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 SIXTEENTH BOOKE OF [unspec I] THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE, (Book 16)

WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS.

The Proeme. [unspec K] (Book 16)

HItherto haue we treated of those Trees that beare Apples and such like fruits: which likewise with their mild iuice and sweet liquors made our meats first delight some, and taught vs to mingle together with the necessarie food for sustentation of our liues, that which maketh it delicate and pleasant to content our taste: as well those trees that naturally were so in the be∣ginning, as those which through the industry and skill of man, what by graffing and what by wedding them (as it were) to others, became toothsome, and delectable to our tongue: whereby also we haue gratified in some sort wild beasts, and done pleasure to the foules of the aire. It followeth now by order, that we should discourse likewise of trees that beare Mast, those trees (I say) which ministred the first food vnto [unspec L] our forefathers, and were the nources that fed and cherished mankind in that rude wild age and poore infan∣cie of the world: but that I am forced to break the course of mine history, and preuented with a deep study and admiration arising from the truth and ground of experience, to consider, What maner of life it might be, to liue without any trees or shrubs at all growing out of the earth.

CHAP. I.

¶ Of Nations that haue no Trees nor Plants among them. Of wonderfull trees in the Northerly regions.

WEe haue shewed heretofore, that in the East parts verily toward the maine Ocean, there be many countries in that estate, to wit, altogether destitute of trees. In the [unspec M] North also I my selfe haue seene the people called * 1.1 Cauchi, as well the greater as the lesse (for so they be distinguished) where there is no shew or mention at all of any tree whatsoeuer. For a mightie great compasse, their Country lieth so vnder the Ocean,

and subiect to the tide, that twice in a day & night by turns, the sea ouer floweth a mighty deale [unspec A] of ground when it is floud, and leaues all dry again at the ebbe & return of the water: insomuch, as a man can hardly tell what to make of the outward face of the earth in those parts, so doubt∣full it is between sea and land. The poore silly people that inhabit those parts, either keep to∣gether on such high hils as Nature hath afforded here and there in the plain: or els raise mounts with their own labor and handy work (like to Tribunals cast vp and reared with turf, in a camp) aboue the height of the sea, at any spring tide when the floud is highest; and thereupon they set their cabbins and cottages. Thus dwelling as they do, they seeme (when it is high water, & that all the plain is ouerspread with the sea round about) as if they were in little barks floting in the midst of the sea: againe, at a low water when the sea is gone, looke vpon them, you would take them for such as had suffered shipwracke, hauing their vessels cast away, and left lying ato-side [unspec B] amid the sands: for ye shall see the poore wretches fishing about their cottages, and following after the fishes as they go away with the water: they haue not a four-footed beast among them; neither inioy they any benefit of milk, as their neighbour nations do: nay, they are destitute of all means to chase wild beasts, and hunt for venison; in as much as there is neither tree nor bush to giue them harbor, nor any neare vnto them by a great way. Sea-weeds or Reike, rushes and reeds growing vpon the washes and meers, serue them to twist for cords to make their fishing nets with. These poore souls and silly creatures are faine to gather a slimy kinde of fatty mud or oase, with their very hands, which they drie against the wind rather than the Sun: and with that earth, for want of other fuell, they make fire to seeth their meat (such as it is) and heat the inward parts of their body, ready to be starke and stiffe againe with the chilling North winde. [unspec C] No other drink haue they but rain water, which they saue in certain ditches after a shower, and those they dig at the very entry of their cottages. And yet see! this people (ss wretched and mi∣serable a case as they be in) if they were subdued at this day by the people of Rome, would say (and none sooner than they) that they liued in slauerie. But true it is, that Fortune spareth many men, to let them liue still in paine and misery. Thus much as touching want of woods and trees.

On the other side, as wonderfull it is to see the mighty forrests at hand thereby, which ouer∣spread all the rest of Germany: and are so big, that they yeeld both cooling and shade to the whole countrey: yea, the very tallest woods of all the rest are a little way vp higher in the coun∣trey, and not farre from the Cauchi abouesaid: and especially those that grow about the two [unspec D] great loughes or lakes in that tract. Vpon the banks wherof, as also vpon the sea-coasts, there are to be seene thick rows of big Okes, that loue their seat passing wel, and thriue vpon it in growth exceeding much: which trees happening to be either vndermined by the waues and billowes of the sea vnder them, eating within their roots, or chased with tempestuous winds beating from aboue, carry away with them into the sea (in manner of Islands) a great part of the Continent, which their roots doe claspe and embrace: wherewith being counterpoised and ballaised, they stand vpright, floting and making saile (as it were) amid the waues, by the means of their migh∣ty armes which serue in stead of tackling. And many a time verily, such Okes haue frighted our fleets and armadoes at sea, and especially in the night season, when as they seemed to come di∣rectly against their proes standing at anker, as if of purpose they were driuen vpon them by the [unspec E] waues of the sea: insomuch, as the sailers & passengers within, hauing no other means to escape them, were put to their shifts, and forced for to addresse themselues, and range a nauall battell in order, and all against trees, as their very enemies.

CHAP. II.

¶ Of the huge and great Forest Hercynia

IN the same North climat is the mighty forrest Hercynia. A huge and large wood this is, sto∣red with tall and big Okes, that neuer to this day were topt or lopt. It is supposed they haue been euer since the creation of the world, and (in regard of their eternall immortality) sur∣mounting all miracles besides whatsoeuer. And to let passe all other reports which happely [unspec F] would be thought incredible, this is knowne for certain, That the roots of the trees there, run and spread so far within the ground, that they encounter and meet one another: in which resi∣stance they swell and rise vpward, yea, and raise vp mounts of earth with them to a good height

in many places: or, where as the earth followes not, a man shal see the bare roots embowed arch∣wise, [unspec G] and mounting aloft as high as the very boughes: which roots are so interlaced, or els rub one against the other, striuing (as it were) not to giue place, that they make a shew of great por∣tailes or gates standing open so wide, that a whole troupe or squadron of horsmen may ride vp∣right vnder them in ordinance of battell.

CHAP. III.

¶ Of trees bearing Mast.

MAst tres they were all, for the most part, which the Romanes euer so highly honoured and held in best account.

CHAP. IV. [unspec H]

¶ Of the Ciuicke garland: and who were honoured with chaplets of Tree-leaues.

FRom Mast trees (and the Oke especially) came the Ciuicke coronets. And in very truth, these were the most honorable badges and ornaments that could possibly be giuen vnto souldiers and men of war, in regard of their vertue and man-hood: yea, and now for a good while, our Emperors haue had this chaplet granted vnto them, in token and testimony of cle∣mency: euer since that by our prophane and vnkind ciuill wars the world is grown to this passe, that it is reputed a singular demerit and gracious act, not to kill a citizen of Rome, but to let [unspec I] him liue. To this kind of garland, none other be comparable: for the Murall and Vallare coro∣nets (bestowed vpon them that either skaled the walls, or entred the breach first into an enemy city, or els mounted ouer the rampier of a camp) albeit they were of gold, and of greater price by far, yet they gaue place to these. Yea, the very Nauall coronets, fashioned like the three for∣ked pikes of ship beake-heads (wherewith they were honored, who had performed some braue seruice at sea) came behind these Ciuicke garlands, due to them who haue rescued citizens and saued them out of the enemies hands: and yet in these our daies there haue bin knowne two in that kind most renowned aboue the rest; whereof the one was bestowed vpon. M. Varro by Pom∣pey the Great, for defeating the pyrats, and for scouring and clearing the seas of them: the other likewise giuen to M. Agrippa, by [Augustus] Caesar, for vanquishing the Sicilians, who also were [unspec K] no better than rouers.

Now forasmuch as we are light vpon the mention of Naual or Rostrate coronets, this would be noted, That in old time the said brasen beake-heads of ships woon from the enemies, and set vpon the front of the Tribunall or publick pulpit in Rome, serued for an ornament to beautifie the Forum or common place of the city; so as the very body of the people of Rome seemed to be crowned and honored thereby. But after that the Tribunes in making seditious orations be∣gan to stamp and fare like mad men there, to trample (I say) vnder foot, and to pollute that sa∣cred place and those goodly ensignes; after that they fel once euery man to make his priuat and particular profit of the common good, without regard to aduance the weale publick; after that each one sought to strengthen and arm himself by the benefit of authority, and that to the wea∣kening [unspec L] of the main state, insomuch as they who were reputed by their place sacrosanct and in∣violable, polluted and prophaned all▪ then the said ornaments of beak-heads, which beautified the place vnder their feet, serued to adorne the heads of Roman citizens. So as, to returne again now to the aboue named Agrippa, Augustus Caesar gaue vnto him a Nauall coronet for subduing the Sicilian Pyrats: and himselfe receiued of mankind a Ciuick chaplet, for sparing the bloud, and sauing the liues of so many citizens.

In antient time they vsed to crowne none but the gods. And hereupon it is, that the Poet Homer speaketh of no garlands and chaplets but due to the celestiall & heauenly wights, or at leastwise in the name of a whole army, for victory atchieued in some notable battell: for to one man alone he alloweth not any, no not in regard of the better hand in combate or single fight. [unspec M] And to say a truth, the first that euer set a Garland vpon his owne head, was prince Bacchus, and the same was made of Iuie: but afterwards, those that sacrificed to the honour of gods, not on∣ly ware chaplets themselues, but also adorned therwith the heads of the very beasts which were appointed to be killed for sacrifice. In the end, the custome was taken vp to honour them with

garlands, who wan prizes at those sacred and solemne games, Olympia, Isthmia, Pythia, and Ne∣moea. [unspec A] Howbeit the manner was then, and so continueth to this day, To giue chaplets to the said victors, not in their own name, but in the behalfe of their natiue country, which by open procla∣mation they pronounce to be crowned and honored thereby. And hereof it came also, that such coronets and chaplets were granted to them that should triumph, yea and soone after to those also who had won the prise in any publick games, vpon condition to dedicate them to the tem∣ple of the gods.

To discourse what Roman citizen receiued this honor first of a chaplet or coronet, were a long peece of worke, and nothing pertinent to our purpose and matter in hand; considering that they were acquainted with none at all, but in regard of seruice performed in the wars. Yet thus much I may auer for certain, That no nation vnder heauen, nay put them all together, can shew [unspec B] so many sorts of chaplets and coronets, as this one state and people of Rome. K. Romulus crow∣ned Hostus Hostilius with a garland of bare greene leaues, for that in the forcing and ruining of Fidena, he brake first into the city and made way for the rest. This man was grandsire to Tullus Hostilius king of Rome. Semblably in the war against the Samnites, wherein Cornelius Cossus the Consull was L. Generall, the whole army crowned P. Decius the father with a chaplet of green leaues, who then was a martiall Tribune or Colonell ouer a regiment of souldiers, for that hee had saued and deliuered the said army.

But now to come againe to our Ciuicke garland, it was made at first of the Ilex or Holme tree leaues: afterwards men tooke a better liking to make it of the Aesculus, a tree consecrated to Iupiter. They staied not there, but changed soone after with the common oke; neither made they any precise choise, but tooke the leaues of that which came next hand, wheresoeuer they [unspec C] found it growing; prouided alwaies that it bare acorns: for all the honor of these garlands con∣sisted principally in the mast. Moreouer, there belong to these Ciuick garlands streight laws and ordinances, in which regard these chaplets be proud and stately: and we may be bold to compare them with that Paragon-coronet of the Greeks, which passeth al others, giuen solemn∣ly and published in the presence of Iupiter, and made of the wilde Oliue dedicated vnto him: comparable (I say) to any crowne or chaplet whatsoeuer; euen to that, for which a city in to∣ken of ioy, would not stick to lay open a * 1.2 breach in their very wall to receiue it when it should enter in. The lawes ordained in this behalfe run in this forme: Imprimis, He that is to enioy the ho∣nour of a Ciuicke chaplet, ought, first to haue rescued a citizen, and withall to kill the enemie in whose danger hee was. Item, It is required, That the enemies the same day held the verie ground and were Ma∣sters [unspec D] hereof, wherein the rescue was made and the seruice performed. Item, That the partie himselfe so sa∣ued, doe confesse the thing, for otherwise all the witnesses in the World auaile not in this case. Item, the man thus deliuered, must bee a free Citizen of Rome in anie hand: for sit case that hee were a King which was thus rescued, if hee were a stranger, and came onely amongst the auxiliaries to aide the Romanes, it would not boot, nor gaine any man this honour for to saue his life. Item, Say that the Generall himselfe were rescued and deliuered out of danger, the partie for his good seruice should haue no more honour done vnto him, than if hee had preserued but a simple common souldier, so hee were a Romane Citizen▪ for the makers of these ordinances aimed chiefely at the life of a Citizen whosoeuer hee was, without regard of any other circumstance. Item, Hee that was once crowned with this garland, was endued also with these priuiledges: That hee might weare it alwaies after, whensoeuer it pleased him: That so often as hee [unspec E] came in place of publicke playes or games, men should accustomably rise vp vnto him, yea, and the verie Senatours themselues, doe him honour in that sort: That hee should haue his place allowed him to sit next vnto those of Senatours degree: That both himselfe, and also his father and grandsire by the fathers side, should euer after bee exempt from all ciuile charges, and inioy full immunitie. Thus much concerning the lawes and priuiledges attending vpon the Ciuicke garland. Siccius Dentatus (as wee haue specified before) receiued foureteene of these chaplets for his good seruice: [Manlius] Capi∣tolinus six, and hee verily had one of them for rescuing Seruilius beeing Generall of the Armie. As for Scipio Africanus, hee refused this honour when it was offered and presented vnto him, for sauing the life of his owne father at the iourney and battaile of Trebia. O the ex∣cellent orders and customes of those times, worthie of immortalitie and euerlasting memorie! O the wisdome of men in those daies, who assigned no other reward for so braue exploits and [unspec F] singular workes, but honour onely? And whereas all other militarie coronets they enriched and adorned with gold, they would not set the life of a citizen at any price. A plaine and euident

profession of our ancestors and predecessors, That it is an vnlawfull and shameful thing to seem [unspec G] for to saue a mans life, in hope of any gaine and profit thereby.

CHAP. V.

¶ Of Mast, thirteene kinds.

MAny nations there be euen at this day, and such as inioy peace and know not what warre meaneth, whose wealth and riches lyeth principally in Mast: yea and elswhere in time of dearth and for want of other graine, folke vse to dry their mast, grind it into meale, tem∣per it with water, and thereof make dough for bread. Moreouer, euen at this day throughout Spaine, the manner is to serue vp acornes and mast to the table for a second seruice: and swee∣ter it is being rosted vnder the cinders and ashes, than otherwise. Ouer and besides, prouided it [unspec H] is by an expresse act and law of the twelue tables in Rome, that a man may gather the mast that falleth from his owne trees into another mans ground.

Diuers and sundry sorts there be of Mast, and their difference consisteth in the forme and fa∣shion of the fruit, in the site and scituation of the place, in the sex, and in the taste: for the mast of the Beech tree is of one figure and making, the Acorne (which is the mast of the Oke) ano∣ther; and the mast of the Holme or Ilex, differeth from them both: yea & in euery one of these kinds, they do vary one from another. Also, some are of trees growing wild; others more milde and gentle, louing places well tilled and ordered by husbandry. Some like the hilly countries, others the champaine and the plains. Semblably there is mast comming from the male trees: there is againe that groweth on the female. In like maner, the rellish & tast maketh a difference [unspec I] and diuersity in mast. The sweetest of all, is the Beech mast: for Cornelius Alexander reporteth, That the inhabitants of Chios, when they were streightly beleaguered, indured the siege a long time by the benefit & substance only of that mast. We are not able distinctly to specifie name by name, the sundry sorts of mast and the trees which beare the same, considering that in euery countrey they alter their names: for we see the Robur and the Oke to grow commonly euerie where, but the Esculus is not so rife in all countries. A fourth sort there is of the same kind, that is not known ordinarily in most places of Italy. We will therefore distinguish them according to their nature and properties: yea and when need shall require, by their Greeke names also.

CHAP. VI. [unspec K]

¶ Of the Beech mast, and other Masts: of Charcole; and the feeding of Hogs.

THe Beech mast is like to the kernell of a Chestnut, inclosed within a three cornered skin. The leafe of the tree is thin and very light, resembling that of the Poplar: it turneth yellow passing soone. In the middle whereof, for the most part, and in the vpper side, it bringeth forth a little green berrie, pointed sharpe at the toppe. The mast of Beech, Rats and Mice are much delighted in: mark therfore when there is store of that mast, ye shal haue as great increase of that vermin. It will feed also Reremice or Dormice fat: and the Ousels or Blackbirds take a great liking thereto, and wil flie vnto it. Lightly, all trees are most fruitful one yere than ano∣ther, and beare most euery second yeare; but aboue all, Beeches keepe this course. As touching [unspec L] Mast (which properly is so called) it groweth vpon the Robur, the common Oke, the Esculus, Cerrus, Ilex, and Cork tree. All kinds of mast are contained more or lesse, within a rough cup, which lieth close to the vtmost skin thereof, & claspeth it about. The leaues of all these mast trees, except the mast-Holme Ilex, be heauy, fleshie, large, waued or indented along the sides, neither be they yellow when they fall, as the Beech leaues are; longer also or shorter, according to the diuers trees whereupon they grow.

Of the Ilex or mast-Holme tree, there be two sorts. Those in Italy differ not much in lea•…•…e from the Oliue. Some Greeks call them Smilaces, but in other prouinces Aquifoliae. The mast of Ilex, both the one and the other, is shorter and slenderer than of the rest. Homer calleth it A∣cylon, by which name he distinguisheth it from other mast. The male Holmes (men say) beare [unspec M] no fruit. The best mast and the biggest, is the Acorn growing vpon the common Oke: next to it is that of the Esculus: as for that of the Robur, it is but small. The Cerrus carieth a mast vnplea∣sant to the eie, and rough to be handled, for clad it is with a cup beset with sharpe prickes like

to the Chestnut shell. Among the ver▪ Acornes, some haue a sweeter tast than others: the fe∣male [unspec A] Oke beareth those that be more soft and tender; the male, tough, thick, and massie: and the best simply are those that come of the broad leafed Oke, for so it is called by reason of the large leaues. Moreouer, there is another difference in mast and acornes, for some be bigger than o∣thers; againe, there are that haue thin and fine skins inclosing the kernel; and ye shal find others for them as thick skinned; likewise many of them are couered with a rough and rustie tunicle; and as many againe do shew immediatly their bare white skin and naked fleshy substance. Fur∣thermore, that mast is accounted good, which at both ends (taking it long-waies) groweth hard in manner of a stone: how beit that which hath an hard shell without, and a soft body within, is better than that which is hardened in the carnous substance of the body; and lightly neither of both these qualities happeneth to any but the male kind. Ouer and besides, some you shall find fashioned long like an egge▪ others as round as a ball; and a third sort sharp pointed. The out∣ward [unspec B] colour also yeeldeth variety: for some be blacker than other, but the whiter commonly •…•…e the better set by. Some are bitter toward the ends, and sweet in the mids. The length also & the shortnesse of the stele or taile whereto they hang, maketh a difference. The very tree it self cau∣seth diuersity of the fruit: for that Oke which beareth the biggest mast, is named Hemeris. A shorter tree this is than the rest, with a round head, and putting forth many hollow arm pits (as it were) of boughes and branches. The wood or timber of the ordinary and common Oke is tougher and harder than that of others, and lesse subiect to putrifaction: ful of arms & boughes it is, as the other, but it groweth taller and is thicker in the body. The highest of all, is the Aegi∣lops, which loueth to grow in wild and desart places. Next to it for talnesse, is the broad leafed Oke, but the timber therof is not so good and profitable for building, howsoeuer it be imploied [unspec C] for to make charcole: yet being once squared to that purpose, & cleft, it is subiect to the worm, and will soon rot: and for this cause, being in quarters, they vse not to make cole of it clouen, but of the solid and round boughs or branches thereof. And yet this kind of charcole serueth only the Bloom-smithies and furnaces; the hammer-mills also of brasse and copper-smithes, whom it standeth in great good stead and saueth them much fewell; for it burneth and consu∣meth no longer than the bellowes goe: let them leaue blowing once, presently the cole dieth; and so it lasteth long: for at euery new blast it is renewed againe and refreshed: otherwise it spar∣kleth very much and yeeldeth many cinders. But the charcole made of yong trees is the better. Now the maner of making them is this: when the wood is cut into many clefts & splents, fresh and green, they are heaped vp on high, and hollow, in manner of a furnace or chimney, and then [unspec D] well luted with clay in the top, and all about▪ which done, the pile of truncheons aforesaid, is set on fire within; and as the outward coat or crust of clay beginneth to wax hard, the workemen or colliers pierce it with poles and pearches, and make diuers holes therein for vent, and to let out the smokie vapor that doth sweat and breath from the wood. The worst of all other for timber or cole, is the oke named Haliphleos; a thicke barke it hath, and as big a body, but for the most part hollow and light like a spunge or mushrom: and there is not another besides it of all these kind of trees, that rotteth as it stands aliue. Besides, so vnfortunate it is, that the lightning smi∣teth it, as low as it groweth; for none of them ariseth to any great height: which is the cause that it is not lawfull to vse the wood thereof about the burning of any sacrifice. Seldome beareth it any Acorns, and those few that it hath, be exceeding bitter, so as no other beast will touch them [unspec E] but swine again; nor they neither, but for pure hunger, when they can meet with no other food. Moreouer, in this regard also reiected it is, and not emploied in any religious vse, for that with∣out blowing at the wood and cole thereof continually, it will not burne cleare and consume the sacrifice, but goeth out and lieth dead.

But to returne vnto our mast againe: that of the Beech tree feedeth swine quickely, maketh their flesh and lard faire and pleasant to the eie, tender to be soone sodden or rosted, light and easie of digestion, and good for the stomacke. The mast of the Holme causeth hogs to gather a more fast and compact flesh, their bodies to be neat, slender, lanke, and ponderous. Acornes doe engender a fleshy substance, more square and spreading, and the same also most heauy and har∣dest of digestion, and yet they are of all other kinds of mast, most sweet and pleasant. Next to [unspec F] them in goodnesse (by the testimony of Nigidius) is that of the tree Cerrus, neither is there bred of any other a courser flesh, howbeit hard it is, fast, and tough. As for the mast of Ilex, hogs are endangered by eating thereof, vnlesse it be giuen them warily by little and little. Hee sayth

moreouer, that of all other it falleth last. Moreouer, the mast of Esculus, Robur, and the Corke, [unspec G] causeth the flesh to be spungeous and hollow. To conclude, what trees soeuer beare mast, carry also certaine nuts called Galls: and lightly they are full of mast but each other yeare. But the oke Hemeris beareth the best gals, and fittest for the curriors to dresse their leather. The broad leafed Oke hath a kinde of Galls like vnto it, but lighter in substance, and not so good by far: it carrieth also blacke galls (for 2 sorts there be) and this is better for the dier to colour wooll.

CHAP. VII.

¶ Of the Gall-nuts: and how many other things Mast-trees doe beare besides Mast.

THe nuts called Galls, doe euer breake out all at once in a night, and namely about the be∣ginning [unspec H] of Iune, when the Sun is ready to goe out of the signe Gemini. The whiter sort thereof commeth to the growth in one day▪ and if in the first spring and breaking foorth thereof it be hot weather, it drieth and withereth out of hand, and commeth not to the full big∣nesse and perfection, namely to haue a kernell as much as a bean. The blacke of this kind conti∣nueth longer fresh and green, and groweth still, to the bignesse otherwhiles of an apple. The best galls be those of Comagena: the worst is that of the oke called Robur, which are knowne by the holes they haue, that may be seen through. The common oke Quercus, ouer and besides the fruit (which is the mast) beareth many other things; for it carieth both sorts of gal, the black and the white: certaine berries also like Mulberries, but that they be dry and hard, resembling [unspec I] for the most part a buls head, containing within them a fruit much like the kernels of the oliue. Moreouer, there grow vpon it certain little bals not vnlike to nuts, hauing soft flox within good to make candle-wiek or matches for lamps; for burn they wil without any oile, like as the black Gals. It beareth also other little pils or balls good for nothing, couered ouer with haire, & yet in the spring time they yeeld a certain juice or liquor like hony. Furthermore, there breed in the hollow arm-pits (as it were) of the boughes, other small pills setled or sticking close to the wood, and not hanging by any steles, which toward the nauill or bottome thereof are whitish; otherwise they be speckled all ouer with black spots, saue that in the mids between they are of a scarlet red colour: open them, and hollow they are within, but very bitter. Somtimes also this oke engendreth certain hard callosities, like Pumish stones; yea and other round balls made of the leaues folded one within another: on the backeside also of the leafe where it is reddish, yee shal find sticking certain waterish pearls, white and transparent or cleare within, so long as they [unspec K] be soft and tender, wherein there breed little flies or gnats: howbeit in the end they ripen and wax harder, in manner of Galls.

CHAP. VIII.

¶ Of the Catkin called Cachrys: the graine of Scarlet: of Aga∣ricke, and Corke.

THe Oke called Robur, bringeth forth likewise a certaine pendant chat or catkin, named in Greeke Cachrys: for so they terme the little pill, which is of a burning and causticke Na∣ture, and whereof there is vse in Physick for potentiall cauteries. The like groweth vpon [unspec L] Firres, Larch trees, Pitch trees, Lindens of Tillets, Nut-trees, and Planes, namely after that the leaues be falne; and abideth vpon the tree in winter time. These chats haue a kernel within like to those of the Pine-nuts. It beginneth to grow in winter, & by the spring time al of it openeth and spreadeth to the proofe; but when the leaues begin to bud and put forth, it falleth off. Thus you see how fruitfull these okes be, and how many things besides mast, they do bring forth: and yet they cease not nor giue ouer thus, for many times a man shall see certaine excrescences growing forth about their roots, such as toadstools & mushroms; the last deuises that our glut∣tons haue inuented to whet their appetite and stomacke, and to maintaine gourmandize. The common Oke breedeth the best of this kind: as for those that grow about the Oke Robur, the [unspec M] Cypresse, and Pine-tree, they are hurtfull to be eaten, and venomous. Moreouer, Hesiodus saith, that the Okes Robora do beare Miselto, and yeeld hony. True it is indeed, that the hony-dewes called Manna, falling from heauen (whereof we haue spoken before) light not vpon any other

leaues more than of those okes. Moreouer, this is known for certain, that the ashes of this Oke [unspec A] when it is burnt, hath a quality or taste of nitre or salt-peter.

Howbeit for all the riches and fruit that the Oke affourdeth, the Scarlet gra•…•… alone which commeth of the Ilex, challengeth yea and ouermatcheth it. This graine is no other than a very excrement or superfluity arising about the stem of the small shrub called Ilex Aquifolia, scra∣ped and pared off from it, like such refuse as they Cusculium or Quisquilium: but of such price it is, that the poore people of Spaine gather it, & make a good part of their reuenew thereby, euen as much as will pay halfe their tribute. As touching the commendable vse thereof in dy∣ing, we haue sufficiently spoken in the discourse of the purple tincture. This scarlet grain is in∣gendred also in Galatia, Africa, Pisidia, and Cicilia. But the worst of all other is that which commeth out of Sardinia.

As for Agaricke, it groweth in France principally vpon trees that beare mast, in manner of a [unspec B] white mushrom: of a sweet fauor, very effectuall in Physicke, and vsed in many Antidotes and soueraigne confections. It groweth vpon the head and top of trees: it shineth in the night, and by the light that it giueth in the darke, men know where and how to gather it.

Of all Mast-trees, the Oke called by the Greeks Aegylops, beare certaine drie excrescences swelling out like Touch-wood, couered all ouer with a hoary & hairy mosse, and these not only beare out from the bark of the fruit, but also hang downe from the boughes a cubit in length: and odoriserous they are, as we haue shewed in our treatise of Ointments.

Now concerning Corke, the wooddy substance of the tree is very small, the mast as bad, hol∣low, spungeous, and good for nothing. The barke only serueth for many purposes, which will [unspec C] grow again when the tree is barked, & that of such a thicknes, that it will beare 10 foot square. Much vse there is of it in ships, & namely for boys to an•…•…re cables; also for flotes to trainels or dragnets that fishers do occupy: moreouer in bungs & stoppels of barrels, bottles, and such like vessels. Finally, our gentlewomen and dainty dames haue the soles of their pantofles & winter∣shooes vnderlaid therewith. In regard of which barke, the Greeks call it by a pretty name, and not improperly, The bark tree, or the tree all barke. Howbeit some would haue it to be the fe∣male Ilex or Mast-Holm, and so they name it: and where there groweth no Ilex, in stead thereof they take Corke, especially in Carpentry, and cart-wrights worke, as about Elis and Lacedae∣mon. Neither groweth it in all parts of Italy, ne yet in any one quarter of France.

CHAP. IX. [unspec D]

¶ What trees they be that carry barke good for any vse.

THe peisants of the countrey and the rusticall people employ much, the barke also of Bee∣ches, Lindens or Tillets, Firs, and Pitch trees; for thereof they make sundry vessells, as paniers, baskets, and certain broad and wide hampers for to carry their corn and grapes in time of haruest and vintage, yea and otherwhiles they couer their cottages therewith. Moreo∣uer, spies vse to write in barks (when they be fresh and greene) intelligences to their captaines; grauing and drawing their letters so, as that the sap and iuice thereof couereth them. To con∣clude, the bark of the Beech tree is vsed in certain religious ceremonies of sacrifice: but when the tree is spoiled of the bark, it soone fadeth and dieth. [unspec E]

CHAP. X.

¶ Of Shindles: of the Pine tree, the wilde Pine, the Fir, Pitch tree, Larch tree, Torch tree, and the Yew.

THe bourds or shindles of the wild Oke called Robur, be of all others simply the best: and next to them, those which are made of other mast-trees, and especially of the Beech. The shindles are most easily rent or clouen out of all those trees which yeeld Rosin, but setting aside the Pine-wood only, none of them are lasting. Cornelius Nepos writeth, that the housen in Rome were no otherwise couered ouer head but with shindles, vntil the war with K. Pyrrhus, •…•…o [unspec F] wit, for the space of 470 yeres after the foundation of the city: and of a truth, the chiefe quarters of Rome were diuided & distinctly named by certain woods and groues neere adioining. And euen at this day there remaineth the quarter of Iupiter Fagutalis, where sometime stood a •…•…ust or

groue of Beeches: also the gate Querquetulana, bearing the name of an Oke row: likewise the [unspec G] hill Viminalis, from whence they vsed to fetch windings and bands of Osiers: and many other groues, whereof some were set double, and were two of a name. We reade in the Chronicles, that Q. Hortensius, Dictator for the time being, (when as the commons arose, and in that muti∣nie or insurrection forsooke the city and withdrew themselues to the fort Ianiculum) made a law & published it within a certain groue hard by, called Esculetum, where there grew a num∣ber of trees named Esculi: and the said statute ran in this forme, That whatsoeuer ordinance should be enacted by the said Commonaltie, it should bind all Citisens of Rome whomsoeuer to obserue and keepe.

In those daies the Pine and Fir, and generally all trees that yeeld pitch, were held for stran∣gers and aliéns, because none of them were knowne to grow neere vnto the city of Rome: wher∣of [unspec H] now we will speak, the rather because the beginning & whole maner of confecting and pre∣seruing wines might be thereby throughly knowne. First and formost, some of the trees afore∣said in Asia or in the East parts do bring forth pitch. In Europe there be six sorts of trees, see∣ming all of one race, which yeeld the same. Of which, the Pine and the Pinaster cary leaues thin and slender in manner of haires, long also and sharp pointed at the end. The Pine beareth least rosin of all others, howbeit otherwise some it hath in the very fruit thereof, which we call Pine nuts or apples (wherof we haue already written) yet so little it is, that hardly a man would rec∣kon the Pine among those kinde of trees that yeeld rosin. The Pinaster is nothing els but the wild Pine: it growes wonderful tall, putting forth arms from the mids of the trunk or body vp∣ward; wheras the other Pine brancheth only in the head. This of the twain is more plentifull [unspec I] in rosin, whereof we will speake more anon. These wild Pines grow also vpon plains. There be trees vpon the coast of Italy, which mencal Tibuli, and many think they be the same, although they carry another name: slender they are and shorter, altogether without knots, and little Rosin they haue in them or none: but they serue well for shipwrights, to build frigats & brigandines.

The Pitch tree loueth the mountains and cold grounds, a deadly and mournful tree it is, for they vsed in old time to sticke vp a branch thereof at the dores of those houses where a dead corps was, to giue knowledge therof abroad: and commonly it grew green in churchyards and such places, where the maner was to burn the bodies of the dead in funeral fires: but now adays it is planted in courtyards and gardens neer our houses, because it may be easily kept with cut∣ting and shredding, it brancheth so well. This tree puts forth great aboundance of rosin, with [unspec K] white grains or kernels comming between, so like vnto frankincense, that if it be mixt therwith, vnneth or hardly a man may discern the one from the other by the eye. And hereupon it com∣meth, that Druggists and Apothecaries do sophisticate frankincense, and deceiue folk with it. All the sort of these trees are leaued with short thick and hard pricky bristles in manner of the Cypres. The Pitch tree beginneth to shoot forth branches euen from the very root almost, and those be but small, bearing out like armes, and sticking one against another in the sides. Sem∣blably do the Fir trees, which are so much sought for to serue shipping: and yet this tree de∣lighteth in the highest mountains, as if it fled from the sea of purpose, and could not away with it: and surely the form and maner of growing is all one with the pitch tree. The wood thereof is principal good timber for beams, and fitteth our turn for many other necessaries of this life. [unspec L] Rosin if it be found in the Fir is thought a fault in the wood, whereas the only commoditie of the pitch tree is her rosin; and yet somtime there frieth and sweateth out a little thereof in the extreme heate of the sun. The timber of them both is not alike, for that of the Fir is most faire and beautifull; the pitch tree wood serueth only for clouen lath or rent shindles, for coopers to make tubs and barrels, and for some few other thin boords and painels.

As for the Larch tree, which is the fift kind of those that beare rosin, like it is to the rest, and loueth to grow in the same places: but the timber is better by ods, for it rots not, but will last and endure a long time: the tree wil hardly be killed: besides, it is red of colour, & caries an ho∣ter and stronger sme! than the other. There issueth forth of the tree as it growes, good store of liquid rosin, in colour like hony, somwhat more clammy, which will neuer grow to be hard. [unspec M]

A sixt sort there is of these trees, and it is properly called Teda [〈◊〉〈◊〉. the Torch tree:] the same yeelds more plenty of moisture and liquor than the rest: lower it is of growth than the Pitch∣tree, but more liquid and thin: very commendable also to maintain fire at sacrifices, & to burn in torches for to giue light. These trees, I mean the male only, bring forth that strong and stin∣king

rosin, which the Greeks call Syce. Now if it happen that the Larch tree proue Teda, [i. to [unspec A] be Torch-wood] it is a signe that it doth putrifie and is in the way of dying.

The wood of all these kinds before named, if it be set a fire, maketh an exceeding grosse and thick smoke, and presently turneth into a cole, spitting and sparkling a far off; except that on∣ly of the Larch tree, which neither burneth in light flame, nor maketh cole, ne yet consumeth in the fire otherwise than a very stone.

All these trees whereof we speake continue greene all the yeare long: and very like they are in leafe, that men otherwise of cunning and good experience, haue enough to do to discern one from the other by it, so neere of kin they be, and their race so much intermingled. But the pitch tree is not so tall as the Larch: for the Larch is thicker in body, of a thinner and lighter barke, more shag leaued, and the said leaues fattier, growing thicker, more pliable, and easier to wind and bend: whereas the leaues of the pitch tree hang thinner, they be of a drier substance, more [unspec B] slender and subiect to cold: and in one word, the whole tree is more rough and hideous to see to, and withall, full of rosin: the wood also resembleth the Firre, rather than the Larch.

The Larch tree, if it be burnt to the very stumpe of the root, will not spring againe and put forth new shoots: whereas the pitch tree liueth stil for all the fire, and wil grow afresh: the ex∣perience whereof was seen in the Island Lesbos, at what time as the Forrest Pyrrhaeum was set on fire, and clean burnt to the ground.

Moreouer, euery one of these kinds differ in the very sex: for the male of each kind is shorter and harder: the female taller, hauing fattier leaues, and the same soft and plain, & nothing stif and rugged. The wood of the male is tough, and when it is wrought keepeth not a direct grain, but windeth and turneth, so as the carpenter must goe euery way about it with axe and plaine: [unspec C] contrariwise that of the female is more frim and gentle. And commonly the axe or the hatchet wil tell the difference of male and female in any tree; for what wood soeuer it be, it will soone find and feele the male: for hardly is it able to enter, but either turnes edge, or rebounds again: and whether a man hew or cleaue withall, it maketh more crashing and a greater noise where it setleth and taketh hold; it sticketh also faster, and with more ado is plucked forth. Moreouer, the very wood of any male tree is of a more brown and burnt colour, yea, and the root of a blac∣ker hew.

About the forrest Ida within the territory of Troas, there is another distinction of trees in the same kind: for some grow vpon the mountaines, others toward the coast on the sea side. In Macedony, Arcadia, and about Elis, these trees eftsoons change their names, so that the Greek [unspec D] writers are not agreed how to distinguish their seueral sorts, and range them in their due kind. I therefore haue exprest them according to the iudgment of Roman and Latine Authors.

Of al the trees aboue named, the Firs surpasse for bignesse, and the femals are the taller. The timber also is more frim and soft, more profitable also, and easier to be wrought: the tree it self rounder, and so it brancheth archwise: the boughes as they resemble wings stretched out and displaied, so they stand so thicke with leaues, that they will beare off a good shower, insomuch as no rain is able to pierce through. In sum, the female Firre is far more louely and beautifull euery way than the male.

All the sort of these foresaid trees, saue onely the Larch, beare certain knobs like Catkins or Chats, composed (as it were) of many scales wrought one ouer another, and those hang downe [unspec E] dangling at the branches. These knobs or clogs in the male Firre haue in the vpper end a ker∣nel within: but those of the femal haue no such thing. Moreouer, the pitch tree as it hath such catkins lesse and slenderer; so all within, from one end to the other, the kernels be passing little and black withall, like to lice or fleas, which is the reason that the Greekes call it Phthiropho∣•…•…os, The said catkins of the male pitch trees are more flat, and nothing so round as those of the females, lesse gummie a•…•…so, and not so moist of the rosin.

To come now to the Yugh, because we would ouerpasse none: it is to see to like the rest, but that it is not so green; more slender also and smaller, vnpleasant and fearefull to looke vpon, as a cursed tree, without any liquid substance at all: and of these kind of trees, it alone beares ber∣ries. The fruit of the male is hurtful: for the berries in Spain especially haue in them a deadly [unspec F] poison. And found it hath bin by experience, that in France the wine bottles made thereof for wavfaring men and trauellers, haue poisoned and killed those that drunke out of them. Sestius saith, That the Greekes call it Smilax: and that in Arcadia it is so venomous, that whosoeuer

take either repose or tepast vnder it, are sure to die presently. And hereupon it commeth, that [unspec G] those poisons wherewith arrow heads be invenomed, after some were called in times past Taxi∣ca, which wee now name Toxica. But to conclude, it is seen by good proofe, that if a brasen wedge or spike be driuen into the very body of the tree, it loseth all the venomous nature, and becommeth harmlesse.

CHAP. XI.

¶ How to make all kinds of Pitch. The maner how Cedrium is made. Also, of thicke Pitch, how it is made; and in what sort Rosin is boiled.

THe liquid Pitch or Tar throughout all Europe is boiled out of the Torch tree: and this [unspec H] kind of pitch serueth to calke ships withall, and for many other vses. Now the manner of drawing Tarre out of this tree, is, to cut the wood thereof into pieces, and when they are piled vp hollow into an heape, to make a great fire within, as it were vnder a furnace, being clai∣ed without-forth: thus with the heate of the fire it doth fry and seeth again. The first liquour that sweateth and issueth forth runneth cleare as water, in a channell or pipe made for the pur∣pose, and this the Syrians cal Cedrium: which is of such force and efficacy, that in Egypt they vse to embalme the dead bodies of men and women departed, and keep them from putrefacti∣on. At the next running it is thicker, and this second liquor is very pitch. Howbeit this is cast again into certaine coppers or cauldrons of brasse, and together with vineger sodden a second time, vntill it come to a thick * 1.3 consistence: and when it is thus thickened, it taketh the name [unspec I] of Brutian pitch, good only for tuns, barrells, and other such vessels. Much like it is to the for∣mer pitch, but that it is more glutinous and clammy, redder also of colour, and more fatty. And thus much concerning the pitch made of the Torch tree.

As for that which comes of the pitch tree, the rosin thereof is drawne with red hot stones in certain vessels made of strong and thick oken planks: or in default thereof, the wood is clouen into pieces, and piled together after the order of a charcole hearth, & so the pitch boiles forth. The vse hereof when it is beaten into a kind of meale or pouder, is to be put into wine, and it is of a blacker colour than the rest. The same pitch-rosin, if it be boiled more lightly with water, and be let to run through a strainer, comes to a reddish colour, and is glewie: and thereupon it is called stilled Pitch. And for this purpose lightly, is set by the more grosse and faultie sub∣stance of the rosin, together with the bark of the tree. But there is another composition and ma∣ner [unspec K] of making of pitch, that serueth for heady wine, called Crapula. For the floure of the Rosin is taken green and fresh, as it distilleth from the tree, together with a good quantitie of small, thin, and short spils or chips of the tree plucked away with the same: the same are minced or shred so small, as they may passe through a sieue or a riddle: which don, all is put into scalding water, and there boileth vntill it be incorporate with the water. The fat substance that is strai∣ned and pressed from hence, is the excellent pitch Rosin, hard to come by, and not to be found in Italy, vnlesse it be in few places vnder the Alps, and very good it is in physick. Now to make it passing white, there must be taken one galon of the rosin, & sodden in two gallons of rain wa∣ter. But some think it the better way to seeth it a whole day together at a soft fire, without any [unspec L] matter at all, in a pan or vessell of Latton. Others there be likewise that boile Turpentine in a hot frying pan, and are of opinion, that this is the best of all others. And the next to it in good∣nesse is the Lentiske rosin, called Mastich.

CHAP. XII.

¶ Of the Pitch Zopissa, which is scraped from ships: and of Sapium. Also what trees are in request for their timber.

IT would not be forgotten, that the Greeks haue a certaine Pitch, scraped together with wax from the ships that haue lien at sea, which they Zopissa (so curious are men to make experi∣ments [unspec M] and try conclusions in euery thing:) and this is thought to be much more effectuall for all matters that pitch and rosin are good for, by reason of the fast temperature that it hath gotten by the salt water.

For to draw rosin out of the * Pitch-tree, it must be opened on the Sun side, not by giuing a * 1.4 [unspec A] slit or gash in the bark, but by cutting out a peece therof, so that the tree may gape and lie bare two foot at the most: and from the earth, this wound to be at least a cubite. Neither doe they spare the entire bodie and wound of the tree, as they do in the rest: for there is no danger therof, considering that the very chips of the wood being cut out, are ful of liquor, and do serue to make pitch. But the nearer that the said ouerture or hole is made to the earth, the better is the rosin that issues forth: for if it be higher it is better. When this is don, all the humor afterwards run∣neth to the vlcer ot incision aforsaid, from euery part of the tree. The like it doth in the Torch pine. When it hath left running to the first hole, there is a second likewise made on another side, and so still is the tree opened euery way: vntill at length tree and all is hewn downe, and the very pith and marrow thereof serueth for Torch wood to burne. Semblably, in Syria they vse [unspec B] to plucke the barke from the Terebinth: yea, and they pill the boughes and roots too for Terpentine, howsoeuer in other trees the rosin issuing out of those parts, is not counted good, in Macedonie the manner is to burne the male Larch, but the roots onely of the female for to draw out pitch. Theopompus wrate, that there is found in the territorie of the Apolloniats, a kind of minerall pitch, called Pis•…•…asphaltum, nothing inferiour in goodnesse to the Macedonian.

The best pitch in all countries, is that which is gathered from trees, standing vpon the North wind, and in places exposed to the Sunne-shine. As for that which commeth from shadowie places, it is more vnpleasant to the eie, and carieth besides a strong and stinking sauor. If it bee a cold and hard winter, the pitch then made is the worse, there is also lesse store of it, & nothing is it so well coloured. Some are of opinion, That the pitch issueth in more abundance out of [unspec C] trees in the mountaines, also that it is better colored, sweeter in tast, more pleasant also in smel•…•… namely, while it is raw pitch-rosin, and as it runneth from the tree: but if it be boiled, it yeelds lesse plentie of pitch than that which commeth of trees in the plain, and runneth all into a thin liquor in manner of whey, yea, and the very trees themselues are smaller. But both the one and the other, as wel the mountain pines and pitch-trees, as those of the plaines, yeeld not so much pitch in a faire and drie season, as when the weather is rainy and full of clouds. Moreouer, some there be of these trees that yeeld forth fruit (which is their rosin) the very same yere that imme∣diately followeth their incision; others, two yeares after; yea, and some again in the third yeare. As for the incision or open wound that is made, it filleth vp with rosin: for neither doth it sou∣der or vnite in manner of a skar, ne yet closeth the barke againe: for in this tree, being once di∣uided [unspec D] it will neuer come together and meet.

Among these trees, some haue reckoned one kind by it selfe named Sapium, because it is re∣planted and groweth of some of the sions or imps of the said trees, in maner as hath been shew∣ed before in our treatise of nut-kernells. The neather parts of which tree they call Teda [i. Torch-wood:] whereas indeed this tree is no other than the Pitch-tree, brought to a more mild and gentle nature by transplanting. As for that which the Latines call Sapinus, it is no∣thing else but the wood or timber of these kinde of trees, being hewed or cut downe, as well * 1.5 herafter declare in place conuenient.

CHAP. XIII. [unspec E]

¶ Of the Ash, foure kinds thereof.

THere be many trees besides that Nature hath brought forth, only for their wood and tim∣ber: and among them the Ash, which of all others, growes most plentifully in euery place. A tall tree this is & grows round, bearing leaues set in maner of feathers or wings; much ennobled by the praise and commendation that the Poet Homer giueth it, as also for the speare or launce of Achilles, made thereof. And in very truth, the wood serueth right well for many vses. As for the timber of the ash, growing vpon the forrest Ida in Troas, it is so like the citron. wood, that when the barke is off, a man may hardly discerne the one from the other, insomuch, as the merchants and chapmen are deceiued therewith.

The Greekes haue made two kinds of the Ash: the one runneth vp tall and euen without a [unspec F] knot: the other is lower, more tough and hard, and withall, of a more browne and duskish color: and the leaues resemble the Lawrell. In Macedony they haue an Ash, which they cal Bumelia, which of all other is the tallest and biggest, the wood thereof is most pliable and bending. O∣thers

haue put a difference betweene Ashes, according to the places: for that of the plaine and [unspec G] champion countrey, hath a more curled or frisled graine than the other of the mountaines, but contrariwise, the wood of this is more compact and harder than the other. The leaues of this tree, according to the Greeks, are hurtfull, venomous and deadly to Horses, Mules, and such la∣boring garrons; but otherwise to beasts that chew the cud, they be harmlesse. Howbeit, in Italy if horses, &c. do brouse of the leaues, they take no harme thereby. Moreouer, they be excellent good, and nothing so soueraigne can be found against the poison of serpents, if the juice therof be pressed forth and giuen to drinke; or to cure old vlcers, if they be applied and laid thereto in manner of a Cataplasme: nay, so forcible is their vertue, that a serpent dareth not come neare vnto the shadow of that tree, either morning or euening, notwithstanding at those times it rea∣cheth farthest; you may be sure then they will not approch the tree it selfe, by a great way. And [unspec H] this am I able to deliuer by the experience which I haue seene, that if a man doe make a round circle with the leaues thereof, and enuiron therwith a serpent and fire together within, the ser∣pent will chuse rather to go into the fire, than to flie from it to the leaues of the Ash. A won∣derfull goodnesse of dame Nature, that the Ash bloometh and flourisheth alwaies before that serpents come abroad; and neuer sheddeth leaues, but continueth greene, vntill they be retired into their holes, and hidden within the ground.

CHAP. XIIII.

¶ Of the Line or Linden tree, two sorts thereof.

GReat difference there is euery way between the male & female Linden tree: for, the wood [unspec I] of the male is hard and knottie, of a redder colour also, and more odoriferous than the fe∣male. The barke moreouer is thicker, and when it is plucked from the tree, it is stiffe, and will not bend. It beareth neither seed nor floure, as the female doth: which also is rounder and bigger in bodie, and the wood is whiter, more faire and beautifull by farre than is the male. A strange thing it is to consider, that there is no liuing creature in the world will touch the fruit of the Linden tree, and yet the juice both of leaf and barke is sweet ynough. Between the bark and the wood of this tree there be thin pellicles or skins lying in many folds together, whereof are made bands & cords called Brazen ropes. The finest of these pellicanes or membrans serued in old time for to make labels and ribbands belonging to chaplets, and it was reputed a great [unspec K] honor to weare such. The timber of the Linden or Tillet tree will neuer be worm-eaten. * 1.6 The tree it selfe is nothing tall, but of a meane height, howbeit the wood is very commodious.

CHAP. XV.

¶ Ten kinds of the Maple tree.

THe Maple in bignesse is much about the Linden tree: the wood of it is very fine and beau∣tifull, in which regard, it may be raunged in the second place, and next to the very Citron tree. Of Maples there be many kinds: to wit, the white, and that is exceeding faire and bright indeed, growing about Piemont in Italie, beyond the riuer Po, & also beyond the Alps, [unspec L] and this is called the French Maple. A second kind there is, which hath a curled graine run∣ning too and fro with diuers spots; the more excellent worke whereof, resembling the eies in the Peacockes taile, thereupon took also the name. And for this rare and singular wood, the countries of Istria and Rhaetia be chiefe. As for that which hath a thicke and great graine, it is called Crassiuenium of the Latines, and is counted to be of a baser kind. The Greekes distin∣guish Maples by the diuerse places where they grow. For that of the champion or plaine coun∣trey (which they name Glinon) is white, and nothing crisped: contrariwise, the wood of the mountaine Maple is harder and more curled, and namely, the male of that sort, and therefore it is in great request for most exquisite and sumptuous workes. A third sort they name Zygia, which hath a reddish wood, and the same easie to cleaue: with a barke of a swert colour, and rough in handling. Others would haue it to be no Maple, but rather a tree by it selfe, and in La∣tine [unspec M] they call it Carpinus.

CHAP. XVI. [unspec A]

¶ Of the Bosses, Wennes, and Nodosities, called Bruscum and Molluscum. Of the wild Fisticke or Bladder nut-tree called Staphyloden∣dron: also three kinds of the Box tree.

THe bunch or knurre in the Maple, called Bruscum, is passing faire, but yet that wich is na∣med Molluscum, excelleth it. Both the one and the other swell like a wen out of the Ma∣ple. As for the Bruscum, it is curled and twined after a more crawling and winding man∣ner; whereas the Molluscum is spread with a more direct and strait course of the grain. And certes, if there might be plankes hereof found broad enough to make tables, doubtlesse they would be esteemed and preferred before those of the Citron wood. But now it serueth only for [unspec B] writing tables, for painels also and thin bords in wainscote work, to set out beds heads and see∣lings, and such are seldome seen. As for Bruscum, there be tables made of it inclining to a blac∣kish color. Moreouer, there be found in Alder trees such nodosities; but not so good as those, by how much the wood of the Alder it selfe is inferior to the Maple, for beauty and costlines. The male Maples do put forth leaues and flourish before the female. Yea, and those that grow vpon dry grounds are ordinarily better esteemed than those of moist and waterish places, in like sort as the ashes.

Beyond the Alps there is a kind of bladder Nut-tree; whereof the wood is very like to the white white Maple, and the name of it is Staphylodendron. It beareth certain cods, and with∣in [unspec C] the same, kernels in tast like the Filberd or Hazell-nut.

Now for the Box tree, the wood thereof is in as great request as the very best: seldom hath it any grain crisped damask-wise, and neuer but about the root, the which is dudgin and ful of work. For otherwise the grain runneth streight and euen without any wauing: the wood is sad enough and weighty: for the hardnesse thereof and pale yellow colour much set by and right commendable. As for the tree it selfe, gardeners vse to make arbors, borders, and curious works thereof. Three sorts there be of the Box tree: the first is called the French Box, it groweth ta∣per-wise, sharp pointed in the top, and runneth vp to more than ordinarie height. The second is altogether wild, and they name it Oleastrum, good for no vse at all, and besides careith a strong and stinking sauor with it. The third is our Italian box, and so called. Of a sauage kind I take [unspec D] this to be also: howbeit by setting and replanting brought to a gentle nature. This spreadeth and brancheth more broad, and herewith a man shall see the borders and partitions of quarters in a garden, growing thick and green all the yeare long, and kept orderly with cutting and clip∣ping. Great store of box trees are to be seen vpon the Pyrenaean hils, the Cytorian mountains, and the whole Berecynthian tract. The thickest and biggest Box trees be in Corsica, and they beare a louely and amiable floure, which is the cause that the hony of that Island is so bitter, there is not a beast that will eat the fruit or grain thereof. The Boxes of Olympus in Macedo∣nie are more slender than the rest, and but low of growth. This tree loueth cold grounds▪ yet lying vpon the Sun. The wood is as hard to burn as iron: it will neither flame nor burn cleare it selfe, nor serue to make charcole of. [unspec E]

CHAP. XVII.

¶ Of the Elme foure kinds.

BEtween these wild trees abouesaid, and those that bear fruit, the Elm is reckoned of a mid∣dle nature, in regard of the wood and timber that it affords, as also of the friendship & ac∣quaintance that it hath with vines. The Greekes acknowledge two sorts thereof, namely, one of the mountains, which is the taller and the bigger; and the other of the plaines & cham∣pion, which is rather more like a shrub, the branches that it shooteth forth are so smal and slen∣der. In Italy men hold the Elmes about Atinum to be the tallest, and of those they prefer them [unspec F] which grow in dry grounds, and haue no water comming to them, before those by riuers sides. A second sort of them, which are not all out so great, they call the French Elmes. The third kinde be the Italian Elmes, thicker growne with leaues than the rest, and those proceeding in greater number from one stem. In the fourth place be ranged the wilde Elmes. The Atinian

Elmes aboue said beare no Samara (for so they cal the seed or grain of the Elme.) All the kind [unspec G] of them are planted of sets taken from the roots, whereas others come of seeds.

CHAP. XVIII.

¶ The nature of trees as touching the place where they grow.

HAuing thus discoursed in particular of the most famous and noble trees that are, I think it not amisse to say somewhat of their natures in generall. And first to beginne with the mountain high countries: the Cedar, the Larch, and the Torch-tree loue to grow among the hills; like as all the rest that ingender rosin: semblably, the Holly, the Box tree, the Mast-Holme, the Iuniper, the Terebinth, the Poplar, the wilde Ash Ornus, the Cornell tree, and the Carpin. Vpon the great hill Apennine there is a shrub named Cotinus, with a red or purple [unspec H] wood, most excellent for in-laid works in Marquetry. As for Firs, the wild hard okes (Robora) Chestnut trees, Lindens, Mast-holmes, and Cornell trees, they can away with hills and vallies indifferently. The Maple, the Ash, the Seruis tree, the Linden, and the cherry tree, delight in the mountains neere to waters. Lightly a man shall not see vpon any hills, Plum trees, Pomegranat trees, wild Oliues, Walnut trees, Mulberry trees, and Elders. And yet the Cornel tree, the Ha∣sel, the common Oke, the wild Ash, the Maple, the ordinary Ash, the Beech, and the Carpin, are many times found to come downe into the plaines: like as the Elme, the Apple tree, the Peare tree, the Bay tree, the Myrtle, the Bloud shrubs, the Holme, and the Broome (which naturally is so good for to dry clothes) do as often climbe vp the mountains. The Servis tree gladly grow∣eth in cold places, so doth the Birch, and more willingly of the twaine. This is a tree which is [unspec I] meere French, and came first out of France: it sheweth wonderfull white, and hath as fine and small branches or twigs, which are so terrible to the offenders, as wherewith the Magistrates rods are made for to execute justice. And yet the wood of this tree is passing good for hoopes, so pliable it is and easie to bend: the twigs thereof serue also for to make paniers and baskets. In France they vse to boile the wood, and thereof draw a glutinous and clammy slime in maner of Bitumen. In the same quarters there loueth to grow for company the white thorn, which in old time they were wont to burne for torches at weddings, and it was thought to be the most fortunate and lucky light that could be deuised, because (as Massurius reporteth) the Romane shepheards and heardmen who rauished the Sabine maidens, were furnished euery one with a branch thereof to make them torches. But now adaies the Carpine and Hazel are commonly vsed for such nuptial lights. The Cypres, walnut, Chestnut trees, and the Laburnum, cannot in [unspec K] any wise abide waters. This last named is a tree proper to the Alps, not commonly known: the wood thereof is hard and white: it beares a blossom of a cubit long, but Bees will not settle vp∣on it. The plant likewise called Iovis Barba, so handsom to be cut in arbors and garden works, which groweth so thicke and round withall, full of leaues, and those of a siluer colour, hates wa∣terie places. Contrariwise, Willows, Alders, Poplars, and Osiars, & the Privet which is so good for to make dice, will not grow well and prosper but in moist grounds. Also the Vacinia or Whortles, set and sowed in Italy for the Fowlers to catch birds withall; but in France for the purple colour, wherewith they vse to die clothes for their seruants and slaues.

To conclude, this is a generall rule, What trees soeuer will grow indifferently as well vpon [unspec L] hills as plaines, arise to be taller, bigger, and carry a fairer head to see to in the low champion grounds: but timber is better, and caries a more beautifull grain vpon the mountaines, except only Apple trees and Pyrries.

CHAP. XIX.

¶ A diuision of Trees according to their generall kinds.

MOreouer, some trees lose their leaues, others continue alwaies green. And yet there is a∣nother difference of trees before this, and whereupon this dependeth. For trees there be which are altogether wild and sauage: there be again which are more gentle and ciuil: and these names me thinks are very apt to distinguish them. Those trees therefore which are so [unspec M] kind and familiar vnto vs, as to serue our turns either with their fruit which they bear, or shade which they yeeld, or any other vertue or property that they haue, may be very aptly and fitly be called ciuill and domesticall.

CHAP. XX. [unspec A]

¶ Of Trees that neuer shed their leaues: also of Rhododendron.

AMong these trees and plants which are of the gentle kind, the Olive, the Lawrel, the Date tree, Myrtle, Cypres, Pines, Ivy, and the Oleander, lose not their leaues. As for the Olean∣der, although it be called the Sabine herb, yet it commeth from the Greeks, as may ap∣peare by the name Rhododendron. Some haue called it Nerion; others Rhododaphne: it con∣tinueth alwaies green leafed, beareth floures like roses, and brancheth very thicke. Hurtfull it is and no better than poison, to Horses, Asses, Mules, Goats, and Sheepe; and yet vnto man it serueth for a countrepoyson, and cureth the venom of serpents.

CHAP. XXI. [unspec B]

¶ What trees shed not their leaues at all: which they be that lose them but in part: and in what countries all trees are euer greene.

OF the wild sort, the Fir, the Larch, the wilde Pine, the Iuniper, the Cedar, the Terebinth, the Box tree, the Mast-holme, the Holly, the Cork tree, the Yew, and the Tamariske, be green all the yeare long. Of a middle nature between these two kinds aboue named, are the Adrachne in Greece, and the Arbut or Strawberry tree in all countries: for these lose the leaues of their waterboughs, but are euer green in the head. Among the shrubs kind also there is a certain bramble and Cane or Reed, which is neuer without leaues. In the territorie of Thu∣rium [unspec C] in Calabria, where somtime stood the city Sybaris, within the prospect from the said Ci∣tie, there was an Oke aboue the rest to be seen, alwaies green and ful of leaues, and neuer began to bud new before Midsummer: where by the way I maruel not a little, that the Greek writers deliuered thus much of that tree in writing, and our countrymen afterwards haue not written a word thereof. But true it is, that great power there is in the clymat, insomuch as about Mem∣phis in Egypt, and Elephantine in the territorie of Thebais, there is not a tree, not so much as the very Vine, that sheddeth leaues.

CHAP. XXII.

¶ The nature of such leaues as fall from trees: and what [unspec D] leaues they be that change colour.

ALl trees without the range of those before rehearsed (for to reckon them vp by name par∣ticularly were a long and tedious piece of work) do lose their leaues in winter. And ve∣rily this hath bin found and obserued by experience, that no leaues doe fade and wither, but such as be thinne, broad, and soft. As for such as fall not from the tree, they be commonly thick skinned, hard, and narrow: and therefore it is a false principle and position held by some, That no trees shed their leaues which haue in them a fatty sap or oleous humiditie: for who could euer perceiue any such thing in the Mast-holme? a drier tree there is not, and yet it hol∣deth alwaies green. Timaeus (the great Astrologer and Mathematician) is of opinion, that the [unspec E] Sun being in the signe Scorpio, he causeth leaues to fall, by a certain venomous and poysoned infection of the aire, proceeding from the influence of that maligne constellation. But if that were true, we may wel and iustly maruell, why the same cause should not be effectuall likewise in all other trees. Moreouer, we see that most trees do let fall their leaues in Autumne: & some are longer ere they shed, continuing green vntill winter be come. Neither is the timely or slow fall of the leafe long of the early or late budding: for wee see some that burgen and shoot out their spring with the first, and yet with the last shed their leaues and become naked: as namely the Almond trees, Ashes, and Elders. And contrariwise the Mulberry tree putteth forth leaues with the latest, and is one of them that soonest sheddeth them again. But the cause hereof lies much in the nature of the soile: for the trees that grow vpon a leane, dry, and hungry ground, [unspec F] do sooner cast leafe than others: also old trees become bare before yonger; and many of them also lose their leaues before their fruit be fully ripe: for in the Fig tree, that commeth and bea∣•…•…th late, in the winter Pyrry, and Pomegranate, a man shall see in the later end of the yere fruit

only, and no leaues vpon the tree. Now as touching those trees that continue euer greene, you [unspec G] must not think that they keep still the same leaues, for as new come, the old wither & fal away: which hapneth commonly in mid-Iune about the Summer Sunne-stead. For the most part, the leaues in euery kind of tree do hold one and the same colour, and continue vniform, saue those of the Poplar, Ivy, and Croton, which wee said was called also Cici [i•…•… est, Ricinus, or Palma Christi.]

CHAP. XXIII.

¶ Three sorts of Poplar: and what leaues they be that change their shape and figure.

OF Poplars there be found three sundry kinds, to wit, the white, the blacke, and that which [unspec H] is named * 1.7 Lybica, or the Poplar of Guynee: this hath least leaues, and those of all o∣ther blackest: but mow commendable they are for the fungous meazles (as it were) that come forth thereof. As for the white Poplar leafe, the leaues when they be yong, are as round as if they were drawn with a paire of compasses, like vnto those of Citron before named: but as they grow elder, they run out into certain angles or corners. Contrariwise, the Ivy leaues at the first be cornered, and afterwards become round. All Poplar leaues are full of downe: as for the white Poplar (which is fuller of leaues than the rest) the said downe flieth away in the aire like to mossie chats or Thistle-downe. The leaues of Pomegranats and Almond trees stand much vpon the red colour. But very strange it is and wonderfull which hapneth to the Elme, Tillet, or [unspec I] Linden, the Oliue tree, Aspe, and Sallow or Willow: for their leaues after Midsummer turn a∣bout vpside downe, in such sort, as there is not a more certaine argument that the Sun is entred Cancer, and returneth from the South point or Summer Tropicke, than to see those leaues so turned.

CHAP. XXIIII.

¶ What leaues they be that vse to turne euery yeare. Of Palme or Date tree leaues, how they are to be ordered and vsed. Also certain wonderfull obseruations about leaues.

THere is a certain general and vniuersal diuersitie & difference obserued in the very leaf: [unspec K] for commonly the vpper side which is from the ground, is of greene grasse colour, more smooth also & polished. The outside or nether part of the leaf hath in it certain strings, sinues or veins, brawns and ioynts, bearing out like as in the back part of a mans hand: but the inside cuts or lines in maner of the palme of ones hand. The leaues of the oliue are on the vp∣per part whiter and lesse smooth; and likewise of the Ivy. But the leaues of all trees for most part, euery day do turn and open to the Sunne, as desirous to haue the inner side warmed there∣with. The outward or nether side toward the ground of all leaues, hath a certaine hoary downe more or lesse here in Italy, but in other countries so much there is of it, that it serueth the turn for wooll and cotton. In the East parts of the world they make good cordage and strong ropes of date tree leaues (as we haue said before) and the same are better, & serue longer within than [unspec L] without. With vs these Date leaues are pulled from the tree in the Spring, whiles they are whole and entire; for the better be they which are not clouen or diuided. Being thus plucked, they are laid a drying within house foure daies together. After that, they be spred abroad and displaied open to the Sun, and left without dores to take all weathers both day and night, and to be bleached, vntil they be dry and white: which done, they be sliued and slit for cord-work. But to come again to other leaues, the broadest are vpon the Fig-tree, the Vine, and the Plane; the narrowest vpon the Myrtle, Pomegranat, and oliue: as for those of the Pine and cedar, they be hairy: the Holly leaues and all the kindes of Holme be set with sharpe prickes. As for the Iuniper, in stead of leafe it hath a very pointed thorne. The Cypresse and Tamariske carrie fleshie leaues: those of the Alder be most thick of all other. The Reed and the Willow haue long leaues: the Date tree hath them double. The leaues of the Peare tree are round, but [unspec M] those of the Apple tree are pointed; of the Ivie cornered: of the Plane tree diuided into cer∣taine incisions; of the Pitch tree and the Fir cut in, after the maner of comb-teeth; of the wild

hard Oke, waued and indented round about the edges; of the brier and bramble, sharpe like [unspec A] thornes all the skin ouer. Of some, they be stinging and biting, as of Nettles: of others ready to pricke like pins or needles, as of the Pine, the Pitch tree, the Larch, the Firre, the Cedar, and all the sorts of Holly. The leaues of the Oliue tree, and the Mast-Holme, hang by a short stele, the Vine leaues by a long. The Poplar or Aspen leaues doe shake and tremble, and they alone keep a whistling and rustling noise one with another. Moreouer, in the very fruit it selfe, and namely in a certain kind of Apples, ye shall haue small leaues breake out of the very sides in the mids, in some single, in others double and two together. Furthermore, there be trees that haue their leaues comming forth about their boughs and branches, others at the very end and shoot of the twig: as for the wild Oke Robur, it putteth leaues forth of the trunk and maine stock. Ouer and besides, the leaues grow thicker or thinner in some than in others; but alwlies the broad and large leaues, are more thinne than others. In the Myrtle tree, the leaues grow in order by [unspec B] ranks; those of the Box tree turn hollow; but in the Apple trees they are set in no order at al. In Pyrries & Apple trees both, ye shal see ordinarily many leaues put forth at one bud, hanging at one and the same taile. The Elme, and the Tree-trifolie, are full of small and little branches. Ca∣to addeth moreouer and saith, That such as fall from the Poplar or the Oke, may bee giuen as fodder to beasts, but he wils that they be not ouer drie: and he saith expressely, that for kine and oxen, Fig-leaues, mast Holm leaues, and Iuie, are good fodder: yea and such kind of beasts may well brouse and feed of Reed leaues and Bay leaues. Finally, the Seruise tree looseth her leaues al at once, others shed them by little and little one after another. And thus much for the leaues of trees. [unspec C]

CHAP. XXV.

¶ The order and course obserued in Nature as touching plants and trees, in their con∣ception, flouring, budding, knotting, and fructifying. Also in what order they put forth their blossomes.

THe manner and order of Nature yeare by yeare, holdeth in this wise: first, trees and plants do conceiue by the meanes of the Westerne wind Fauonius, which commonly beginneth to blow about sixe daies before the Ides of Februarie: for this wind is in stead of an hus∣band to all things that grow out of the earth, and of it they desire naturally to be conceiued, like as the Mares in Spaine, of which we haue written heretofore. This wind is that spirit of ge∣neration [unspec D] which breathes life into all the world; which the Latines call thereupon Fauonius, à fauendo, [i. of cherishing and nourishing euery thing] as some haue thought. It blowes directly from the Aequinoctiall Sun-setting, and euermore beginneth the Spring. This time, out rusti∣call peasants call the Seasoning, when as Nature seemeth to goe proud or assaut, and is in the rut and furious rage of loue, desirous to conceiue by this wind, which indeed doth viuifie and quicken all plants and seeds sowne in the ground. Now of all them conceiue not at once, but in sundry daies: for some are presently sped in a moment, like as liuing creatures: others are not so hastie to conceiue, but long it is first ere they retaine, and as long againe before their vitall seed putteth forth; and this is therupon called their budding time. Now are they said to bring forth and be deliuered, when in the Spring they bloome, and that blossome breaketh forth of certain [unspec E] matrices or ventricles. After this, they become nources all the while they cherish and bring vp the fruit: and this time also the Latines call Germinatio, [i. the breeding season.] When trees are full of blossomes, it is a signe that the Spring is at the height, and the yeare become new a∣gaine. The blossom is the very ioy of trees, and therein standeth their chiefe felicitie: then they shew themselues fresh and new, as if they were not the same; then be they in their gay coats; then it seemeth they striue avie one with another in varietie of colours, which of them should excell and exceed in beautifull hew. But this is not generall, for many of them are denied this pleasure, and enjoy not this delight; for all trees blossome not: some are of an heauie and sad countenance▪ neither cheare they at the comming of this new season and gladsome Spring: for the mast-Holme, the Pitch tree, the Larch, and the Pine doe not bloome at all, they are not ar∣rayed [unspec F] in their robes, they haue not their liueries of diuers colors to fore-signifie (as messengers and vantcourriers) the arriuall of the new yeare, or to welcome and solemnize the birth of new fruits. The Figge trees likewise both tame and wild, make no shew of floures: for they are not

too soon bloomed (if they bloom at all) but they bring forth their fruit. And a wonderful thing [unspec G] it is to see what abortiue fruit these Figge-trees haue, and how it neuer commeth to ripenesse. Neither doe the Iunipers bloome at all. And yet some writers there be who make two kinds thereof: and they say, that the one flowreth, and bears no fruit, as for the other which doth not blossome, it brings forth fruit vpon fruit, and berrie vpon berrie, which hang two yeres vpon the tree before they come to maturitie. But this is false, for in very truth all Iunipers without ex∣ception, haue euermore a sad looke, and at no time shew merie. And this is the case and condi∣tion verily of many a man, whose fortune is neuer in the floure nor maketh any outward shew to the world. Howbeit there is not a tree but it buddeth, euen those that neuer blossome: And herein the diuersitie of the soile is of great power: for in one and the same kind, such as grow in marish grounds, do shoot and spring first; next to them, those of the plaines; and last of all they [unspec H] of the woods and forrests. And generally the wilde Pyrries growing in woods doe bud later than any other. At the first comming of the western wind Fauonius, the Corneil tree buddeth; next to it, the Bay; and somewhat before mid-march or the spring Aequinoctiall, the Tillet or Linden, and the Maple, the Poplar, Elme, Willow, Alder, and Filberds or Hazell nut trees, bud with the first. The Palme also maketh hast and is loth to come behind. All the rest at the point and prime of the spring, namely the Holly, the Terebinth, the Paliurus, the Cheston, and the * 1.8 Walnut-trees, or Mast-trees. Apple trees are late ere they bud, but the Corke tree longest of any other. Trees there be that put forth bud vpon bud, by reason that either the soile is excee∣ding battill and fat, or else the weather faire and pleasant: and this happeneth more to be seene in the blades of corne. But trees if they happen to be ouer rancke in new shoots and buds, they [unspec I] waxe wearie and grow out of heart.

Moreouer, some trees there be that naturally do sprout at other seasons besides the spring, according to the influence of certaine starres, whereof the reason shall be rendred more conue∣niently, in the third booke next ensuing after this. Meane time this would be obserued, That the winter spring of trees is about the rising of the Aegle-star: the Summer budding at the rising of the Dog-star: and a third, when the star Arcturus is vp. And for the two later, some would haue them verily to be common to all trees, but most euidently seen, in Fig-trees, Vines, Pome∣granate trees: and they yeeld a cause, For that in Thessalie and Macedonie the Fig tree about these times putteth forth most plenteously: and in Aegypt this reason is to be seene most appa∣rantly. As for all other trees, certaine it is, that when they begin once to bud, they hold on and [unspec K] shoot forward continually without intermission. The wild Oke, the Fir, and the Larch tree, haue their seuerall shoots in one yere, and spring at three sundrie times, giuing ouer between whiles; and therefore they put forth the sprouts between the skales of their barks: a thing vsually hap∣ning to all trees in their budding & breeding time: for after they be once conceiued, their rind or bark bursteth withall. Now their first budding is in the prime & beginning of the spring, and continueth much about 15 daies. They bud a second time in the moneth of May when the sun passes thorough the signe Gemini: by which time it is euidently to be seen, how the bud heads that came first, are driuen and thrust vp higher by those that follow after; & that appeares more plainly by the encrease of the knots & joynts. As for the third budding, it is very short, name∣ly at * 1.9 midsummer, and lasteth not aboue a seuen-night: and euen then also may a man perceiue [unspec L] manifestly by the knots and joynts of the shoots how much they are put forth and grown. The Vine alone shooteth twice, to wit, when she first beginneth to burgen & put forth a grape; and a second time, when she formeth and digesteth or concocteth the same. As for those trees that blossome not, they haue no more to doe but only to bring forth their fruit, and so proceed to ri∣pen it. Now there are some trees, which no sooner bud, but they shew also a blossom; and yet as hasty as they be that way, they take their leisure afterwards, and long it is ere their fruit come to be ripe: and such are the Vines. Others again be as backward and slow both to bud and blos∣some; but they make speed to ripen their fruit, as the Mulberry tree, which of ciuile and dome∣sticall trees, is the last that buds, and neuer before all the cold weather is past; and therfore she is called the wisest tree of all others: but after that she begins once to put forth buds, she di∣spatches her busines out of hand, insomuch as in one night she hath done; and that with such a [unspec M] force, that in the breaking forth a man may euidently heare a noise. Of those trees that conceiue in winter, about the rising of the Aegle-star, (as we haue before said) the Almond tree is the first that blossometh in the moneth of Ianuarie, and by March the Almond is ripe. The next that

blossome after it, be the Peach Plum-trees of Armenia, then the Iujube trees called Tuberes, [unspec A] and the Abricots. As touching the former, they be meere strangers, but these Abricots are for∣ced by Art and industrie of man. As for wild and sauage trees, by course of nature the Elder floures first, and hath of all other most plentie of pith or marrow within, wheras the male Cor∣neil hath none at all. But of domesticall and ciuile trees, the Apple tree beginneth to blossome, and soone after the Pyrry, Cherrie tree, and Plum tree, insomuch as they seeme all to floure to∣gether. Next to them, is the Lawrell; anon after it, the Cypresse; and then the Pomegranat, and the Fig tree: Vines and Oliue trees do but then burgen and bud, when those other be in their floure: for in truth they conceiue late, namely, at the rising of the Vergiliae or Brood-hen; for this is the proper star to the influence whereof these trees be subject: and it is Iune first and the summer Sun-stead, before the vine bloomes; and so it is with the Oliue tree, but that it com∣meth somewhat later. All trees be seuen daies at the least in their blossoming; and some be lon∣ger [unspec B] ere they giue ouer, but none passe a fortnight: and done they haue euer by the eight day be∣fore the Ides of Iuly; which are forerunners of the Etesian winds. Finally, some trees there are which doe not knit nor shew their fruit immediatly vpon their blooming.

CHAP. XXVI.

¶ Of the Corneil tree. Also, what is the proper time wherein euery tree beareth: which trees be they that beare not, and which be reputed vnluckie. Also of those trees which soonest lose their fruit. Last of all, what trees shew fruit before leafe. [unspec C]

AS for the Corneil tree, it is about mid summer or the summer Sun-stead, before it putteth forth any fruit, which at first is white, afterwards red as bloud. But the female of this kind beareth after Autumne, sowre berries, and such as no beast will abide to tast. The wood thereof also is spungeous, hollow, and good for nothing; whereas that of the male is counted a∣mong the hardest that be: so great difference there is in trees of one and the same kind. Moreo∣uer, the Terebinth, Maple, and Ash, yeeld their fruit or seed in haruest time: Walnuts, Apples, and Peares (vnlesse they be some winter fruits, or of the hastie kind) ordinarily are readie to be gathered in the Autumn. All mast trees be later ere they render their fruit, to wit, about the go∣ing downe of the Vergiliae or beginning of the winter, saue only the Aesculus, which passeth [unspec D] not the Autumne. As for certain Apple trees and Peare trees both, as also the Corke tree, their fruit is not to be gathered before winter begin. The Firre putteth forth a blossome of a yellow color like Saffron, about mid-Iune or the summer sun-stead; out the Brood-hen star is downe before the fruit be ripe. The Pine, and Pitch tree, do bud before the Firre some fifteen daies, or thereabout; and it is winter first, and the foresaid Vergiliae or Brood-hen is likewise set, before their fruit is ripe. Citron trees, Iunipers, and mast-Holmes, are counted trees that beare all the yeare long, and the old fruits of the former yeare tarieth on the tree vntill new come, and they hang both together. But aboue all other trees, the Pine is a wonder in nature; for a man shall e∣uer find vpon it some of the fruit readie to be ripe; and some againe that will remaine vnto the next yeare, and the third yere before it will be readie: and there is not another tree that is more forward and greedie (as it were) to put forth it selfe, and giue greater hope of increase, than it [unspec E] doth: for look in what month soeuer the Pine-nuts are gathered from the tree, in the very same others are in good forwardnesse of ripening; and in such sort she ordereth the matter, that euery month a man shall haue ripe fruit on her. Those Pine-apples or nuts which cleaue and open vpon the tree, bee called Zamiae; and well may they be so named, for vnlesse they be plucked, they hurt and corrupt the rest. The only trees that bear no fruit at all, that is to say, not so much as seed, are these; the Tamariske, good for nothing but to make Beesoms of; the Poplar, Alder, Atinian Elme, and the Alaternus, which hath leaues resembling the Holme, and partly the O∣liue. As for such trees which neither at any t•…•…me are set or planted, nor yet beare fruit, they bee holden for vnfortunate, accursed, and condemned, in such sort, as there is no vse of them in any sacrifice or religious seruice. Cremutius writeth, That the (Almond) tree whereon ladie Phyllis [unspec F] hanged her selfe, had neuer (after) greene leaues on it. Such trees as yeeld gum, after they haue put forth their bud, do cleaue and open: howbeit the gum that issueth out, neuer commeth to a∣ny thicknesse, vntill the fruit thereof be gathered. Yong trees commonly beare not so long as

they shoot and grow. The Date tree, the fig tree, the Almond tree, the Apple tree, and the Pyr∣rie, [unspec G] do soonest of all other let their fruit fall before it be fully ripe. Semblably, the Pomegranat tree, which is so tender besides, that with euery thicke and heauie dew, white frost, and foggie time, she wil be bitten & shed the blossom: which is the cause that folk vse to bend the boughs thereof downeward to the ground, that both dew and time may sooner fall off which lights vp∣on them, and otherwise would ouer-load and hurt them. The Pyrrie and the Almond tree can∣not abide close and cloudie weather, especially if the wind be Southerly, although no raine do fall: for in such daies, if they chance to blossom, they not only shed their flowre, but lose their fruit new knit. But the Sallow or Withie tree, is of all others most ticklish, and soonest forgoes the seed or chats that it beareth before it commeth to any ripenes: for which cause, called it is of Homer * 1.10 Loose-fruit, or Spill-fruit. Howbeit the age ensuing (naught as it was) hath inter∣preted [unspec H] that Epithet of his, in another sense, according to the wicked experience they had of it, whereby it was found, that the seed therof causeth barrainesse in women, and hindreth concep∣tion. But in this regard, Nature hath well done also to preuent this mischiefe and inconueni∣ence, in that she hath not been very carefull to preserue the seed: and yet for the maintenance of the whole kind, she hath endued it with this gift, To grow very quickly, if a man do pricke into the ground but a cutting or twig thereof. And yet (by report) there is one Willow in Candie, and namely about the very descent of Iupiters caue, which is wont ordinarily to carie the graine or seed thereof vntill it be full ripe, and then is it of a rough and writhen shape, of a wooden and hard substance, and withall, of the bignesse of a cich pease.

Moreouer, some trees there be that proue barraine and fruitlesse by the occasion of the im∣perfection [unspec I] of the soile and territorie where they grow: and namely in the Isle Paros, there is a whole wood or coppise that vsually is lopt and cut, but it neuer beareth any fruit. The Peach trees in the Island Rhodos blossome only, and otherwise are fruitlesse. Ouer and besides, this difference of trees (that some be fruitfull and others barraine) ariseth of the sexe also, for com∣monly the males beare not: howsoeuer some affirme cleane contrary, and say, They are the male only that be fruitfull, and the female barren. Furthermore, it falleth out many times that trees be fruitlesse, either because they grow too thick one by another, or else are ouercharged and too ranke with boughes and branches: but of such as do beare, some bring forth their fruit both at the sides, and also at the very tips and ends of their branches; as the Peare tree, Pomegranate tree, Figge tree, and Myrtle. As for others, they are of the nature of corne and pulse; for the one [unspec K] grows in the eare or spike alone, the other by the sides, & not otherwise. The Date tree onely (as hath been said before) containeth fruit within certain pellicles, and the same hangeth down in clusters after the manner of grapes. Other trees beare their fruit vnder the leafe for their safe∣guard and defence, except the Fig tree, which hath her Figs aboue the leaf, because it is so large and ouershadowie. Moreouer, the leafe of the fig tree commeth forth after the Figge. One no∣table thing is reported of a kind of figge-trees in Cilicia, Cyprus, and Hellas, to wit, that they haue this propertie singular by themselues, To bring forth their perfect Figs vnder leafe, and their greene abortiue Figs that come to no proofe, after the leafe. The Fig tree beareth more∣ouer certain hastie Figs, which the Athenians call Prodromos, i. vant-courriers or forerunners, because they be long ripe before others. The Laconian Figge trees bring the fairest and grea∣test [unspec L] Figs.

CHAP. XXVII.

¶ Of trees that be are twice and thrice in one yeare. Also what trees soonest wax old: and of their ages.

IN the same countries aboue-named, there be Figge trees also that beare Figges twice in one yeare. And in the Island Cea▪ the wild Figge trees beare thrice in the same yeare: for the se∣cond increase is put forth on the first, and the third vpon the second: and by this third fruit, the Figges of the tame Figge tree receiue their maturitie by way of caprification: and those wild greene Figges of theirs come forth aboue the leafe. Moreouer, there be some Pyrries and [unspec M] Apple trees that bring forth fruit twice a yeare: as also there be others of the hastie kind, which do beare both Peares and Apples betimes in the yeare. There is a kinde of Crab tree •…•…lso or Wilding, that in like manner beareth twice a yeare; and the later fruit is ripe presently

after the midst of September, especially in places lying well vpon the Sun. As touching Vines, there be of them also, that after a sort beare three times in the yeare, which thereupon men call [unspec A] Insanas, [i. The mad or foolish vines:] for whiles some of the grapes be ripe, others begin to swel and wax big, and a third sort againe are but then in the flower. M. Varro writeth, That in Smyr∣na by the sea side there was a vine that bare fruit twice a yeare, as also an Apple tree in the ter∣ritorie of Consentia. But this is an ordinary thing throughout all the countrey about Tacapa in Africa, and neuer is it seen otherwise there, so fertile is the soile; but thereof will wee write more at large hereafter in another place. As for the Cypresse trees, they faile not but come with fruit thrice in one yeare: and their berries be gathered in Ianuarie, May, and September, and all of a diuers bignesse, one from the other. Ouer and besides, the very trees themselues are not la∣den with fruit after one and the same manner: for the Arbut or Strawberry tree is more plen∣teous in the head, and toward the top: the Oke, the Wal-nut-tree, Fig-tree (and namely that [unspec B] which beareth the vnsauorie great figs Mariscae) are more fruitfull beneath. Generally, all trees the elder they are, the sooner they beare and make more hast to ripen their fruit; the rather also if they grow in a ground leane, and exposed to the Sun. Contrariwise, trees that be wild are la∣ter in bearing than other: and some of them neuer yeeld fruit fully ripe. Moreouer, such trees vnder which the ground is tilled & laid hollow, haue their fruit sooner ripe, & are more fruitful withall, than those that are neglected and not looked vnto. Besides all this, there is a difference in trees as touching bearing their fruit, according to the age: for the Almond tree & the Pyr∣rie are, most fertile when they be old, as also mast trees, and a certain kind of fig-trees. Al others, the yonger they are, the more fruitfull they be, howbeit, later it is, ere their fruit be ripe: a thing most plainly to be obserued in Vines. For the better wine commeth from the elder Vines: but [unspec C] more plenty from the yonger. As for the Apple-tree, it becommeth of all other soonest old, and in that age the fruit is nothing so good as in youth: for both lesser be the Apples, and also more worm-eaten, insomuch as the very wormes will breed in them vpon the tree. The Fig is the fruit alone of all trees, that needeth some help of * 1.11 Physicke to ripen. And this may be noted for a strange and miraculous thing in them, That the later figs bee in more price than the hasty and early ripe, and that there should be more reckoning made of preposterous and artificiall things beside the course of kind, than of the naturall. Also this is a generall rule, Whatsoeuer tree is exceeding fruitful, and beareth most, the same continueth least while, and soon waxeth old. Yea and some of them are to be seen to die out right, and that very quickely, because they inioyed so fauorable a season, to cause them so to spend themselues with bearing; as wee may marke [unspec D] most easily in Vines.

CHAP. XXVIII.

¶ Of the Mulberrie tree.

COntrariwise, the Mulberry tree lasteth long, and is very late ere it seemeth old. For why? it is not giuen greatly to beare fruit, neither is ouerloden with Mulberries. To conclude, look what trees haue a curled graine in the wood, as the Maple, Date-tree, and Poplar, they con∣tinue a long time before they decay. And in one word, such as haue their roots digged or delued often and laid bare about, are not long liued, but soone age and decay. [unspec E]

CHAP. XXIX.

¶ Of wilde trees.

AS for wilde trees, they indure longest of all others. And generally, as carefull tending and looking to trees, maketh them more fertile: so there is nothing sooner bringeth age vpon them, than fruitfulnesse and much bearing. Hereupon it is likewise, that such trees both bud and also blossome sooner than others, yea, and ordinarily their fruit is ripe before the rest: in regard wherof, they are more subiect to the iniury of the time & the weather, which cau∣seth also diuers and sundry infirmities. Moreouer, as we haue said already in the chapter of mast trees, there be many that bring forth fruits of different sorts: among which may be reckoned the [unspec F] Lawrell, with her variable floures and berries growing so thicke, and principally the barren of that kind which beareth nothing els, and therfore is esteemed of some the male. The Hazels al∣so

and Filbard trees, besides, their nuts do carry certain chats with a callous substance of skales [unspec G] joined one within another, but good for nothing.

CHAP. XXX.

¶ Of the Box-tree: the Greeke Beane or the Lotus.

AMong these is to be ranged the Box-tree, which bringeth forth the most varietie of all o∣thers. * 1.12 For it putteth forth a seed of her owne, also, a graine which they call Carthegon: besides, on the North side Misselto, and on the South Hyphear: whereof wee will write a∣none more at large: so that otherwhiles a man shall find foure diuers things vpon the Box all together.

Moreouer of trees, some be simple or single, to wit, such as from the root haue one trunke or [unspec H] body, and no more, and yet many boughes and branches; as the Oliue, Fig-tree, and the Vine: o∣thers be of a shrubs kind, and put forth many shoots from the root besides the main trunk, as the Rhamne thorn Paliurus, and the Myrtle. In like maner the Hazell nut-tree. Howbeit, the bet∣ter is the tree and more plenteous in fruit, when it is well branched from the body, and hath not those suckers from the root: ye shall find some again haue no principall stock at all, as wee may see in a kind of Box, and a certain Lotus beyond sea. Others be forked in twain, yea in fiue, im∣mediatly from the root: and ye shall meet with those that put vp many trunks out of the earth, but branch not into boughes, as namely, the Elders; as also with others that forke not, nor are diuided at all, howbeit, they be ful of arms & boughs, as the Pitch-trees. Moreouer, some there be which haue their boughes disposed in good order, as the Pitch-tree, Firre, or Deale: others [unspec I] again be as disorderly, as the Oke, Apple-tree, and Pyrrie. As for the Fir verily, where it is diui∣ded into boughs, they grow directly vpright vnto heauen, and spread not in breadth about the sides. But a strange and wondrous thing it is of this tree, that if it be headed, or the tops only of those arms cut off, the whole dieth thereupon: but if they be lopped off close to the body, it continueth still aliue. Nay, in case it be cut vnder the place where the branches put forth, the stock or stump that is left, will take no harme by it, but remaine and liue: crop the head onely thereof, and the whole tree dieth. To proceed, some trees spread into arms immediatly from the root, as the Elme: others branch only toward the top, as the Pine, and the Greek Bean, which at Rome for the pleasant tast of the fruit, resembling cherries very much, although it be of a wild nature, they call Lotus. This tree is much planted about faire houses, in the court yards, espe∣cially [unspec K] because the boughs spread so large; for albeit the stock or body it selfe be but very short and small, yet it brancheth so, as that it yeeldeth much shade: yea, and often times the boughes reach to the neighbor housen. But there is not a tree againe that maintaineth this shade a lesse while; for when Winter is once come, the leaues shed, and then it admitteth the warm Sun for it. Moreouer, there is not another tree that beareth a fairer barke, nor more pleasant to the eie, nor that carieth either longer boughes, and more in number than it, or stronger: a man that seeth them, would say they were so many trees by themselues. As touching the vse and commodities of this tree, the barke serueth to colour skins and leather: the root to die wooll. And as for the fruit or Apples that it beareth, they are a speciall kind by themselues: for all the world they re∣semble the snouts or muzles of wild beasts, and many of the smaller sort seeme to hang to one [unspec L] that is bigger than the rest.

As concerning boughs of trees, some are termed blind, because they put not forth certaine eies or chits where they should bud: which happeneth somtime by a naturall defect, when they are not of validity to thrust out a bud; otherwhiles it is occasioned by some wrong and iniurie done, namely, when they be cut off, and in the place of the cut, there groweth as it were a callous skar that dulleth the vertue of the tree. Furthermore, looke what is the nature that forked trees haue in their boughes, the same hath the Vine in her eies and burgeons; the same also haue canes and reeds in their joints and knots. Ouer and besides, all trees toward their root, and the nearest to the ground, are thicker than else where. Some run vp altogether in height, and therein shew thrir growth, as the Firre or Deale tree, the Larch, Date-tree, Cypresse, Elme, and generally all that rise vp in an entire stocke, and are not diuided. Of those also that branch and put out many [unspec M] boughes, there is a kind of Cherry-tree that is found to beare armes like beames forty cubites long, and two foot in thicknesse square throughout the whole length.

CHAP. XXXI. [unspec A]

¶ Of the Boughes, Barke, and Roots of trees.

THere are trees, that immediatly from the root thrust out boughes and branches, as do the Apple-trees. Some be couered with a thin rind, as the Lawrell and I•…•…e tree: others with a thicke barke, as the Okes. In some a man shall find the barke euen and smooth, as in the Apple-tree, and fig-tree: the same in others is rough and rugged, as is to be seene in Okes and Date-trees. And ordinarily, all old trees haue more riueled barks and furrowed, than the youn∣ger. In many trees the bark naturally doth breake and cleaue of the own accord, and namely in the Vine. From some it shaleth and falleth off, as from the Apple tree and the Arbut. The cork and the Poplar haue a fleshie and pulpous barke: the rind of the Vine and the Reed, is made [unspec B] in manner of a membrane or thin skin. In Cherry trees it is as slender as paper, and runneth into rolls: but Vines, Lindens, and Firs, are clad with tunicles and coats of many folds. In some again the rind is but single, as in the Fig-tree, and the Cane or Reed. And thus much of Barke.

There is as great difference in the root. For the fig-tree, the Oke, and the Plane, haue great store of roots and large spurns: contrariwise, in the Apple tree they are short and small: the firre and Larch haue one tap root and no more: for vpon that one main master-root they rest and are founded; howbeit, many small strings and petie spurns shoot out of the sides. In the Bay-tree the roots be more grosse and vnequally embossed, and likewise in the oliue, which also spredeth out into many branches. But those of the oke be of a carnous substance: and verily, all the kind of okes do root deep into the ground. Certes, if we giue credit to Virgil, that sort of them which are called Esculi, go down as deep into the earth with their roots, as they arise & mount aboue [unspec C] ground with their heads. The roots of the Apple-tree, Oliue, and Cypresse, lie very ebbe, and creep hard vnder the sourd of the ground. Moreouer, there be roots that run direct and streight, as those of the Bay and Oliue: there be againe that wind and turne as they go, as those of the fig-tree. Some are all ouergrowne and full of hairy strings, as the firre-root, and many others of wild trees that grow in forrests: from which the mountains vse to pluck those fine fibers & smal threds, wherewith they twist goodly faire paniers, couers for flaggons and bottels, and work ma∣ny other vessels & prety deuises. Some writers [as namely Theophrastus] hold opinion and haue put down in their books, that no roots goe lower into the earth, than that the Sunnes heat may pierce vnto them and giue them a kind warmth; the which is more or lesse, say they, according [unspec D] to the nature of the soile, as it is either lighter or lean, or massier, richer, and faster compact. But I take this to be a meere vntruth. This is certain, that we find in antient writers, that a yong Fir, when it was to be transplanted and set again, had a root that went eight cubits within the earth; and yet it was not digged vp all whole, but broken in the taking vp, and Ieft somewhat behind. The roots of Citron trees are biggest of all other, and spread most. Next to them are those of the Planes, Okes, and other Mast-trees. Some trees there be, the roots wherof like better & liue longer, the more ebbe that they lie within the vpper face of the ground, and namely, Lawrels; and therefore they spring fresh againe, and put forth better, when the old stock is withered and cut away. Others hold, that trees which haue short stumped roots, do sooner decay, & liue lesse while. But deceiued they are, and may be reproued by the instance of fig-trees, which liue least [unspec E] while, and yet their roots are longest of any other. I suppose this also to be as false, which some haue held and deliuered in writing, That the roots do diminish and decay, as the trees do waxe old; for the contrary hath bin seen by an aged oke, which by the violent force of a tempest was ouerthrowne, the root whereof tooke vp a good acre of ground in compasse.

Moreouer, a common thing it is and ordinary, to replant and recouer many trees that haue bin blown down and laid along; for they will reioine, knit againe, and reuiue, by meanes of the earth, euen as a wound doth vnite by the solder of a callous cicatrice. And this is a most vsuall and familiar practice obserued in the Planes, which by reason of their great heads so thicke of boughes, gather windes most, and are soonest subiect to their rage: if any one of them by that means be fallen, they lop their boughes, and discharge them of their weightie load, and then set [unspec F] them vpright again in their owne place, as it were in a socket, and they will take root and pros∣per. And in good faith, this hath bin done heretofore already in Walnut trees, Oliues, and ma∣ny other, to the like proofe.

CHAP. XXXII. [unspec G]

¶ Of certaine prodigious trees, and presages obserued by them. By what meanes trees grow of their owne accord. That all plants grow not euery where: and what trees they be that are appropriate to certaine regi∣ons, and are not elsewhere to be found.

WE reade in Chronicles and records, that many trees haue fallen without wind and tem∣pest, or any other apparent cause, but only by way of prodigie and presage of some fu∣ture euent: and the same haue risen againe of themselues without mans helpe. This happened during the wars against the Cymbrians, to the great astonishment of the people of Rome, who thereupon gathered a fore-tokening of great consequence: for at Nuceria in the [unspec H] groue of Iuno, there was an old Elme fell, and after the head was lopped off, because it light vp∣on the very altar of Iuno, it arose of it own accord; and that which more is, immediatly vpon it put forth blossoms and flourished. And this was obserued, That from that very instant, the ma∣jesty of the people of Rome began to take heart, reuiue, and rise again, which had bin decaied and infeebled by so many and so great losses that the Romans hed receiued. The like chanced (by report) neer the city Philippi, vnto a Willow tree which was fallen downe, and the head of it cut off clean: semblably, to an Aspen tree at Stagyrae, neere vnto the colledge or publik place of Exercise there. And all these were fortunate presages of good luck. But the greatest wonder of all other was this, of a Plane tree in the Isle Antandros, which was not only fallen, but also hewed and squared on▪ all sides by the Carpenter; and yet it rose againe by it selfe, and recoue∣red [unspec I] the former greennesse and liued, notwithstanding it bare▪ 15 cubits in length, & foure elnes in thicknesse and compasse.

All trees that we are beholden vnto the goodnesse of Nature for, we haue by 3 means: for ei∣ther they grow of their owne accord, or come of seed, or else by some shoot springing from the root. As for such as we inioy by the art and industry of men, there be a great number more of deuises to that effect: whereof we will speake apart in a seuerall booke for that purpose. For the present our treatise is of trees that grow in Natures garden onely, wherein she hath shewed her selfe many waies after a wonderfull manner, right memorable.

First and formost, as we haue shewed and declared before, euery thing will not grow in euery place indifferently: neither if they be transplanted, will they liue. This happeneth sometimes [unspec K] vpon a disdaine, otherwhiles vpon a peeuish forwardnesse and contumacie, but oftner by occa∣sion of imbecility and feeblenesse of the very things that are remoued and translated; nay, one while the climate is against it, & enuious; otherwhiles the soile is contrary therunto. The balm tree can abide no other place but Iury. The Assyrian Pome-citron tree will not beare elswhere than in Syria. As for the Date-tree, it scornes to grow vnder all climats; or if it be brought to that passe by transplanting, it refuseth to beare fruit. But say, that it fortune by some meanes, that she giueth some shew and apparance of fruit, she is not so kind as to nourish and reare vp to perfection, that which she brought forth, forced against her will. The Cinnamon shrub hath no power and strength to indure either the aire or earth of Syria, notwithstanding it be a neere neighbor to the naturall region of her natiuity. The daintie plants of Amomum or Spike∣nard, [unspec L] may not away with Arabia, howbeit they be brought out of India thither by sea: for king Seleucus made triall therof: so strange they are to liue in any other country but their own. Cer∣tainly, this is a most wonderful thing to be noted, That many times the trees for their part may be intreated to remoue into a forrain country, and there to liue; yea, and otherwhiles the ground and soile may be persuaded and brought to accord so wel with plants (be they neuer such stran∣gers) that it will feed and nourish them; but vnpossible it is to bring the temperature of the aire and the climat to condiscend thereto and be fauourable vnto them. The Pepper-trees liue in Italy; the shrub of Casia or the Canell likewise in the Northerly regions; the Frankincense tree also hath been knowne to liue in Lydia: but where were the hot gleames of the Sunne to bee found in those regions, either to dry vp the waterish humor of the one, or to concoct and thic∣ken the gumme and Rosine of the other? Moreouer, there is another maruell in Nature, wel∣neare [unspec M] as great as that, namely, that shee should so change and alter in those same places, and yet exercise her vertues and operations otherwhiles againe, as if there were no change nor alte∣ration

in her. She hath assigned the Cedar tree vnto hot countries: and yet wee set it to grow in [unspec A] the mountaines of Lycia and Phrygia both. She hath so appointed and ordained, that cold pla∣ces should be hurtfull and contrary to Bay-trees, howbeit, there is not a tree prospereth better, nor groweth in more plenty vpon the cold hill Olympus, than it. About the streights of the Cimmerian Bosphorus, and namely, in the city Panticapaeum, both K. Mithridates, and also the inhabitants of those quarters, vsed all meanes possible to haue the Lawrel and the Myrtle there to grow, only to serue their turns when they should sacrifice to the gods: it would neuer be, did they what they could: and yet euen then, there were good store of trees there growing of a warm temperature; there were Pomegranates and Fig-trees plenty; and now adaies there be Apple-trees and Pyrries in those parts, of the best and daintiest sort. Contrariwise, ye shall not find in all that tract any trees of a cold nature, as Pines, Pitch-trees, and Firres. But what need I to goe [unspec B] as farre as to Pontus for to auerre and make good my word? Goe no farther than Rome, hard∣ly and with much adoe will any Chestnut or Cherrie trees grow neere vnto it, no more than Peach-trees about the territory of Thusculum. And worke enough there is to make hazels and filbards to like there: turne but to Tarracina thereby, ye shall meet with whole woods full of Nut-trees.

CHAP. XXXIII.

¶ Of the Cypresse tree. That oftentimes some new plants do grow out of the ground, which were neuer knowne to be there beforetime.

THe Cypresse hath bin counted a meere stranger in Italy, & most vnwilling there to grow, [unspec C] as we may see in the works of Cato, who hath spent more words, and made oftner mention of the Cypresse alone, than of all other trees whatsoeuer. Much ado there is with it before it come vp; and as hard it is to grow, and when all is done, the fruit is good for nothing. The berries that it beareth, be wrinckled, and nothing louely to the eie; the leaues wherewith it is clad, bitter in tast; a strong and violent smell it hath with it, not so much as the very shade ther∣of is delectable and pleasant; and the wood but small & not solide, but of an hollow substance; insomuch, as a man may range it among the kinds of shrubs. Consecrated is this tree to Pluto, & therefore men vse to set a bough thereof as a signe, before those houses wherein a dead corpes lieth vnder bourd. As touching the female Cypresse, it is long ere shee beareth. The Cypresse [unspec D] tree for all this, in the end growing vp to a pyramidall forme sharp pointed, is not rejected bu•…•… much set by, if it were for nothing els but to stand between euery row and ranke of Pine-trees▪ howbeit, now adaies it is ordered with cutting and clipping for to grow thick in borders about garden quarters along the allies, also to climbe vpon walls in manner of seeling: and being thus kept down, it is by this means alwaies small and tender. Moreouer, thereof are drawne many vi∣nets and borders about story-works in colours: for so fine is the leafe, so short and green withal, that it may be brought in a traile to winde about pictures either of hounds and hunters, or of ships and sailers, or any counterfeits and images whatsoeuer most daintily.

Two sorts there are of the Cypresse tree. First that which runneth vp into a pyramidal point, winding vpward as a round spire, which also is called the female. A sfor the male, it sendeth out branches, and spreadeth broad: it is lopped also, and serueth in frames to beare vp vines. Both [unspec E] the one and the other is suffered to grow for perches, railes, and plankes, to be made of their boughes when they are cut. Once in thirteen yeares there is made a fall, and not one of those but are sold for a Roman denier apiece. A wood thereof planted in this manner, is of all others most gainfull, and yeeldeth greatest profit: insomuch, as in old time they were wont common∣ly to say, That one fall of such Cypresse poles would yeeld a man a portion sufficient to giue with his daughter in mariage.

The Island Candie is the naturall countrey of the Cypresse tree, howsoeuer Cato hath called it a Tarentine tree: haply, because it came thither first. In the Isle Aenaria, the Cypresse trees spring againe after they be cut downe to the roots. But in Candie, looke what ground soeuer a man doth breake vp and plough, vnlesse he sow or set it with some other thing, Cypresses will [unspec F] come vp, and presently shew aboue ground. In many places also of that Isle, they spring and grow of themselues, euen in ground otherwise vntilled; and principally in the mountaines •…•…da, and those which they cal the white Hils: vpon the very crests and tops wherof, which are

alwaies couered with snow, they are to be seen in greatest plenty. A wonderfull thing, conside∣ring [unspec G] that in all other places they loue warmth, and without it, will not grow: and besides, when they haue met with a familiar ground vnto them, yet they care not much for it, but disdaine so kind a nource: whereby a man may see, that not onely the nature of the soile, and the ordinarie power of the climat serueth much for these plants, but also certain sudden and temporarie im∣pressions of the aire do wonderfully worke in this case: for some showers there be, that often∣times do bring seeds with them and ingender plants. The same rains do fall somtime after one certain manner, otherwhiles also in such strange sort, as men are able to giue no reason thereof: A thing that befell the country about Cyrene in Barbary, at what time as the herbe Laserpiti∣um (which beareth ihe gum Benjoine) grew there first: as hereafter we will write more at large in our treatise of herbes. Moreouer, about the 430 yere after the foundation of Rome city, there [unspec H] sprung vp a very forest or wood neere vnto the same city, by reason of a certaine thick and glu∣tinous shoure like to Pitch, that then fell.

CHAP. XXXIIII.

¶ Of Ivie.

IT is said, that now the Iuie tree groweth also in Asia: and yet Theophrastus in his time deli∣uered the contrary, and a ffirmed, that neither it was to be found there, nor yet throughout all India, but only vpon the mount Merus. Ouer and besides, it is reported, that Harpalus did what he could to store the country of Media therewith, but all in vaine. And as for Alexander the [unspec I] Great, when he returned from out of India with victory, for the rarenesse thereof he would haue all his soldiers go in a sumptuous shew, wearing chaplets therof vpon their heads; resembling herein prince Bacchus, in solemnities and high feasts of which god, the people of Thracia euen at this day are furnished from this tree, and do with Ivie set out and garnish the heads of their launces, pikes, and iauelins, their mourrons also and targuets.

An enemy is Ivie doubtlesse to trees, and generally to all plants and sets whatsoeuer: it clea∣veth and breaketh sepulchres built of stone, it vndermineth city walls; good onely to harbour serpents, and most comfortable for their cold complexions: so that I cannot chuse but maruell much that it should be honored at all, and accounted of any worth. But to enter into a more particular consideration and discourse of Iuie, two principall kinds are found therof, like as of [unspec K] all other trees, to wit, the male and the female. The male is described to be a more massiue and greater body, to be clad with a harder and fattier leafe, and to shew a flower inclining to purple: and yet the flower of them both, the male as well as the female, doth resemble that of the wild Rose or Eglantine, saue that it hath no smell at all. These generall kinds containe each of them three particular sorts: for there is the black and the white Iuie, and a third besides named He∣lix: and yet we must admit other subdiuisions of these also: for of the white, there is one sort that beareth white, fruit only, and another that hath white leaues withall: moreouer, of such as carry only white fruit, one kind hath big berries growing thick together, and bunching round in ma∣ner of grapes, which clusters be called of the Greeks and Latines Corymbi. A second sort there is of the white Iuie named Selenitium, which beareth smaller beries, and those not so close set and thick couched together. Semblably, it is to be said of the black: for there is an Iuy that bea∣reth [unspec L] also a black grain or seed: another with a fruit of a Saffron colour; and hereof are the gar∣lands made which Poets weare: some call it Nysia, others Bacchica: the leaues of it are not al∣together so blacke, but it beareth the greatest bunches and biggest berries of all the black kind. And verily of this Iuie there be some Greeke writers that make two sorts, according to the di∣uers colors of the berries: for the one they call Erythranus [i. the red;] & the other Chrysocar∣pos, as one would say, the golden berry. Iuie. Now as touching the rampant or climbing Iuie, Helix, there be many and sundry sorts thereof, differing in their leafe especially: for first & for∣most the leaues of this Iuie are small, cornered, and better fashioned than the rest, which indeed are but of a plain and simple making. There is a difference likewise in the length between euery knot and ioint, but especially in this, that it is barren and beareth no fruit at all. And yet some [unspec M] there be, who attribute that to the age, and not to a seuerall kind of Iuie by it selfe; saying, that the same which at first was Helix, and clasped trees, in tract of time changed the leafe and be∣came a very Iuie tree: but fouly they are deceiued, and disproued plainly they may be by this,

That of the said clasping Iuie Helix, there be many kinds, and three principall aboue the rest. [unspec A] The first, of grasse greene colour, which groweth most common: the second, with a white leafe: and the third, called also the Thracian Iuie, which hath leaues of diuers colours. The foresaid greene Iuie is fuller of leaues, and those finer and set in better order than in others; whereas the contrary is to be seen in the white kind: also in the third sort with variety of colours, some haue smaller and thinner leaues, couched likewise in good order, and thicker growing; whereas in the middle kind, no such thing may be obserued. Ouer and besides, the leaues of Iuie are bigger or lesse, spotted also and marked; in which regard one differeth from another. Among the white Iuies, some be whiter than other. The green Iuie groweth most of all others in length: the white killeth trees, for by sucking and soking al the sap and moisture out of them, it feedeth and thri∣ueth so wel it selfe, that it becommeth in the end as big as a tree. A man may know an Iuie be∣ing [unspec B] come to his perfection by these signes: the leaues are very big and large withal; the tree put∣teth forth yong shoots straight, whereas in others they be crooked and bend inward: the berries also stand in their clusters directly vpright. Moreouer, whereas the branches of all other Iuies be made like vnto roots, this hath boughes strong and sturdy aboue the rest; and next vnto it, the black kind: howbeit this property hath the white Iuie by it self, that amid the leaues it put∣teth forth armes that clasp and embrace the tree round on euery side: which it doth vpon walls likewise, although it cannot so well compasse them. And hereupon it is, that although it be cut asunder in many places, yet it continueth and liueth stil: and looke how many such arms it hath so many heads likewise of roots are to be seen, whereby it maintaineth it selfe safe and sound; and is besides of that force, as to suck and choke the trees that it claspeth. Furthermore, there is [unspec C] great diuersity in the fruit, as well of the white as the black Iuie. As for the rest, the berries of them are so exceeding bitter, as no bird wil touch them. And yet there is one kind more of Iuy, which is very stiffe and standeth alone of it selfe without any prop to beare it vp: and this of all others only, is therupon called Cissos or Iuie indeed. Contrariwise, Chamaecissos, [i. ground I∣uie] is neuer knowne but to creep along the ground.

CHAP. XXXV.

¶ Of the Bind-weed or Iuie called Smilax.

LIke vnto Iuie, is that plant which they call Smilax, or rough Bind-weed. It came first out of Cilicia, howbeit more commonly it is to be seen in Greece: it putteth forth stalks set [unspec D] thicke with ioints or knots, and those thrust out many thornie branches. The leafe resem∣bleth Iuie, and the same is small, and nothing cornered: from a little stele that it hath, it sendeth forth certain pretty tendrils to clasp and wind about: the floure is white, and smelleth like to a Lilly; it beareth clusters comming nearer to those grapes of the wild vine Labrusca, than to the berries of Iuie; red of color, wherof the bigger contain within them 3 kernels or pepins apiece, the smaller but one, and those be hard and black withall. This Smilax is not vsed in any sacri∣fices or diuine seruice of the gods, nor serueth for garlands and chaplets: for that it is held to be dolefull and ominous, or of an vnlucky presage, by occasion of a certain yong lady or Damo∣sell of that name, who for the loue of the young gallant and knight Crocus, was turned into this shrub or plant, retaining still her name: which the ignorant people not knowing, but taking it for a kind of Iuie, stick not to make coronets therof; profaning by that means many times their [unspec E] high feasts and sacred solemnities: and yet who woteth not with what chaplets Poets are crow∣ned, and what garlands prince Bacchus or Silenus vsed to weare? Of this Smilax are made certain manuell writing tables. And this property moreouer hath the wood thereof, That if a man hold it close to his eare, he shall heare it to giue a pretty sound.

But to return againe to the Iuie indeed, it hath (by report) a strange and wonderful vertue to trie wines, whether they be delaied with water or no: for make a cup of Iuie wood, and put wine thereinto, all the wine will soke and run through, but the water (if any be mingled therewith) will tarry behind.

CHAP. XXXVI. [unspec F]

¶ Of Reeds, Canes, and other water shrubs.

IN this discourse touching plants that loue cold places, it wil not be amisse to treat of those that grow in waters. Among which, the Reeds and Canes may be raunged in the first place:

for necessarie they be in time both of * 1.13 war and * 1.14 peace: they haue their vse besides, and are [unspec G] accepted among the * 1.15 delightsom pleasures of this world. Moreouer, in the Northern regions, the people vse therewith to couer and thatch their houses: and this kind of roofe will last many ages, if it be laid with a thick coat, euen vpon high and stately houses. In other parts also of the world, they are woont with it to make their arch-roufes, and hanging floores of most sleight worke. As for Canes particularly, and those of Aegypt by name, which haue a certaine resem∣blance of the Papyr-reed in Nilus, they serue for writing Paper. Howbeit those of Gnidos, and which grow in Asia along the lake or meere of Anaia, be held for the best. As for ours heere in Italy, they are of a more spungeous substance and gristly matter, apt to sucke and drinke vp any liquour. The same within-forth is full of holes and concauities, but conuerted aloft into a fine wooddy rind, and in time becommeth drie, fast, and hard. Apt it is to cleaue, and the clifts euer∣more [unspec H] carry with them a very sharp edge; and besides, it is full of ioints. Now this woodie sub∣stance being thus distinctly parted by knots, runneth alwaies euen and smooth, growing smaller and smaller vntill it proue sharpe pointed in the top: with a head consisting of a good thicke downe or plume, which serueth also to right good purposes: for either in stead of feathers they vse to stuffe beds therewith in common Innes; or when it is growne hard and hath a slimie cal∣lositie about it, they in Picardie and those Nether-lands do stampe it, and therewith calfret or calke the ioints of their ships, betweene the ribs and plankes: and herein it hath no fellow, for it taketh faster hold than any glue, and for filling vp any rifts and chinks, no solder so strong, no pitch so sure and trustie. Of Reeds, the Easterlings make their shafts; and archers they be that fight their battels and determine all quarrels. These shafts they arme with sharpe barbed arrow [unspec I] heads in manner of fish-hooks, which wound with a mischiefe, because they cannot be drawne out of the body againe: and to make these arrowes flie the faster and kill more presently, they set feathers vnto them. Now say that a shaft be broken as it is set fast in the body, that end with∣out the flesh wil serue againe to be shot: & so inured are the people in those parts to these kind of weapons, so practised withall in discharging of them so nimbly, that a man seeing how thick the shafts flie in the aire, would say they were a cloud of arrowes that shadowed the very Sun. And therefore when they goe to battell, they wish euer for faire weather and Sunne-shine daies. Windes and raine, as most aduerse vnto their warres, they cannot abide: then are they quiet and rest in peace, ful sore against their wils, because their weapons at such a time wil not serue their turne. Certes if a man would fall to an exact reckoning and aestimate of Aethyopi∣ans, [unspec K] Egyptians, Arabians, Indians, Scythians, and Bactrians, of so many nations also of the Sar∣matians, and other East-countries, together with all the kingdomes of the Parthians, hee should finde, that the one moietie or halfe of the world hath been vanquished and conquered by the meanes of arrowes and darts, made of Reedes. The Candiots aboue all others, were so readie and perfect in this kinde of feat, that the ouerweening of their owne skill, and the con∣fidence which they had in this manner of seruice, made them too bold, and was in the end their owne ouerthrow. But herein also, as in all other things else whatsoeuer, Italie hath carried the name, and woon the prize: for there is not a better Reed growing for to make shafts, than that which is found about the Rhene, a little riuer running vnder Bononia: very full of marrow or pith; stiffe also it is and weightie withall; it cutteth the aire, it flyeth away most swiftly: and last [unspec L] of all, it will hold the owne and stand in the weather so counterpoised, that no winde hath any power on it. And those Reeds in Picardie and the Low-countries, are nothing comparable: ne yet of Candie, how highly soeuer they be commended for warre-seruice. And yet the Reeds that grow in India be preferred before them, and beare the name, which indeed some thinke to be of another nature, considering they bee so firme and bigge withall, that beeing well headed with yron, they serue in stead of Speares and Iauelins. In very truth, the Indian Canes for the most part, grow to the bignesse of Trees, such as we see commonly in Temples, standing there for a shew. The Indians doe affirme, that there is a difference amongst them also, in regard of sexe: and namely, That the substance and matter of the male, is more fast and massie: but that of the female, larger and of greater capacitie within. Moreouer, (if wee may beleeue their words) the verie Cane betweene euery ioint, is sufficient to make a boat. These great Canes do [unspec M] grow principally along the riuer Acesine. All Reeds in generall, doe shoot and spring in great number from one root and principall stocke: and the more they bee cut, the better they come againe. The root liueth long, and without great iniurie offered vnto it, will not die: it also is di∣vided

into many knottie ioints. Those onely of India, haue short leaues. But in all of them, the leafe springeth out of the ioint, which embracing the Cane, doth clad it round about with cer∣taine [unspec A] thin membranes or tunicles, as far as to the middle space between the ioints; and then for the most part they giue ouer to claspe the Cane, and hang downeward to the ground. As well Reeds as Canes, spread their leaues like wings round one after another, on either side vpon the very ioints, and that in alternatiue course alwaies very orderly; so as if the one sheath come forth of the right side, the other at the next ioint or knot aboue it, putteth out on the left, and thus it doth throughout by turnes. From these nodosities, otherwhiles a man shall perceiue as it were certaine little branches to breake foorth, and those bee no other but small and slender Reeds.

Moreouer there be many kindes of Reedes and Canes: for some of them stand thicker with ioints, and those are more fast and solid than others, & small distance there is between the same: [unspec B] there be again that haue not so many of them, and greater space there is from the one to the o∣ther, and such Canes for the most part are of a thinner substance. Yee shall haue a Cane all full of holes within, called therupon Syringias; and such are very good to make whistles or smal flutes, because they haue within them neither gristly nor fleshy substance. The Orchomenian Cane is hollow throughout from one end to the other, and this they call Auleticus, or the pipe Cane; for as the former was fit for flutes, so is this better for great pipes. Now you shall meet with Canes also that stand more of the wood, & haue but a narrow hole and concauity within; and this is full of a spungeous pith or marow within-forth. Some be shorter, some longer than other: and where you haue one that is thin and slender, you shall spie a fellow to it more grosse [unspec C] and thicker. That which brancheth most, & putteth forth greatest store of shoots, is called Do∣nax and is neuer known to grow but in marishes and watery places (for herein also lieth a diffe∣rence) and preferred it is far before the Reed that commeth vp in dry ground. The archers reed is a seuerall kind by it selfe (as we haue shewed before;) but of this sort, those in Candy haue the greatest spaces betweene euery ioint; and if they be made hot, they are very pliable, and will bend and follow which way soeuer a man would haue them.

Moreouer, Reeds are distinguished one from another by the leafe not for the number, but the strength and colour. The leaues of those about Lacedaemon, * 1.16 are stiffe and strong, growing thicker of the one side than of the other. And such as these are thought generally to grow a∣long standing pooles and dead waters, far vnlike to those about running riuers: and besides, to be clad with long pellicles, which claspe and climbe about the Cane higher aboue the ioint, [unspec D] than the rest doe. Furthermore, there is another kind of Reeds that groweth crooked and win∣ding trauers, and not vpright vnto any height, but creeping low toward the ground, and sprea∣ding it selfe in manner of a shrub. Beasts take exceeding great delight to feed thereof, and namely, when it is young and tender, for the sweet and pleasant taste that it hath. Some cal this Reed, Elegia.

Ouer and besides, there breedeth in Italy also among the fens, a certain salt fome, named * 1.17 A∣darca, sticking to the rind or vtmost barke of Reedes and Canes, onely vnder the verie tuft and head: passing good it is for the tooth-ach, by reason of the hot and caustick quality that it hath like to Senuie or Mustard-seed. As touching the Reed-plots about the Orchomenian lake, I must needs write more exactly, considering in what admiration they were in times past: for in [unspec E] the first place, they called that Cane which was the thicker and more strong, Characias; but the thinner and more slender, Plotia. And this verily was wont to be found swimming in the I∣slands that floted in the said lake; whereas the other grew alwaies firme vpon the bankes and edges thereof, how farre soeuer it spred and flowed abroad. A third sort also there is of Canes, which they called Auleticon, for that it serueth to make flutes and pipes of: but this com∣monly grew but euery ninth yeare: for the said lake also kept that time just, and increased not aboue that terme; but if at any time it chanced to passe that time and to continue full two yeres together more than ordinary, it was holden for a prodigious and fearfull signe. The which was noted at Ch•…•…ronia, in that vnfortunate battell wherein the Athenians were ouerthrowne and defeated: and many times else is obserued to happen about Lebadia, namely when the Ri∣uer [unspec F] Cephisus ariseth so high, that he swelleth ouer his bankes, and is discharged into the said lake. Now during that ninth yeare (whiles the inundation of the lake continueth) these Canes prooue so bigge and strong withall, that they serue for hawking poles, and sowlers pearches:

and then the Greeks call them Zeugitae. Contrariwise, if the water hold not so long, but do fal [unspec G] and return back within the yere, then the Reeds be small and slender, named Bombyciae. How∣beit the femals of this kind, haue a broader and whiter leafe, little or no down at all vpon them, and then they are known by a pretty name and called Spadones, as one would say guelded. Of these Reeds were made the instruments for the excellent close musick within-house: wherein, I cannot passe with silence, what a wonderfull deale of paines and care they tooke to fit them for their tune, and make them to accord: insomuch, as we are not to be blamed but born withall, if now adaies we chuse rather to haue our pipes and hautboies of siluer. And in truth, to the time of Antigenes (that excellent minstrell and plaier vpon the pipe) all the while that there was no vse but of the plain musick and single instrument; the right time of cutting down & gathering these Reeds for this purpose, was about September, when the signe Arcturus is in force: then were they to haue a seasoning and preparation for certaine yeares, before they would serue the [unspec H] turne; yea and then also much ado there was with them, and long practise and exercise they as∣ked, before they could be brought into frame and good tune: so as a man might wel say, that the very pipes were to be taught their sound and note, by meanes of certaine tongues or quills that struck and pressed one vpon another; and all to giue contentment and shew pleasure vnto the people assembled at Theatres, according as those times required. But after that musicke came once to be compound, and that men sung and plaied in parts with more varietie and delight, they began to gather these Reeds before mid-Iune, and in three yeares space they had their per∣fection and grew to their proofe; then were those tongues or holes made more wide and open, for to quauer and change the note the better: and of such are the flutes and pipes made, which be vsed at this day. But in those times men were persuaded, that there was a great difference in [unspec I] the parts of any Reeds for to serue these or those instruments: in such sort, as that ioint which was next vnto the root, they held to be meeter for the Base pipe that was fitted for the left hand; and contrariwise for the Treble of the right hand, those knots that were toward the head & top of the Reed. Howbeit of all others, by many degrees were those preferred which grew in the ri∣uer Cephisus. Now adaies, the hautboies that the Tuscans play vpon at their sacrifices, be of Box-wood; but the pipes vsed in plaies for pleasure only, are made of the Lotos, of Asses shank∣bones, and of siluer. The best Faulconers Reeds wherewith they vse to chase foules, came from Panhormus: but the Canes for angle-rods that fishers occupie, are brought out of Africk from Abaris. The Italian Reeds & Canes be fittest for to make perches to lay ouer frames, & props for to beare vp vines. Finally, as touching the setting of Reedes, Cato would haue them to bee [unspec K] planted in moist grounds, after they haue bin first delued & laid hollow with a spade; prouided alwaies that the oelets stand 3 foot asunder, and that there be wilde Sparages among, whereof come the tender crops for sallads; for those like well and sort together with the Canes.

CHAP. XXXVII.

¶ Of the Willow or Sallow, eight kinds thereof: and what trees besides the Willow are good for bindings. Also of Briers and Brambles.

MOreouer (after the opinion of the said Cato) it is good to plant Withies also about riuer sides, and neere to Reeds: for surely there is not more profit arising from any other tree of the waters, than from it; howsoeuer the Poplars are well liked and loued of the vines, and [unspec L] do nourish the good wines of Caecubum: howsoeuer the Alders serue in stead of rampiers and strong fences against the inundation and ouerflowing of riuers, withstanding their forcible e∣ruptions; howsoeuer they stand in the waters as mures and wals to fortifie the banks, or rather as sentinels to watch and ward in the borders of country farms; and being cut down to the root, do multiply the rather, and put forth many shoots and imps as heires to succeed. And to bigin withall, of Sallowes there be many kinds: for some there be, that in the head beare perches of a great length to prop and make trails for vines to run vpon: and the rind or skin as it were pilled from the wood, is as good as a belt or thong to binde or gird any thing withall. Others againe there are, and namely the red Willowes, which carry twigs and rods that are pliable and gentle to wind as a man would haue them; fit also for buildings. Ye shal haue of these Osiers, some that [unspec M] are very fine & passing slender, wherof are wrought prety baskets, and many other dainty deui∣ses; others also that are more tough and strong, good to make paniers, hampers, and a thousand

other necessary implements for country houses, and to fit the husbandmen. Being pilled, they [unspec A] are the fairer and whiter, more smooth also and gentle in hand, whereby they are excellent good for the more delicate sort of such wicker ware, and better far than stubborn leather; but princi∣pally for leaning chairs, wherein a man or woman may gently take a nap, sitting at ease and re∣pose most sweetly. A willow, the more that it is cut or lopt, the better spring will it shoot at root, and beare the fairer head. Let that which you cut or shred, be so little & short withal, that it resemble a mans fist, rather than a bough, the thicker will it come again: a tree no doubt that would not be set in the lowest rank, but be wel regarded, how soeuer we make but base reckoning thereof: for surely there is not a tree for reuenue and profit, more safe and certain; for cost, lesse chargeable; and for iniury of weather, in better security. Certes, Cato, among the commodities that commend a good ferm or manor, esteemeth it in the third place, and preferreth the increase and benefit thereby, before the gain that groweth from oliue rows, corn fields, & good medows. [unspec B] Yet hereof we must not infer, that we are not furnished with many other things which wil serue for bands to bind withal; for we haue certain sorts of Spart or Spanish broom, we haue Poplars, Elmes, the Sanguine-shrubs, Birch, clouen Reeds, leaues of Cane; as for example in Liguria: the cuttings also of the very Vine, and Briars, so their sharp pricks be cut away, to tie withall; yea and the Hazell wands also, so they be writhen and twined: wherein a man may see a wonder∣ful property, That a wood should be stronger for to bind withal, when it is crushed and bruised, than whiles it was entire and sound. All these (I say) are good for bands, and yet the willow hath a gift therein beyond all the rest. The Greek willow is red, and commonly is sliuen for to make withs. The Amerian Osier is the whiter, but more brittle, and soon wil crack, & therfore it is put to that vse of binding sound and whole as it groweth, and not clouen through. In Asia, they [unspec C] make account of three sorts of willows: the black, which they imploy to wind and bind withal, so tough and pliant it is: the white, wherewith husbandmen make their wicker paniers and ba∣skets, with other such vessels for their vse; as for the third, it is the shortest of all other, and they cal it Helix or Helice. With vs also here in Italy, there be as many kinds, & those distinguished by their seuerall names; the first, which is of a deep purple colour, they call the free osier or wil∣low; and that is so good for bands: the second, which is more thin and slender, is named Viteli∣na, [or Vitellinam rather, for the yellow colour of the yolke of egges,] for the bright hew that it hath: the third that is smallest of all three, is the French willow.

To come now to the brittle Rushes that grow in marish grounds, which serue to thatch hou∣ses and to make mats; and the pith whereof when the rind is pilled, maketh wieke for watch∣candles, [unspec D] and funerall lights to burne by a dead corps whiles it lieth aboue ground, they cannot iustly be reckoned in the ranke either of shrubbes, or Brier-bushes, and Brambles, ne yet of tall plants growing vp with stems and stalks, no more than among Hearbes and Weeds creeping a∣long the ground; but are to be counted a seuerall kind by it selfe. True it is, that in some places there are to be found rushes more stiffe, hard, and strong than in others. For not onely mariners and watermen in the riuer Po do make sailes thereof, but fishermen also of Affrick in the maine sea: howbeit they hang their sailes betweene the masts, from mast to mast, after a preposterous manner contrary to all other. The Mores also do couer their cottages with Bulrushes: and sure∣ly if a man looke neerly to the nature of them, they may seeme to serue for that vse which the Papyr-reeds in the netherland of Aegypt are put vnto, about the descent and fall of the riuer [unspec E] Nilus.

As touching Brambles, they may go among the shrubs of the water: so may the Elders also, which consist of a spungeous kind of matter, & yet cannot wel be counted among those plants which bee termed Fenels-gyant: for surely the Elder standeth more vpon the wood than they do. The shepherds are verily persuaded, that the Elder tree growing in a by-place farre out of the way, and from whence a man cannot heare a cock crow out of any town, maketh more shrill pipes and louder trumpes than any other. The Brambles beare certaine berries like the Mul∣berries, euen as the sweet Brier of another kind, which they call Cynosbatos or the Eglantine, carieth the resemblance of a Rose. A third sort there is of brambles, which the Greeks cal Idea, of the mountaine Ida. This is the Raspis: smaller it is and more slender than the rest, with lesse [unspec F] pricks vpon it, and nothing so sharpe and hooked. The floure of this Raspis beeing tempered with hony, is good to be laied to bleared and bloud-shotten eies; as also to the wild-fire, or dis∣ease called Saint Anthonies fire. Being taken inwardly, and namely drunk with water, it is very

comfortable to a weake stomacke. The Elder beareth certain blacke and small berries, full of a [unspec G] grosse and viscous humor, vsed especially to die the haire of the head black. If they be boiled in water they are good and wholsome to be eaten as other pot-herbs.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

¶ Of the iuice or humor in trees. The nature of their wood and timber. The time and manner of felling and cutting downe trees.

TRees haue a certaine moisture in their barkes, which we must vnderstand to be their very bloud, yet is it not the same nor alike in all: for that of the Fig trees is as white as milke, and as good as rendles to giue the forme to cheese. Cherry trees yeeld a glutinous and clammy humor, but Elmes a thin liquor in manner of spittle. In Apple trees the same is fattie [unspec H] and viscous; in Vines and Pyrries waterish. And generally, those trees continue and liue lon∣gest, that haue such a glewy moisture in them. In summe, there are to be considered in the sub∣stance and body of trees, like as of all other liuing creatures, their skin, their bloud, flesh, sinues, veins, bones, and marrow. For in lieu of their hide is the barke. And I assure you, a strange and maruellous thing it is to be obserued here in the Mulberry, that when Physitians seek to draw the foresaid liquour out of it, at seuen or eight a clocke in a morning, if they scarifie or lightly cut the bark with a stone, it issueth forth, and they haue their desire: but if they crush or cut it deeper in, they meet with no more moisture than if it were stark dry. In most trees next to the skin lieth the fat: this is nought else but that white sap which of the colour is called in Latin Alburnum. As it is soft in substance, so is it the worst part of the wood; and euen in the strong [unspec I] oke, as hard as otherwise it is, ye shal haue it soon to putrifie and rot, yea and quickly be worm∣eaten. And therefore if a man would haue sound and good timber, this white must be alwaies cut away in the squaring. After it followeth the flesh of the tree; and so the bone, which is the very heart and best of the wood.

All trees whereof the wood is ouer dry, beare fruit but each other yeare, or at leastwise more in one yere than another, as namely the Oliue tree: a thing obserued more in them than in those that haue a pulpous and fleshie substance, as the Cherry tree. Neither are all trees indifferent∣ly furnished with store of the said fat or flesh, no more than the most fierce and furious beasts. As for the Box, Cornel, and Oliue trees, they haue neither the one nor the other, ne yet any ma∣row at all, and but very little bloud. Semblably, the Servis tree hath no heart, the Alder no car∣nositie, [unspec K] (and yet both of them are stored wel enough with marow, which is their pith) no more than canes or reeds for the most part. In the fleshy substance or wood of some trees there are to be found graine and veine both. And easie it is to distinguish the one from the other: for com∣monly the veins be larger and whiter; contrariwise the grain, which the Latines cal Pulpa, run∣neth streit and direct in length, and is to be found ordinarily in trees that wil easily cleaue. And hereupon it commeth, that if a man lay his eare close to one end of a beame or piece of timber, he shall heare the knocke or pricke that is made but with a pen-knife at the other end, be the piece neuer so long, by reason that the sound goeth along the stieit grain of the wood. By this means also a man shall find when the timber doth twine, and whether it run not euen, but be in∣terrupted with knots in the way. [unspec L]

Some trees there be that haue certain hard bunches bearing out and swelling like to kernels in the flesh of a Swines necke: and these knobs or callosities haue not in them long grain and broad veine, as is aboue said, but only a brawny flesh (as it were) rolled round together: And to say a truth, when such knurres and callosities as these be, are found either in Citron or Maple trees, men make great account of them, and set no small store by that wood. All other sorts of Tables, when the trees are clouen or sawne into plankes, are brought into a round compasse with the grain: for otherwise, if it were slit ouerthwart to make them round against the grain, it would soon breake out. As touching the Beech, the graine of it runneth crosse two contrary wayes like combe teeth; but in old time the vessels made of that wood were highly esteemed. As for example, Manius Curius hauing subdued his enemies, protested, and bound it with an [unspec M] oath. That of all the booty and pillage taken from them, hee had not reserued any thing for himselfe, but onely a cruet or little Ewer of Beech wood, wherein he might sacrifice vnto the gods.

There is no wood but floteth aloft the water, and waueth in length: like as that part which [unspec A] is next to the root is far more weighty, setleth faster downe and sinketh. Some wood hath no veins at all, but consisteth only of a meere grain, streight and small in maner of threds, & such commonly is easie to be clouen. There is again wood that hath no such direct graine, and that will sooner breake out than cleaue; and of this nature is the Oliue and Vine-wood. Contrari∣wise, the whole body and wooddy substance of the Figge tree is nothing but flesh. The Mast∣holme, Cornel, Oke, Tretrifolie, Mulberry, Ebeny, and Lotus, which haue no pith and marrow with in, as is beforesaid, are all heart. All wood for the most part turneth to a blackish colour. The Cornel tree is of a deep yellow, wherof are made the faire Bore-speare staues▪ which shine again, and be studded (as it were) with knots, and chamfered betweene both for decencie and handsomnesse. The Cedar, Larch, and Iuniper wood is red.

CHAP. XXXIX. [unspec B]

¶ Of the Larch tree, the Firre, and the Sapine: the manner of cutting or falling such like trees.

THere is a female Larch tree which the Greeks call Aegis: the wood whereof is of a plea∣sant colour, like to hony. Painters haue found by experience, that it is excellent good for their tables, both for that it is so euen and smooth, not apt besides to chink and cleaue: as also because it will endure and last for euer. And that part they chuse which is the very heart of it, and next the pith, which in the Fir tree the Greekes call Leuson. In like sort the heart of [unspec C] the Cedar is hardest which lieth •…•…xt to the pith or marrow aboue named (much after the ma∣ner of bones in the bodies of liuing creatures) when the muddy carnositie is scraped off and ta∣ken away. The inward part also of the Elder by report is wondrous hard & tough, and they that * 1.18 make thereof staues for Bore-speares prefer it before any wood whatsoeuer. For it standeth on∣ly vpon skin and bone, that is to say, of the rind and heart.

As touching the falling and cutting downe of trees, to serue either in temples or for other vses, round and entire as they grow, without any squaring; as also for to barke them, the onely time and season is, when the sap runs, and that they begin to bud forth: otherwise you shal ne∣uer be able to get off their bark: for bark them not, they wil rot and become worm-eaten vnder the said barke, and the timber withall wax duskish and blacke. As for the other timber that is [unspec D] squared with the axe, and by that means rid from the barke, it would be fallen or cut downe be∣tween mid-winter and the time that the wind▪ Favonius bloweth: or, if we be forced to vse the timber before, and to preuent that time, trees may be fallen at the setting of the star Arcturus, or of the Harp-star before it. Finally, the vtmost and last time thereof is at the summer Sunne∣sted. But forasmuch as most men be ignorant of these seasons, and know not when these starres aboue named do either rise or fall, I will hereafter shew the reason both of the one and other in place conuenient. For this present, as touching the time of felling trees, the common sort make no more scruple, but thinke it sufficient to obserue, that no trees which are to be hewne square for carpenters work be cast down and laid along before they haue borne their fruit. As for the hard and sauage Oke, if it be felled in the spring it will be subiect to the Worme: but cut it down in mid-winter, it will neither warp, ne yet cleaue and chink: being otherwise subiect vnto [unspec E] both, namely, as well to cast and twine, as to rift and gape: a thing incident to the Cork wood, be it cut down in as good a season as is possible. Moreouer, it passeth to see how much the age of the Moon auaileth in this case: for it is commonly thought that timber would not be fallen but in the wain and namely in the last quarter, from the 20 day of the Moon, till the thirtieth. And this is generally receiued among all good workmen, That the best time to cut downe any timber, is in the coniunction of the Moon with the Sun, euen in the very day of the change, be∣fore she sheweth new. Certes Tiberius Caesar the Emperor gaue order to fel the Larch trees that came out of Rhoetia, to repaire and re-edifie the bridge that serued to represent the shew of a naual battell vpon the water (which fortuned to be consumed with fire) iust at the change of [unspec F] the Moon. Some say, that we must precisely obserue the point of the conjunction, and that the Moon withall be vnder the earth, when such trees should be felled: which cannot be but in the night. But if it fall out besides, that this conjunction or change of the Moone, and the last day of the Winter Sun-stead meet together at one instant; the timber then cut downe will last a

world of yeares. Next vnto it is that timber which is fallen in the daies and signes aboue re∣hearsed. [unspec G] Others affirme moreouer, that the rising of the Dog-star would be considered and cho∣sen for this purpose: for at such a time was that timber felled which serued for the stately hall or pallace of Augustus. Moreouer, for to haue good and profitable timber, the trees would be cut down that are of a middle age, for neither yong poles nor old runts are fit for durable buil∣ding. Furthermore, there be that hold opinion, that for to haue the better timber, the trees should haue a kerfe to the very heart and pith round about, and so let it stand an end still, that all the humor by that means might run out, before they be ouerthrowne and laid along. And verily a wonderfull and miraculous thing is reported in old time, during the first Punicke war against the Carthaginians, namely, that all the ships of that fleet which was conducted by Ge∣nerall Duellius the high Admiral, were shot into the sea and vnder saile, within sixty daies after [unspec H] the timber whereof they were built was cut downe in the wood. And L. Piso hath left in wri∣ting, That against king Hiero there were 220 ships made & furnished in 45 daies after the tim∣ber grew. Also in the second Punick war, the Armado which Scipio imploied, was set aflote and bare saile forty daies after the fall of the timber. See how forcible and effectuall in all things is the season and opportunitie of time duly taken, especially when need driueth to make speed and hasten apace.

Cato the chiefe and only man of all others for experience and knowledge in euery thing, in his treatise of all kind of timber to be imploied in building, giues these rules following,

Make thy pressing plank especially of the black * 1.19 Sapine or Horn-beam tree. Item, Whensoeuer thou meanest to storke vp either Elme, Pine, Walnut tree, or any other whatsoeuer for timber, see [unspec I] thou dig it out of the ground, in the wane of the Moon, and that in the afternoon, and take heed in any wise that the wind be not South. Item, The right season to fell a tree for timber, is when the fruit is ful ripe. Item, Beware in any case, that thou neither draw forth of the ground, nor yet square a tree when the dew falleth. And a little after: Beware thou meddle not with timber trees but either at the change or full of the Moon. And in no hand, neither stork it vp then, nor hew it hard to the ground. But within foure daies after the full Moone, plucke vp trees hardly, for that is the best time. Item, Be well aduised, that thou neither fell, square, nor touch with the ax, any timber that is black, vnlesse it be dry. And meddle not with it, if either it be frozen or full of dew.

Tiberius the Emperor aboue named obserued likewise the change of the Moon, for cutting the haire both of head and beard. And yet M. Varro gaue a rule, That to preuent bald∣nesse [unspec K] and the shedding of haire, the Barber should be sent for alwaies after the full Moon.

But to come again vnto our timber trees: The Larch and Fir both (but the Fir especially) if they be cut down, bleed a long time after, and yeeld abundance of moisture. Indeed, these twain of all others be the tallest, and grow most streight and vpright. For Mast-poles and crosse saile∣yards in ships, the Fir or Deale is commended and preferred before all other, for the smoothnes and lightnesse withall. The Larch, the Fir, and the Pine haue this propertie common to them all, To shew the graine of their wood running either parted in foure, forked in twaine, or single one by one. For fine carpentry and Ioiners seeling within house, the heart of the tree would be clouen or rent. The quarter timber, or that which runneth with foure grains, is simply the best, and more pleasant to be wrought than the rest. They that be skilfull woodmen, and haue expe∣rience [unspec L] in timber, wil soon find at the first sight the goodnes of the wood by the very bark. That part of the Fir tree which groweth next to the earth is without knots, euen and plain: the same is laid to soke and season in the water, and afterwards the barke is taken off, and so it commeth to be called Sapinus. The vpper part is knotty, and harder than the nether, and the Latins name it Fusterna. In sum, what tree soeuer it be, that side which regardeth the North is more strong and hard than the other. And generally, the wood of those trees that grow in moist and shadie places is worse: contrariwise, that which commeth from ground exposed to the Sun-shine is more fast and massie, and withall endureth a long time. And herupon it is, that at Rome the Fir trees that come from the nether sea side out of Tuscane, be in better request than those from Venice side, vpon the coast of the vpper sea. [unspec M]

Moreouer, there is great ods between Firre trees, in regard of diuers Countries and Nations where they grow. The best are those of the Alps and the Apennine hills. Likewise in France there are excellent good Firs vpon the mountains Iura and Vogesus: as also in Corsica, Bithi∣nia, Pontus, and Macedonia. A worse kind of them grow in Arcadia and about the mountaines

neare Aenea. The worst be those of Pernassus, & Euboea: for in those parts they be ful of boughs [unspec A] and grow twined, besides, they soone doe putrifie and rot.

As for Cedars, the best simply be those that grow in Candy, Affricke, and Syria. This vertue hath the oile of Cedar, That if any wood or timber be thoroughly anointed therewith, it is sub∣ject neither to worme nor moth, ne yet to rottennesse.

The Iuniper hath the same propertie that the Cedar. They proue in Spaine to be exceeding big and huge, the Berries also greatest of all others. And wheresoeuer it grows, the heart there∣of is more sound than the Cedar.

A generall fault and imperfection there is common to all wood, When the graine, and the knots run into round balls; and such they call in Latin Spirae. Also in some kind of timber, like as in marble also there be found certaine knurs like kernils, as hard they be as naile heads, and [unspec B] they plague sawes, wheresoeuer they light vpon them. Otherwhiles they fall out to be in trees, by some accidental occasion, as namely, when a stone is got into the wood, and enclosed within it: or, in case the bough of some other tree be incorporat or vnited to the foresaid wood. There stood a long time a wild Oliue in the market place of Megara, vpon which the hardie and vali∣ant warriors of that citie vsed to hang and fasten their armor, after some worthy exploit perfor∣med: which in tract and continuance of time were ouergrown with the bark of the said tree, and quite hid. Now was this a fatal tree vnto the same city and the inhabitants thereof, who by way of Oracle were forewarned of their wofull destiny and vtter ruin; which was to happen. When that a tree should be with yong, and deliuered of harneis: which Oracle was fulfilled when this tree was cut downe, for within the wombe thereof were found the mourrions, jambriers, or [unspec C] grieues, of braue men in times past. To conclude, it is said, That such stones so found in trees be singular good for a woman with child, to carie about her, that she may goe her full time.

CHAP. XL.

¶ Of diuers sorts of timber. Of •…•…aine trees of extraordinarie bignesse. What trees they be that neuer be worme-eaten, nor decay and fall. What wood doth endure and continue alwaies good.

THe greatest tree that to this day had euer been knowne or seene at Rome, was that, which being brought with other timber for the rebuilding of the foresaid bridge called Nau∣machiaria, [unspec D] Tiberius Caesar commanded to be landed and laid abroad in view for a singular and miraculous monument to all posteritie: and it remained entire and whole, vntill the time that Nero the Emperour built stis stately Amphitheatre. This peece of timber was of a Larch tree: it contained in length 120 foot, and caried in thickenesse euery way two foot, from one end to the other. Whereby a man may guesse and judge the incredible height of the whole tree be∣sides, to the very top. Such another tree there was to be seen in our daies, which M. Agrippa left for the like singularity and wonder of men, in those stately porches and cloisters that hee made in Mars field: and it continued still after the building of the muster place and treasurers ha•…•…l named Diribitorium. Shorter it was than the former by 20 foot, and caried a foot and half in thickenesse. As for the Fir tree, which serued for a mast in that huge ship, which by the com∣mandement and direction of C. Caligula the Emperour transported and brought out of Aegypt, [unspec E] that Obelisk which was erected and set vp in the Vatican hil, within the cirque there, together with the foure entire stones which bare vp the said Obelisk as supporters; it was seen of a won∣derfull and inestimable height aboue all others: and certaine it is, that there was neuer knowne to fl•…•…te vpon the sea a more wonderful ship than it was. She receiued 120000 Modij of Lentils for the very ballaist; she tooke vp in length the greater part of the left side of Hostia harbour: for Claudius the Emperor caused it there to be sunk, together with three mighty great piles or dams founded vpon it, and mounted to the height of towers, for which purpose there was brought a huge quantity of earth or sand from Puteoli. The maine bodie of this mast contai∣ned in compasse 4 fadom full. And a common by-word it is, currant in euery mans mouth, that Fir mast for that purpose, are vsually sold for eight hundred Sesterces apeece, and more monie: [unspec F] whereas for the most part planks which are set together and serue in stead of boats, ordinarily cost but forty. Howbeit, the kings of Egypt and Syria, for default and want of Fir (haue vsed by report) in stead thereof Cedar wood about their shipping. And verily, the voice goes of an ex∣ceeding

big one which grew in Cyprus, and was cut downe for a mast to serue that mighty gal∣leace [unspec G] of king Demetrius, that had eleuen bankes of oares to a side; a hundred and thirtie foot it was high, and three fatham thicke. And no maruell, since that the pyrats and rouers, who haunt the coasts of Germanie, make their punts or troughs of one entire peece of wood and no more, wrought hollow in manner of a boat, and some one of them will hold thirtie men.

To proceed now vnto the sundry natures of wood. The most massie and fast wood, and ther∣fore the weightest of all other, by judgment of men, is that of the Ebene and the Boxe: both small trees by nature. Neither of them twaine swims aboue the water, no more will the Corke wood, if it be barked, nor the Larch. Of all the rest, the saddest wood is that of Lotus, I meane that which at Rome is so called. Next to it, is the heart of Oke, namely, when it is rid of the white sappie wood: the heart (I say) which comes neare to a black color: and yet the Cytisus or [unspec H] Tetrifolie is blacker, and seemeth most to resemble the Ebene. Howbeit, you shall haue some who affirme that the Terebinths of Syria be blacker than it. There was one Thericles a famous Turner, who was wont to make drinking cups, mazers, and bowles of the Terebinth; which is a sufficient proofe, that the wood is fine and hard. This wood alone of all others, loueth to be oi∣led, and surely the better it is for the oile. But a maruellous prety deuice there is to set a passing faire blacke color, and a shining glosse vpon it; with Walnuts and wild Peares, namely, boiling these together, and making thereof a mixture and composition to giue the said tincture. All these trees abouenamed haue a sad and fast wood. Next to them in that respect is the Cornell tree: and yet I cannot properly range it in the order of timber trees, so small and slender it is. Neither is the wood thereof in manner good for nought else but for spokes in cartwheeles, also to make wedges to cleaue wood, and tough pins, that wil hold as fast well neer as yron spikes. In [unspec I] like sort, the Mast-holm, the Oliue both wild and tame, the Chestnut tree, the Hornbeame, and the Poplar, be of an hard substance, and meet for this purpose. The wood hereof hath a curled graine like the Maple, and surely would be as good timber as any, but for often lopping the boughs, which gueldeth and deminisheth the strength. Moreouer, many of them there bee, and the Oke especially, so hard, that vnlesse they be soked first in water, it is impossible to bore a hole into them with an augoer, or to pluck forth a nail if it be once set fast, water them as much as you will. Contrariwise, the Cedar will not hold a naile. The wood of the Linden tree seemes of all other to bee most soft, and hotest withal: for proofe whereof, this reason men doe alleadge, because it soonest turnes and dulles the axe edge. Of a hote nature also are the Mulberrie tree, the Lawrell, and the Yvie, and in one word, all those that serue to strike fire with. This experi∣ment [unspec K] was first found out by spies, that goe between camp and camp, by sheepheards also in the field: for hauing not flint euermore readie at hand to smite and kindle fire withall, they make shift for to rub and grate one wood against another, and by this attrition there fly out sparkles, which lighting vpon some tinder, made either of drie rotten touchwood, or of bunts and withe∣red leaues, very quickly catch fire, and burne not out. And for this intent, there is nothing bet∣ter than to strike the Yviewood, with the Bay. In this case also the wilde Vine (I mean not La∣brusca) is much commended: and it climbeth and runneth vpon trees in manner of Yuie.

The trees that grow in waterie grounds be coldest of all others: but such be toughest and therefore best to make bucklers & targuets, the wood whereof, if it be cut, comes quickly toge∣ther, and closes vp the gash againe, and in that regard, much adoe there is to pierce it thorough [unspec L] with any weapon whatsoeuer. And of this sort are Fig trees, Willowes, Lindens, Bitch, Elder, Ash, and Poplar. Of all these, the Fig tree and the Willow be lightest, and therefore fittest for that purpose. These trees last rehearsed, be good for caskets and fossers: wicker baskets also and prettie paniers, which be made of winding twigs. Their wood besides is faire & white, streight also and easie to be grauen. The plane wood is soft and gentle, but moist withall; and so is the Alder. Eleme likewise, Ash, Mulberry, and Cherry-tree wood, is pliable, but drier and more pon∣derous. The Elme, of all kinds of wood, will keep streight and stiffe best, and not warp at all: & because it twines and casts not, it is passing good for hinges and hooks, for sawne bords for led∣ges in dores and gates, so as this regard be had of exchange, that the vpper end of the bord that grew toward the head of the tree, be fitted to the nether hinge or hooke of the dore; and con∣trariwise [unspec M] the butt end, serue the higher. The Date tree and the Corke, haue a soft and tender wood. The Apple tree, Peare tree, and Maple, haue as sad and massie; but brittle it is, like as all wood that goeth with a crosse and frisled grain. And look what tree soeuer is naturally hard

and tough, the wild and the male of the same kind, haue their wood more churlish than other∣wise [unspec A] it is in the rest. Semblably, those that beare no fruit, are of a faster and firmer wood than the fruitful: vnlesse it be that that the males be bearers and the female barren, of which sort are the Cypresse and Cornell trees. The wood of Cypresse, Cedar, Ebene, Lotus, Box, Yewgh, Iu∣niper, and the Oliue both sauage and gentle, is neuer worme-eaten, ne yet rotteth for age. As for all other trees, long it is before these decay, to wit, the Larch, the Oke, the Corke tree, Chestnut and Walnut tree. The Cedar, Cypresse, and Oliue wood, neuer doth chinke or cleaue of it self, vnlesse it be by some accident.

It is commonly thought, that the Box, the Ebene, the Cypresse, and the Cedar wood, is euer∣lasting and will neuer be done. An euident proofe thereof as touching all these sorts of timber, by the judgment and choise of so many men, was to be seene in that famous temple of Diana in Ephesus: for al Asia set to their helping hand and contributed toward that work, which in foure [unspec B] hundred yeres and not before, they brought to an end & finished. The beames, rafters, and spars that went to the making of the roufe, were by the generall voice of the whole world, of Cedar timber. As touching the statue or image it selfe of the goddesse Diana, it is not certainly known of what wood it was: all writers, saue only Mutianus, report that it was of Ebene. As for him, a man who had been thrice Consull of Rome, and one of the last who vpon their owne sight of the said thing, wrate therof, auoucheth that it was made of Vine wood; and that, howsoeuer the temple was ruined and rebuilt againe no lesse than seuen times, yet the foresaid image was neuer altered nor changed. Who saith moreouer, that Canetias chose that wood for the best (for so he named the workman that cut and carued it.) And I much maruel therat, considering that by his saying this image was of greater antiquity than that of lady Minerua, much more than of [unspec C] prince Bacchus. He addes moreouer and saith, that this statue was embau•…•…ed within, by reason of the precious oile of Spiknard, which was distilled into it at many holes: by means of which medicinable liquor, the wood was nourished, and the joints held close and fast together where∣at I canot chuse but maruell again very much, that considering the statue was so small, it should haue any peece or joint at all. Now as touching the leaues of the dores belonging to this tem∣ple, they were by his report, of Cypresse wood: and continued still fresh and new to the eye, not∣withstanding it is foure hundred yeares well neare since they were made. Where, by the way this is to be noted, that these dores stood foure yeres glewed in the claue. And verily, this wood was chosen for that purpose, because among other properties, the Cypresse alone hath the gift, to looke alwaies shining and polished, and neuer loseth the glosse and beauty. And for to proue [unspec D] this, we need not to goe farre: Looke but vpon the emage of * 1.20 Vejouis, in the Capitol, made of Cypresse wood, doth it not endure still faire and trim? and yet was it dedicated and consecra∣ted in that temple, in the yeare after the foundation of Rome, 551.

A famous and memorable temple there is of Apollo at Vtica, where the beames and maine peeces of timber, made of Numidian Cedars, remaine as whole and entire as at the first day when they were set vp, which was when the citie was first founded: by which computation, they haue continued alreadie 1188 yeares. Moreouer, it is said, that at Saguntum a citie of Spaine, there is a temple of Diana still standing, a little beneath the citie: and yet as king Borchus mine Author saith, 200 yeares before the ruine and destruction of Troy, the same men that brought the image of the said Diana from the Island Zacynthus, founded the temple aboue said. For the [unspec E] antiquity and religion whereof, Anniball made some conscience to demolish it, and would not once touch it: and therein are to be seen at this day the beames and rafters of Iuniper, sound and good But aboue all other, memorable is the temple of the said goddesse Diana in Aulis, which was built many hundred yeres before the Trojane war: but what kind of timber was emploied about the Carpentrie thereof, is not well knowne. Howbeit, this we may boldly resolue vpon, that the more odoriferous any wood is, the more durable also it is and euerlasting.

Next to these trees aboue rehearsed, the wood of the Mulberrie tree is most commended, which in tract of time as it growes to be old, waxes also blacke. Moreouer, some kinds of wood as they be more lasting than other, so they continue better being emploied in one kind of work, than they do in another. The Elme timber will well abide the aire and the wind. The wild Oke [unspec F] Robur loueth to stand within the ground, and the common Oke is good in the water: let it bee vsed aboue ground to take the aire and the weather, it will cast, warpe, and cleaue too bad. The Larch wood agreeth passing wel with water works, and so doth the black Alder. As for the Oke

Robur, it will corrupt and rot in the sea. The Beech will doe well in water, and the Walnut tree [unspec G] likewise: but to stand within the earth, they are principall good, and haue no fellow. And for the Iuniper, it will hold the owne, being laid vnder ground, but for building aboue in the open aire, it is excellent good. The Beech and the Cerus wood rot quickly. The smal Oke called Es∣culus canot abide the water. The Cherrie tree wood is firme and fast: the Elme and the Ash are tough; how beit, they will soone settle downward and sag, being charged with any weight, but bend they will before they break: and in case before they were fallen, they stood a while in the wood, after they had a kerfe round about, for their superfluous moisture to run out vntill they were well dried, they would be the better and sure in building. It is commonly said, that the Larch wood if it be put into ships at sea, is subject to wormes: like as al other kinds of wood, vnlesse it be the wild and tame Oliue. For to conclude, some timber is more readie to corrupt and be marred in the sea, and others againe vpon the land. [unspec H]

CHAP. XLI.

¶ Of wormes that breed in wood.

OF vermine that eat into wood, there be 4 kinds. The first are called in Latine Teredines: a very great head they haue for the proportion of the body, and with their teeth they gnaw. These are found only in ships at sea, and indeed properly none other be Teredines. A second sort there be, and those are land wormes or mothes, named Tineae. But a third kind resembling gnats, the Greeks tearme by the name of Thripes. In the fourth place bee the little wormes: whereof some are bred of the putrified humor and corruption in the very timber: like [unspec I] as others againe engender in trees, of a worme called Cerastes: for hauing gnawne and eaten so much, that he hath roume enough to turne him about within the hole which he first made, hee engendreth this other worm. Now, some wood there is so bitter, that none of these wermin will breed in it, as the Cypresse: others likewise so hard, that they cannot eat into it, as the Box. It is a generall opinion, that if the Firre be barked about the budding times, at such an age of the Moon as hath been before said, it will neuer putrifie in the water. Reported it is by those that accompanied Alexander the great in his voiage into the East, that in the Isle Tylos lying with∣in the red sea, there be certain trees that serue for timber to build ships, the which were known to continue two hundred yeares: and being drowned in the sea, were found with the wood no∣thing at all perished. They affirmed moreouer, that in the same Island there grew little plants [unspec K] or shrubs, no thicker than would wel serue for walking staues to cary in a mans hand, the wood whereof was massie and ponderous, striped also and spotted in manner of a Tygres skin; but so brittle withall, that if it chanced to fall vpon a thing harder than it selfe, it would breake into fitters like glasse.

CHAP. XLII.

¶ Of timber good for Architecture and Carpentrie: what wood will serue for this or that worke: and which is the strongest and surest timber for roufes of building. [unspec L]

WEe haue here in Italie, wood and timber that will cleaue of it selfe. For which cause our Maister Carpenters giue order to besmeare them with beasts dung, and so to lie a drying, that the wind and piercing aire should not hurt them. The joists and plankes made of Firre and Larch, are very strong to beare a great weight, although they bee laid in length ouerthwart. Contrariwise, the Rafters made of the wild Oke Robur, and Oliue wood, wil bend, & yeeld vnder their load: whereas the other named before, do resist mainly & withstand, neither will they easily break, vnlesse they haue much wrong: nay sooner do they rot, than faile otherwise in strength. The Date-tree wood also is * 1.21 tough and strong, for it yeeldeth not, but curbeth the contrarie way. The Poplar setteth and bendeth downeward: whereas the Date-tree contrariwise rises vpward archwise. The Pine and the Cypres are not subject either to rotten∣nesse [unspec M] or worme-eating. The Walnut tree wood soone bendeth, and is saddle-backt as it lieth, (for thereof also they often vse to make beames and rafters) but before that it breaketh, it will giue w•…•…ing by a cracke, which saued many a mans life in the Island Antandros, at what

time as being within the common baines, they were skared with the crack that the floore gaue, [unspec A] and ran forth speedily before all fell. Pines, Pitch trees, and Allar, are very good for to make pumps and conduit-pipes to conuey water: and for this purpose their wood is boared hollow: lying buried vnder the ground, they will continue many a yeare sound and good: let them bee vncouered without any mould and lie aboue ground, they will quickly decay. But if water also stand aboue the wood, a wonder it is to see how they will harden therewith and endure. Firre or Deale wood, is of all other surest and strongest for roufes aboue head: the same also is passing good for dore leaues, for bolts and barres: also in all seelings and wainscot or whatsoeuer it bee, whether Greekish, Campaine, or Sicilian, it is best, and maketh very faire worke. A man shall see the fine shauings thereof run alwaies round and winding, like the tendrills of a vine, as the Ioyner runneth ouer the painels and quarters with his plainer. Moreouer, the timber of it is [unspec B] commendable for coaches and chariots: and there is not a wood that makes a better and stron∣ger joynt with glew, than it doth: insomuch, as the sound plank will sooner cleaue in any other place, than in the joynt where it was glewed.

CHAP. XLIII.

¶ Of glewing timber: of rent, clouen, and sawen painell.

GReat cunning there is in making strong glew, and in the feat of joyning with it, as well in regard of seelings and wainscot made of thin bourd and painell, as of marquetry & other inlaid workes: and for this purpose, Ioyners doe chuse the mistresse threadie grain that is [unspec C] most streight, which some call the Fertill veine, because ordinarily it breedeth others, and yee shall see it branching and curled, as if it shed▪ teares and those trickling down. In euery kind of wood whatsoeuer, the crisped graine will not take glew and beare a joynt. Some wood it is im∣possible to glew and joyne, with peeces of their owne kind, much lesse of other wood; as the hard Oke Robur. And lightly ye shall not haue peeces of a diuers nature, knit and vnite well in a joint, no more than if a man should go about to glew & join stone & wood together. The Ser∣uise tree wood canot in any wise sort in a joynt with the Corneil wood; no more can the Horn∣beame and the Box: after them, the Tillet or Linden wood may hardly away with his societie. To speak generally, whatsoeuer wood is gentle and apt to bend, (such as we cal pliant) the same is good and easy to be wrought to any work that a man would haue: to which, you may put the [unspec D] Myrtle and wild Fig-tree. Durable and handsome withall, either to be cut, squared, clouen or sawen, are all those kinds of wood which be by nature moist. As for drie peeces of timber, they giue not way so fast to the saw, as greene: and yet you must except the Oke and the Box wood, which although they be greene, do stiffely with stand the saw-gate, choking and filling vp their teeth euen; by which meanes the slit is hindred, and the worke goeth not forward: which is the cause also that the sawvers draw vp & let downe the saw twice, before the teeth send from them any dust into the pit, As for the Ash, it is most easie to be wrought, put it to what vse you will, and makes the fairest worke: and namely for horsemens staues, better it is than Hazell, lighter than the Corneil, and more gentle and pliable than the Seruise wood. The French white Ash, it will bend well for cart-thills and fellies. The Elme would be very like vine-wood, but that it is more ponderous and heauie. The Beech is easie to be wrought into any form, brittle though it [unspec E] be and tender: yet thereof are made fine trenchers, thin shindles, and such like, as will wind and bend euery way: and therfore it is the only wood commendable for to make prettie caskets, pa∣niers, and boxes. The mast-Holme also may be cut into fine thin foile or leaues like plates, and those also are of a daintie and pleasant colour: but singular good is the wood thereof for such things as fret and weare with rubbing, and namely, the axle trees in wheeles: and as the Holme is fit for this purpose in regard of the hard wood; so the Ash likwise, because it is so lyth & pli∣able: in which two respects, the Elm is chosen before them both. Moreouer, the wood of these trees before-named, are notable to make many prettie tooles that serue artizans in their daily worke: and therefore it is commonly said, That the wood of the wild Oliue, Boxe, mast-Holm, Elme, and Ash, are excellent goo•…•… for awgre-handles and wimble stockes. Of the same also are [unspec F] made mallets, but beetle heads of the bigger sort, of the Pine and Holme. A great reason why these kinds of wood are the more tough and harder, is when the trees haue their right season, and be cut down in their best time, rather than too soon and before they be come to maturity.

Thus it hath beene knowne that doore-hinges and hookes made of Oliue wood (which other∣wise [unspec G] is most hard) if they haue rested any long time, and not beene worne by shutting, and ope∣ning too and fro, haue put forth fresh buds, as if they had growne still in the plant. As for the dore-barres and bolts, Cato would haue them made of Holly, Bay-tree, and Elme. The handles and helues of rusticall tooles, mattocke steeles, and spade trees, Hyginus willeth they should bee either of Hornebeame, Holme, or Cerrus. For fine painell in fret-worke, for seeling also and o∣uerlaying other wood, these are the chiefe, the Citron, Terebinth, Maple of all sorts, Box, Date tree, Huluer, Holme, Elder root, and the Poplar. The Alder tree likewise (as hath beene said) affordeth certain swelling bunches & hard knots, which may be cut and clouen into most dain∣tie flakes and precious leaues, as faire and pleasant to the eie for their damask branch, as either Citron or Maple: setting which three aside, there be no knurs and nodosities in any tree worth [unspec H] ought and of account.

Moreouer, yee shall haue trees ordinarily in the mids toward the heart, carie a more crisped and curled wood; and the neerer it is to the but or root end, the finer is the graine, more bran∣ching also, and the streaks winding in and out. Loe, from whence first came the superfluous ex∣pence to couer and seele one wood with another! See how those trees which for their very wood were of no price, are become more costly and dearer, when they serue as a barke to cla•…•… others! that one tree forsooth by this means, should be so sold many & sundry times at a seueral price. Thus haue been deuised (I would not els) thin leaues of wood, like gold or siluer-foile. And yet that is not all: for there is come vp of late a deuise, to paint and die in sundrie colors the hornes of beasts, to cut and saw their teeth into thin plates: and wheras at first there was fret-works on∣ly [unspec I] inlaid and set out with Ivorie here and there, soone after it came to passe, that the wood was couered all ouer therewith. Neither hath the ryot and wastfull prodigality of the world staied there, but proceeded farther, euen to search into the deepe sea for that, which might serue in stead of wood and timber. Thus the tortoise shel hath been cut into flakes and leaues, for want forsooth of wood vpon drie land. And now of late daies, certaine monstrous spirits, during the Empire of Nero, haue found out a deuise to disfigure the Tortoise shel also with paintings, that it might be sold the dearer when it lookt like wood. Thus means are wrought, that the price of beds should be raised and set vp by this meanes: thus they would haue the Terebinth wood to bee excessiue deare and aboue the worth: thus must the Citron wood be enhaused to an higher rate: and thus the Maple is counterfeited, Tortoise shells are foisted in the place and bought [unspec K] for it. To conclude, of late daies the curiositie of men was such, that they could not content themselues with rich and costly wood; and now for to beautify and set out ther wood, Tortoise shels must needs be bought, there is no remedie.

CHAP. XLIIII.

¶ The age of trees: what kind of trees they be that are of least continuance. Semblably, of Misselto, and the Priests called Druidae.

IF a man would consider the hidden corners of the world, and the inaccessable desarts that be in it, he might by infallible arguments conclude and resolue, that there be some trees that [unspec L] haue continued time out of mind, and liued infinitly. But to speak of their age only that are known (euen by the testimonie of ancient records, and those faithfully deliuered vnto vs) there are to be seen standing or growing at this day, about Linternum (a towne in Campaine) certain Oliue trees, that Scipio Africanus (the first of that name) planted long since with his owne hand. In the same place also there is a Myrtle tree, of a rare and admirable greatnesse; and vnder it, a caue or hole in the ground, wherein (by report) there lyeth a dragon that keepes the ghost and soule of the said Scipio. And at Rome, in the court-yard belonging to the chappell of goddesse Diana Lucina, there is yet to be seen a Lote tree standing before the said chappell, built in the yeare of the Anarchie, what time as Rome stood desolate of all magistrates, and that was 369 yeares after the foundation of the citie: but how much more auncient this tree is than the said temple, God knoweth: for elder it is without all question, considering that of the groue or tuft [unspec M] of trees there growing, which the Latines call Lucus, the said goddesse Diana tooke her name * 1.22 Lucina. Now it is 450 yeares or thereabout, since that time, and so old it is doubtlesse. Ano∣ther Lote tree there is and elder than that, but the age thereof is likewise vncertain: known it is

by the name Capillata, [i. hairie:] so called, because the haire of the vestall Nuns heads is vsu∣ally [unspec A] thither brought, & there consecrated: and yet is there a third Lotus at Rome in the court∣yard and cloister about the temple of Vulcan, which Romulus built for a perpetuall monument and memoriall of a victorie, and defraied the charges out of the tenths of the pillage and spoile that he woone from his enimies; and this tree is at least full as old as the citie of Rome, if it bee true that Massurius writeth. The roots thereof, passing along the street where the Burgeoises vse to keep their residence, doe reach as farre as the stately market-place or Hall of Caesar. There grew by it a Cypresse tree also of the same age, the which by an ouersight and carlesse neglect, fell downe no longer since then the last yeare of Nero the Emperour. But why stand wee long hereupon? there is an Holme growing in the Vatican, elder than Rome it selfe, with a plate of brasse vpon it engrauen in Tuscan letters, containing an inscription or title: wherby it appea∣reth, [unspec B] that euen in those daies the said tree for antiquity, was worthy of peoples deuotion. More∣ouer, it is well knowne, that the Tyburtines are more antient than the Romans, and their citie Tybur founded many a yeare before Rome: and yet certain it is, that there be yet three Holmes there remaining aliue, elder than Tyburtus himselfe, their first founder: vpon which trees (as the voice goeth) he obserued the flight of birds, and thereby tooke his auspices and warrant from the gods to build the said citie. And (by report) the sonne he was of Amphiaraus, who died at Thebes an hundred yeares before the Trojane warre. Writers therebe who affirme, that both that Plane tree which groweth before the temple of Apollo at Delphos, was set by king Aga∣memnons owne hand: as also another in the second groue of Caphys in Arcadie. Furthermore, at this day, there be trees neere vnto the streight of Callipolis, sometime called Hellespontus, [unspec C] ouer-against the citie of the Ilians, where old Troy stood, growing close vnto the tombe or se∣pul•…•…re of Protesilaus: which euery fourteene yeres so soon as they are shot vp so tall only as they may seeme to discouer and see the citie Ilium, immediatly begin to wither and fade, and after∣wards spring againe and grow anew vnto that age and height aforesaid. Hard by the citie of I∣lium, there be certain Okes also (as folke say) neer vnto the tomb of Ilus, which were then plan∣ted or set of acornes, when Troy began to be called Ilium. It is reported moreouer, that the O∣liue tree remaines yet aliue at Argos, vnto which▪ Argus tied lady Io, after she was transformed or turned into an Heifer. About Heraclea in Pontus, there be certaine altars erected to the ho∣nor of Iupiter surnamed Stratius, ouer which there stand two Okes, both set by the hands of Her∣cules. In the very same tract there is an hauen, ennobled and renowmed by the name of Amycus [unspec D] the K. of the Bebrycians there slaine. His tombe, from the very day of his sepulture, hath been ouershadowed with a Bay tree (planted there and then for that purpose) which the people of that countrey do call The raging or mad Lawrell; for pluck but a branch or twig thereof be it neuer so small, and carie it into a ship, all the marriners and passengers within, will fall a braw∣ling, and neuer agree vntill it be cast out and throwne away out of the vessell, that was brought thither from the tree aforesaid. Of a certain region we haue before written, called Aulocrene, lying in the way between Apamia and Phrygia; & there the paisants of that countrey can shew you that very Plane tree, on which Marsyas the musitian hung himselfe in a melancholly mood for that he was ouermatched in his owne cunning and professed skill, by Apollo: and surely like it is, that euen then he made choise of that tree for the bignes: ouer and besides, in the Isle De∣los, [unspec E] there is a Date tree to be seen, which hath remained there euer since that the said god Apollo was borne and reared there. The wild Oliue tree at Olympia (wherof Hercules ware the first co∣ronet or guirland) is kept and tended still with great deuotion. The very same Oliue tree also (by folks saying) continueth this day at Athens, which sprung vp at the very time that Minerua and Neptune stroue together about giuing the name to the citie Athens. And thus much of long-liued trees.

Contrariwise, Pomgranat trees, Fig trees, and Apple trees, liue a very short time: & of these, the hastie kind or Ienitings, continue nothing so large as those that bear and ripen later: neither yet those that carie sweet fruit, last so wel as they that bring' forth sower. The Pomgranat tree also with the more pleasant fruit, is shorter liued than the other. The like is to be said of Vines, [unspec F] and namely, such as bear greater burden of grapes & veeld most wine. Howbeit Graecinus saith, That there haue been vine trees known to liue threescore yeres. It seems also, that trees which come vp in waterish and moist places, are not of any long continuance, but soone die. In deed Bay trees, Apple trees, and Pomgranat trees, do age & looke old quickly; howbeit they spring

fresh again from the root. Well then, the Oliue trees hold out life and liue very long: for after [unspec G] the common opinion and agreement of all writers, they continue ordinarily 200 yeares. There is a little hil named Carne within the territory of Tusculum, not far from Rome city side, clad and beautified with a goodly groue and tuft of Beech trees, so euen and round in the head, as if they were curiously kept, cut, and shorne artificially with garden sheares: which groue was con∣secrated in old time to Diana, by the common consent of al Latium, which did their deuotions there. In it there was one especiall faire tree aboue the rest, which Passienus Crispus, a man in our daies of great authoritie (as hauing been twice Consull in his time, & reputed an excellent O∣rator, who also afterward mounted to higher place of reputation by marrying Agrippina the Empresse, by which match he became father in law to Nero the Emperor) cast a fancie and ex∣traordinar ie liking vnto: insomuch as he was wont not only to take his repose and lie vnder it, to sprinckle and cast wine plentifully vpon it, but also to clip, embrace, and kisse it otherwhiles. [unspec H] Neere adioining as a neighbour to the said groue, there is an Holme, which of it selfe alone is much renowmed: it beareth in compasse about the butt therof 35 foot, and sends out ten mon∣strous big armes from the bodie, which may goe well enough for as many trees, and those eue∣ry one so great as it is wonderfull. Surely this one tree alone (a man would say) resembled a whole wood.

Moreouer, there is nothing more certaine than this, that Iuie killeth trees. The like is to bee said (in some sort) of the Misselto, although it is generally thought, that the harme thereby is not so soon seen. And this you must thinke, that this Misselto is not to be taken for the fruit of a tree, and therfore as great a wonder it is in nature, as any other: for some things there be, that not willing to grow out of the earth, engender in trees; & hauing no proper place of their own [unspec I] habitation to seat themselues in, sojourn as it were & make their abode with others, and of this nature is the Misselto. Also, in Syria there is a certain hearbe named * 1.23 Cadytas; which windeth about, not trees onely, but also very bushes and thornes: likewise, all about the pleasant vale Tempe in Thessalie, you shall haue a kind of Ferne ealled Polypodie, to doe the same: also, the Pulse named Dolychos, which is Fasels or Kidney beanes, and the wild running-laced Thyme, Serpillum. Semblably, that which the Greeks cal Phaunos: the very same, that after a man hath cut and proined the wild Oliue, engendreth thereupon. The like is to be said of Hippopheston which groweth vpon the Fullers thorne or thystle: it beareth certaine little heads and hollow knobs with nothing in them, smal leaues, and a white root; the juice wherof is singular good to euacuate and purge the bodie, for the diuersion of ill humors, in the falling sicknesse. But to re∣turn [unspec K] againe to Misselto, there be three kinds thereof. For that which groweth on the Firre and Larch tree, is called Stelis in Euboea, and Hyphear in Arcadia. And as for that which properly is Misselto indeed, most men are of opinion, that it groweth fast to the common Oke, the wild Robur, the Holme, wild Plumtree, and the Terebinth, and not lightly on any other trees. How∣beit, in greatest plenty it is seen vpon the Oke, and that is named Dryos Hyphear. A difference there is in the Hyhpear and Misselto, on what tree soeuer they are found (except the Holm and common Oke) in regard of the sauor, which is strong and stinking in the one more than the o∣ther. The leafe of them both hath no pleasant smel, and in the Misselto it is bitter, clammy, and viscous besides. Of the two, Hyphear yet is the better to feed sheep and such cattell fat: only at the first it purgeth yll humors, and makes them to scoure apace, but afterwards it fatteth them; [unspec L] I mean such as were able to bear the said purgation. But in case any of them were deeply tackt and infected with the rot, or other inward consuming disease, they can neuer endure the taking of the said Hyphear, but they die vpon it. The only fit time for this kind of curing them, by the way of purgiug, is in Summer, and that for 40 daies space together, There is moreouer, by mens saying, another difference in Misselto: for that which groweth vpon trees, shedding their leaues in winter, loseth also his owne leaues; but contrariwise, it continueth alwaies green vpon such trees as hold their leaues all the yeare long. Moreouer, set or sow this Misselto what way soeuer you will, it will neuer take and grow: it comes onely by the mewting of birds, especially of the Stockedoue or Quoist, and the Blackbird, which feed thereupon, and let it passe thorough their body. And this is the nature of it vnlesse it bee mortified, altered and digested in the stomacke [unspec M] and belly of birds, it will neuer grow. It exceedeth not at any time a cubit in heighth, notwith∣standing it be alwaies greene and full of branches. The male beareth a certaine graine or berry: the female is barren and fruitlesse. But sometimes neither the one nor the other beareth at all.

Now as touching Birdlime, it is made of the berries of Misseltoe, gathered in haruest time [unspec A] before they are ripe; for if they should tarry stil to take showres of rain, wel might they thriue and increase in bignesse; but their strength and vertue would be gon clean, for euer making any such glew or birdlime aforesaid. Being so gathered, as is before said, they must be laid abroad a drying, and when they be once dry, they are braied or stamped, and so put in water to steepe and let to putrifie for the space of 12 daies or thereabout. This one thing yet in the whole world is the better for putrefaction, and serueth to good purpose. When this is done, the said berries thus putrified and corrupt, are beaten or punned once again with mallets, in running water; by which means when they are husked and turned out of their skins, the fleshy substance within, becommeth glutinous, and will stick too, in manner of glew. This is the way to make birdlime for to catch poore birds by their wings, entangled therewith; which foulers vse to temper and [unspec B] incorporate with the oile of Walnuts, when they list to set limetwigs to take foule.

And forasmuch as we are entred into a discourse as touching Messelto, I cannot ouerpasse one strange thing thereof vsed in France: The Diuidae (for so they call their Diuinors, Wise∣men, & the state of their Clergy) esteeme nothing more sacred in the world than Misselto, and the tree wherupon it breeds, so it be on Oke. Now this you must take by the way, These priests or Clergy men chose of purpose such groues for their diuine seruice, as stood only vpon Okes; nay, they solemnise no sacrifice, nor perform any sacred ceremonies without branches & leaues thereof, so as they may seem well enough to be named thereupon Dryidae in Greek, which sig∣nifieth as much as the Oke priests. Certes, to say a truth, whatsoeuer they find growing vpon that tree ouer and besides the own fruit, be it Misselto or any thing else, they esteem it as a gift sent from heauen, and a sure signe by which that very god whom they serue giueth them to vn∣derstand, [unspec C] that he hath chosen that peculiar tree. And no maruel, for in very deed Misselto is pas∣sing geason and hard to be found vpon the oke; but when they meet with it, they gather it very deuoutly and with many ceremonies: for first and formost, they obserue principally, that the Moon be iust six daies old (for vpon that day they begin their months and new yeares, yea and their seueral ages, which haue their revolutions euery thirty yeres) because she is thought then to be of great power and force sufficient, and is not yet come to her halfe light and the end of her first quarter. They call it in their language All-Heale, (for they haue an opinion of it, that it cureth all maladies whatsoeuer) and when they are about to gather it, after they haue well & duly prepared their sacrifices and festiual cheare vnder the said tree, they bring thither two [unspec D] yong bullocks milk white, such as neuer drew in yoke at plough or wain, and whose heads were then and not before bound by the horn: which done, the priest araied in a surplesse or white ve∣sture, climbeth vp into the tree, and with a golden hooke or bill cutteth it off, and they beneath receiue it in a white soldiers cassock or coat of armes: then fall they to kil the beasts aforesaid for sacrifice, mumbling many oraisons & praying deuoutly: that it would please God to blesse this gift of his to the good and benefit of all those to whom he had vouchsafed to giue it. Now this persuasion they haue of Misselto thus gathered, That wha•…•… liuing creatures soeuer (other∣wise barren) do drink of it, will presently become fruitfull thereupon: also, that it is a soueraign countrepoison or singular remedie against all vermine. So vain and superstitious are many na∣tions in the world, and oftentimes in such friuolous and foolish things as these. [unspec E] [unspec F]

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Low∣countries of Zeland, &c.
• * 1.2

  As the man∣ner was to re∣ceiue the Hie∣ronic•…•….
• * 1.3

  Palimpissa, i. Stone-pitch.
• * 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  Chap 39. of his booke.
• * 1.6

  Pliny herin is deceiued. For the Line Tree with vs is cō∣parable to the highest Okes in talnesse.
• * 1.7

  Taken by some to be our Aspe.
• * 1.8

  Ex Theophr. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.9

  Solstitium.
• * 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. •…•…rugiperda.
• * 1.11

  To wit, by caprification.
• * 1.12

  All this Theo∣phrastus repor∣teth of Ilex, and not of Buxus.
• * 1.13

  For Arrowes and Darts:
• * 1.14

  For writing pens.
• * 1.15

  For Flutes and Pipes.
• * 1.16

  Varia, or Ver∣sicolor, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Th•…•…oph. i. of diuers colour•…•….
• * 1.17

  Calamach•…•….
• * 1.18

  Theophrastus writeth this of the Cornell tree.
• * 1.19

  Sapino or Carpine.
• * 1.20

  Or, Iupit•…•…r.
• * 1.21

  Valida, ex Theophrast.
• * 1.22

  Grati•…•… Luci∣n•…•… dedit haec tibi nomina Lucus. Ouid.
• * 1.23

  Some take this for Cassu∣tha, or Cuscuta i Doder.