lees; yea, and the presses and wardrobes where apparell is kept, ought to be rub∣bed therewith to keep out mothes, worms, spiders, and such vermine that do hurt to cloths. He [unspec C] affirmeth besides, that is good against certain diseases of four-footed beasts, as also to preserue trees, yea and excellent for inward vlcers of a mans body, but especially those of the mouth. Be∣ing sodden, it is singular good (as he saith) for to annoint and make gentle and supple all bridle reins, leather thongs, shooes, and axletrees of carts and wagons; likewise to keepe all vessels of brasse from rust, and also to giue them a bright and pleasant colour: moreouer, all the woodden implements of an house generally throughout, and vessels made of earth and clay, wherein one would keep dry figs in their verdure, would be annointed therewith: or if one were desirous to preserue the Myrtle, leaues, fruit, and all, vpon the branches, or any such thing, there is nothing better than the said Amurca. Last of all, he saith, that what wood soeuer for fewell is dipped in these lees, it will burne cleare without any smoke. [unspec D]

M. Varro affirmeth, that if a Goat chance to licke with his tongue, or to brouse an oliue when it buddeth the first spring, the same tree will surely be barren and lie in great danger to miscary and die. Thus much of the Oliue tree, and of the oile of Oliues.

CHAP. IX.

¶ All kinds of Fruit good to eat, and their Nature.

AS for all other fruits of trees, they are hardly to be numbred and reckoned by their forme and figure; much lesse by their sundry tasts and diuers juices that they yeeld, so intermin∣gled they are together by varietie of graffing one into another. [unspec E]

CHAP. X.

¶ Of Pine-nuts, or Pine-apples, foure sorts.

THe Pine nuts (which are tht biggest of that kind and hanging highest vpon the tree) doe contain and nourish slender kernels enclosed within certaine hollow beds ful of holes, and besides clothed and clad with another coat or husk of a dark murrey colour: wherein may be seen the wonderfull care and prouidence of Nature, to bestow the seedes so soft. A second kinde there be of these Nuts called Terentines, hauing a shell or huske verie brittle and easie to be crushed between ones singers; and as soon are they pecked through with birds bils, who after that manner filch and steale them from off the tree. A third sort yet there is of them, that come [unspec F] of the gentle pitch trees, hauing their kernels couched within a thin husk or skin more like than a shell, and the same so soft, that it may be chewed and eaten together with the kernell. Now there is a fourth fruit growing of the wild Pine, and called those nuts are of the Grecians, Pity∣dia;

and these be singular good against the cough. The Taurines in Calabria, haue a deuice to [unspec G] confect Pine-nut kernels, by seething them in hony; and being thus condite, they call them A∣quiceli. To conclude▪ at the solemne and festiuall games holden at Isthmus, they who win the best prize, are woont to be crowned with a chaplet of the Pine.

CHAP. XI.

¶ Of the Quince.

NExt to Pine apples, for big and large, are the Quinces which we call Cotonea, the Greeks Cydonea, because they were first brought out of Candy. So heauy and massie they be, that they bend the boughs to the ground as they hang vpon the tree, and will not suffer their mother to grow. [unspec H]

Many kinds there be of Quinces, to wit, Chrysomela, of a colour inclining to gold, and diui∣ded by certain cut lines. Secondly, there be the quinces of our own country, & so called: these be whiter, and of an excellent smell. They also that come out of the realm of Naples, be highly esteemed. Now there be a smaller sort of the same kind called Struthea (i. the Peare-quince) and those do cast a more odoriferous smell: late they be ere they come to ripenesse or perfecti∣on; whereas contrariwise the green quinces called Mustea, be as hasty and soon melow. Now if a man do graffe the great quinces vpon the Struthea, the tree wil bring forth a kind of quinces by themselues called Muluiana; and these are the quinces alone of all other that may be eatenraw. In sum, all the sort of these are come now adaies to be entertained within the waiting or pre∣sence [unspec I] chambers of our great personages, where men giue attendance to salute them as they come forth euery morning; and in bed-chambers also they are to garnish the images standing about the beds-head and sides.

There are besides small wild quinces, next to the Peare quince Struthea, for pleasant and o∣doriferous smell; and they grow commonly in hedge-rowes.

Moreouer, as wel Peaches as Pomegranats, notwithstanding they be of a diuers kind, yet wee call Mala (i. apples.) As for the Pomegranats, we haue spoken of nine sorts of them in our trea∣tise of their trees, and others in Africk: and these are full of certaine graines or kernels lying in∣closed vnder their rinde; whereas Peaches haue in stead thereof, a grosse stone or wooddy sub∣stance within the carnous pulpe of the fruit. To conclude, there be certaine peares weighing a pound, in regard of which poise and bignesse that they beare, called they are Libralia. [unspec K]

CHAP. XII.

¶ Of the Peach, and foure kinds thereof.

OF all Peaches, the principall be those which are named Duracina, for the solid substance of the meat within them. As for the French and Asiaticke Peaches, they beare the name of the regions and nations from whence they come. This fruit ordinarily waxeth ripe af∣ter the fall of the leafe, or Autumne: but the Abricocts are ready to be eaten in Summer. These haue not bin known full 30 yeares, and at their first comming vp, were sold for Roman deniers a∣peece, whereof there be two sorts; Supernatia, which we haue from the high countries, & name∣ly [unspec L] the Sabines; and Popularia, which grow common euery where. These fruits be harmlesse, and much desired of sicke folke: and for that they are in such request, there would be giuen other∣whiles 30 Sesterces for one of them; which is a price as high as of any other fruit whatsoeuer: whereat we may maruell the rather, for that there is not any sooner gone, and lasteth lesse while than they: for being once gathered from the tree, they will not be kept aboue two daies at the most, and therefore must of necessitie be sold and spent out of hand.

CHAP. XIII.

¶ Of the Plum-tree, eleuen kinds of them.

TO come now to Plums, there is a world of them: some of sundry colours, others black, and [unspec M] some againe white. There be that are called Hordearia, because they be ripe in barly-har∣uest: and some there be of the same colour, yet later ere they ripen, and bigger besides;

and for that they be of small reckoning, named they are As•…•…ina [i. * 1.2 Asse-plums.] Ye shal haue [unspec A] of them that be black, howbeit the yellow wheat-plum like virgin-wax, and the purple, are bet∣ter esteemed. Moreouer, there are a kind of Abricots come from a forraine nation, and they be called thereupon Armeniaca, which alone for their smell also are commendable. But there is a peculiar brauerie and a shamelesse, which those Plums haue by themselues that are graffed in Nut-tree stocks; they retain the face and forme still of the mother graffe, but they get the taste of the stock wherein they are set, as it were by way of adoption: of them both they carry the name, and are called nut-plums. Now, as wel these, as Peaches, yellow wheat-plums, & the wild Bullaise, may be kept and preserued as grapes in Autumn, within certain barrels or earthen ves∣sels, and so they will continue good till new come. As for all other plums, as they be soon ripe, so they are as soone gone.

It is not long since, that in the realm of Granado and Andalusia, they began to graffe plums [unspec B] vpon apple-tree stocks, and those brought forth plums named Apple-plums: as also others cal∣led Almond-plums, graffed vpon Almond-stocks; these haue within their stone a kernel like an Almond: and verily there is not a fruit again wherein is seene a wittier deuise to conioine and represent in one and the same subiect, two diuers sorts.

As for the Damascene-plums (taking name of Damasco in Syria) we haue sufficiently spo∣ken thereof in our treatise of strange trees: and yet long since they haue bin knowne to grow in Italy: which although they haue a large stone and little carnosity about them, yet they neuer wither into wrinkles and riuels when they be dry, for that they want the ful strength of the kind Sun which they had in Syria.

We should do wel to write together with them, of the fruit Sebesten, which also come from [unspec C] the same Syria, albeit now of late they begin to grow at Rome, being graffed vpon Soruices. As touching peaches in generall, the very name in Latine, whereby they are called Persica, doth euidently shew that they were brought out of Persis first; and that it is a fruit not ordinary ei∣ther in Greece or Natolia, but a meere stranger there. Contrariwise wilde plums (as it is well knowne) grow euery where. I maruell therefore so much the more, that Cato made no mention thereof, considering that of purpose he shewed the maner, how to preserue and keep diuers wild fruits, till new came: for long it was first ere Peach trees came into these parts, and much adoe there was before they could be brought for to prosper with vs, seeing that in the Island Rhodes (which was their place of habitation next to Aegypt) they beare not at all, but are altogether barren. And whereas it is said, That Peaches be venomous in Persia, & do cause great torments [unspec D] in them who do eat therof; as also that the KK. of Persia in old time caused them to be transpor∣ted ouer into Aegypt by way of reuenge to plague that country; and notwithstanding their poi∣sonous nature, yet through the goodnes of that soile they became good and holesom: all this is nothing but a meere fable & a loud lie. True it is indeed, that the best writers who haue been painful aboue others to search out the truth, haue reported so much concerning the tree Persea; which is far different from the Peach tree Persica, & beareth fruit like to Sebesten, of color red, and willingly would not grow in any country without the East parts: and yet the wiser & more learned Clerkes do hold, That it was not the tree Persea which was brought out of Persis into Egypt, for to annoy and plague the country, but that it was planted first by K. Perseus at Mem∣phis. Whereupon it came, that Alexander the Great ordained, That all victors who had won the [unspec E] prize at any game there, should be crowned with a chaplet of that tree, to honor the memoriall of his great grandsires father. But how euer it be, certaine it is that this tree continueth greene all the yere long, and beareth euermore fruit one vnder another, new and old together. And to returne again to our Plum-trees, euident it is that in Cato's time they were not knowne in Italy, but all the Plum-trees which we now haue, are come since he died.

CHAP. XIIII.

¶ Of nine and twenty kinds of Fruits, contained vnder the names of Apples.

OF Apples (that is to say, of fruits that haue tender skins to be pared off) there bee many [unspec F] sorts. For as touching Pome-citrons, together with their tree, we haue already written. The Greekes call them Medica, according to the name of the country from whence they first came in old time. As for Iujubes, as also the fruit Tuberes, they bee likewise strangers as

well as the rest; and long it is not since they arriued first in Italy; the one sort out of Africk, [unspec G] the other, namely Iujubes, out of Syria: & Sextus Papinius (whom my self in my time saw Con∣sul of Rome) was the first man that brought them both into these parts; namely in the later end of Augustus Caesar the Emperor, and planted them about the rampiers of his campe, for to beautifie the same. Howbeit, to say a truth, their fruit resembled rather berries than apples; yet they make a goodly shew vpon the rampiers: and no maruell, since that now adayes whole groues of trees begin to ouertop and surmount the houses of priuat persons.

Concerning the fruit Tuberes there be two sorts thereof, to wit, the white and the reddish, called also Sericum, of the colour of silke.

The Apples named Lanata are held in manner for strangers in Italy, and are knowne to grow but in one place thereof, and namely within the territory of Verona. Couered they be all ouer [unspec H] with a kind of down or fine cotton, which albeit both quince and peach be clad and ouergrown with in great plenty, yet these alone cary the name thereof: for otherwise, no special propertie are they known by to commend them.

A number of apples there are besides, that haue immortalised their first founders and inven∣ters, who brought them into name, & caused them to be known abroad in the world; as if ther∣in they had performed some worthy deed beneficiall to all mankinde. In which regard, why should I think much to rehearse & reckon them vp particularly by name? for if I be not much deceiued, thereby will appeare the singular wit that some men imployed in graffing trees; and how there is not so small a matter, so it be wel and cunningly done, but is able to get honor to the first author, yea, and to eternise his name for euer. From hence it comes, that our best apples [unspec I] take their denominations of Matius, Cestius, Manlius, & Claudius. As for the quince-apples, that come of a quince graffed vpon an apple stock, they are called Appiana, of one Appius who was of the Claudian house, and first deuised and practised that feat. These apples cary the smel with them of quinces: they beare in quantitie the bignesse of the Claudian apples, and are in color red. Now lest any man should think that this fruit came into credit by reason only of partiall fauor, for that the first inuentor was a man descended from so antient & noble a family, let him but think of the apples Sceptiana, which are in as great request as they for their passing round∣nesse; and they beare the name of one Sceptius their first inuentor, who was no better than the son of a slaue lately infranchised. Cato maketh mention of apples called Quiriana, as also of Scantiana, which he saith the maner is to put vp in vessels and so keep them. But of all others, [unspec K] the last that were adopted, and tooke name of their patrons and inuentors, be Petisia: though they be little, yet are they passing sweet and pleasant to be eaten.

Other apples there are that haue ennobled the countries from whence they came, and caried their names, to wit, Camerina and Graecula. All the rest took name either vpon some occasion or propertie that they haue: to wit, of brotherhood, as the twin-apples Gemella, which hang one to another by couples, and neuer are found single, but alwaies grow double: of their color, as the Serica, which for their fresh hew are so called: of kinred and affinitie, as the Melapia: for their resemblance and participation of apples and peares together, as a man would say, Peare∣apples, or pom-poires: of their hasty ripenesse, as the Mustea [i. hasty apples;] which now of their sweet tast of hony, are called Melimela [i. hony apples:] also of their exquisit roundnesse [unspec L] like a bal, as the Orbiculata [i. the round apples.] That these apples came first from their natiue country Epirus, appeareth by the Greeks, who call them Epirotica. Again, some there be that take their denomination of their forme, resembling womens paps or breasts, as namely Ortho∣mastica, [i. the Brest-apples.] Others, for that their condition is to haue no pepins or seed with∣in them, be called of the Belgians, Spadoma, as one would say, Guelded apples. As for the Me∣lofolia, [i. the leafe apples] they be so called, because they haue one leafe and otherwhile twain breaking forth of their side in the very mids. The ragged apples Pannucea take this name, for that of all others they soonest be riueled. The Puffes named Pulmonea are houen foolishly, and swell I cannot tell how, with little or nothing in them. Some in colour resemble bloud, they are so red, because at first they were graffed vpon a mulberry. But all apples ordinarily are red [unspec M] on that side that regardeth the Sun.

As for wildings and crabs, little they be all the sort of them, in comparison: their tast is well enough liked, and they cary with them a quick and sharp smel: howbeit this gift they haue for their harsh sourenesse, that they haue many a foule word and shrewd curse giuen them, and that

they are able to dull the edge of any knife that shal cut them. To conclude, the Dacian Apples [unspec A] are of all others in manner least accepted, notwithstanding they be first mellow, and would be gathered betimes.

CHAP. XV.

¶ Of Peares. And of the varietie of graffing.

VPon the same cause there be Peares also reproched with the name of Pride, and are called the Proud-peares: little they are, but quickley ripe, and as soone gone. Of all others the Crustumine peares be most delicate and pleasant in tast. Next to them in request are the Falern peares, so called for their great abundance of liquor, as it were wine, wherof they be full. [unspec B] And these are likewise named the milk-peares: but such of them as are of color black, be called the Syrian pears. As for other pears, they haue sundry names according to the countries where∣in they grow. Howbeit these peares following, retain their name still in all places, and represent alwaies the memoriall of those that first planted or graffed them, to wit, Decimiana of one De∣cimus, a known citizen of Rome: of which is also a bastard kind which they call Pseudodecimi∣ana. Likewise, the Dolobellian peare, of one Dolobella: and those are of all other the longest tai∣led. As touching the Pompeian peares, which be also called the Pap or Teat-peares, the Liceri∣an, the Seuerian, and of their race the Tyrannian, they differ one from another in the length of their steale. The red Fauonian peares be somwhat greater than the abouenamed Proud-pears. As for the Laterian and Anitian, which be not gathered nor ripen vntill Autumne be past, they haue a prettie tart and sourish tast, but nathelesse pleasant ynough. The Tyberian peares beare [unspec C] the name of Tiberius the Emperor, for that of all others he loued that fruit best: they might go for Lycerians well ynough, so like they be vnto them, saue onely that they grow big, and are more deeply coloured with the Sunne.

Moreouer, there are peares which are knowne by no other name than of the countries where they grow, namely, those of Ameria which be more lateward than any other: the Picentine, Nu∣mantine, Alexandrine, Numidian, Grecian, and among them the Tarentine. Also the Signine peares, which many call Testacea, of the color of earthen pots that they resemble; like as others be named Onychium, for that they represent the Onyx stone, or a mans naile; as likewise those which be called Purple-peares.

Furthermore, peares take their name of the odour which they yeeld: thus there be Myrapia, [unspec D] to wit, Aromaticall-peares, Laurell, and Nard-pears. Of the time also when they be ripe, as the Barley-pears: of the forme of their neck, as the Bottle-peares called Ampullacea: of their thick skin, as the Coriolana. As for the Gourd-pears, they are by nature of a brutish or sauage kind; so harsh, so soure and eager a liquor they doe yeeld

Many sorts of peares there are, whereof we can giue no certain reason for their denominati∣on, namely, the Barbarian and Venerian peares, which also be called Colored: likewise, the roi∣all peares, which hang or rather sticke flat to the tree, so short a steele they haue. The Patritian also and Voconian peares, which are both green and long. Moreouer, Virgil hath spoken of the Volemian peares or wardens, which he had from Cato, who also nameth the Sementine or the hasty and soon ripe peares. So as in this point verily the world is growne alreadie to the highest [unspec E] pitch, insomuch, as there is not a fruit, but men haue made trial and many experiments, for euen in Virgils daies the deuise of graffing strange fruits, was very rife: considering that he speakes of the Arbute tree graffed on Nut-trees, the Plane vpon Apple-trees, and the Elme vpon Cher∣rie stockes. In such sort, as I see not how men can deuise to proceed farther. And certes for this long time, there hath not beene a new kind of Apple or other fruit heard of.

And yet as industrious as men haue been that way, they are not permitted to graffe all man∣ner of trees indifferently one in another, no more than it is lawfull to graffe vpon bushes and thornes: seeing that it is not so easie a matter to appease lightenings: for looke how many sorts of trees are thus engraffed contrarie to nature, so many kinds of lightenings and thunderbolts by report, are flashed and shot at once. [unspec F]

Peares naturally are more sharpe-pointed at one end than Apples. And among them, the Greeke peares, the Gourd and Laurell peares are last of all others ripe, for they hang vpon the tree vntil Winter, and they mellow with very frost: like as the Amerine and Scantiane apples.

Furthermore, peares are kept and preserued as grapes, and after so many waies: but none of

them are put in barrels as plums be. Finally, Peares and Apples both, haue the properties of [unspec G] wine: and in like sort Physicians be wary how they giue them to their patients. Howbeit, when they be sodden in wine and water, they serue in stead of a broth or grewell: & so do no fruit els but Pome and Peare-Quinces.

CHAP. XVI.

¶ The manner how to preserue Apples.

THe generall rules to keep and preserue Apples, are these, Imprimis, That the solars be wel planked and boorded in a cold and drie place; prouided alwaies, that the windows to the North do stand open, especially euery faire day. Item, to keep the windows into the South [unspec H] shut, against the winds out of that corner: and yet the North winds also where they blow, doe cause Apples to shrink and riuell ill fauouredly. Item, That Apples be gathered after the Aequi∣nox in the Autumne: and neither before the full of the Moone, nor the first houre of the day. Moreouer, that all the Apples which fell, be seuered from the other by themselues, and laid a∣part: also that they be bedded vpon straw, mats, or chaffe vnder them: that they be so couchedas that they touch not one another, but haue spaces between to receiue equall aire for to bee ven∣ted. To conclude, this is well knowne, that the Amerine Apples doe last and keepe good long, whereas the honie Apples will abide no time.

CHAP. XVII. [unspec I]

¶ How to keep Quinces, Pome-granats, Peares, Sorvises, and Grapes.

FOr the good keeping and preseruing of Quinces, there must be no aire let into them where they are enclosed: or else they ought to be confected in sodden honey, or boiled therein. Pomegranats should be plunged into sea-water boiling, and so hardened therein: and af∣ter that they be dried in the Sun three daies, (so as they be not left abroad in the night to take dew) they would be hanged vp in a solar, and when a man list to vse them, then they must be wel washed in fresh water. M. Varro sets downe the manner to keep them within great earthen ves∣sels, in sand. And if they be not ripe, he would haue the earthen pots bottomes broke off, and so the Pomegranates to be put in, and couered all ouer with mould: but the mouth therof must be [unspec K] well stopped for letting any aire in; prouided alwaies, that the steele and the branch wherto the fruit groweth, be pitched. For so (quoth he) they will not giue ouer to grow still, yea, and proue bigger than if they had remained vpon the tree. As for other Pomegranats [i. that are ripe] they may be wrapped and lapped one by one in fig-leaues, such as are not fallen, but plucked from off the tree greene, and then to be put into twigge paniers of oisiers, or else daubed ouer with potters blay.

He that would keep Peares long, must put them in earthen vessels turned with the bottomes vpward, well varnished or annealed within, couered also with saw dust or fine shauings, and so enterred. As for the Tarentine Peares, they abide longest on the tree ere they be gathered. The Anitian Peares be well preserued in cuit-wine.

As for Soruisses, they are kept also in trenches within the ground, but the couer of the vessel [unspec L] whereinto they are put, ought to be well plastered all ouer, and so stand two foot couered with earth: also they may be set in a place exposed open to the Sun, with the bottome of the vessells vpward: yea, and within great barrels they may be hung vp with their branches and all, after the manner of grape-clusters.

Some of our moderne writers handle this argument more deepely than others, and fetch the matter farre off, giung out rules in this manner, saying, That for to haue Apples or Grapes de garde, that is to say, fit to be preserued, and to last long; the trees that beare the one and the o∣ther, ought to be pruned and cut betimes, in the waine of the Moone, in faire weather, and when the winds blow drie. Likewise they affirme, That fruits to be preserued, would be chosen from [unspec M] drie grounds: gathered before they be full ripe: and this would be looked vnto in any hand, that the Moon at the gathering time, be vnder the earth, and not appearing in our hemisphaere. And more particularly for Grape bunches they would be gathered with a foot or heele from the old hard wood, and the Grapes that are corrupt and rotten among the rest, be clipped off with a

paire of sheers, or plucked out with pincers: then to be hung vp within a great new earthen ves∣sell [unspec A] well pitched; with the head or lid thereof thoroughly stopped and plastered vp close, to ex∣clude all aire. After which manner, they say Soruisses and Peares may be kept, but so, as in any case the twigs ond steeles whereby they hang, be well besmeared with pitch. Moreouer, order would be giuen, that the barrels and vessells wherein they are kept, be far ynough from water. Some there be again who keep Grapes together with their branch, after the same maner in pla∣ster: but so, as both ends of the said branch sticke in the head of the sea-Onion Squilla: and o∣thers let Grape-clusters hang within hogsheads and pipes hauing wine in them: but so, as the Grapes touch not the wine in any case. There be also that put Apples and such fruits in shal∣low pans or pancheons of earth, and let them swim and flote aloft vpon the wine within their vessels: for besides that this is a way to preserue them, the wine also (as they think) will thereby [unspec B] get a pleasant & odoriferous tast. Others ye haue besides, that chuse rather to preserue al these fruits, as well Apples, Pears, &c. as Grapes, couered in Millet seed. Howbeit, the most part dig a trench or ditch two foot deep in the ground, they floore it with sand in the bottome, and lay their fruits thereupon; then they stop the top with an earthen lid, and afterwards couer al with earth. Some there are which smeare their bunches of Grapes all ouer with potters clay; and when they are dried in the Sun, hang them vp in solars for their vse: and against the time that they should occupie them, steep them in the water, and so wash off the foresaid clay. But for to keep Apples that are of any worth, they temper the same clay with wine, and make a morter, thereof, wherein they lap the said Apples. Now if those Apples be of the best kind and right soueraigne, after the same sort they couer them with a crust of the like past or morter, or else clad them within a coat of wax: and if they were not fully ripe afore, they grow by that means [unspec C] and break their crust or couer what euer it be. But this would not be forgotten, that they vse al∣waies to set the Apple or fruit vpright vpon the taile, howsoeuer they be kept. Some there are who gather Apples and such like fruit with their slips and sprigs, hide them within the pith of an Elder tree, and then couer them in earth, as is before written. And others there are, who for euery Peare or Apple, haue a seuerall earthen pot, and after that their lids be well closed and stopped with pitch, then they enclose them again with great vessels or tuns. Nay ye shal haue some to lap them with flocks and wooll, and so put them in cases, and them they see wel luted with morter made of clay and chaffe tempered together. Some order them in the same sort, but they put them in earthen pans: and others make no more adoe, but dig a hole in the ground, [unspec D] floore the bottom with a course of sand, put the Apples or fruit within, & then anon when they are thus buried, couer all with mould. These be that vse Quinces in this wise; they take them, anoint them with wax comming out of Pontus, and let them afterwards to ly couered in hony.

Columella mine Author reporteth, That fruits will keep well in earthen pots thoroughly pit∣ched, and afterwards set in pits, and drenched in cesternes of water. In the maritime coasts of Liguria next to the Alpes, they vse to take Grapes after they be dried in the Sun & wrap them within bands of rushes and reeds, put them vp in little barrels, and stop them close with pla∣ster. The Greeks haue the same fashion: but they take for that purpose, the leaues of the Plane∣tree, of the vine it selfe, or else the fig-tree, after they be dried one day in the shade: and when they be in the barrell, betweene euery bed of grape clusters, they couch a course of grape ker∣nels [unspec E] and such refuse remaining after the presse. And in this manner are the grapes of Coos and Berytus preserued: and for sweetnesse and pleasant tast, there are no better to be found. And some there be that for to counterfeit these excellent Grapes, besmeare them with lie ashes so soon as euer they be pulled from the Vine, and presently drie them in the Sunne: which done, they enwrap them within leaues, as hath been said before, and so couch them close within the cake of pressed grapes. Neuerthelesse, there be diuers that chuse rather to keepe Grapes in the saw dust or shauings of Firre-wood, Poplar, or Ash. Some are afraid to let grapes hang neer to Apples, Pomegranates, and such like fruit, and therefore giue in charge to let them presently after they be gathared, for to be hung vp in garners or bourded lofts: supposing that the dust which they gather from aboue, is the best couer to defend and preserue them. The remedie to [unspec F] keepe Wespes from them, is to spurt or squirt oile out of a mans mouth vpon them. And thus much concerning the way to preserue Grapes and other fruits aforesaid. As for Dates, we haue spoken sufficiently before of them.

CHAP. XVIII. [unspec G]

¶ Of Figs, 29 sorts of them.

OF all other fruits that haue tender pils or skins, and are called in Latine, Poma, Figges are the biggest: for some of them are found to be as great as Peares. As touching the Syco∣mores of Aegypt and Cypres, and of their admirable fruit we haue written ynough in the treatise of forraine Trees. The Idaean Figs that come from the mountaine Ida, are of color red, of the bignesse of Oliues, only rounder they be, & in tast resemble Medlars. In the region about Troas neare to the said hill Ida, they call that fig-tree Alexandrina. It is as thicke as a mans arme about at the cubite or elbow, and full of branches: the wood thereof is tough and strong, [unspec H] howbeit, pliable to wind and bend which way a man would haue it. Void of milky substance it is, clad with a green barke, bearing leaues like the Tillet or Linden tree, but that they be sost. Onesicritus writes, that the Fig-trees in Hyrcania beare more pleasant fruit than ours in Italie, without all comparison: also that they carrie a greater burden, and be farre more plentifull, inso∣much, as one of them ordinarily yeelds 270 Modij of Figs. We haue here also in Italie many Fig-trees brought out of other forrain countries, to wit, from Chalcis and Chios: wherof there be many sorts. For both our Lydian Figs which are of a reddish purple color, and also the Ma∣millane or teat-Figs, haue a resemblance of the said Chalcidian and Chian Figs, yea, and the Calistruthion Figs beyond others not a little, in goodnes of tast: and these of all the rest are the coldest. As touching the Affricane Figs, which many men preferre before all others, they hold [unspec I] the name of Affricke, as if it were their natiue countrey: and yet there is a great question there∣about, and I wot not well what to say thereof, considering that it is not long agoe that Affrick begun first to haue Fig-trees. For the Alexandrine Figs are of the blacke kind, hauing a white rift or chamfre, and are surnamed Delicate. The Rhodian Fig is likewise blacke of hue: and so is the Tiburtine, which also is of the hastie kind, and ripe before others.

Moreouer, there be certaine Figs which beare the names of those that brought them first in∣to Italy: namely, the Liuian and Pompeian, and such are fittest to be dried in the Sun and so to be kept all the yeare long for a mans vse: like as the illfauoured, foolish and gaping Figs Ma∣riscae: as also those that are speckled with spots like the leaues of Laconian reeds.

There are besides the Herculanean, Albicerate and Aratian white Figges, which of all other are most flat and broadest, and withal haue the least taile or steele wherby they hang. The Por∣phyrite Figs first shew vpon the tree, and ordinarily be longest tailed. The smallest Figs called [unspec K] the popular Figs, which also are of al others the basest & of least account, come next after and beare the Porphyrites companie. Contrariwise, the Chelidonian Figges be the last: and ripen against Winter.

Moreouer, certain Figs there be which are both early, & also lateward: namely, such as bear twice a yeare: and be both blacke and white: for they are ripe first in haruest, and afterwards, in time of vintage. Late also it is before the Duracinae be ripe, so called of the hard skin which they haue. Also some there be of the Chalcidian kind which beare thrice a yeare. At Tarentum there grow none but such as are exceeding sweet, and those they call Omas [or rather Oenadas, tasting of wine.] [unspec L]

Cato in his treatise of Figs writes thus, The vnsauorie Fig dotes, Mariscae, would be sowne in an open, light, and chalkie ground. But the Affricane, Hirculane, and the Winter Saguntine Figges, as also the Telliane (which are blacke and long tailed) loue a fatter soile, or else well dunged.

After this, Figges haue changed into so many kinds, and altered their names very often: in such sort that by this point it is euident, how the world is altered, and to what varietie this life is subject. In some prouinces, as namely in Moesia, there be winter Figs that hang all Winter long: but they come to be such, more by art and cunning, than naturally of themselues. For so soone as Autumne is passed, and Winter approches, they vse to couer with dung certaine little Fig-trees which they haue, and together with them the green yong Figs that they find on them in Winter: and when they haue continued so the sharpe time of dead Winter, so soone as the [unspec M] weather beginnes to be more warme and temperate, they discharge both fruit and tree of their dung: which being thus let out again (as it were) where they seemed buried, and now comming

to light; they no sooner find the fresh aire, & another kind of nourishment differing from that, [unspec A] whereby they liued, but doe embrace and receine the comfort of the new Sun most greedily, as if they were new born and reuiued: in such sort, as that in Moesia, notwithstanding it be a most cold region, ye shall haue the figs of these trees to ripen, when others begin to blossom, and by this means become early and hasty figs in another yeare.

Now forasmuch as we are fallen to mention the figs in Africk, which were in so great request in the time of Cato, I am put in mind to speake somewhat of that notable opportunity and oc∣casion which by the means of that fruit he took for to root out the Carthaginians, & rase their very city. For as he was a man who hated deadly that city, and was otherwise carefull to pro∣uide for the quiet and securitie of his posteritie, he gaue not ouer at euery sitting of the Senat, to importune the Senators of Rome, and to cry out in their eares, That they would resolue and take order to destroy Carthage: and in very truth one day aboue the rest, he brought with [unspec B] him into the Senat house an early or hasty fig which came out of that country, and shewing it before all the lords of the Senat, I would demand of you (quoth he) how long ago it is (as you think) since this fig was gathered from the tree? And when none of them could deny but that it was fresh and new gotten: Lo (quoth he) my masters all, this I do you to wit, It is not yet ful three daies past since this fig was gathered at Carthage: see how neere to the walls of our citie we haue a mortall enemie. Vpon which remonstrance of his, presently they concluded to begin the third and last Punick war, wherein Carthage was vtterly subuerted and ouerthrown. How∣beit Cato suruiued not the rasing and saccage of Carthage, for he died the yeare immediately following this resolution▪ But what shall we say of this man? whether was more admirable in this act, his prouident care and promptnesse of spirit; or the occasion presented by the sudden [unspec C] obiect of the fig? was the present resolution and forward expedition of the Senat, or the vehe∣ment earnestnesse of Cato, more effectuall to this enterprise? Certes, somewhat there is aboue all, & nothing in mine opinion more wonderful, that so great a signiory and state as Carthage, which had contended for the Empire of the world for the space of 120 yeres, and that with the great conquerours the Romanes, should thus be ruined and brought vtterly to nought, by oc∣casion of one fig. A designe that neither the fields lost at Trebia and Thrasymenus, nor the disgrace receiued at the battell of Canna, wherein so many braue Romans lost their liues, and left their dead bodies on the ground to be interred, could effect: nay not the disdain that they took to see the Carthaginians incamped and fortified with in 3 miles of Rome, ne yet the bra∣uadoes [unspec D] of Annibal in person, riding before the gate Collina, euen to dare them, could euer bring to passe. See how Cato by the means of one poore fig, preuailed to bring and present the forces of Rome to the very walls of Carthage.

There is a fig tree called Navia, honoured with great reuerence, in the common Forum and publique place of justice at Rome, euen where the solemne assemblies are held for election of Magistrats, neere to the Curia, vnder the old shops called Veteres: as if the gods had consecra∣ted it for that purpose: neere (I say) it is to the Tribunal named Puteal Libonis, & there plan∣ted by Actius Navius the Augur, where the sacred reliques of his miracle, to wit, the Rasor and the Whetstone, were solemnely interred: as if it came of the owne accord from the said Curia into the Comitium, and had not bin set by Navius. This tree if it begin at any time to wither, there is another replanted by the priests, who that way are very carefull and ceremonious. But [unspec E] a greater respect is had of another in remembrance of the first fig tree named Ruminalis (as it were) the nurse of Romulus and Remus, the two yong princes fondlings, and founders also of the city of Rome: for that vnder it was found a she wolfe, giuing to those little babes the teat (in Latine called Rumen:) and for a memoriall hereof there is a monument of brasse erected neere vnto it, representing that strange and wonderfull story. There grew also a third fig tree before the temple of Saturne, which in the yeare 260 after the foundation of the city of Rome, was ta∣ken away, at what time as a chappell was builded there by the Vestal nuns, and an expiatory sa∣crifice offered, for that it ouerthrew the image of Sylvanus. There is a tree of the same kind yet liuing, which came to grow of it self, no man knows how, in the midst of the Forum Romanum, [unspec F] and in that very place where was the deepe chinke and gaping of the ground, that menaced the ruine of the Roman empire; which fatall and portentuous gulfe the renowned knight Curtius filled vp with the best things that were to be found in the city, to wit, his Vertue and Piety in∣compatable, testified by a most braue & glorious death. In the very same place likewise there is

an Oliue and a Vine, which came thither by as meere a chance, but afterwards well looked and [unspec G] trimmed by the whole people, for to inioy the pleasure and shade thereof. And there also stood an altar, which afterward was taken away by occasion of the solemne shew of sword-fencers, which Iulius Caesar late Emperor, exhibited to do the people pleasure, which were the last that plaied their prizes, and fought at the sharp in the said Forum. To conclude, wonderfull it is to see, how the fruit of this tree maketh hast to ripe: a man would say that Nature therein shew∣eth all her skill and force to ripen figs altogether at once.

CHAP. XIX.

¶ Of the wilde Fig trees: and of caprification.

THere is a kind of wild Fig trees, which the Latines call Caprificus, that neuer brings any [unspec H] fruit to maturitie; but that which it selfe hath not, it procureth to others, and causeth them to ripen. For such is the interchangeable course & passage of causes in nature, that as this thing putrifieth, that ingendreth; and the corruption of one is the generation of ano∣ther. By this it comes to passe, that the wild fig tree breedeth certaine flies or gnats within the fruit thereof: which wanting nourishment, and not hauing to feed vpon in those figs, because they become rotten and putrified as they hang vpon the tree, they flie vnto the other kinde of gentle and tame fig-trees, where they settle vpon the figs, and greedily nibble thereupon, vntill they haue made way and pierced into them; and by that means let in at first the breath of the warme Sun, and that comfortable and vegetatiue aire besides that helpeth to ripen them. Soon [unspec I] after they suck vp and spend the milky humor which they find there, and which keeps the figs still as it were in their infancie, and hindreth their speedy and timely maturitie. True it is, that the figs in time would ripen of themselues by the power and benefit of Nature only: how beit skilfull and industrious husbandmen take order alwaies to set these wild fig trees neere to the place where other fig trees grow, but with due regard of the winde side, that when the foresaid gnats breake forth and are ready to fly out, a blast of wind might carry them to the other. And hereupon came the deuise and inuention to bring whole swarms & casts of them, as they hang one to another, from other places, that they might settle vpon the figs to consume the raw moi∣sture within. Now if the soile be lean and hungry, and the fig trees growing therupon exposed to the North wind, there is no such need of this help: for the figs will dry sufficiently of them∣selues, [unspec K] by reason as well of the scituation of the place, as the clifts and rifts in them, which will effect that which the gnats or flies aboue named might performe. The like effect is to be seen also where much dust is, namely, if a fig tree grow neere vnto a high-way much frequented and trauelled by passengers. For the nature of dust is to dry and soke vp the superfluous moisture of the milke within figs. And therefore when they are thus dried, whether it be by the meanes of dust, or of the said flies feeding, which is called Caprification, they fall not from the tree so easily, by reason they are discharged of that liquid substance which maketh them both tender, and also ponderous, weighty, and brittle withall.

All figs ordinarily are tender and soft in handling. Those which be ripe haue small graines within them: their succulent substance besides, when they begin to ripen, is white like milke: [unspec L] but when they are perfectly ripe it is of the colour of hony. They will hang vpon the tree vntil they be old, and when they are aged, they yeeld a certain liquor which distilleth from them in maner of a gum, and then in the end become dry.

The better sort of figs haue this honor and priuiledge, to be kept in boxes and cases for the purpose: and chiefly those which come from the Isle Ebusus, which of all others are the very best and largest: yea, and next to them those that grow in the Marrucines country. But where they are in more plenty they put them vp in great vessels called Orcae, as namely in Asia: also in barrels & pipes, as at Ruspina a city in Barbary. And in very truth, the people of those coun∣tries make that vse of them when they be very dry, that they serue both for bread and meat. For Cato setting downe an order for dyet and victuals fit and sufficient for labourers, ordained, that they should be cut short of their other pittance, when figs are ripe, and make vp their ful meals [unspec M] with it. And it is not long since the manner came vp to eat fresh new figs with salt and poude∣red meats, in stead of cheese. And for to be eaten in this sort, the figs called Coctana (where∣of we haue written before) and the dried figges Caricae are commended: as also the Cauneae,

which when M. Crassus should imbarque in that expedition against the Parthians (wherein he [unspec A] was slain) presaged ill fortune, and warned him not to go forward: namely, when at the very in∣stant that he was ready to set foot a ship-bord, there was a fellow heard to cry those figs for to be sold, pronouncing aloud, Cauneas, Cauneas: which word in short speaking was all one with Cave ne eas [i. Beware of this voiage, and go it not.] All these sorts of figges L. Vitellius brought out of Syria, into his ferm or manor that he had neere Alba, hauing L. Gouernor or Lieutenant generall in those parts, namely, in the later end of Tiberius Caesar the Emperor: and the same Vi∣tellius was afterward Censor at Rome.

CHAP. XX.

¶ Of Medlars: three kinds of them.

MEdlars and Seruices may well and truely be ranged in the ranke of Apples and Peares: [unspec B] Medlars be of three sorts; namely, Anthedon, Setania, and the third which they call Gallicum, [i. the French Medlar] which is of a bastard nature, yet it resembles the An∣thedon rather than the other. As for the Setanian Medlar, the fruit is greater and whiter than the rest; also the kernels or stones within are of a more soft substance, and not altogether so wooddy and hard. The rest are smaller than these Setania or common Medlars, but they haue a better smell and more odoriferous, and withall will last longer. The tree it selfe that beareth Medlars is reckoned among the greatest sort: the leaues before they fall wax red: the roots be many in number, and run downe right deep into the ground: by which meanes, vnneth or verie hardly they be quite rooted vp. This tree was not known in Italy by Cato's dayes. [unspec C]

CHAP. XXI.

¶ Of Services, foure kinds.

OF Seruices there be foure sundry sorts, differing one from another: for some of them are round like apples, others pointed at the end as Peares; a third kinde are fashioned like egs, as some long or tankard apples: and these are apt to be soon soure. For sweet sent and pleasant tast the round excell all others: the rest haue a rellish of wine. The best kinde of them are they that haue soft & tender leaues about their steles whereby they hang. The fourth sort they call Torminale, allowed onely for the remedie that they affoord to mitigate the tor∣ments [unspec D] and wringing of the colique. This tree is neuer without fruit, howbeit the smallest of all the rest, and differeth from the other, for it beareth leaues very like to the Plane. There are none of them that beare fruit before they be three yeares old. Lastly, Cato would haue Seruises to be preserued and condite in Cuit.

CHAP. XXII.

¶ Of the Wall-nut.

THe next place to these for bignes, the Walnuts doe challenge, which they cannot claime for their credit and authoritie; and yet they are in some request among other licentious [unspec E] and wanton Fescennine ceremonies, at weddings: for lesse they be than Pine nuts, if a man consider the grosnesse of the body outwardly; but in proportion therto they haue a much bigger kernel within. Moreouer, Nature hath much graced and honoured these nuts with a pe∣culiar gift she hath endued them with, namely, a double robe wherewith they are clad: the first is a tender and soft husk; the next, a hard and wooddy shel: which is the cause that at mariages they serue for religious ceremonies, resembling the manifold tunicles and membranes wherin the infant is lapped and enfolded within the womb: and this reason soundeth more probable, than that they should be scattered, because in their fall they rebound and make a ratling [to drowne (forsooth) all other noises from the bride-bed or chamber.] That these Nuts also were brought out of Persis first by commandement of the Kings, is euident by their Greeke names; [unspec F] for the best kind of them, they call Persicon, and Basilicon; as one would say, the Persian and Royall nut: and these indeed were the first names. Afterwards, the nut came to be named Ca∣ryon, (by all mens confession) for the heauinesse of head which it causeth, by reason of the

strong smell. Their outward husk serues to die wooll: and the little nuts when they come new [unspec G] forth are good to giue the haire of the head a reddish or yellow colour. The experiment therof was first found by staining folks hands as they handled them. The elder that nuts be & longer kept, the more oleous and fatty they are. The only difference in the sundry kinds consisteth in the shel, for that in some it is tender and brittle, in others hard; in one sort it is thin, in another thick: lastly, some haue smooth and plain shells, others again be as full of holes and cranies.

Walnuts be the fruit alone that Nature hath inclosed with a couer parted in twaine, and so is ioyned and set together; for the shell is diuided and cleft iust in the middle, and each halfe resembleth a little boat. The kernell within is distinguished into foure parts, and between eue∣rie of them there runneth a membrane or skin of a wooddy substance. As for other nuts, their meat is solid and compact, as we may see in Filberds and Hazels, which also are a kind of nuts, [unspec H] and were called heretofore Abellinae, of their natiue place, from whence came good ones at first. They came out of Pontus into Natolia and Greece, and therefore they be called Pontick nuts. These Filberds likewise are couered with a soft bearded huske, and as well the shell as the kernell is round and solid, all of one entire piece. These nuts also are parched for to be eaten, and within their belly they haue in the mids a little chit or spirt as if it were a nauill.

As for Almonds, they are of the nature of nuts, and are reckoned in a third ranke. An vpper husk they haue like as Walnuts, but it is thin: like as also a second couerture of a shell. The kernell differeth somewhat, for broader it is and flatter, and their skin more hard, more sharpe, and hoter in taste than that of other nuts. Now whether the Almond tree were in Italy during the life of Cato, there is some doubt and question made; because he nameth the Greeke nuts, [unspec I] which some do hold for a kind of walnut. Mention maketh he besides of the Hazel nuts or fil∣berds, as well the * 1.3 Galbae, as the Prenestine, commended by him aboue all others, which hee saith are put vp in pots, and kept fresh and green within the earth. Now adaies the Thasian and Albeusian nuts be in great account; and two sorts besides of the Tarentine; whereof the one hath a tender and brittle shell, the other as hard: and those are the biggest of all other, and no∣thing round. He speaketh also of the soft shaled Filberds Molluscae, the kernels whereof doe swell and cause their shels to breake in sunder.

But to return again to our Walnuts: some to honor them interpret their names Iuglandes, as a man would say, the nuts of Iupiter. It is not long since I heard a knight of Rome, a gentle∣man of high calling, and who had bin Consul, professe and say, that he had certain walnut trees that bare twice a yeare. As for Fisticks we haue spoken already of them. To conclude, these kind of nuts the aboue named Vitellius brought first into Italy at the same time, namely, a little [unspec K] before the death of Tiberius the Emperor: and withall, Flaccus Pompeius a knight of Rome, who serued in the wars together with him, caried them ouer into Spain.

CHAP. XXIII.

¶ Of Chestnuts eight kindes.

WE entitule Chestens also by the name of Nuts, although indeed they are more aptly to be called a kind of Mast. This fruit what euer it be is inclosed within a huske, and the same defended and armed all ouer with a rampier and palisade (as it were) of [unspec L] sharp pricks like the skin of an vrchin; whereas the A corn and other Mast is but half couered, and that defence in them is begun only. And certes, a wonderfull matter it is that we set so lit∣tle store by this fruit, which Nature is so carefull to hide and defend. Vnder one of these husks ye shall find somtime three Chestnuts, and those hauing certain tough pils or shells very plia∣ble. But the skin or filme within, and which is next to the body or substance of the fruit, vnlesse it be pilled off and taken away, marreth the taste of it, like as it doth also in other nut-kernells. Chestnuts if they be rosted are better and more pleasant meat than otherwise. They vse also to grind them to meale, and thereof is made a kind of bread, which poore women for hunger will eat. The first Chestnuts were known to grow about Sardis, & from thence were brought, wher∣fore the Greeks call them Sardinian nuts: but afterwards they came to be named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [i. [unspec M] Iupiters nuts] when as men began to graffe them; for thereby they became more excellent. And this day there be many sorts of them. The Tarentine be gentle and not hard of digestion, and in forme flat and plaine. That which they call Balanitis, is rounder, it will soone be pilled and

cleansed, and of it selfe will leape out of the skin. And of this kind, the Salarian is more neat, [unspec A] flat, and smooth: the Tarentine not so easie to be handled and dealt withall: the Corellian is more commended than the rest; as also the Meterane, which commeth of it by grassing: the manner whereof we will shew when we come to treat of graffes. These haue a red pilling, in which regard they are preferred before either the three cornered, or the blacke common ones, which be also called Coctiuae, [i. Chestnuts to be boiled.] The best Chestnuts are they which grow about Tarentum, and Naples in Campaine. All the rest are good in manner for nothing but to feed swine, * 1.4 so close sticketh the pill or inner skin also, as if it were soudered to the ker∣nell within, and so hard it is to seperate the one from the other.

CHAP. XXIIII.

¶ Of Carobes: of fleshie and pulpous fruits: of Mulberries: of liquid kernels [unspec B] or graines, and of berries.

THe fruit called Carobes or Caracts, may seeme to come neare vnto the foresaid Chest∣nuts, (so passing sweet they be) but that their cods also are good to be eaten. They bee as long as a mans finger, and otherwhiles hooked like a faulcheon, and an inch in bredth. As for mast, it cannot be reckoned among fruit properly called Poma, and therefore we will speak of them apart, according to their nature.

Now are we to treat of the rest which are of a carnous substance: and those are diuided into fruits that be soft and pulpous, and into berries. The carnosity in Grapes and Raisons, in Mul∣berries, and the fruit of the Arbut tree, differs one from the other. Againe, the fleshy substance [unspec C] in Grapes between the skin and the liquid juice, is one, and that in Sebesten is another. Berries haue a carnosity by themselues, as namely Oliues. Mulberies yeeld a juice or liquor within the pulpe thereof, resembling wine. They be ordinarily of three colours: at the beginning, white; soone after, red; and when they be ripe, blacke. The Mulberrie tree bloometh with the last, but the fruit ripeneth with the first. Mulberries when they be sull ripe, staine a mans hand with the juice thereof, and make them blacke: but contrariwise being vnripe, they scoure them cleane. There is not a tree againe, wherein the wit of man hath bin so little inuentiue, either to deuise names for them, or to graff them, or otherwise, saue only to make the fruit fair and great. There is a difference which we at Rome doe make, betweene the Mulberries of Ostia and Tusculum.

There is a kind of Mulberries growing vpon the bramble, but their skin is much harder than [unspec D] the other. Like as the ground-strawberries differ in carnositie from the fruit of the Arbut tree, and yet it is held for a kind of Strawberrie, euen as the tree it selfe is tearmed the Strawberrie tree. And there is not a fruit of any other tree, that resembleth the fruit of an hearb growing by the ground, but it.

The Arbut tree it selfe spreadeth full of branches: the fruit is a whole yeare in ripening: by which means a man shall find alwaies vpon the tree, yong and old fruit together one vnder ano∣ther; and the new euermore thrusts out the old. Whether it be the male or female that is bar∣ren, writers are not agreed. Surely the fruit is of base and no reckoning at all: no maruell there∣fore if the Latines gaue it the name Vnedo, for that one of them is enough to be eaten at once. And yet the Greeks haue two names for it, to wit, Comarum & Memecylon: whereby it appea∣reth, [unspec E] that there be as many kinds among the Latines also, although it be tearmed by another name, Arbutus. K. Iuba saith, that these trees in Arabia grow to the heigth of fiftie cubites.

As touching Graines and liquid Kernels, there is great difference betweene them: for first and formost, among very grapes, there is no small diuersitie in the skin, either for tendernes or thicknesse: in the inner stones or pepins, which in some grapes are but single, or one alone; in o∣thers double, and those commonly yeeld not so much wine as the others do. Secondly, those of Iuie and Elder differ very much, yea and the graines within a Pomegranat are not like to others in their forme, for they alone be made cornered and angle-wise; and seuerall as they bee, they haue not a particular skin of their own, but they are altogether clad within on, which is white: and yet they stand all wholly of a liquor and pulpous carnositie, especially those which haue [unspec F] within them but a small stone or woodie kernell.

Semblably, there is as much varietie in berries: for oliues differ much from Bay berries: like∣wise those of a Lote tree are diuers from them which the Corneil tree beares. The Myrtle also

differeth from the Lentisk in the verie berrie. As for the huluer or hollie berries and the hawes [unspec G] of the white-thorn, they are without any juice or liquor: wheras Cherries be of a middle kind, betweene berries and graines. This fruit is white at the first, as lightly all berries be whatsoe∣uer: but afterwards some waxe greene, as Oliues and Baies; others turn red, as Mulberies, Cher∣ries, and Cornoiles; but in the end they all become blacke, as Mulberries, Cherries, and Oliues.

CHAP. XXV.

¶ Of Cherries, eight kinds.

BEfore the time that L. Lucullus defeated K. Mithridates, there were no cherrie-trees in Italy: but after that victorie (which was about the 680 yeare from the foundation of the citie of Rome) he was the man that brought them first out of Pontus, and furnished Italie so well [unspec H] with them, that within sixe and twentie yeres, other lands had part therof, even as far as Britain beyond the ocean. Howbeit (as we haue before said) they could neuer be brought to grow in Aegypt, for all the care and industrie employed about them. Of Cherries, the reddest sort bee called Apronia; the blackest, Actia: the Caecilian be round withall. The Iulian Cherries haue a pleasant tast, but they must be taken new from the tree and presently eaten; for so tender they be otherwise, that they will not abide the carriage. Of all other, the Duracine Cherries be the soueraign, which in Campaine are called Pliniana. But in Picardie, and those low countries of Belgica, they make most account of the Portugall Cherries: as they do also who inhabite vpon the riuer Rhene. They haue a hew with them composed of three colors, between red, black and [unspec I] green, and alwaies look as if they were in ripening still. It is not yet full 5 yeres since the Cher∣ries which they call Laurea, were known: so called they be, because they were graffed on a Bay∣tree stocke, and thereof thy take a kind of bitternes, but yet not vnpleasant to the tast. There be moreouer Macedonian Cherries, growing vpon a small tree seldome aboue three cubits high: and yet there be certain dwarfe Cherries not full so tall, called Chamecerasti, [i. ground cher∣ry-shrubs.] The Cherry-tree is one of the first that yeelds fruit to his master, in token of thank∣fulnesse & recognisance of his paines all the yeare long. It delights to grow in cold places and exposed to the North. The Cherrie wil drie in the sun, and may be kept in barrels like Oliues.

CHAP. XXVI.

¶ Of the Corneile and Lentiske tree. [unspec K]

THe same care is had in conditing the berries of the Corneil and the Lentiske, as in preser∣uing Oliues: so curious are men to content their tooth, as if all things were made to serue the belly. Thus we see, how things of diuers relishes are mingled together, and one giues a tast vnto another, and causeth to be pleasant at the tongues end. Nay we entermingle all cli∣mats and coasts of heauen and earth to satisfie our appetite: for to one kind of meat wee must haue drugs & spices fetcht as far as from India: to another, out of Aegypt, Candie, and Cyrene: and in one word, for euery dish we haue a seuerall land to find vs sawce. To conclude, wee are growne to this passe, that we cease not to sophisticate our viands, euen with hurtfull things, so they tast well: yea and to make dishes of very * 1.5 poisons, because we would deuoure and send all [unspec L] downe the throat. But more plainely hereof, in our professed discourse of the nature and vertue of Hearbs.

CHAP. XXVII.

¶ The diuersitie of tasts and sauours.

IN the meane time, as touching those things which are common as well to all fruit, as juices and liquors: first and formost we find of tasts 13 seuerall kinds; to wit, sweet, pleasant, fattie, bitter, harsh and vnpleasant, hot and burning at the tongues end, sharpe and biting, tart or a∣stringent, sowre, and salt. Ouer and besides all these, there be three others of a most strange and [unspec M] wonderfull nature. The first is that, wherin a man may haue a smacke of many tasts together, as in wines: for in them a man shall find an harsh, sharpe, sweet, and pleasant rellish all at once; and yet these all differ from the natiue verdure of wine. A second sort there is besides, which caries a strange & different tast verily from the thing it self, and yet it hath besides the proper and pe∣culiar

tast of the owne substance, as the Myrtle: for it carrieth a seuerall tast by it selfe, procee∣ding [unspec A] from a certaine kind, mild, and gentle nature, which cannot truly be called either sweet, fattie, or pleasant, if we would speake precisely. Last of all, water hath no tast at all of any juice or liquor whatsoeuer, and yet therein is a flat tast by it selfe, which is called waterish, that no∣thing else besides hath: for if a man do tast in water a rellish of any sap or liquor, it is reputed for a bad and naughtie water.

Furthermore, a great and principall matter of all these tasts, lyeth in the sauour and smell; which is connaturall vnto the tast, and hath a great affinitie with it: and yet in water, is neither one or other to be perceiued: or if any be felt either by tongue or nose, it is faultie, that is cer∣taine. Finally, a wonderfull thing it is to consider, that the three principall Elements whereof the world is made, namely, Water, Aire, and Fire, should haue no tast, no sauor, nor participati∣on [unspec B] of any sap and liquor at all.

CHAP. XXVIII.

¶ The juice and sap of Fruits and Trees: their colours and odours: the nature of Apples, and such soft Fruits: and the singular commen∣dation of all Fruits.

TO begin withall, The Peare, The Mulberry, & the Myrtle-berrie, haue a juice or sap with∣in them, resembling wine, * 1.6 no maruell then, of Grapes, if they haue the like. Oliues, Bay∣berries, Walnuts and Almonds, haue a fattie liquor in them. The Grape, the Fig, and the [unspec C] Date, carie a sweet juice with them. Plums haue a waterish tast.

There is no small difference in the colour also that the juice of fruits do beare: Mulberries, Cherries, and Corneils, haue a sanguine and bloudie liquor: so haue the blacke grapes; but that of the white grapes, is likewise white. The juice of Figs toward the head or neck of the fruit, is white like milke; but of another color in all the bodie besides. In Apples, it is in manner of a froth or some: in Peaches, of no colour; and yet the Duracina of that kind, be full of liquor; but who was euer able to say, what colour it was of?

The odor and sauor likewise of fruits, is as strange and admirable: for the smell of Apples is sharpe and piercing; of Peaches, weake and waterish. As for sweet fruits, they haue none at all: for verily we see, that sweet wines likwise haue little or no smell, wheras the small and thin are [unspec D] more odoriferous: and all things in like manner of a subtill substance, do affect the nosthrills more, than the thicke and grosser doe: for whatsoeuer is sweet in sent, is not by and by pleasant and delicate in tast; for sent and smacke are not alwaies of like sort: which is the reason that Pomecitrons haue a most piercing and quick sauor, wheras in rellish they are rough and harsh: and so it fares in some sort with Quinces. As for Figs, they haue not any odor. And thus much may suffice in generall, for the sundrie kinds and sorts of fruits which are to be eaten, it remai∣neth now to search more narrowly into their nature.

To begin then with those that are enclosed within cods or husks: ye shal haue some of these cods to be sweet, and the fruit or seed contained within, bitter, and contrariwise, many of those graines or seeds are pleasant and toothsome enough; but eaten with the huskes, they be starke [unspec E] naught and loathsome.

As touching berries, there be that haue their stone or wooddie substance within, and the fle∣shy pulp without, as Oliues, and Cherries: and there be again, that within the said woody stone haue the carnositie of the berry as some fruits in Aegypt, whereof we haue alreadie written. As for berries carnous without-forth, & pulpous fruit called Apples, they be of one nature. Some haue their meat within, & their woodie substance without, as nuts: others, their carnosity with∣out, and their stone within, as Peaches and Plums. So that in them we may say, That the faultie superfluity is enuiroued with the good fruit, wheras fruit otherwise is ordinarily defended by the said imperfection of the shell. Walnuts and Filberds are enclosed with a shell: Chestnuts be contained vnder a tough rind, that must be pulled off before they be eaten; wheras in Med∣lars [unspec F] the cornositie and it be eaten together. Acornes, and all sorts of mast, be clad with a crust; Grapes with a skin, Pomegranats with a rind and a thin pannicle or skin besides. Mulberies do consist of a fleshy substance and a liquor. Cherries, of a skin and a liquid juice. Some fruits there be, the substance whereof will soon part from their woodie shell without, or stone within,

as nuts and Dates: others sticke close and fast thereto, as Oliues and Bay berries. And there be [unspec G] againe that participate the nature of both, as Peaches: for in those that be called Duracina, the carnous substance cleaueth hard to the stone, so as it cannot be plucked from it, wheras in the rest, it commeth easily away. Now ye shall meet with some fruits, that neither without in shell, nor within-forth in kernell, haue any of this woodinesse, as a kind of Dates [named Spadones.] And there be againe whose very kernell and wood is taken for the fruit it selfe, and so vsed; as a kind of Almonds, which (as we said) doe grow in Aegypt. Moreouer, yee shall haue a kind of fruits furnished with a double superfluity of excrement to couer them without-forth, as Chest∣nuts, Almonds, and Walnuts. Some fruits haue a substance of a threefold nature, to wit a bo∣die without; then, a stone or wood vnder it; and within the same, a kernell or seed, as Peaches. Some fruits grow thick and clustred together vpon the tree, as Grapes, and likewise Seruises, [unspec H] which claspe about the branches and boughes, bearing and weighing them downe as well as grapes. Others for it, hang here and there very thin, as Peaches. And there be againe that lye close, contained (as it were) within a wombe or matrice, as the kernells of the Pomegranates. Some hang by smal steles or tailes, as Peares: others in bunches, as Grapes and Dates. Ye shall haue some fruit grow by clusters, and yet hang by a long taile, as the Berries of Iuie and Elder: and others againe cleaue fast to the branch of the tree, as Bay berries: some both waies, as O∣liues, for there bee of them that haue long steles, and others againe short tailed. Some fruits there be also, that are formed like cups or mazers, as Pomegranats, Medlars, the Egyptian bean or Lote, and that which groweth about the riuer Euphrates.

As for the singularities and commendable parts in fruits, they be of diuers sorts, Dates are [unspec I] most set by for their fleshie substance; and yet they of Thebes aboue in high Aegypt, are estee∣med onely for their outward coat or crust that they haue. Grapes, and the Dates called Caryo∣tae, are in great account and estimation for their iuice and liquor: Peares and Apples be most accepted for their callous substance next vnto their skin or paring; but the honey-apples Meli∣mela, are liked for their carnositie and fleshie pulpe within: Mulberies content the tast with their gristle or cartilage substance: and the best part of the nut, is the very graine of the kernel. In Aegypt, some fruits are regarded only for their vtmost skin, as drie Figs: when Figges bee green, the same is pilled off and cast aside like a shell; but be they once drie, the said skin is pas∣sing good. In all kind of Papyr-reeds, Ferula plants, and the white thistle Bedegnar, the verie maine stemme is the fruit to be eaten. The shoots also and tender sprigs of the Frg-tree, are reputed for good meat, and also medicinable. To come vnto the shrubs kind, the fruit of Ca∣pres [unspec K] is eaten together with the stalke. As for Carobe, what is it else but a meere woodie sub∣stance that folke do eat? (and yet the seed and graines within them, are not altogether to be de∣spised for the propertie that they haue) although to speak precisely, it cannot properly be cal∣ed eith er flesh, wood, or gristle; neither hath it found any other conuenient name to be tear∣med by.

CHAP. XXIX.

¶ Of the Myrtle, eleuen kinds thereof.

NAture hath shewed her wonderfull power and bounty, especially in the juice of the Myr∣tle, [unspec L] considering that of all fruits, it alone doth yeeld two sorts both of oile and wine: likewise the mixture or composition called Myrtidanum, as we haue said before. Also there was another vse in old time of Myrtle berries: for, before that Pepper was found and vsed as it is, they serued in stead thereof: from whence tooke name that exquisite and daintie dish of meat, which euen at this daie is called Myrtatum. And hereof came that excellent sauce so highly commended for the brawne of the wild Bore, when for the most part Myrtle berries are put thereto to dip the meat therein, for to giue a better tast to that kind of venison.

As for the very tree it selfe, the first that euer was seen within the compasse and precincts of Europe (which beginneth at the mountaine Ceraunia) was about Circeij, where stood the tombe sometimes of Elpenor; and still it retains the Greeke name: whereby we may well judge, [unspec M] that it is a stranger. Howbeit there grew a Myrtle tree in old time, when Rome was first foun∣ded, euen in that plot of ground where the citie now standeth. For thus goeth the historie: That vpon a time the Romanes and Sabines being raunged in battaile array, and at the point

to fight a field, and to try the quarell (for the wrong which the Sabines pretended, was done to [unspec A] them, in regard that the Romans had rauished their daughters being yong maidens) were recon∣ciled and made friends: and thereupon laid downe their armes and weapons, and were there pu∣rified with the sacred branches of Myrtle, in that very place wherein now the temple & image of Venus Cluacina standeth: which therupon tooke the name (for that Cluere in old Latin, signifi∣ed to purge or clense.) Besides, that tree otherwise doth affoord a kind of sweet perfume to be burned. Now was this tree chosen for that purpose then to make attonement and to ratifie the mariage betweene the Romans and the Sabine Virgins, because Venus is the president and mo∣ther of carnall copulation, and the patronesse withall of the Myrtle tree. I will not confidently auouch, but me thinks I may presume to say, that the Myrtle was of all other trees first planted in the publick places of Rome for some memorable presage and fore-tokening of future euents [unspec B] and things to come. For whereas the temple of Q•…•…irinus (i. of K. Romulus) is reputed for one of the most antique buildings now extant, there grew euen before it for a long time two old and sacred Myrtle trees: the one named Patritia (i. the Myrtle of the Nobility:) and the other Ple∣beia; that is to say, the Myrtle of the Comminalty. The Patritian prospered and flourished many yeares together, whiles the Plebeian began to fade and wither. And to say a truth, so long as the Senate was able to maintaine and vphold their authority, the Myrtle of the Nobles con∣tinued fresh and greene, and spread her boughes at large; whereas that other of the Commons seemed as it had beene blasted, dried, and halfe dead: but after that the state of the Senat began to quaile and droupe (which was about the time of the war with the Marsyans) as their tree de∣caied and wasted, so the Plebeians Myrtle held vp the head againe: and so by little and little, as [unspec C] the Maiesty of the Senatours was taken downe and abated to nothing, so their Myrtle waxed poore and barren vntill it became dry and stark dead. Moreouer, there stood an old chappel and an altar consecrated to Venus Myrtea, whom now at this day they call Murtia.

Cato in his time wrote of three kinds of Myrtle: to wit, the white, the blacke, and the Conju∣gula (so called haply of wedlock or mariage:) & peraduenture it may come of the race of those Myrtles belonging to Venus Cloacina aboue named. Howbeit, in these daies wee distinguish our Myrtles otherwise; for some we repute wild and sauage, others tame and gentle: and these both are likewise of two sorts, to wit, either broader or narrower leaued. To the wilde kind properly belongeth the prickie Myrtle Oximyrsine. As for the tame and gentle Myrtles, they be those that are planted in hort-yards and gardens, wherewith gardeners make arbours, knots, and di∣uers [unspec D] deuises. Whereof be sundry kindes. The Tarentine with small leaues; ours of Italy with broader; and the Myrtle * 1.7 Hexastica, which is very ful of leaues, and ordinarily each branch hath six rankes thereof. But these are altogether out of request: both the other are full of boughes and branches. As touching the aboue named Conjugula, I suppose it be the same that our com∣mon Myrtle here in Italy. But the most odoriferous Myrtle of all others, is that which groweth in Aegypt.

Now concerning the wine of Myrtles, Cato hath shewed vs the manner how to make it: name∣ly, to take the black Myrtle berries, to dry them in the shade vntill they haue lost all their wa∣terish humidity, & so to put them in Must or new wine, & let them lie there infused, or in steep. For certainly, if the berries be not dried before, they would yeeld an oile from them. Howbeit, [unspec E] afterward there was a deuise found out to make a white wine of the white Myrtle in this maner. Take of Myrtles wel beaten or stamped, the quantity of two * 1.8 Sextares, steep the same in three hemires or pintes of wine, and then straine and presse forth the liquor.

Moreouer, the very leaues of the Myrtle tree, being dried and reduced into a kinde of meale, are singular good for to cure the vlcers in mens bodies: for certaine it is, that this powder doth gently eat away and consume the superfluous humours that cause putrifaction. And be∣sides, it serueth well to coole and represse immoderate sweats. Ouer and besides, the Oile also of Myrtles (a strange and wonderfull thing to tell) hath a certaine rellish and taste of wine: and withall, the fat liquor thereof is indued with a speciall and principall vertue to correct and cla∣rifie Wines; if the bagges and strainers where-through the wine runneth, bee first sooked and drenched therwith: for the said oleous substance retaineth and keepeth with it all the lees [unspec F] and dregges, and suffereth nothing but the pure and cleare liquour to passe through, and more than that, it carrieth with it the commendable odour and principall vertue of the said oile. Fur∣thermore, it is said, That if a way faring man that hath a great journey for to goe on foot, carrie

in his hand a sticke or rod of the Myrtle tree, he shall neuer be weary, nor thinke his way long [unspec G] and tedious. Also * 1.9 rings made of Myrtle twigs, without any edged iron toole, keep downe and cure the swelling bunch that riseth in the groine. What should I say more? The myrtle inter∣medleth in war affaires: for Posthumius Tubertus, being Confull of Rome (who was the first that entred in a petty triumph, ouant into the city, because he had easily conquered the Sabines, and drawne in manner no bloud of them) rode triumphant in this manner, to wit, crowned with a chaplet of Myrtle, dedicated to Venus Victoresse; and from that time forward the Sabines (euen his very enemies) set much store by that tree, and held it in great reuerence. And euer after, they that went but ouant into the city after a victory, ware this kind of garland only, except M. Cras∣sus, who after he had vanquished the fugitiue slaues, and defeated Spartanus, marched in a coro∣net of Lawrel. Massurius writeth, how Generals when they entred triumphant into Rome, riding [unspec H] in their stately chariots (which was the greatest honor of all others) ware vpon their heads, cha∣plets of Myrtle. L. Piso reporteth, That Papyrius Masso (who first triumphed in mount Albanus ouer the Corsians) vsed euer after to come vnto the games Circenses, and to behold them, crow∣ned with a garland of myrtle. This Papyrius was grandfather by the mothers side, to the second Scipio Africanus. Finally, M. Valerius, according to a vow that he made in his triumphs, vsed to weare coronets as well of Lawrell as Myrtle.

CHAP. XXX.

¶ Of the Lawrell or Bay tree, thirteene kinds thereof.

LAwrel is appropriate vnto triumphs, and besides groweth most pleasantly before the gates [unspec I] of the Emperors court, and bishops pallace; giuing attendance there as a dutifull portresse or huisser, most decently. This tree alone both adorneth their stately houses, & also keepes watch and ward duly at the dores. Cato setteth down two kinds of Lawrel, to wit, the Delphick, and the Cyprian. Hereunto Pompeius Lenaeus hath ioined a third, which he called Mustacea; be∣cause in old time they vsed to lay the leaues therof vnder certain cakes or March-panes (which in those daies they called Mustacea) as they were in baking: this third kind hath leaues of all o∣thers largest, flaggy, hanging, and whitish withall. As for the Delphick, it carieth leaues of one entire colour, greener than the rest: the baies or berries thereof likewise are biggest, and of a red∣dish green colour. With this Lawrell were they wont to be crowned at Delphos, who won the prise at any tournoy or solemne game; as also the victorious captains who triumphed in Rome. [unspec K] The Cyprian Lawrell hath a short leafe, black, crisped, or curled, and about the sides or edges thereof it turneth vp hollow like a gutter or crest-tile. Howbeit, afterwards there were ranged in the rank of Lawrels other trees, to wit, the Tinus, which some take to be the wild Lawrel, others say it is a kind of tree by it self: indeed, it differeth from other Lawrels in the colour of the fruit; for it beareth blew berries. Then came the roiall Lawrel in place, which began to be called Au∣gusta or Imperial. This is a very tal and big tree, with leaues also as large in proportion, and the Baies or berries that it beareth are nothing sharp biting and vnpleasant in tast. But some there be that think this roiall Bay, is not a Lawrel, but a seuerall tree apart, as hauing longer & broa∣der leaues than the rest of the ordinary sort. And these writers speaking of other kinds, call our common Bay tree, Baccalia, and namely that which is so fruitful and beareth such a sort of ber∣ries: [unspec L] as for the fruitlesse and barren of that sort they name Triumphal, which is, as they say, vsed in triumphs. Whereat I maruell very much, vnlesse this ordinance and custom began of Augu∣stus Caesar, by occasion of that Lawrell which came to him as sent from heauen (as I wil shew a∣non more at large;) and of all others it is for height lowest, in leaf short and frizled, very geason and hard to be found. Now there is another kind of Lawrell named Taxa, very fit for greene ar∣bors, and to be wrought into knots. Out of the middest of the leafe there growes forth another little one, in manner of a skirt, tongue, or lappet of the leafe. Also without any such excressence there is that, which they name Spadonia, as one would say, the guelded Bay, that cares not how shadowie the place be where it grows: for be it neuer so remote out of the Sun, or ouer shadow∣ed howsoeuer, yet it ceases not to grow & ouerspread the ground where it standeth. Moreouer, [unspec M] in this rank is to be reckoned the wild shrub called Lowrier or Chamaedaphne. There is besides the Lawrell Alexandrina, which some call Idaea, [i. Mountaine Lawrel] others Hyppoglottion, [i. Horse tongue] some Daphnitis, others Carpophyllon or Hypelate. This plant putteth forth

branches immediatly from the root, of a span or nine inches long: very proper and handsom to [unspec A] draw workes, or to clad arbors withall in a garden, also to make garlands and chaplets. The leaues are more sharp and pointed, softer also and whiter than those of the Myrtle, yea, & haue within them a bigger grain or seed, of colour red. Great plenty therof groweth vpon the moun∣taine Ida, likewise about Heraclea in Pontus: and in one word, neuer but in hilly and mountain countries.

As for the herb Daphnoeides or Laureola, it hath many names: for some terme it Pelasgum, others Eupetalon, and there are again who would haue it to be Stephanos Alexandri (i. Alex∣anders chaplet.) This plant also is full of branches, carrying a thicker and softer leafe than the common Lawrell: and if a man tast therof, it will set both the mouth & also the throat on a fire: the beries that it beareth be blackish, inclining to a kind of red. It hath bin noted and obserued [unspec B] in antient writers, that no kind of Lawrel in old time was to be found in the Island Corsica: and yet in these daies it is there planted, and thriueth well enough. The Lawrell betokeneth peace: insomuch, as if a branch therof be held out among armed enemies, it is a signe of quietnes and cessation from armes. Moreouer, the Romans were wont to send their missiue letters adorned with Lawrell, when they would giue aduertisement of some special good newes or ioiful victo∣ry: they vsed besides to garnish therewith their lances, pikes, and spears. The knitches also and bunches of rods, born before grand captains and generals of the army, were beautified & set out with Bay branches. Herewith they stick and bedecke the bosome of that most great and gra∣cious Iupiter, so often as there commeth glad tidings of some late & fresh victory. And all this honor is don to the Lawrell, not because it is alwaies green, nor for that it pretendeth and shew∣eth [unspec C] peace (for in both these respects the oliue is to be preferred before it) but in this regard, that the fairest and goodliest of them grow vpon the mountain Pernassus: and therefore also is it so acceptable to Apollo, for which cause (as may appeare by L. Brutus) the Roman kings in old time were accustomed to send great presents and oblations thither to the temple of Apollo: or perad∣uenture it was in memoriall of that ground that bare Lawrell trees, and which according to the Oracle of Apollo, the said L. Brutus kissed, when he intended the publicke freedom of the city, and minded to deliuer it from the yoke and seruitude of the kings: or haply, because it alone ei∣ther set with the hand before the dores, or brought into the house, is not blasted and smitten with lightning. And these reasons verily induce me to beleeue, that in times past they chose the Bay tree for their triumphs, before any other: rather than as Massurius would haue it, because [unspec D] the Lawrell serued for a solemne perfume, to expiate and assoile the carnage and execution don vpon the enemies. And so far were men in old time from common vsing either Lawrell or oliue, and polluting the same in any prophane vse, that they could not be permitted to burne thereof vpon their altars when they sacrificed or offered Incense, although it were to doe honour to the gods, and to appease their wrath and indignation. Euident it is, that the Bay tree leaues, by their crackling that they make in the fire, do put it from them, and seem to detest and abhor it. It cu∣reth moreouer the diseases of the guts [the matrice and the bladder] also the lassitude and wea∣rinesse of the sinews. It is reported, that Tiberius Caesar the Emperor vsed euer to weare a chaplet thereof when it thundered, for feare of being strucken with lightening.

Moreouer, certaine strange and memorable euents as touching the Bay tree, haue happened [unspec E] about Augustus Caesar. For Liuia Drusilla (who afterwards by mariage with the said Augustus, be∣came Empresse, and was honored with the title of Augusta) at what time as she was affianced and espoused to Caesar, chanced as she sat still, to haue an exceeding white hen to light into her lap (which an Aegle flying aloft, let fall from on high) without any harme at all to the said pul∣let. Now when this lady or princesse aduised & considered wel the hen, without being astonied and amazed at so strange & miraculous a sight, she perceiued that the hen held in her bill a law∣rell branch full of Bay berries. The Wisards and Soothsaiers were consulted withall about this wonderful occurrent, and gaue aduise in the end to preserue the bird and the brood therof: like∣wise to set in the ground the foresaid branch, and duly to tend and look vnto it. Both the one and the other was done and excecuted accordingly, about a certain house in the country belon∣ging to the Caesars, seated vpon the riuer Tyberis, neere the causey or port way Flaminia, about [unspec F] nine miles from Rome: which house therupon was called, Ad Gallinas, as a man would say, The signe of the Hens. Well, the foresaid branch mightily prospered, and proued afterwards to be a groue of Laurels, which all came from the first stock. In processe of time, Augustus Caesar when

he entred in Triumph into Rome, caried in his hand a branch of that Bay tree, yea, and wore a [unspec G] chaplet vpon his head of the same: and so did all the Emperors and Caesars his successors after him. Hereof also came the custome to set againe and replant those branches of Lawrel that em∣perors held in their hands when they triumphed; & therof continue whole woods & groues di∣stinguished each one by their seuerall names, and perhaps therefore were they named Trium∣phall. This is the only tree known in the Latine tongue, whereof a man beareth the name. A∣gaine, there is not another tree besides that hath the leafe to cary in the Latine tongue a deno∣mination and name by it selfe apart, as well as the tree: for whereas the plant is named Laurus, the leafe we call Laurea. Moreouer, there is a place likewise within the city of Rome on mount Aventine, retaining stil the name Loretum, which first was imposed vpon it by reason of a law∣rell groue which grew there. The Bay tree also is vsed in solemne purifications before the gods: [unspec H] and to conclude, this would be resolued and agreed vpon by the way, That if a branch therof be set, it will prosper and become a tree; although Democritus and Theophrastus make some doubt thereof. Thus much of Lawrels and other domesticall and natiue trees: it remaineth now to write of those that be wild and sauage, and of their natures.

Notes

• * 1.1

  i. Indiuisible, of, •…•…o smal that it cannot be cut.
• * 1.2

  As our hors plums:
• * 1.3

  or Caluae, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bsld.
• * 1.4

  Scrupulosa c•…•…rtic is interio∣ris circa •…•…ucleos quoque ferru∣minatione.
• * 1.5

  Mushroms:
• * 1.6

  Minimae quod miremur uvis. Others distin∣guish thus, Minime (quod miremur) uvis, to this sense: whereas in grapes (and that may be a wonder) there is none such.
• * 1.7

  not Fxotica. Turneb.
• * 1.8

  i. wine quart•…•…
• * 1.9

  Virgei annuli But Turnebus •…•…eadeth Uirgae •…•…aculi, i. staues or Iauelines made of their •…•…reit bought. And Exper•…•…es •…•…erri, i. not hea∣ded with yron.