The history of four-footed beasts and serpents describing at large their true and lively figure, their several names, conditions, kinds, virtues ... countries of their breed, their love and hatred to mankind, and the wonderful work by Edward Topsell ; whereunto is now added, The theater of insects, or, Lesser living creatures ... by T. Muffet ...

THE THEATER OF INSECTS: OR, Of lesser living Creatures.

CHAP. I.

Of the Names, Description, and Differences of Bees.

OF all Insects, Bees are the principal and are chiefly to be admired, being the on∣ly creature of that kinde, framed for the nourishment of Man; but the rest are procreated either to be useful in physick, or for delight of the eyes, the pleasure of the ears, or the compleating and ornament of the body; the Bee doth ex∣ceed them all in every one of these.

They are called by the

• Hebrewes, Deborah.
• Arabians, albara Nahalea Zabar. * 1.1
• Illyrians, Weziela.
• Italians, ape, api, una sticha, moscatella, ape a scoppa, pecchi.
• Spaniards, Abeia.
• French, mousches a miel.
• Germans, ein ymme bynle.
• English, Bee, bees, been.
• Flandrians, Bie.
• Polonians, Pztzota.
• Irish, Camlii.

The Grecians give divers names to Bees, according to the diversity of Nations, Countreys, and places; for divers nations do attribute divers names to them. But the most common and vulgar name is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (but Hesiod cals the Bee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,) because they are busied in their work, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or because of their sweetnesse, or rather 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in regard of their honey, in making of which the Bee is a cunning artificer. For they are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because there is no Insect more studious, more industrious, and laborious. Hesiod calls them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Gesner had rather read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for it is also called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. But Suidas, Aristotle, and others, do rather make it a Hornet or a Wasp. Although Gaza's interpretation, and the Poets do call it Apis a Bee. Stephanus calleth them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, whence 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, I do hive Bees. Hesychius calleth one kinde of Bee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and others call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from its framing. They are called also from their destroying of flowers 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, destroy-flowers; or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, yellow, from their natural soyl and seed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and in regard they have blunter stings than Wasps, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and from the sound and buzzing noise of their wings 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, though some in Isocrates do interpret the name by Gnats, when he writeth that some have writ in the praise of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. But Bombus is properly the noise Bees make: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, among so ma∣ny significations, saith Hesychius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a kinde of stinglesse Bee; Isidorus cal∣leth him the King or Emperor of the Honey-tents. In respect of his common inheritance, he

is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an airy inhabitant; in respect of its countrey 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as it were the Trojan wood: pecker. The Bees receive also divers appellations and names from their offices and imploy∣ments, as some are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from their command; some 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from their sweet singing; some from their work, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and some are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Potters, in regard of fashioning of their combs, or their emplaistring of their waxen 〈…〉〈…〉 whereon the Bees do secure themselves from the injury of the wind and rain. The Latines call these In∣sects by one name, Apes or Bees. Varro calleth them sometimes Birds, but improperly, for they are flying creatures but not Birds. Some think they are called Bees, because their swarmes * 1.2 do cleave together by the feet, like a bunch of grapes. And beside the most conceive that this name of Apes is compounded of a, a privative particle, and pes, a foot, as if they were produ∣ced without feet, as Virgil saith, Trunca pedum primo, that is, lame or deprived of feet. Ser∣vius is of the same opinion. And truly the new fresh brood (which the Grecians call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) do want feet, but in the time appointed by nature, out of the crusty and waxy comb the Bee doth creep forth. But in regard it keepeth not this analogie of the name of Bipes, edis, Tripes, edis, compes, edis, the name is more simple, from whence comes the Diminutive Apicula, or a little Bee.

The Bee is an Insect living creature, four-winged, bloudlesse, skilful only in his artificial * 1.3 making of honey. For he that writ the Garden of Health, seemed to dote much▪ by confidently affirming that Bees were four-footed beasts, for Nature only bestowed on them four feet that they might go upright, and not more, lest it might hinder their flying. But omitting this futile Author, let us more amply describe this most profitable and wi••e Insect.

Their eyes are horney and made inwardly, and so is their sting, neither do they want tongue, * 1.4 and teeth; they have four wings, which are dry (as those of all other Insects) shining, and fast∣ned or joyned to their shoulders, the last whereof are the least, that they might not hinder their flying; two clawes as it were growing forth of the ends of their little feet, between which in stormy weather they carry a stone to poise and ballance their light bodies, lest the impetu∣ous violence of the wind should drive them from their houses; and therefore we need not give credit to Lucian, that they ought to be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, footlesse creatures. They do not breath (by Pliny's favour) but pant, and are refreshed by transpiration. Their stomach is fra∣med of the most thin membrane, wherein they not only conserve and keep their collected ho∣ney, but concoct, and purifie it; which is the reason that Bees honey may be kept longer then any Manna or aerial body, or rather is altogether incorruptible, as we will shew here∣after.

Aristotle 9. Hist. cap. 10. saith that there are nine kindes of Bees, six whereof are sociable, and do live together, as Bees, the Kings of Bees, Drones, Wasps, Hornets, Moths. Also three solitary and insociable, the greater Siren, the lesser Siren, and the Bumble-Bee; of which kinde Simius Albertus does reckon up nine, but gives them such harsh and barbarous names, that it seems he rather faigned them, than knew them. Lib. 8. tract. 4. cap. 2.

But Bees do differ, and are distinguished in regard of their matter, form, wit, disposition, and office, and these are all their genuine, and natural differences, which I have collected out of in∣finite Authors. Concerning their matter (if we may credit the curious searchers into the works of nature) some of them are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Lions brood; others 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Bulls brood; and some 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Oxe brood; and some 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Calves brood. But the best and noblest bees are generated and bred out of the Lion, and the Kings and Princes of them do derive their pedegree and descent from the brain of the Lion, being the most excellent part of his body: it is no wonder therefore if they proceeding and coming from so generous a stock, do assail the greatest beasts, and being endued with a Lion-like courage, do fear nothing. The noblest Bees next unto these, are those that are generated out of the Bull, being also a strong and valiant beast, the excellency both of their disposition and bodies being equal to their stock and pedegree. The next are the Cow-Bees, or Oxe-Bees, which are indeed very industrious, labori∣ous and profitable, but of a milder disposition, and lesse inclinable to anger. The Calves carkasse doth generate more soft and tender Bees, excellent makers of honey, but not able to endure labour, in regard of their tendernesse, and in regard of the weaknesse of their matter short lived. Some also do write, that Bees may be bred out of their own ashes sprinkled with honey, and laid forth in the sun, or some warm place, which sort may be called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Self-begetters. Bees of the best shape are small, variously coloured, round, and bending; the worser shaped are long. The difference of their formes and shapes ariseth from four causes; Na∣ture, * 1.5 place, sexe, and age. For some are domestick, or house Bees; others are wilde or wood Bees, these delight in the familiarity and company of men, but not the other, which do exercise themselves in making honey in trees, clefts and crannies of the earth, and in the rubbidge of old houses and walls. Again, some of the tame and gentler sort of Bees, do live in plea∣sant gardens, decked and beautified with all sorts of flowers, these are great, soft, fat and large bellied: others are kept in villages, going far for their food, and feed on flowers they light upon by chance. The lesser more hairy, yet for their work, industry and skill, they exceed the other. Of both kindes some are bred with stings (as all true Bees are) and others without stings, as the bastard Bees, which have a greater and softer belly, throat and body, but not famous ei∣ther for manners, or ingenuity. They call this kinde of Bee the Drone, because they seem to

be laborious, and are not; or because under the colour of labour (for they sometimes carry wax and diligently fashion their combs) they devour the honey. And these are of a black shining colour and larger bodied. Moreover some bees are descended from their Kings and Dukes, whereof Aristotle maketh two kindes. The yellow, which is the best, and the black streaked. Others do reckon three Kings, differing in colours, black, red, and spotted, or streaked. Mene∣crates doth report, that the divers coloured are an inferior sort of Bees; but those streaked and diversified with black, are the better. All of them are twice as big as other Bees. He that is elected Monarch or King of the whole Swarm, is alwaies of an excellent shape and twice as big as any of the rest; his wings are shorter, his thighs straight and strong, his gate loftier, his aspect more stately and majestical, and on his forhead a white spot like a shining Diadem or Crown, differing much from vulgar Bees in regard of his shining colour. But the place doth alter, sometimes their form, and sometimes their nature, sex also and age do change them in both respects. For in the Molucco Islands Bees are like to winged Ants, but some-what lesser than the greater sort, as Maximilianus Transylvanus in his Epistle to the Bishop of Salispurg, eloquently relateth: In America near the Rivers of Vasses and Plate, the Bees are not like ours, being no bigger than those small flies which trouble us in summer, they build their nests in hollow trees, and they make far greater combs and fuller of holes; the end or tip of their wings (as Oviedus and Thevetus relate) seem to be bitten or cut off, in the middle where∣of they have a white spot, and they have no offensive stings. The wax which they make is of a duskish pitchy colour, and they are for the most part evil conditioned. Aristotle lib. 5. hist. cap. 22. mentioneth a certain kinde of Bee, that is of a soft industrious nature, which maketh honey twice in a moneth, being of a gentle pleasing disposition, and busied only in making of honey. Such there are also in the Countrey of Peru, which do make a soft and melting kinde of honey, which do stop their doors so close with wax, that they leave but a very small hole for their ingresse or egresse. But almost all our Bees in Europe are of a blackish colour, not so much in regard of the easie concoction of thin substance, than that they seem to be of a grosser diet, and of a thicker composure, and therefore the thicker matter doth remain within the skin, which the Bees of Peru and Pontus, by reason of their thin skins, and the finenesse of their dewy nourishment, do easily thrust forth; unlesse that be the cause, we must ascribe the variety of co∣lour, to wanton nature: as we do for white bears, and white black-birds; which seeing she her self is various and of many shapes, it is no wonder, since she delights in variety of colours that she hath not made all Bees of one colour. The kindes of common Bees, (as Columella observes out of Aristotle) are thus distinguished; some are great, round, black, hairy: others are lesse, round, of a dark colour, rough hair: there are yet others lesse than they, and not so round, but more fat, of a straw colour on their sides: there are some least of all, very slender, sharp, whose bellies are various coloured from yellow, and very small. But the blackish are most to be approved of, that are very little, round, lively, shining, gentle, having (if we credit Virgil)

Their bodies shine with equall spots of gold.

The greater Bees are, and fatter or longer, the worse they are: and if they be fierce and was∣pish, * 1.6 they are worst of all. But their anger is pacified by the daily company of their keeper, and they are made more tame with the only tinckling of brasse. The Bees called Chalcoides in Crete, are of a brazen colour, and something long, and are said to be very implacable and given to fighting, exceeding all others in their stings, and pricking more fiercely; so that they have dri∣ven the Citizens out of the Towns by their stings. And Aelian out of Antenor relates, that in the Mount Ida, the remainder of that race, dwell and make their combs. Such are also the Bees at Carthagena like to Muskitos. Pausanias writes in Atticis, that Bees are so gentle in Halizomus, that they go forth to feed amongst men, and wander where they please, for they are shut up in no hives; wherefore they make their works every where, and that so fast, that you can∣not part the honey from the wax. They are smooth, shining, of variable colours, and not unlike to our good Bees. Lastly, since all Bees are by nature void of poyson, yet the place causeth the long Bees, and the distaffe fashioned, about Carthagena in America, to make venomous honey; where they collect honey that is infected with the contagion of trees, winds, air, and earth it self; and be it what it will be, they lay it up in their cellars. Also Bees subterrestrial have another * 1.7 form and nature. For those that work in hives and trees, are greater, longer, softer, better wing'd, more yellow on their backs and bellies. But they that are under the earth build in little holes, and are short compacted, with black heads and foresails, hairy almost on their whole body; a yellow down colour on their sides and rump, and that doth much adorn them. Of Bees, some finde themselves houses in woods, some are received into houses made of straw or horn; some civil and well nurtured Bees, who will not refuse the care of the Bee-master who hath skill, but will much love and delight in it. The prince of Philosophers confounds the sex of Bees: but most * 1.8 writers distinguish it: some say the females are the greater, and without stings; others say they are lesse and have stings. The sounder Philosophers, (whose opinion I follow) acknow∣ledge no males but their chief leaders, which are more strong, greater, more able, and alwaies stay at home for propagation, and seldome go forth but with the whole swarm; whom nature hath commanded to be frequent in Venus occasions, and ordained them to stay alwaies at home

with their females. Experience witnesseth, that these do foster their young as birds do, very di∣ligently, and sit upon them, and thrust forth their young Bees, when the membrane is broken. The differences of their Ages are known by the habit of their body: for those that are new come forth have most thin and trembling wings; those that are a year old, as also, of two or three years old, are very bright, neat, and are of the likenesse and colour of oyl; but at seven years old they lay aside all fatnesse and smoothnesse; nor can any one tell certainly by their figure and quality of their skin and body (as it useth to be with horses) how old they are. The elder of them, are hairy, hard, full of wrinkles, lean, rough to your ••ight and feeling, long, starveling, and noted by a venerable kinde of hoarinesse. And this was shewed to the Dutchesse of Somerset when I was a youth, under whose chamber window there was the very same hive of Bees that had been there 30 years, and this justifies Aelians relation of the same kinde. But as they appear more ugly in form, so are they before the rest in industry and experience, for years have taught them skill; and by length of time and practise, they know better how to gather and make honey.

CHAP. II.

Of the Politick, Ethick, and Oeconomick virtues of Bees.

BEES are swayed by soverainty, not tyranny, neither do they admit of a King properly so called, by succession or by lot, but by due advice, and circumspect choice; and though they willingly submit to regall authority; yet so, as they retain their liberty; because they still keep their Prerogative of Election; and when their King is once made sure to them by oath, they do in a principal manner love him. He as he doth excell all the rest in portliness and feature of body (as is above said) so likewise (which is the chief thing in a Prince) in gentlenesse of behaviour. For although he hath a sting as others, yet he never useth it to punish withall, inso∣much that some have thought that the King is without a sting. For their law is the law of na∣ture, not written but imprinted in their manners; and they are yet more gentle in punishing, be∣cause they have the greater power; and although they seem somewhat slow in revenging pri∣vate wrongs, yet suffer they not the refractory and rebels to go unpunished, but wound and stab them with their stings. So desirous they are of peace, that neither with their wills nor against, do they offer any annoyance. Who would not then utterly abhorre the Diobysian Tyrants in Sicily, Clearchus in Heraclea, Apollodorus the Cassandrian Robber? Who would not detest the vil∣lany of those close Parasites to Kings who affirm that Monarchy is no other, but the means how to accomplish or satisfie the will, and a device how to maintain lust? that which ought to be far from a vertuous Prince, lest while he would seem to be a man, he betray himself to be worse then these little winged beasts.

And as their manner of life is not pedantick or according to the vulgar sort, so neither is their birth. For the royal Race is not begotten a little worm at the first, as the Bees are, but present∣ly able to fly.

And if he chance to finde amongst his young ones any one that is a fool, unhandsome, hairy, of an angry disposition, ill shapen, or naturally ill conditioned, by the unanimous consent of the rest, he gives order to put him to death, lest his souldiery should be disordered, and his subjects be∣ing drawn into faction, should be destroyed. He sets down a way to the rest, gives order what they shall do, some commands to fetch water, others to make honey-combs within, to build them up, and garnish them; othersome to go and get in provision: those that are stricken in years he cherisheth at home, the younger he exerciseth in labour and vicissitude of imploy∣ments; and although he himself hath immunity from mechanick labour, yet as cause shall re∣quire, he also refuseth not to work; nor ever doth he go abroad but for healths sake or necessity. If he be by reason of age in health, he marches as General in the Vantguard of his Army, and in person opposeth himself to all encounters; neither is he born by his attendants willingly, unlesse it be when he is so old and diseased that he cannot either go or fly. When night come•• on the signal being given by the Trumpeter, the common sort are commanded to their lodging and the watch being set, every one betakes himself to his rest. As long as the King lives, all the swarm enjoyes peace, and all things are in quiet; for the Drones keep themselves willingly in their own cells, the elder Bees are content with their own places, nor do the younger run out of their own into the elders lodgings. The King lives apart from the rest in a more eminent and large palace, with a waxen fence curiously made, compassed about as it were with a kinde of wall. A little way from him dwell the Kings children, to whom if their father or mother do but hold up the finger (as they say) they are husht.

But the King being dead, the subjects are perplext, the Drones lay their young ones in the Bees cells, and all things are out of order. Aristotle makes mention of more Kings or master Bees than one in a swarm; which I had rather terme Vice-royes or petty Kings; For as much as Antigonus testifieth, the Swarm is in no lesse danger when it hath many Kings, as when it hath none at all. And so much be spoken of the good Kings. The bad are more hairy, and

more dark, black and various coloured; you will condemn their skill when you observe their habit.

Their Kings in fabe and person differ, one Bright, as it were with golden spangles drest▪ And gorgeous glittering scales, to look upon, The other's a foul, sordid, dusty beast, Sluggish, large pauncht, unworthy of the Train. Kill this, ••ut give the other leave to reign.

And thus far of the Kings and Nobility, now let us proceed to speak of the vulgar sort or Commonalty of the Bees.

Bees are neither wilde nor tame creatures, but a middle kinde of nature between both, but of all in a manner the most serviceable and most profitable. Their sting both keeps them alive and kils them; for if that be once lost, they cannot live, but being armed therewith, they guard the Swarm from all hostile invasion. There are none of them idle, although all do not, have not the skill to make honey: neither do they which can do nothing at all, become like Drones; for they do not, as they do, spoyl the combs, nor steal the honey. But they themselves are nourisht by the flowers, and flying abroad with others feed together with them. Albeit also there are some amongst them have not the industry to make and store up honey, yet every one hath his work, and his art wherein he doth imploy himself. Some bear water to the King, and to such of the Bees that are spent with old age, and are decrepit.

The more ancient and graver sort of Bees are chosen to be of the Kings Life-guard, or Esquires of the Kings Body; if they be any way in health, as being of known trust, and well seen in the right ordering and managing of State-affairs. Others of them administer Physick, and undertake to cure such as are sick; and of the Annise-flower, Saffron, and Violet, collect together, compound, and give them to drink, a most medicinable and cordial Honey. It any of them chance to die by reason of Age or sicknesse, forthwith the Bearers meet together, which carry forth the Corps on their shoulders as on a Beer, out of doors; lest they should any way pollute or defile their clean and neat Hives with any uncleannesse, filth or putrefaction.

Neither are the Bees without their commanders, Captains, Lievtenants, Trained-bands, Cor∣nets, Trumpeters, Fifes, Scoutmasters, Watchmen, and Souldiers, an Army which do (as if it were a little City) guard and defend their Honey: and do in condign manner punish and torment the Dors that fly thither, and Worms that undermine them.

Lest they should be taken for Drones, as they fly they make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 buzzing or humming noise, which according as they begin to fly or cease, is heard or not heard; which sound whether it proceed from their mouth, or from the motion of their wings, Aristotle and Hesychius do much contend about. Neither was I ever so quick sighted, as to determine of a matter so exceeding intricare and obscure. But the Fifes, and Cornets, seem to make that sound or noise which Hesychius calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the English call it singing; and that they make their signal or watch-word when they are to watch, when to sleep, when to go to work.

So great is their care of preserving their King, that they suffer him not to go abroad alone, but gathering close together on both sides, their company being divided, they hem him in and guard him as he goes along. But if perchance in their journey the King shall wander out of the way, or▪ shall be gone out of sight, being driven by violence of stormy weather, then all make search after him, and do follow him by the sent as it were, till they know certainly what is become of him. And if he be tyred with flying, or tediousnesse of weather, the company bearing him up with strength of their wings as it were in a Char••o•• convey him home. If he die, all of them go their waies; or if they chance to stay some time after, they make only combs, but no Honey; and within a while after, being altogether idle, full of diseases, starved, wall owing at last in their own filth, they miserably end their lives.

Without a King they cannot b••▪ against whom they make not the least resistance, much lesse do they put him to death, unlesse as tyrants are wont he make his lust the rule of his Govern∣ment, or being negligent of the Common-wealth, takes no care of it: yea if he use often to remove from place to place (which he cannot do without grow detriment to his subjects) they do not forthwith kill him, only crop his wings; and if he amend his manners, and demean him∣self as he ought to do, afterward•• they love an〈…〉〈…〉pect him as well as ever they did before.

If he shall fly away and leave the Swarm, they sent for him back again, and if he fly out of the Kingdome, they follow him; and finding him out by his sent as it were by a track (for above all the rest, the King of Mast〈…〉〈…〉 hath a very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 smell) they bring him back unto his royal Palace again▪ Not a Bee whatsoever da••es go out of doors to feed any where, unlesse the King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Master Bee go out first and challenge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 priviledge of precedency. For I am scarce of Aristotles 〈…〉〈…〉ind••, that the King never goes abroad except it be with the whole Swarm; which is a very ••are thing▪ But when the Swarm by reason of the tyranny of their P〈…〉〈…〉ce are forc'd to remove to some other place, changing their soy•• and habitation, as unwilling so to••dd; then they make 〈…〉〈…〉 noise, as it might be of a 〈…〉〈…〉pe•• some daies before▪ and two or three daies before, a few of 〈…〉〈…〉 up and down about the Hive. But when all things a•••• ready for flight, away they fly all together, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom they left behinde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and follow them, they kill him.

But a good King they never desert, and if he die by any infection, sicknesse, treachery, or old age, the Nobles, together with the common people lament and bewail him; neither do they afterwards go abroad at all, or fetch in any provision, but fill all their houses with a sorrowful murmur, and througing about the Corps, make most tragical lamentation. Afterwards privately conveying him from the common multitude, they carry him out of the Hive, and make a most dolefull cry all about the place. Nor doth a day put a period to, or abate their sorrow, but they continue it so long, till by reason of grief and hunger they all die. Take the King or Master-Bee, and you take all the Swarm, if you misse of him, all the rest convey themselves away and go to others. They cannot endure more Kings then one, the house of the usurpers they throw down and destroy their family. But if it be so that there be two Kings or Master-Bees in one Swarm, (as sometimes it falls out) one part adheres to one King, and the other to the other; whence it comes to passe that in one Hive divers forms of combs are found: where they so behave themselves, that the one doth not entrench upon the others bounds, or invade his Terri∣rories.

And as for their Oeconomick or houshold vertues, they use Parsimony: as the chief stay of their family, and having in the summer season gathered a sufficient stock, or store of honey, they do not profusely lavish it, but sustain themselves with it in the winter, and that very sparingly; and so feeding themselves with a sparing diet, and that of the best and purest food, they gain that as a reward of their sobriety, thereby to lengthen their lives, and prolong their daies. Neither are they so gripple or sordidly parsimonious, but that when they finde that they have gathered more honey then will serve the number of their family, they do freely impart and communicate some portion thereof to the Dors or Drones.

These also are arguments of their cleanlinesse, that they never lay the excrements of their bodies (unlesse sicknesse, extremity of weather, or meer necessity compell them) in their Hives; as also that as soon as any of them dye they presently carry them forth, and quit the Hive of them; no flesh or putrid matter, no withering herb, no fading or stinking weed do they touch or come near. They never kill their enemy in the Hives, they drink nothing but the purest run∣ning water they can get, they will by no means remain or dwell in an unclean, slu••tish, nasty house or room. The ordure of those that labour, and of those that are sick within, they lay upon a heap together without doors, and as soon as they have any leisure, the bearers carry it away.

Neither are they altogether impatient of musical sounds, as other ruder sorts of creatures are, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are very much taken and delighted therewith; provided it be without variety, simple and unaffected. And although they cannot dance by measure or according to the just number of paces, as the Elephant is said to do; yet according as he that tinks on the bra•••••• ••••ttle, plea∣seth, so they slack or quicken their flying; if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fast and shrill, then they mend their motion, if dully and slowly, then they abate it. Neither hath nature only made them the most ingehious of all other creatures; but very tame, and tractable by discipline and education to the keeper of them; for they are all at both his beck and his call, and whatsoeuer he pleaseth to do, none of them gainsay or forbid. If her beat them, they complain not, and if he rob them and spoyl their combs, they make not the least murmuring, or shew the least disco••••tent. Who would not say this were an argument of a most noble and generous disposition, so to suffer the rigid commands of their keeper; and yet by no means to obey or subject themselves unto the discipline of any stranger whatsoever?

It is wonderful what some do observe as touching the temperance and chast••••y of them; for whereas all other beasts, the Elephant only excepted, do couple in open view and the Wasps not much differing in kinde from them do the like; the Bee is never seen to generate openly, but either doth it within doors with modesty, or without when none shall be by to ob∣serve it.

Neither, as the report goes of them, are they lesse valourous then they are chaste or tem∣perate.

Whilest they expose their bodies in the war, And nobly dye, receiving many a skar.

Their war is either intestine or civil, or foreign and with strangers. Of their Civil wars there are divers causes, as the multitude of the nobility treacherous to King and State, dearth of 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣als, narrownesse of place, when they are not able to live by one another; as also comption of manners, and sluggishnesse. Now if they super a bound in Nobility (as sometimes it falls one) they put to death so many of them as seem to be superfluous, lest their number still increasing they should force and over-power the King himself, or entice the common people into sedi••ion. But they destroy them then chiefly when they have but a small issue, and have not where else to bestow them, those together with their combs (if at least they have gotten any) they throw down, and pluck to pieces. The Dors also and Drones they kill, as often as they want room for their works (for they take up the innermost part of the Hive) and take away from them both their honey and their victuals. As also when their honey fails, and there is a dearth, then they go to pell mell amongst themselves, and fight as it were for life and bloud: the short Bees they fall upon the long, the smaller sort set upon the Drones (as idle and unprofitable) with all

their skill and force they can use. In which conflict if it so come to passe that the short Bees have the better, they will prove an excellent Swarm; but if fortune give the longer the day, they will live ever after idly, and make no hopy worth any thing. But that side which over∣comes is so mightily bent upon rapine and reverge, that it puts all to the sword, yeelding no quarter or truce at all.

As concerning their war with forein Enemies, there is no creature under heaven so bold and adventurous as they are, insomuch, that what soever, whether man, or beast, or bird, or wasp shall molest them, vex and seek to destroy them, they sharply set themselves against, and according as they are able wound them with their stings. Unclean persons, or any that use sweet oyls or perfumes about them, or those that wear curled or ruffled locks, or red clothes (as resembling the colour of bloud) they cannot in any wise endure; as also all base and vile companions. Whereas on the contrary their masters, keepers, governors, and those that make much of them they do most dearly love and affect, and sitting upon their hands in stead of stinging them, they seem rather to tickle, and as it were by way of sport to lick them without any the least harm at all. Yea they may have free leave when they are uncovered in the hear of fummer, to ga∣ther their Swarms with their bare hands, to handle them, to dispose of them at pleasure, 10 tosse them to and fro, to sit or stand before the Hives mouth, and therehence to ••••ive away the Dors, Drones, Wasps and Hornets with a wond. But if any of them have lost his sting in skir∣mish, as a souldier having his armes taken from him, he is quite disheartned, and living not long after dies with grief.

When they go forth to battel, and are ready to give the onset, they carry while the signal is given, and then they surround their King (if he be one they love) and in one battel determine the quarrel. But in the fight, what wonderful valour, strength and courage those little beasts do shew; both I my self have seen and know but they far better who report that whole fields of armed men, have been conquered by the stinging of them, and Lions, and Bears and Hor•••••• slain with them. But yet (as fierce and warlike as the are) by daily converse with them they become tame, and unlesse they be provoked they live very quietly, so that any man may stand before their Hives, if not on purpose to disturb them, and they never offer to hurt him.

But if we should go about to set forth at large their ingenious disposition, cunning work∣manship, industry and memory, we should not with Virgil the Poet yeeld them only to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣dued with a small portion of divine inspiration, but euen wholly to be possest with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soul, and (to erre with Pythagoras) to have the understanding of the most ingenious man infu∣sed into them by a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

For as soon as they are lodged in a clean and sweet Hive, they gather from those plants that distil moisture and yeeld gum, (as from the Willow, Elin, and Reed) and even from stones them∣selves, a kinde of Glue very thick and cla••••y, and with that (which the Latines call Commesit, the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,) they lay the first fomidation of their work, and dawb it all over he with the first plaister or rough cast, the which afterwards they cover over again with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of wax mix with ros•••• and gum, last of all with Bee-glew. When this tripple wall is a••tificially finished, they do not only deceive the most curious and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 observer of there works, but without any man taking notice, they do better and better arm and fence themselves against wind and weather, vermine, and all their enemies whatsoever. When this is done they frame their 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 with that skilful Architecture, as than they may seem to put down Archimedes himself in his own Art. For first of all they build the cells of the King and Nobility in the upper or more eminent part of the comb, large, fair and stately, wrought with the most pure wax of all; which also the better to secure and defend the Kings persons they compasse round about as it were with a cer∣tain fence or wall. And as their Bees are of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 sort or condition, so they make a threefold division of their cells. Those that are aged and stricken in years (being to be as counsellors of State, and Esquires of the Body) have their lodgings near the Kings Court; next of all to them, those of the first year, or young fry, these of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in body they place utmost of all, as those that should be able to fight for their King, and the royall Issue. Notwithstanding Ara∣stotle writes that they first provide cells for themselves and their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 afterwards for their Kings, and last of all for the Drones. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the making of their combs, they fashion them accor∣ding to the largenesse, and figure of the place; and those either round, or long, do square 〈◊〉〈◊〉 according as they please, and sometimes eight 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in length; so 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 their cell 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣tyed to a strict Geometrical for•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to wi•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or with fix 〈◊〉〈◊〉, only 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more for the bulk of the inhabitant.

But those cells where they make their Honey, and those which are for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for their young ones, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all double from one side of the Honey 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the other, separated one from the others with a thin partition or mound.

Those Ligatures whereby the Combs are fastened to the side of the Hive, are more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and are empty of honey, being also much more firm and strong, that they may the better bear the rest of the weight which depends upon them. Those Combs likewise which they cover or plaisler most with wax, in those they use to store a greater quantity of Honey, as in a more safe and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 repository.

Now the whole Honey Comb contains four ranks or divisions of cells, the first the Bees take up, the next the Drones, the third the Gentles, and the fourth and last is set apart for a store-house for Honey.

There are that affirm that the Drones do make Combs in the same Hive with the Bees, but cannot make any Honey at all; whether it be by reason of unwieldinesse, or corpullency of their bodies or their natural inbred sloth, is uncertain. But if their Combs begin by reason of the weight of the Honey to shog, or to be ready to fall, they raise them up and under-prop them with arched Pillars, that they may go under them, for to every Comb there must of necessity be a ready pas∣sage) and whereby they may execute their several offices which are appointed them. In some places as in Pontus and the City Anisum, they make white Honey in trees without any Hives at all. But as for the others in making their Combs so beyond all humane Art, who would not acknowledge for truth, that of the Poet,

Esse Apibus partem divina mentis & haustus Aethereos—

That the Bee hath in it a particle of divine understanding, and heavenly wisdome? Who I say will deny them to have fantasie, memory, and some kinde of reason? But I will not ar∣gue the truth of this, neither will I affirm with Pythagoras, that the souls of other wise and in∣geniors creatures, or of men, do passe from them into the Bees. But yet notwithstanding he this shall warily weigh and observe how they give out to every one his several task, some to make Combs, others to gather Honey, dresse up their rooms, cleanse their laystals, to prop up and repair their ruin'd fences, to cover their boxes, to draw out the spirit of the Honey, to doncoct it, to bring it to their cells, to serve those that are at work with water, to give food at certain set hours to those that are bed-ridden, feeble, and aged, with so great care to defend their King or Master-Bee, to drive away Spiders and all other their invaders or annoyers; to rid their Hives of their dead, (lest their work should be marred with stench or perefaction) to be able every one to return to his particular cell: in a word, to seek their living as near home as they may; when they have sucked dry the neighbouring herbs or flowers, then to send our spies to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for pasture farther off, upon any night design or expedition, to lye under the leaves of the trees lest their wings being wet with the dew, their speed home the next day should be hindred; in ••••oisterous weather, to poise or ballance their light bodies with a little stone taken up into their mouthes, and when the wind blowes hard, to recover the windy side of the hedge to shelter themselvs, and the like; surely he will confesse of his own accord that their Common-wealth is wonderful well ordered, and that there is very great discretion and understanding in them.

I had almost let passe that natural 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or affection, that great constance seldome seen in Parents of this Age, wherewith they care for their young ones, in the Hive where they have laid them they sit upon them as birds do, and never go abroad unlesse enforced with extreme hunger; and when they do, they presently return in again, as if they were afraid lest the Spider if they tarried long (which many times happen) should cover the mouth of the cell with his web, or their little ones being benumm'd with cold should be in danger to be starved. But yet neither are their children delicate, or nicely brought up, for at three daies end (〈◊〉〈◊〉 as they have any wings) they set them to work, and have a strict care that they loyter not, or take a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Idlenesse.

So much fore knowledge likewise have they, that they can presage rains or cold weather to come. And then (by instinct of nature) they never go far abroad, but hover about their stocks or Hives, and sit upon them as upon flowers. When they go forth to pasture (which is not at see times, but only when it is fair weather) then they labour and toyle so hard, and so lade them∣selves with Honey, that oftentimes through wearinesse they fail in their journey, being not¦able to reach home; and whereas some of them by reason of roughnesse and hairinesse become ••••apt for labour, then they rub themselves against rugged stones or the like, till they be smooth again, and so they buckle to their work afresh as hard as they can drive.

The youth or middle aged Bees are imployed abroad and bring home those things which the King or Master-Bee gives them in charge, the elder sort take care of the family at home, and doo orders: and dispose of the Honey which the middle aged Bees gather and make abroad. In the morning they are all still and silent till such time as the Master-Bee gives three hums and miseth them up, and then every one makes haste out to his several imployment. In the evening when they return home, they at the first make a great noyse and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and within a while afterward by little and little cease, till at length the Captain of the watch flies about and makes a buz∣zing, as it were commanding them to their rest; after which signal given, they are all so husht and still, that if you lay your ear to the Hives mouth you cannot perceive the least noise they make, so subject are they to their rulers and governors, and at their beck and nod are present∣ly quach't.

CHAP. III.

Of the Creation, Generation, and Propagation of Bees.

FOrasmuch as Philosophers have given out that Bees (for the first sin of mankinde) are begot∣ten * 1.9 of putrefaction; there are not wanting those that deny they were created in the first week of the world: I leave the question wholly to be determined by others; although some Divines, especially Dubravius and Danaus do abundantly affirm that they were created with the perfect Bodies.

Of the first Generation of Bees Aristotle hath a long discourse. The Philosophers following * 1.10 him have rightly determined in my opinion, that their Generation doth proceed from the cor∣ruption of some other body: as of a Bull, Oxe, Cow, Calf, very excellent and profitable beasts: the which not only worthy men and without all exception do report; but even rustical, and common experience doth confirm. They say that out of the brains of these beasts are bred the Kings and Nobility, and of their flesh the common sort of ordinary Bees. There are like∣wise Kings that are bred out of the marrow of the chine-bone, but then those that come of the brains do far excell the other in feature or comlinesse, in largenesse, in prudence, and in strength of body. Now the first transformation of this flesh into these Creatures as it were by a kinde of conception you shall then perceive to be when as these little imperfect creatures appear in great numbers about the Oxe, Lion, &c. in a small white hew, and as yet without motion; but increasing by degrees, and their wings by little and little growing out, they come to their pro∣per colour, flying to and hovering about their King or Master-Bee; but yet with short wings and trembling as unaccustomed to flight, and by reason of the weaknesse of their limbs. Now what countreys do most conduce to the generation of Bees, and what are most hurtful to them, we shall afterwards handle when we come to treat of Honey. But in general there are very few places in the world to be found, (unlesse it be in a very barren countrey, and unwholsome air, and where no food fit for them can be had) in which Bees cannot breed and very well live. But where there is perpetual frost and snow (as in Scanzia) or where the countrey is barren of herbs and trees, (as in Thule) there they are neither able to breed nor live. As also for the poi∣sonous condition of the airs and nature of the soil some sort of Bees do not endure to live there, as in the Isle of Myoonos it is reported, that if Bees be carried thither (if Aelian be to believed) they presently dye. But whereas Munster saith of Ireland, and Solinus of Great Bri∣tain, that those Countreys are altogether without, and that they cannot live there, if they had not spoke rather by hearsay, then of their own knowledge, they would have written that every village or town almost is full of them. And thus much may suffice to have spoken of the Generation of Bees, come we now to their Propagttion; concerning which Authors have di∣vers opinions.

Some, say they, never couple, or bring forth, because no man ever yet saw or could tell whe∣ther * 1.11 they did so or no. Others say, that when they have shed their seed upon the flowers or leaves of trees, they carry it to their Hives, by diligent and soft sitting upon it, it comes to perfe∣ction. Pliny will have it gathered from the Flower of the Honey-suckle, or Honey-wort. Ari∣stotle from the flower Calander, so called; Athenaeus of the Reed-flower, some of the flower or berry of the Olive; taking that for an argument, that in those years wherein these flowers are most plenty, there are great store of swarms of Bees; but when there is scarcity, then few or none are to be seen: when as yet they do not consider or observe, that even in very cold countreys where none of these flowers grow, nor are so much as seen, there are plenty of Bees. I am of opi∣nion that they are propagated by copulation, and am confident the male Bee is the greater, the female the lesse, who whether as Cocks do tread their Hens, so they accordingly engender, let experience teach: yet certain it is, that the lesser Bees only, to wit, the females do sit upon the egge, and the shells being broken (after the manner of Hens) they do by an admi∣rable and natural midwifery put forth their young.

Aristotle on the contrary affirms, that the Kings or Master-Bees themselves do first bring forth, and afterwards all the rest, as those also do the Drones, but the Drones beget nothing, and so their generation ceaseth. And this it may be, not without some reason, in regard that the Kings or Master-Bees alwaies remain within, as if they were ordained by nature only for procteation, neither ever appear abroad but when together with the whole Swarm they go to some other place to dwell. For the same reason also they are so extremely beloved of all the Bees, and live exempted from all necessary businesse and labour. These do also excell the other Bees both in bulk of body and strength, as if their bodies were by nature made only for breeders, But the greater Drones keep a mean between both, and hold such a loving correspondence with the labouring Bee, as that they may nourish both the Drones their Nephews, and the Kings their Parents. But as for that which the Philosopher addes, that Bees do not engende•• by way of copulation, because their young is so small, the same argument may be, held of the Flies, of which some are bigger than Bees, who lay lesse worms, the which growing by little and little become like Bees without wings, and afterwards become Flyes.

Others there are who think that Bees do spring from the Honey, or with the Honey, or at least of the most pure and excellent part of it: and that without all putrefaction. But yet something whatsoever it be, serving to engender, and out of which Bees are engendred, without doubt is layed in the cells.

Scaliger thinks they lay Eggs, although the Bee-masters, with one consent, say that they lay little Worms, not Eggs.

Taxites is of opinion, that they do couple, and determines the Bees to be the males, the Kings the females; and that the Kings at a certain time do put forth little Worms all about the Hives, as the Flyes do, and the Drones sit upon them as the Serpent useth to do, and by sitting upon them for such a time doth cherish them. Then afterwards these little Worms called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, are fed with the purest, as it were with a mixture of wine and honey together, till at length they grow to be Nymphs, i. e. little Bees, but without wings; and then being wrapped up like to Aurelia, they lye still in the cells, neither taking any food or making any excrement. Till at length by such a day the shell wherein they lay being broken, out come the Bees; and addresse themselves to their several imployments, their wings being not yet fully grown. All this time the Bees are much delighted with urine, especially of men, and therefore do frequent those places which are wet with it, but especially af∣ter rain.

To the Conservation or keeping of Bees, many things are required, to wit, orderly diet, drink, sleep, watching, air, exercitation, habitation, convenience of place, as also moderation of minde, * 1.12 and physick fit to cure their Diseases; of which we shall speak in particular. As touching their provision, they seek for nothing, but they themselves being mindeful of the approaching win∣ter, they take pains for in summer, and what they get store up accordingly. For they gather and cook or dresse their diet themselves, the prime or chief whereof is Honey, which being over nearly drawn from them, they become gaunt, and lank, and transparent, that you may see through their bodies, and unlesse there be other means made to sustain their hunger, they all dye for want of food. They have also other meat to preserve themselves withall, as Wan-wort, Ho∣ney-wort, Bees-meat called Sandaracha; but this is the worst, and tastes sweet like a fig: when these fail, the Bee-masters lay before their doors, figs, sugar, dried raisins, the drones bruised, the heads of gentles, wool wet in sod or sweet wine, and also honey-water, lest they should faint and dye for hunger.

Pliny would have raw flesh, if it be sweet and fresh, to be laid for them to feed upon. Ge∣nerally all sweet things and of pleasant smell they covet, though at a great distance, not so much for the smells sake, but as being their natural food, as Flies feed upon wine. No odorife∣rous and fragrant flowers do they refuse; from whence they are in the Latine called Florilegae, in the Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the delight they take in them, and their greedinesse in gathering them.

The Plants most acceptable to Bees, are the white and red Thyme, Melicor, the Myrtle, the Willow, the Broom, Lavander, Beans, wilde Thyme, Violets, Kexes, Rosemary, sweet Fleabane, Almonds, Heath, the Tamarisk, the Cytisus, Casia, Daffodil, Asphodil, but chiefly Balm▪ con∣cerning which Macer sang these macilent verses:

That herb the Greeks call Balm, the Bees approve▪ And above other plants do highly love; No flower or plant doth please them half so much.

Also the Ivy, black. Hellebore, Origanum, Savoury, wilde Violets, sweet Marjoram, the Hya∣cynth, the Palm-tree, the wilde Olive-tree, the Flower-de-luce, Saffron, Rose, Lilly, the Ju∣niper-tree, Pear-tree, Peach-tree, Turpentine, Mastick, Cedar, Tiel-tree, the smaller Oak, goldy∣locks, wilde Saffron, Cumila, flowers of Mustard, French Spondilium, Crowfoot, purging Thom, all trees that bear Mast, Apple-trees which have no bitternesse in their blossoms: moreover they feed greedily on the flowers of dead Nettles both white and yellow, whereupon this herb by the Helvetians is called (Biensauge) as if you would say, sucked by Bees.

As for their drink, if there be but a river or running water hard by in which there are stones, or pieces of wood cast (upon which they may light conveniently, and bath or wash themselves) * 1.13 they go no farther to drink, if there be none, they fetch their draught other where and quench their thirst, and when they have done, they carry of the same liquor to their King or Master-Bee, and to those that are at work within (as hath been said before).

Whatsoever they eat or drink, must be undefiled, pure, sweet, and without any stench or pu∣trefaction whatsoever.

Yea, so cleanly do they live, that if a menstruous woman come near them; they are re∣ported to forsake their food and feed no longer, as also those that use sweet oyls or perfumes about their bodies, and those that are given to overmuch lechery they hate above measure, and can by no means endure: also all things that smell of oyl or smoke, and dung and durt, they are very shie of coming near, nor will they touch any thing that savours of any such matter. All hurtful herbs, all that have any bitter, purgative, unpleasant or poysonous quality in them; they forbear Wormwood, Rhubarb, Senna, Savin, Tithymals, Hellebore, Wood-laurel, Coccus gni∣dius,

Thapsia, wilde Cucumers, Yew, Rhododendros, Wolfs-bane, they will not once taste of.

When they have laboured hard all the day, and come home weary, a certain signal or token being given, (as is above mentioned) they take their rest. The which oftentimes is many waies disturbed and hindred, and by this means the Swarm being astonished and over wak'd do die: sometimes the Gad-bee or Horse-fly molests them, sometimes the Bear making a noise wakes them, sometimes the approach of the enemy affrighteth them, viz. the Lizzard, Spider, or the land Toad; in which regard the Comet presently sounds an alarm, and calls them all forth to arms in the night. If it happen to thunder or lighten by night, they are all presently in an uproar or tumult as if there should be a mutiny in the Army, or some fatal battel to be fought. And the reason of it is in regard of the unwontednesse of the light at such a time, as also because they are afraid, and that not without cause, lest their Hives being shaken, the combs should be disordered and displaced, or their little waxen vessels being melted, the Honey should run out. That this is true by experience, no man can better speak then Dr. Penny and my self, who in the moneth of August 1586. whilest we sate up and watched by the Coun∣tesse of Somerset then a widow lying dangerously sick, together with her two noble Daughters Mary and Elizabeth, on a sudden (after a great clap of Thunder) under the next ceiling between the joy••ts, we heard a great noise, as it had been an alarm of war, and as we thought the floor did resound with the noise; being altogether ignorant of that (which indeed was the matter) that Bees did harbour between the rafters and the ceiling; where it seems they had remained for 30 years together, and every year to have yeelded two▪ or three Swarms, as we understood afterwards by those which were eye witnesses of the same, and they of the chief Nobility, who affirmed it to be for certain. The next day for want of sleep they flew about making a hoarse noise, trembling, and not knowing what they did; they did touch those things which naturally they could not endure, they did dash themselves poor creatures against the windows, they did not spa••e to sting their friends and those that looked to them, even to the admiration of all that stood by and observed them. From whence we conclude without all doubt; that Bees are most patient of labour in the day time, but most impatient of being scared in the night, and of being disturbed of their rest.

From whence they seem to have gained the name or Epithet of Solisequae, or Sun-followers, for with it they rise, and with it they rest. None of them take so much as a wink of sleep all the day long, and all of them in the night sleep very soundly.

Now their exercise is of two sorts, either they fly abroad for their pleasure, or tarry at home * 1.14 and work for necessity. If that be denied them (the Crocodile, Swallow, Lizzard, Spider, or other strange Bees intercepting them) either by reason of intemperate weather, or long rain they become pursie, unwieldy and nummed in their limbs, grow into diseases, and shortly after die, especially in the summer season, which is the only time they have to exercise themselves abro••d in the open air. When they have refreshed themselves with flying about, then they bath and wash themselves clean, and afterwards they lightly rub themselves smooth with leaves. Moreover also sometimes they carry little stones, sometimes they carry water, and as little things as they are, will break through the wind though it sit against them; and they will in a bravado, yea they will venture their very lives also to fight with the greatest of beasts; Horses, Elephants, Dogs, yea and Men too (Archilochus was of this opinion) if they offend them and quarrel with them they wound, and with their stings often and fiercely thrust into their bodies, they kill them. Sometimes they appoint duels one with another, not in earnest, but in jest, for exercise and recreation, not with any intent to hurt one another. They will play together oftentimes, and tickle one another, and like Doves bill and kisse each other, after which without doubt they couple together also, but at what time after, in what place, after what manner, let that all-eyed Argus tell, who alone sits by the Elephants and knowes when they engender, which no man ever yet saw but God.

Now as they perform the aforesaid exercises of slying, of fencing, of carrying of stones, &c. for their recreation, so necessity the mistresse of Arts hath inured them to domestick labour, to which they diligently, not lazily apply themselves, no day (if the weather let not) is spent idly; but how long they work, that wholly depends upon the constitution of the Climate, or the air. For in cold Countreys from the setting of the Pleiades or seven-stars, to the Vernal or spring Aequinoctial (or thereabout) they keep close within their Hives; but like Dormice without food, sleeping, and so they continue rouled▪ up together like a ball, in a heap; nor do they stir a jot from the place where they are: for else how should such little creatures as they, be able to endure frost and snow, and the bleak gusts of the north wind? But if the temper of the year be more warm, and so continue for a great while together, 'tis longer ere they leave their work, and that Aethiopia proves by manifest experience, where through continual heat, and almost no cold that is there, the Bees work almost all the year long.

But in Europe they seldom go abroad before the beans begin to bloom or blossom, (as Pliny witnesseth) which they taste of the first of all flowers or herbs whatsoever. Servius dreams that when winter drawes on, they stop their mouths with juice and flowers, and with these keeping in their Hive to sustain themselves. But in summer they never loyter at all, but exercise them∣selves in constant employment; and when they have gotten such a numerous off-spring that one

house will not hold them, in the moneth of May they make a solemn expedition, and divide themselves into several Swarms hanging upon the boughs of trees like bunches of Grapes. The elder Bees afterwards making two or three rounds or circles in the air go to their food and return to their Hives: the young smarm or colony thus sent forth and left, unlesse they be entertai∣ned with fresh Hives, wander up and down the woods, untill the publick overseers and hospi∣tary Bees have found a fit place for the Swarm to settle in.

Now having spoken of their exercise, in the next place let us enter upon the description of the places or houses where they are to reside, which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. The Latines, Alvus, Alveus, Alvearium, &c.

Now about these for the conservation of the Bees, three things are requisite or needfull. The fashion or form, preparation, position, and the fitnesse of the place where they are to be set. The best receptacles for them, are made with barks, but especially with cork, which in the heat of Summer doth not scorch them, and in the Winter is very good to keep out the cold. The Ancients were wont to make them of an hollow tree, or of boards artificially joyned together, also they were used to be very handsomely made of Reeds, or of the Holm∣tree wreathed or twisted together. Those of earth are counted the worst of all, as also those that are made of Brick, or Clay, because in Summer they are over hot, and in Winter as ex∣treme cold. And yet (as I hear) in Hungary they have certain thick pots or vessels to hang up from the ground, and these they hang up in Trees, for the Bees to make their Combs in; which when they have done, they at a certain time take away again. Some make them of Mud or▪ dirt, but these likewise have their inconveniences and discommodities.

The English use to enclose them in Hives artificially wrought and built of straw; that in Winter they should not be starved, nor in the Summer sweltered with heat. The Ancients were wont to make them of a kinde of transparent Stone, of Horn, and Glasse, to the intent that they might look in upon them and see how they wrought. But the Bees lay a first, second, and third covering over their work withinside (as I said before) whence they perceived they lost their cost and labour in that contrivance, as being never the near by that way to gain their purpose.

Let the form of the Hives be after the manner of an Egge, the yolk and the white being clean taken out, as when we eat it, a little of the end being pared off.

Moreover the Hives ought to consist of twelve rounds or wreaths of straw woven together after this manner.

The 3 first lowermost must be of one size or bignesse, a foot and a half in breadth: The 4 next above them are to be a little bigger and more capacious, that the combs may be the better fastened, and may hang more steady: The other 5 circles or rounds are to be nar∣rowed and made steep up to the top by degrees, in the likenesse of a spire or pyramide; but the whole Hive ought to be of that content and bignesse that it may contain in it in all about 20 l. weight. Let the mouthes or passages into the Hives (by which the Bees are to go out and in) be about three or four; and no bigger than that the Bees when laden with Honey may well go in; for by this means, the Lizzard, or Beetle, venemous Spider, Moths, using to rob their Hives, are barred of their entrance; and the Hive will not be so obnoxious to frost, and the extremi∣ties of the winter season. Above these they use to make 4 doors, also windowes to shut down with bolts, 2 before, and 2 behinde, that they may the better take out the Combs, with lesse disturbance to the Bees in their making Honey.

The preparation or seasoning of the Hive after it is made, is reported to be divers. The English do take in new Swarms into new Hives, without perfuming or anointing them at all. The Ancients after they had made them very clean, did use to rub them all over within with Balm, Thyme, Fennel; and did sprinkle them with some sweet thing made of honey sugred, or with sweet wine or metheglin, that so they might the more willingly come into them, and the longer remain in them. Palladius was wont to anoint the insides of the Hive with the dung of the first calf tha•• the Cow hath; and this he accounted for a chief secret to retain Bees in the Hive. Moreover it is requisite that about the midst of the Hive there should three or four sticks be laid a cros••e to hold up the Combs; and then they are not subject with any light shaking of them to fall down; and are more easily if need be, taken away. Take heed also there be no chinks or clifts in them, whereby they may be annoyed with heat, cold, dust, vermine, the Cankerworm.

As for the Placing or setting of Bees, it is convenient that the Hives should be mounted on * 1.15 forms, or stools, that they be not dirty or mouldy with standing on the ground, and that they may live more secure from noxious and hurtful beasts. Let their standings be made of stones, chaulk, elm, or oak; three foot high, covered over with slat tile, or pargeting, or whitelime, and that very smooth and sleek, that those Honey and Bee-devouring creatures may not be able to climb up. Let them also be set shelving or casting forwards, lest the rain-water setling upon them should soak and wooze into their Hives: for which cause (as Columella witnesseth) they were wont to be placed in hollowed walls or porches of Cities. Let there be two handfuls di∣stance between every Hive, that one shogging or shaking, the next may stand unmoved, as it is usual when they are set close together.

Now as for their Ranks or rowes how many they should be; they are not to be above three

at the most; of which, let the younger Bees have the first, the second sort or middle aged, the middlemost, and the elder Bees, the highest or uppermost place. But yet both the Hives and the forms whereon they are set must be conveniently placed for the benefit and advantage of the Swarm; in hot Countreys, towards the North; in cold, towards the South; yea in Aethi∣opia by reason of the excessive heat, and scorching of the Sun, they keep them in their houses, a sufficient gap being made in the wall for them to go in and out at; lest their combs should be melted. Let the place where they are, be open, not over hot in Summer, nor very cold in Winter, quiet from wind, not woody, not inclosed with an over high wall or pale, not against a place where any eccho is given, planted with natural and ordinary food, remote from the company of men or cattel which may crop or shake off the dew from the flowers; near no jakes, privy-houses, dung-hils, common-shores, standing ponds, bogs, gallows or place of exe∣cution, Church-yards, or where bodies use to be buried; and so ordered that it may be in the bottome of a hill or in a valley, to the intent the Bees being laden may with greater ease fly down to their Hives. To conclude, if there be a wind above other that doth infest any coun∣trey, in that, let the Hives be placed where they may suffer the least harm, and in no wise let them have any doors open against it. But this diet is necessary for the tame Bees for to main∣tain their lives; now as for the wilde and wood Bees, they live after another manner, they chuse their places of residence themselves, and furnish them accordingly. ••n the Countrey of the Abissines under Prester John, the Bees live in the Tradesmens houses, and slying up and down amongst them without fear, hang up their Combs, their hives being made fast to the beams or joyces of the same, without any harm at all to those that work in the place. Moreover in many places in England they have been known to have taken up their harbour▪ of their own accord, and that for a long time together between the rafters and the ceiling of houses, and in the hollow trunks of trees, and from thence the old Bees have sent forth three or four swarms of young ones in one year. And (what is worthy to be noted) they live here longer and more happily, then in their artificial woven Hives, with so great diligence perfumed, so curiously set, ordered, digested and placed. But yet I commend their industry who have freed the Bees from this trou∣ble, and have no lesse ingeniously built them houses to keep them from wind and weather. But they above all the rest deserve commendation who have found out how to cure the diseases of their bodies and mindes, inward and outward, and have had the skill how to apply them accor∣dingly. The passions or distempers of their mindes with which they are most troubled, are An∣ger, Grief, and Fear. For they very hardly digest injuries, and they betray a great deal of cho∣ler and spleen to be in them, by their often fighting, even amongst themselves. For if they over abound with issue, they are all in an uproar about their cells and lodgings, nor can the quarrel be composed, till many are slain on either party; or being divided into faction, they do of their own accord seek other places of habitation. More then this, even the souldiers of the same Co∣lony, when they (for some private grudge or jealousie fall into a rage) they make war, and fall foul one upon the other: the which the wary Bee-master espying, and casting in dust or cold water by squirts in at the vent holes, where they go in and out, or making a terrible and hoarse noise with the palms of his hands, doth before it be too late pacifie. For if he should let them fight on, they would be so mad and cruel one against the other, that they would never be quiet till they were all killed.

Sadnesse and Melancholy also doth very much distemper and disturb them, arising sometimes from the death of the King or Master Bee, sometimes of their young ones, sometimes of their keeper; neither will a day cease their conceived sorrow, but they take it to heart, that their bo∣dies pine away, and it consumes them to skin and bone. Neither will the tinging or tinkling of the brasse pan, or any harmony whatsoever delight them (which yet when they are mad, and dote so that they know not what they do, is wont to cure them) there is no plague or disease that can be named, that is more deadly to them than this.

They most stand in fear of the Spider, Lizzard, Crocodile, Toad, Glow-worm, Gad-bee, Wasp, * 1.16 Hornet, the multitude of Dors or Drones, a little bird called a Houp, the Titmouse, Swallow, the Woodpecker or Eat-bee, the Owle, and other the like destroyers and spoilers of the Hives. They are likewise very fearful of an Eccho, thunder and lightning, and the like sudden crackling noise; as on the contrary with a soft still whistling, or murmuring noise, and tinkling of brasse they are exceedingly taken and delighted. When fear takes hold on them, poor creatures, they wander up and down they know not whither, and when they go out or in to their Hives, they seem to be giddy, as if they had a Vertigo in their brains whirling and turning round; as for their Honey, or their young ones, or for those that are sick, they scarce regard them; and never leave trem∣bling and quaking in their wings and shanks. The Bee-master therefore (when their provision fails) ought to destroy the Drones, and (by putting raw flesh into a pot) to take the Hornets, and then burn them. To kill the Frogs, Butterflyes, Wood-worms, and Canker-worms, to wipe away their webs, to entrap the Gnats and Flyes, to stab through the Lizzard, Crocodile, black fly or Beetle, and by putting in a Candle (to which they will come of their own accord) to burn the Glow-worms or Moths; to chase the Frogs and hunt them from the standing waters and fenny places, to throw down all the nests of Swallowes, Modwals, Owls, or Wood-peckers (especially in all the neighbourhood or places hard by them) to destroy the Muskin or Titmouse; and to defend them against all other beasts that lie in wait for them, and all other strange Swarmes. In which fight

the Bees do as it were acknowledge their keeper, who after the victory issuing forth, set upon the vanquish'd troops, but to their defender or, champion offer not the least harm.

The Bees by these means thus quitted of their fears, only with the tinkling of the Pan, and sometimes with the Bee-masters voice only, are strengthened and brought to themselves again, and every one cheerfully returns to his several appointed imployment as before. Some Bees also are caught wandring up and down, and flying away from their Hives, for they take plea∣sure in wandring delights and embracements, and never care at all for coming home to their own habitations: this ill habit and haunt, the Bee-masters with clapping of their hands, and with the sound of the brasse (in which Bees are said extremely to delight) do presently remedy; al∣though it is yet uncertain whether they do hear the sound, and are led by the pleasure of it; or whether or no rather being affrighted and terrified with the trembling and reverberation of the air (as when it thinders) they return to their Hives; and I see no reason why Pliny and Niphus should here make a doubt. Others lest the swarm should fly away and so be gone, do crop off half the wings of the King or Master-Bee. As also others do besmear or dawb the vent holes out of which they come, with the dung of a calf newly calved. Moreover if you strew their passages with the leaves of the Olive-tree boyled, they will not depart: also Wine sod with water is very good, but above all, the juyce of the herb Balm, wherewith (as it were with a kinde of philtre or love-potion) they are most powerfully retained, as the Poet Macer sings.

Smear but their Hives with Balm and they'l abide, And much the rather if that milk beside, Be us'd to keep them, that they wander not.

Pliny saith, if some of the dust over which the serpent hath gone, be cast upon the Bees, they will return to their Hives. Others yet advise to sow Goldilocks near where they are, as if they delighted most in that flower above all others, and would never forsake those places where these flowers abound. And Authors report that the wilde Bee is allured and tamed therewith.

The bodies of Bees likewise are subject to divers diseases, viz. repletion, inanition, drowth, moistnesse, cold, and unnatural heat. Repletion, or abounding of humours is caused when the * 1.17 Bee-master neglects to gather the Honey in good time; for then they do so fill and gorge themselves, till being grown over with scab and scurf, and swoln in their throats, they become sickly; there follows upon these sluggishnesse, feavers, longings, loathing of their food, watch∣ing or wakefulnesse; with which the miserable poor outworn Bees, unlesse they have some timely remedy, do die; wherefore of necessity they must have their Honey gathered from them. In doing of which two things are to be observed, viz. the time when, and the quantity how much, the which according to the quality and custom of Countreys, are divers. For in England they gather the Honey every year, viz, either in the latter end of July or in the beginning of Au∣gust. In hotter Countreys they observe three times in the year to gather in this Honey harvest, viz. at the rising of the Pleiades, when their are at they Zenith or Vertical point, and presently after their setting. Didymus in his Geoponicks, writes that this time of the Pleiades is the best. The Romans did use to unbowel their Hives, the first time in the moneth of May, and then again when Summer was almost done, and thirdly about the Ides of October. From whence it was called Spring Honey, Summer Honey, Autumnal Honey, or Honey gathered in Autumn. Aristotle adviseth the first taking Honey, to be when the wilde Fig-tree begins to be green; the second he commends to be done about Autumn. Generally it is very necessary that the Honey should be taken when the Hives do over abound with Honey; the which is certainly understood by the shrill or squeaking noise that the Bees make. For if they be empty, they give out a more clear and loud sound, as being more full of air then meat: but most certainly it is known by looking in at those doors placed on both sides of the Hive, being open (saith Columella) of which we have made mention before in the building or structure of the Hives.

The manner of taking them is thus; Betimes in the morning while they are half asleep and drowsie, is the time when the work is to be affected, and their Combs taken away; it being not convenient to exasperate them in the heat of the day. Columella prescribes for this use two Iron instruments of a foot and an half long and somewhat longer; the one must be a long knife with a broad edge on both sides, but dull, with a crooked head and sharp teeth to take out the Combs withall, the other plain with two sharp edges, to cut down the Combs. With these the vessel being opened, the businesse will very well be effected. In England as also in other Coun∣treys, viz. in Helvetia, Germany, and the Low Countreys; they do not set upon them with these Iron instruments, but with fire, and smoak, and water, with which they chase the elder Bees from Hive to Hive and keep the Swarm entire at their pleasure.

Moreover in taking away the Combs, there ought a mean to be observed, according to the greatnesse of the Swarm and number of Bees. For with overmuch plenty of Honey they grow ••ole, and both defraud their Masters and themselves; for when the abound with Honey, they feed not on Bee-bread, but glut themselves with the very purest of the Honey: on the other side if there be not enough Honey left them to feed on, languishing for want of sustenance they grow heartlesse, and live carelesly; and becoming so thin that you may see through them, being starved and feeble, they miserably perish.

Moreover, the old and rotten Combs ought to be taken away (but not those wherein poste∣rity is concerned) and those which are whole, and which contain the young spawn or fry of the Bees, unlesse you see that there is not so much Honey left as may serve for the sustentation of the Parents or elder Bees. Keep such a proportion, that in the abundance of Honey you take two parts and leave a third; if there be but indifferent store, take the half, if the Combs be in a manner empty, take nothing at all out of them. But this proportion is not be observed in all places, because in regard of multitude of flowers, store of pasture, and goodnesse of it, together with the condition of the Countrey, you may take away more or lesse as you shall see cause. For in Aethiopia, Syria, and Palestine, they commonly take all the Honey out of Hives: which by reason of the fatnesse of the pasture, and continual dews, are filled again in very few daies.

But if there chance to be famine and scarcity, you must not only drein the Hives, but take away part of the Bees also; and choke the greater part of them, with the smoke of Tow, Reed, Turpentine, or Brimstone, or Galbanum, or else drown them in water; by which means the ho∣ney will become sweeter and purer.

Famine is caused especially two manner of waies; either by scarcity of provision, or the badnesse of it by reason of corruption: when there is great want you should supply them with Honey, sprinkle them with a liquor made of wine and honey boyled together, give grapes or figs bruised or pounded together, and sugar-sops. Pliny would have Hens flesh given to them, al∣though he saith that Bees will not touch any flesh whatsoever. Now the corruption and un∣soundnesse of this meat, doth procure first of all, longings, scowrings, barrennesse, and consum∣ptions; from whence and by the stench of dung and dead corpses, ill savours, plague and putre∣faction, with other dysasters do arise. In their longing desire of what they fancy, they grow so nice and peevish, that disliking all things, they are ready to fly away, unlesse with the perfume or vapour of things of a very pleasant and grateful odour, with exquisite playing upon the brasse pan, and exceeding neat handling of them, they be retained. Also they are taken with a lask or loosnesse in their bellies, both in regard of the naughtinesse of the juice it self, as also in regard they feed on those herbs and leaves that are purgative, as Hellebore, Spurge, both kinds of Elder. For being greeedy of food after their fasting all the Winter, assoon as the Spring comes, tasting more greedily, than in way to their health, every herb that they light on, without putting any difference, having gathered unwholsome honey, they are taken with a cacochymia or ill humour or habit of body, and afterwards very suddenly fall into that lask or loosnesse, afore spoken of.

Against this disease (saith Pliny) set them services with honey, or wet with man or oxe pisse. Also Pomegranat kernels moystened with wine of wilde Briony; Palladius much commends the kernels of Pomegranates or Raisins boyled and pilled, with Manna or sharp wine set before them in wooden gutters; also he bids squirt in Honey boyled in water, with the powder of Galls, dried Roses, or Rosemary, or set it in with little sawcers.

Moreover, care is to be had, that they do not bring home any food gathered in the woods, where for the most part do grow harsh and sowre herbs, with the acrimony thereof the bellies of the Bees are moved, and are scarce stayed but by the experience and accurate endevour of their keeper. From thence proceeds barrennesse, because by that means for want of seed they do not generate, or at least (by reason of feeblenesse) they are not able to hatch their young, or constantly to sit upon them, or to avoid the snares of the Spiders which are drawn over the mouthes of their cells. This consumption and hectick feaver increasing yet more and more, Higinus bids that flowers be brought, soaked in dew or a sweet liquor made of wine and honey, and so layed unto the holes or vents of the Hive. Also he commends for that purpose Violets and Buglosse flowers besprinkled with new wine boyled half away, after that their Hives being very well cleansed, and the vermine and dead Bees rid out of them, they are to be perfumed with oxe or calves dung; because that takes away putrefaction and infection, and doth instill a new life or soul (if Columella say true) into the almost expiring Bees. They are also full of lice (as Florentius relates) the which he cures with the shavings of the Pomegranate and wilde Fig-tree burnt to ashes. The same Authors cure the dulnesse or purblindnesse of their eyes with the powder of wilde Marjoram. They themselves are able to take away their scurf and dandrif, with a gentle rubbing of their bodies against the herb Celandine, and against walls stained with urine; their drinesse they cure with baths, and their throat with drinking mineral waters.

The diseases that come of moisture, are swellings in the neck, tumors in the head, dropsies, which the Ancients used to cure with dry herbs, and shaking off the dew from them betimes in the morning, and our countrey people do somewhat abate it, by keeping them from common water, for they keep them three daies together in their Hives, by which it comes to passe that not only the superfluity of the bad humour is dried up, but the natural moisture is in some mea∣sure regained. Hesychius writes of a disease very common to Bees, which he calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but what it is he doth not tell us, neither could I learn from any other Author, what, or what manner of disease it should be.

The diseases proceeding of cold are congelation, nummednesse, stifnesse, and other of that sort, for you shall see them sometime so nummed and stiffe with cold, that you would not think they had the least motion, much lesse breath. On the other side, through extremity of heat, they

are driven into madnesse, excesse of thirst, Feavers, Vertigo, and swimming in their heads, yea they grow stark mad, at which time they know no man, no not their keepers, and will strike their friends with somewhat venomed stings. In such sort therefore ought their Hives to be placed in both seasons of the year, that in the winter they be not too much oppressed with cold; and in the summer, that the shade of the trees do not keep the heat from them. Bees do fail also some-times for want of issue, as in the plenty of pasture it happens to come to passe, at which time they are so intent upon their work in making of Honey, that the care of copulation and propa∣gation is quite laid aside; and so the reparation of issue being omitted, the whole Swarm be∣ing spent with labour, is extinguished. But when they fly away in stomack and anger, by reason of their Hives being not kept sweet, or for some pestilent disease that reigns amongst them; you must follow after them, and with that Art (Palladius hath taught) being found again, enter∣tain them in clean Hives, and remove them from the place where they were before into fresh dwellings. Moreover, Pliny saith it doth very much conduce to the keeping of Bees, that they be lawfully and honestly come by, that is, that they are either given or bought, for if they be stoln they seldome thrive, and come to good; as it is with Rue or Herb of Grace, if stoln it very hardly growes.

Now if when we shall have removed from Bees all creatures that annoy them, what we shall yet further adde to the conservation of their health, and the cure of their diseases, I do not see. First, therefore remove from them all filthy Lechers, menstruous persons, those that have the run∣ning of the reins, baths, smoke, dunghils, laystals, all those that smell of grease or kitchingstuffe, or having nothing else to do, or on purpose to offend them, stand before their Hives mouth. The air being infected with the breath of Toads or Serpents, purge with Balm, Gentle, Thyme, or Fennel burned. See that they live neatly and daintily; kill all predatory or devouring ver∣mine; and the signs or symptomes of their diseases being perceived and known, apply the cure of them. Now the signs of Bees, as of other creatures also, being not well, are gathered from three things, that is to say, from their refraining to be in action, from the external garb of their bodies, and from their excrements. For the losse of mirth, lumpish melancholy, vertiginous or whirling gate or motion, their frequent and lazie standing at the door, their fainting in their work, their disdain of flowers and honey, their more then ordinary either sleeping or waking, unwonted hummings, are an argument that the Bees are ill at ease. As also when their bodies are unhandsome, not trim, rough, not sleek or smooth, scurfie or scald, not shining or glissening, lean and transparent, not well liking, or well fed. Moreover, if their combs have an ill savour, or if their dung or ordure turn to water, or be full of worms, and when they carry out every day their dead, not at all regarding their Hives, these are infallible signs of sicknesse, and some epidemical disease that reigns amongst them, some part of which Virgil in 4. Geo. hath elegantly, though somewhat confusedly touched in these verses following.

If Bees be sick (for all that live must dye) That may be known by signs most certainly. Their body is discoloured, and their face Looks wan, which shewes that death comes on apace. They carry forth their dead, and do lament: Hanging by th' door, or in their hives are pent. Hunger and cold consumes them, you shall find They buz as doth 'ith woods the Southern wind, Or doth the sea when that the waves return, Or fire clos'd up in vaults with noise doth burn.

And thus their distempers being understood and cured, they live to extreme age; which Ari∣stotle, Theophrastus, Pliny, Virgil, Varro, Columella, Cardan, and all Authors whatsoever, do con∣clude not to extend it self to nine years. Although I saw it by experience, and with no lesse de∣light to be otherwise at Hanworth in the Countesse of Somersets Bees (before spoken of) (there are yet present witnesses, who are worthy of belief which will attest it) that there they have lived in the same place above the space of thirty years; and almost four times a year, have made out fresh flights or swarms of young ones. Which reason doth induce me to believe, that Bees in their own natural constitution are long lived, and I do with Albertus alone make a question, whether they may not live so long till they dye of old age. Well I know they may be taken away by diseases or incursion of their enemies; but if they had alwaies all those necessaries for their life and health by them, and those things which should be destructory kept from them, I should easily grant that they would live to a very exceeding great age, if I did not altogether say they were immortal. For they alone, of all other creatures, are fed with Honey that immortal Nectar, dropt down from heaven, and with that divine dew (which is the soul and spirit of all herbs, trees, and plants) gathered together into one body or masse; of whose nature, use, and excellent vertue, we shall speak in the following Chapter.

CHAP. IV.

Of the use of Bees.

WHereas the most high God did create all other creatures for our use; so especially the * 1.18 Bees, not only that as mistresses they might hold forth to us a pattern of Politick and Oe∣conomick vertues, and inform our understanding; but that they might be able as extraordinary foretellers, to foreshew the success and event of things to come; for in the years 90, 98, 113, 208. before the birth of Christ, when as mighty huge Swarms of Bees did settle in the chief Market-place, and in the Beast-market upon private Citizens houses, and on the Temple of Mars, there were at that time stratagems of enemies against Rome, wherewith the whole State was like to be surprised and destroyed. In the reign of Severus, the Bees made Combes in his military Ensigns, and especially in the camp of Niger. Divers wars upon this ensued between both the parties of Severus and Niger, and battels of doubtful event, while at length the Severian faction prevailed. The Statues also of Antonius Pius placed here and there all over Hetruria, were all covered with swarms of Bees; and after that setled in the Camp of Cassius; what great commotions after followed Julius Capitolinus relates in his History. At what time also through the treachery of the Germans in Germany, there was a mighty slaughter and overthrow of the Romans. P. Fabius, and Q. Elius being Consuls in the camp of Drusus in the tent of Ho∣stilius Rutilus, a Swarm of Bees is reported to have sate so thick, that they covered the rope and the spear that held up the Tent. M. Lepidus, and Minut. Plancus being Consuls, as also in the Consulship of L. Paulus, and C. Metellus Swarms of Bees flying to Rome (as the Augurs very well conjectured) did foretell the near approach of the enemy. Pompey likewise making war against Caesar, when he had called his allies together, he set his Army in order as he went out of Dyrrachium, Bees met him and sate so thick upon his Ensigns that they could not be seen what they were. Philistus and Aelian relate, that while Dionysius the Tyrant did in vain spur his horse that stuck in the mire, and there at length left him, the horse quitting himself by his own strength, did follow after his Master the same way he went with a Swarm of Bees sticking on his mane: intimating by that prodigy that tyrannical government which Dionysius affected over the Coun∣trey of the Galeotae. In the Helvetian History we read, that in the the year 1385. when Leopol∣dus of Austria, began to march towards Sempachum with his Army, a Swarm of Bees flew to the Town and there sate upon the tyles; whereby the common people rightly foretold that some forain force was marching towards them. So Virgil in 7. Aeucid.

The Bees flew buzzing through the liquid air: And pitcht upon the top o'th' Lawrel tree; When the Soothsayers saw this sight full rare; They did foretell th'approach of th' enemie.

That which Herodotus, Pausanias, Dio Cassius, Plutarch, Julius Caesar, Julius Cupitolinus, and other Historians with greater observation then reason have confirmed. Saon Acrephniensis, when he could by no means finde the Oracle Trophonius; Pausanias in his Boeticks saith he was led thi∣ther by a Swarm of Bees. Moreover, Plutarch, Pausanias, Aelian, Alex. Alexandrinus, Theo∣critus and Textor are Authors that Jupiter Melitaeus, Hiero of Syracuse, Plato; Pindar, Apius Co∣matus, Xenophon, and last of all Ambrose, when their nurses were absent, had Honey dropt into their mouthes by Bees, and so were preserved. Xenophon also in his Oeconomicks calls making of Honey, the shop of Vertue, and to it would have matrons and mothers of families go to be instructed. The Poets willingly yeeld themselves to be compared with Bees, who following nature as their only Mistress, use no Art at all. And so Plato affirms that Poets were never able by Art to finish any master-piece. Insomuch that Pindar doth vaunt himself in this to be supe∣rior, or to go beyond Bacchilides and Simonides, in that he was taught by nature not by Art. Bees unless provoked are harmlesse, but being vext they will sting and that most shrewdly. Such is the condition of Poets: from whence are occasioned these verses of Archilochus,

He that doth move me, quickly finds my sting, I'l make him cry, and through the City ring.

Wherefore Plato in his Minos gives it as a rule to those that desire peace and quiet, that they be very well advised how they intermeddle with Poets and Bees. To conclude, so many are their virtues worthy our imitation; that the Aegyptians, Greeks, and Chaldeans took divers Hie∣roglyphicks from them; as when they would express subjects obedient to their Prince, they set it forth in figure of a Bee very singular in that virtue; when a King loving to his subjects, they portray it likewise and set it forth by a Swarm of Bees. Other the like emblemes are to be found in Pierius Hieroglyphicks worth the labour of searching for. From them the Countrey peo∣ple learned their skill of prognostication of the weather. For they perceive wind or rain before

it comes, and foretell storms and showres that are at hand; when they are ready to come, they are sure not to fly far from their Hives, but will feed themselves with their own moisture. All those things being as they are, 'tis no wonder that Aristaeus, Philistrius, Aristomachus, Solensis, Menus Samnites, and six hundred others that have wrote of Bees, have left the pleasures and de∣lights of the City, and for 58 years to have lived in the woods, that they might be the more parfectly acquainted with their conditions and manner of life, and be the better enabled to commend them for an example to posterity. Neither was Virgil e're the worse for being so well seen in their History, the which he hath most elegantly set down in the fourth of his Georgicks.

But what their bodies and their labours do work upon our bodies, it is now worth the pains to relate; whereby we may assuredly know, that there is nothing in Bees but what doth serve for our health and welfare. For,

First of all, their bodies assoon as they as they are taken out of the Hive, and pounded and drank with some diuretick, or wine and milk; do strongly cure the dropsie, dissolve * 1.19 the stone or gravel, open all the passages of the urine, cure the stopping of the bladder. Bees that die in the honey, cure impostumes, and help the dulnesse of sight or hearing. Also being pounded together they cure the griping or wringing of the belly or guts, being applied to them. If poysoned honey be drank, they themselves being drank down after it, do expell it: they soften hard ulcers in the lips; being bound to a carbuncle or running sore, they heal it; they cure the bloudy flix. Honey being strained with them, helps the crudities of the stomach, or specks or red pimples in the face, as you may see in Hollerius, Alexander Bened. and especially in Pli∣ny. Take Bees dead in the combs, and when they are through dry make them into powder, as Galen in Euporist. writes, mingle them with the Honey in which they died, and annoint the parts of the head that are bald and thin haired, and you shall see them grow again. Pliny in like manner teaches to burn a great company of Bees together, and mingle the ashes with oyl, and anoint the part; only with this caution, that the adjacent parts be not touched therewith; yea, Honey scraped of Bees that are dead, he affirms to be very soveraign in all diseases, and very useful. Erotis in his 61. chap. de Morb. mulieb. tells us that their Ashes beaten with oyl, is good to make the hair white.

Moreover, Bees are very profitable and useful in regard they serve for food to other creatures; as to the Bear, Lizzard, Frog, Serpents, Spiders, Wasps, Swallows, Houp, Robin-red-brest, Tit∣mouse or Muskin; as Bellonius hath observed.

Palladius saith, that some men are wont to take great delight in hunting after them; and he tells you how you shall finde them out in these words. In the moneth of April, in sunny pla∣ces, if the Bees do frequently resort thither, either for food or water, then certain it is, that their nest or Honey-shop is not far off, but if there come thither but a few in a company, then 'tis a sign that they harbour farther off. But when they come very thick, by this trick you shall finde out their Swarms, take a little wet Oaker and mark them on the back, and there remain, while those that were mark'd return back thither again, if they make a speedy return, then they make their abode not far off; but if they tarry more then ordinary, then they reside farther off. Now by this means those that are hard by may easily be found out; but to come at them that are more remote and farther off, do thus; take a piece of a Cane and cut it off at either end at the joynt, and make a hole in the midst of it; there put in a little honey, or sweet wine boyled half away, and lay it by the side of the fountain or water where they resort: when the Bees come thither, and are drawn in by the sent of the honey, hold your thumb close upon the hole, and suffer but one Bee to go out at once, follow that as far as you can well discern him, when that is out of sight let go another, and by this conduct at length you will easily finde the place where the Swarm is. If it be in some hole or cavern of the earth; make but a smoke upon the mouth of it, and all the swarm will hurry out, and when they come forth, being a little scared, with the tinkling of a brass pan, they will hang themselves upon a little bough as it were a bunch of grapes, from whence having a vessel to put them in, you may take them away. If they chance to make their nest in the arm of a tree, then take a sharp saw and saw off the bough above and below them, and cover the middle part where they are, with a clean cover, then carry them where you please, and put them in a Hive.

By this Art you may finde their Swarms where they use in woods, dens, or hollow places, sto∣ny or craggy rocks, or any place whatsoever: only see that you begin your sport betime in the morning, lest the night overtake you, and you lose your game. Neither only are they delight∣full sport to them that hunt them in the day time; but also (if Fabritius and Artemidorus do not deceive us) if a man light upon them in his dream when he is a sleep; if he be a poor man, it foretells he shall be rich; if a King or a great man, that his subjects, or those that are under him will be loving and obedient. But he that dreams he had a stock of Bees, but in present hath them not, 'tis a sign of a decaying estate, and of some imminent approaching dis••aster to befall. Of so great use are Bees: and so variously hath dame Nature the contriver of all things, spotted her self, or rather taken great pains indeed in furnishing them with such rare qualities of all forts, as where with you have heard them to be endowed.

But to what purpose is (will you say) that sting, against whose poyson and venome Pliny him∣self ••••ew no remedy? I confess, and experience teacheth as much, that Bees stings are some-times

venomous; but it is only of those Bees which are raving mad, or burning with some fea∣ver, anger, or hunger. Otherwise they do little or no harm at all: and therefore Dioscorides did not deign so much as to mention the symptomes of the stinging of Bees; supposing it a childish simple thing for any man so much as to complain of the sting of a poor little Bee: later writers observe that the sting is accompanied with redness and tumor, especially if the sting do yet stick fast in the flesh, which if it go in very deep sometimes proves mortal, as Nicander writes in his The••iaca. The Ancients (that we may prove the sting of Bees to be converted to some good use) as Suidas reports, were wont to punish cheaters with them on this manner; They strip the malefactor stark naked, and besmeared his body all over with Honey, which done, and his hands and feet being bound, they exposed him to the heat of the scorching Sun, that what with the piercing raies beating upon his body, what with the stinging of the Bees and flies, and their of∣ten stabbing and wounding him, he did at length suffer a death answerable to his life. but if you would indeed resolve to go sting-free, or at least heal your self being stung; expell out of your minde, idleness, impiety, theft, malice; for those that are defil'd with those vices, they set upon to chuse as it were, and out of natural instinct. Beware also in especial manner, you wear not red garments, which might represent you to them, to be a murtherer or man of bloud; as also that you be not taken by them for an unchaste or unclean person, which it seems they naturally know and abominate (as hath been said before) They which carry the bill of a Wood-pecker in their hands when they come near them, although they do somewhat disturb their Swarms, yet (as Pliny saith) the Bees will not hurt them. Nonnius reports, that if you rub and beat to pow∣der the herb called Balm-mint, or Balm-gentle, their stings will not be able to hurt you. Florentius gives in charge, that he that is to gather the honey should annoint himself with the oyl or juice of Marshmallowes, whereby he may take away the combs without danger. But the juice of any Mallowes whatsoever will do the like; and the better if they be rubbed with oyl; for it doth both preserve from stinging, and is a remedy to those that are stung. But be it granted that dis∣eases be contracted by their stingings; yet 'tis but taking a few of these Bees that are found dead in the Honey, and let them be carefully applied, and they presently cure them; and take away all the venome and aking of them.

What shall I say? God never created a creature lesse chargeable, and more profitable. They are bought for a very little money, they will live in all places whatsoever, even in woody and mountainous Countreys. The poor as well as the rich gain a great return or revenue by keeping of them, and yet need they not put more in the pot, or keep a servant the more for them. Me∣rula reports that Varro rented out his stocks of Bees, for 5000 l. of Honey; and in Spain out of a little Village containing not above an Acre at most, that he gained of the Honey there ga∣thered 10000 Sestercies, i. e. 50 l. of our English money in one year. Besides all this, we have from their shops or store-houses, Wax, Bee-bread, Bee-glew, Rosin, Honey-combs such as no Common wealth can well be without; not to repeat their virtues, which are no less wholsome for the minde, then those are profitable for the body and maintenance of life. And first of all we will treat of Honey, that immortal, nectareal, pleasant, wholsome juice, and principal of all works and operations.

CHAP. V.

Of the Name, Difference and Ʋse of Honey.

AT the first Honey had but one name, called in the Hebrew Dabesch; but since that strange and confused Polyglottology, or speaking with divers tongues it was called of the inhabi∣tants of Arabia, Hel, Han; of the French, Miel; of the Italians, Mele; of the Dutch, Honich∣••••em; of the Germans, Honig; of the English, Honey: the Greeks called it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the admi∣rable care and industry of the Bee in making of it, as Eustachius notes: from whence comes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Melitellum, of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Porphiry. This for the Name: But what it is yet after all is much controve sed amongst the learned. Some there are that fondly conceit it to be the spittle of the * 1.20 Planets, or the gelly falling from the Stars; others, the purging of the Air, or the sweat of the Heavens; but in my judgement it may more properly be termed the Chylus of the Bees, gathered from some sweet matter, but having its perfection and consummation from their ventricles; and afterwards by expuition or vomit cast out into the cells or Honey-combs. Aristotle, Pliny, Avi∣cen, Seneca, would have the Bees not be makers of the Honey, but only gatherers of it: for thus they write; The Bees, (say they) do gather the Honey from the dew of the air, especially at the rising of certain Stars, and from the conjunction of the Rain-bow; for they make no Honey, but Honey-combs only. Galen also lib. 3. de Alim. fac. hath these words: I remember (saith he) upon a time, in Summer we gathered a great quantity of Honey from the leaves of the trees, and then the Countrey in way of sport sang, Jupiter rains Honey. But then the night before had been exceeding cold, as it could be in Summer: by the strength whereof the sweet exhalations, and va∣pours being drawn up by the Sun were congealed together. Now with us this is a very rare ac∣cident; but in Mount Libanus it happens every year: and therefore they spread skins upon the

ground under the trees, and shake them, and the Aerial Honey that falls from them, they put up in pots, and earthen vessels. Now Honey, as all other things, do differ in substance or matter, it is either Aerial or Terrestrial; Aerial Hony is one thing, Terrestrial another: For in the moneths of May, June, and July, a kinde of heavenly Ambrosia falls down upon the leaves of plants (which they call honey dew, but I rather mieldew) very sweet in taste, liquid, pure, and as sweet as sugar it self; this being gathered and drank in, the Bees I grant do ripen or bring to maturity, but that they make any real mutation, I constantly deny; unlesse perchance you will say that the refining the dew, is an alteration of the species. Gal. lib. 3. de Alim. fac. affirms that the matter of Ho∣ney is not the very dew it self, but something near of kin to it: the which Bees gathering do cast up again into their cells, but they do not change the species of the juice; as Avicen also saith. But this aerial dew, of which this aerial Honey is gathered is of two sorts; coagulated or thickned Manna; and liquid, of which the best Honey is made; especially if it retain the same vertue it had when it first fell: but falling from such a height, and even with the very sliding of the fall by reason of the impurity of the air contracting defilement, and being infected with the exhalation of the leaves, and juice of the flowers upon which it lights, it looseth much of that heavenly vertue, although some remain, and being so often shifted in the ventricles of the Bees, cells, honey-combs, it hath some strange qualities joyned to it. But in the beginning, Honey is like pure rock-water; and in the first daies it boyls like new wine, in the 20. day it waxeth thick, a while after it is co∣vered over as it were with a thin film or membrane, which with the froth of the heat of it, con∣geals together. Terrestrial or earthy Honey we call that, because the dew going away, it is suckt out of the very sweat of the earth, and the sweeter part of the plant, of a thick substance indeed, and a quality answerable to that from whence it was extracted. And from thence it takes the name of Grasse-honey, Bean-honey, Lilly-honey, Violet-honey, &c. respect being had to those things from which it is collected or gathered. But that Honey is best for substance, which is of a fat oily consistence, partaking of both, which doth of its own accord run out of the combs, (in * 1.21 Greek called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; or rather 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) and doth not abound with dregs, and is quickly boyled, and doth cast up very little or no scum; and alwaies so tenaciously sticking together, that if you lift it up a good height on the top of you finger, it falls to the earth still homogeneous, unsevered, no way parted asunder, but remaines in one continued flake, or line. And to conclude, that which if fire be put to it, will soonest arise in flame. Unless there be all these properties or most of them in your Honey, you shall discern the substance not of good Honey indeed, but of base, adulterate, impure trash.

The Accidents or accidental properties of honey, are likewise some good, some bad, both of them are taken from the season, place, quality. If you respect the time or season, the newer the * 1.22 honey the better it is accounted, and the Spring or Summer honey far beyond that is gathered in Autumn. The first of these is gathered from flowers only, and those very tender and newly budded (thence called Anthinum, or Flower-honey). The second is collected of nothing but herbs, and ripe flowers, thence called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Summer honey. The third, last and worst, is had after the first Autumnal showres, and that very sandy or gritty and woody, gathered only of Heath or Ivie (which are then the only things green that are left) and from thence is called Ericaeum, Heath-honey or Ivie-honey: all which (as I said before) have their greatest commen∣dation from their freshness or newness, because with long keeping and concocting, they wax bit∣ter; from whence the Proverb, He that will make a good mixture of wine and honey, must min∣gle with new Hymettian Honey, old Falernian Wine. It is also better or worse in regard of the place whether proper or common. If you respect the proper place, or the vessel wherein it is contained; the best honey is still found in the bottome, for the dross which is contracted ei∣ther by soyl of herbs, or by the air whilest it falls from so high a place, is cast up to the top as froth; and in the bottome it is found to be more glutinous, ponderous, luscious, and better com∣pacted.

If you would attend the common place or region wherein it is gathered; according to the na∣ture of the Countrey, so is the value of it. * 1.23

In the first place and above all other, the Attick, Athenian, Hymetick, especially, when made in the silver Mines, hath been hitherto adjudged the best honey, both in regard of the excellent nature of the Bees themselves, as also for that those Countreys do abound with Thyme and other choice plants and herbs, and likewise in regard of the goodnesse of the place where the combs are made. Dioscorides gives the next place, to the Islands of the Cyclades, or the Aegean Islands (which is very luscious and pleasant, and welnigh as good as the Attick) And the third and last place to the Hyblean, and Sicilian.

Johan. Bauhinus a very learned Physician, and surpassingly well seen in the knowledge of sim∣ples, saith that he saw of this Attick honey in Verona in an Apothecaries shop, which he found put up in the bladder of an Elephant, very thick, and weighing 21. pounds, of the length of two cu∣bits, of the breadth of a cubit and a half. I suppose it was brought thither out of Africk, for how should an Elephants bladder be had in Athens? In the judgement of Cardanus, that honey which comes from Cephalenia, an Island in the Ionian sea is the best; next to that in Europe, is the Spanish, and that not without reason; in regard the dew for the most part in those hotter regions is better concocted: and (in all Countreys) where the purest air is, there is the virgin Honey (i. e.) pure pale, and is made up as it is, having no need of fire to purge it. The T〈…〉〈…〉∣tine

honey is also commended, as Strabo reports. About Tag••dast, Melela, Hea, Hascora, the iron Mountain Rhahona, Ech••••devona; Jo. Leo saith there is very excellent African honey made. Ludovicus Cademustus prefers the honey of Sineg••••, Andreas Corsalias the Mombaren, Edorades Barbosa the Aethiopick, Thomas Lopius the Cathaian, Fr〈…〉〈…〉saus Alvares the Tigremahonen••ian, Sebastianus Baro the Samogitick, Euricus the Lituanian, Erasmus Stella the Ru••••••an, Thevet the American, P. Iovius is exceeding much in the commendation of Moscovy honey, but not so advi∣sedly, in as much as our Merchants, and Sebast. Baro a very impartial writer of those things which are seen and done there, do very seriously affirm that in all the Dukedom of Mosco, there are neither Bees nor honey. Albert. Campensis in his history of Mysia which is called Britus, saith that even in the Hercinian woods, there is extraordinary good honey to be found, and that alto∣gether as good as the Cecropian or Attick honey may be. Aelianus affirms that in snowy and icy Scythia, there is Countrey honey very praise-worthy; and that it is carried to Mysia (where it is sold at a very dear rate). But if the heat of the Coutrey doth add to the honey pureness and goodness, how is it possible such excellent honey should be had in Scythia, and Samogithia? Is it because the flowers there growing and receiving the dew are better then in other places, and by that means cause it to be clearer and purer? Or is it because of the North winds which are most frequent in those parts, which do purge the air? Or is it because as well Bees as men there are of more strong constitutions, and therefore are better able and do take more pains to refine and work the honey in their ventricles? which is the more likely, seeing they were not able to live at all in that cold region, nor could not arrive at such an Age (for there they live very long) if they were not very healthy and lusty of body.

Now whereas Cardan denies that there is any exquisite honey made in moist Countreys: let England and Ireland challenge him for their right; which being obnoxious to showres and very much rain, a thing fatall to Islands, do yeeld such extraordinary pure honey, that it hath not the least mixture of venome, and doth last a long time before it be corrupted or putrified; that we do not speak of its excellent whiteness, hardness, sweetness, hanging well together, viscosity and ponderousness; and other principal signs of the goodness of it; But let us leave off to commend our own Countrey wherein good is to be found; and set forth those Countreys which are infa∣mous for the badness of it. For the extreme bitterness the Cholchian honey, and next the Corsican, and in some places the Hungarian, and the Sardinian hath an ill name. For in Sardinia Wormwood, * 1.24 in Corsica Rose-lawrel, in Col••his the venomous Yew, and all of them in Hungary. Also the ho∣ney is venomous in Heraclea of Pontus, and in the flowers of Goats-bane fading with the wet∣ness of the spring; for then the flowers contract that hurtfull venome; which doth presently infect the honey-dew that falls upon them. There is also another kinde of pernicious honey made, which from the madness that it causeth, is termed Mad-honey; which Pliny conceiveth to be contracted from the flower of a certain shrub, very frequently growing there in the woods. Dioscorides and Aetius do not amiss impute this poyson to be caused of great plenty of the veno∣mous herb called Libbardsbane, or Wolf-wort which groweth there; in that it is cured with the very same remedies as the venome of that herb is. In Carina, Persis, Mauritania and Getulia, bordering to Massesulia, either by reason of vapours of the earth, or by reason of the virulent and poysonous juice of the plants, poysoned honey-combs are produced; but are descried by their duskie or blackish colour. In Trapezuntum in the Countrey of Pontus, Pliny reports of a certain honey that is gathered of the flowers of the Box-tree, which as it doth make those that are well sick with the noysome smell of it, so those that are not well it restores to health. On the trees of the Heptocometanes, a people near unto Cholchis, there growes a kinde of infectious honey. The which poyson being drank makes men stupid, and out of their wits. This was sent by the enemy to the three Legions of Pompey with a token for the desire of peace, they drink∣ing very freely of it, were put both besides their wits, and their lives too (as Strabo saith). Ovid makes mention of the Corsick honey very infamous, being extracted from the flower of Hem∣lock, speaking thus:

I think it's Corsick Honey, and the Bee From the cold Hemlocks flowers gathered thee.

But yet it may seem to be not so much for Dame Nature•• honour, that she should bring forth a thing so desired of all men, as honey is, and so ordinarily to temper it with poyson. Nay but in so doing she did not amiss, so to permit it to be; that thereby she might make men more cauti∣ous and lesse greedy, and to excite them not only to use that which should be wholesome, but to seek out for Antidotes against the unwholsomeness of it. And for that cause she hath hedged the Rose about with prickles; given the Bees a sting, hath infected the Sage with Toad-spittle; mix∣ed poyson (and that very deadly too) with Honey, Sugar, and Manna.

The signs of poysoned honey are these, it staines the honey-comb with a kinde of Lead-colour, * 1.25 doth not become thick, it looks of a bright shining glistering hew; sharp or bitter in taste, and hath a strange and 〈…〉〈…〉th smell, it is far more ponderous, then the other, as soon as it is taken it causeth ne••sing, and a loosness of the belly, accompanied with excess of sweating. They which have drunk it d•• tumble themselves up and down upon the cold earth, very desirous of refrigera∣tion. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 poy〈…〉〈…〉 honey hath the same symptomes with the poyson of Wolf••••ane,

and hath the same way of cure. Galen reports that two Physicians in Rome tasted but a very small quantity of poysoned honey, and fell down dead in the open Market-place.

Against madness from eating honey, Dioscorides prescribes Rue to be eaten, and salt fish, and honey and water to be drank, but being taken they must be vomited up again; and he prescribes the same remedie against this disease, as he doth against Wolfs-bane, and Rose-lawrel: and Pli∣ny agrees with him; also he adds one singular antidote, to eat a fish called a Gilt-head, which al∣so wonderfully corrects the loathing of good honey. Gulielmus Placontia bids to cause vomit abundantly, with syrup of Violets, acetosus simplex, and warm water, eating salt fish before vo-miting. Afterwards he gives Theriac with hot vinegar. Christophanus de honest is perswades vo-miting, and to set cold water under the nosthrils, with the flowers of Violets, Water-lillies, and Fleawort. But his Bezoar stone, are Quince kernels bruised, and given with hot water, as Sanctus Ardoinas relates. Avicenna hath prescribed nothing worth speaking of, but what he had from others: for I understand not what he means by his Aumeli.

But what if I a youth and an English man, after so many grave and experienced Physicians should asse••t this for a certain Antidote, viz. to take nothing down but the Bees themselves. The likelyhood of the conjecture doth perswade, and reason it self doth somewhat seem to favour it: For unless that Dame Nature had given to these Bees, a very marvellous power against poy∣soned honey (as amongst men to the Psilli against Serpents, to Storks and Peacocks amongst the Birds) without all doubt with gathering of it, swallowing of it, and for some time keeping of it in their bodies, yea concocting of it there, they would be grievously pained, and the poyson running and dispersing it self through all the parts would kill them.

Now the Terrestrial honey, although it be not alwaies poysonous, yet by reason of the black∣ness and clamminess of it, 'tis not much to be commended: also it is often found to be subject to be infected by the venomous breath of Serpents, Toads, red Toads, and therefore is carefully to be avoided.

Now let us come to the Qualities of Honey; whereof some are first or primary, others deri∣ved from them; some formal, some specifical, which we deservedly call Energetical, or opera∣tive. * 1.26 In respect of the first Crasis or temper, Honey is thought to be hot and dry in the second degree, for which cause Galen did forbid those that are in Hectick Feavers, and in all Feavers, young men, or those that have the yellow Jaundies to use it; whereas in cold distempers he doth very much commend it, and did prescribe it to those that were troubled with a raw and watry sto∣mach; whom if you gently anoint therewith, it doth very much nourish, and causeth a good co∣lour and constitution of body. If you desire to know the second qualities of honey, (viz. the smelling, tasting, visible, tactile) the best honey ought not to have the eminent quality of any herb, or other thing whatsoever: and therefore the honey that doth strongly smell of Thyme, Galen rejects; and yet is of it self a most sweet and fragrant smell, and not without a certain spiri∣tuous fragrancy; such is that which in the middle of the spring, is perceived to be in the air about break of day. But if it have an ill savour, it is putrefied not being well kept. If it smell strong, it hath contracted some contagion from Hemlock: if it sting as it were and prick the nose with its sent, it is an argument of some poyson, or too much acrimony couched in it. If it smell not at all, it is stark dead, no spirit in it. If it smell of Thyme, Linden, or Teil-tree, Rosemary, Box, Wormwood, &c. it shewes that it is degenerated into their nature. The like is to be said of the Taste of honey, which is known either by the herbs, age of it, or by the colour of it to be mixt, or adulterate, or natural, that is to say, striking, and filling the tongue with a certain fine and lively sweetness, so that it may seem to some to be a little tart.

As for what concerns the colour of the best honey; in the Tigremahonick and Tagodostick Re∣gion, that of a milky colour is preferred in hotter Countreys, that which is white and transpa∣rent, but commonly that which carries away the garland and is esteemed above the rest, is yel∣low, and of the colour of Gold. And in the second rank is that which is white and transparent, which I with Aristotle should put in the first place. For that it is a sign of pure honey and not infected with any tincture of herbs. The bright shining is also by him commended if it be not summer honey, for the honey that is gathered at that season of the year (like wax or butter) ei∣ther by reason of the abundance of yellow flowers, or the scorching heat of the air, it comes to be of a deep and full yellow, yea almost quite red. But if the Erycaean or Anthine appear red∣dish, it is not without cause accounted unwholsome, because it is not in its season. Suspected and of ill name, are the black, duskie, bright red, and above all the lead colours, which whether they ap∣pear in the comb, or in the honey, sometimes are evident signs of corruption and putrefaction, and sometimes of poyson. That honey is best in touch that is fat, clammy, glutinous, heavy, and most like to the clear liquor of Turpentine every where like it self, that is pure without any, or with very few dregs, that is melted with a very soft fire, and with the least cold as it were con∣gealed into little stones.

The Energetical or operative qualities of honey are seen in the use of it; the which is of di∣vers sorts, whether you turn you to the Apothecaries shop, or to the Kitchen, for so mightily doth it nourish, and preserve health entire, and men long-lived, that the Greeks thought the Cyrneans by reason of their constant using of it, lived long, being old men, as Herodotus, Athenaus, and Dio∣dorus Siculus testifie. Pollio indeed being asked, how it came to pass that he lived to be so old as he was, made answer, Because from his youth he used Oyl without his body, and Wine mingled with

Honey within. More then this all flowers, fruits, simples, and compounded medicaments, or confections by mingling them with honey are preserved entire from putrefaction; in which fa∣culty or virtue it so excells, that even the Babylonians were wont to bury the dead corpses of their noble men in it; as Herodotus witnesseth in Thalia. Vintners also and such as deal in Wines that will play the knaves, when they observe a piece of Wine decaying, and at its last almost, then they put honey to it, to bring it to life again; by which means the sophisticate wine appears pure, and relisheth very well upon the palat, though never so critical and curious. It is not subject to putrefaction. Fruits, and all other bodies are kept in it very long. yet if it be but touched by its enemy, bread, it putrefies. They therefore that sell honey, are very wary, lest children as they pass by should dip their bread in it: for so it will presently corrupt, and turn into Ants or such like creatures; if we will believe Paracelsus, for his natural skill, in the nature of things, a most famous Philosopher. With admixtion of honey also Galen amendeth the naughtiness of sweet meats when they begin to fail. Honey mingled with other things, doth both nourish and cause a good colour; but taken by it self without any other thing, it doth rather make the body lean than nourish it; because it doth cause urine, and purge the belly beyond all measure. Hippocra∣tes saith, if you take the seeds of Cucumers, or the seeds of any other plant, and keep them for some time in honey, and afterwards sow or set them, the fruit that groweth of them will taste the sweeter.

As for the medicinal and Physical vertues of Honey; It causeth heat, cleanseth sores and ul∣cers * 1.27 excellently, wears them away, and removes them in what part of the body soever gathered: as Galen, Avicen, Celsus, and Pliny have observed. It perfectly cureth the disease which causeth the hair of the head or beard to come off by the roots, called the Foxes evill, and other filthy ulcers of the head. Plin. To regain hair lost by the disease aforesaid, and for long Agues, it is very effectual, if the party be anointed with it raw as it is; or with the honey-comb newly drei∣ned or emptied. Galen. But above and beyond all, the Oyl of honey distilled doth effect it. The water that droppeth from the honey, doth excellently cleanse the skin, provoke urine, ex∣tinguish the burning heat of Feavers, open the obstructions of the bowels, quench thirst. The chaulk or salt of it, as it is of all corrosives, the least painful, so it is most energetical and opera∣tive, and therefore is very much commended by Chymicks, and Chirurgeons, for to cure that ker∣nell or tumour of flesh which groweth upon the yard. But how many, and how ample virtues that quintessence of Honey (as they call it) hath attained against the strength of all diseases whatsoever, is excellently described by Isaacus Belga, the predecessor of Paracelsus. Nay with∣out doubt, if wilde honey, and raw, was able so to prolong the health and life of Democrates, Pol∣lio, John the Baptist, in a word, of the Pythagoreans, and Cyrneans (as aforementioned) how much more will it do being refined, and heightned to the highest degree of nutrition? The Epicu∣reans who took the best way they could to provide for their health and their pleasure, fed al∣waies upon Ambrosia, as Tzetzes reports, which did consist of a tenth part of honey; as if they meant by the use of it, to stave off all pains and griefs, and live free from all diseases and ma∣ladies. It doth wonderfully help the ulcers in the ears if it be powred warm into them, and espe∣cially if an ill sent be joyned with them. Moreover in their histing, noyses, inflamations, Galen commands to instill Attick Honey, Butter, oyl of Roses, and as much warm water Marcellus Empyricus used to infuse into the ear that was pained. The same also very much commends ho∣ney mingled or kneaded with the ordure of a young Infant, to cure the dulness of the sight, and the white spots in the eye. Vegetius by this means cures the watery eyes and dropping of the eyes caused by rheume or distillation. First of all a little below the eye he drawes bloud and anoints them with the purest honey till it be whole. But yet care must be had (as Columella ve∣ry well hints) that as often as the eyes are anointed with honey, they be besmeared round about with melted pitch and oyl, lest the Wasps and Bees infest and hurt them. Hear also what Mar∣cellus saith, touching the clearing up of the eyes, and he prescribes this: The honey pure and neat wherein the Bees are dead, let that drop into the eyes; or honey mixt with the ashes of the heads of Bees, makes the eyes very clear. And again mingle Attick honey with the first ordure the Infant makes, together with the milk of the Nurse; and with that anoint the eyes that are so dull what ever the cause of it be; but first of all you must binde the patient to a form or ladder; for otherwise such is the strength of the medicine, that he will not be able to endure it. Which is such a present remedy, that in three daies, it will fully restore the sight, and take away every blemish of the eye. The Gall of a Vulture mingled with the juice of Horehound (twice as much in weight as the gall is) and two parts of honey cures the suffusion of the eyes. Gal. in Eu∣porist. Otherwhere, he mingles one part of the gall of the Sea-Tortoise, and four times as much ho∣ney, and anoints the eyes with it. Serenus prescribes such a receipt to cause one to be quick sighted.

Mingle Hybl••an honey with the gall Of Goats, 'tis good to make one see withall.

Give Infants butter and honey, for nothing is better for their breeding teeth, and for sore mouths. Galen bids us rub their gums with nothing but honey. For it wonderfully helps to their breeding of teeth, preserving, cleansing and beautifying of them. Also against the pain of the jawes. If with Arabian honey you joyn field-poppy, it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it. And sometimes pure honey

is mingled with clear water: and this, as Serenus and Pliny testifie, doth notably cure the driness of the tongue in Feavers, the Quinsie▪ and the diseases of the Uvula, Throat, Jawes, of the Ton∣sils; against difficulty of breathing, and to cause one to expectorate, either by it self, or mingled with other things, it is highly commended by Hippocrates. And for the convulsion of the laps of the lungs (which useth to be a deadly disease) the drinking of cold water, and of that wherein a honey-comb is steeped is very effectual. Also, if the stomack be not hot, cholerick, bitter, nauseating or feaverish, it makes it strong and vigorous, and nourisheth it much, not suffering milk to curdle in it: it cleanseth the reins, boyled with water and butter it is good against the stone. Avi∣cenna. It easeth the pain of the spleen, but it must be outwardly applyed with the dead Bees; for taken inwardly it hurts both the liver and the spleen, saith Galen. When it is raw it looseneth the belly, but boyled with the Bees, or with new cheese it bindes the belly so much, that Galen holds it to be a secret against the Dysentery and colick passions: so doth Celsus also and Pliny. Hip∣pocrates mingled honey with all Medicaments that were to soften the belly. Honey mingled with rosin, is a cure for the cold Testicles, as Pliny saith, who also affirms that the ashes of Oxe∣leather mingled with honey, cures all running sores, and botches. Nitre with honey and Cowes milk, cures ulcers of the face; and the froth of honey with oyl of Walnuts, amends the bur∣ning of the skin: it is excellent for old people, and such as have cold stomachs; and being boy∣led it discusses wind, and moves urine mightily. Galen. Hollerius reckoneth honey amongst Dia∣phoreticks, because it openeth and maketh the passages clear: Galen placeth it amongst Diure∣ticks. It layeth down its acrimony by being mingled with water, or being boyled; and there∣fore Galen prescribes boyled honey, to close up ulcers that are hollow. Salt with meal and honey takes away the pain of a joynt that is dislocated, discusses the swelling, and makes it more apt to be reduced. I might here set down the plaister of Aetius and Aegineta called Dia∣melleum, the Tapsimel of Arden, and all syrups that were anciently made of honey. In whose place the Neotericks have put sugar, but I know not by what reason. For if honey of Athens, or some as good, be at hand, and doth not want its due preparation, do not use sugar that is earth∣ly, reedy and so full of dregs, not comparable either for use, original, or any way whatsoever with this heavenly dew honey. But to let this pass, let us reckon up the kinds of drinks and meats made of honey. Six kindes of honey-drink the Ancients made principally. Honey and water, honey and wine, honey and vinegar, the washing of the combs, juice of some grapes and honey, sea-water and honey.

The first is called by Pollux and Nicander, Hydromel, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Galen, Pliny, Aegineta and Dioscorides have set down the making of it. Hydromel of Galen. Take sweet pure clean fountain water 8. pounds, the best honey 1. pound, boyle them at a soft fire in an earthen vessel, take off the skim a top oft times, and boyl it to its thickness. If it must be drunk pre∣sently, it must be made thin as water, if it must be setup to keep, boyl it longer, till it be thick, as a julep; if it be kept long it pierceth deeper into the parts far off, and is sooner converted into choler. Also boyling acquires to it many more faculties; for being little boyled it inflates more, it purges more, and nourisheth lesse. Longer boyled, sit dissipates wind, nourisheth more and purges lesse. It is spiced at pleasure, with Ginger, Saffron, Gallia Moschata, Lignum aloes, &c. It is made also another way, of honey 1. pound, water 8. pound, leaven 3. ovnces; put all in a wooden vessel, leaving three or four fingers empty that it may work the better: when it hath done working, stop the vessel and let it be well hoopt, and after three months it will be fit to drink. Hydromel of Pliny, Take of pure rain-water that hath been kept five years, 12 pound, boyl it to thirds, add to it a third part of old honey, and in the dog-daies set it in the sun for 40 daies, and letting it so stand, on the tenth day stop the vessel, this is called Hydromel, that with age will taste like wine, made no where better than in Phrygia. It was given to sick peo∣ple that desired wine, but now it hath been forbidden many years. Hydromel of Aegineta, Take the juice of bruised Quinces 5 pounds, fountain water Sextarii, boyl them till they grow soft, take them from the fire, let them cool, then strain them, and crush out the Quinces and cast them away, add to this water half honey, boyl it, scum it, till an eighth part be consumed: some make it of sweet Apples or Pears the same way. Hydromel of Dyoscorides, is made of two parts of old rain-water, and one part of honey mingled, and set in the Sun. Some call it Hydromel, because it is wont to be made of the washing of the honey combs with water, but it must not be made stronger, because it will hurt sick people by too much matter proceeding from the wax. Hydro∣mel after it hath been long kept, is as strong as small wines, or Lora, being but half so old. Wherefore it is preferred before them in abating inflamations. The use of old Metheglin is con∣demned, for such as are inflamed or costive, but it is good for weak stomacks, and such as loath their meat, or sick people that sweat much, or for those that are thirsty, or after a burning fea∣ver hath wasted a man. Aetius describes a Clyster only of honey and water to move the belly, and with the same he cleanseth hollow ulcers. Galen commends, and uses Melicrate (wherein some Hysop, Origanum, or Thyme, or Peniroyal hath been boyled) to prepare and purge gross humours in an acute disease, but he commends it not for the want of a stomach. Lately the Eng∣lish found out a new composition of Hydromel, (they call it Varii) and serves better for ships than any Wine. The preparation is this, Take Barley torrefied after due sleeping in water, what you please, boyl it long in 5 quarts of fountain water, till it taste well of the malt: I pound of this boyled with 8 pounds of honey, and 20 pounds of water, makes a drink that tasts most

sweet, and is most healthful for use. It nourisheth well, is hardly corrupted, and keeps very long. Hydromel of the Moscovites, Take of the decoction with Hops 12 pounds, purified honey scum∣med 1 pound and half, tosted bread strowed with the flour of malt, one piece, put all into a wooden vessel well covered, and place it near a stool, take away the froth that riseth, twice a day, with a wooden skimmer that hath holes in it; after 10 daies set it up in your cellar, af∣ter 14 daies drink it: They make it the same way in summer with fair water, and made this way they drink it in winter, and when they desire to be drunk. In Russ and English they call it Mede.

2. Oenomeli, it is called honeyed Wine. Pollux calls it Molicraton; Plautus, honeyed Wine, others call it Mulsum. Aristaeus was the first that brought this into Thrace, being taken with the incredible sweetness of Honey and Wine mingled together. Mulsum made of honey of Hera∣clea, when it growes old ceaseth to be hurtful. Pliny. The new writers describe this potion thus, Take 1 gallon of the best Honey, 6 gallons of old Wine, Salt 2 ounces; it must then be skimmed as it works, then put in the Salt, and season it with Annise-seed, and roots of Elecam∣pane let down into the vessel with a bag. The Egyptians make it otherwise, namely of Raisins and Honey, which they call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it is of a very sweet taste. Oenomeli spiced, Take Pepper washt and dried, 8 scruples, Athenian Honey 1 sextarius, and 5 sextarii of old white Wine, mingle them. Celsus (as I remember) and Caelius speak of it. Aurelianus in the cure of the Sciatica. Also there is a kinde of Mulsum which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, consisting of 36 ingredients. Gorreus. May be it is the same which Athenaeus cals 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. For 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is a drink made of Wine and Honey, and divers herbs mingled. Such as our Welch men call Metheglin. The Irish prepare a distilled Oenomeli made with Honey, Wine and some herbs, which they cal Ʋsque∣bach, not unfit for a nation that feeds on flesh raw, or but half sod. Mulsum made of sweet new * 1.28 Wine the Greeks call Nectar; to new Wine sodden, they add a tenth part of Honey, but this kinde is offensive to the stomach, and causeth windiness; it is given to purge the belly. Hippo∣crates cals it Melihedia, and Melichron, as Galen notes. Atheneus writes that another kinde, which was true Nectar indeed, was wont to be made about Olympus a Mountain of Lydia, of Wine, Bees-combs, and sweet flowers. I take notice that Alexandrida did not think Nectar to be drink, but the meat of the gods. For he saith, I eat Nectar chewing, and ministring to Jupiter, I drink Ambrosia. Yet Homer and the greatest part of the Poets took Nectar for drink. Dioscorides made Oenomeli thus, Take old Wine 2 Sextarius's, the best Honey 1 Sextarius. Some that they may drink it the sooner, boyl honey with wine and strain it. Some for profit sake to 6 sextarius's of new wine working, add one of honey, and when it hath workt, they put it up in a vessel, for it remains sweet. The use of honied Wine is this: It is given in long Feavers that have weak∣ned the stomach with crudities collected in it. It looseth the▪ belly gently, it provoketh urine, it cleanseth the stomach, it is good for the disease of the joynts, faults of the reins, a weak head, and to women that drink no wine, for it is pleasant in smell, and nourisheth the body. It mo∣veth vomit drunk with oyle, and it is profitably given to them that have drunk poyson; as also for such as are weak, and their pulse is feeble; for such as are troubled with a cough, and a short breath, or Impostume in the Lungs, and those that are wasted with extream sweating. But then it is for to mingle it with Hydromel. Also Galen prescribes to them Melicrate qualified with water, that have had a shaking fit not above a week, and nature being yet strong. Some there are that utterly condemn this in Feavers: but that must be understood of some times in Feavers. Romulus, a certain guest of Caesars, being asked how he had preserved the natural vigor of his body and minde so long, (for he was above a hundred years old) he answered, Without with oyl, within with honey and wine sodden together, as Pollio did: That we may the more wonder at the use of Mulsum, which the Ancients esteemed very much, for that they were perswaded that all acrimony of the minde, was pacified with sweet liquors, and the spirits made peacable, the passages made softer and fitter for transpiration, and that it was also physick for manners. Pli∣nius.

3. Oxymeli, or honeyed Vinegar is thus made, as Pliny thinks. Take honey 6 pound, old Vi∣negar 5 Hemina, Sea-salt 1 pound, rain-water (which Galen likes not of) 5 sextarii. It must all be made scalding hot ten times, and then set in the Sun, till it grow stale, and Oxymel is made. But it lasts not above one year. All these, as also all made Wines are condemned by Themison a chief writer. Galen prepares it thus. Let the best honey be clarified, and add so much wine∣vinegar to it, that it may please the sick mans palate, boyl them till they are well mingled; and when you will use it, mingle as much water as you please: it is boyled enough when it sends forth no more scum. Some there are perhaps that deliver these compositions somewhat other∣wise, and Dioscorides he differs from Misues, and Nicolaus from them both. In Misue you shall finde ten several sorts of it; in Nicolaus I have seen seventeen: some simple, some compound with Squills, Thyme, Flower de luce, and other herbs and roots.

Also Gesner brought in an Oxymel with Hellebore, which he commends not a little in his Greek Epistle to Adolphus Otto. To make thin, thick and clammy humours, and to root them out; but especially to make way for insensible transpiration, that is to draw forth from the center to the superficies of the body. But you shall finde every where scattered in the Book of his Epistles, what force it hath against Melancholy, Cacheria, Dropsies, Epilepsies, and Fea∣vers, where also you have the Oxymels made with Hellebore, the great and the small.

4. Apomeli of Philagrius in Aegineta. Take white combs full of honey 1 pound, fountain∣water 3 pound and half; break the combs and press out the honey, boyl this water and honey together, untill the froth of it, and that which as it were the waxy part swim a top, and be by degrees taken off, when it is cool put it into a vessel. It cools lightly, as Galen saith, where∣fore in Phlegmone, and weariness in a Feaver, it is very good. Avicenna his syrup of Honey, seems to be the same with this. In Nicolaus you shal finde three kinds of Apomeli, and in Aetius, Ori∣basius, Actuarius yet more; for they are changed according to the nature of the disease and the sick patient, that is the reason that we had rather only touch upon them, then to describe them at large. It is drunk all the summer to cool the body, at which time any man may drink of it, (especially when it growes sowrish) it is held to be of a middle nature between a Mulsum and an Oxymel. Galen. It is also useful to expectorate with, to move urine, to purge the belly, and to ••ut thick humours. Aegineta, Ruelius.

5. Omphacomeli, (which Grapoldus did not well translate Bitter honey) it is made of the juice of unripe grapes, 3 saxtarii, and 1 sextarius of honey, boyled together, or set a sunning for 40 daies: when it hath done working, put it in a veslel and stop it close, and keep it for your u••e. The same way almost is Melomeli of Quinces made, Rhodomeli of roses, honey of Myrtils, Rhoites, Rhodostacte, &c. you may finde their descriptions and use in Aetius.

6. Thalassiomeli, is made of equal parts of sea-water, rain-water, and honey purified and set in the sun in a pitched vessel in the Dog-daies: some to two parts of sea-water add one part of honey, and so tun it up. They both purge, but this hath far the less. Gorraeus. It is pleasant in taste and smell, it purgeth gently, without troubling the stomach at all. Pliny. And thus much of Honied drinks.

It would be too long for me, and tedious to the Reader, should I set down all kinde of Meats which the Athenians provided with honey, and other ingredients; therefore it shall not be need∣full to rehearse them; and it may be it is impossible: for divers Nations did variously mingle ho∣ney with other things, as with milk, meat, flour, wheat, cheese, and with Sesama, whence are these meats made of honey called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Juncates or honey∣meats, and wafers, they have divers names as the thing is made. Athenaeus. They sacrificed to Ceres this bread of felicity, as the Scholiast upon Nicander sheweth, we call it honey-bread. Also the Scripture teacheth, that the nations offered wafers made with honey to the Sun and Moon, and to the Queen of heaven: wherefore Moses forbad the Israelites to offer honey in their offerings unto God, Leviticus the 2. But it may be that was rather forbid the Jewes because honey hath a power of fermenting. Also they made it with suet, fresh cheese, oyl and raisins; also to cause sleep, the Ancients made a kinde of meat of honey and poppy-seed, very pleasant, which they called Cocetum, as Festus reports. Also Ambrosia which was held to be the meat of the gods, had that exceeding sweetness, whereby it was thought to be so healthful, from honey, to make men immortal; of which Athenaeus and Bellonius write at large. But the Indians have the best and the most wholsome juncates, who were held to be Barbarians, but the truth is, they may for their wit be compared with any in Europe, and for what I can see, to be preferred before them.

But before honey be used it must be clarified: which is thus performed: Take honey and foun∣tain water distilled of each 2 pound, or as much as you please, boyl them and skim off all that swims a top, till all the water be consumed. Then clarifie it with 12 whites of Eggs. Abynzoar. But if you make it hard, pure, and fast together, mingle half a pound of the best wine to one pound of honey thus clarified, boyl them, skimming them till they grow hard, put it in a vial, and set it in boyling water, and it will grow clear, and stony like sugar-candy. If honey be but mean, it will grow better by boyling: whether honey be sophisticate or pure, you shall know by b••r∣ning it; for what is not sophisticate will burn purely. The Author of the Geoponicon. But if you would separate the quintessence of honey, oyl, salt, water, vinegar, see Isaac Belga, the treasure of Euonymus and other Chymists, we will not venture into this ocean, being already plunged in the harbour. Now I shall shew you its first inventers.

Saturn was the first inventer of honey as Macrobius and they of Cyrene boast. Cali••s and Pliny say that Aristaeus first invented honey-works. But Diodorus Siculus writes, that the Curetes of Crete first found out the use and way of honey. Some ascribe this to the Thessalians. Others to Melissus the most ancient King of the Greeks. Some to Bacchus, as Ovid testifieth. The Greeks feign, that a Nymph called Melissa first found out honey, and the use of it, and thence she had her Name given her from Bees. Who found it, or when, it is not much matter. It is a heavenly gift, and very profitable for men, if they use it well and warily.

CHAP. VI.

Concerning Wax, Bee-glew, dregs of Wax, Pissoceros, Bees-bread, and of their Nature and Use.

WAx in Hebrew, Donagh; in Arabick, Mum, Examacha, Zamache, Aberan; in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; in High Duch, Wachs; in English, Wax; in Brabant, Wass; in French, Cire; in Italian, Cera; in Spanish, Cicrai; it is either natural or artificial. Simple and natural Wax is the thicker part of the combs that contains the honey; and it is either virgins wax, or of a second sort; virgins wax is that the younger swarms of Bees make from the young branches of flowers. (That is the first Swarm put into a new Hive.) For so, as Aristotle and Hol∣lerius testifie, the Bee-masters call it, which they diligently separate from the first and new combs, as being by nature the most perfect of all: the second sort, though they reject not, yet is it short of the other for esteem and worth. The way they make wax, is this: They creep upon the flowers first with their fore-feet, and they touch them but lightly, then they wipe and rub them∣selves in the middle of them; then they nimbly and artificially lay down the tincture of the flowers which they have wrought with their water or moisture, and compacted between the legs of their hinder feet, and having gathered as much in quantity, and in form like a lentil, when they have this burden they carry it home to their houses. That matter is of divers colours for the nature of the flowers, as yellow, red, pale, saffron coloured, white, black: which is the cause that the wax is of so many colours: they make wax, saith Pliny, of all flowers and plants, except sorrel and arrach. Artificial wax, is that to which our labour and art must be used. Divers Authors use divers waies to make wax. Palladius in the month of July, takes out the natural wax which he first prepares softly in a brass vessel full of boyling water, cutting the combs small, and after that in other vessels he makes it up into forms, being melted. Pliny takes another way. The wax is made when the honey is pressed forth, but first they are cleansed with water, (that no reliques of honey remain) and he dries them three daies in the dark or in the shade. The fourth day he melts them at the fire in a new earthen pot, the water covering them, and then he strains them through a basket; again the wax is boyled in the same pot and in the same water, and other cold water is put to it, so often as you see the vessels smeered about with honey. Columella goes this way. After that the remainders of the combs are diligently washed with clear water, the honey having been first well strained out, they are cast into a brasse pan, then he put water to them, and melted them at the fire, then he powred the wax through straw or rushes to strain it, and then he boyled it again as he did before, and then putting water to it, he made it of what form he pleased, and when it grew hard it was easie to take it forth, because the wax hath water under it that will not let the wax stick to the forms. Now wax differs two waies, for goodness and for use. The best wax is collected by the principal Bees, and is so wrought by the best artists, that it may appear white, tender, handsome, all like it self, pure, somewhat fat, well sented, without nerves or skins, hairs or any superfluous matter. Such as Nonius Marcellus describes out of Varro for Tarentine wax made by the Bees or Miletus. Wax is so much the more depraved, the farther it is from these good signs. The use of wax is twofold, for physick, or for other matters what con∣cerns physick: wax is a mean between hot and moist, cold and dry, and emollient. It hath some gross parts, and that stopt, it not only dries, but seems by accident to moisten by hindring transpi∣ration. Hence it is the matter of other medicaments. But by it self it digests lightly, being laid outwardly, for it hath a little discussing hot faculty, of which it partakes as much as honey doth. In drink it cures the dysentery, ten grains of wax swallowed so big as millet seeds, will not suffer milk to clodder in Nurses breasts. Dioscorid. Aetius bids to give it in the bigness of three Tares. A certain Anonymus, prescribes this remedy against pains of the head and malignant hu∣mours arising from a Feaver or any other cause. Take virgins wax what you please, soften it at the fire that you may work it at your pleasure: lay it as a cap on the shorn head of the patient, and upon that put on a linnen cap that it fall not off. After three daies lay it off, or use it so long till you finde the pain gone. Put wax into the hollow tooth that akes, and with a hot probe touch it. Ar∣chigenes. Wax applyed to the nerves and tendons being bare, will cover them with flesh and cure them. Aetius. For the cold pain of the joynts. Take a clout dipt in melted wax, lay it hand∣somely and as closely on as the sick can endure it for one night, and it will cure it. Galenus. More∣over it is good to anoint the ears with Bears grease, and Buls tallow, and melted wax. Marcellus. You may discuss corns in the eyelids with a fomentation of white wax. Gal. ex Archigen. No man that is not an enemy of truth, will deny but that oyl of wax is of principal use to cure pains of the Gout, to soften hard swellings, and to heal wounds and ulcers. Also it is mingled as Galen wit∣nesseth to the medicament of Asclepias against an Ozena, and it is a certain cure for the Jaundies. A certain Lady of most blessed memory, wonderfully recommended these pills to Gesner: Take the yolk of an egge boyled hard, and as much wax, with some grains of saffron and syrup of worm-wood. Make pills to take morning and evening. They cause thirst exceedingly, but being continu∣ed by degrees without drink, they root out the disease. Also a ball is made of wax to keep up the

womb subject to fall down; and medicaments made up with it will last the longer. Clodius the follower of Asclepias. The Greeks were wont to give the Cyrenian juice wrapt up in wax, to swal∣low it the better. Celius Aurel. It is also the ground of all Cerats and Plaisters. Myrepsus was the first that made a plaister without wax. It not only preserves the living, but it keeps the dead also from putrefaction, for which cause, as now it is used by us, to wrap up persons of great for∣tunes in wax, (as Strabo reports the Persians were wont to do.) By a waxen probe hollow ulcers are best to be searched. The Carthaginian wax is the best for medicaments, the next is the Pontick, which is very yellow, and smells like honey, being very pure. Pliny. Which thing I wonder at amongst honey that is venomous: the third in esteem is from Crete, which is from abundance of Bee-glew: the last is the Corsick wax, because it is collected from box, it is thought to have a phy∣sical quality.

Now followes the use of Wax otherwise. They that are rich, or sick, or great men, desire their candles to be made of it, by reason of the sweet smell. Also the use of wax is not small in stop∣ping the chinks in vessels, for tents in the camp to keep out rain, for bed-ticks that the feathers fly not out, to joyn pipes made of reeds, as Ovid sang concerning the shepherds of old.

And with the Reed w••ll waxed they play'd and sang.

Also the most excellent Painters painted with wax, as Pliny reports, and they adorned ships with it. This kinde of painting, though it were not hurt by salt, nor by the sun, nor by the wind, yet it was lost we know not how, when Apelles, Protogenes, and Zeuxis died. Also the Ancients were wont to smeer over their writing tables with wax before that paper was invented, as Juvenal describes it. And the younger Pliny in his Epistle to Trajan; I sate by the nets, there was no hunting pole or lance by me, but a style and writing tables, I did meditate and set down some things, that though I should have my hands empty, my writing tables might be full. Hence proceeded those old forms of speaking, In the first, second, third, or last wax. For Suetonius proves that the Romans writ their Testaments in wax; in the life of Caesar in these words. He made Q. Pedius his heir to the last far∣thing, the rest he placed in the bottom of the wax, that is, in the last part of his will. Nor is the use of sealing wax little, whereby we seal letters and instruments. Of this there are four principal kindes, the Punick or white, the red or Indian, the black or American, the yellow or European. The Punick is made thus. The yellow wax is often laid in the open air, then they boyl it in sea-water, adding Nitre to it: then with skimmers they take off the flower of the wax, and they powr ••t into a vessel that hath a little cold water in it; then they boyl it apart in sea-water, then they cool the vessel. This is done thrice, and they then dry it on a bul-rush hurdle by day and by night in the open air, for this makes it white, the honey being drawn forth by the Sun, and the yellow colour breathed forth: when it is dryed they melt it, when it is melted they cover it with a thin cloth, and set it in the sun, after it hath stood in the sun it becomes exceeding white, being boyled once more. Wax is made white otherwise, but this is the most proper for medicaments. Pliny. I see that the Greeks speak of is no other than which Pliny calls the Punick wax. Aetius speaks of white wax in the Ʋnguent Martiatum, and Paulus speaks of it also. Black wax is either natu∣ral, as in the Molucco Islands, and many parts of America, it is gathered by the Bees themselves (as we read in Thevet and in the Centuries of Navigations) or artificial, adding the ashes of pa∣per. Red wax or like Minium of India, is made with mingling Anchusa or Cinnaber. There is another kinde of red wax, hard like a stone, but easie to break, the Merchants think their letters sealed with this to be very sure: yet there are some knaves so cunning that they will open them and shut them again not hurting them, that no man can possibly discern it; which art, though a chief Impostor shewed to Pennius when he was at Paris, yet he was too honest to reveal it to this mischievous age. The European honey is of the natural colour, that is, yellow. But the colour and variety of things hath so bewitched us, that we are not content with natural colours, but we must imitate the Punick, Indian, American waxes, and above those we must have green, dark light, blew wax, made of Verdigrease and other paints, and some Turpentine.

Propolis the Arabians call Kur, the Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Ger∣mans, Vorstotz, neben Wachs, Wachs winden, stop Wachs; the Helvetians, (if I mistake not) Bet, and Bi••••e•• trost; the English, Hive-dross; the Spaniards, El vetun de las colmenas. Scribanius takes it for Virgins wax: Sylvatieus falsly takes it for the dregs of the Hives: Andreas Bellunensis calls it the foulness of the walls, and sayes, that some abuse it for Bdellium. Some maintain that Pro∣polis drops from trees, others say it is the first comb. It is indeed a thicker yellowish matter, sweet sented, like to Storax, and dustie like Mastick, like to wax, but not yet made wax, whereby all passages are stopt against cold and rain. The third sort is that black matter, and sharp sented, which Aristotle calls Mitys, Gaza and Pliny call Commosis, the dregs of wax: the second is called Pissoceros, as you would say, a matter made of pitch and wax. The third Propolis is of a middle na∣ture between these two supporters and wax, laid very thick at the mouthes of the Hives, chiefly in summer; and therefore it is called Propolis, as you yould say belonging to the suburbs. Because the Bees build with it at the doors before the Hive. Propolis (saith Cordus out of Pliny) perhaps is some rosin gum, growing upon the budding places of trees, which Bees gather and hang about the entrances of their Hives, to stop all chinks in winter against the cold. There are four sorts of it. The first is collected only out of the black Poppy, which they call Aegyrina, that is, yellow; it

is soft to be touched, and sticks like bird-lime, it smels sweet and comfortable to the head, causeth rest, and is like Storax, it tastes like Poplar buds. The second is gathered from the Birch-tre••, and is of a colour between a yellow, ash, and green, it is soft and ductil also in handling. The third the Bees make out of the gum of the Poplar tree, called Alpina, but it is but seldom, and only in those places, where no other Poplar tree or Birch abounds, but only that is called Alpina. The fourth or mingled, is gathered and confounded from all these trees, so that it hath a mixt co∣lour, sent, ••avour, and consistence. Cordus saith almost so much; now let us hear Pliny. Propo∣lis is a kinde of middle substance between honey and wax; rather between wax and Pissoceros; and it seems to be gum collected by the Bees to stop up their hives. Rondoletius saith, it hath a thick substance, and the smell of leaven. Pliny saith, it smels so strong that some use it for Gal∣banum. But in the spring gathering time of honey, this part that shuts their cells may be separa∣ted, of which Politianus writes thus: That the Bee laies a white foundation of his various coloured wax. So that Propolis seems to be a thick foundation for the wax. But it is now out of use, nor can any man finde pure Propolis. For most Bee-masters taking out the Hives, when all the ho∣ney is run forth, whatsoever is in the combs they mingle together, and keep none pure by it self; nor is that wax which Avicen calls black Mum, any thing but the dregs of the combs, or else some sediment that sinks to the bottom of the water after the wax is boyled, and this is now Propo∣lis; but Propolis is not pure, but some mingled matter. The nature of Propolis, is to dissolve in oylas wax, but it is more ponderous and thick, and sinks to the bottome of it being melted, when wax swims on the top. Choose the sweetest, purest, not sophisticate with wax, which you may easily part by powring it into water. The best Propolis is said to be pure, most fragrant, without wax. That of Crete and Passidium is the most effectual, the Bees collect the greatest part of it from the unctuosity of Storax and Labdanum; they collect it questionless out of other plants: for they make Propolis where neither the Poplar tree, nor Birch, nor any of the foresaid plants grow. Great is the vertue of pure Propolis, upon the gross spirits, and it draws faulty mat∣ter out from the depth. Hollerius. It is of the nature of wax, but it powerfully drawes forth. Dio∣scorid. * 1.29 Celsus placeth it in the number of biting remedies, saying that it digests and moves mat∣ter in ulcers. Aetius sayes that it heats, discusses, ripens, cleanses, attracts. The cleansing force is not very strong, the attracting is strong enough, it is of thin parts, it heats in the second degree complete, or in the beginning of the third: you must first soften it with your hands be∣fore you mingle it with other medicaments, and then taking the rest from the fire, put it in and boyl it, for it will not well endure any boyling at the fire. It drawes out thorns and all splints that are within. Aetius. Varro saith, that for its manifold uses it was sold dearer in the market than honey. May be therefore Propolis was called holy wax, because of viasacra where they sold it at Rome, as Largus writes in the cures of hard swellings. They draw forth thorns and such bodies sticking in the flesh, with runnet, (especially of a Hare) powder of Frankincense, and Pro∣polis. Pliny. It helps an old cough with its smell. It cures the rose with water, and roots out ring-worms by anointing them. Diorscorid. It cures Ozaenas: Serapio. Pliny l. 11. c. 7. tells of more of its Physical uses.

Aristotle calls Erithaca Sandaracha, others call it Cerinthum, and Smerion, l. 2. Aristot. de Plant. The learned call it Vernilago; some from the time of the year, Vernix; this Glew, saith Niphus, the countrey Lombards call Carbina, but ours Taram. It is the meat the Bees make, which they lay in the void spaces of their combs; it tasts bitter, it is made of spring dew, the juice of trees, and sometimes of gum. That of Africa smels little; that from the South parts is blacker; from the North is better and redder; there is much from the Grecian Nut-trees. Menecrates saith it is a flower, that shewes the future harvest. Plin. Varro saith, it is not meat, but glew, whereby the Bees fasten their combs at the ends together. It forcibly calls forth the swarms: where they would have the swarms light, they anoint a bough with Erithaw, or any other place, adding balm. Virgil, I think, following Varro, calls it glew. Mytis, commosis, (Stephanus calls it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) and Pisso∣ceros, cures strokes and ulcers. Aristotle. What use it hath in the hives, we said enough before.

CHAP. VII.

Of Drones and Theeves.

THE Drone called in Latine, Fucus, is called in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the Illyrian tongue, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; in English, a Drone, a Dran; in High Dutch, Traen; Low Dutch, Belonder strael; in Spanish, Zangano; in Italian, Ape che non fa mele; In French, Bourdon, and Fullon; in the Hungarian tongue, Here; in the Polonian, Czezew. The word Fucus, a Drone, is derived as some think from fur, which signifies a thief, because privily and by stealth he makes prey upon the honey: although with more probability the word fucus may be so used, because he doth cheat and cousen the Bees, and under colour of keeping the Hives warm, (which is his office to do) he ransacks the combs. And for that reason, some with too much confidence, perhaps, derive the La∣tine word fucus from the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, signifying to eat or devour; others will have it come à fovendo, in regard of their sitting upon, and nursing up the young swarm.

Some make the Drone to be a fourth sort of Bees, but not so well as others think, because he neither gathers honey himself, nor doth any way help in the working or making of it up. He is * 1.30 almost twice as big as the ordinary Bee, and somewhat bigger also then the Thief; he is as big likewise as the King, and somewhat bigger. Although they do not arrive at this corpulency, by the dispensation of nature, but by their course of life that they take. For when the Bee doth set apart cells for the Drones to breed in, they make them lesser then their own. And the little Scha∣dowes or worms whereof they come are far lesse than those of the Bees (who are sprung of the no∣ble race, and of the stock of the Bees) in their first birth; which at length become a great deal bigger than the Bees, both by reason they never take any pains whereby to spend their natural su∣perfluities; and also in regard that they do nothing night and day but (like oxen at the stall) ne∣ver leave glutting and gorging themselves with honey, which afterwards they dearly pay for, when provision happens to be short, and there fals out a dearth. They have a bright shining co∣lour, * 1.31 but mixt with more black than that of the Bees; in bulk they exceed them all, but yet with∣out sting and idle. They both breed and live amongst the Bees, and when they go abroad, they presently spread all abroad aloft in the air, as if driven by violence, where for a while they bestir themselves, and afterwards return to the Hives with good stomachs, falling greedily to the ho∣ney. But why the Drone should equalize the chief Bees in bigness, and the Bees also in having stings as well as they; let us hear Aristotles reason. Nature did desire, saith he, to put a difference between them, that they should not be all of one kinde, which is impossible; for so the whole Stock would be either Kings or Drones. The Bees therefore are like unto the Kings or Master-Bees in strength, and in the faculty of generation; and the Drones only in bulk or bignesse of body, to whom if you should give a sting also, they would be nothing inferiour to the Kings themselves, l. 3. de gen. Animal. c. 10.

They are called also of the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because they hide their stings. From hence Hesiod, hath these words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, who lives idly, having strength like the Drone that never sheweth his sting; certainly either they have no sting, or never use it to revenge themselves withall. Pliny saith plainly they have none, and terms them no other then in a manner imperfect Bees, and therefore Virgil calleth them ignavum pecus, a sluggish kinde of creature.

Suidas calls them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from hiding their sting. Columella, a sort of creatures of a greater growth, very like the Bees, and accordingly he placeth them in the rank of herding or swarming creatures. They suffer egregiously of the whole swarm many times, not only for their sloth and rapacity; but for that wanting a sting they seem effeminate, and not able to make any opposition. Plin. l. 11. c. 17. describeth them thus: The Drone is an imperfect Bee without a sting; and begotten then after all when the Bee is decayed with labour, not being able to labour any longer. Like as men past their labour, and stricken in age, beget of women when they have well-nigh left teeming through age and weakness, feeble children, uncapable of pro∣creation, little better then eunuchs: so it may not seem strange, how these Drones are too weak and impotent, being begotten of the Bees when they are exhausted with age and labour, insomuch that they are fit neither to propagate their one species, nor to take pains as the other do. Which is the reason why the Bees so lord it over them, for they put them first forth to work, & if they loyter, they punish them without mercy. For in the moneth of June, two or three (especially the younger fry) drag out one Drone by himself alone, buffet him with their wings, gore him with their stings, if he resist them, they cast him down from the form upon the ground, and at length when they have made him weary of his life for anguish, they make an end of him and kill him; this I beheld with mine eyes, not without exceeding admiration and delight. Sometimes the Drones being banisht from the Hive, are fain to remain without doors, not daring to enter. Now for three reasons especially thereunto moving, the Bees do shut out the Drones: either when their number is above measure increased; or when there is not room enough left for the Bees to work in, or else when their honey fails, and they are straightned for want of provision.

And as they bear a deadly hatred against the Drones, so neither will they hurt any man if with his naked hands he shall take the Drones and cast them forth, no although they be in fight.

The Drones, if the King be alive, (as some affirm) are begotten in a place by themselves. But if the King be dead, they are begotten of the Bees in their cells, and those are a great deal lustier than the other, in which regard, they are said to have a sting in their souls, although they are al∣lowed none in their bodies by nature. 'Thus Aelian. lib. 1. de Animal. Hist. c. 10. The Drone * 1.32 which is bred amongst the Bees, lies hid all day between the honey cells; but in the night when he observes that the Bees are gone to their rest and are fast asleep, he sets upon their works and preys upon their Hives. This assoon as they understand (for that most of the Bees being weary with labour fall asleep, and some few watch) when they espy the thief, they moderately and gently chastise him, crop his wings, thrust him out from thence and banish him. But not con∣tent with this punishment, whereby to amend his fault, being naturally possest with two ill quali∣ties, idleness and luxury, he hides himself amongst the combs. But assoon as the Bees are gone forth to pasture, presently he falls upon the works, doth as much as in him lies, gl••••s himself with honey, and utterly ransacks the sweet treasury of the Bees. They coming home again from feeding, as soon as they meet with him, no more favour him as before, with easie stripes, or as if they were about only to banish him again, but setting upon him with their stings they wound the

felon, and no more satisfie themselves with chiding of him, but then he payes for his vora∣city and gluttony with no lesse than his life. This the Bee-masters say and perswade me that it is true.

Drones come forth without a King, the Bees never. For they alwaies descend from Kings. * 1.33 There are that affirm, that the young Drones are brought thither from other places from the flowers of honey-suckles, or of the olive or ••eed: But this opinion is infirm, and doth not stand with reason. Aristotle affirms that the great store both of Drones and Theeves are sprung of the longer and slender kinde of Bees, which doubtlesse he was informed of by the ancient Philoso∣phers, or by Bee-keepers, and Honey-masters of his time. Some likewise say they are ingendred of putrefaction; as of Mules, so Isidore; of Asses, so Cardane; of Horses, so Plutarch and Ser∣vius. Others will have them to be the issue of Bees by a certain degeneration, when they have lost their stings, for then they become Drones, nor are observed to gather any honey, and being as it were gelt of their natural strength, they neither do harm or good. Others on the contrary say, that the Bees are bred of the Drones, because long experience hath taught, that as the num∣ber of Drones aboundeth, by so much every year is the number of the Swarms greater. But that in my apprehension is rather a feigned than a solid reason: for therefore are there not (as some seasonable years it comes to passe) more Swarmes of Bees, because more Drones are bred; but rather on the contrary, because the increase of Bees is more in regard of the clemency of the heavens, and the plenty of mellifluous dews, so from the abundance of superfluous moisture pro∣ceed the greater store of Drones; as the Philosopher hath well collected. Or if we grant them this, that the more the Drones are every year, so the more Bees; yet nothstanding we ought not to conclude from thence, that the Bees should derive their original of being to the Drones, but rather are beholding and indebted to them for their conservation, whilest they at the time of sitting and incubation, by their company do much further the procreation of the Bees; the throng of them (to use the words of Pliny) exceedingly encreasing the vegetative heat, by which they are sooner hatched up.

There are that divide the Drones into Male and Female, and will have them to propagate * 1.34 their species by way of copulation, although (as Athenaeus writes) neither Drone nor Bee were ever seen to couple together. Yet forasmuch as Wasps and Bumble Bees, and all other Hive∣born Insects, are seen sometime (though very seldome) to couple: I see no reason why the mo∣desty of the Bee and of the Drone, whereby they abandon publick scortation and venery, should debar them of the private use of copulation. For they, as the chaster sort of men are wont, do it privately, and do naturally detest the impudence of those that publickly prostitute themselves in the day time, and when all eyes are upon them.

We have told you before in the generation of Bees, that some would make the Bees the male, and the Drones the female.

But when as (about the time of making their honey) they do so sharply punish them after they have cast them out of their Hives, and kill them (such violence which if used to their mothers, would much blemish the virtues of the Bees) I scarse think they are females.

Of what use then are they of in the Hives? is the Drone altogether unprofitable, good for no∣thing, * 1.35 idle, without sting, fit for no service, no way helpful to the publick? More than that, Vir∣gil himself chants it to that effect:

Immunis{que} sedens aliena ad pabula fucus.

The Drone sits free feeding on others food.

Where Festus takes the word in that sense for a slothful, idle, unprofitable creature, void of all imployment, unlesse it be that of theeves and robbers, who take such a course that either they will live by the sweat of other mens browes, or else they will disturb the whole Kingdom. Such like Hesiod makes women to be, when he compares them to Drones.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

Which is, I interpret it in Latine thus:

Qui segnes resident contectis aedibus, at{que} Sudorem alterius proprium furantur in alvum.

Or, in English thus:

Who sit at home, and to work have no will, With others sweat they do their bellies fill.

But more creditable Authors propound divers uses of Drones: for if there be but a few of them amongst the Bees, they make them more diligent and careful in their businesse, not by their example, (for they live perpetually idle) but because they take the more pains in making honey, that they may be able to continue their liberality to strangers. They discover also signs whereby to know when the honey is come to maturity: for when they have perfected their ho∣ney,

then they kill them in abundance, lest they should (as their custome is) rob them of it in the night; for as Aelian saith, the Drone all the day lies quietly in the honey cells, but in the night when he perceives that the Bees are in their dead sleep, he sets upon their works and destroies * 1.36 their combs.

But yet (if Barth••lomaeus deceive us not) they are not unbusied neither; but they build houses for the Kings, large and magnificent in the top and middle part of the Hive very finely covered * 1.37 over. They are therefore idle (to say say with Aristotle) in regard of making honey or gathering dew; but in regard of their Architecture so they are workmen. For as the Bees make the combs of the Drones hard by the Kings Court, so under the same consideration the Drones build the Kings houses, which is the reason why they and their young ones (if they have any) are sustained by the Bees. The cells of the Drones now grown up according to the bulk of their bodies are larger, but their combs lesse, for the Bees built these, but those the made themselves; because it is not fitting that the same proportion of food should be allowed to hindes and hired servants, as to the child••en or masters of the family.

Tzetzes in his elegant Poem, and other of the Greek Poets, make them to be the Bees cellar∣men, * 1.38 or water-bearers, and do assign unto them a most kindly heat whereby they are said to hatch the young Bees and make them thrive. In like manner Columella: the Drones do very much help to breed the young Bees, by sitting upon those seeds out of which they are made. And the••efore they are more familiarly admitted to the nursery to bring up and cherish the young b••ood, which when they have done, afterwards they are thrust out of doors. And Pliny also in his 11. Book. They do not assist the Bees in their Architecture only, but also in cherishing their young, the multitude of them causing heat and warmth, the which the greater it is (unlesse the honey chance to fail in the mean time) the more the swarmes of Bees are increased. To con∣clude, unlesse they had been for some great use for the Bees, Almighty God had never housed them under one roof, nor made them, as it were, free Denisons of the same City. Neither would the Bees lay hands on them at all as enemies of the State, but when their servile multitude doth increase and they take up offensive arms, or scarcity of provision were to be suddenly expected: in which tempest of affairs who would not rather judge that the Carpenter should be dismissed than the Ploughman? especially when without him by reason of want of victuals, we may hazard our lives, but the other we may be without for a time, without prejudice to our lives, and our selves (if need requires) are able to build habitations every one for himself. Now as * 1.39 these, being but a competent number of them, are very profitable to the Bees, so if they be over many, Plato not without cause terms them morbum alvearium, the Pest or Plague of the Hive, in the 8. book of the Common-wealth (where you may see a most elegant comparison between Acolastus and the Drone) both because they waste the provision of the labouring Bees, as also with their too much heat stifle them. This inconvenience the Author of the Geoponicks doth thus remedy; take the covers of the Hives and sprinkle them on the inside over night with water, and you shall finde them betimes in the morning, when you take off the cover of the Hives again all over covered with the Drones; for when their bellies are full of honey, they are very thirsty, and are mightily perplext with an intolerable desire of water; so that they cling fast to the lid of the Hive; and it is an easie matter to put them all to death, or if you will rather to take away the greatest part of them. But if you take away the young ones and all, that are not yet come to have wings, and pluck off their heads, casting the bodies in again to the other Bees, you shall offer to them a very dainty dish.

Moreover also if you shall take the Drone and crop off his wings and cast it back into the Hive, he will if we may credit Pliny, pull of•• all the wings of the rest, lib. 21. c. 11. or rather the Bees themselves will devour the wings of the rest of the Drones that are left. For so saith Aristot. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. For it is not probable that either the Bees should crop one the others wings; or that the Drones should so far adventure, or be able to offer such violence to the Bees: so that as Pliny was mistaken in rea∣ding 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so also they do not a little speak by guesse, who refer the words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the rest, to the Bees and not to the Drones.

But what the dreaming of Drones doth portend, what use they may be of in the way of Hiero∣glyphicks: let Apomasaris out of the Schools of the Persians and Aegyptians declare. It shall abun∣dantly satisfie for what we intended to speak of them, to shew their true use, true nature, gene∣ration, degeneration, description and name. But as for what belongs to Emblemes and Hierogly∣phicks, and precepts for Manners; every mean capacity may furnish himself with a world of such like rules by observing their course of life; without any need of consulting with those ab∣struse Aegyptian Priests.

The Theeves are thought to be amongst the Bees of a kinde by themselves that are very big, * 1.40 and black, bigger in belly than the profitable Bee, and lesser than the Drone. So called because they devour the honey by stealth. Bees admit of the Drone into their company, and are glad, of it as being helpful to them, for their benefit sometimes. But the Theeves being naturally odious to the Bees, steal upon their labours when they are absent, wasting and spoyling their pro∣vision of honey. Yea they do so glut themselves in the mean while, that they are not able ma∣ny times to get out again they are so full, or to stand in their own defence; whereupon the Bees at their return without any more adoe, severely punish them, and according to their just demerits

kill them outright. Neither do they eat up the Bees food, but also privily lay their young in their cells, whereby it comes to passe oftentimes, that the increase of the Drones and Theeves is no lesse than that of the true legitimate Bees. Now these neither gather honey, nor build houses, nor take any pains, as the other Bees do, for which cause they have watchmen which ob∣serve at night when they come home, and they defend and secure them from the Theeves, and if they spie a Thief come in, they set upon him and beat him, throw him out of doors and there leave him for dead or half dead at least. For so it happens, that the thief having filled himself with honey is not able to fly away, but tumbles up and down at the door of the Hive, till they that go out and in finde him, and having branded him with ignominy and scorn, deprive him of his life.

Aristotle doth not tell us of any office that the Thief is good for: but I think that he was * 1.41 made for this end, namely, that he might put an edge to the courage of the Bees in point of injuries offered them, and that they might be stirred up to more vigilancy and justice: for what use else do Theeves serve for in a Christian Common-wealth, who with incredible fraud lie in wait for the credit and estates of their neighbours.

CHAP. VIII.

Of Wasps.

THE Wasp is called in Hebrew, Tsirgna; in Chaldee, Deibrane; in Syriack, Gnargnitha; in Arabick, Zamber; in English,▪ a Wasp; in Dutch, Harsell; in Italian, Vespa, Vrespa, Mo∣scone; in French, Guespe; in Spanish, Vespa and Abilpa; Gothish, Boolgetingh; in Slavonick, Wols; Illyrick, Osa; Hungarick, Daras; in Latine, Vespa.

They are called Vespae, as Calepine notes, for that in the evening they seek about for flies to feed on.

The Greeks also have several names for them; commonly they are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Eustathius derives 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because you may perceive them so divided in the middle that they seem to gape, as you may observe in the figure set down. The Scholiast of Nicander calls them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; of Suidas, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Hesychius termes them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Gaza (but abusively) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for they ought to be called rather Crabrones.

Now the Wasp is a winged Insect, gregal or hearding round like a ring, long, having four * 1.42

[illustration]

wings (of which the two former are the bigger) having a sting within, six footed, they have no bloud, they are of a yellow golden colour upon black spots placed triangularly, the whole body is garnished with divers colours athwart, whence it may be Pollio called it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

I think they all in general are armed with stings, (what ever Authors write that their Females are without stings) because when I was at Ha〈…〉〈…〉, a village town in the West, about the year 1587. having found an entire Wasps nest, I poured hot water upon all the females and killed them, and yet could finde none that had not a sting, either within their bodies, or sticking out.

The body of the Wasp is bound in the middle to the breast with a cer∣tain exceeding thin thred, that they seem to have no loins at all, and to * 1.43 be quite through open: whereupon that Greek Comick Poet calls those Maids, (which Terence by way of elegance calls Bulrushes) for their slen∣dernesse in the waste 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, waspy or like Wasps. They make a buz∣zing noise also like the Bee, but more loud and hoarse, especially when they are angry; upon which came that proverb made by Theocritus in Hodaeporis, in comparison of a bawling idiot, to a man of learning and parts, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. The buzzing Wasp against the Gras∣••opper.

If you will have the endowments of his minde described, he is a political and flocking or gre∣gal * 1.44 creature, subject to Monarchy, laborious, a lover of his young, and a lover of his neighbour, of a very quarrelsome disposition, and very prone to choler. It is a sign that their life is Poli∣tical, because they live not solitary, but do build themselves a city eminent for structure, in which they are subject to their set lawes, and do yeeld to them as wel in their external actions, as in affections. Whereupon he Philosopher doth rightly reckon them in the number of the Ci∣vil * 1.45 or Political sort of Insects. They are governed also by Kingly power, not tyranny (as Aeli∣an saith) although by nature very fierce; making his Argument, because Captains of the Wasps want stings, or if they have any, they never put them forth or strike with them. And although they be twice as big and hard above all the rest, yet are they not without gentlenesse, and grate∣ful demeanour, with which also sometimes they restrain, and appease their rebellious and muti∣nons subjects. * 1.46

But of their mutual love one towards another, every man is able to give a testimony▪ who∣soever he be that shall offer injury to any one of them near home, for with his buzzing and

making a noyse, all the swarm being terrified issue out to the succour of their neighbour; and will cause the troublesome stranger, although armed, to run away (as they did the Phaselites of old) of whom Aelian reports that by the multitude and fiercenesse of the Wasps they were quite bea∣ten out of the City.

As for unnaturalnesse toward their young, that it is a vice which is very far from their disposition and nature, as many things do evince, so that above all, that with more than He∣roick * 1.47 undauntednesse of courage, they set upon those that would surprize them; neither do they stand in fear of either Neoptolemus, or Hector, or Achilles, or Agamemnon, the General of all the Grecian Forces, yea that divine Poet Homer in the 13. of his Iliads, when he would expresse the generous spirits of the Grecian Commanders, he compares them to a speckled Wasp, and en∣dowed * 1.48 with the Wasps animosity and stout heartednesse, when they are put upon it to fight for their house and family. They do moreover erect for their children large structures, (and as it were like those Mausolea of the Aegyptians) of a round form, floored, and standing one on the top of the other. One of these fabricks most curiously built, was brought to Pierius when he was at Belunum out of a certain solitary grove. There were seven stories of building set one on the top of the other two fingers space between each of them, disjoyned by the putting of certain columns or pillars between them, that there might be a convenient space left to passe in and out of their lodgings. The diameter of the orbs up to the fifth story about twelve fingers over, all the other from the fifth are narrowed up to the top by degrees, so that the last is about five or six fingers broad. The greater round contains the first room, fastned to the bough of an old tree, very well fenced above with a certain rough-cast to keep off all wind and weather. Within are six square cells standing very thick together; but the middle concamerations the multitude of Wasps had filled, a very thin leaf being laid over every hole for a covering, some of which when Pierius had taken away he observed all those chambers to be full of Wasps creeping with their heads to the bottome of them. Those in the rooms below were certain imperfect things like Embryons or little worms, which were covered over with the same covering, as it were a winter Oister, in expectation of the more milde season of the spring. Which building although there succeeded a very sharp winter did remain entire, and no way decayed; at length Pierius expe∣cting what should be done with these little worms when the Spring came, he perceived nature to make no further progresse in her work with them.

But still the fabrick was kept by him, not without the great admiration of those that saw it, wondering much to see so much art and cunning in those little creatures, and that they were able to hold out to finish such an elaborate edifice. This relates Pierius. I also have seen many such, but of a different fashion, some like a Harp, some like a Cup, some like a Pear, some like a Toadstool, some like a Bottle.

The matter of their Combs is said to be confused, heaped up together, like bark or cobwebs, transparent, gummy, and made into very thin plates like leaf-gold; but I found it alwaies light like paper, dry, easily puft hither and thither by the wind, and for the most part growing up from the bottom like a Turban. As for the place where they use to build, it is thought to be divers. If their chieftain be dead, they make their nests alost in the hollow places of trees or walls, and in these as some affirm (though I never could finde any) they make wax also. But if they have their master Wasp, they build under ground in six square cells according to the number of their feet, and after the fashion of the Bees. Their combs are made in the form of a large Toadstool, round, out of which there comes out in the middle or center as it were a little foot by which the cell is fastened to the tree, or to the earth, or to another cell.

But so tender are they over their mates or females, that they will neither suffer them to take any pains, nor to seek after any provision; but they themselves bring in all necessaries to them, * 1.49 and do as it were enjoyn them to keep at home.

All which things, and each particular being considered by any man, he must needs confesse the pain, industry, cunning, sweat and labour of the Wasp. As for their choler and frowardnesse of the Wasp, not only poultrey that scrape in their nests and trouble them, but in like manner all that provoke them do know them to be implacable: from whence arose the proverb 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. to contend with a Wasps nest. Of which sort something to that purpose was written on the Tomb of Hippocrates, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. Do not rouse a sleeping Wasp. And so Aristophanes in Vespis, when he would expresse a cruel, morose, fretful, quarrelsome sort of peo∣ple, calls them Waspish, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Clem. Alexandrinus also, when he would set forth the acer∣bity and bitterness of those vices that lye in wait for the souls of men, saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 * 1.50 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. these, especially pleasure, are sturdy Olympick Antagonists, and more tart than Wasps. To which may be added a certain speech of Themistius discour〈…〉〈…〉ng of the speeches of many malevolous adversaries, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (saith he) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: they railed upon me as it had been a swarm of stinging Wasps. Which oftentimes proves mor∣tall, as Phrynichus knew by experience from the Milesians, and the Phaselites were sufficiently in∣structed by their own great miseries: yea, whosoever he be that shall challenge this generous and redoubted Champion into the field (to use Nicander's words) shall obtain but Cadmus conquest, he shall surely be worsted and slain; for they do not fight so much with their stings as with the strength of their bodies, and more than that, when they fight they will never give over, being not only strong but resolute.

Notwithstanding they differ in their original, kinde, sex, age, place, diet, and labour. * 1.51

Isidore affirms that Wasps come out of the putrefied carkasles of Asses, although he may be mistaken, for all agree that the Scarabees are procreated from them: rather am I of opinion with Pliny l. 11. c. 20. and the Greek Authors, that they are sprung from the dead bodies of Horses, for a horse is a valiant and warlike creature, hence is that verse frequently and commonly used amongst the Greeks.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Wasps come of Horses, Bees from Bulls are bred.

And indeed their more then ordinary swiftnesse and their eagernesse in fight, are sufficient ar∣guments that they can take their original from no other creature (much lesse from an Asse, Hart, or Oxe) since that Nature never granted to any creatures else, to excell both in swiftness and va∣lour. And surely that I may give another sense of that Proverb of Aristotle, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Hail the daughters of the wing-footed steed: this would I suppose fit to be spoken in way of jest and scorn to scolding women, which do imitate the hastiness and froward disposition of the Wasp. Other sorts of them are produced out of the putrid corps of the Crocodiles, if Ho∣rus and the Aegyptians be to be believed, for which reason when they mean a Wasp, they set it forth by an Horse or Crocodile. Nicander gives them the name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because they sometimes come from the dead carkasses of Wolves. Bellenacensis & Vincentius say, that Wasps come out of the putre∣faction of an old Deers head, flying sometimes out at the eyes, sometimes out of the nostrils. From * 1.52 hence Cardan seems to have collected this observation, that out of the corruption of every creature, there is another sort produced; which would be very absurd; For by this means Generation would be infinite, and likewise daily experience doth teach the contrary. For that little beast which I term Tatinum Alberti, doth naturally produce nothing at all, as I have tryed a thousand * 1.53 times. There are those also that affirm that Wasps are begotten of the earth and rottenness of some kinde of fruits; as Albertus and the Auabick Scholiast: but for the most part they are be∣gotten by copulation, and the mutual embraces of the male and female; which although Athe∣neus l. 8. dipnos. esteems as fabulous, yet when as the Philosopher affirms that he saw it with his eyes (as l. 1. de gen. anim. c. 16. & 9. Hist. c. 41. it is evident) I am wholly of his opinion, and do give full suffrage to his assertion. But how after copulation, they grow and come to maturity, we may know of Arist. Hist. 9. c. 41. and Pliny his Interpreter. The master Wasps, when they have chosen them a convenient place under ground, in the chinks of walls, or (which I have often seen) in the thatch of houses; in the beginning of summer they make their nests, and they contrive their little nests or cells (which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) with 4 doors or passages, in which are be∣gotten worms only, not Wasps, which when they are grown up, then they make larger cells, and when they c••me to have young ones, then they make more still, so that at the latter end of Autumn, you have many and large nests builded; in which the chieftain or master Wasp (which is called the Matrix) procreates ••s more Wasps, but those of his own sex; which also are begotten aloft in the uppermost part of the nest, in the likeness of worms, but far bigger than the other, in four or more cells continued, or joyned one to ano∣ther, otherwise there would be no difference in their breeding, between the Master or nobler sort, and the ordinary Wasp. They let fall their sperm as the Bee doth at the sides of the cells of the comb, and sbove them close to the walls or outmost part. It is not all alike in all cells, nor of equal bigness, but in some un∣equall * 1.54 and strange (saith Pliny). In some so big that they are able to fly: in others only Nymphs, covered with a thin membrane like an Aurelia: some also have them yet in the worm. The Worms only have excretion in like manner as the Bees have. Their sperm or spawn doth not stir at all whiles it is in the Nymph, and is covered with a membrane. In the same time of the year, and the same very day you shall observe them to be of unequal growth, one flies abroad, another is only a Nymph; one is able to role or tumble, another not able to stir, a third is a little worm. All these things happen in the Autumn, ••ut in the Spring. They most increase at the time of the full Moon. Here then is to be noted, that the Wasps have no swarms, and that all the Summer they are governed by their Masters or male Wasps, but in the Winter by their females. Afterwards the multitude of their issue being rehewed, the government such as it is, of short continuance and weak, however, upheld with most just lawes, returns to the males. But yet notwithstanding their young seems not to be brought forth by way of Birth, saith Arist. because it presently becomes bigger than a Wasp should be able to bring forth. A very sterile and empty conceit of so renowned a Philosopher. For what should hinder that Nature should not be able as quickly to perfect and increase that which is produced by a legitimate birth, as that which is generated of putrefaction? Let us but call to minde the young ones of fowles, which in a very short time when they are once out of the shell, do get feathers on their backs; how soon do they go, feed, grow, and come to maturity? and then we shall easily see the weakness and improbability of the Philosophers Argument. The Master Wasps are greatly increased in number, especially if there were great store of Wasps, and a wet year the year before. Aristot.

The Worms before they become Nymphs, i. e. young Wasps, are somewhat long, like those that breed in flesh (which Hippocrates calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) and small nuts, whitish, full of dints or wreathes, ••oward the tail thicker, with a blackish streak all over the back, without feet, not creeping, but as it were tumbling up and down and moving themselves from one place to another. When

they have layed their young fry, they cover the cell with a kinde of a little thin skin as it were, which when they come to perfection they break, and two daies after fly about with wings. Ari∣stotle mentions but two kindes of Wasps, one milde, the other fierce; the fierce kinde is very rare, and breed in mountains and woods, and breeds not under the ground, but in an oak, being greater, more stretched out, blacker, longer, having a stronger sting, and stingeth more fiercely than the milder do, and is armed with a greater sting than his body seems to be able to carry. Aristotle saith that they live till they be two years old, and when the tree is lopt, in the winter they are seen to fly away. They lye close all the winter, and most commonly live in old walls or trees.

A sort of these I found once in a wood in Essex, not without great peril of my life, at such time as by chance I carelesly wandered here and there a simpling, with my friend Penny and one servant attending us. I would needs be prying into their nest: with which they being offended, all the swarm flusht out upon us with all the force they had, and but (as God would have it) we had carried in our hands some sprigs of Broom, (with which we used to catch those Insects) for our safeguard and defence, we had payed for our folly, not only with the hazzard of safety but of our lives; for the followed us hard to the very middle of the wood, and a great while it was before they would leave pursuing us.

In the year 1582. on the top of Chartmell hills amongst the stones I saw two sorts of Wasps very eagerly fighting with one another, no difference there was but in bigness. The greater they stood upon their strength, the less trusted in their faction and multitude; for six of the lesser fought with one of the greater, not in the air, but in the grasse. From whence I gather that the greater did use to rob the less of their honey or young ones, or perchance offer them some other injury. Long and sharp was the fight, so that scarse after two or three whole hours encounter, and the Sun very vehemently shining and scorching them, did they give over. For they are ve∣ry

[illustration]

hot upon revenge, and long ere they take up the quarrel: so bold∣ly and furiously charging the enemy, that even Mars himself were not able to answer them, or match their valour; such a strong un∣daunted nature hath God instilled into them, and such spritelike cou∣rage hath Nature planted in them. I once received from Vienna and Hungary two kindes of Wasps, such as you see in the Figure, their backs were variously coloured with a shining yellow black colour, the one had rough horns, the other smooth; both of them almost three times as big as the ordinary sort of Wasps.

The Wasps called Ichneumones, are less then the rest: they kill Spiders called Phalangia, and after they have done they carry them in∣to their nests, and dawb them over with dirt, and so sitting upon them do procreate their own species. Aristot. Therefore they are cal∣led Ichneumones saith Niphus from their spareness and slendemess. This kinde of Wasp I make to be all one with that spoken of before, building her nest in mud∣walls, and such like places; before the entry or going into her hole she builds a porch of dirt, * 1.55 the length of it about the breadth of two fingers, which within is emplaistred over with smooth plaister of the same dirt. Pseudosphec•• seemeth also to be a kinde of Wasp having no sting,

[illustration]

with a blackish head, having two cornicles or little short horns, great eyes, black, standing out of its head, a long forked mouth, a bulky breast strutting out, to which on ei∣ther side are three feet fastened, the shoulders thick and bunching out, the body long, slender, confisting of many joynts, two dusky coloured wings, rough feet, and of the same colour with the wings. There is a kinde of Wasp called Laertae, because it stings deadly, like the Pismire so called. Parnopes, are a kinde of Wasp ••o called, which eat∣eth grapes, (as Aristophanes relates) and serves for a prey to the Owls and Screetch-owls, as Aelian saith.

Of the Wasps as well wilde as tame, some have no sting, (or at least make use of none) others have; the lesser and more feeble are those that want, which neither are able to offend or defend. On the other side, they that have stings, are bigger, stronger, and able to fight. These, some would have to be the Males, the other that have no sting Females. Also very many of them that have stings are conceived to lose them upon the approach of winter. But this as yet hath not been my chance to see (saith the Philosopher). If you take a Wasp and hold him up and make him buz, those that have not stings do presently * 1.56 flock to him, which those that have do not; which is the argument whereby some are to prore, the one to be male, the other female. Of both sorts some are observed to couple together as the fly doth. Moreover, (according to their sex) both kindes of them are divided into two sorts, either they are master Wasps, or drudges and labouring Wasps; the one is greater and more gen∣tle, the other less and more pettish. The drudge or labouring Wasp doth not live ou•• a whole

year, for in the midst of winter they all die; which is known, because so soon as winter comes they grow stupid, and in winter there are none to be seen: the others, that is to say, the Lady Wasps, are observed to hide themselves all the winter long underground. For divers men when they have gone to plow or dig in the winter, have seen them, though no man ever saw the other.

Now the Female Wasp is broader, weightier, thicker and bigger than the Male Wasp, and but slow of flight; for by reason of the weight of her body she is not able to fly far; by which it comes to pass that they for the most part sit at home, making of a certain glutinous material which the labouring Wasps bring to them, combs and cells.

No man ever observed these creatures to live long, for the longest lived, which are the Ma∣trices, * 1.57 female or lady Wasps, live not above two years at the most, the other cie every Autumn. Now whether or no the Female Wasps of the former year, after they have brought forth ano∣ther brood of master Wasps, die together with the young Wasps, or whether it alwaies fall out to be so, or whether or no they can possibly live any longer time, many Authors leave undetermi∣ned. But the wilde Wasp is accounted to be longer lived than the tame, the reason is because those making their nests commonly by the highway side (from whence they are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by Hom. i. e. Highway dwellers) are necessarily exposed to divers injuries, which hasten them to their death. And yet that little time that they live, is made up in the strength of it. For if you take them off at the head, and so again at the breast, they will continue a great while after, and putting forth their sting, will as shrewdly hurt any man that shall touch them as if they never had been pulled in sunder, or were alive as before. Guillerinus in his book of Shell-fish, writes very confidently that they put off their shells and renew their old age every year: certainly (unless he dreams waking what he would have to be) this must needs be discovered sometime or other in their Nests.

Apollonius cals them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Aristot. l. 11. c. 53. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, although they feed not * 1.58 on raw flesh only and ripe Apples, but upon Pears, Pruines, Grapes, Flowers, and sundry sorts of fruits; also on the sap of Elms, Sugar, Honey, and almost whatever.

They feed on flesh of Serpents, and then they sting mortally. They hunt after the greater Flyes, and spare not the harmlesse Bees, who do so well deserve of the Common-wealth of mankinde.

According to the nature of the place they live in, they differ both in shape of body and dis∣position * 1.59 of minde; the trivial and ordinary Wasp being accustomed to the company of men and cattel, do seem to be more milde of nature; but those that live in woods and solitudes are more fierce; yea, insomuch that Nicander in one word calls them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. perniciosas, pernici∣ous and destructive. There are also, as Oviedus affirms, in hotter Regions, those that are more hurtful then others, as in the West-Indies, whereas they differ from those of these parts both in bigness and shape, so also in their venome. For so are they reported to be far more deadly then the English, French, yea or the Spanish or Barbary Wasps: such as these also, Olaus Magnus in his 22 Book, saith, are very frequent in some very cold countreys.

The use or benefit of Wasps is observed to be divers; for besides that they serve for food for * 1.60 Castrels, Martins, Swallowes, Owls, Badgers, Chameleons, they are also many waies profitable to men, for they kill Phalangium the most venomous kinde of Spider, and they themselves are a plaister for their own stings. The Pseudosphe or wilde Wasp (especially that which is taken in the beg〈…〉〈…〉ning of that year) being taken into the left hand and there held fast, Pliny commendeth for an excellent remedy against a Quartan Feaver, l. 30. c. 11. Miraldus attributes much vertue to the distilled water of common Wasps, or decocted, for raising of a tumor in the place that is washt with it; applied to the belly it makes it swell as if it had the Dropsie, by which trick whores use to perswade their sweethearts that they are with childe by them; and by this way also they deceive many times very cunning and expert midwives. Mirald. Memor. cent. 7. from whence it may be concluded that their venome is exceeding hot and inflative.

The Fox also (a subtile creature) is said to prey upon the Wasps, on this manner; he puts his tail into the Wasps nest so long till it be all covered with Wasps, which he espying, pulls it out and beats them against the next stone or tree he meets withall till they be all dead, this be∣ing done again and again till all the Wasps be destroyed, he sets upon their combs and devours them. Aelian.

But men pursue and destroy them with other cunning. As thus, in the mean time that the labouring or working Wasps flee to the Elm, which useth to be in the Solstice or at Midsummer, to gather some gums material to work withall: the master Wasps remain in the Nest and sit up∣on their young, those they smother with the stinking vapour of Sulphur, Garlick, Reed, or such like; and throwing down their combs kill them with hunger. Now when they would pre∣serve their Bees from being surprised by the Wasps, they set by the Hives side a pot with some little pieces of flesh in it: into which when the Wasps in hope of prey are entred, they sudden∣whelm the lid of the pot upon them and kill them; or else putting hot water in at a hole scald them to death. Others hang a net before their Nests over a small Menow. Now the Wasps be∣ing drawn by a natural and strange sympathy to the Menow (for no food more takes the〈…〉〈…〉 than that) they are presently involved in the net, and so caught, and with casting on hot water are kil∣led. Aelian. As also they lightly spurt our of their mouthes oyl upon the grapes, fruits, sugar,

honey, &c. which causeth them either to fly away, or tasting the oyl, to die; sometimes they mingle corrosives with honey (as Mercury sublimed, Vitriol, Orpiment, &c.) which when they take, eats o••t their bowels, and so they pay well for their gluttony and intemperance.

Now if at any time by reason of the stinging of Wasps, the••e arise pain, perturbation, swelling, * 1.61 redness, heat, n••••seousness, and thirst; and not long after swouning (which happens when they have poysoned their stings with feeding on venomous herbs, and Serpents flesh) Physicians have found out a preservative and remedy whereby to repell their stings and easily cure them. The virtue of Mallowes, and Marsh-mallowes is excellent against the stinging of Wasps. Thus the most soft and supple he••b becomes a remedy against the most warlike and injurious creature, with whose juice and a little oyl mingled with it, and the part anointed, doth either mitigate the rage of the Wasp, or doth not suffer the sting to enter, Plin. l. 22. c. 179. So Avicen, the Wasp, saith he, will not come near any man that is anointed with oyl and the juice of Mallowes; for as a soft answer appeaseth wrath, and (as the Greeks use to say) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. A milde reply is the best allay to anger: so also in physicks we see those things that are most stiffe and unyeelding, to be resisted and beaten off with the most soft things, as the Iron with fea∣the••s, the Adamant with bloud, the sting of Wasps, Hornets, Bees, with oyl and the juice of Mallowes. What is more soft than the Silk-worm? which yet Aetius affirmeth being beaten to∣gether * 1.62 with oyl and the party anointed with it, is a preservative against the stinging of Wasps; the same doth the Locust and the herb Balm beaten together with oyl, if the Greeks may be cre∣dited. The stone Garatides, if it be the true, although dawbed over with honey, and born about, doth fray away all Flyes and Wasps whatsoever, as Sylvaticus. out of Albertus doth conjecture. The like virtue doth Matthiolus ascribe superstitiously, and too confidently, to the Iron that hath the figure of the shell-fish Strombus graven in it.

The symptomes that follow upon the stinging of Wasps, are said to be these; they suffer all alike as those that are stung with Bees, to wit, smart, redness, swelling, but the pain is more grie∣vous and of longer continuance, especially if they chance to be stung by the citron coloured greater Wasps, in a sinewy and tender place, for then followes the cramp, weakness of knees, swouning, and sometimes death.

Physicians have found out many remedies against the stingings of Wasps; we shall first speak * 1.63 of those we have tryed and which may challenge your acceptance, being confirmed by long ex∣perience. We finde that Wasps applyed to the wound they made do exceedingly help it, being perswaded to use them by Gilbert an English man. It may be that not the Scorpion only hath this vertue, but the greatest part of Insects have it also, if we should make trial diligently. But if any man be stung by venomed Wasps, (which is easily known by the wound of the part, by raving and swouning, and coldness of the extreme parts) then give antidotes against venome, and open the place with a knife, or rather lay on a caustick; when it is laid open and dilated, suck it forci∣bly, and taking some of the earth of the Wasps nest, make a plaister with vinegar, and lay it on the sore. Also a Cataplasm made of Mallowes, Willows and Wasps combs helps wonderfully, as we proved by the cornsel of Halyabbas. The North English men make a good plaister against the stinging of Wasps, of the earth of furnaces, vinegar and flyes heads; it is worth its weight in gold. Rub the place with juice of Citrals, and let the patient drink Marjoram-seed 2 drams: or take juice of Marjoram 2 ounces, bole Armoniack 2 drams, with juice of sowre Grapes what may suffice; make a plaister. Another; anoint the place with the juice of Purslain or Beets, or with sweet Wine and oyl of Roses, or Cowes bloud, also with seeds of wilde Cucumers bruised with Wine. Galen. Barley meal with Vinegar is good; milk of the Fig-tree dropt into the wound, Brine or sea-water to foment the wound; give in drink 2 drams of the tender leaves of the Bay-tree in sharp Wine, which also will do much good in a fomentation. Also drink the decoction of Marsh-mallowes with Posca: apply Salt and Calves fat. Mallowes with Posca is a principal remedy. Dio∣scorid. l. 2. c. 42. Aetius joyns an earth named Cimolia to these, and Clay, and Oxe-dung, and Se∣samum, and many other things with Posca. Oyl of Bayes drawes out the poyson of the sting of a Wasp. Leaves of Marsh-mallowes bruised and rubbed on, cure the venome of Wasps. Drink a little measure of the juice of Rue or of Balm, with Wine: and the leaves eaten, and applyed with Salt and Honey, or boyled with Vinegar and Pitch, are very good. Water-mints, Rosemary, with Barley-meal and Posca, juice of Ivy-leaves, Golden flower, and Owles bloud, are excellent against the stingings of Wasps. Pliny l. 32. c. 9. Galen praiseth Water-mints and the seed of it drank, and Centaury, if at the same time you lay on Oxe dung for a plaister. Lib. de simplicib. ad Pater∣nian••m. & lib. de Centaur. ad Papiam. A branch of the wilde Palm-tree, Endive root, and all wilde Betony, laid on for a plaister, profit very much. Also drink wilde Betony 2 drams with Oxymel. First, suck out the poyson, then hold the part hurt in hot water for an hour, then s••eep it sudden∣ly. in Vinegar and fish Pickle, so the pain is presently gone, and the swelling sinks away, and the venome is pacified. One half dram of Marjoram seed applied stils the pain, or 3 pugils of dry Coriander seed, or cool juice drank. Avicenna. Leaves of Nightshade or Houseleek laid on are good. Also bole Armoniack with Camphire and Vinegar. Nuts bruised with a little Vinegar and Castoreum; apply a honey comb, and presently hold the part affected to the fire, or put hot ashes under it, and the pain will cease forthwith. It is good to lay on green Coriander, or oyl and ashes mingled. Rhasis. Savorey or Water-mints applied, and the seed of them drank, or the juice of the lesser-Centory drank in Wine is excellent. So are the leaves of river Basil, Mercury,

Mandragoro with Vinegar. Serapio. A snow ball put to the fundament takes off all pain, chiefly if it proceed from a Wasps stinging: foment the part with Camphire & Vinegar, or oftentimes with snow-water. Take Opium, Henbane-seed, Camphire, of each alike, mix them with Rosewater or juice of Willowes, and apply it, lay over it a cloth wet in Wine. Ardoynus. Take juice of wilde Mints Aurei 2. with juice of sowre Lemmons, make a julep. Also the juice of the Arabian Thorn, and of Marjoram help much. Mesue. Water-lintels with Vinegar anointed. Aaron. Rub the part well with the finest leaves of Xylo••araster, that is, sweet Cods of Pliny, and the pain pre∣sently ceaseth. The juice of Lettice doth the same, or the juice of Dandelion drank. The Mud in the bottom of a vessel where water hath stood long, applyed with Vinegar, cures the Wasps sting∣ing. Simeon. Foment the part with Snow-water till it be stupefied. Jo••••nitius. Any new earth, especially Cimolia is good: Poly smeered on, as also Goats milk, cures Wasps wounds. Ar∣noldus. Alcanna with Barley meal, and Vinegar, bound to the part, Nuts, the leaves of Walnuts, Blites, are very good; also lay on hot to the wound a Spiders web beaten with a white Onion and Vinegar, it cures. Constantinus. Rub the place with Sage and Vinegar, and after with Posca. Guil. Placentinus. Lay iron on the part, or Lead steeped in Vinegar. Gordonius. Apply Chalk in pow∣der, and drink Mallowes seed in Wine and a little Vinegar boyled together. Varignana. His Be∣zoar is Coriander taken with Sugar. Christophorus Probus, commonly called Honeste Nonius, com∣mends Balm leaves bruised with Posca or with Oyl and applied. Nouius. Sparagus bruised with Honey and smeered on, Flyes beaten and laid on, Savory, wilde Mints, oyl of Momordica anointed, cure. Matthiolus commends Oxe dung laid on. Marcellus. Any man may finde these and a great many such like receipts, the storehouse of Nature and of Physicians affords infinite remedies and antidotes innumerable to your hand every where. The Remedies for Bees and Wasps stings are the same, only that one requires them somewhat stronger than the other. In the year 190. be∣fore the Birth of Christ, as Julius witnesseth, an infinite multitude of Wasps flew into the Market at Capua, and sate in the Temple of Mars, they were with great diligence taken and burnt so∣lemnly, yet they did foreshew the comming of the enemy and the burning of the City.

CHAP. IX.

Of Hornets and the Tenthredo.

THey are called in the Hebrew, Tsirdah; in Arabick, Zabor, Zambor; in the German tongue, ein Hornauss horlits froisen pferzwuble; in Brabant, Horsele; in French, Freslons, froisons, f••ulons; in Italian, Colauroni, Crabrone, Scaraffon, Galanron; in Spanish, Tabarros o moscordos; in the Slavonian tongue, Sierlern; in Illyrian, Irssen; in English, Hornets, Great Wasps; Hungarian, Lo Daras.

The Greeks call them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; because with their sting they raise a Carbuncle. They are called in Latine Crabrones, perchance from the Village Crabra in the Countrey of Tu∣sculum, (where there are great store of them) or from the word Caballus, i. e. a Horse, who is said to be their father. According to that of Ovid. Met. 15.

The warlike Horse if buried under ground, Shortly a brood of Hornets will be found.

Albertus calls it a yellow Bee. Cardanus will needs have them to arise from the dead Mule. Plutarch in the life of Cleomedes, saith they come out of Horse flesh, as the Bees do out of the Oxe his paunch. Now whereas they are more melancholy and sullen then the Wasp, why should I not with Virgil say that they are produced of the Asse? whom we have seen not only to fight with the Horse, (when as the female or she Asse would be backt) but also to chase and overcome him often times. I conceive that those are produced of the harder flesh of the Horse, and the Wasps of the more tender flesh.

The Hornet is twice as big as the Wasp, and very like it in shape; they have four wings, * 1.64 whereof the two undermost are twice as little as the upper or outermost, the which are fastened to the shoulders, being of a dark brown and Chesnut colour, and with which they fly very swiftly. Six feet they have of the same colour with their breast and shoulders, their head long, of a yel∣low hew: their eyes hanging out in fashion like a half Moon, between which grow two horns like a sickle or reaping-hook of the same colour with the feet. The belly is made fast to the shoulders with a small thread; of which the one half is of a duskie colour, and begirt with a gir∣dle of Saffron colour: the other half seems to be all Saffron colour, set with five dark colour specks, together with a small triangle, having moreover on both sides of them certain joynts, by which they can contract or extend themselves at pleasure. On both sides of the belly they have four black spots, and their tayle is armed with a long, stiffe and exceeding venomous sting. As they fly they make a murmuring and humming noise, far more hoarse than the Wasp. Who notwith∣standing they are gregal or hearding creatures, are fierce and cholerick, and alwaies of a wilde na∣ture; nor (like wilde plants) do they admit of any taming: of such malignity are they that with

twenty seven strokes they will kill a Man, or a Horse, especially in the Dog-daies, at which time their nature is more hot; and men are more weak by reason of the abundant exhalation of the spirits. No wonder then that in sacred Writ they are compared

[illustration]

to most cruel enemies, Exod. 23. 28. So Ovid. Metamorph. 11. Spicula Crabronum ardentia, the fiery darts of the Wasp. And Vir∣gil in the 4 of his Georgicks calls them asperrima, very sharp. Te∣rence in his Phormio: Plautus in his Amphitryo use that Proverb, Irri∣tavi Crabrones, I have stirred up a Hornet, to shew the nature of women when they are angry, the more you strive with them, the more you provoke them, and at length go by the worst. Now as amongst Bees both the Drones and the Kings or Master-bees have no sting, and also some Wasps, (as we have said before) so amongst the Hornets there is not one but hath, both those that are in trees and those that are in the ground, not so much as the Captain or * 1.65 Master Hornet but hath one. For the Hornets as well as the Bees and Wasps have their Commanders or Master Hornets, what ever * 1.66 Pliny l. 21. c. 11. dreamt to the contrary; only they are bigger than the rest according to the proportion of Hornets to Hornets, then Wasps are to Wasps, or Bees to Bees. They do also remain * 1.67 within doors as the Master Wasps do, but they never breed but one Master Hornet of them in a Nest, for fear of tumults and taking of parties; but as they are very troublesome, and fatall to those that from without annoy them and seek to spoyl them, so they are very strict in preserving domestick peace and quiet, and in keeping of mutual society one with another, and in providing for their young they do even outstrip the Bees themselves; for they never quarrel about priority of place, nor distract them with diversity of imployments, nor make a stir or tumult about the election of their Chieftain or Master Hornet, but all have one and the same employment, and they all diet together, whatsoever prey they take, or small creature they kill abroad, they carry part of it home to their fellowes, and young ones.

Neither do they every year send out and expose to the wide world their young ones as the Bees do (and for which they are censured as in that respect unnatural) to finde out an harbour where they can for themselves to dwell in: but all their new brood they nourish and bring up in their own bosome, and as need shall require build more and bigger nests to keep them in. As for their King or Master Hornet (whom also they dearly love and respect) such a one they have that doth appear not to want power to command, but occasion to exercise it. Only he excels the rest in courage of minde and bignesse of body (as it is usual for Princes to do) for he is more fierce than any of the rest when he is to encounter with forein enemies, as he is on the other hand most milde and gentle to his subjects at home.

The Hornets make their nests under ground: casting up the mould as the Pismires do. For neither they nor the Wasps send out young swarms as the Bees do (as is before said) but as the * 1.68 young are bred there they remain, and so they dig their nests bigger and bigger, as the family growes greater and greater. They make their nests exceeding large; we took 3 or 4 baskets full of combs of the lustier brood: they have very little or no honey in their cells; a drop or so where their young are.

If any of them chance to wander from their nest, they gather themselves together into some tree, and there make their combs in the top, which oftentimes are easie to be seen, in which they procreate one King or Master Hornet, who when he is grown up, leads away the whole troop and provides them a nest with himself.

The wood or wilde Hornet (saith Pliny) live in hollow trees all the winter, like other Insects they lie hid, they live not above two years. Their sting is seldome without a feaver, causeth a * 1.69 carbuncle tumor, and exceeding great pain. They build their Nests far more artificially than either the Bee or Wasp, sometimes in the hollow trunks of trees, or else under their roots in the ground, which they make bigger and bigger according as their family increaseth, and curiously plaister over with a kinde of slimy spittle gathered from gummy leaves. The mouthes or passages of their cells are never upward, but altogether downward; and they very providently place the bottom, of their cels upwards, that the rain may not pierce through them, or lest otherwise they should be exposed to the extremity of wind and weather were the head above. All their nests in a manner are ex∣actly 6 square, the front or outside whereof is beset with white and rusty iron coloured segments; the matter of them is membranous, much like pieces of Beech-bark, when it is roll'd together and shrievel'd up with heat. Whilest Pennius was at Peterborough in England, he saw in the wide and open street a Hornet pursuing a Sparrow, whom when he wounded with his sting he fell down dead to the ground, and with the admiration of all that beheld them, he suck't out and fill'd himself with the bloud of the slain prey.

Concerning the Copulation of Hornets Arist. knew nothing of certainty, as neither from whence nor how they are bred. But for as much as they do for certain lay their young at the very sides of▪ their cells, as Bees and Wasps do, it should seem after the same manner they bring them forth. But if they do couple, they do it in the night, as Cats do, or in some se∣cret

places, out of all possibility of being seen; where Argus himself should not espie them.

The Hornet doth not feed on flowers, but lives for the most part on flesh: and rather then fail, oftentimes they will stoop to dung and excrements. They hunt after great flies also and the smaller birds, which when they take, they first wound the head as the Hawk doth, and then pluck it off and fly away with the rest of the body. In the winter they die many of them: be∣cause they do not as the Bee, lay up provision beforehand, but only live from hand to mouth, regarding nothing but their present necessity. Arist. l. 5. Hist. Moreover, as Landius observes; they watch about the Bee Hives, and getting on their backs use them in stead of a Coach or Cha∣riot to carry them; for when the poor wretches strive to fly away, they carry a most cruel rider on their backs, who when he hath suckt out all the juice that is in the Bees body, is the most un∣grateful of all winged creatures, he kils and eats up him which supplied his hunger. Also all sweet things whatsoever the Hornet will feed on: insomuch that I have seen him with mine own eyes to eat of grasse worms. But the Indian Hornets have such a vast appetite (as Oviedus witnesseth) that they will light upon Oyl, Butter, Cakes, Sawce, and all liquid things whatsoever; not spa∣ring napkins or table-clothes, which they will conspurcate and defile with their filthy excrement, and laying of their slimy eggs. Now as they feed upon what they got from others, so they do not want one to prey upon them likewise. Above the rest the Brock, who about the full of the * 1.70 Moon enters their dens or nests and destroys both house and family. Nor are they food for this useful fat creature only, but they serve the countreymen by way of prognostick, to foreshew the alteration of weather; for if toward the evening they are seen to fly about in greater store then ordinarily they are wont to do, it is a sign that the next day will be fair and hot: but if about twilight they often enter into their nests as it were to hide and shelter themselves, then expect rain, winds, and stormy weather to ensue. Upon which Avienus thus:

So when you see troops of hoarse Hornets fly, Late at the end of Autumn, they foreshew, When first Virgilius stirs the evening skie, That storms at sea shall presently ensue.

Morever whereas the same Medicines that cure the stinging of Wasps, will prevail also against * 1.71 the stinging of Hornets: yet as Aggregator hath taught us, a Hornet is the Bezoar stone for its own wound laid on with Posca, Oyl, or Oxe dung; Also Bole, and all fat earths are commended, such as Bacchus applied to bald Silenus, who was stung with Hornets, whilest he rifled their nest for honey supposing they were Bees: Ovid. describes it neatly in 3 Fastor:

Thousands of Hornets his bald pate torment, And with their stings they wound his ugly face, He fals, and cries for help, a foul disgrace; What remedy, it was too late for to repent. When that the Satyrs came, & found poor Silenus, His face all swoln, and halting on his knee, They could not choose but laugh, Bacchus said thus, Noint it with Mud, it prov'd a remedy.

He that desires more remedies against the sting of the Hornet, may finde of them plenty in the story of the Wasp. For Authors do seem to make them all one, only with this difference, that in this case they ought to be given in greater quantity, and the use and application of them longer continued.

Now let us proceed to the Insect called Tenthredo.

Whether it ought to be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 according to Aristotle, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 * 1.72 according to Nicander, let Philosophers judge; they seem to me to differ only in name and big∣nesse. For whereas the Scholiast of Nicander cals it insectum 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an Insect like a Wasp, I do not weigh that, when as ever and anon, by Poetical licence, he cals the Wasp, apem Croceam, a yellow Bee. What name it hath in other nations I know not, and (to say the truth) nor know I the little Beast it self. Only this I finde, that Authors describe it to be in colour like a Wasp, like a Bee in bulk or bigness, and in communication of labour like all other social winged Insects. He is very sawcy, loves the kitchin well and fish, insomuch that some think it should be written 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in stead of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it is given so much to Licorishnesse. Hesychius cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, I wood or wilde Bee. Hermolaus thinks they should rather be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, rather than 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as he saith it is corruptly read in Aristotle: He makes his nest in the ground as the Wasp doth, with many rooms very large and handsome. Pen∣nius will not by any means yeeld that the Pemphredo should be the same with Tenthredo. F〈…〉〈…〉the Pemphredo (as the Scholiast of Nicander describeth it) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. the Pemphredo is very like the Bee, but the Tenthredo like the Wasp. But ye•• not∣withstanding the Scholiast forgets himself; who writes also of the Pemphredo after this manner▪ Pemphredo is an Insect like a Wasp, it hath a sting, is greater than a Pismire, but lesse than a Bee; it hath wings, and a various colour tending to black; in fair weather it gathers sustenance from the shrubs in the valleys, then it flies and laies it up in the hollow oaks.

This Insect haunteth woods and mountains, gathers honey juice from flowers, and layeth it up

in a hollow oak as being his Repository for the sustentation of his life; but honey he makes none, wherefore they differ in no other thing but in bignesse; rightly termed•• of the Poet, Parvula Pemphredo, i. e. a small Pemphredo: as degenerating only and especially by that mark from the Ten∣thredo. Of winged Pismires, we shall speak in the Chapter of Ants. And this shall be sufficient hitherto to be spoken of winged Insects, such as are social and live together. Now we shall bend our discourse to speak of winged solitary Insects, or such as live severally by themselves.

Amongst these solitary ones, some there are that have nests, as the young Drone called Siren, the Drone called Bombylius, and the Bombyx; others that have no nests, as the Fly, the Gnat, the Butterfly, the Moth, the flying Glow-worm. Those that build nests, are the Sirenes of both kindes, so called by Eustathius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. because they seem to have a kinde of ar∣ticulate or significant voice, or perhaps as that sea Monster, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because with his plea∣sant noise and buzzing he doth as it were tickle and charme the ear; and not unfitly 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, be∣cause they beat a••d flutter in the air with their wings.

Of the Sirens there are two sorts, the one lesse all of a duskie colour; the other bigger black mixt with other colours. This sort Pennius referreth to the species of the Wasp, and so he describeth it in his drafts. All the body black, except the back, which is reddish from the middle almost to the tail, the extremity of which being black, hath silver coloured wings affixed, the for∣mer twice as big as the other: they harbour in wals, and in the brinks of ditches, and ruinous buildings; whether they have any sting, or no I know not.

The Bombyx is so called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because they never flye but they whirle and turn round in their flight: whence the Greeks call Topps or Wheels, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. It is a creature resembling the Wasp, of a black hue, having a sting like as the Wasp hath, but stinging so deadly, and with such force, that it leaves the weapon in the wound. As a remedy to this Nicander commends the Pine tree Gum, and the unctuous honey of the Tenthredo. Parmeni in his Iambicks makes mention of this creature, which in the time of vintage useth to eat the ripe Grapes. Another of this sort is found in Assyria, but of greater bulk. Some of them build their nests spire wise out of clay like to glasse or salt, fastening them to a stone or such like thing, but so hard and thick that you can scarse pierce them with a dart. For these they lay and bring forth little white worms, covered over with a black membrane; in another membrane they make wax in clay, much paler in colour and in greater plenty than the Bees. So Aristotle and Pliny. Who indeed were very sparing in their relations concerning the Tenthredo, Bombyx, and Humble Bee; either because their nature was not so well known to the generality of the Grecians, or rather because they themselves were not so well vers'd in their History.

The Bombylus, greatest of the nesting Insects, is bigger than either of the Sirens (spoken of be∣fore) he hath his name from

[illustration]

the humming noyse he makes: for the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth as much, to make a humming or buz∣zing noise: forwhich cause he is called by the Germans Hummel or Humlen, in Eng∣lish a Humble Bee, as you would say a sounding Bee, the name being taken from the noyse they make: from whence (as the learned Tur∣nebus notes) the long pipes are called Bombyces from the humming sound they give. Pollux cals these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and Theophrastus cals a reed fit for these kindes of pipes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

They are of little or no use. Insomuch that the Greeks use to call an idle unprofitable man, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. a man no better than a Humble Bee; for such is this kinde of Bee, even of no use at all. Neverthelesse one Antisocraticus, to shew his wit, hath taken a great deal of pains to set forth the commendations of it. A cup with a wide mouth making a great noise as * 1.73 they drank, was in great request with the Ancients; that so, not only the brain might be intoxi∣cated with the liquor, but the ears also with the greatnesse of the noise. They breed under stones hard to the ground, they build their nests sometimes with two doors, sometimes with three; in which there is found a beginning of a certain course Honey, and that (as Albertus relates, and Pen∣nius saw) not of any great quantity; who once found so much as he could scarse hold in three handfuls. The English Humble Bees have not all stings, only some few of them, but those that have do sting grievously; the honey they make is not very sweet, and withall some what waterish. They fasten their wax as the Bees do to their hinder legs: they couple tail to tail, in the mean while holding fast by some plant or tree, they continue long in the act of venery, and all the time clapping with their wings they make a harsh noise, as if they were singing a Bridal song.

CHAP. X.

Of Flyes.

IN Hebrew, Zebub; in Arabick, Dubene, Aldubel; in Illyrian, Muscha; in Spanish and Ita∣lian, Mosca; in French, Mousche; in High Dutch, Flieg m' uck; in Low Dutch, Ʋliegh mugge; in English, a Fly, from flying or scaping away, for it signines both; in Scottish, Flee; in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, to suck deeply, or to mutter, the Fly doth both. Latine, Musca.

Not as proceeding from Muscus Moss, as some do fondly dream, but from Musculus a muscle; for taking off his wings you shall see that his head is full of shewes, his body soft, his tail tendi∣nous. Hence the diminutive muscula in Boethius, who thus elegantly cries out, Quid homine im∣becillius quem morsus muscularum necat? VVhat so frail as man whom the smallest Fly is able to bite to death?

Now the frame both of its body and minde we describe thus out of Lucian and others. The * 1.74 great Fly is the least of winged Insects, insomuch that it may be compared to the least Fly or Flee: only he is so much bigger than they, as the Bee is bigger than he.

It hath wings, not such as other things that flie have, but made of little skins as the Locusts, Grashoppers and Bees are, but a very great deal softer, as an Indian Garment is softer than those of Greece. If any man observe the Fly when he opens his wings in the Sun, he may perceive them painted with variety of colours, as the Peacocks are. He doth not slie straight forward, as the Bats do; nor skipping as the Locusts, nor making a noyse as the VVasp; but winding in and out to what part of the air soever he pleaseth to move himself. Neither doth he flie quietly and in silence but with singing and melody; not so hard hearted and cruel as the gnat or little Flyes, not as Bees and Wasps with a grave harshnesse, making a horrible and terrible murmuring: yea so far doth the Fly exceed all these in sweetness of sound as he flieth, as the small Pipe doth the Trumpet and Cymbal, or as still musick is sweeter then the loud.

He hath a very little head bound to his neck, turning every way, not compacted and fastened to his shoulders as the Locusts is. His eyes stand out very much, shining as if set in horn. His breast is very firm and well compacted. He hath six feet growing out of his body, not as the Wasps fast bound or tyed to it; he goeth only with four of them, the other two so emost serve in stead of hands; as you see him commonly go upon four feet, in the other two holding up some∣thing or other that he hath gotten to feed on to his mouth as men do, and as we do. His belly is slender answerable to his breast, having broad girdles and scales. He doth not sting with a sting as * 1.75 the Bee and the Wasp do, but with his mouth and snout like the Elephant, and he eats and takes up things with it, and sticking in a concave vessel he holds it in the top of his snout: out of this comes forth a tooth, with which he pricks o•• bites: he drinks nothing but milk and bloud; the which he draws forth of those he stings with very little or no pain at all, but only with a kinde of titillation or tickling. The light, like Truth, he doth exceedingly rejoyce in, and doth behave himself honestly therein and civilly. Yea the Fly doth so covet the light, that many times with the Spider or Spinner he loseth his life for his pains; at night he goes to rest (as honest folk use to do) and makes no noise. He does nothing in the dark, counting it unbeseeming for him to do any thing privately, or to be guilty of that fact which if done in the light would be a disgrace and disparagement to him. I can assure you it is no little understanding that he hath also; where∣by he doth escape the wiles of his treacherous enemy, the Spider: for he marks him as he lies in wait for him and looks upon him, and so declines his force lest he should be taken in his net, and be destroyed. I must not speak of his prowesse and valour, for in that he may seem to sur∣passe man himself. Homer the Prince of Poets, when he did endevour to set forth and commend the gallantry of the bravest noble man, doth not compare his strength to that of the Lion, Leo∣pard, wilde Boar or the like, but to the undaunted courage and confidence of the Fly. Who al∣though he be never so often repulst and beaten off, comes on again, and bites as close as he did before: yea such a strength he hath with him, that he will not wound the skin of a man only, but of an Oxe or Horse: yea the Elephant also when he gets between the wrinkles of his skins, he will shrewdly vex him, and according to the bignesse of his snout gash and wound him: when he bites, 'tis not out of rusticity o•• clownishness to get bloud only; but by way of love & humanity, & for that reason especially he seiseth upon the fairest: yea what a pretty thing it is to see a company of Flyes ••lying to and again playing and sporting one with another, and hanging upon a thred as it were dancers on the ropes? Moreover as the cleanly horse doth, she laies her ordure all in one place, so that upper wai••scot and seiling of the rooms where they use are all full of great spots which they make on that occasion, which is an argument that they are not altogether void of some kinde of memory also. Tzetzes saith moreover, that such is their love to those of their own kinde, that they bury their dead corpses. Aelian doth as much discommend them as Lucian commends them: and he inveighs against their procacity and sauciness; which is such, that being driven away never so often, they notwithstanding return with fresh assaults. He blames them likewise for their impudence, in that they couple in publick, and know no end of their Venery almost; ••either do they as the Cock, when he once hath trodden presently fals off, but is born upon the

back of the female a long while, and she carries him; they fly away together into the air, yet are they not sundred with flight. Learned Pennius caught two Flyes in the Act, and shut them up in a box, and the next day found them together still in the same posture; which doth much con∣firm what Arist. Aelian and Niphus say, to wit, that Flyes do continue very long in the act of ge∣neration. Plutarch saith that the Mouse and the Fly are indocile and unteachable creatures, who although they use the company of men daily; are by no means tamed, neither do they shew the least courtesie, or the least shew of a grateful minde for what they receive of any man: both of them are by nature very suspicious, alwaies fearful of treachery, afraid to be caught. She is alto∣gether idle and carelesse, feeding upon the labours of others, and where ever she comes she hath a full table. For her the Goats are milked, and the Bee bestowes her pains as much for her as for any other; the Cooks provide Messes for her, the Confectioners Sweet-meats, the Apothecary Syrups, and these she tastes before Kings, and walking all over the table she feasts her self with them in their company, as also with all other whatsoever. Plautus took her to be of no use in his Curculio, where he thus speaks: In my conceit you are a kinde of Lions amongst men, as Flyes, Gnats, Sowlice, Fleas, that do much hurt and do no good.

Well therefore did Nature take care, that she should have no certain place to dwell in, as ho∣nest folks have, but should wander up and down, where she could get her a lodging and travel∣ling harbour. But in impudence she goes beyond any begger whatsoever; because they having had once a denial are therewith satisfied, but this begger will take no answer, but will fill his un∣profitable gut with the best cheer in the house whether the master will or no. Aristaphon in his Py∣thagorista recited by Athenaeus, brings in an impudent Parasite speaking on this manner:

Coenis etiam non vocatus, ut musca, advolo.

I hasten to supper as the Fly, without any invitation.

Some such like matter Socrates upbraids Theodate withall in Xenophon: wherefore the Egypti∣ans being to set forth dishonesty and impudence together, they made the picture of a Fly, as Orus saith. Whence it is, that Cicero (if I be not deceived) saith it was said sometimes by way of jest concerning a troublesome impudent youth, Abige Muscas puer: Boy beat the Flyes away. To this so pestilent a little beast Nature (as meet it should be) hath denied long life therefore. For as soon as winter begins to come on, the greatest part of them expire; and those that escape star∣ving, in clifts, wals, hollow places, ovens and such like, they lie all the while weak and languish∣ing, and not able to hold out another winter. All of them are begotten of filth and nastinesse, to which they most willingly cleave, and resort especially to such places which are so unclean and fil∣thy; unquiet are they, importunate, hateful, troublesome, tumultuous, bold, sawcy. Homer amongst the battels of the gods and heroes elegantly descants upon the basenesse of the Fly, who like the Mouse, alwaies hath his hand upon another mans trencher.

The Fly, though often forced from your skin, Yet she returns again, shee'l never lin.

Yea Solomon himself thought their nature to be so bad, that he saith in his Proverbs, that one of them is able to spoil a whole box of ointment. To conclude, the Hebrewes to set out the Prince of Devils, called him Bahalzebub, i. e. a Fly: which useth the same diligence, and never leaves off doing of hurt. Which is the reason that Witches and Wizards will have their Familiar to be al∣waies in likenesse of a Fly, using the body of a bad creature to far worse purposes. I could al∣ledge much more a great deal than this against the Fly, if I desired the name of Antilucian, with whom it is a disparagement for a Christian to contend, yea or to meddle withall, more than with the most loathsome carkasse. Neither will it be more disgrace to me to make nothing of a Fly, than for Lucian to make him an Elephant: both indeed being but losse of time, and vain osten∣tation of wit. But yet nevertheless that lest like the Eagle I may seem to contemn flies, or to neglect the least of Gods works; I shall with all diligence set down the Generation, Difference, and Use of Flies.

Flies are generated two waies, by coupling with their own species (which is done in the sum∣mer season, and in the winter if the weather be fair) or by the putrefaction of other things. The Flies use copulation, some of them dispatch the work sooner, others after some space of time: the manner whereof (as Arist, affirms) is divers from most of the other Insects; for when the male ascends the female, he takes the member of the female (that is stretched forth to seek for seed) into his body, the which being accordingly received, he furnisheth with matter and strength to bring forth. Reverend Pennius saw two Flyes at Hedelberg flying in the act of copulation, who (as it had been the son of Mercury or Venus) seemed to be of a mixed nature, and they did get up by turns. Somewhat a while after copulation they exclude or shoot forth little worms, as the Hen doth eggs; which afterwards by a strange Metamorphosis are again changed into Flyes. Al∣though Pliny contrary to experience doth without ground affirm that nothing else doth arise out them. Very rightly Scaliger saith, that the Flyes at first do generate Insects unlike themselves, but yet in a capacity of becoming the same, (that is to say) white little worms, which afterwards

being made like to Flies, have eyes hanging down by their sides; in reference to whose likeness there is a kinde of disease in the eye, called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. headed like a Fly. Now a great number of Flyes, if not the more part of them, arise from dung, whence I have seen them to come perfect where before they were begun. But in this kinde of generation we must note, that Flyes are not immediately procreated of dung, but of the little worms proceeding of digested dung, as the Philosopher writes in these words. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Which Gaza translateth thus: Muscae ex vermiculis fimi digesti in partes gignun∣tur, &c. In English thus: Flyes are begotten of dung digested into parts, therefore they that desire to meddle in this businesse, strive to distinguish the dung that is not digested, from that is mingled with that which is digested. Now these worms at the first are exceeding small, afterwards begin to be red, then as yet without motion as it were, cleaving by fibres they begin to move; then they become unmovable worms, afterwards they move again, then become they again to be without motion, and in conclusion by the assistance of air and sun there is begotten a living Fly. Arist. here, as it seems, spake rather from others ob∣servation than his own skill. For neither those worms that are generated by copulation; nor those which are bred of putrefaction are subject to so many metamorphoses or transmutations, before they are transformed into Flyes. For they only grow to such a bignesse, afterwards are turned into a Nymph or young Fly, and so lie still, then at a certain time appointed by Nature the Nymph groweth to be a Fly.

Neither are Flies begotten of dung only, but of any other filthy matter putrefied by heat, in the summer time, and after the same way spoken of before, as Grapaldus and Lonicerus have very well noted.

But yet the question would be, whether Flyes are not immediately generated of putrefaction, and not of those worms. For experience witnesseth that there are a certain kinde of Flies which are begotten in the back of the Elm, Turpentine-tree, Wormwood, and so perchance in other herbs and plants, without any preceding vermiculation, or being turned into little worms first. So that Scaliger that angelical man, and the most learned of this Age, writeth thus of their ori∣ginal: Peradventure (saith he) they may seem not to arise from putrefaction, but from some certain prin∣ciples changed as from some kind of liquid gum, or from some other matter concocted by Nature for this end. Now whether concoction can be without putrefaction there is the scruple. Each part of mans body hath its conveyance for the expurgation of its excrements, called in Latine Emuncto∣ria. But whether a living creature may be the excrement of a creature that never had life, let others determine; here my sight fails me, or rather I am altogether blind. A third way how Flyes are begotten, Sir Tho. Knivett an English man, and of singular learning, did first of all in∣form Pennius of, and it was thus: The corrupted body of a Caterpillar or a little bruised, is con∣verted into an imperfect Aurelia, then from that not a Butterfly, but three black eggs are cast out that are somewhat long fashioned, from whence proceed ordinary Flyes, or others like to them; and some times the Aurelia being putrefied, neither Butterfly nor eggs come forth of it, but white worms, (sometimes one, sometimes many) come forth, whence are generated very small Flyes.

The which famous observations of natural History truth it self doth enjoyn us to acknowledge received from the foresaid Knight; for no man before him did ever observe the like. Peter Mar∣tyr in his 3 Decad. and 6 Book, reports that he saw drops of sweat falling from the fingers of la∣bourers, turned into Flyes, and so they write that in the marshy Countrey of Paria, by reason of the contagiousnesse and venemous quality of the air, the drops that fall from the hands of the labourers do bring forth Toads. But whether it be done immediately or mediately by some worm out of which the Fly should break forth, he doth not shew.

In the year 766. before the Nativity of Christ, Rivallus then being K. of Britains, there were showres of bloud three daies together very great, very many, from whence came abundance of Flyes, and so poysonous, that with their stings they killed a great number of people: so saith the English History.

Now the Fly for the most part is not at the first a Fly, but a worm, proceeding either from the dead corpses of men, or the carkasses of other creatures, then it gets feet and wings, and so be∣comes of a creeping creature, a flying; and begets a little worm, which afterwards becomes a Fly. Take off the head of a Fly, yet the rest of his body will have life in it, yea it will run, leap, and seem as it were to breath. Yea when it is dead and drowned, with the warmth of the sun and a few ashes cast upon it, it will live again, being as it were anew made, and a fresh life put into it, insomuch that Lucians disciples were perswaded and did verily beleeve that the soul of them was indeed immortal. Forasmuch as it goes and comes, it owns its own body and rai∣seth it up, so that it drinketh, eateth, wipes its head and eyes, makes clean its snout, rubs its shanks and legs, claps its wings and flies: verifying the opinion of Plato concerning the immortality of the soul, and the fable concerning Hermotimus Clazomenius, whose soul would often go out of hi•• body, wander up and down a great way by it self, and afterwards would return into the body, replenish and raise it up again. Some will put drowned Flyes into warm Ashes, or warm Bran, and in a quarter of an hour fostering them in their hands and breathing on them, they will bring them to life again.

CHAP. XI.

Of the divers kindes of Flies.

THere is a great deal of difference amongst Flies, whether you respect the matter or form of them. Some of them come from themselves by way of copulation as hath been said, others from some ascititious or external matter: such are they that are bred in Dung, Apples, Oaks, Beans, &c. In regard of their form or shape, some have two wings, others four, with horns or without; some short, some long, some have round tails, others sharp or piked, hairy and with∣out hairs: in a word, they vary in colour, shape, bigness according to the nature of the Countrey they live in, or the putrefied matter whereof they are made. I wish I had seen them all, and I know Apelles himself would hardly have been able to paint their fashions.

Now for brevities sake we will make two sorts of Flies. For either they are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Those that feed upon their own species, or those that feed upon other things. The first of these called in Latine, Lupus, in English, the Wolf fly, is

[illustration]

described to be big, black, with long shanks; he feeds especially upon flies, if he cannot come by these he preys upon other Insects. Those that feed upon things of another species: either they are such as feed upon living creatures, or upon things inanimate or without life. Of the first kinde is the Flesh-fly, Horse-fly, Oxe-fly, the Suck-egge-fly, the Fly that eats Serpents, the Dung-fly, the Fly that preys upon the Humble Bee.

The Flesh-fly, in regard of his bignesse and bulk of his body, is * 1.76 the biggest of all other, he hath a reddish head, his body full of gray spots, his belly thick, blew, transparent, having two wings, hai∣ry, very greedy of flesh. He flies for the most part alone, un∣lesse it be perhaps in the flesh-market or Shambles; where the Butchers turn fencers, continually killing and beating them away with their Fly-flaps, lest with their fly-blowes (which Hippocra∣tes cals 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek) their flesh should be tainted. There is a story (as Caelius Rhodiginus relates it) that at Toletum in the open Butcher-row, one Fly amongst the rest used to come by the space of an year, as white as snow, which I dare say was of this sort in regard it was seen to be so long together in that place. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Musca canum, in English a Dog-fly; in the German * 1.77 tongue Hunds Fliege, Hunds Mucken; in the Polonian, Psia Mucha; Isidore, and E••thy••ius, and Philo, suppose it to be a Wood-fly: very irksome to the ears of Dogs, the which notwith∣standing they shake it oft never so often, yet returns with as much violence as before; where if he tarry any while, with the galling of the flesh he raiseth a blister: of whom Homer in his Iliad. 15. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. c. Why like a Dog-fly dost thou contend with the gods? Athenaus also in his 4 Book, reports that the like name of Dog-fly was given to a certain famous Curtizan for her unparallel'd impudence, mordacity and troublesomenesse. Now the Dog-fly (to borrow the words of Philo) is an Insect that bites hard, is importunate and treache∣rous: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This seemeth to me in holy Writ, as in Exod. 8. Psal. 77. & 104. to be the common name of all hurtful Insects, as appeareth by the Chaldee Paraphrase. As for their more special signification, they can be compared to no kinde of Fly better than those black great broad flat ordinary Flies which do so boldly fly upon cattel, and not only suck from the outermost skin of them watry bloud as other Flies, but with great pain fetch out and suck bloud very deep. They want a snout, but in stead thereof they have two teeth as the Wasps have, which they fasten deeply into the skin, but more especially they infest and annoy the ears of Hounds in Germany, insomuch that (as Camerarius witnesseth) they even pluck off the skin. These an English Gent. said he saw in Italy in shape altogether like the Dog-fly, only without wings: whose wings also are represented so close to his body that the learned Dr. Barbar takes them for the same. Niphus doth ascribe unto it wonderful swiftnesse of flight and roundnesse of body. The nearest in likenesse to it is the Tick or Sheep-fly, making a kinde of a horrid noise as he flies, and is in his flight more slow and heavy then a Gad-fly. There are two kindes of them, differing only in bignesse, the greater which is the Forrest-fly, the other the lesse living in hedges and quicksets.

The Horse-fly called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the German Tongue Ross Mucken, is of * 1.78 the bignesse of the ordinary Fly, with a flat, hard, smooth body, and of so compact a sub∣stance, that you can scarse break it betwixt your fingers; they are somewhat blacker than the common sort of Flies are, they never fly right forward but sidelong, as it were hopping and skipping as they go, they fly neither long nor fast. In England especially they are very troublesome to Horses, stinging them continually about the ears, nostrils, stones,

[illustration]

the tails, with the sweat whereof flowing down to the root of the hair they live and are sustained. The English call it a side-fly or a Horse-fly, as the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of the like signification. Some of the Greeks call them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and they say that in hot Countreys the Dogs are very much vext with them. They say that it is of that kinde Croto makes mention, having wings and able to fly; but yet I think this to be ano∣ther species; and only proper to Horses, and offensive to them.

This Beast-fly is in Latine called Asilum; in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from stri∣king * 1.79 or stinging: whence not only this Insect but another that useth to scare Bees (of which hereafter) and a third very so midable to some kinde of Fish, are called by the same name of Oestrum. Of this kinde of Fly the Poet Virgil in the 3 of his Georgicks chanteth after his manner:

A Fly there's in Silarus woods, that much Ʋseth n••er to green holm, the Greeks call such Oistron, Asilus is the Latine name, It makes a sharp harsh noise, and with the same Heards of cattel frighted fly and quiver, Woods, and barks sound of Tanagius River.

Calepine and other Lexicographers of his gang, besides some Physicians, and even Pliny himself * 1.80 makes this Fly one and the same with the Oxe-fly, so that it is very probable that they did not so heedfully read Aristotle as they might, or did not indeed understand his meaning. It is confest on all hands, that Asilus and Tabanus are a species of Flies, and that both of them have a sting in their mouth, with which they pierce the sides of the beasts, and suck out their bloud. For so saith the Philosopher, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Oxe-flies and Brees make holes in the skins of four footed Beasts, and they have a strong tongue which serve them for a sting, they are creatures that eat bloud, &c. But yet that they differ much, Aristotle and Aelian plainly shew. First the Tabani are more frequent especially in woods and highwaies that are beset with trees and hedges, as they who use to travel on horseback know to their great trouble and vexation. For in the heat of the day they sting deeply: And being then greater in number do draw out such a quantity of bloud, that many times the horses strength fails them, in∣somuch that the Countrey people are forced to beat them off from their horses with fly-flaps and boughs which they carry in their hands. But the Asili are more rare, and never fly but near the water side. Moreover the Asili (as witnesseth Aristot.) do take their beginning of certain kinde of broad and flat little creatures which haunt about rivers sides: but the Tabani come of certain worms breeding in wood or timber; that which Sostrates wrote, and Pierius diligently hath ob∣served. Besides the Asili do trouble Oxen and all living creatures, according to that of Hesychi∣us, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but the Tabani trouble Oxen only. To which agreeth that of Orpheus, vers. 47.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

The horrid Brees mans body doth not spare, He flies from us into the open air.

And Homer in his Odysses.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

But they fled home as herds of Oxen doe, When that the Brees doth force them for to goe, In the spring time when daies do longer grow.

Where the Scholiast thus defines this kinde of Fly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. The Fly called Oestrum is of a yellowish colour, who when it enters the ears of the Oxe, causeth him to run mad: upon which Callimachus in imitation of the Countrey people cals him 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an Oxe-driver. But the Myopes or Tabani do set upon Men, Horses, yea and Serpents (as Nicander affirms). Their shape and form is also different, as the Philosopher shew∣eth De part. Anim. l. 2. in these words: The tongues of the Asili and Tabani are alike, of a purple colour; yet these dare seize upon men, the other upon Oxen only. Now the Asilus hath a green he••d, and the rest of his body all over yellowish, having a greater snout than the Tabanus, but making not so great a noise, or buzzing; he carries before him a very hard, stiffe, and well compacted sting, with which he strikes through the Oxe his hide; he is in fashion like a great Fly, and forces the beasts for fear of him only to stand up to the belly in water, or else to betake themselves to wood sides, cool shades, and places that the wind blowes through. For whilest they stand in the cold water they flap their wet tails all about their bodies, and so cause him to be

gone. The Scholiast of Nicander saith that they are bred of Horseleeches. As if he would have us to understand Horseleeches by those slat creatures (of which Arist. makes mention before) and yet it is against nature or experience that bloud-sucking mothers, should bring forth a bloud-sucking brood. He flies exceeding swiftly; drawes bloud with much pain.

Pennius hath set down 2 very ra••e kindes of Asili, one of which was sent him out of Virginia by White, the other out of Russia by Elmer a Chirurgeon for a g••eat present. That out of Virginia was full as big as the biggest Flies, having a reddish head, and very like in shape too, but only that the head was black, and had from the shoulders a white streak drawn to the mouth, ha∣ving also bigger and bla••ker eyes. He had in his mouth a long 〈…〉〈…〉ing and very strong, his shoul∣der of a blackish brown colour, from whence came forth two wings of a silver colour, to the tail downward, it had six or seven joynts or fissures, of a whitish colour, all the rest of the body blackish. In swiftnesse of flight inferious to none, surpassing the most; his belly was between an ash and yellow colour, or a pale green. That of Elmer which came from Moscovia, had silver wings longer than the whole body, great eyes, very long, taking up almost all the head, a black bill or beak, hardish, tripartite, with which out of hand she penetrates hose lined with a three double cloth, skin, flesh and all, sucking it with great pain. As for the Generation of the Asili, or the Fly with great eyes: I wonder at the inconstancy of the Philosophers opinion thereupon. For first he makes them to come of a little flat creature swimming in the water (which the Scholiast of Nicander not unfitly cals 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. Hirudines, in English Horseleeches) and in the 8. of his History, he will have them the off-spring of the Gnats, in these words: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Some living creatures live first in moysture, and after that they change their shape and live out of it, as it fals out with Gnats about rivers, from which proceeds the Brees. But how that can be I know not: For of creatures that have wings, it is impossible that other winged creatures of a diverse form should be generated, as the diligent observer of Nature may easily ga∣ther. And so much of the Oxe-fly which the Goths call Hestabryviss: but the English have no name for it. [Wherein the Author seems to me to be mistaken, because it hath afforded it a very proper name as is abovesaid].

The other Tabanus or Asilus is begotten in the utmost part of the combs, and exceeds in big∣nesse * 1.81 any Bee whatsoever; which, because he is so troublesome, not suffering the Bees to be at quiet (as the former would not suffer the cattel) the Greeks have comprehended under the same name of Oestrus. The head of this Fly is of a bright bay colour, with a white

[illustration]

streak running from his forehead to the nape of his neck, his shoulders and back of a duskish colour, in all parts else no way differing from the common sort of Flies.

He feeds not only on the juice of flowers and honey, but on the bloud of beasts, which with great tediousnesse and pain he sucks out.

There is another Fly much of the same sort, with a head and body more in∣clining * 1.82 to green. His shoulders shine with greennesse, wings he hath two, whitish in the middle and outward parts, but are otherwise blackish or dun∣nish. This only once Pennius saw it it Hanworth in the year 86. in the moneth * 1.83 of August. In the year 82. he found in England two other sorts of Flies like Gnats; one of which had a pretty big body, of yellow and red colour; it had two wings, the head very long, the tail reddish. The other also had a long head, long and slender shanks of a very sad black colour: the latter were lon∣ger than the former which he stretched at length when he flew and let hang down.

A Countrey-man there was that affirmed for certain, that out of their eggs (for he had obser∣ved them coupling together) came those worms that usually eat the leaves of trees.

The Fly called in Latine Tabanus, is of the Greeks called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by reason perchance of its stinging or pricking, for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifies also a spur wherewith horses are pricked or spurred. The * 1.84 French call it Tahon; the Italians, Tabano; the Spaniard, Tavano; the Germans, Braem, K••∣flyege, ross muck; the Brabanters, Rochleghebrem; the Polonian, Kirowia muka; the English, a Burrel-fly, Stowt, and Breese: and also of sticking and clinging, Cleg and Clinger. This Calepine more boldly then truly saith hath four wings. But with more judgement Aelian and others, say it hath but two silver white. The whole bulk or body is very long, divided into three prin∣cipal parts, the head, shoulders, and the ventricle or belly, distinguished with five or six clefts or incisures, the whole body of a blackish white, in the mouth of it it carries a strong, long, and browny Proboscis; it hath six black feet, in all parts else representing much the Dog-fly. In the moneths of July and August, by reason of the extremity of heat they are most fierce, and do mi∣serably handle Oxen and Horses and young cattel, unlesse protected with fly-flaps, boughs of trees, or plants: which they follow by sent of their sweat, because they cannot reach them with their sight, being very weak sighted, from whence the infirmity of the eyes called purblindnesse is in Greek termed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. They are generated saith Pliny of the worms that come out of the wood putrefied. Which some cunning men before they have wings did use to binde about the wrist of the left arm as a remedy against Quartain Agues. They suck out bloud with such force and in so great abundance, that a friend of mine whom I dare believe told me, that his horse being

tyed to a tree, was by reason of the multitude of them, killed in lesse then six hours, they had drawn out so much bloud that the spirits failing he fell down dead. By these things it is manifest, that the Tabani are of a different nature from the Asili, notwithstanding that most of the Greek and Latine Authors do seem to confound them and make them all one. Yea even Gesner himself in this very matter could not tell what to say in his book de Quadrup. and indeed unlesse it were only Pierius and my friend Pennius now deceased, no man as yet found the dif∣ference between them. Ardoinus is here desired to be censured in the first place, because he saith that both the Tabanus and Asilus have stings in their tails as the Wasps have: and second∣ly, because he makes them to have eight feet, where as none of them in the world was ever known to have above six. Lastly, he reckons them in the classis or rank of Gnats, whereas the Gnat ne∣ver bites in the heat of the day (as the Asilus and Tabanus do) but altogether in the night at what time they are very irksome indeed.

Next to these is another Fly shrewdly annoying cattel in the heat of the day, which Pennius cals Curvicaudam, very well in English a Wringle-tail, in regard that alwaies sitting upon the but∣tocks or belly of the beast, he bends his tail towards him with his sting started, that he may be ready to strike at-pleasure, whensoever opportunity may ofter it self. This Fly the English in their proper tongue call a Whame and a Burrell-fly, and it is scarce found any where else but in England. This kinde of Fly is almost like the Bee in shape and colour, only it is bigger in body. It doth not cleave to the flesh, nor suck bloud as others do, but only stings with its tail, flying a long way after horses, and stinging them in their travel. Horses are naturally afraid of this Fly, whom upon the least touch they endevour by what means possible with their tails, feet and mouths to drive away. Some are of a minde that these flies do not indeed use a sting, or prick, but with their tails they fasten their dung to the horses hair, from whence a while af∣ter come a number of very irksome Nits. But experience must prove that, for reason in a matter so improbable is silent. True it is they are very violent upon their prey, as being blinde both the Tabanus and the Wringle-tail, which may be the reason why they are so bold and fearlesse, as being secure of any danger. But especially the Oestrus, from whence those famous Poets of old we••e said to be Oestro perciti, stung with this furious Fly called Oestrum. Plutarch cals them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Gad-stricken.

Those kinde of Flies that follow are more rare.

[illustration]

The first of which is very like the lesser Butterfly, with four silver wings full of blackish spots, all the body over adorned with silver streaks running athwart of it, the tail reddish or brownish, the head black, the shoulders of the same colour with the tail, the fore-yards are thin, black and short, the feet small and black; they are most com∣monly seen in hedges, especially in the morning. The second very lit∣tle differing from the former, but that the body, sail-yards, legs and feet are of a brownish or duskish colour. The third species hath four wings: this hath longer wings than the two former, spotted with black spots, the head somewhat bigger, black, here and there marked with yellow spots; the two sail-yards thin and black, six whitish feet fastned to the more bulky brest, the shoulders are embroidered with yellowish white spots, overthwart the back are five streaks of a yel∣low colour, with a little spot or speck between each almost of the same colour; in the tail there are five red spondils, the end of which is forked. The fourth is not much unlike, but it hath silver wings, without spots, the sail-yards black and somewhat longer, the body is adorned with seven white lines athwart. I have seen also two Flies with tails like Scorpions. The first of them, as the former spoken of, hath silver wings, but somewhat lesse, with three crosse black lines to∣wards the end, the head black, the breast, the feet and shoulders whitish: the rest of the body black, the tail hath five joynts as it were or partitions, three of which are of a pale red, the rest black, the end of the tail forked, the forks are black, and like the Scorpion tur∣ned up. The other almost like to it, but the very end of the tail is more thick, the fork that is in it more blunt,

[illustration]

the head dunnish, the mouth somewhat long, each wing bedeckt with six black spots. There is also another sort of Fly that hath four wings, the body greenish, the four wings longer than the body, made as it were of melted silver, the nerves whereof are greenish, the sail-yards thin and black, eyes as yellow as gold, from whence it hath the name, and that not undeservedly of Chrysopis a golden eye, slow in flight, of a very

strong sent, which like the Moth it loseth with the life. A great frequenter of gardens and sitting on Elder: whether he come of a Caterpillar, as the Butterfly doth, or out of the worms of trees, I cannot tell. That most learned and courteous Gentleman Joach. Camerarius first shewed it to Pennius.

There are ••undry sorts of Flies, of the Greeks called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Latine, Pilicauda, Setica••dae; in English Hair-tails, or Bristle-tails. For some of them have one, others two, othersome yet three or four bristles in their tail: of which in order.

The first of these called Henothrix or Ʋniseta, is a fly that hath a tail, the whole body is black except the middle or the back and belly that are red; it hath two silver wings, the shoulders thick, with two little black sail-yards, and a long bristle shot forth of the tail of it. The figure of

[illustration]

this Fly did the abovesaid Joachim send to

[illustration]

Pennius, withall attesting that it never of∣fered to light upon any other herb but the chiefest Ameos. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, are two Flies that have two hairs in the tails of them; whereof some have bodies sharp or piked at the end, others more blunt. Of the for∣mer sort, two I have seen with four silver wings without spots, head and shoulders blackish, the rest of the body dunnish, be∣decked with divers cros••e lines of black. Both these had long and slender sail-yards, and the like in the tail, only somewhat longer, the body big and bulky. Those of two hairs or bristles are of five sorts: the first, in all things like those with a hair, but that these are almost all over yellowish, it hath two very long bristles in the tail, one of which being stretch't out at length is like the tail of a Grey-hound

[illustration]

running after a Hare; the other rivelled inward is like a spi∣ral line. The second sort, is a kinde of long Fly, having four silver wings, yellowish feet, the body black, shoulders thick, two sail-yards long and slender, the belly toward the tail, bigger then the rest, out of which two short bristles do issue, turning upwards; it lives in hedges. The third of these Carolus Clusius sent from Vienna, with a duskish dark coloured body, the wings large in a mixture of blew and silver colour, the tail acuminated or piked, out of which grow two bristles or plumes rather (as Pen∣nius observes) of a Partridge colour speckled, with black and dunnish spots intermingled. The fourth kinde is of a round or∣bicular body, about an inch in length; the head, shoulders and breast very black, the horns short, it hath six black feet fastned to the thick breast, the foremost shorter than the rest, the hin∣dermost the longest: when she flies she puts her feet together and lets them hang down, it hath four darkish wings of a silver co∣lour, her eyes black and shining, the utmost tip of her tail black, out of which peep two very short bristles from the shoulders down∣wards to the middle of the tail; she is almost of a yellowish co∣lour; the tail is joyned to the shoulder as it were with a long threed: it runs very nimbly and as it were leaping; her nest is un∣der ground, she feeds upon small Flies and Catterpillars. The fifth and last sort of these, is by much the least, yet of the same form and figure, only it hath very bright silver wings; the whole body to the tail is of a tawny or darkish red colour.

Of those that have three hairs or bri∣stles

[illustration]

there have but 5 sorts come to my notice. The first hath a body very long and black, the middle very red from black, with two black horns in the head, sil∣ver coloured wings, the very edge or extremity whereof is spotted with a blackish spot, the thighs or shanks reddish, in the tail it hath three long hairs or bristles, and flies very swiftly. The next is like to this, but lesse, all over black, longer than the former, thinner and slen∣derer, it hath silver wings also, the cornicles or horns all one with the former, it also thrusteth forth three long bristles at the tail, not so swift in flight by much as the former. There is another of this kinde all over whitish, but only the wings, which are spotted with four black spots; the utmost of which are larger, the others shorter, which

[illustration]

so long as she flies not, stand bolt upright: she hath six feet, the four lesser of them fastened to her body, the two foremost are greater and black, coming as it were out of the neck, between the two black round eyes which standeth forth of the head come forth two black sho•••• horns; the body thin, round, long, about a fingers breadth; in the tail are to be seen three bristles as long as the body, the which when she flies she puts into the form of an exact triangle. In the moneths of May▪ and June before and after rain she is to be seen; she flies ordinarily about rivers with some company with her, with whom she seems to sport her self by the way; she useth her forefeet sometimes to feel whether 〈…〉〈…〉hing lie in her way, extending or stretching them forth in manner of little horns. Such a one as this Pennius took notice of in the year 73. The fourth of these is of an admirable structure, it hath two silver wings,

[illustration]

the body black, the mouth forked and Eagle-bill'd, in the forehead sprout out two little short horns, it hath only four feet, two under the breast small and short, the other two a little below firm and strong; out of its tail which is very long issue two very short bristles, and between these, one of a great length and blunt at the end. This kinde of Fly Pennius remem∣bers that he saw only once about Hinningham, sometime a ••ort belonging to the Earls of Oxford. The last of all both body and tail is all black, it hath a very long body, two wings somewhat shorter then the body, the feet of a reddish yellow, the tail altogether as long as the body, seen only once of Pennius about Greenhive in Kent.

The Fly with four hairs represents the first of those with three hairs, only its tail is somewhat bigger at the latter end of it, the feet as also the horns black, the wings long, the outermost three times exceeding the innermost in bignesse, having a black spot in the middle, and in the tail four hairs or bristles.

[illustration]

To these are to be

[illustration]

reckoned those Flies called in Latine, Mullei, Pavones and Libellae; which the Greeks from the likenesse of a fish of that name called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. In English they are called Adders, Boults, Dragon-flies, and Water∣butterflies; because they are seldome seen on land, but alwaies about waters, as rivers, or fens. The Italians call them Cevettoni; the Hollan∣ders, Romdoubt: for the form or shape of their bodies they differ little or not at all, but only in colour; some of them have bodies two inches long, long and slender withal, in form of a pipe or cornet: and these consist of three parts; the head, breast, and the rest of the body which is in stead of a tail. The head with two great goggle eyes, of the same colour with the rest of the body, is made fast to a very short neck, to which the fore-feet are joyned, all the rest being anne••ed to the breast. The hi••der feet likewise are the longest, the bet••er to lift up and stay their bodies. All of them

[illustration]

have forked tails, and

[illustration]

with these they couple, remaining long in the act of generation. Coun∣treymen for the most part of them, are of o∣pinion that these Flies are ingendred out of the worms that grow from the water-bulrush pu∣trefied; which if I should yeeld to be true, yet doth it not take away copulation, and putting forth of worms from their own bodies, whereby they might from time to time in∣crease, and perpetuate their propagation.

The lesser of them are very slow of flight, the greater very swift, and are only to be seem in heat of Summer. Of these we have obser∣ved three sorts or spe∣cies: The greater, les∣ser, and least of all. The biggest of all, some of the English call Brises. Of which sort eight only have come to our view. The first greenish, the spots also in the neck and tops of the sides of a dark green, the wings silver coloured, they are swift and make great speed in their motion. He hath seven black lines athwart the back, and feeds upon flies like the Swallow. The second is like to this, but of a more dark hew. The third hath eyes like to pearls, silver wings, the hem or extremity whereof is stained with a dusky spot, the body is black, but very seldome yellowish on the back and belly; the tail black and forked, adorned as it were with two plumes. The fourth is of a muddy colour, having the sides divided as it were into six parts; near about the coming forth of the wing which are like silver, you may perceive a large black spot, distinguished in the middle with lines of mud colour, toward the end of the tail there appear four or five hairs or bristles. The fifth hath its head and tail gray, the mouth black, the silver wings marked with one spot, in the end of the tail it hath three bristles in manner of a Trident. The sixth is silver winged, with a black spot in the middle, the body all over black; the back and belly sometimes, but that seldome of muddish colour▪ the breast and

[illustration]

The greatest Libellae.

[illustration]

[illustration]

The Mean.

[illustration]

The Smallest.

should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 half black, halk yellow, under the end of the tail two hooked bristles, at the end of all five out very small. Th〈…〉〈…〉 neck, and shoulders of a 〈…〉〈…〉 colour, the rest of the body 〈…〉〈…〉 eated in P••nnius study of a l〈…〉〈…〉 worm that we never had seen before. The eighth shorter then the rest with eyes like pearls, the body all over of a yellow colour, except where it is thwarted with cross streaks or lines, the tail seems as if the end were cut off, the but end thereof more broad, the extremities of its silver wings are darkned with a black spot, they are to be found most commonly amongst the corn.

The middle sort of the Libellae do

set forth Natures elegancy beyond the expression of Art. The first is of a most cutious colour. The body blue or sky colour, the wings of bright violet colour, the space between the shoulders is ador∣ned with four golden gems, set as it were in a blackish collet. The second hath the head and body gray, the wings whitish, which are beautified with gray lines drawn quite through them, in the middle they are of a purple colour. The third hath its head and body of a greenish colour, the lines of the wings are marked as it were with bloud colour streaks, towards the edges or out∣most parts like to a dark purple. The fourth-seems to be all over of the same colour, to wit, of a duskish colour mixt with a pale green. The eyes of the fifth are blue, the head green, the whole body mixt of green and blue, except the wings, which are most accurately wrought with silver colour and black, in the 〈…〉〈…〉adowed with a dark purple. The sixth is all over green; yea and the wings themselves are of light green.

I have seen four of the least 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The first the body all over of a bright blue co∣lour. The second red, the 〈…〉〈…〉 to both of them a silver colour. The third yellowish, but the tail more thick; the edges of the wings (as also all the lines that run along them are red and marked with a bloud colour spot. The fourth which is the least of all, hath a long spiny tail, a great head, blue eyes standing out with two little horns to guard them; the body somewhat long, slender, underneath greenish, above blackish, on the back it hath two greenish lines or streaks drawn along from the head to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the wings, the tail bound together with five joynts or knots, in the end whereof is a ring of bluish colour.

One there is of this number which ••••alleth some of the other bigger very speedily: of a thin gray coloured body, and the wings alike coloured, and when he creeps into an apple, no hole can be seen where he went in: he feeds also upon seeds. This Fly William Brewer a learned man and an excellent naturalist sent to Pennius. There are found in the leaves of young Fennel Flies of an exceeding smalnesse, inasmuch as sometimes they are so little, that they are not able to be seen; they run and fly very swiftly, insomuch that you would wonder how it were possible for nature to fasten feet and wings to such very exceeding small bodies.

Water Flies, of the Greeks called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or L••custres, ••s abiding in fenny places, are those that feed upon things that swim upon the su••••ce of the water, and that live especially upon the water, as these and the like, Phryganides, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Tigurina, Aeschna, Lutea, F••sca, &c. Phrygani∣des comes from the little worm Phryga〈…〉〈…〉 (which in English is called Cados worm) living in the waters, and in the midst of August ascending to the top or superficies of the waters; it hath four wings of a brown colour, the body somewhat long, having two short horns, the tail forked, or ra∣ther bristles coming out of the tail. The form or figure of this Fly is various, in regard of the great variety of those little Cados worms whereof they come.

Among the Macedonians about the River Austraeum which runs in the midst between Beroza and Thessalonica, there fly a kinde of Flies, which are not every where to be found, neither are they any way like other Flies, they are neither like the Bees, Wasps or Hornets, yet resemble all in something, in bignesle the Hornet, in colour the Wasp, in humming the Bee; in audacity and boldnesse all the rest of the Flies; the country people call them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Latines Equise∣les; these flying upon the surface of the ••vaters become a prey to the fish that are in the river. The greater summer Water-fly is seen in Helvetia in the moneth of May (commonly cald Tes glafft) as we have heard reported by a Gentleman, but which we leave to those of that Countrey to de∣scribe. The Aeschna so called, are a kinde of Water-fly of an ash colour, with four wings, six feet, near the tail having as it were many downy hairs. The Water-fly called Lutea is of a yel∣lowish dun colour, it hath long wings, alwaies standing bolt upright upon the shoulders so long as it flies, the eyes big and standing out of the head, the tail long and knotty, having two long hairs or bristles at the end of it; she is conversant alwaies about rivers, seldome elsewhere, especially after rain. There is another of a dun colour with four long wings, and long shanks, the body full of joynts, two long horns it carries in the forehead, the head little, the eyes blackish and stan∣ding out of the head, the wings ••un, but a little more bright then the rest of the body. For the most part found in woods adjoyning to fens and standing waters. To conclude, I shall relate amongst the rarer sort of Flies, that of Cardane, as he himself describes it. Thus: I have saith he a little creature like to a Beetle, of no unsavoury smell, sort, and the swiftest of all that ere I knew of Insects, it is of a dark yellow, not black, with six feet, and two very short thin wings not covering the tail; the tail is of the same figure and form with the head, insomuch that you would think it had two heads; for as it hath a mouth in the upper part of the head, and two small cornicles there under the chin, so it hath two others also in the lower part longer then the crea∣ture it self, as many likewise in the tail, but these shorter then the two longest in the head; on∣ly the uppermost of those are longer and thicker then the lowermost. Which rare creature I wish I had seen with Card〈…〉〈…〉, than I•• might have here added to this description the figure of it. There is also besides these a Water-fly, which one•• call from the length of the feet or shanka of it, Tipatu〈…〉〈…〉 M〈…〉〈…〉dium, Ped••n••m, Gruin〈…〉〈…〉; called therefore in English a Crane Fly. Of these Flies, are found four sort••. The first species hath long shanks like a wood Spider, the body almost ••vall of a whitish ash colour, 〈…〉〈…〉wings, black eyes sticking our, with two very short horns, the tail pointed or piked. It ••lies (much like the Ostrich) hopping with the feet, sometimes it flies in the air but mor far nor long. So greedy after the fight, that it

oftentimes is burnt in the candle.

[illustration]

In Autumn it is frequently seen in pastures and meadowes. This of the male kinde. The female is almost alike, but somewhat more black, the end of the tail as it were bitten off; these are called in Eng∣lish Shepherds, in Latine Opiliones, because they are most often seen where sheep use to feed. The se∣cond sort of Tipula hath a great head, eyes standing out, four small horns, the body pleasantly various with the colours yellow and black interchangeably mixt. The third is almost like unto this, saving that the body being all yellow, is better set out with six or seven black spots; both the male and female have a three forked tail. The fourth spe∣cies is very rare and curious, the head and especially the mouth forked, the shoulders swelling, the feet shorter, the body twice as thick as the rest; the back black, the belly and sides yellow, the tail black and picked. It lives in hedges in the Summer, and is seldome found in open fields. Those Tipula or Crane-flies afore-said do couple with their tails tur∣ned to gether, and so they fly; yet sometimes they turn again as it were to embrace one another.

CHAP. XII.

Of the use of Flyes.

THese little creatures so hateful to all men, are not yet to be contemned as being created of Almighty God for diverse and sundry uses. First of all, by these we are forewarned of the near approaches of foul weather and storms; secondly, they yeeld medicines for us when we are sick, and are food for divers other creatures, as well Birds as Fishes. They shew and set forth the Omnipotency of God, and execute his justice; they improve the diligence, and providential wisdome of men. All which shall appear in their places.

As for their presaging of weather: when the Flies bite hardel then ordinary, making at the * 1.85 face and eyes of men, they foretell rain or wet weather: from whence Politian hath it.

—Sitiens{que} cruoris Musca redit, summos{que} proboscide mordicat artus.

English:

Thirsty for bloud the Fly returns, And with his sting the skin he burns.

Perhaps before rain they are most hungry, and therefore to asswage their hunger, do more dili∣gently seek after their food. This also is to be observed, that a little before a showre or a storm comes, the Flies descend from the upper region of the air, to the lowest, and do fly as it were on the very surface of the earth. Moreover if you see them very busie about sweet meats, or unguents, you may know that it will presently be a showre. But if they be in all places many and numerous, and shall so continue long (if Alexander Benedict. and Johannes Damascenus say true) they foretel a plague or pestilence; because so many of them could not be bred of a little putre∣faction of the air.

Many waies doth natute also by Flies play with the fancies of men in dreams, if we may cre∣dit Apomasaris in his Apotelesms. For the Indians, Persians, and Aegyptians do teach, that if Flies appear to us in our sleep, it doth signifie an Herauld at Arms, or an approaching disease. If a Ge∣neral of an Army or a chief Commander dream that at such or such a place he should see a great company of Flies; in that very place, where ever it shall be, there he shall be in anguish and grief for his Souldiers that are slain, his Army routed, and the victory lost. If a mean or ordinary man dream the like, he shall fall into a violent Feaver, likely may cost him his life. If a man dream in his sleep that Flies went into his mouth or nostrils, he is to expect with great sorrow and grief im∣minent destruction from his enemies.

Nor do they only foretell storms, that shall fall out such daies, or such times of the year; but * 1.86 they do afford much matter for Medicine, and cure for diseases. For Galen out of Saranus, Ascle∣piades, Cleopatra, and others, hath taken many Medicines against the disease called Alopecia or the Foxes evill; and he useth them either by themselves or mingled with other things. For so it is written in Cleopatra's Book de Ornatu. Take five grains of the heads of Flies, beat and rub them on the head affected with this disease, and it will certainly cure it. Asclepiades used to take a great many Flies heads fresh pluckt from the body, and rub the part that was bare or bald with this disease, especially if they were exulcerated. For the bloud of Flies (saith he) doth much help the parts that are exulcerated with Nitrous medicines, or are otherwise galled or fretted. Soranus used mix a pot full of whole Flies dried to powder, with Alcyonium, quick Brimstone, Gunpowder, sowes Gall, and other like things against the Fox-evil. Some adde to these Bears hair, roots of Reed, and Fern, and bark of Chesnut; and with which medicine they cure perfect∣ly not only the Fox-evill, but whatever defluxion of hair, and the thinnesse thereof however con∣tracted; the place affected being only first rubbed till it be red again, with fig-leaves. Others use the bloud that runs out of the heads of Flies: othersome apply the ashes of them ten daies toge∣ther with the ashes of paper or nuts, so that the third part be the ashes of Flies. Some others do temper ashes of Flies with womens milk, or coleworts; some only with honey. Pliny.

After the same manner, Haly and Marcellus burn the heads of Flies and mingle them with ho∣ney in stead of an oyntment. Brassavolus lib. de morbo Gallico, maketh use of both the bloud and the ashes of Flies against the Foxes Evill. The like Medicine Pliny useth to procure hair on the eye-lids: Take of ashes of Flies and Mouse-dung of each alike mingled half a penny weight, add to it two sixth parts of Stibium, and with these and Oesipus or sheeps fat anoint the part. Some prescribe Flies with the roots of Docks for the Leprosie to be annointed withall. Pliny saith that there were some, that for the same cause did give 21 red Flies dead, in drink, but those that were very weak a fewer number. That Flies are very good for sundry diseases of the eyes, not only Haly, Galen, Pliny, and Archigenes have affirmed, but also Neotericks or later writers, especially for the Pin and web, Bleer-eye, squint-eye, and warts on the eye-lids. If the eyes be washed in the evening with water of ordinary Flies distilled in way of bath, for a moneths space, it will cure them of all spots or films. If the hair be often wet with it, it will grow exceedingly. But the Vessel must be buried in Autumn, and the Material distilled about Winter. With two drops of this wa∣ter put into the ears, Gesner writes, the deafnesse of them will be cured; and this Medicine he saith he learned of a Jew. Mutianus which was thrice Consul, from observation, did hang a live Fly in a little linnen bag about his neck, wherewith the rhume or bloudshot of them was cured, as Pliny affirmeth.

Flies in an odde number being rubbed together are reported to be very good to cure a fellon on the ring finger. Bean Flies drank with vinegar do drive forth a horsleech sticking in the throat. Haly Abbas. The Fly Napellaris, of the herb Napellus or Wolfebane so called, doth not only cure the poyson of that herb, but all other poyson whatsoever, as Avicen witnesseth, and Julius Sca∣liger confesseth: from whence this Antidote is made. Take round Birth-wort, Mithridate of each two ounces, terra sigillata half an ounce, Flies of Napellus in number 18, juice of Citrons what may suffice, mingle them, make an Opiate. For (saith Scaliger) against the biting of the Taran∣tula, or any venomous beast, or the poyson of Wolfebane there is no Antidote comparable to this. The same do Gainerius, and Petrus Apponensis teach us. Yea, moreover when as there is no Fly almost but will cause vomiting (as I shall make good out of Arnoldus) why may not all of them be thought preservatives against poyson? Cardanus in like manner commends the wormed Fly. But it is best learning of medicines by hands and eyes: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. e. by known experience, lest while we affect unknown medicines we lose the use of those we know. He tels us that an oyl made of wood Flies was in great estimation; yet he telleth not us how to make or to use it. A Fly chewed and swallowed doth vehemently pro∣voke vomiting. Arnoldus. I have heard of a certain man (saith Gesner) that was wont to take three or four Flies into his body, which gave him a very good stool. Take five grains of Broom∣flowers, let them be put into an earthen po••, with butter here and there laid between them bed upon bed, with which the vessel may be filled, and being very well closed, let it be buried in horse dung, where the Sun useth to come, for the space of one year; at the years end you shall finde the Flies turned into an Unguent; the which afterwards are exceeding good for any grief what∣soever in any part of the body, as I have learned of a friend of very good credit. Nonus adviseth to take the bodies of great Flies when the heads are off, and rub'd between the fingers, and to an∣noint a small impostumate swelling therewith, for a special remedy. Fortius the Poet affirms,

that there was a German maid which lived three years with eating of Flies. If cattel cannot urine, or the urine scald their genitals, put but a live Fly into them, and it will give them ease. Columella.

Neither do they serve for the health of men and cattel; but withall do seem to be created for food and sustenance of sundry sorts of creatures. For there are some kindes of Spiders which hunt after Flies and prey upon them. Swallows feed on Flies, and almost on them alone, as if they were to be supposed to be made only for them, inasmuch as without them the Swallow could not live: and that the reason why in fair weather they hunt after them aloft in the air, in ••••iny below near to the earth. Pliny affirms that the Bird called Himantopus, makes them his chiefest food. There is a kinde of Duck called of the Tigurini, Muggent (as if you would say, the Duck that catcheth Flies) like to the tame Duck in bignesse, which greedily snatches up the Flies swimming on the water and eats them.

The Chamaeleon which some have reported, but falsly, to feed only on the air, feeds on Flies, which with his tongu•••• ••ix inches long, putting it forth suddenly and waving it to and fro, he hits unawares, drawes to him and devours them, as I have seen with mine own eyes in the year 1571. All those Birds called Wagtails (if I am not deceived) live upon Flies, but especially those that are whitish about the tails: in the German Tongue todten 'uogel, but others call it more properly Muggen sticher; in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; in Latine, Muscivorum; in English, the Fly-eater, as being fed with nothing else, as Bellonius writeth. The bigger sort of Zigainae, so called, feed on Flies which they catch as they fly, as Swallows do, and never misse one, as I have taken a great deal of sport to behold. The worms of Flesh-flies, which we English call Maggots and Gentles, Fishes are very much taken with; Anglers use to fasten these to their hooks to catch Roch, Perche, Carp, and other fish withall, very good they are for that purpose especially if preserved in honey. Trouts are taken with the ground or Gaipath Fly, but chiefly with the dung Fly; so that the Anglers use to fasten one or two of them to their hook, and with a sporting, or rather cunning snatching back of their Line, do invite the Trouts more greedily to bite, and the bait being swallowed down to hang the surer. Others put as many of those flies upon their hooks as they will hold, and plunge them quite down to the bottome, especially where they know the greater Trouts use to haunt, who are very desirous of the bait so laid before them, and by the their greedinesse become a prey, and lose their lives; as William Bruer informs me. The Fly called Phryganium (in English, the Cados Fly) serves for the like use, as also the Fly which usually sits upon mans ordure. But every moneth must have his several fly, for that which is for one moneth is not for another; the which the Fishers very well know, who in defect of the natural Fly do substitute artificial Flies made of wool, feathers, or divers kinde of silken colours, with which they cousen and deceive the Fish. Only you must take heed that assoon as ever they bite, you pull your line to you, lest the Fish re∣fusing the unsavoury bait get away. In the River Astraeum there swim fish of divers colours feeding upon the native Fly that flies on the top of the water, which when the fishermen percei∣ved, they began to catch of those kinde of Flies, and fasten them on their hooks. Now these Flies it seemeth as soon as ever they are touched lose their native colour, and so become altogether un∣useful to fish withal. Wherefore they are fain to use aritificial ones made according to their shape and colour (as Aelian reports). They add also to the purple wool, and divers coloured, made in∣to the shape of that Fly, two cocks feathers of wax colour, and so exactly resemble the natural Fly. From whence we conclude this art of making Flies to be very ancient, and derived to us by long tract of time; however we have some bold bragging hookmen at this day that ascribe it to their own invention. Nor may we wonder that fishes and fishermen do so lie in wait to catch Flies; when as Domitian the Emperor thought it a work not unbeseeming Caesar himself; who as Suetonius saith of him, with an iron pointed instrument stab'd all the Flies in his Chamber to the wals, as they stuck upon them, and would not leave so much as one; insomuch that when it was asked by any who was within with Caesar, the servants answered, Ne musca quidem, no not so much as a Fly.

But how strongly do those infirm creatures demonstrate the great power of God? For con∣sider but the least Fly that is, and observe how in so little a body the most high God hath curi∣riously fitted feet, wings, eyes, snout, and other parts, which yet are lesse then the least threed. How doth he out-••ly a Fly of his own name ten times bigger then himself? doth he not excell all other Flies in running? doth he not pierce deeper with his snout, and draws out whole vessels of wine? The Elephant, that great monster of creatures, is often vexed and molested with Flies; and that they are able to tame the Lions, Aesop shewes in his elegant Fable. The Horse, and Bear are not able to endure their biting, much lesse then can the Sheep, and Asses, unlesse humane prudence came in for their aid, and did prevail against them. Hence came the invention of that which some make of Lea∣ther, rushes, or bristles which we call a Fly-flap: and that orbicular fan fastened to a Longstick made of the most choice Peacocks feathers, of which Propertius of old, makes men∣tion in this Distich:

Lambere quae turpes prohibet tua prandia Muscas, Alitis eximiae cauda superba fuit.

That is to say,

That which forbids the nasty Fly thy dish to lick, Is Peacocks feathers fasten'd to a stick.

The Indians and Germans make these, the one of Oxes, the other of Foxes tails. Some make them of small willow twigs, others after another manner: the fashion whereof, Aelian, Vegetius, Ovid, Grapaldus do exactly describe. Moreover, whereas the rugged skin of the Elephant is in stead of tail, mane, hair, (to speak in Plinies language) neither hath he any bristles to cover him, or tail to guard him, therefore men cover him all over with linnen or silk, the better to free him from the irksomnesse of the Flies, and to keep him safe that they may not come at his skin.

That Oxen and cattel be not annoyed with Flies, anoint them with oyl fryed in a frying-pan, or with Lions grease, and Flies will not settle on them. The same will Origanum or wilde Marjoram effect, if rubbed till it be limber and spread upon them. If you anoint the hairs with the juice of the leaves of a gourd, you would not a little wonder how it will free them from Flies; this I have oftentimes made use of with profit. Selardanus. Bay-berries being made into a very small powder and boyled with oyl, have the same virtue, if they be anointed with them; as also the drivel or foam of Oxen and Horses. Affricanus.

Oftentimes Flies get into the wounds and ulcers of cattel, so that by reason of the worms which they breed, there is added much malignity. First of all therefore, those ulcers being made clean, Columella applies an ointment made of Pitch, old Oyl, and Bacon grease, both within and without; afterwards he applies Whey wingled with Ashes. Almost all the Summer long the ears of dogs are so exulcerated with Flies, that they often lose them quite. The which that it might be helped, they should be anointed with oyl.

The Fly Ophioborus (from eating or devouring of Serpents) gets close, saith Aetius, between the scales of the Serpent Dryinam especially, insomuch that at length it kils him outright; this Fly from the colour of its wings is called of Hesychius 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Brazen fly, because it resem∣bles the colour of brasse, it feeds on black Beetles; and by biting begets in the Serpent extremi∣ty of heat, after that unquenchable thirst, and death followes: having fed upon the carkasses of these Serpents, if afterwards they happen to bite a man, the wound is incurable and deadly.

The Flies called M••rdivora or Dung-flies are of divers sorts: one is like the Flesh-fly but big∣ger, his eyes of a darkish red, shoulders black, in which there is a circle somewhat long and whi∣tish; the back black drawn over with crosse lines or streaks. The wings silver colour, longer then the body; most commonly they are seen about mens excrements, seldome otherwhere. There is also a Fly green all over, so resplendent and glittering as if it were transparent, the head dunnish, silver wings, frequently in the woods, and most commonly about dung; in bignesse equal to the common or ordinary sort of Flies. Whether it be that which Silvaticus cals Giacu∣cul, I know not. I have light upon another Fly called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Dung-eater, lesse then the green Fly, the body dun, the head of a full red, with a line along the middle of it. I have another the body rough, yellowish, the eyes black standing out; the shoulders and back black, curiously spotted, the tail ash-colour. Another fly there is whose shoulders are of a pale red, somewhat towards a Saffron colour; it hath two horns longer then the rest, silver wings covering all the body; the head black, foursquare, and small, very frequent∣ly seen about horse-dung. To conclude about dunghils (from whence also it is probable they are generated) there are certain yellowish Flies, the body somewhat longer than the rest, and bun∣ching up; of whose generation we have before made mention. Also I saw another rare Fly, not every where to be met withal, that feeds on a mudwall made with mud and putrefied materials, it was black all over, only it had silver wings, and in the shoulders it hath four white spots, in the rest of the body eight, i. e. on each side four; the eyes white, the frontlet marked as it were with a white asterisk or little star; out of which shoot out two black horns and long, it hath also up∣on the top of the thigh or shank a little white spot sprinkled up and down. This Fly I keep, though dead, in a box for the rarity of it. Bombilophagus, is a Fly, montanous, big, very black, the body rough, the eyes somewhat long, great, the head of a bright red; for his prey he fals fiercely on the Humble-bee, and getting the better of him by flight, nimbly gets upon his back, and sticking close to him, doth so extremely bite, that he throwes him headlong to the ground, sucks out what honey he findes, and goeth away conqueror. In the top of Cartmel hills Pennius affirms in his papers, that he saw it as long as the fight lasted; but the fortune of the battel falling to the Flies, the Humble-bees were put to the worst and slain. And thus much of the Zoophagi or the Flies that live upon living Creatures.

The Azoophagi so called, are those that make their living out of creatures without life, and those are either on the land, or in the water: of the land Flies, some feed only on the earth and the dew of it; others of plants, herbs, and flowers growing thereon. The one I call (in a term of my own) Ground-sucker••, Humisugae; the other, Hearb-eaters, Herbivorae. The Humisuga, or Ground-sucker, hath a dun coloured body, in the head toward the mouth, a whitish shining spot, the belly and feet black, at the comming forth of the wings on both sides a white spot, the back grey, in the shoulders according to the length of them four sullied white lines, the wings silver, and (if they be put into the water) shining like the glo-worm: it is found in foot-paths, and

Mole-heaps newly turned up; for it loves the ground that is made plain and smooth with treading on, and therefore called in English the Graypath Fly: it seldome comes upon flowers, especially at what time the Mole casts up fresh earth, of the juice whereof it is sustained.

Of the Herbivora or those that feed on herbs or flowers there are divers sorts or species; whereof three are like the Bee termed of Lucian 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, military or war flies. In regard they are bigger, lustier, and stronger, very specious to look on, very gallantly set out with two sil∣ver wings. The first and chief of these hath a blackish head, the middle of the back being cut crossewise with two overthwart lines, the end of the tail black: the body otherwise mud co∣lour. The second not much unlike, the head blackish, the shoulders according to the length of them drawn with three yellow and black lines, the rest of the body marked alike and with the same colours. The third and least of these, the shoulders are rough and yellow, the head red, the▪ rest of the body is divided with four yellow and four black lines going acrosse it. The bodies of all of them do glitter, and as if they had nothing in them are transparent. They are conversant in gardens, sucking the juice of the flowers. Lucian describes these military flies thus: There are a kinde of Fly which some call Military, others Dog-flies, that make a very harsh and shrill noise, and fly exceeding swiftly. These are very long lived, and continue all the winter without meat, especially when drawn together, and fastened to ridges and tops of houses.

In whom this is most worthy of admiration, that both of them do the naturall office both of male and female, like the Son of Mercury and Venus, who was of a mixt nature or Hermophrodite.

Much like to these is there another Fly called Apiaria, of a shining black, having two wings, gathering wax, and fastening the juice that he hath gathered from the flowers to his hinder legs, as the Bee doth: He comes abroad in Autumn, and is seldome seen at any other time. Whether this be that which Arist. cals Sirenis; it differs certainly in the number of wings only, for that he makes to have four wings, whereas Nature hath afforded this but two.

There are other sorts of Flies, that devour herbs and flowers, that are not like Bees, to wit, the Struthiopteri, Eninopteri, and Chelidonii, because it is like to the Swallow. Of the Struthi∣opteri, I have seen three sorts. The first whereof is tender and sort, six footed, with two wings, the belly longer then ordinary, sending forth from the head a little above the eyes two feathers like Ostriches feathers, as it were horns of a downy softnesse, as soft as any feathers whatsoever; crump shouldered, all the rest of the body white, longer then the wings which are black. The second is of the same colour, whitish, the head of a dusky colour; otherwise it differeth little or nothing at all from the former. The third is all alike, only the horns are not so soft and downy; the tail is white, the body long, with five white lines going athwart it, the feet long, marked with black and white colours: as it goeth it lifteth up the tail a little, and softly claps his two transpa∣rent wings together. These three species do appear in the Spring time with the first, in gardens, hedges and shady places very frequently before and after rain.

The Erinopteros is a fly all over white or rather silver colour, small and every where downy; in∣asmuch as when it sits upon a flower, if you look not hard upon it, you would think it were a feather; the wings of it are divided, the feathers being severed one from the other almost like Birds wings. Pennius received one of these painted, from Edmund Knivet: afterwards he often saw them in hedges, and places set with privet.

The Fly called Chelidonius, is swifter of wing then all the rest, sides, tail, head, brown and hai∣ry, the eyes black and hanging out, the bill or rather the nose picked, out of the top of which start out two horns; the top of the shoulders as also the back black, two silver wings, the forepart whereof do answer to the blacknesse of the feet: sometimes it sits in one place for a great while together, as if it were unmovable, but as soon as you come near it, its out of your sight before you can say, What's this? and will not yeeld a jot to the Swallow (from whom it hath its name) for swiftnesse of ••light. Pennius received another flower-Fly of the learned Carolus Clusius, black, ha∣ving two silver wings, two dainty white eyes in the back, having seven yellow spots, in the midst whereof is to be discerned a speck of black. There are Flies that are found in beans, of sundry colours, but especially of a pale purple, which I conceive do come of the smal worms called Midae. For when they are gone (which is in the midst of Summer) suddenly there comes forth a great number of those Flies swarming amongst the Beans. The Fly of Napellus I have not seen, but those that come out of those black grains that stick to the stalk of the wormwood, much less than Millet seed, more black than any Moor, only famous for their wonderful smalnesse.

There is a certain Fly called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, very rare and wonderful, whether you respect the form or the shortnesse of its life. It hath many names: Aelian calleth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Hesychius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; of others it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; in Latine, Diaria: it moves with four wings and as many feet; for that it hath not peculiar to it in regard of the shortnesse of its life only (saith the Philoso∣pher) but also as it is a four footed creature, and a flying creature. It comes forth with the Sun, groweth, flourisheth, languisheth, and dieth the same day with the Sun setting. In the time of the Summer Solstice, these diary creatures break forth out of certain husks of putrefied grapes, which husks (or such as seem to be so) whether they are a kinde of Aurelia proceeding from some kinde of canker-worms living in the water, it is not easie to shew; for in that particular the Philosopher is silent, from whom most of this story is gathered. Pliny cals them thin membranes; Aristot. small bottles, and saith they are common to be seen in the River Hippane, by the Cimmerian Bos∣phorus of Pontus. They live a life both short and sweet, for they live not beyond the space of a

natural day, and in the evening they put an end as to their lives, so to their miseries. In the mean while they are sustained and kept alive with their own radical moisture, neither are behol∣ding either to air or earth, hence we may gather the length of their life, yea rather admire and wish for it. These Insects Cicero speaks of in the first of his Tuscul. Questions: these also Mat∣thias Michoides in his 2. Book de Sarmatia Europaea describes in these words, You may take no∣tice (saith he) that in the Rivers of Russia and Lituania, especially in Boristhenes and Botus, in the Summer there are a great company of the Flies called Ephemers, or Day Flies: they are Worms and Flies both, some have four, others six wings; in the morning they run upon their feet over the water, about noon they fly about the banks, the sun setting, as many as were bred that day dye in the self-same day. Which description doth much differ from Aristotles History of them, first be∣cause in the morning it is a creeping worm, then about noon a fly altogether, besides that he giveth to some six wings contrary to the minde of Arist. Jul. Scaliger in his learned Exoterick Exer∣citations against Cardanus, describes this Fly after this manner: I have observed a kinde of Fly frequenting Sarca, and the Lake of Bennacum, called Ephemerus, in the evening, but never any in the morning; being taken it lived only a night: it hath four very long wings, how many feet I know not; but if it have six (for I do not remember how many it hath) it sufficeth: it hath a head like a Fly, great eyes, the snout or beak rolled up together, the belly large, the tail excee∣ding long, and full of joynts, in the end forked, in some three forked, of colour a darkish yellow in the bigger sort, in the lesser of a brown or dunnish, very specious. The Taurini call this insect Monietta, as they would say Monachella. The Adriatick about Meranum and Tergeste, call it Cuzotulum; of my Countreymen it is called Sitivola, i. e. Sagitella. Aelian lib. 2. de Animal. c. 4. sets forth another kinde of these Insects, such as are bred of sowre wine Lees, which when the vessell is opened come forth, and the same day, for nature hath given them a beginning of life, but in regard of the many miseries to which it is incident, quickly freeth them of it, before they can be sensible of their own, or any others unhappiness. But yet what these Flies of which Ae∣lian speaketh be, unlesse they be those that we call Bibiones, I know not: for that our Vintners know of no other bred in their cask.

But Scaligers Ephemerus, I should rather have reckoned amongst the Flies called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, had not he himself referred it to this Classis. I shall not think it much also to speak of Pennius his Triemerus, or a Fly living three daies, for the likenesse of the one with the other, that so the mindes of the studious may be filled with variety and rarity. It is of body very long, and somewhat like a Butterfly, the head little and yellowish, the eyes great, black, standing out of the head, the promuscis or beak winding in; of the colour of yellow mulleins, with which it sucketh dew from the flowers; two black cornicles fastened a little above the eyes, the back and belly blewish, the end of the tail dunnish; it hath only four legs, the hindermost whereof are yellowish, the edges of the foremost black, it hath as many wings as feet, the outermost whereof are pale, wan, the utmost borders of them being of a dark yellow, the innermost of a brightish yellow. The outer wings when they are closed together for to cover the body, they are so contiguous, that you can hardly, yea very hard∣ly perceive where they touch; it flies heavily, and continues but a while in flight, within three daies it expires, it lives amongst Mallowes and Nettles, this was found at Peterborough in England in the year 82. witnessed by very honest men and without exception. Thus Pennius.

In flowers, or rather the buds of the flower called white Bets, there is a kinde of Fly that eats the flowers, very small, I know not whether bred there, or coming thither from some other place. It seems they abide there for warmth sake and feeding. Pennius saith he was informed of this by his most learned friend Dr. Brown. I thought good to place the Fly Bibio in this number, be∣cause it is nourished by Wine, i. e. the clear juice of the grape (of which also it is bred). In the Illyrian Tongue called Vinis robale; by the Germans, Wein Worme; in the English, Wine Fly. Car∣danus cals it Muscilio; Scaliger not amisse, Volucessam, and Vinulam; for it flies into cellars of∣ten, cares for nothing but wine. If you take it and look upon it, you would think it had no snout or beak at all, and yet it is reported that they will strike through a Cask made of inch board, insomuch that the wine sometime runneth all out. It may be Grapaldus meaneth these, when he writeth thus: The Muscillae, Musculae, Musciones, Flies bred in Autumn in the mother of Wine, and soiling the Wine-cups, do not live so long (and that deservedly) as to come upon the table in the winter. In the West Countrey in a Town called Tanton, in the fruit of an Apple tree called Velin, in the Summer being rotten to the Core, there is found a glistering fly of a green co∣lour; which when the Apple is cut in twain, flies out, and seemeth to be bred there of some kinde of worm that is in it.

The wounds made by any of these Flies, must be anointed with bitter Almonds bruised, or * 1.87 Walnuts; when ulcers are made, it is fit to pour on liquid Pitch boyled with Hogs-grease. Those things that kill and drive away the Tyke-flies called Ricini, for the most part kill and drive away the Dog-flies. Columella.

The Fly also by his boldnesse and saucinesse, hath taught men how to provide remedies against them; for whereas both at home and abroad, every where they were so troublesome, that no∣thing could be so safely kept by the Cook, but presently they would be at it and spoil it, yea all kinde of meats whatsoever, they now use to strew or stick up in their houses, or boyl and mingle with such kinde of things as Flies love, Nigella seed, Elder, Lawrel, Coriander, Hellebore, Bu∣glosse, Borage, Sage, Beets, Loose-strife, Origanum, Basil royal, Henbane, Licebane, Balm, a

shrub having a flower like a Rose, Pepper, Ferula, Cockle, Libbards-bane; some give them Orpi∣ment powdered with Milk or sweet Wine, and sprinkle it about. Rhasis writeth that Crocodile Broth chaseth away Flies; who also commends the perfume of yellow Arsenick, with Olibanum, perfume of Vitriol▪ writing Ink tempered with water wherein Wormwood hath been washed keeps the flies from the letters. Plin. The seed of Henbane, black Ellebore, and the Froth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Quicksilver with Barly flower beaten and kneaded, and made into little morsels with Butter 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Grease, and smeared with a little honey, and so cast to the flies kils them. Aetius. The gall of a 〈…〉〈…〉are mingled with milk, or boyled in water, and sprinkled about the house will chase away all the flies. Anonymus. Flies are destroyed with the smell of Wine distilled with the herb Balm. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. If you would gather flies together into one place, cast Rhododaphne well bruised into a ditch; the juice of the herb Ferula sprinkled worketh the same effect. Aetius. Bury the tail of a Wolf in the house, and the flies will not come into it. Rhasis, Avicen, Albertus. Boors grease and Rosin melted, entangles them, Oyl choaks them, Verdigrease kils them outright. If you anoint any thing with Casia beaten in oyl, it will be safe from flies. There is found in my Coun∣trey (saith Petrus Cressentius) a kinde of Toadstool or Mushrome, broad and thick, reddish about the top, which sendeth forth certain knobs or little bunches, some broken, some whole; it is cal∣led the Flies Mushrome, because when it is made into a pultess with milk, it destroyeth the flies. If a man hold in his ••and the stone Heraclites, or the touchstone, although he were dawbed all over with honey, yet will not the flies come at him, & by this means you may know whether the touch-stone he true or no. Aetius. They write that the K. of Cambayes son was brought up by poyson, who when he came to years, was all over so venomous, that flies at once sucking were swoln to death. Scaliger. If the fly get into one eye you may shut the other hard and it helpeth. Aphrodisaeus in Pro∣blem. If Camels chance to be stung by the Tabanus or Asilus (a kinde of Fly so called) as it often cometh to passe in Arabia, anoint them with Whales grease and all sorts of fish, and they will pre∣sently be gone. Plia. Solion in Geoponicis, biddeth to sprinkle cattel with the decoction of Bay-ber∣ries; and both these flies through a kinde of natural antipathy depart forthwith. If cattel be already stung with the Asilus Fly, anoint them with Ceruse and water. The Tabani will die (saith Ponzettus) when you set before them Oyl of the decoction of land Crocodiles called Scinci, bruised, with Hogs seam & the flour of soot. Moreover let cattel be led to pasture in the evening, the stars guiding them, in the day time let them be kept in folds with boughs laid under them, that they may lye the more easily and quietly. Virgil. Or else let them be brought to the sides of thick woods where these slies by reason of the dulnesse of their sight cannot fly so freely. Sundry kindes of remedies against slies Ruellius upon Hippocrates, as also Apollonius and Brixtus have prescribed more remedies against slies▪

Now after what manner Flies do execute the Justice of God, let us briefly set down. No Age but will speak of that famous Army of Flies, with which that great Lord of Hosts of heaven and earth did of old correct the fury of Pharaoh, and of the Aegyptians, being joyned with hardnesse of hart; and yet the wicked Hypocrite did not come to himself, but wallowing still in the mi••e of s••n without any sense, did afterwards invite greater and more grievous judgements to fall upon him. And that proud young gallant, who would needs ride to heaven upon his winged stead, was dismounted and cast down by the Fly called Oestrum. Hercules also, although exceeding in strength, the Poets inform, that he was almost vanquished by slies. In the time of K. Rivallus, when as corruption of manners, and guilt had infected Britany, there came down from heaven showres of bloud, and those being dried away, did produce swarms of poysoned Flies, who if they did but once bire any man he presently died, as our Annals report. Nicolaus Albanepolitanus an English man, being elected Pope in the year 1154. called by the name of Hadrian the fourth, was choaked with a Fly flying into his mouth. Ʋrspergensis. Others say that he was killed with drinking a draught of water in which a fly was drowned: and that by the just judgement of God▪ who excommunicated Frederick Cesar, (whose surname was Barbarossa, or Ae〈…〉〈…〉barba) and did incense all the Princes of Italy against him. Nauclerus out of Johannes Cremonensis. An an∣cient writer reports also, that the Army of Julian the Apostate was grievously infested with mighty swarms of flies; and Grillus saith that the Megarenses were by them driven from their habitation. In the year 1348. great numbers of flies dropping out of the air, did cause in the Eastern Coun∣treys incredible noisomnesse and putrefaction; upon which followed such a Plague among the people, that scarce the tenth man among them was left alive. In the year 1091. wonderful store of strange flies did fly up and down many Countreys, who did sundry waies hurt the grasse, trees, cattel, and men also. Cranzius. In the year 1143. a sort of fly about the bignesse of the com∣mon sort of flies, only of somewhat a longer body, did so fill the air, that for many miles toge∣ther the Sun could not be seen, which were also very troublesome. Ʋrspergensis. In the year 1285. Charles King of France leading an Army into Spain, and making war with Peter King of Aragon, an Army of huge flies of divers colours set upon the French, and slew them with their beaks, as it had been with swords. Marineus Siculus l. 11. de Hisp. Reg. In the year 1578. about the middle of August, upon the top of the Temple of Brumbium, there sare every year a swarm of flies which made such a noise with their wings as if they would throw down the ••oof; Time∣thy Bright told this to Pennius, a Physician, a man both learned and vertuous, and of no small note with us. Hither may be referred that which Strabo reports, lib. Georg. 3. That amongst the Romans a Plague did often happen by reason of them, insomuch that they were fain to hire men of purpose to catch them, who were payed according to the quantity more or les••e that they

caught. But how greatly they annoy the inhabitants of Africk, Apulia, Spain, Italy, and the West-Indies, how grievously they sting and wound the Carthaginians, and the inhabitants of Hispa∣niola, besides Oviedus, let those Englishmen speak who accompanied that flower of Knighthood, and Maul of the Spanish pride, Francis Drake. As for those things which Apollonius, Fulgesus and Pliny, fabulously and superstitiously relate concerning Flies, I thought them unworthy of this place; and therefore those flies called Pisatides, Cypriae, Eliades, Acteae, and the rest of meer invention I pass by. It shall not be from the matter to tax in brief the madnesse of the ancient Gentiles, that we may thereby be taught to lift up our eyes to the true▪ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the God that doth indeed keep flies away from us. It is said of Hercules in performing divine Worship, whereas he was almost killed by the Flies, that he offered sacrifice to Jupiter, called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Fly∣way-driver, by which means they were presently dispatcht into the River Alphaeus, from whence he was afterwards called by the name of Muscarius or Fly-killer.

The El••ans did invocate Myagrus and Myades, that multitude of Flies might not cause a plague amongst them. Pliny. He relates also how the Cyrenaicks were wont to worship Achor the god of Flies, that by his means they might be secured from being troubled with them. Pliny more truly might have read this name Acaron, or Ithekron, in stead of Achor, if he had heard of the Town Acaron where Bahal-zebub, i. e. the god of Flies, that famous Idol used to be worship∣ped. Ʋrspergeusis saith that the Devil did very frequently appear in form of a Fly; whence it was that some of the Heathens called their familiar spirit Musca or Fly: perchance alluding to that of Plautas:

Hic pol musca est, mi pater, Sive profanum, sive publicum, nil clam illum haberi potest: Quin adsit ibi illico & rem omnem tenet.

This man O my Father is a Fly, nothing can be concealed from him, be it secret or publick, he is presently there, and knowes all the matter.

But away with those false and filthy gods which▪ the Greeks therefore called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, be∣cause they did serve for bugbears perhaps for children, and ignorant and heathenish people, which we that are Christians, and professe the true Creator of all things, ought not at all to regard.

There is also said to be another use of flies. For Plutarch in his Artaxerxes relates that it was a law amongst a certain people, that whosoever should be so bold as to laugh at and deride their Lawes and constitutions of state, was bound for twenty daies together in an open chest naked, all besmeered with honey and milk, and so became a prey to the Flies and Bees, afterward when the daies were expired he was put into a womans habit, and thrown headlong down a mountain: which place of Plutarch (by the Translators leave) I think should be interpreted not Ciphone vinctus, but unctus Ciphi, anointed with sweet smelling oyntment. Of which kinde of punish∣ment also Suidas makes mention in his Epicurus. There was likewise for greater offenders, a pu∣nishment of Boats, so called. For that he that was convict of high Treason, was clapt between two Boats with his head, hands and feet hanging out: for his drink he had milk and honey powred down his throat, with which also his head and hands were sprinkled, then being set against the Sun, he drew to him abundance of stinging flies, and within being full of their worms, he putre∣fied by little and little, and so died. Which kinde of examples of severity as the Ancients shew∣ed to the guilty and criminous offenders; so on the other side the Spaniards in the Indies, use to drive numbers of the Innocents out of their houses, as the custome is among them, naked, all be∣d••wbed with honey, and expose them in open air to the biting of most cruel flies. But for these things let Nemesis answer, who is at the back of cruel miscreants, yea may be said every moment to be present with them.

To conclude; the last use of Flies (and thatnot to be contemned neither) appears to be this, that where is none of them passe a Summer, yet some of them do not live out a short day, we should by them be put in minde of our own frailty, and of the uncertainty of this vanishing life; the which although preserved with all the dainty food that can be got, with the softest raiment, and all the best waies and means that may be for a short space, yet when it seems most to flou∣rish, it on a sudden declines and scarce with the fly holds out an Autumn, much lesse a Winter; we are in Pindars account but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Daiesmen, i. e. of a daies continuance, and as the dream of a shadow. And with the flies, short liv'd, yea shorter liv'd then they, for the most short lived of them liveth a day, whereas we have young children that survive not sometimes the fourth part of an hour. Away then thou Tyrant whoever thou art, make lawes as thou pleasest, persecute the godly, add impudence to thy strength, trouble and confound all things, give thy self up to all abo∣minable and filthy lusts; yet at length Jupiter shall scare away these fl〈…〉〈…〉s, and after thou art dead exercise thee with variety of torments.

CHAP. XIII.

Of Gnats.

THE Gnat is called in Hebrew Arabick, Heagi; in Italian, Zenzala, zinzala, sanzara, sanzala; in Germane, mock, m' n' ucke schnack, flinger, braem; in Flanders, Mesien; in Po∣lony, Komer, Welchicomor; in Muscovy, Coomor; in Spanish, Moxquite & mosquito, whence our se〈…〉〈…〉en call it a Muschite; in French, if it be lesser, Moucheron, if greater, Bordella; in English, if bigger, a Gnat, if lesser, Midges; in Latine, Culex, perchance from its sting as Isidor saith, or from the word culeum, which signifies the same with cortum a skin. But if I might be bold to give the Etymologie, I should rather read the word cuticem, not calicem, a skin fly, because it most affects that: whence by way of Hieroglyphick it signifies a Letcher; because as the Gnat covets the fairest skin, and strikes till bloud come forth, so doth the Letcher: which Plautus seems to intimate, when as the Parasite, if I am not deceived, takes up an old fornicator for kissing his mistress too hard after this manner: Eho tunihili, cane culex, &c. What, art thou not ashamed thou gray-headed Gnat? I can scarce forbear to tell thee thine own.

The Greeks have no general word that comprehends all kindes of Gnats; as on the other side the Latines want words for particular Gnats, with which the Greeks abound. Of the Greek words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 seems to be most comprehensive, whence the Oeteans worshipt Hercules by the name of Conopius, because he was thought to have driven all the Gnats out of their Countrey. The same Alexandrinus witnesseth that Apollo was called in Attica Culicaris. The Boeotians worshipt their god by the name of Apollo Parnopius, because he drave away their Gnats called in their language, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so Pausanias. But since the Greeks have one herb they call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. Culicularia or Gnatbane, a remedy against all sorts of gnats, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doth indeed seem to be the most general word. That is evident by the network coverlid spread on beds, taken from the Greeks which they call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and we also at this day name not much unlike, a canopy, a thing to catch all manner of Gnats.

The Gnat seems to be a kinde of Fly, yet as flies love sweet things, Gnats love things sowre and tart. The Flies do couple, the Gnats do not. They are most troublesome in the day time, these in the night, they make a kinde of a dull humming noise, these sing shrill, loud and pleasantly.

The Gnat hath two wings, for the bigness of his body great, coming forth of his cromp shoul∣ders, he hath six long crooked scambling legs going in and out, growing from his prominent square breast, with which as Arist. saith, they with the more ease lift up their bodies and go the bet∣ter; he hath a very long body, as also a snout or proboseis three times as long as the Flies have, with the sharp point whereof he breaks through the skin, and with the hollowness of his trunk he sucks bloud, which he makes use of in stead of a mouth and a tongue. Pliny. He makes a terrible sound and great, for the bulk of his body, so that Homer in his Batrochomyomachia, makes them to * 1.88 give the signal for the fight. Aristophanes in his Nubibus, in derision of Socrates, brings in Chaere∣pho, demanding whether the Gnats make that sound with their mouth or with their tail. Yet in his Avibus he terms them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which the Scholiast expounds 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, shrill singing. Their Pro∣boscis (saith Pennius) seems to be given them by nature to suck bloud and to feed themselves withall; but we may not assent to him in this particular, even reason is against it, for that the Gnat when he turns towards one sings more shrill, but in turning away more flat; which could not pos∣sibly be, if they made their sound with their tail.

The structure or make of the Gnat there is no man but with Pliny may justly admire. For in these so small Insects and as good as none almost, what reason is there? what force? what inextri∣eable perfection? where hath nature placed so many senses in the Gnat? where his sight, where his tâste, where his smelling? where is begotten that terrible and great sound which that little body makes? with what curiosity are the wings fastened, and the shanks and legs to the body? an empty hollow place for a belly which causeth such a thirst after bloud, of mens especially? but their dart wherewith they pierce the skin, how sharp is it? as in the biggest it cannot be perceived, so it is doubled with reciprocal art, that it might be sharp to break through the skin, and fistulous to suck the bloud.

Their manners and conditions are very ill disposed, both in regard that by their good will they will wound none but the fairest; and also those that are asleep, harmlesse and thinking no hurt. Whence groweth the proverb of a very ill conditioned man, that he is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, mort mischievous than the Gnat. The Gnat certainly is a very mischievous little creature (to use Aeli∣ans language) annoying men both day and night, both with his noise and his sting; especially those that live near the fens or rivers. Of whom Tertullian against Marcion, and his fifth book speak∣eth thus: Endure, if thou be able, the trunk and launce of the Gnat; who doth not only offend the ear with the shrilnesse of his sound, but with his launce strikes through the skin, yea and veins also.

The distinction of Gnats is very perplex and obscure, it hath puzled all the Philosophers; which with the doubtful sense of words in Authors have almost confounded the things themselves. But to me they seem to differ especially in magnitude and malignity. For there are these several sorts of them, the bigger, lesser, middlemost and least.

The bigger may be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because they have their abode in fenny and marish places, there they are begotten, and there nourished, they have a very long slender body with two wings, which they never lift up above their body as the fly doth, but straight up from their shoulders, and those are very neat, polite and compleat as may be.

They abound in woods that grow near the sea and the fens, not only in Norway, Russia, and other extreme cold regions (as Olaus Magnus hath observed) but in the West-Indies, in Hispa∣niola, Peru; and in Italy, near Eridanus, Padus, Adria, Argenta, where great s••o••e and very great ones are to be seen, terrible for biting, and venomous, piercing through a three double stocking and boots likewise, sometimes leaving behinde them impoysoned, hard blue tumors, sometimes painful bladders, sometime itching pimples, such as Hippocrates hath observed in his Epidemicks in the body of one Cyrus a Fuller being frantick. Nay sometimes the vein being struck, they do so suck the bloud, that when they are gone with their bellies full, it would flow out in drops of its own accord, even as we see in horses when they are bitten of the fly called Tabanus. The Italians use to clothe themselves with leather for that purpose, but yet scarsely and not altoge∣ther by any means they can use, can they escape their 〈…〉〈…〉ings. Whether or no these are the Styges inevitable of which Theophrastus speaks of in his Book de caus. pl. s. cap. 4. I have not to speak for the present (saith the learned Scaliger) and it appears that they are the same, for that they are not bred in a place of free, thin and open air, but are bred and fed about fens and standing waters, as about Argenta, and the mouth of Padus. But if the be Styges, they have found out a very fit name for them from their hatred and malice, which the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doth im∣port. But those which are in the hotter Regions, and live by the sides of rivers and fens, are of a more fierce disposition, and sting more cruelly, as Massarus hath informed Gesner, and our coun∣treymen the English under Captain Drake in their expedition into Hispaniola felt by experience. There are others somewhat lesse then these, nothing differing in colour, form, and frame of body, but yet in disposition more milde, and sting lesse. In the Summer time they are in the shady pla∣ces, in the Winter in snowy places neer hedges and bushes, sporting themselves in their swiftness of flight, and as it were trying the mastery in fleeing from this place to that. They seldome bite, and when they do bite they draw no bloud, but only a little salt sweaty matter which they feed upon; which causeth only a little hard and itching pimple to arise. These two species are especially termed of the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, others there are notwithstanding which have other names.

There are in England, especially in the north part thereof, two other sorts of them, of a third and fourth bignesse, much lesse than the former, but amongst themselves not much differing in their dimensions. These like expert and well trained souldiers, alwaies march in an exact pyra∣midal Figure, and although in themselves infinite, yet not any one of them breaks his rank. Thus they move upwards and downwards, when as in the twinkling of an eye, and while you can say, what's this? they bring their Army into a square body, and presently again into wings; the which if you rout with a fly-flap, or with water sprinkled amongst them, or with a strong blast of breath, they will instantly rally again, and before you can give a fillip bring their whole body in∣to a pyramidal figure. They being in great numbers, do much infest the faces and eyes of travellers, and bite them: so many and so frequent are they, that out of what kinde of wo••m they should have their original it cannot be imagined. Countrey people suppose them, and that not impro∣bably, to be procreated of some corrupt moisture of the earth. These small Summer Gnats are most frequent in the moneth of May, and seem to be nourished with a watery vapour, for their intestine or ventricle is very small, white and welnigh invisible, full of a white frothy thin moi∣sture, and of little or no tenacity; sometimes they fly farther off from the water, and gather themselves in great companies about houses, as men passe over bridges they swarm about their heads, they love places that are without wind, they shun what they can a turbulent air, for by the troublesomenesse of the air they are dispersed hither and thither. Those kind of Gnats are proper∣ly called in English Midges.

Now we are to descend to other so••t of Gnats, according as their names are given them in the * 1.89 Greek. The chief of these are these three, viz. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: of which in order. Empis••is a kinde of Gnat living about rivers, especially about rocks, girt about the middle with a streak of white. It maketh a shril-like noise as the other kindes of Gnats do, whence Chaerephon in Aristopha∣nus his Nubibus demands of Socrates, whether he thought that the Empides did make that sound with their mouth or their tail? Hesichius also calleth this Empri, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Oxe-eater, because be∣ing deceived by the authority of Aristotle, he thought the Oestrus Fly came from them: the which we have declared before at large that they were procreated of Swallowes. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Arist. Hist. 5. c. 19. Which Theodorus Latines thus: Culices Muliones ex Ascaridibus gignuntur, hoc est Tipulis. The Gnats called Muliones are begotten of the Asarides, i. e. the Tipulae. These Tipulae for the most part come out of wells or standing waters, the earthly mat∣ter setling to the bottome; for the mud first of all putrefying, becomes whitish, by and by after blackish, last of all bloud-red, when it is such, presently there come forth certain little red creatures called Algulae, which remaining for a time, they move to their original, and afterwards come to perfection; so that the Tipulae so called, are carried by the water, then a few daies after they heave themselves above the water, hard and without motion; not long after the shell being bro∣ken, cometh forth the Empis, and sits there, till either moved by the wind or the Sun he be able to fly. Thus far Gara. Neverthelesse (not to wrong a famous man) I should think it a very eas••e

matter to shew where in many things he is out. Why doth he translate the Empides Muliones, who are said not to live above a day, and feed only upon honey? which must needs be hard for them to get so readily in Fens and Marishes. For I may well call (without wrong to the judge∣ment either of Pliny or Penny) the Muliones as they call them, Melliones, for they neither care for Mules nor feed on them, but only upon Honey, the which they can smell at a great ••istance; they have a bill like a Wood-pecker, long and sharp, with which they devour in honey so greedi∣ly, that at length they burst their bellies, and so presently expire. In this also did Gaza trip, to say the least that may be, that he translates the word Ascarides by the word Tipulae. For the Asca∣rides (whether they come forth of the earth, or the water, or otherwise) every man knowes do sig∣nifie little worms. Besides, the Tipulae alwaies keep the top of the water, seldome or never go down to the bottom. Last of all, when as the Tipulae themselves come of the Ascarides, who can rightly say that Ascarides are the Tipulae?

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is called Culex ficarius, i. e. Fig Gnat, not because it comes indeed from the fig-tree, but because it is fed and sustained by its fruit. For it is sprung of a certain worm that breeds in the Figs, which when nature cannot make her perfect work upon, nor bring to the sweetness and perfection of other Figs, lest she should make something in vain, by a certain quickning vertue, out of the grains of them being rotten and putrefied, she produceth these Gnats. Yet not so, as that the Gnat is the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or besides the intention of Nature (as Scaliger hath learnedly ob∣served) * 1.90 or if it be, the truth is, the work by the bye is of more dignity than the main. Nature did propose to its self the perfection of a wilde Fig, a thing not so much to be esteemed of: this she being not able to bring to passe, turns her self from so common a work, to an enterprise of greater weight, and produceth a Gnat which she effecteth. Concerning those Gnats Pliny hath these words: the wilde Fig-tree brings forth Gnats, these being defrauded of the nourishment they should have received from their mother, being turned to rottenness, they go to the neigh∣bouring Fig-tree, and with the often biting of the same fig-tree, and greedily feeding upon it, they let in the sun withall, and set open a door for plenty of air to enter in at. Anon after they destroy the milky moisture, and infancy of the fruit; which is done very easily and as it were of its own accord: and for that cause the wilde fig-tree is alwaies set before the fig-trees, that the wind, when the Gnats fly out of them, may carry them amongst the fig-trees, who asloon as they come into them, the figs swell and ripening of a sudden grow very big and full. Whence it is that the Greeks to expresse a woman great with childe and near her time (yea or newly conceived with childe) call her 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Gnat-bitten. Those kemb'd and curle lockt Pathicks and pro∣stitutes of unnatural lust, were called from hence Capifricati, as witnesseth the Greek Iambick, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Nemo comptus nisi Caprificatus. There is no man that curls and trims his locks that is not Caprificatus. To this Caprification Turnebus thinks that Adrian the Empe∣ror did allude, when he upbraids that effeminate Poet Florus with his Pathick obscenity under the term of round Gnats in a most bitter Sarcasm:

Florus had said, Ego nolo Caesar esse, Ambulare per Britannos, Scythicas pati pruinas. To whom Caesar answereth, Ego nolo Florus esse Ambulare per Tabernas; Latitare per popinas, Culices pati rotundos.

In English thus:

I would not Caesar be To travel Britany, To suffer Scythian cold. I would not Florus bee To walk the Taverns free In Sculking Brothels hide, Or the round Gnats abide.

But what time these Gnats passe from the wilde fig to the fig-tree, they do it in such haste, that many of them leave either a foot or a wing behinde them. Now that they generated of the grains of the unripe fig, may be evident in that the wilde fig is left void of grains.

Cnips (some call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) so called of the Greeks, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from biting or stinging, (for that the twinge the flesh, and with their biting cause an itching in the same) is a very small Gnat, not unlike the Conops, who although by his sitting upon the Fig it may seem the same Gnat spoken of before, called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (as Theophrastus saith) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Which place Pliny interprets thus: There is a kinde of Gnat very offensive to certain trees, as to the Oak, of whose moisture that is under the bark they are thought to be bred. Theophrastus cals all those 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, what ever they be that are bred in the Elm, Naven, Rapes, Poley, the Mastick, Turpentine, and other trees, either with putrefaction or otherwise. These or the like, but a little bigger, Cursius in his 13. Book, saith are very hurtful to the orchard Wal-nuts, which are called of those of Lions, Bordella, Bordells. Galens opinion is, they are great de∣vourers of Grapes. The moisture of the Elm included in its first growth in the leaves, or rather blad∣ders, if it dry up, is changed into these Cnipae. In the Autumn it brings forth other kinde of Gnats, many, small, and black, called Canchryes. Symphorianus. They do especially haunt and spoil wa∣tered gardens, the crop and scrape most kindes of herbs. Velarandus Insulanus, an Apothecary at

Lions hath observed them very frequently to come forth of the middle or heart of the Oak Apple, having a hole made into it: as also out of divers other herbs, not so much by reason of putre∣faction, but rather out of the alteration of certain principles being digested into a better nature by successive labour.

Origen upon Exodus, saith that with these little creatures God did the third time take down the proud heart of Pharaoh: the which are hung in the air by the wings, but yet as it were invi∣sible, and do so subtilly and quickly pierce the skin, that the fly which you cannot perceive flying, you may feel stinging. So all the ancient interpreters following Origen, expound the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ Only Tremelius (a very faithful interpreter of the Hebrew Text, and of sacred Writ) is of ano∣ther minde, who thinks this plague to be a swarm of such kinde of creatures, as if the Gnats and all other venemous and stinging flies joyning all their forces and coming together in troops▪ and swarms, had agreed as being sent by God to break the pride of the Aegyptians.

They fly in the air aloft in manner of an Obelisk or Pyramide; especially in the evening, they play up and down by hedge sides, when it is hot and fair weather, they fly in the sun-shine, against rain in the shade. It may be they are the same with those we call Midges, and doth not much differ from that which Albertus cals Schaggen; the Italians, Zenzalis; the Heathen, Cinifes. There is a kinde of Gnat which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the Latines, Herculei; in sloth and ma∣lice like to Drones, and never wound or hurt any but those of their own name and alliance; for as soon as they perceive other Gnats full of bloud and moisture, after they have fought with them, they take them for their prey and eat them; whereas they live idly and do nothing else but seek for their food gotten by the labours of others. Our Ancestors have observed a kinde of Gnat to be bred in the sowre Lees of Wine. Which because they are not heard to sing or make any noise, I had rather think them to be those which Scaliger cals Vinulae Musciliones, Wine-flies. Nor do I passe for the opinion of Niphus, in regard they desire sowre things, and refuse sweet: when as he himself saith elsewhere, that they are fed chiefly with the juice of Oxe dung, than which nothing can be mo••e sweet.

The English Gnats are not so stinging as others, nor do they raise so great pimples, but the lesser sort of them is the more cruel, and yet they leave nothing behinde them but a little itching spot, like a flea-biting. The Gnats in America, especially those they call Yetin, do so slash and cut, that they will pierce through very thick cloathing. So that it is excellent sport to behold how ridiculously the barbarous people when they are bitten will frig and frisk, and slap with their hands their thighs, buttocks, shoulders, arms, sides, even as a carter doth his horses. The Gnats about Terra incognita, or New-found-Land, and Port Nicholas, as also in divers other Northern parts, are to be seen in great numbers, and of an extraordinary bignesse, as the Sea-men and Olaus mag∣nus affirm. The cause of their multitude Cardanus attributes to the unintermitted heat and the length of the day. The cause of their bignesse to that watery and and unctuous moisture which was gotten together by reason of the long cold. But forasmuch as in the hotter parts of the Indies, as Oviedus (and experience) tellifieth there are altogether as great, and many more sorts greater and store, Cardanus may well satisfie himself, though he cannot do me.

Of the Generation of Gnats Natures secretaries do diversly dispute: Albertus saith their ma∣terial * 1.91 is watery vapours. Aristotle denies that Gnats should be generated of Gnats unless by means of a little worm as Flies are. But since that they do not use copulation, I do not perceive how that can be. Pierius was the first that taught how that Gnats do come of certain worms breeding in wood, when as yet every man knowes that Gnats are produced of worms in the Na∣vew, Privet, Mastick, Turpentine, wilde Fig-tree, and other like Trees, as if seed were sown, and that not by way of putrefaction, but animation.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 did chance to finde (saith Bruerus) in a dirty filthy ditch an Insect with very long feet, which for the likenesse of the form, you would say was one of the larger sort of Gnats coming forth of a soft leathern purse. I did imagine that it might be bred of some worm like unto the canker shut up therein; for the shell within was such as those the cankers transform themselves into; Whether it should be called Culex, a greater Gnat, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, it is doubted by the Author. To these (as to all other the like hurtfull Insects) the merciful Creator hath granted but a very short life, insomuch that they which are bred in Summer never live till Winter, and they that are bred in Winter never see a Summer.

Yet notwithstanding God hath created them for divers uses, whether we respect God himself, * 1.92 or other creatures, or our selves. For not only Mynutii, Mynsii, Astabarani, Arrhotenses, Gua∣vicani, were by the just judgement of God, driven our of their cities into deserts and solitudes, as Pausanias, Leo Afer, Aelian, and the Indian Histories relate: but even the Aegyptian Tyrant, of all that ever the earth bred, the most cruel, (as the sacred Scriptures that are more ancient then all the Heathenish Jupiters or other gods, do testifie) was vanquished with an Army of these. The least of those the Pope could not rid out of his throat, but was with one of them miserably choa∣ked. With what a fiercenesse did they charge the Army of Julian the Apostate? how did they make him turn his back, and fall down dead? Let Apostates from the faith consider, and weigh the matter well; let them think more seriously of the strength, power, and majesty of the Crea∣tor, when as they see such cruel stings and more sharp than any poynard whatsoever, to be in such an ab••ect contemptible creature as this is. Neither doth God make use of them to punish wicked and ungodly men, but also for the preservation and safety of mankinde. For about Meroe and

Astaboras, as Strabo reports, so great is the plenty and fierceness of the Lions, that unless they were chased away by a great kinde of Gnat (that troops up and down all that Region) they were not able to live in safety, not in the most fenced Cities from their invasion. The same is wont to happen in some parts of Mesopotamia, as Ammianus Marcellinus writeth, where the Li∣ons being stung with the Gnats, and defrauded of any remedy against them throw themselves headlong into rivers, and are drowned in the deep. To the Aegyptians also, although sometime they were deadly enemies, yet are they now auxiliary to them, as Herodotus writeth, in that they wound and sting to death the young Axillae, before they get feathers, being noxious to them. Moreover were it not for them, the whole species of Bats, water Frogs, and bank Swallowes, which prey upon the Gnats and feed only upon them, would perish. But whereas Gaza saith that the Bird called Cnipologus (a kinde of Wood-picker with an ash-coloured back) doth eat, Gnats doth not agree with their nature. For that kinde of Bird feeds on a little worm that breedeth in the rotten wood, called Cossus, the which he picketh out with his bill: He was deceived, it seemeth, by the Amphibology of the word, which signifieth both those worms, and Gnats also, for so are they called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. But if there were such a Bird, I should affirm without all doubt that it is the Nycter, which by Hesychius and Varinus is called Konopothera. The Gnats called Psenes do cause Figs to ripen, by taking away their milky moisture, and by bringing in the Sun beams with them: and for that reason in those places where Figs do grow, they are bred in the wilde fig-tree, that from thence being blown with the wind, they may light amongst the fig-trees. By which words of Pliny it is manifest that Caprification is nothing else but a certain skill how to cause the Gnats when bred in the green or raw wilde Fig, to fly to the Figs, that they by the wa∣sting of their milky juice and moisture may bring them the sooner to maturity: the which is brought to passe two manner of waies: for either the wilde fig-trees were so disposed round about the Fig-trees, that wind might blow them thence unto them; or else wilde figs being ga∣thered elsewhere, and bound together in a bundle, were cast into the trees; and therefore the lit∣tle beast like to a Beetle, called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, with his noise scaring away the Gnats, and feeding on them if he catch them, the Fig-keepers are wont to chase away and destroy.

The Gnats also seem to be more worthy esteem than the ordinary sort of Almanack-makers; for they will tell you the weather at all times for nothing•• and that more certainly and truly, than they which boast themselves born by the Tripos of Apollo, and a long while brought up at Cuma. For if the Gnats near Sun-set do play up and down in open air, they presage heat; if in the shade, warm and milde showres; but if they altogether sting those that passe by them, then expect cold weather and very much rain. When a Gnat comes forth of the Oak-apple about Michaelmas, it foretels war and hostility; if a Spider, dearth; if a worm, fertility and fruitfulness. Mizald. If any one would finde water either in a hill or valley, let him observe (saith Panano in Geopon.) the Sun-rising, and where the Gnats whitle round in form of an Obelisk, underneath there is water to be found. Yea if Apomasaris deceive us not, dreams of Gnats do foretell news of war or a disease, and that so much the more dangerous as it shall be apprehendad to approach the more principal parts of the body.

Upon a certain time there was seen in the air between the Monasteries of Sion and Shene in England, such a pitch'd battel of Gnats, that you could not see the Sun at mid-day. The fight was maintained for four hours, as long as the Armies could stand; at length a mighty slaughter being made on both sides, so many dead carkasses of Gnats were found in the hedges and high∣waies, that they were feign to sweep the corn fields and medows with beesoms. There followed upon this the banishment of the Monks in both the Monasteries. Stow. Whether this be true or no, I leave to those that can resolve such truths; I proceed to that may be of more certainty to be taken notice of.

Of great use are the Gnats unto us, when as the Fish called Thymallus (as Aeliun witnesseth) can be taken with no other bait then with Gnats. But as they are sometimes useful and profita∣ble, so are they for the most part very irksome and troublesome, wherefore nature and experience have taught us remedies against them. To which end you may make a Fumigation or Perfume of Pomegranat Pills, Chamaeleon, Thistle, Lupines, Wormwood, Grist, Pine, Fleabane, Ele∣campane, Cedar, Radish, Cummin, Rue, Hemp, Dung, Galbanum, Castoreum, Feaver-stone, Harts-horn, Goats-hoofs, Elephants dung, Brimstone, Sulphur, and Vitriol, which will drive them away.

There are prescribed also these compound receipts: take roots of Elecampane 1 dram, Am∣moniacum, thymiama, storax, of each 2 drams; burnt shels 2 drams, put all these into the fire and perfume your cloathes. Another; Make powder of Harts-tongue, and with Vitriol perfume them. Another; Take Wine-lees dryed, and Ceruse, of each alike, with Copperas and Oxe dung, perfume them. Aetius. Another; Take Vitriol, wilde Gith seed, Cummin seed, of each alike, with Oxe dung, smoke them. Also the vapour of very strong Vinegar, and of Origanum, doth chase them away. Another; a Sponge dipt in Vinegar and burnt in the house drives them away. So Wormwood, with Radish Oyl, by anointing preserveth from Gnats. Novus. Palladius adviseth to sprinkle new Brine and Soot in the chambers of the house. Rue dipt in a decoction of Flea-bane, and laid in the several corners of the house, kills the Gnats. Ruellius. If you make a circle of green wet Hemp about the bed, Gnats will not trouble you. Geopon. If you anoint your self with Oyl, or the Manna of Frankincense, they will presently be gone. The trees that grow in

watery gardens, and plants infested with Gnats, are freed from them by burning of Galbanum as Pliny saith. But a prodigious, that I say not superstitious, remedy seemeth that of Rhasis to be, I know from what jugling Democritus he had it, hang some horse hair and make it fast in the middle of the door, and Gnats will not come in at it. But why should Vinegar kill them, a thing which they naturally desire and thirst after? unlesse it be the vapour of that thing that destroyeth them by taking away their breath (as it often comes to passe) whose substance would nourish them. Apollonius Tyaneus (as Tzetzes Chil. 2. hath left recorded) did so order the matter that no live Gnat could come into the Cities of Antiochia and Bizantium. But since we do not see how that should be done, the less credit may be given to it.

The Grecians have devised a kinde of tent or covering in manner of a net, of linne, woollen, or silk; which being hung about their dining rooms and beds, kept the Gnats from entring in. Our Countreymen that live about the Fens have invented a canopy (the first that ever I read of) with less cost, but the same profit, which they call a Fen-canopy, being made of a broad, plain, half dry, somewhat hard piece, or many pieces together of Cowes dung, and these they hang at their beds feet: with the smell and juice whereof the Gnats being very much taken and feeding thereon all the night long, let them sleep quietly in their beds without any disturbance or mole∣station at all, being sufficient reward for their pains so taken. In the day time they are kept off with a fly-flap made of Peacocks feathers or other the like things bound together; unless they be very numerous, and small Gnats, for then they will fly into the eyes, ears, nostrils, and mouth al∣so, and taking greater courage to them, sting more sharply, notwithstanding these Remedies.

CHAP. XIV.

Of Butterflies.

THE Butterfly is called of the Greeks, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; but the more general name is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The Latines, Papilio, Ardoynus calleth it Cam∣pilo; Isidore, Avicula; the Italians, Farfalla; the French, Papillon, Papilion; the Spaniards, Mari∣posa; the Polonians, Motill; the Hungarian, Lovoldeck; the Illyrian, Pupiela, Meteyl, Motyl; the Germans, Pifnet, Mulk, Pfyfholter, Summervnegel, Zweifalter; the Flandrians, Ʋleghebronfus, Bo∣tershyte; the Brabanters, Capelleken, Ʋlindere, Pellerin, Boter Ʋlieghe; the English, Butterfly.

The Butterfly is a volatile Insect, having four wings, not two (as Constantinus Friburgensis * 1.93 dreamed) six feet, two eyes standing forth of his head, and two lither Cornicles growing forth from before his eyes: the Butterfly hath a two forked beak or bill, and within those forks is couched another little bill or beak, with which they suck in; some the day dew, others the night. They couple sometime with their tails averse, sometimes reflex; and continue long in the act of * 1.94 Copulation. They lay and fasten their Eggs, not little worms (as Arist. imagined) on the top and under the leaves, some great, some small, yellow, blew, blackish, white, green, some lesser then Millet seed, some twice as big, others just as big; according to the colour and natural mag∣nitude of each Butterfly. These eggs being laid in a warm place, or being cherished and caused to grow in the day time with the heat of the Suns beams, shoot forth a Palmer or canker-worm, at the first all of one and the same colour with them, but afterwards, as they grow bigger they change their colour. Out of some eggs the Caterpillars appear at four daies end, others do not hatch before fourteen daies, which by little and little get strength and fly, but weakly; yea some of them being kept from the injuries of cold and hard weather, endure all the winter, as experience doth sufficiently confirm in the Silk-worm. After copulation all the Butterflies do not presently die but live in a languishing condition, till winter, and some to the winter solstice; the lesser and weaker sort of them are very short lived; the more strong and hardy continue longer; they ap∣pear in the Spring time, out of the Canker-worms, Aureliae, growing by the heat of the Sun, and by the temper of the air being in stead of a Midwi••e to them, they are brought forth. The com∣ing of them is for the most part a sign of the Spring coming on, but yet not alwaies, nor in all places. For although they be very weak and not long lived; yet while we were writing, thus (saith Pliny) it was observed that their issue was thrice destroyed by cold weather coming again: and strange Birds about the 6. of the Kalends of February gave notice of the Springs approach; but a while after with a cruel bitter winter weather that succeeded, they were all destroyed. We ought not to wonder that those foolish Icarian Astrologers having no ground for what they say, do tell us that which is false; whereas it doth appear by this, that Nature her self is inconstant; and we being more addicted to second causes than we should, and being unmindful of the first Mover, are deceived by her. Pennius reports of two swarms of Butterflies in one Autumn. Now although. I do not deny with long and sharp frosts they may all die, yet they are able to endure moderate cold, and do live in warm places even in very cold seasons. For how commonly are they found in houses sleeping all the Winter like Serpents and Bears, in windowes, in chinks and corners? where if the Spider do not chance to light on them, they live till the Spring.

Arist. saith that they all take their colour from the worm they are bred of: but yet (if

this be granted) they have other colours besides, as will appear in their particular Descriptions and Histories.

They most abound in the time of Mallowes blowing, out of whose flowers when they have thrust in their snout or proboscis, they suck a sweet juice with whichthey refresh their bodies. Co∣lumella in his Book de Nat. rerum l. 9. c. 11. speaketh of the Butterflies thus coupling, and begin∣ning on this manner: The Butterflies couple after August; after they have coupled the male straight-way dies: out of their dung come forth worms. But all these things are so horribly strange that they have no shew of truth. For their chief time of coupling is in May and July: neither doth any Male of them die immediately after copulation; unless it be of that kinde of Butterflies of which those Caterpillars come which are called Silk-worms. To conclude, those things he supposeth to be dung, are indeed eggs: out of which come not worms, but a great many little Cankers, out of whose cases come Butterflies.

There are so many kindes of Butterflies as there are of the Cankerworms: out of whose Au∣reliae * 1.95 they proceed. They differ generally in that some fly abroad, especially by night, these are called Phalenae. Others only by day, which are called therefore, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Day∣flies. The name Phalaina is a Rhodian and Cyprian word; for so they (as Nicander the Scholiast witnesseth) call that creature which flies to the candle, viz. (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) Turnebus out of Nicolaus and Lycophron, will have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to be taken for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: of whom, because with the motion and force of its wings it oftentimes puts out the candles, is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the roughnesse, and the bran and meal which seems to be spread upon it, it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And because some of them are so far taken with the love of the light, that they burn themselves with the flame, they are called Pyraustae. There are those that interpret this Phalaina to be the Cicindela or Glow-worm, but not rightly; forasmuch as the Glow-worm never desires the can∣dle at all, but delights generally and chiefly in a dark night. The Germans call it ein Leight m' ucken, ein Leight flugen; the Helvetians, Flatterschen; the Italians, Farfalla, Paviglione, and Po∣veia; our North, as also the West countreymen, call it Saule, i. e. Psychen, Animam, the soul; because some silly people in old time did fancy that the souls of the dead did fly about in the night seeking light. Nicander describes a Phalaina thus: which Hieremias Martius interprets thus:

Consider what strange beasts rude Memphis breeds; One like a flying worm; by candle light; Wherein he playes as if he took delight: Driven from meats, whereon at night he feeds. His wings are narrow, of pale hue, not green, But more like ash-coloured to be seen.

From these things therefore we may gather this description of the Phalena, that it is a kinde of Butterfly flying in the night, most desirous of enjoying the light; from whence it takes its name, of a body rough, its wings powdered or sprinkled as it were with a fine kinde of ashes or dust; lying hid all the day time under leaves, or in some obscure place of recesse, in the night flying about the candles, and by its too much desire of them re∣ducing it self into ashes: seldome or never it flies but with the wings standing upright on the back, as on the contrary the day Flies keep their wings even with their body. Horns they have for the most part, either rough and large, or very little and short: but the day Flies more long and tuberous in the extremity of them. The Phalenae come out of the shels of the Canker-worm covered with earth. The day Flies from their Aureliae, either hanging upon or sticking unto the boughs of trees. They are for the most part rough, and as it were dusty, flying in the dark, very tender; these on the other side flying in the day light, are more plain, smooth, even, and have no dust upon them. They fly seldome in the day but toward the close of the evening, lest the dust that is upon them being dry∣ed by the heat of the Sun and drowth should shake off, being never used to be wet with rain. But these are not able to fly by night, lest the night dew should wet them quite through, and hinder both their flight and their health: wherefore in rainy weather and all night they shrowd themselves under the leaves, and never fly abroad but in clear and fair weather. The Pha∣lenae are no lesse affected with the candle than these with the day-light: wherefore these rejoyce at the day-star, that is to say, the Sun; but those at the night-star, to wit, the Moon, and Stars, and candle-light, resembling somewhat the nature, splendor, and glimmering light of the Stars.

The Phalenae are all either very big or very little. The bigger sort of them have their bel∣ly and also the inside of their wings altogether of a sandy colour. The eyes seem blue, the head blackish; between the eyes come out▪ two dusky coloured horns, Eagle coloured, with black crosse lines wreathed like a rope. Upon the shoulders there is a kinde of san∣dy dusky coloured roll or welt: from whence a black crosse spot is drawn to the end of the shoulders. The body if you look on the backside, is of a bright blue or azure, if on the belly, it is of a sandy colour. The two outmost wings are very large and Eagle-coloured, finely set with spots and white circles, the innermost are far lesse and yellowish, adorned in the inside with certain dusky streaks and spots; it hath thighs brawny and strong, all of a dusky colour, and at the end forked and black. It flies with a great noise, and being blinde

in the night, what ever glistering there

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be arising of rotten wood, scales of fish, or the like, it greedily followes. As great Tyrants devour and spoil their subjects, so those night-walking Butterflies batter with their wings and destroy those that fly by day, being by night lodged under leaves.

The second Phalenae of the first mag∣nitude, as it is somewhat lesse in bulk of body than the former, so it far ex∣cels it in the gloss and splendor of co∣lours: as if Nature in adorning of this had spent her whole painters shop; and had intended the former for the King of Butterflies, that is to say, strong, valiant, blackish, freckled: and this for the Queen, delicate, tender, fine, all beset with pearls and precious stones, and priding it self in embroi∣dery and needle-work: her body downy like Geese, something smooth and hairy, like Martens or Sable skins; the head little, great eyes standing out, two cornicles like feathers, of a yel∣low or boxie colour: she hath four great wings, every one of them ha∣ving eyes of divers colours, the ap∣ple whereof is black, the circle or roundle next to it of various co∣lours, with yellow, flame-like, white, and black coloured circles, and semi∣circles. The outer wings from their original to their extremities are whitish, beautified with certain lit∣tle veins and specks; the edges whereof are adorned with a welt or guard, and a hem of dunnish or dark yellow colour: the inner wings brown or tawny, having one eye apiece as the former, with a three-fold border, the first whereof is plain, the middlemost part gosing in and out like a scollop (both of a fie∣ry colour) the outmost of all of a pale white, and as it were sown on by some Skinner or Fur••••er; she goes upon strong, rough, brawny thighs, of the same colour with the rest of her body. This did Carolus Clusius send from Vi∣enna, of so elegant and notable figure, that it is easier to wonder at and admire, than with fit expressions to describe.

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The third sort hath a great body rough and blackish; each wing hath one eye, the sight or apple whereof is black, the roundle brown, the half circle white. There are divers pieces in the wings of a watry Amethyst colour, the edges of the wings at the first sight appear ash-colour, afterwards Eagle-colour. The head very short and little, putteth forth on either side a black eye, the apple whereof is of a notable whiteness, be∣tween those break forth two very small short horns of a dunnish colour. It is be∣gotten of a rough Canker-worm, not a smooth.

The fourth hath a great dark coloured head, out of which arise two streight cornicles somewhat black, the neck is adorned with vermilion specks, the brest rough, square, duskish, the shoulders coil black, the belly of Amethyst or purple colour, divided with five or six circles or rounds; the feet black as pitch, the wings of a light brown, full of long black little veins.

The fifth hath a white head, black eyes, the horns a little yellow, the outmost wings long, of a sad colour between white and brown, the innermost being lightly and as it were by the by coloured reddish, the shoulders very black, the rest of the body somewhat of a rose colour, bound about with seven black circles, a white line running all along the middle of the belly.

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The sixth hath head and shoulders

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rough, and the utmost wings drawn with bloud colour lines, are a white brown; the eyes of the head standing out, of a vio∣let or azure colour; the inner wings some-what of a carnation, represent the eye in the middle part, shining with the apple crow black, the circle about it purple; the bo∣dy like dried flesh, and a little smoak't, di∣vided with six roundles black and brown.

The seventh hath the outer wings white, with cer∣tain brown spots here and there as if it were watered Chamblet; the neck ring'd about as it were with a red skin reaching all down the shoulders like a Fryers cowle; the head is red, the eyes pearl colour, the horns flame colour; the innermost wings of a shining red speckled black; the feet red, the belly all of the same colour, with seven incisures or clifts of a deep red lead colour.

The eighth is almost all over brown, but the edges of the wings and the middle part of the horns are of yellow or box colour.

The ninth is almost like unto it, but that the edges of the wings are like black sand, it hath horns broad and bended, of a whity-brown colour, the middle of the outermost wings stopped with a round white spot.

The tenth is of a like bignesse, all over of a white brown, but that the middle of the outermost wings is marked with a white spot, and the eye with a very black apple.

The head of the eleventh is tuberous, the horns slender, the body like clay trodden; otherwise the wings are all of a dark silver colour.

The twelfth somewhat of an ash-colour, the wings spotted black, the eyes black, the apple white.

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The thirteenth hath very little or no horns at all, the body all over yellow, except the eyes (which are little and black) and the wings which are whitish.

The fourteenth appears of colour various, it hath black tuberous horns; as also the eyes and feet; the shoulders are drest with five white plumes as it were, of which the two middlemost have three black specks; the wings snow white, bespeckled here and there with black, yellow and blew specks; the body russet, ar∣ticulate or jointed, the sides whitish, she puts her tail in or out as she pleaseth, it is sharp, yellowish, jointed; all the body as it were sprinkled with dust; otherwise in regard of the tuberous cornicles it had come in the number of the day Butterflies. It layeth abun∣dance of yellowish eggs, in the laying whereof she puts forth a little tail, which she puls in again at plea∣sure.

The fifteenth hath two black slender cornicles, the head and shoulders hairy, of a dun colour, the neck adorned with a collar of Vermilion, the shanks red∣dish; the outmost wings chamoletted with white and dun, the innermost are exactly red spotted with black spots; the body of a light vermilion, rounded about with six black guards, or welts.

The sixteenth seems to be very rare: if you look upon it as it lies on its back, it seems to be all over of a murry colour; if as it lies, green and yellow; it hath five very red lines or streaks drawn along the shoulders; as also seven spots set quite through the middle of the back, do adorn the rest of the body: the wings also tra∣verst with murry spots or shadows rather, the beginning whereof from the head to the bottom of the breast is terminated with a line of whitish or silver colour.

The seventeenth, when it goes upon its feet and its wings close to its body, looketh dun; but when it fli∣eth with the wings stretcht forth, the innermost wines are carnation set about the edges, with a blackish list or border: it hath very long cornicles, and the pro∣muscis or snour doubled in or rolled up together: the gray shoulders are marked with round sand colour spots; the side also, and all the joynts of the body are set and edged about with hoary hairs.

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The eighteenth being very rare indeed, was sent me by Clusius. The hornes whereof pide colour, the head black as pitch, the nose crooked, the cir∣cle of the eye white, the neck scarlet or crimson; the shoulders being rough of hairy, are covered as it were with a sable mantle; the outer wings deck∣ed with a white and black hem; the innermost red speckled here and there with black spots; the bo∣dy black, as likewise the feet; but the sides of the body are set out on each side with seven bloud-colour spots.

Like unto this there was another sent, but with the cornicles altogether crow colour; and on the middle of the shoulders dressed with a pure white list, as it were with a string of pearl.

Of all these the bodies seem to be of a great big∣nesse.

Now we shall addresse our discourse to the middle sort of Phalenae.

The first of which is white all over, but only that the outer wings are bedawbed with certain black spots & freckles; and the innermost with very red specks and pimples white in the midst; the eyes ve∣ry black, the feet and horns yellowish; in stead of a nose there comes forth a rough hair or bristle, the which is wound round up toge∣ther like a roll.

The second, the whole body rough or hairy, and of a light red; and so are the outer wings, were it not for whitish spots, and hems that go about, and yellow little eyes in them; the cornicles being yellow, are marked with black spots; the inner wings are of the colour of the marygold, but adorned with eyes and hems like the former.

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The third hath four white wings; the outer wings overcast with little blew veins here and there plenti∣fully, and two round blackish spots in the middle; the line that is about the wings is yellow, and the cornicles of the same; the head and body black, the eyes exceeding white, the sides of the shoulders are marked with four very white oblique lines on each side.

The fourth hath broad horns of crane colour, the body black, the sides gray, the wings yellowish, all over besprinkled with black spots like dragons, broad at the top, and afterwards round; the edge of the wings like the Bats snagged, and as it were prickly, all over black, within six white specks; pearls being placed on each side do set it out.

The fifth is all over black, but that it hath pale reddish spots up∣on the wings.

The sixth hath the body and the corni∣cles black, the eyes white; the wings are black underneath, above trimmed with golden hair & spots; to which are joyned black studs, run through with asilver co∣loured threed: the outmost wings have a black border winding in and out, with gold laid underneath, and as it were wrought in and out with a needle.

The seventh broad horned, the black body waxing hoary; I know not whether I may count it for a discredit or a grace to it. The beginning of the wings are red, the rest yellowish, but each part embossed with black square spots and a golden threed running along the edges.

The eighth hath four cornicles spreading wide, of ash-colour, two of them very long and larger in the borders; the body like the former, the wings of a pale ash-colour, chequered with black, and painted every where about the edges with drops of the same colour.

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The ninth, the head, eyes, cornicles, body, and innermost wings do represent the golden ocre; the shoulders and outmost wings are black, but only for a black border, having on each side of it an ash-colour line.

The tenth hath its body yellow, bedropt with black from the neck to to the tail, both back and sides; the eyes, cornicles, and feet perfect black, the outermost wings white, but garnisht with borders of yellow, black small studs, and spots likewise.

The eleventh if you look on the wings, it is snow or milk white, but only that it is all to bespeckled with little black spots; the shoulders also are white and downy; the body and back yel∣low, and joynted, having eight little black spots; the eyes big and standing out of the head, between which sprout out two black and hairy cornicles. In the night time she flies about the mea∣dowes and pastures.

The twelfth hath its wings so long that it can scarse fly; it hath very short cornicles, little very black small eyes, all the bo∣dy else is white, being here and there sprinkled with certain yel∣low veins and hairs.

The thirteenth (except its black eyes) is of a Crane-colour, somewhat blackish; the cornicles more than ordinary long, the body rough and hairy, the wings of the same colour with the bo∣dy, but about the edges glistering with a greenish, glassie varnish.

The fourteenth is a very rare one, though all over almost of a sand-colour; it hath cornicles for the bignesse of the body, strong, black, and crooked like the oxe, the eyes great and black, the head short, the neck thick; the outermost wings adorned with certain black studs; the ridge of the back is drest up as it were with five black heads of Gilliflowers, three forked.

The fifteenth hath its wings of a pale ash-colour all over, amongst all the rest it is destitute of cornicles, the eyes are some-what black; the back yellowish and set with five dusky coloured spots.

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The sixteenth seemeth to be of the same colour, but that it is streaked with black athwart the outermost wings: but this is every where of one colour (except the eyes which are black). It hath a long body, joynted, four long narrow wings, six feet, those behinde are twice as long as those before, it hath slender cornicles but growing out very far.

17. This comes of the Caterpillar of a Silk-worm, white all over but the eyes, which are blackish, and certain small yellowish veins running straight over the wings, and crosse the joynts of the body: I call it the Silk-worm Phalena. Of which more in the story of the Silk-worms.

The least sort of Phalenae.

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1. In the Classis of the least sort of all, we shall place one and the first ve∣ry admirable, going on four very black feet; it hath the outer wings azure, the innermost yellow, and the innermost (which is not usual) lesse then the outermost; the yellow body also is so big, that the wings can scarce cover it; the cornicles are full of little points, and the eyes all but the sight blackish; the head and the snout (being long, slender, and rolled up toge∣ther) are somewhat yellow.

2. The second appears blue and green, it hath a little body, the feet and cornicles blackish.

3. The third hath the shoulders and wings gree∣nish, of the colour of leek blades; the body dunnish; the outmost wings are guarded with a guard set with white and dun spots; it hath a very little head, the feet and the cornicles ash-colour.

Moreover there are found in houses a certain sort of little silver coloured Phalens, marked with black spots, which fly to the candles, called Mothes in English, which eat linnen and wool∣len clothes, and lay eggs, of which come Moths, and of the Moths again these Phalens; they are said to come first of all from rose leaves and other herbs putrefying.

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Three others I have observed in pastures and me∣dowes. The first whereof hath the outer wings black, each of them marked with 5 red spots like bloud, the innermost wings are all over red, the body dun, the head, short cornicles, and the feet blackish. The se∣cond is all alike, only that it hath but four red spots in the outmost wings, and hath a more slender body. The third is almost of the like shape too, but the cor∣nicles are a great deal longer, and the red spots seat∣tered after another manner; for there appear about the edges of the wings only two red bloud-like spots; but from the rising of the wings two spots drawn at length. And thus much may suffice to be spoken of the night Butterflies, or Phalens; passe we on now to the day But∣terflies.

The Day Butterflies are to be described after such a sort, that all men may see the fruitful∣nesse and elegancy of Nature in this behalf and admire. For she hath not lesse played her part, or wrought hard rather in the variety of these, their colours, attire, rich apparel, roundles, knots, studs, borders, squares, fringes, decking, painting, making them, then she had done in the Phalens.

1. The first Day-Butterfly being the greatest of all, for the most part all yellowish, those places and parts excepted which are here blacked with inke. Moreover, the roundles of the in∣ner wings are sky-colour, insomuch that you would think they were set with Saphire stones; the eyes are like the Chrysolite: the bignesse and form is so exactly set forth in the figure, that there needs no more to be said of it.

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2. The second dif∣fers very little from the first but in big∣nesse; it hath never∣thelesse, very black eyes & longer cor∣nicles, where you see the color white, there suppose it yel∣low, except it be those great eyes at the end of the in∣nermost wings, the apple whereof must be made flame-co∣lour, but the semi∣circle bloud-red.

3. The third not much unlike in co∣lour, but that the extuberances, and the outmost bor∣der of the inner∣most wings is sky or woad-colour; as also those three taches which you see painted under the hollow part of them.

4. The fourth may be said to be the Queen or chief of all, for in the uttermost part of the wings, as it were four Adamants glistering in a beazil of Hyacinth, do shew wonderful rich, yea almost da∣zle the Hyacinth and Adamant themselves; for they shine curiously like stars, and do cast about them sparks of the colour of the Rain-bow; by these marks it is so known, that it would be needless to describe the rest of the body though painted with variety of colours.

5. The head, feet, cornicles are of bloud-red, but the eyes purple, the back black and blue, the belly yellowish, the wings at the basis of a bright yellow, and afterwards more sad; the utmost parts of them being rusty colour, and waxing blackish with an unpleasing duskiness, are beautified with three little yellow spots; to the innermost being sprinkled with rusty colour, first two yellow, afterwards three pale yel∣low spots do stick. If you consider them with the face upwards, the upper wings are of a greenish yellow, marked with six or eight spots, the innermost of a light grasse-green, stained with two white spots; the belly and face yellowish; it comes out of a whitish Aurelia, spotted with little dark coloured spots.

6. The upper wings without are blackish, with a certain gard of a decayed red running through the midst; the extremities of them gli∣ster with white spots and specks like drops, being sharpned with dark coloured notches round about; but in the inside that guard doth shew of a more clear and full colour, and toward the bottome they seem blue; the undermost wings appear of one colour without, of another within, without they are all over sad coloured, except a reddish bor∣der, with a prickly purle very small and blackish, marked with four little points, and two diverse coloured opals placed together; within

they shew nothing like to this, but from a black and purle embroidery, they end in a sad fading red, the body is black, the eyes, horns, feet, all dusky and of the same colour.

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7. The whole body is black, yet in every in∣cision of the back, it hath two white spots; & wings between yel∣low and red, adorned with black and very white specks: but the bounti∣full Mother of all things, Dame Nature, hath chief∣ly beautified the borders of the wings, which have little teeth set like to saws at an equal distance one from the other, in the border whereof 20 blue studs pierced through with black lines, make a glorious shew.

8. Nature bred this with a chamblet mingled coloured coat, but it wants lively colours, for the wings are of a black reddish fading yellow and rus∣set colours, and it is more beautiful for its soft skin, than for its gallant apparel.

9. This is for the most part of an ash-colour, but if you look on the inside of the inmost wings, there is nothing that can better re∣present the wings of a Turky-cock; for the feathers that he flies withall, are covered by other feathers with scales; the eyes are black, as the horns are also, which are swoln like water-cats-tails.

10. The body is black, the shoulders are covered with yel∣low down, as is also the whole head; the horns are yellow also toward the head, which appears the sadder by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spot of a dark red; many round pearls set at just distances, do make the out∣ward'st rounded skirt of all the wings to be more graceful: but withinside they are ••o••led with very black 〈…〉〈…〉 like lintels. But as the part is less comely outwardly, so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉 part of the inmost wings, shining with a whitish 〈…〉〈…〉 spots upon it, shines gallantly: and those spots that 〈…〉〈…〉twardly round pearls, seem inwardly pure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉

11. It 〈…〉〈…〉 list of oriental Pearls 〈…〉〈…〉g in blue, the upper wi〈…〉〈…〉 ••eing of a fla∣ming yellow, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like fire paint∣ted with six mo•••• ••••ack guards, the root of the 〈…〉〈…〉 is black, then they shine from yellow to fiery colour; the body is downy with darkish hairs, and the horns and feet are of the same colour.

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12. It is wonderful beautiful, the wings are light bloud-colour, dipt with black spots, they shine with smal long beams dispersedly drawn like threds to the very outmost of the coat, and this is adorned within with golden crooked lines like the Moon, being it self a murry, nicked on the sides like a Saw: the bo∣dy is purple coloured from black, the eyes shine like gold, the feet and horns are black.

13. The body and wings appear black, upon the black wings, jagged in the circumference, first hairs grow, then borders, and lastly golden studs: also the small eyes in the black head are tinctured with gold, but the horns grow forth with spots white and black, and end with a small very black knob.

14. It much delighteth in the curiosity of the decking of it; the body is rough and blackish from white, a black eye, and a white pupilla, about the bald eye you shall see a circle almost white as snow, the horns are the same with the former, the outward face of the greater wing is known by the flaming colour, golden lines being drawn upon it, with four dinted skirts; about the end of it three round pence set triangular, do adorn it. But the in∣ward face of it seems most pleasant, with divers golden scales and studs put like a coat of male, and tyles of a house: also a golden line beautifies the utmost part of the wings. It represents a Peacock very much by its wings, and as that is, so hath it a proud and gallant body; the feet and legs are some-what black, (lest it should be proud of its feature) the snout is like a spiral line made up like a Maze.

15. This hath also a hairy beak wreathed up like a vine tendrel; it is inwardly ash-coloured, and outwardly a faint gray, the wings are prickly, jagged like bats wings, some dun lines do outwardly part these, inwardly six black studs do much set them forth.

The outward wings of all are a dark green in sight, which some spots and pieces of white and yellow do beautifie; the inward are perfectly red, being sprinkled with ten most black spots: the belly shines with eight yellow scales; the back is red inclining to yellow, and the tip of the tail is a light blue. The rough shoulders are commended by a yel∣low Moon drawn downwards, a white silver coloured apple makes the red eyes more sharp.

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1. The eyes seem yellowish, the * 1.96 horns a decayed russet, the wings and all the rest of the body are a pale yellow; the inward wings are mar∣ked outwardly with one only full yellow spot, but inwardly they are tinctured with a certain black spot upon a watry green; the back is blackish from a blew, the belly is yellowish, it proceeds from an Au∣relia coloured with gold.

2. The second is not so pleasing a colour, the inward wings from a fading blew, decline to a Crane colour, and end as it were into a lead-colour, the outward wings are blacker, noted here and there with dark spots, and the body seems to be the same, it flies rudely with dented wings, and retched in the borders, and as it were prickly, and like a mourner of that kinde, it ne∣ver comes forth but in mourning apparell.

3. We have painted out this, as it were stiffe and raising it self with the wings lifted up, it hath also prickly dents, but the outward wing from a pale yellow is marked with the black pieces; but the next part of the inward wing from the root is dark black, the middle part is pale, the last part is whitish, chequered with right and thwart fibres; the body appears dusky, the eye is black as pitch, the horns are black.

4. This is distinguished two waies; for when she opens either wing to ballance her body, the body shewes black, and four dark wings fastned to it ridged as it were with a black pencil, and ending in a shining rusty colour; but when it sits on flowers and lifts up the wings, the first wing is yellowish, adorned with a comely round spot like a target, the colour whereofis pale, the boss of it black, the out∣ward circle citron coloured; the belly, and breast, and the whole face are white; the black horns incline toward a yellow.

5. It seems inside and outside all alike; the head and wings look pale; the body is wan, as also the horns; the eyes are flaming red, the shoulders are hairy with a pale down.

When it stretcheth its wings towards you, it appears a shining sandy colour, like herb dragon, with black spots: the body also if you see the back, seems a watry black, the belly somewhat more dark; they eye is black, clearwith a white or whitish apple; the horns are black as a crow the wings from you are of an unpleasant brown, and of a decayed Weesil∣colour.

[illustration]

7. The Jagged wings represent a fire-stone, shi∣ning with brasse coloured little veins, and the skirt also being sprinkled with black spots; the whole body is of a shining black but that white points divide the horns, and in the black forehead golden eyes twinkle after a sort.

8. This hath the same kinde of body, but the horns are reddish from yellow, the wings appear changeable, marked with divers pleats, ridges, borders, skirts, of many colours: all these colours are sad and dull to the eye, they want all clear∣nesse and varnish, and are pleasant only in their mixture, placing, and number; in some places they represent a smoky flame, elsewhere an un∣pleasing dark colour, and a fading red; and the rubies included in the last border in white semi∣circles are nothing lively.

9. The outward wings are spotted with dirty muddy spots, about the last part they are adorned with a black target, the middle whereof is set forth with an ivory point: the inward wings have four such targets, but augmented with a yellow circle besides; the two middlemost are of a fit magnitude, the two outmost are very small; the body of this creature is a whitish dark, the eyes that stick out are black: but if you look upon the inward part of the inmost wing, they look smoky, and they are very beautifull, with six gilded leaves curiously disposed.

10. The head is a pure white, but some dusky and black spots adorn the milky wings, the back and sides are red from yellow, 9 or 10 black spots put under the cuts do adorn them.

11. In proportion, and almost in colour and form of the body it represents the Eagle amongst birds of prey. It hath narrower wings than other Butterflies, it hath as it were a broad feathery tail, the inward wings are not watry colou∣red, like the rest of the body, but red from yellow, or of a flame colour; it hath a crooked nose like the Eagle, a belly hoary, the horns are great and strong, of the same colour with the uppermost wings; the eyes are pretty well prominent, black, with a pupill white as snow.

12. This hath the same form, it only dif∣fers in colour. The body is ash-colour, the tail is black, and the back is something, silver coloured; the wings are long and blackish, and polluted with little black spots, the in∣ward wings appear dusky dark coloured; both these kindes of Butterflies are wonder∣full swift, and dare for flight to contend with the Eagle.

[illustration]

13. This is the swiftest of all, and hath shoulders seeming of a yellow moss colour; the wings are white as milk, in the extre∣mities of them they are marked with five or six dusky feathers, the middle of the yellowish back is adorned with a cole black spot, of both sides two downy extuberances are thrust forth, the rump is compassed about with a certain black down, it will-fly as fast as any Swallow, and indeed is swifter than any Bird.

We have seen but eight of the smaller kinde.

1. The first parts of the inner wings are of a full bright shi∣ning * 1.97 scarlet colour, and delicate red, but the outward wings represent a light purple, mingled of black and red, and drawn over with some snow white spots, the rest of the body is black, even the branched horns also.

2. This is silver colour at the roots of the wings, which af∣terwards are purple coloured from blue; the uppermost wings are graced inwardly with two black white studs; the body is full of dusky spots; it hath six purple feet, three put forth on each side; it hath a crooked bill; out of the head four small horns break forth, besides the two long ones.

3. If you should see this fly, you would say that the wings are of a de∣cayed purple colour passing to a lively blue, and all plighted severally, but inwardly there are round eyes, they seem more gray and cankered; the head is blue from green, the body is deckt with dusky and white laces; the eyes seem very black, and the apples of them very white.

4. It comes in a pleasant habit, with wings set with eyes, that are of a most heavenly incomparable blew. The most perfect artificer Nature it self made it all eyes; that you would say directly, that Argus eyes were not set into the Peacocks tail, but into the wings of this Butterfly, which she doth stretch out against the Sun with no lesse pride than the Peacock doth, and (by the heavenly colour which she excels in) she is almost able to shame the Peacock.

5. The body is of a Crane colour, the upper wings are green in a white stalk; in the middle they are yellow and ash-colour, the inferior wings are at the root of a dark green, otherwise whole, but inwardly they are sprinkled often with spots of an unpleasant green; the eyes are black, as are the heads of their horns.

[illustration]

6. It hath round buncht smooth shoulders, which are of the colour of ashes mingled with ink, the body is full of cuts, and is of an ash kinde of colour; it hath narrow wings, and the utmost are of a Crane colour shining with some exceeding bloud red drops, the little head, the feet, the horns are like the body in colour.

[illustration]

7. You would say, that this is kin to that is bred of Ginny pepper, and setting aside that it is lesse and more black in body ••nd the silver co∣lour of his upper wings, it hardly differs from that.

8. All the wings are faint clay colour, or rather shining with a pale yellow, with some brown spots, and others that represent old cankered colours, the little eyes are black as a raven, otherwise it is all yellow.

9. All the wings are painted with white and gray like sea shell-fish, the borders are rounded, and deckt with white sines running through the middle with indentures.

10. This hath wings like Perwinkle shels, set with studs, it is mingled colour of a white and obscure red, and doth set forth to us the unspeakable power of God in the diversity of its colours.

Of the use of Butterflies.

He that beholds the forms, clothing, elegancy, and rich habits of the Butterflies, how canhe choose but admire the bountisul God, who is the Author and giver of so rich treasure? where∣fore art thou proud in decking thy self, and takest so much delight in thy own beauty? possess thy temporary fading goods without envie, for know that there is no Butterfly but is as beautiful and pleasing, and for the length of their life they have a more constan•• comeliness than thou hast: thou hast it may be an incredible agility of body, and numbleness in running, but yet O man if thou shouldest exceed all men, thou canst not equall a Butterfly. But you will reply that your cloathing is incomparable, and that you can boast of the Persian and Tyrian silk, of the best pur∣ple dyes, brought unto you by shipping: truly should you but see the rich robes of any Butter-fly, besides their purple dyes, and the rowes of pearls, and the borders set with diamonds, rubies, the pyropus, opals, emrods; if you did but see and consider seriously the elaborate composition of their futures and joynts and the imbroidered work here and there, of fine divers coloured twine silk set with studs and eyes of gold and silver, thou wouldst let fall thy painted tail like the Peacock, and casting thy eyes down to the ground from whence thou wert made, thou wouldst learn to be more wise. It may be thou wert born at first in a house of clay and mud walls, or else in a pa∣lace built of polished stones; but some Butterflies are born in their houses that are the Aureliae like to pure gold, and exceed Attalus for the excellency of their birth, and delicacy of their ap∣parel. Learn therefore O mortal Man, who ever thou art, that God that is best and greatest of all, made the butterfly to pull down thy pride, and by the shorrness of their life (which is of no great continuance) be thou mindful of thy own failing condition. We••t thou as strong as Milo or Hercules, and wert fenced or guarded about with an host of Giants for force and valour; remember that such an Army was put to the worst by an army of Butterflies flying in Troops in the air, in the year 1104. and they hid the light of the Sun like a cloud. Licosthenes relates, that on the third day of August, 1543. that no hea••b was left by reason of their multitudes, and they had cevoured all the sweet dew and natural moisture, and they had burn'd up the very grasle that was consumed with their dry dung. Also in the year 1553. as Sleidanus reports, a little before the death of Mauritius

the Duke of Saxony, an infinite Army of Butterflies flew through great part of Germany, and did in∣fect the grasse, herbs, trees, houses and garments of men with bloudy drops, as though it had rai∣ned bloud. But it may be thou art in love with some female beauty, and desirest to please her; O fool, remember the fate of the Phalena Butterfly, which being invited by the light of the can∣dle, as by a fair beauty, is consumed by the flame it fell in love withall: and rejoycing like the Pyrausta bred in the fire, removing but a little from it is presently dead. And thou great Astro∣loger, who makest Aries to be the forerunner of the Spring, rather adore the Butterfly that is a certain messenger of the Spring, and a more sure prophet than your horned Ram. Would you al∣lure fish to your hook, and catch them? hear what gallant baits are made, as we finde it in the Tarentine Geopon. Take 1 ounce of the venomous dung of Butterflies, Anniseed, Goats-milk cheese, Hogs bloud, Galbanum, of each half an ounce, Opopanax 2 drams, beat them all diligently, and powring on good sharp Wine, make Troches, dry them in the Sun and keep them for your use. Castrels, and almost all birds of prey are freed from consumptions by feeding on Butterflies, and grow very fat thereby. Nicolaus in a composition of some powder, makes mention of burnt Butterflies; by which words Turnebus understands Butterflies that fly to the candles: they cause urine exceedingly, as almost all Insects do, but with less danger: moreover, since they feed on dew alone, as do snails, and abhor to meddle with sharp corroding or stinking things, or such as have any venomous or malignant quality in them; truly the Colledge of Physicians are too wayward that dare prescribe a Spanish fly inwardly, yet never made an essay to know what force there is in Butterflies. Plinius saith wisely; That our greatest knowledge is very small compared to that we are ignorant of: for some small creatures upon the earth are despised, whose force, if we did know it, we should praise to the skies. You therefore sons of Aesculapius, search out the vertues of But∣terflies to be used inwardly and outwardly, for the health of the body; for had Butterflies been useless, surely God would never have set them forth, bestowing so great liberality upon them. But since they are not only for a remedy for us, but may do us much hurt, being inwardly taken in too great a quantity, as being poyson; I shall shew how that may be prevented, and driven off, if Ardoynus deceive me not. Phalenae or night Butterflies, such as fly at candles at night, it may be were accounted of ancient time amongst dangerous medicaments, for the same reason that Toads, Bats, Owls, Howlets and Gnats were; for they held that all living creatures that labour in the day were safe to be used; but night-workers most unhappy and accursed. Pliny com∣mends a Goats liver to drive them away, yet he shews not the means to use it. But if night Mothes go into a Bee-hive and trouble Bees in the night, bury dung mingled with the marrow of an Oxe, and by the smell thereof these unquiet disturbers will presently fall down. Columella. Palladius, in April, (for then they commonly do most hurt) places a brass vessel between▪ the hives, that is high and narrow, and puts a lighted candle in the bottom of it, and they will come in there for love of the light, and there they are half burnt, or choaked by the smoak in the nar∣row vessel. Bitter vetches are held amongst edible herbs, to prevail most against Butterflies; others drive them away with smoak of ••ith and Hemlock, as Rhasis: others hang a horse tail pulled off, upon the door, and they wittily believe that Moths are kept away thereby. Thus much I had to say of the divers use of Butterflies; who though some despise them, yet are they of great use and admirable.

CHAP. XV.

Of the Glow-worm.

THe Greeks have many names for this Insect, for from the shining of the shanks and tail, it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Suidas calleth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Aristotle 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Hesy∣thius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: it is also by way of metaphor perhaps called from the Larine word Scintilla, a spark, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The same Author calleth the male of it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; but the female cannot be so called: some improperly call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for it is one thing to covet the light, another to carry light with it. Those which Aristophanes calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, some interpret Cicindelas or Glow-worms, but upon what ground let them judge.

The Latines call it Cicindela, Nocticula, Nitedula, Lucio, Lucula, Luciola, Tlamis, Venus, Lucer∣nuta, Incendula, as appears out of Cicero, Pliny, Scoppa, Agricola, Varro, Festus, Plautds, Scaliger, Turnebus, Albertus, and Silvaticks. In Arabick they are called Allachatichi, that is to say, birds flying by night: in French Verluisant, Mouch claire; of the Germans some call it Zinduerele, others Liegth mugk. i. e. a shining fly, and Zindwurmle, speaking of the male. For in some pla∣ces of Germany the male Glow-worm, that is that which flies, doth not shine at all, but only the female called Grass-wurm, Gugle, and Feurcdefer. About Francofurt on the Main, from the time in which they do most siequently appear they are called St. Johanais Kaefer, and St. Johannis Fliegen. In Brabant Ein light oft nacht mugge. In Italian Luci••la, Lucio, Farfalla, although they grant this to be the name of other sorts of flies that come about the candles. In Vincentia, Bissola fuogola, i. e. a fiery worm: in Cremona, Lucervola; Lombardy, Luiserola; in Spain, Luriergana and Lucier∣nega; Polonia, Zknctnike, Chazazezik▪ H••noey, Szwiecacy; in Hungary, Eyel twnd••••klo, bodoratska

vilantso. In English, Glow-worm, Shine-worm, Glass-worm, i. e. a glissening or shining worm. For here, as also in Gasconia, the male on flying Glow-worm shines not, but the females which are meer worms. On the other side in Italy, and in the County of Heidelberg, the females shine not at all, and the males do. I leave the reason to be discussed by Philosophers.

Now the male Glow-worms have wings, the female are without, and that is in Europe it self. * 1.98 The male Glow-worm of Europe, is a little creature flying, having four wings, the outermost

[illustration]

whereof are like leather, the innermost membranous, of a silver co∣lour, transparent. The body is long, a little squat and flat, having five incisures or clifts: whereby it may be extended or contracted as occa∣sion serves; the body at length seems to be longer than the wings, when contracted, shorter; the head broad, dunnish, flat like a hood; out of the forehead come two cornicles as out of one centre, near which the forepart of the head doth a little extuberate: not far off from the roots of the cornicles on each side rise little round swellings, shining like jet, which are in stead of eyes, the head joined to a very short neck and body, of a blackish dun colour, it hath six feet in the breast near unto the head, the hinder of which together with the shanks are of a yellowish co∣lour, the rest of the feet blackish, it is slow, and creeps as it were with a grave pace; the breast buncheth forth a little, the body between the incisures or clifts whitish, at the tail it hath two spots, on each side one like a Moon, in clearing out of which cometh that shining brightness in the night, like burning brimstone, as if it did sparkle in the air: this never is seen in England, or if it do live here, it shines not at all.

The female Glow-worm is a slow paced creature without wings, the breadth of two fingers in length (although in Gasconia Joseph Scaliger saw far greater and longer, those which they call Luctarbae) of the bigness of the mean Canker-worm, to which it is not much unlike: the head small, * 1.99 flat, hard, black, long, and sharp toward the mouth; out of the end of which come forth two short black cornicles; it hath six feet, small, black, with three joynts, near the head like the Can∣ker-worm; the body long, somewhat thick, and flat like a fillet, having twelve deep incisures, be∣sides the neck which it puts out or in as it pleaseth, the parts between are like black plates hea∣ved up when they go. All along the back there goes a very small whitish stroke from the head to the tail: the sides of the belly are of a bright murry colour, the belly and tail toward the end whitish, but the rump it self is black, by the benefit of which she lifts up her self and creeps, and by certain little forks that come out of the same, she hangs upon any thing; under this part she voideth from her belly a clammy and flaky excrement like honey, which being brought back to her mouth, she takes in again, and then going backwards she seems to draw out clammy threeds, the which she devours the second time, and so by receiving in and casting fo••th she sustains her self. Those parts that are white do glitter in the dark with a wonderful splendor, representing terrestrial stars: insomuch that they may seem to contend with candle or moon light. This is worthy observation, that that so bright lustre expires with the life; where then is that perpe∣tual light which some foolish naturalists so foolishly and impudently prate of? some of them I have seen sometimes with wings, and sometimes in the fields, flying up and down in the streets and wals of the Cities.

At Vincentia it Italy, they say there are those somewhat bigger than ours; all over black; else they differ not at all.

They feed upon herbs, they continue long in copulation, as Julius Scaliger (a great Philoso∣vher of our times, not behinde any of the Ancients) hath diligently observed; whose words are these: Cicindelam volantem in coitu deprehendi, &c. I lighted upon (saith he) the Cicindele or Glow-worm flying with her male in the act of copulation; the male being touched did not refrain, they were put into a box with holes in it all night, the next day the male stuck close; at noon the male let go and died. After which time, about the evening many eggs were laid by the female, which within the space of twenty hours went away alive. This story William Brewer an Englishman, a learned man and my good friend affirms for truth, being an eye-witness thereof, seeing them once in the act of generation. They are long in the act, and so bring forth many insects, this the Philosopher confirms speaking of Insects thus in his 1. Book de gen. cap. ult. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Shee tarries long in copulation, but afterwards brings forth speedily: I could wish Scaliger had took no∣tice what creatures came from those eggs, for so the story had been more perspicuous. Though yet according to the course of nature it be easie to judge. For what could come out of them, but those small Erucae, black, thick, and rough, of which Arist. hist. 5. 19. saith those Glow-worms without wings are generated. Of these then come the unwinged Glow-worms, and of them with some alteration the flying Glow-worms called Bostruchoi. From whence it is to be noted, that ei∣ther Aristotles copy is faulty, or that the interpreters have committed two errors; they have al∣together left out the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (which makes so much for the clearing of the story). Se∣condly, out of those being changed they say come those (which Gaza translated) Cirros, altoge∣ther against the minde of the Philosopher, if the Greek copy be not corrupted. For so runs the Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Out of certain black rough small worms cometh the Ci∣cindele without wings; out of which in the second place being altered into a Chrysalis cometh the fly∣ing Glow-worm; and out of them in the third place those which are called Bostruchoi. But what

Insects those should be which of the Greeks are so called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is not yet known, I beleeve there is not much difference between them and the former. Ephesius a Greek Author a Com∣mentator on Aristotle, saith that the Bostruchoi are generated of the Glow-worm, and are called by the countrey people Ciccae or Platae; as Niphus translates Ricini, i. e. Tykes. Therefore in the judgement of Ephesius, that Bostruchoi or Ricini take their original from the winged Cicindele with some alteration. But of the Ricini or Tykes in their place. Calius l. 9. Antiq. lect. c. 4. Cirrhum inquit dicerem, &c. I had rather call the Cirrhus such a worm as that is, which according to Diosco∣rides, is of colour between black and white; but what that worm is, neither he nor any man else doth tell us.

I wonder at Cardane, who will have this Cicindele to come of the Crabrones, ascribing their splendor to the polishing of the outward skm. Ex Eruca in Crabrones, &c. From Erucae they be∣come Crabrones, or which is more likely, from Crabrones they become Erucae. Forasmuch as the Cater∣pillars called Erucae are bigger than the Crabrones or Beetles, and do shine more dimly, as it were spent with age, and then is it probable that when she ceaseth to fly, she layeth eggs. Here Cardane confounds all. For of the Crabrones come the Glow-worms, not of them the Crabrones, Besides it is not the smoothness of the skin that makes them shine, as he overhastily concludes, neither do the wings cause it, which of all the rest of the parts are most sleek: what Cardan means by his last words, I cannot tell. But of all the rest Baptista Porta and Hesychius were grosly mistaken, who ascribe their original to the dew or tow.

They appear from the middle of June to the middle almost of September. Which Pliny expres∣seth in these words: For before forrage is ripe, or after it is gone, they are to be seen: and elsewhere, when Glow-worms appear, it is a common sign of the ripenesse of Barley, and of sowing Millet and Pan∣nick. But this must be understood of the Countrey and place that Pliny then lived in. In all Countreys they have not the same time of Barly harvest, nor of sowing Pannick and Mille••, though Mantuan sang to the same tune:

Then is the time your barly for to mow, When Glow-worms with bright wings themselves do show.

Yet as I said before, the shining comes not from their wings. They shine not before the twi∣light in the evening, as Politian shewes elegantly:

Then they renew their labour, till at night, The little Glow-worms shine most clear and bright.

Pliny cals these glittering Flies, earthly stars; Nature, saith he, crying out and speaking to countrey people in these words: Clown, wherefore dost thou behold the heavens? why dost thou seek after the stars? when thou art now weary with short sleep, the nights are troublesome to thee. See I scatter little stars in the grass, and I shew them in the evening when they labour is ended, and thou art miracu∣lously allured to look upon them when thou passest by; Dost thou not see how that a light like fire is co∣vered when she closeth her wings, and she carrieth both night and day with her: So far Pliny. Hence it is manifest that the shining doth not alwaies shew it self when she flies, though it shines forth both at her sides and thighs, because it appears not but to those that see her wings wide open, and lifted up, for where the wings are closed all the light is darkned. This flying Glow-worm, Antonius Thylesius Bonsentinus described elegantly in these verses:

This little fly shines in the air alone; Like sparks of fire, which when it was unknown To me a boy, I stood then in great fear, Durst not attempt to touch it, or come near. May be this worm from shining in the night, Borrow'd its name, shining like candle bright. The caus〈…〉〈…〉 one, but divers are the names, It shines or not, according as she frames Her self to fly or stand; when she doth fly, You would believe 'twere sparkles in the skie, At a great distance you shall ever finde Prepar'd with light and lanthorn all this kindes Darkness cannot conceal her, round about Her candle shines, no winds can blow it out. Sometimes she flies as though she did desire Those that pass by to observe her fire; Which being nearer, seem to be as great, As sparks that fly when Smiths hot iron beat. When Pluto ravish'd Proserpine, that Rape, For she was waiting on her, chang'd her shape, And since that time, she flyeth in the night Seeking her out with torch and candle light.

Those that are without as well as they that have wings do send forth such a bright light, that by it you may read a great print. In this also they surpass Moon and Stars, for that clouds and darkness soon eclipse their light; where it is so far from obscuring the lustre of those, that it ra∣ther increaseth it.

Thus far of those Glow-worms which are found in Europe.

Amongst those that are found out of Europe, that which the Inhabitants of the lesser Spain call Cocuias take the first place, because it yeelds a greater light, carrying a little torch before men in the dark. In Greek it may be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because the light comes not from the tail but the head. It seems to be a kinde of Beetle, six times as big as the flying Glow-worm is

with us, not so great as a hazle nut, saith Maiolus, but sometimes bigger than two hazle nuts, in length two inches, and as thick as a mans little finger. Cardane saith well, that some of them are as big as the Hart-beetle; it hath a long head joyned to the body, the forepart whereof hath

[illustration]

as it were in the middle a black spot in a manner triangular; it shoots forth short horns; the eyes are very big (so are the horns) standing out and black, and are placed near the mouth; the rest of the head is of a bright red, except it be two golden studs or bo〈…〉〈…〉es hard by the neck, out of which the glittering rayes, especially when it flies and the wings are opened, do issue with marvellous glory; six black feet come forth of the breast: the Case wherewith the silver wings are covered, appears of a chesnut colour; the body hath ten incisures or clifts of a blackish ashcolour. This Cicindele, together with the Figure of it came from a most skilful painter, who had taken strict observation of it both in the lesser Spain and in Virginia. In Hispaniola they are almost all the year long, for they have seldome any winter.

In the Commentaries of Navigation this Glow-worm is thus described: The Cocuio is four times as big as our flying Glow-worm; it is of the kinde of Beetles: the eyes whereof shine like a candle, with whose brightness the air is so enlightned, that any man may in his chamber, read, write, or do any necessary business. Many of them joyned together make such a light that an army may march by them whither they please, ma••gre all winds, darkness, rain or storms what∣soever. Their wings being lift up and also to∣wards their shanks they shine very gloriously: the Inhabitants before the Spaniards came thither made use of no other light, neither within nor without their houses. But the Spaniards (because these lightsome creatures do by little and little lose their light with their lives) do use with∣in doors about their businesse lamps and candles. But if they are to march forth against an ene∣my newly arrived, they make use of them to conduct them, and each souldier carrying four of them about him, divers waies cousen the enemy. For when as that noble traveller Sir Tho. Ca∣vendish (that compassed the world) and Robert Dudley Knight, son to Robert Earl of Leicester, first landed in the Indies, and that very night that they came ashore, saw hard by in the woods an in∣finite number of moving candles and torches as it were beyond their expectation, they thinking the Spaniards were come upon them unawares with guns and pistols, and much light, speedily be∣took them to their ships. Many other Insects of this kinde are there to be found. But because this seemeth to be of most account, and to have the preheminence above the rest, Oviedus hath left the rest undescribed. The Indians use to rub their faces with a paste made of them, that so their bodies may seem all of a flame. How this may be, since as is said before, the light va∣nisheth with the life, I do not see, unless it be that the light may endure a while after they are dead, but that long it cannot remain is manifest by experience.

The Indians finding so great need of them, in that they could not rest in the night for the Gnats stinging them (the which these Glow-worms being kept in the house did as greedily hunt after as Swallowes do Flies) and because they could not work by night without this lanthorn of nature, before such time as the Spaniards came thither; they bethought themselves 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some means whereby to catch them; the which I shall shew partly out of Peter Martyr, partly from those re∣ports of others which were eye-witnesses of the same.

Whereas the Indians were constrained by reason of want of light to lie all the night idle, they got them out of doors with a lighted firebrand and crying aloud, Cucuie, cucuie, they do so beat the air, that either for love of the light they fly to them, or for fear of the cold they fall to the ground; which some with leaves of trees, others with linnen rags, othersome with little nets made for the purpose detain, till they can come to take them with their hands.

There are other little flying beasts, which shine by night, but a great deal bigger than ours, and sending forth a far greater light. For they shine so bright that those which take long journeys make them fast by a way to their heads and feet being alive; for so they may be seen afar off to the astonishment of those that know not the matter: the women use no other light to do their business withall by night within doors but these. Oviedus.

There are yet other worms of another form, which give light by night, as we read in the Com∣mentaries of Navigation. In the Island called Hispaniola, there are two sorts of worms which

shine by night. Some of the length of a mans little finger, slender, with many feet, gli••••ening so bright in the dark, that a man may see all round about him ••or fifty or an hundred paces easily. That clear light shines forth only out of the clifts, 〈…〉〈…〉f you will the junctures of the body near the feet. There are others like to these in bigness, and altogether as lightsome, but only that their light issues from the head. Those things we finde in the histories of Navigation. But whether these Cicindelae be of the kinde of of the Juli (as I think them to be): or whether they be like to ours, is not declared. But I guesse them so to be by the multitude of the feet they have; for the Author reckons them in the number of the Scolopenders: Valerius Cordus in Dioscor. makes mention of the Scolopender (as he interptets it) whereas it is indeed a kinde of the Juli which in moist places, and in rainy weather shine very bright. Such a one my friend Brewer found in England in the heath grounds▪ and sent the worm dryed to Pennius. But that every man may bet∣ter understand it, I shal set down his own words: I twice found a Scolopendra that shines in the night (yet as I said they are kindes of Juli) in summer nights, of a shining ••ery appearance, inheath and mossie grounds. The whole body shines something more darkly than a glow-worm. He further adds, It once hapned that I came sweating home to my house at night, that I wiped my head in the dark with a napkin, the napkin seemed to me all over of a flaming fire; whereupon I won∣dred a while at this new miracle, all the lustre seemed to draw to one place, then folding the napkin together, I called for a candle, and opening the cloth, I found such a Scolopendra, which I had rubbed against my head, and had caused this strange light like fire: Thus far Bruerus who affirms that it was like to the Scolopenders commonly so called in gardens, and under stones and earthen vessels, wherein women are wont to set their choicer plants or slips. All the Summer time and Autumn (saith Gaudentius Merula lib. 3. memor. c. 61.) In grassie ditches and without water when I was at Lebetium (which is now called Jamz••rius fort) I gathered little shining hairy worms in the night. The same I saw in the ditches about Viglevianum (which of old was called Vergeminum) as Simon Puteus and I were walking abroad in the evening to take the air. But what those hairy worms should be, unless they be a kinde of Juli, I do not know. There is another worm altogether unlike these of which we read in the Book of the Nature of things: There is (saith he) a worm like a star, which shines like a star in the dark, it is never seen but in great rains, and then it foretels fair weather to come shortly after. So great is the cold∣ness of this worm, that it will just like ice put out the fire.

If a mans flesh be but touched with the slime of this worm, all his hair will come of••; and whatso∣ever it touched therewith it changeth the colour of it into green. But all these he handleth un∣towardly, for he confounds the Stellia (which he here cals Stella) with the Salamander and Cicindele, and of these he maketh a very confused and imperfect History. Neither doth Guillerinus de Conchis, nor Vincentius (which transcribed all almost out of Guillerine) in his obscure and dark tract where he reports this story, correct it. But these things are nothing to the Cicindele, and that which they write concerning the Salamander is other where amended. Hitherto of Insects shining in the dark.

Whether or no the Glow-worm being dead doth retain its splendor and shining, is wont to be a question. Massarius a ve••y learned man writing on Pliny his 9. Book, saith it doth, and that boyes taking the Glow-worms used to put about their head▪ the shining parts of them; with which if the hands or other parts of the body be rubbed, they also will shine in the dark. But by the leave of so great and learned a man as he is, experience teacheth the contrary. For after the Glow-worm is dead, that part whereof which so shineth in the night, though not presently, yet within a few hours after is quite lost; and seems altogether to go away with the vital spirits: this is a clear case, from experience, and I have often tried the same. This I will grant: if a cer∣tain number of those that have no wings (for those that have, shine not but only when the fly) be but put into a clear Crystal glass, so that the air may freely come at them, with a little grass, they may perchance give light for the space of some 12 daies, i•• every day fresh gras••e be put to them; but at the length as they languish and faint away, so the light by little and little is remitted and slackned, and in the end they dying (as before is said) it is totally extinguished.

Vainly therefore do some boast of compositions made of them, with which they will keep perpetual light, as they suppose (amongst whom is Cardanus) as if they would bring down the Moon from heaven. Others there are not learned only but unlearned also, who have committed these compositions to writing, whereby they might the better betray their own ignorance. Of this perpetual light. Albertus makes mention, who in his Works gathers a whole bundle of lies together as it were into one body. And here now I will set down some of them that the Reader may be aware of them, and the vanity and levity of the writers themselves may be manifested. Some there are which take a great many Glow-worms, beat them together, put them into a vial of glass and bury them fifteen daies in horse dung. Afterwards they distil them through an A••en••∣bick, and keep the water in a clear glass. To this end Gaudentius Merula, who hath heaped up many things together from this and that Author, without any judgement, hath these words: Of these Glow-worms being putrefied, there is made a water, or a liquor rather, in a vessel which will won∣derfully shine in the dark. Such a light doth this water or liquor give, by report, that in the darkest night any one may read and write, and do any other business as he pleaseth. Others lest they should seem not to add to what is invented to their hands (for pregnant wits unless they bring forth some novelty are not well) together with the Glow-worms digest the gall of the Tortoise,

of a Weasel, and Sea-dog, puting them in dung, and afterwards they distill them. This water they say far excels all other whatsoever in lustre. Others put whole Glow-worms in dung for nine daies to digest, others for three weeks, then throwing away the Glow-worms, they take the fat of them and keep it in a clean glass for to use. Some yet more fondly take Glow-worms, and casting away their heads, they put to them the scales of fishes, and rotten shining wood, such as glissens in the dark, with the gals of Sea-dogs, and so distill them through an Alembick. Others promise confidently to make letters to shine in the dark, by pricking out the yellow moisture of the Glow-worm, and anointing therewith the paper, or painting it with the same liquor in form of a star, some rub them with the oyl of Linseed upon marble, and whatsoever you shall paint or write, they perswade us, may easily read in the night, be it never so dark; but let them believe them that have made the trial. Others after they have digested in horse-dung nine daies, take the liquor that is left in the bottome of the glass and write with it, and so think confidently to ob∣tain their desire. John Arden, a skilful Chirurgeon, an English man, walking after their steps, above thirty years ago left such a description of this perpetual light in writing: He gathereth a great number of Glow-worms, and shuts them in a glassen vessel well stopt, laies them in dung fifteen daies, then puts the water he findes in the bottome of the glass into a clean glass; to which he adds as much of Quicksilver, the dross being purged from it, and then he saith you must shut the glass mouth very close, and hang it where you will, and then for certain (as he affirms) it will produce the wished effect. Some have told me that this is very true, whom notwithstan∣ding I will not believe untill such time as the experiment be made before mine eyes. These and many the like you may finde by reading, but what credit may be given to them is easily con∣jectured out of what went before. Hence then we may plainly understand how foolishly and vainly mans wisdome doth many times vaunt it self, and whither our wits may be carried, if not founded upon right Reason, the mistress of all Arts and Sciences, shunning with all diligence the uncooth rocks of opinion and self concei••.

How wonderful the works of God are in our eyes, none can be ignorant, who shall diligently consider this little creature and weigh its nature, and its light resembling that divine light. For who is he that beholds the vanishing light of this, that doth not fix the eyes of his minde upon Christ the lasting, true, and the chiefest light of the world; and doth not call to remembrance, that holy Spirit which doth illuminate our spirits in the most obscure darkness of our understan∣dings? But this inbred light of the Glow-worm, or rather borrowed light which some seek to extract, others strive to imitate (as for example, Albertus, Cardan, Merula, Vitalis, Mizaldus) have shewed themselves very fools in my judgement. Neither have they been warned by the fatal end of Salmoneus or Alladius, who going about to imitate Jupiters thunder and lightning, were therewith by him struck dead, and so did reap a just reward of that their impious presumption, for they felt the force of true heavenly fire, who thought to counterfeit the like with a vain crack∣ling. Even so the wits of these times, while they seek to extract this light, by their bold enter∣prize do violate the Deity, and while they would seem to adornand set forth the glory of that his work, they rather detract from it and disgrace it. But we leave these to Ixions wheel, and pro∣ceed rather piously, and modestly to behold the majesty, wisdome, and divine light in this little creature. For he which shall go about fully to search the majesty of the Creator in these small creatures shall soon be confounded with the glory of it.

What necessary use the Americans made of them in their night journeys and business, before the Spaniard brought in the use of Lamps and Torches, hath been said already.

But we that live in Europe, as we travelled by night (I remember) in Italy and other places, we took a great deal of delight in them, not so much because they dispelled the darkness with the beams of their splendor, but because they did illustrate the earth with their celestial light, which compared with the light of the Sun and Moon, were not to be despised.

Neither do they only please the eye, and instruct the minde, but they are good for the body in divers diseases, for the female Cicindele being put into the matrix of the mule, causeth the wo∣man that bears childe with much danger, to be barren; saith Kiranides. Cicindeles being drank in wine make the use of lust not only irksome but loathsome, as Benedictus saith; the same also Gilbertus an English Physician, Albertus, Nicolaus, Florentinus, and Rhasis do confidently affirm. It were worthily wisht therefore that that unclean sort of Letchers were with the frequent ta∣king of these in Potion disabled, who spare neither wife, widow nor maid, but defile themselves with lust not fit to be mentioned. Rhasis saith that the Glow-worms are very good for the stone, if beaten with oil, and therewith the place having the hair clipt off, be anointed, which will never suffer it to grow afterwards. Bairus. If they be beaten and put behinde the ears, they will divert and evacuate all Rhumes falling into the eyes and teeth. Anonymus. The Inh••bitants of the Isle Sorida take a good sufficient quantity of them, and mixing them with fresh black wax make them into a mass, and lay it in the hot sands till it be half consumed away: of this mass of the bigness of a walnut, both young and old do take two hours before meat and two hours after; which do not only infuse heat into the obscene part, but vigour al∣so. Thevetu. But this is not to be understood of the ordinary or common Cicindele, which as is aforesaid causeth sterility and barrenness; by these Thevetus meaneth those Glow-worms reckoned amongst the kindes of Juli, the which being taken in drink do after the same man∣ner with the Cantharides, as Merula writeth, provoke both seed and urine. Alexius very highly

commends them for excellent baits to fish withall, being fastened to the hook. Weckerus saith that by a gentle decoction of them in a glass Alembick, is made a water very useful to that end. But I am rather of Alexius minde, the which experience also confirmeth.

CHAP. XVI.

Of the Locusts.

THe Locust is called of the Arabian, Gieat, Gierad, Gerad; of the Illyrian, Kobilka, Bruck; of the Sclavonian, Knonick; of the French, Sauterelle, Sautereau, Languoste; of the Spaniard, Lagousta, Gasanhote, Gaphantoles; of the Italian, Cavalerto, Soliotta, Saltello; of the German, Heu∣schr••ck, Sprinckhaen, Sprinkell; of the Dutch, Hupperlinck; of the English, Grashopper, from lea∣ping upon the grass; of the Latine, Locusta, as some think à locis ustis; for that they scorch all places where they touch, and eat up and devour all things; of the Hebrew, Arbeth; of the Po∣lonian, Konick, Szarancza; of the Hungarian, Saska; of the Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, whence comes the diminutive 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Locustula, vel Locustella, a lit∣tle Locust. The Ionians call them from the number of their wings Tetrapleurides; that is to say, four winged creatures; others call them Cornopas, Parnopas, and Pornopas; from whence Hercules and Apollo were called of the Athenians Parnopii, because they drave the Locusts out of their countrey, as Pausanias, Hermolaus, Caelius Rhodoginus, Lilius Giraldus, Camersius, Strabo, &c. have observed. Notwithstanding the word parnops (if the interpreter of Aristophanes deceives us not) signifieth that sort of Locust only which is easie to be handled with the hands. But before we enter into the description and division of them into their several kindes, I cannot but admire with Marcellus Virgilius, the workmanship of Nature, in which I know not, as I may so say, whe∣ther she did more seriously sport her self, or more sportingly labour. For who first of all is able to describe so many colours in one body? who is able to set forth so many divers shapes of bodies, goings, leapings, flyings. For some there are green, some black, some blue, some one part of them of this colour, on the other of another. There are those which are of another colour in their flight, then they seemed to be of before. There are some fly with one pair of wings, others with more; those that have no wings they leap, those that cannot either fly or leap, they walk; some have longer shanks, some shorter, and amongst these some have more and shorter joynts, some fewer and longer, some there are that sing, others are silent, as the Seriphiae: some do no harm at all to tillage, so that children may take them up in their hands without hurt: others on the contrary are the pest and destruction of all that up growes through a whole Coun∣trey.

And as there are many kindes of them in nature, so their names were almost infinite, which th••ough the neglect of Naturalists are grown out of use.

[illustration]

Now all Locusts are either winged or without wings. Of the winged, some are more common and ordinary, some more rare; of the common sort, we have seen six kindes all green, and the lesser of many colours.

The first of the bigger, hath as it were a grass cowle or hood which covers the head, neck, and almost half the body: the wings come from the neck under∣neath, of a greenish colour, speckled with a few small black spots, the back green, the belly dusky coloured, the tail or stem at the end blackish; it hath a great mouth▪ and strong big teeth, excellently made to devour the fruits withall. The second seems to be like this, but that the hood is fast∣ned to the neck; the nose also and mouth are more red▪ and it hath grea∣ter spots in the wings. 〈…〉〈…〉 third is of a green co〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shanks whi∣tish, the tail blackish▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wings beset with greater store of spots, and about the edges of a pale red.

Now these are females, from whom the three males differ in this, that either in the end or above the tail they have two or three prickles or stings, and the middle of their hood appeareth more red.

[illustration]

The first sort of the lesser Locusts, called of the Tigurines, Holtsspecht, is in body black, the utmost wings spotted, the innermost spattered with virmi∣lion; the thighs brown or swarthy, with black lines curiously drawn up and down. Of the second the cornicles, eyes, and shanks are of a pleasant red, the thighs or shanks are also diversified with black lines, the wings speckled, the belly of a dark red upon yel∣low, all which do exhibit a very fine pretty creature. The third seems to be of a dark ash-colour, the cornicles very short, and the wings of an unusual length, longer then the body. The fourth is all over of a darkish green, but that the hood is set with two black lines, and the ends of the shanks are of a lively shining red. The fifth is a little lesser than the rest, but in ordering and variety of colour, more pleasant to the sight; the body, head, and feet are of a faint red, with green wings, and a golden lace drawn through the middle of the head very bright and shining.

All those of the lesser sort have wings as long or longer than their bodies, they have bendes no ••••ng or prickle in their tail, nor bear any s••em; they are seldome seen in the corn but altogether in med∣dowes and pastures, as I have seen them in France, and our Countrey of Britannie: I have seen only three kindes very rare, i. e. Italian, Greek, and Affri∣can: they are called Mantes, foretellers, either be∣cause by their coming (for they first of all ap∣pear) they do shew the Spring to be at hand, so Ana∣creon the Poet sang; or else they foretell dearth and famine, as Caelius the Scholiast of Theocritus have observed. Or lastly, because it alwaies holds up its sorefeet like hands praying as it were, after the manner of their Diviners, who in that gesture did pour out their supplications to

their Gods. Of this Italian Mantis (whose figure we do here represent) Rondeletius makes men∣tion in his book de Piscibus, in these words: It hath a long breast, slender, covered with a hood, the head plain, the eyes bloudy, of a sufficient bignesse, the cornicle short, it hath six feet like the Locust, but the foremost thicker and longer than the other, the which because for the most part she holds up together (praying-wise) it is commonly called with us Preque Dieu, the whole body is lean.

[illustration]

So divine a creature is this esteemed, that if a childe aske the way to such a place, she will stretch out one of her feet, and shew him the right way, and seldome or never miss. Her tail is two forked, armed with two bristly prickles: and as she resembleth those Diviners in the elevation of her hands, so also in likeness of motion; for they do not sport themselves as others do, nor leap, nor play; but walking softly, she retains her modesty, and shewes forth a kinde of mature gravity. Though Pennius affirms that he often saw this kinde at Montpellier, yet in his papers he saith that he received the figure of it from the worthy Antonius Saracenus, a Phy∣sician of Geneva.

Another species of this Mantis, Carolus Clusius sent from Vienna exactly described, being brought thither out of Greece, which is like unto the former in shape and magnitude, but of another co∣lour bestowed on it either by nature or the place where it lives; for it hath cornicles of a full yellow, the eye of hyacinth colour, the wings of a faint yellow, the rest of the body of Ame∣thyst, only that the feet shanks, as also the joynts of them were more hairy and white, and the clawes of the fingers bended backward were black.

I procured one from Barbary that was brought out of Affrick with some cost to us, slender, five inches long, hooded, the head pyramidal, very long, out of which almost at the top came forth two little broad cornicles about an inch long, much like that Turbant, which the Tur∣kish

[illustration]

Janizaries use with two feathers in it: a little below the root of it come forth two eyes standing out, great, and of a dark red, the body long, of a bloud red purple; the tail like a Swal∣low two forked, four wings of somewhat an ash-colour, deckt with certain dunnish spots; the four former feet and shanks very slender; the hinder strong, brawny, and long, and by reason of the spots drawn athwart all along the thighs blackish. And this of the common or ordinary and winged Locusts, and of the rarer sorts shall suffice to have been said; unless the Reader shall think fit with me to add more differences of them. The 〈…〉〈…〉e of the ordinary Locusts is fierce, long, wrinkled, fenced as it were with scales, which even cover the mouth: in the upper part they have teeth fastned that are broad, black, and very hard, with which they easily eat ea••s of corn, and scranch them with a great noise. The Greek and African Locust appears with a shor∣ter

face, and the teeth are so weak that it can feed on nothing but the softest grass, and tops of hearbs. The common ones have very long horns, but the Manti have very short ones; they have a hard breast, gristly, strong, none of these almost is faint or weak. They have also a soft belly, long and pointed, but these have a hard full brawny belly; both of them have four wings that are skinny and membranous, as made of the fibres of nerves; for though the inward wing folded seems two, yet it is but one, when it is stretched forth: which deceived Jodochus Willichius in his Dialogue of Locusts, for his eyes deceived him, when he writ that Locusts had six wings, which is false. It is very pleasant to behold in some Locusts their thighs with six angles, exactly smooth in their void places, and artificially painted in their netlike weavings together: the ordinary Locusts have great eyes putting forth, whence Athenaeus cals one Ebulus, lib. 10. c. ult. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Locust ey'd; Nigidius said at large that Locusts could not see, as Pliny relates, lib. 11. cap. 37. yet have they clear eyes like glass, though covered with a horny membrane: Nature disproves this lie of Nigidius, which made their whole eye partake of seeing. As for colours, Nature that paints creatures, never was more bountiful in it, for though commonly with us they appear green, yet we see some of them red, yellow, crimson coloured, purple; and out of Morocco all white; and Aelian saith, that in Arabia they are of a golden colour, lib. 10. & 13. de Animal.

Concerning the copulation of Locusts, I rather subscribe to Valeriola (who hath searched di∣ligently into their nature) than to Aristotle himself. They couple, saith he, (as I have seen) by the * 1.100 male getting upon the female, at what time he puts those two prickles that come out of the end of his back into the matrix of the female, and so they continue in conjunction very close and for a long time, in so much they can scarce with your hands be pulled asunder when once coupled, neither by leaping and mo∣tion, or any other way. The female being tickled underneath, moveth her womb very busily, and apply∣ing her self with the bottome thereof to the male, doth hold him for a long while, sometime with the opening of the matrix, sometimes with the shutting or closing of it again, augmenting the pleasure of her venery: for while the matrix is open the male gets into the bottome or farther end thereof; and when it is contracted or closed, she is delighted with the affriction and tickling of the womb and the passages thereof. Now••here are to be seen two passages in the secret part of the female separated by a kinde of partition, and are covered over with a little thick cover, which in the outside is black, hard, and gristly, but within somewhat roughish, hairy and wrinkled; at the bottome of this the matrix ap∣pears whitish like that of Women.

Now the female bringeth forth (as Aristot. saith) the little stem that growes to her tail, being stuck in the ground, and then layeth all her burden together in the same place, not scattering up and down, but as it were like a honey comb. Hence proceeds a kinde of little worm in the like∣ness of an egge, included in a little earthly thin membrane, the which being forced open, out come the Locusts and fly abroad. But (by the favour of so great a Philosopher) they lay eggs indeed in the beginning of Autumn, though not of the fashion of eggs, as I have seen with my eyes, and have had them in my hands. The which feture is so tender, that with the least touch it is bruised to pieces. Neither is it laid upon the superficies of the earth, but somewhat deeper, and in the winter under ground: where in the winter they being perfected by concoction, in the subsequent year, almost at the latter end of Spring they come forth out of the shell or mem∣brane aforesaid, wherein they were, being little blackish Locusts creeping up and down with∣out either shanks or wings, which afterwards in a short time become bigger. They bring forth at the latter end of Summer, and when they have so done they forthwith die, certain little ver∣mine breeding about their necks (as it happeneth to the Beetle) in the time of their bearing, which do strangle them. These dying after such a foolish fashion as they do, are yet able at their pleasure, any one of them, if it do but fasten on his chaps, to kill a Serpent. In a wet Spring the eggs perish, but in a dry then there is a great increase of them. Some will have them to be brought forth and to dye twice a year, (in the number of whom is Willichius) that is to say, at the rising of the Pleiades they come forth, and dye at the setting of the Dog-star, then others to be brought forth. Some say at the setting of Arcturus. In mountainy places, and of a thin air there breed no Locusts, but in plains and places full of clifts and chaps; nor do they lay their egges upon the superficies, but in the chinks and caverns of the earth, both that they may be the better concocted, as also better preserved from cold and rain.

That they should be generated of the carkasse of a Mule or Asse (as Plutarch reports in the life of Cleonides) by putrefaction, I cannot with Philosophers determine; first, because it was permitted to the Jewes to feed on them: secondly, because no man ever yet was an eye-witness of such a putrid and ignoble generation of Locusts.

They dye several waies. For the male after copulation (wherein he tarries very long, and as * 1.101 it is probable, till all his radical moisture, and all his spirits at once are exhausted with his vene∣ry) presently expires. As in like manner all the females as soon as they have brought forth, whether with vehemency of pain, or numerous feture, I know not, the which being very great cannot chuse but spend and exhaust the strength thereof. Oftentimes also great swarmes of them being lifted up into the air by the wind, which afterwards failing, they fall down into the sea, or standing lakes. They are reported to pass over to far remote shores, continuing their jour∣ney for many daies together, they are to be seen very great, and also they make such a noise with their wings, that you would think they were a flight of birds, and they darken the Sun.

They come oft-times out of Africk into Italy in great numbers, biting and gnawing all with their teeth, even the doors of their houses. Neither do they hurt the corn fields, pastures, meadows, * 1.102 gardens, orchards, with their biting only, but also with their black, burning stinking d〈…〉〈…〉g, and espe∣cially with their cholerick and bitter fome or spittle, the which (as Valeriola witnesseth) they vent in great abundance out of their mouthes as they bite. Yet notwithstanding they are not venomous, the Parthians and certain of the Aethiopians live of them, esteeming them very dainty meat. They are said in India to be three feet in length, their shanks and thighs when they are dry serving for sawes to saw withall. That sound or noise which they make, Aristotle saith is made with the rustling of their wings. But according to Pliny, it seems to proceed from the hinder * 1.103 part of their head. But I suppose it is caused three manner of waies, by the grating of their teeth as they bite the herbs, with the clapping together of their wings as they flutter up and down with them, with the rubbing of their hard neck and shoulders one against the other whilest they leap and themselves like souldiers armed with helmet and brestplate, are used to do.

Now we are to speak of the Locusts which have no wings, and those especially are Bruchus, Attelabus, and Asellus.

The Bruchus taking his name from biting and devouring, may be called a Locust without wings * 1.104 destroying and devouring the herb of the held. Four sorts or species of them are here presented

[illustration]

to view: the first is of the male, the se∣cond females. The Male hath a pale bloud colour circle or collar about his neck, under which hangs a double hood of a light yellow, and green, mixt; from the back to the tail it is set out with six leek coloured plates running across from the back to both sides. The belly, which is sufficiently great, with the three prickles of the tail, are of the colour of an herb new∣ly prest out of the earth, of a yellowish green, as also the thighes, face and corni∣cles; but the shanks seem reddish. The first of the females is all over eruginous, but for a bloud colour line running over the back from head to tail: it is without a prickle growing in the stem or tail; it seems also to be girt about with ten green plates, or rounds. The second is almost all over of a light red and brown, the belly a little yellowish, the upper end of the stem it hath two prickles. The third hath a head resembling a hogs or sea-calfs head, in stead of cornicles it hath a little beard on each side of the nose; the two bunches or swellings on the top of the fore-head are like to the ears of a Bear, and it hath two prickles upon the stem very sharp and brown, of the same colour with the rest of the body. These did that famous knight Sir Edmund Knivet, freely send in picture to Pennius for the enlargement of this work, for he is a Knight that is ve∣ry courteous to learned men, and singularly noble both by descent and vertue, and famous for his curious search into the knowledge of natural things. The Latines call them Bruchi; the Moscovites, Chrzast; the Polonians, Kuonick, the Germans, Ramp; the English, field Crickets. Attelabus, is a small Locust, saith Hesychius, Pliny thinks it one of the smallest kinde; Hierome on the 3. chapter of the prophet Naum, cals the little off-spring of Locusts Attelabi; Aquil•• more significantly interprets them devourers. A little Locust is said to be the mean between a Locust and Bruchus; it hath such little wings that it is reputed to have none, and seems rather to creep than fly: for this cause wheresoever it is bred, it bringeth all as it were to meal or rust, by grinding and consuming. It seems to some to be of the kinde of Bruchus, till the wings grow forth, and then it growes into the number of Locusts. Stephanus derives Attelabus from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because the wings seem so small as if it had none. The Attelabi, as Aristotle saith do breed in fallow fields, as Grashoppers do; they bring forth, and when they have brought forth they dye as other Locusts do; their eggs are spoiled by wet Autumns, when the waters increase too much; but in a dry Autumn, the Attelabi increase more, because their eggs escape drowning. Asel∣lus, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Dioscorides cals it, hath its name from its slow motion, it hath no wings, thick legs, but short withall, not like other Locusts, whence it seems rather to creep than leap, it hath a great belly hanging down, as if it were made to devour corn. This Locust it may be is called in Scripture 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Nicander cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; though, as Clitarchus saith, in the Dia∣lect of the Ambraciatae, all Locusts are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because they eat corn with a noise of their teeth. Franciscus Stancarus writ a little Tract of seven kindes of Locusts, according to the Scri∣ptures and Rabbins; but he described not those four which are numbred amongst clean birds that the Jewes might lawfully eat; those four were Arbeth, Salaam, Chargel, and Chagab, which the Chaldeans call Gebah, Rhaschen, Chargola, Chorgeba; and the Greeks call them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Arbeth is a kinde of Locust, called so from her fruitfulness, as Kimhi, Munster, and Broughton observe. The Septuagint have translated Salaam, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Hierome doth not rightly

call it Scarabeum, for it is a flying creature, creeping with four feet, and leaping with its two hinder feel longer than the former feet. Kimchi makes it a kinde of Locust which the Rabbins call Rhaschon; Abenezra thinks that to be called Salaam that sits amongst stones; and Himski subscribes to this opinion, the foresaid interpreters called Chargol, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for it fights with the serpent, and stopping the chaps thereof, it kils the Serpent: Aristotle Hist. 9. cap. 6. saith, that many have seen 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Locust called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which when it fighteth with the Serpent takes him by the neck. Niphus needed not interpret that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to be the Scolopendra, or Viper, since the Philosopher cals it directly 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the 70. learned interpreters say it is a Locust: how∣ever it seems Niphus was so blinde that he thought it impossible for so small a creature to kill a Serpent, but we thought it safer to relie on the testimonies of so many learned men, (who had an in••ight into Locusts, and almost into all natural things) than upon the conjectures of so fri∣volous a Commentator and deviser of novelties. Hagab or Chagab is called Attelabus; Hierome cals it Attacen. Amongst the Locusts spoken of, this is reckoned to be the last, and is set in the last place, as likely to be the most grievous; for this not only tasts of corn or shears it, but breaks and grinds stalk and all. It is bred of egges in a land fruitful for corn, which the female left there when the corn was gone.

Five other kindes of Locusts are numbred up, Joel 1. Amos 4. Deut. 28. and Psal. 78. namely Gaza, from shearing; Jelak, from licking; Chazil, from destroying; Thelatsal, from the blasting * 1.105 and rust it brings to corn; and Chenamal, from staying; because where it sets up its station, it tarrieth there, and forsakes it not▪ Rodulphus Modius on Leviticus and the Prophet Joel reckons divers kindes of Bruchi; some are golden colour, others yellow, others gray; also from a whi∣tish worm in frothy dew that in May sticks to plants, a certain winged green creature is bred, in form like to the smallest kinde of Catterpillar, first it leaps, and and afterwards it flies, and there∣fore I think fit to call it Locustella, a little Locust. The English call that frothy matter Wood∣sear, as if you would say the putrefaction of the wood. The Germans call it Cuckow-spittle: but what form that was of which Suidas cals 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Celius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Nicander, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Hesy∣chius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Aristophanes, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Eustathius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Pha∣vorinus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Isidore, Ludolochra; truly I cannot tell, and I would gladly see some Oedipus who would declare their nature and use. But because Marcellus affirms that there are some Locusts that use but two wings: and Willichius ascribes to some six wings; they should either have described them, or have held their peace in a matter that exceeds belief. Also he slipt very absurdly, when he assigned a King and a Monarchy to be amongst them. May be amongst many little ones he found one great one, and saluted him for their King, because he excelled in magnitude; but Solomon, (that was of Philosophers and wise men the chief) saith they have no King, but are subject to a Common-wealth as Pismires are.

How God by these very little creatures did punish the pride and haughtiness, and hard hearted∣ness of Pharaoh, is apparent enough out of Exodus, and is spoken o•• every where. In the year * 1.106 170. before the birth of Christ, all the meadows almost were covered with clouds of Locusts, and a hundred years after about Capua a great multitude of them filled the countrey. Julius Ob∣sequens. In the year after Christ, 181. the war long enduring in Illyricum, France, Italy, and at last being ended, that nothing might be wanting to punish those Nations, an innumerable com∣pany of Locusts, and far greater than the ordinary ones, consumed all the grass round about. In the year of our Lord, 591. when Agilulphus reigned in Lombardy, a very great plenty of Locusts afflicted the Countrey about Trent, which are reported to be brought out of Africa by force of the winds; but the greater part of them were cast down with storms and drowned: but they were no less hurtfull and deadly to the Italians; for by the waves they were brought to the shores of Cyrenis, and by their venomous stinking smell, they caused such a plague amongst mor∣tals, that Julius writes, that of men and cattel there died above 800000. Also at Venice, and about Brescia for want of corn, (for the Locusts had consumed all) so lamentable a plague fol∣lowed, that in the year 1478. when these things hapned, above 30000. men died of it. Again in the years 593, 693, and 811. Locusts came flying out of Africa after a great drought, that devoured plants, herbs, and barks of trees, whence followed a strange famine, and such as is ele∣gantly described by the Author of Naumachia, in these verses:

—The nurse childe of death, Famine was present with her empty veins, The poor with hunger starved, their breath Was spent; for neither broth nor bread remains: Ʋpon their mouthes and guts hunger laid hold, They move their chaps, and bite their teeth, not meat, Through wrinkled skin their bowels might be told: Nothing but skin and bone, they'd nought to eat, In stead of belly stood an empty place, the brest hung down, and seemed for to stay On the back bones rough grate, pale was the face, Lips white, eyes sunk, teeth stark, all was like clay.

Nor was France free from their teeth and devouring, but in the years since the time the Vir∣gin brought forth her son, namely in the year 455, 874, 1337, 1353, 1374. was miserably wa∣ited, and the Citizens consumed by famine, and very many killed by a plague that followed it, and sometimes it lost a third part of the inhabitants. These Locusts had commonly six wings, and were brought thither from the East. But at length by force of winds they were carried into the British Sea and drowned there: but by the flowing of the sea they were cast to the shore, and infected the air, and caused a plague no less cruel than the famine that went before. Otho Frisin∣gensis. Also in the year 1476, they wasted almost all Polonia. In 1536. innumerable troops of Locusts were brought by winds from the Sea Euxinum into that part of Sarmatia which is called Podolia, they did change their camps in a military order, and they eat up all that was in the fields where they pitched both by day and night; these of an unusual greatness at first wan∣ted wings, then their wings growing forth, they flew at pleasure; and what shall I say? they eat not only herbs and leaves, and flowers, but hardly left any bark on the trees. Then they wandred through Germany, and came as far as Millan, and having devoured all there they returned to Polonia and Silesia. At last in November, for so long they lived, when they were consumed by force of cold, they raised such a stench, that had they not been eaten up by hogs, and wilde bores, they would have caused as great a plague, as they had done a famine in Germany and Italy. In the year 1543, Locusts did a very great mischief to the Countreys of Misnia and Marchia: at which time they were so frequent in Lucania, that being in heaps they were above a cubit high. Jacobus Ekcelius. In the year 1553, it is commonly known what great dammage the migh∣ty company of Locusts did at Arles: whilest we were writing this, we received news that the Spaniards were sorely afflicted with swarms of Locusts brought thither out of Africa. For they flew like Armies through the skies, and darkned the air. And the people when they saw them, rang all their bels, shot off ordinance, sounded with trumpets, tinkled with brazen vessels, cast up sand, did all they could to drive them away; but they could not obtain what they desired, wherefore sparing their labour in vain, they died every where of hunger and contagion: as the Mariners and steer-men reported to us, who escaped very hardly from that danger themselves. Eutropius lib. 4. makes mention of very great Locusts, which were seen not far from Rome, to the wonder and amazement of the beholders, the inhabitants were so afraid of them, for their de∣vouring nature, that they were frighted at their sight. Hence we may collect that those crea∣tures are not the smallest amongst the Armies of the Lord of hosts, when he pleaseth to punish the sins of men, and to revenge himself on the despisers of his Lawes. But as his Justice is ad∣mirable, so in his greatest severity Mercy is not wanting; for being that Locusts have brought sundry Nations to want and hunger, and they have had no thing to eat, these Locusts have died sud∣denly, and became meat for the people they afflicted before: the people of hot Countreys, * 1.107 (whom especially they spoil of their increase of fruits) as the Aethiopians, Tagetenses, Parthians, Arabians, Lybians, Mellenses, Zemenses, Darienenses, Africans, and those that live about Lepris, |the Azanaghi, Senegenses, people of Mauritania, and others, live chiefly upon Locusts, and ac∣count their eggs to be dainties; others prepare them thus: First in a low large place they make a great smoak, by which the Locusts in flying are hindred and forced to fall; than when they have taken them they dry them with salt, the Sun and smoke, and cutting them in pieces, they keep them for their yearly provision, as we do fish, not only those which have large legs, but the Attelabi, the Aselli, Asiraci, and almost all kindes of Locusts, as we collect out of Dioscorides, Stra∣bo, Pliny, Solinus, Agatharsis, Plutarch, Avicenna, Posidonius, Leo and Dionysius Africanus, Aelian, Diodorus Siculus, Aloysius, Cadmustus, Agricola, and the Centuries of Navigations, whence they were called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Locust-eaters. Yet though they accounted them amongst their choicest meats, yet the Grecians esteemed them but for meaner fare; if we beleeve Aristophanes and Plu∣tarch in Sympos. where he cals them the Sustainer of the Countreymans table: S. Matthew in the 3. chapter, saith that John the Baptist lived upon them and wilde honey; and God appointed four * 1.108 sorts of them to be clean, and suffered the people of Israel to feed upon them: whosoever de∣sireth more concerning Locusts for food, let them read the most learned Annotations of Venera∣ble Bede upon St. Matthew. They have no venome in them; yet they that feed on them are not long lived, and seldome live to 40 years, and frequently die young, as Diodorus Siculus, Aga∣tharsis, and Strabo have observed. St. Ambrose saith that Locusts hurt neither men nor fruits by themselves, but nourish them; and feed not on fruits unless God command them. But when God gives the word, they kill men, spoil the ground, and execute the vengeance of God. Man∣tis, as I said, shewes travellers their right way; Ophiomachus kils Serpents, all Locusts foreshew the Spring, and what is more acceptable to us? and if by so great multitudes they foretell of famine, by that they sweetly invite us to prayers and repentance; they live so lovingly toge∣ther, that they stand in need of neither King nor Emperor; for they fly together as Solomon saith, Prov. 30. without a King and live in concord, whence is that saying of Ecclesiastes, Thy keepers are as Locusts, and thy children as the young Locusts: that is, not only numerous, but unanimous, and conspiring together.

What concerns their use in Physick, the Locusts are serving to that end also: for their smell * 1.109 cures the Strangury, especially of women. Dioscorid. Bread eat with the flesh of Locusts, is good for those who are troubled with the Stone: fryed Locusts take away the roughness of the nails: Locust legs bruised with Goats tallow, cure the Leprosie. Pliny. Mantes cure hard scrofulous tu∣mors.

Aselli dried and drank with wine are excellent good against the stinging of the Scorpion. Attelabi, cure the stinging of Bees, Wasps, Hornets, and hurts by Bloud-suckers▪ Dioscorid. Eupor. and Pliny 29. 4. Arnoldus prescribes this composition for the white skins of the eye for dim∣ness, and a cloud, Breviarii lib. 1. c. 16. Let the Locusts be not altogether green, nor wholly black thrust a string through them and strangle them in a little White-wine, then dry them in the shade, then take Primros•• roots, and Fennel roots, dry and powder them, and mingle them with the powder of the Locusts, then keep the powders bound in a cloth, in the said White-wine in a brazen vessell; of which Wine (the cloth being first gently crushed) drop two or three drops into the eyes: As for their quality and temperament; unsalted they heat a little, they inflate, increase seed, stir up venery, when they are salted it seems they are of worse juice, they cause thirst and burn the bloud; yet they hurt not dropsie persons, nor such as are leucophlegmatical. Silvaticus. Farther▪ to touch upon other uses of them; Locusts, their feet and wings taken away, are good to feed young Peacocks. Columella. Frogs about lakes, and many fish feed on Locusts, which is so well known, that Bello∣nius witnesseth the same. Also the Saleucians have a bird feeds on Locusts, as Hesychius remem∣bers. Jackdawes do also devour them; wherefore at the publick charge they are maintained in Thessalia, Illyrium, and Lemnos: for they not only destroy Locusts coming, but they also devour their issue, whereby corn is preserved unhurt. Also they are food for Rooks, Choughs, Hens, Geese, Ducks, for Hogs also and sheep, as besides histories, and long experience, Plutarch witnes∣seth in his book of Isis and Osiris. Lastly, if any credit may be given to Apomasaris, a man most learned in the learning of the Indians, Persians, and Egyptians, to dream of the coming of Locusts is a sign of an Army coming against us, and so much as they shall seem to hurt or not hurt us, so shall the enemy.

Now it will be time to shew by what means the over great abundance of them may be driven * 1.110 away by the providence and wisdom of man, and so I shall conclude this Chapter. Pliny saith, that in the Countrey of Cyrene, it was ordered by a Law, that thrice in the year they should war against the Locusts. First, breaking their eggs, then destroying their young ones, then by killing the grown Locusts. If any failed of this duty they were punished for their default. The Mag∣nesii and Ephesians march out in military order against them. It is no wonder that divers Nati∣ons took counsel how to destroy so cruel an Army, whereas in divers places of Africa and Mau∣ritania, they are so numerous and mischievous, that they force the inhabitants to seek out new habitations. We observed out of Pliny, Valeriola and Peucerus, divers waies to break and destroy their eggs. At the entring of the Spring, rivers are turned upon the places where their eggs are, so that they abundantly wet all the surface of the earth, or the greatest part of it. If the place be so scituated that they cannot do this, multitudes of men trample over the ground, so that no place is left, that is either higher or deeper than the rest; if they cannot prevail with their feet, they use a drag, a harrow, and a rowle that are very heavy, such as Countreymen use, that they may the more easily bruise them, and level the ground the better. Also abundance of military Chariots would do no hurt here, for by frequent and often running up and down with the wheels, they would break the eggs: I should also commend the use of the plough, which would dig and turn up the earth, and cut the nests of the Locusts. Some counsel to fright the old Locusts with ringing Bels, sounding Trumpets, beating Drums, and by discharging great Guns, to make that terrible Salmonean noise, that may drive them away; some think that by great cries and shoutings of men, they may be terrified, as if the beating of the air might shake them, or as though they heard any of those terrible noises, as some absurdly dream. Others make deep ditches in the fields, and with crackers that beat the air, drive the fearful Locusts thither by degrees, and when they are come into these ditches, they are suddenly overwhelmed with earth, or casting in rubbish, they cover and destroy them. Some affirm that they are taken with pickle made with Locusts, that by it they fall suddenly into a deep sleep, and afterwards dye. By these acts, saith Valeriola, the Locusts that vexed the people about Arls were destroyed in twenty daies time. In Syria they fight against them in a souldierly posture. In the Island Lemnos, all Souldiers are bound to bring a cer∣tain measure of Locusts to the Magistrates every day. Some Nations, as I said, feed Jackdawes at the publick cost, that as occasion is they may destroy the Locusts. Moreover the birds, name∣ly Storks, are called Seleucides, which the inhabitants of the Mount Cassian formerly obtain'd to be sent by Jupiter against the Locusts that destroy'd their corn. These birds come yearly to help them, but whither they fly back, or whence they come, no man can tell. So soon as the Locusts are destroyed they forsake the Mountain, and go home again. Our new Authors migh∣tily commend the smell of brimstone, and of gun-powder, and think they will kill Locusts by their smell; but if a cloud of Locusts or swarm come tumbling into a land, let all the inhabi∣tants lie close in their houses, for if they see no man in their journey, they will readily pass over that countrey, or else they will easily remain in that place. But if they be come before it be observed, they will touch no herb nor corn, nor any thing that is sprinkled with the decocti∣on of bitter Lupines, and wilde Cucumers, for they perish so soon as they touch them. It may be the decoction of the lesser Centory, Wormwood or Walnut leaves would do the same. Al∣so they are said to passe from those places where bats are hanged aloft on the trees. Moreover, if you burn Locusts taken in pits, the same way as I said, that fume will either choak the rest that are near, or will make them fall down, that they may be easily taken with your hands, or they will dye of themselves, being afterwards weakned with the Sun. If you would defend vines

from them, sow three grains of mustard-seed near the root, for they sprouting up afterwards, will by their sharp sent, kill all Bruchi and Locusts whatsoever that come near them; as the Geoponicks of Cassius and Dionysius Ʋticensis (not rightly ascribed to Constantine the Emperor) do perswade us. Aristot. 4. hist. 8. saith that Locusts are driven away with the fume of Brimstone, Harts-horn, or Storax. Palladius from the rules of Democritus, lib. 1. tit. 35. writes that Locusts will hurt nei∣ther corn nor trees, if many river or sea Crabs be put in an earthen vessel with water, and be co∣vered and set in the Sun, that they may evaporate so for ten daies, then whatsoever you would have take no harm, sprinkle with that water every eight daies, till the corn be perfectly grown. Arnoldus saith that Locusts are driven away with the fume of Oxe or Cow-dung, or the smoke of the left horn: but why doth he superstitiously exclude the right horn? for reason and nature hold right to be better than left. The Magicians trust much to their trifling charms, whom sith Pli∣ny hath lib. 37. cap. 9. charged with extreme madness, and vanity unspeakable, I shall say nothing to detain you with. Peucerus▪ lib. de Divinat, gener. writes, that the Romans when they knew not the true God, whensoever they saw swarms of Locusts, used fasting, sorrow, sacrifices, and all means to pacifie the angry gods, and afterwards they more carefully adored Jupiter, who drove them away. Eudoxus saith, that the oriental Galatians, upon such a tempest, come to the god of Birds, and desire him often to drive away the Locusts that swarm in their lands. This should admonish us Christians that are entred into the rites of the true God, and are instructed by the perfect light, that the sure way to drive from us hurtful Locusts is to call upon God by prayer joyned with true repentance a••d unfeigned piety, without which all our force and inventions will come to nought, nor will all our devices avail at all. For I highly approve of that saying, For all remedies without Gods assistance are idle enterprises of men, but when God is pleased, and blesseth the means, then are they remedies indeed.

CHAP. XVII.

Of Grashoppers and Krickets.

OF all the Insects making a stridulous noise, the Grashopper challengeth the chief place, and by great right too. For in the heat of the day he sends forth a most shrill and musicall sound, sustaining his life with dew without doing any harm to herb or trees. Amongst the Greeks he hath divers names, according to the diversity of Countreys, generally and by a common name he is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by the Eleans, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; by the Sideti, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; by the Cretians, (as Bellonius saith) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; by the Countreymen of Suidas, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it lives by sucking out of the dew. They attribute also divers names and appellations unto it from its sex, age, bigness, and singing. For the female which doth not sing at all Aelian cals 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Stephanus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that sings not; Eustathius thinks it is not a Grashopper, but another kinde of creature like it. So doth Athenaeus s. 4. from Speusippus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, like to a Grashopper, or the Bird cal∣led a small Turtle. Indeed the words of Lia out of Alexis cited by Athenaeus in his Thraso, give in a large testimony to the same, both that the Cercopa had a voice, and was of a divers kinde from the Cicada or Grashopper (I never saw the female Cercope, nor the Pye, nor the Nightingale, nor the Grashoppers male) unless perhaps the Grecians were wont to keep together in their caves the male and female Turtle, so we should say they joyned together in like manner, the male Gras∣hopper and the female Cercopa; for that they did not only keep them together with the Pye and the Philomele, for their singing sake, but that they might behold their mutual embraces, dal∣liance and lustful pleasure. Add to this that Athenaeus calleth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the more talkative; so far is he from attributing all the business of singing and making a noise to her male, contrary to the custome of the female.

The Grashopper when it comes to be old is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, when young and tender 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Hesychius observeth. The little Grashoppers (which Gaza calleth Cicadastras, and we Cicadu∣las) the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signification I wonder that it is passed over by Stephanus. The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, put substantively, signifieth the least Grashopper of all, as Eu∣stathius witnesseth. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 also do signifie the lesser Grashoppers, as we read in Calius, al∣though Eustathius will have them to be creatures of another species, like to Grashoppers, as otherwhere he cals them the females of Grashoppers. These Dionysius will have so called of the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the sound they make. The more vocal and obstreperous of them called E〈…〉〈…〉eladi, are the Achetai, or the Males, making indeed a very pleasant and musical noise. The other being mute and more wilde are called Sigalphi, from their silence, as also Acanthii. In Arabick, Gi∣tuole, and Cicuale, Vulderetriche and Robiche. Silvat. Cicara is a barbarous word of a Latine or Spanish word corrupted. In Italian Ligallo, Cicara, and otherwhere Lazenzala; In Spanish Cig∣natregas, and Ciganre; in Germany and England I do not hear that there are any Grashoppers to be found, but if they be, they are in both Countreys called Bow-krickels, or Ba••lm Krickets; in Flanders, Feildtdresin; of the Walloons, (if I mistake not) Straffen; in Polonia, Konick, Zye∣muyco, Spiewa. Sometimes the name Krickets and Grashoppers, are promiscuously used, which cannot be, unless you will say that the Kricket is a Grashopper without wings. The Latines as

some that hunt after words will have it derive the word Cicada, quasi cito cadens, (i. e.) quickly perishing. And that indeed is the Epither that Arist. gives it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the short lived Grashopper, for so indeed it seems to be.

Of the Grashoppers, some are more common, others more rare. The common and ordinary so••t hath the head big, and bending downward; and is of the figure of a Pentagon, terminated with unequal sides; it is of a blackish green colour, having on each side two bunches or bosses of the same colour, but of an ovall figure, and edged about with a dark coloured margine, and a line or streak of the same running along cuts the bosses in the midst, & the letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of a pure black colour

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parts the head right in the middle; it hath eyes of some-what a dark green, prominent and big, considering the bulk of the body; insomuch that I wonder that Ni∣gidius (that denies that they have any eyes) could not see them. But indeed as Aristotle saith they are very dull sighted. For if you bend your finger and put it back toward their eyes, they will rather come towards you than go from you, and will the sooner get upon your hand being drawn thereto by the shadow of the finger: the head or rather the face looking upward, appears of a weak green from white.

The Grashopper amongst the Insects, is the only one of those kinde of creatures that is without a mouth, but hath it otherwise supplyed, by a long kinde of compact fast substance, which like a promuscis supplieth the place of a mouth and tongue fashioned round and hollow like a pipe or gutter, reserved for the most part within, ha∣ving ten streaks running athwart it, with the which it sucks the dew, the only nutriment that it hath, and which is peculiar unto it, as Virgil saith, Pascuntur dum rore Cica∣dae: Whence it is in Athenaeus that the question is con∣troverted, afterward concluded, that water alone is able to maintain life, because with it alone the Grashop∣pers are sustained. Hence it is that elsewhere he re∣peats the saying of a certain Parasite to this purpose 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. I am not such a one as liveth on dew nor herbs. And that of Theocritus is very like it: Doth he live on dew like a Gras∣hopper? Away then with that Fable of Aesop which is commonly received, that the Grashoppers begged food from the Ants, for we may learn out of Plato, that the Grashoppers are consecra∣ted to Apollo, and the Muses bestowed on them this boon, that they should live only by singing, not so much as mentioning the dew. We shall also pass over those inventions of Tzetzes as not worth the mentioning, who reports that the Grashoppers are alwaies provided with food in great variety. It is reported by Antonius Altomarinus in his Book de Manna, that the Grashop∣pers do suck the juice out of the bark and leaves of the Ash-tree, or Elm chiefly, the which we call Manna, but yet it is more likely that they suck it off from herbs, or out of them, as the Butter-flies do, both because they are alwaies found to be empty within, and for that they are not perceived to void any thing, unless it be when they have taken in a little more dew then or∣dinary, they cast out of their bodies the superfluity thereof, as the Countreymen have ob∣served.

The body is fastned to the head by a very short neck, or rather none at all indeed, the shoul∣ders are spotted with green and black, the breast is of a bright green well towards white, out of which come three feet and shanks on each side of a leek colour; the belly in the bigger sort is two fingers in length, and one in breadth; the inner part of the belly resembles a target end∣ing in a sharp point, and is compassed about with an hem having twelve or thirteen joynts in it; within appear certain incisures of the same colour with the belly; the males (that is, the least of the two) have the end of their tail forked; the females on the other side whole; their back is blackish with seven or eight green lines or incisures drawn athwart the same; the wings very cu∣rious, of a silver colour, and painted with dusky spots and specks very trim, the outermost twice as long as the innermost, and more various: the dark brown is more rarely seen, which Ludovi∣cus Armacus a very diligent Chirurgeon, brought from Guinea, and gave to Pennius: also Mr. White a rare Painter, gave him another brought forth from Virginie, it was all of an ash-colour, (it may be it was that the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) but it was like the former in propor∣tion, it hath both its wings silver coloured, but not at all, spotted, and the former green ones were. Those that live in quicksets are most green and big, those that are found in oats, or corn, or grasse, are of divers colours according to the place where they be, and are far lesse then the rest.

But if we compare their Nature and conditions with mans, they being our servants, do ex∣cell their Lords and Masters in virtue; and may teach us manners. For they shew forth that harmlesness of conversation, that they will not hurt or abuse any creature; but we perverting the

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right use of things, can finde in our hearts many times to abuse even our parents themselves. What guest will be content with the diet of the Gras∣hopper; that is simple, mean and fru∣gall, not inquinated with variety of dishes, or cookery, or curious mixtures? yea so far hath foolish curiosity pre∣vailed with men, that unless flesh of contrary nature, and with them fruits, leaves, spices, liquors, be dressed toge∣ther, they think their appetite unsa∣tisfied, & their palat very much wrong∣ed, nauseating that clean and whol∣some diet of their forefathers. Those can quench their thirst with a little dew: we with our diversity of mix∣tures do rather invite and increase thirst than allay it. They living in shrubs near to the earth (in which they had rather sing) yet notwithstanding lead a cheerfull life, and with their high stained notes, do make the low∣ness of their condition more easie to them. But we men if cast from any high place, we presently despair, and are afraid at every turn of the wheel of Fortune.

The Grashoppers hold on singing

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from morning to night, without intermission, very pleasant and sweetly; whereas many Preachers neither preach well nor often, scarce four times throughout the year: truly they may be ashamed being bred more civilly, to be admo∣nished of their duty by a wilde musician. These if you scratch or tickle their belly (as Poets which were commen∣ded) sing more shrill; but those speak them as fair as pos∣sible may be, yea invite them with gifts, yet (like the Ar∣gonantae of Martial) neither use the care, nor lift up their eyes or hands to the sayles. Moreover these agree all to∣gether in one tune, and bestow their mutual help in their affairs. But I would to God these did not wholly busie themselves in sowing strife, and breeding controversies, that they did not wrangle together about wool and flax, figures and forms, and ceremonies, and of things decent, undecent∣ly and unseemly. True is the proverb of Theocritus concer∣ning them, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Grashoppers are a friend each to other; but man who ought to be a God to man, ra∣ther proves a wolf and a Devil, and putting off the nature of a man, tears up his own bowels.

Amongst the Grashoppers the females are silent; the males do in a manner loath venery, neither are drawn unto it but by many enticements of the female. But our women have more tongue by far than men; and the men behave themselves more lasciviously than women. What is to be added further. The Grashoppers of all other Insects seem to be without passion, but the per∣turbations of our mindes do carry us on so headlong, that upon every slight cause, yea none at all, we wax hot with anger, pine away with grief, burn with envy and jealousie.

Now for the musick which the Grashoppers make, amongst all the Insects there is none like it, accounted so sweet amongst the Ancients, that they equalled it to the sound of the Harp, as Pol∣lux writeth, and it may be Lucretius therefore called Grashoppers Teretes. When Timon Sillographus would commend the eloquence of Plato, he compared it to the musick of the Grashoppers: his words are these: Plato sings sweetly, and as well as the Grashoppers. They begin to sing in the heat of the day, even at what time the reapers would otherwise leave work, whe••efore those la∣borious chanters get them up into trees, and there fill the ears of the labourers and passenge••s with their melodious noise. For as musick is a kinde refreshment and recreation to the faint∣ing spirits and tired brain, so the unaffected notes and layes of the Grashoppers, and the ear∣nestness of their contention in singing, doth serve as a spur to provoke men to endure

labour, and doth not only invite the reapers to gather the fruits, but detains th••m in their work.

Of the strife between Eunomus of Locris, and Aristo of Rhegium two Harpers, and Eunomus getting the better, by reason of a Grashopper flying to his harp and sitting upon it and supply∣ing the place of his broken string: read Antigonus Mirabilium narrat. l. 1. & Strabo Geograph. l. 6. Of which contention also Solinus makes mention: and indeed the Ancients by the Gras∣hopper understand Musick, and therefore they painted the Grashopper sitting upon Eunomus Harp, as the known Hieroglyphick of the Muses, as Strabo, Phlegeton, and Pausanias give us to un∣derstand.

With the Athenians it was the symbole of Antiquity and Nobility, and to that end (as now the Spaniard doth the golden Fleece) so they wear golden Grashoppers embroydered on their Hair, from whence they were called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The Author of the Anthologies saith further in his third Book, that the Ancients had the Grashopper in such veneration, that they made a mo∣nument for it in the Promontory of Taenarus in the Countrey of Laconia, and engraved a very elegant Elogy thereupon in its praise; to which Orus Apollo, Hieroglyph. 2. doth subscribe. In a word, there is none to whom the musick of the Grashopper can seem harsh or unpleasant, but is either not well at ease in his minde or his body, and so can be no competent judge of musical strains. The Grecians had them in such estimation, that they kept them in Cages to please their ears with them.

Now to adde something concerning the manner how they make this noise, and then to pro∣ceed to their original and death. This stridulous and obstreperous noise they make, some think to be caused one way and some another.

Pierius thinks it is formed in the snout or promuscis: Proclus Diadichus, by the rubbing toge∣ther of their wings, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, The Grashopper sings by frequent clapping of its wings together, and so it makes a noise. And the same thinks Hesiod. But that they sing not with their mouth all men know, as neither by the rubbing of their wings together as the Locust doth, but by the reverberation of a little membrame un∣der the flabells; (so they call those two coverings behinde the hinder thighs cleaving to the bel∣ly) or as Aristotle describes it in brief. They make this noise by reason of the air striking against the membrane under the midriffe; for by that means it being distended or remitted, and forced up and down, there breaketh forth a stridulous sound, such as the boyes make with their reed or oaten pipes, which have a thin skin, which being pressed down, shaken or intended, it must make a sound. And this is the reason why the female Grashoppers sing not at all, because they want that space between the thighs, where this thin membrane growes in the males and causeth this sound. Others make the females to be more cold by far than the males, and that they make the cause of their silence. But forasmuch as Eunuchs, old men, and old women, make most noise and greater than young persons that are more hot, therefore frigidity cannot be the cause. Add further (if we will stand to the judgement of Hippocrates) that women are more ••ot than men; but if they be not so, yet it must needs be acknowledged, that the female Grashop∣pers are more hot than the male, because under the midriffe they are not so divided but the males in that place (were it not for that little membrane to hinder) they might easily be blown through. Nature certainly intended by denying a voice to the females of these Grashoppers to teach our women that lesson; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, what ornament silence brings to the female sex.

They begin first of all to sing about the latter end of the Spring, the Sun being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 past the Meridian, and perchance in hotter Countreys sooner, where quickse••s or thicke••s are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rare, there they live more happily, and sing more willingly. For they are of all creatures the least melancholy, and for that reason they do affect not only green and pleasant 〈…〉〈…〉es, but 〈…〉〈…〉on and open fields. Yea they are not to be found in those places where there are no trees at all, nor where there are too many and too shady. Hence it comes to passe, sa••t•• Arist▪ that a•• Cyrene in none of the fields there is there any Grashoppers to be found, whereas near the Town they are frequently heard. They shun also cold places, indeed they cannot live in them. They love the Olive tree, because of the thinness of the bough and narrowness of the leaves whereby they are lesse shady.

They never alter their place, as neither doth the Stork, or at least very seldome; or if they do they are ever after silent, they sing no more; so much doth the love of their native soyl pre∣vail with them.

In the Countrey of Miletus (saith Pliny) they are seldome seen. In the Island Cepholenia there runs a River, on the one side whereof there is plenty of them, on the other in a manner none: that which I should take to be the cause, is either the want of trees, or the too much abun∣dance, or else a certain natural antipathy of the soyl; as Ireland neither brings forth not breeds any venomous creature: for the same reasons they do not fancy the Kingdome of Naples; al∣though Niphus relates that to be done by the enchantment of one Maro. Timaeus that writeth the History of Sicily, reports that in the Countrey of Locris on the hither side of the River He∣licis they are marvellous loud; on the other side toward the city of Rhegium, there is scarce one to be heard: they are not therefore silent because Hercules prayed against them for disturbing him of his sleep, as Solinus fabulously relates, but because they are more merry and jocond at home;

as the Cock is: whence it is that the Locrian Grashoppers will not sing at Rhegium, nor theirs on the contrary near Locris; and yet there is but a small river runs between them, such a one as one may cast a stone over. Much certainly doth their Countrey (which comprehends in it all the love that may be) move them: where like the people of the Jewes, they refuse to sing their native Songs in a strange Countrey; who being cast out of their own habitation, seek means to die rather than waies to live; so prodigal seem they of their short life, and desirous after their native dwelling.

They do so affect the company of men, that unless they see fields full of Mowers or harvest folk, and the waies with passengers, they sing very low and seldome, or silently and to them∣selves. But if once they hear the reapers making merry, talking and singing, (which is common∣ly at noon) then they sing so loud as if they strove who should sing loudest, together with them. Wherefore not undeservedly was the Parasice in Athenaeus called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, who being naturally ob∣stemious by nature, yet was so full of talk, as if he strove that no body should be heard at the ta∣ble but he. Socrates in his Phaedro recites the History of the Grashoppers very wittily, warning men not to sleep in the heat of the day, lest the Grashoppers mock them: for the Poets report how their diligence was highly rewarded. For they ••ay that the Grashoppers before the Muses were, were men; who afterwards when the Muses came taught them to sing; but some of them were so delighted with musick and singing, that altogether neglecting their meat and drink in∣considerately, they perished; the which afterwards being turned into Grashoppers, the Muses gave them that for a reward, that they should be able to live even in the heat of the day without meat or drink, neither to have any need of bloud or moisture.

They couple and generate with creatures of the same kinde, as Aristotle tels us, and the male * 1.111 casts his seed into the female, which she accordingly receives; they bring forth in fallow grounds, hollowing it with that sharp picked hollow part of their tail, as the Bruchus doth, and therefore there is great plenty of Grashoppers in the Countrey of Cyrene. Also in reeds, wherewith the vines are propped, they make hollow a place for their nest; and sometimes they breed in the stalk of the herb Squilla, but this brood soon fals to the ground.

This is also worth the notice, which Hugo Solerius writing upon Aetius affirmeth, that the Grashoppers dye with bringing forth, the ventricle of the female being rent asunder in the birth (the which some being very much deceived therein, do report of the Viper) the which I ex∣ceedingly marvel at. For they lay white eggs, and do not bring forth a living creature (as the field mouse doth) unless it be by reason of weakness: of the egge comes a little worm, of that comes a creature like to the Aurelia of the Butterfly, which is called Tettigometra, (at what time they are very delicate meat to be eaten before the shell be broken) afterwards about the Sol∣stices, in the night come forth of that matrix, the Grashoppers; all black, hard, and somewhat big. When they are thus got out, those that are for the quicksets, betake themselves thither; those that live amongst the corn, go and sit upon that, at their departue they leave behinde them a little kinde of moisture; not long after they are able to take wing, and they begin to sing. That therefore which Solerius feigneth concerning the bursting of the womb of the mother, I should conceive to be understood of the matrixes.

A certain woman did bring up some young Grashoppers, for her delight sake and to hear them sing; which became with young without the help of the male, if we may believe Arist. 1. l. de hist. anim. but since he hath told us that all the females of Grashoppers are mute by nature, and this spontaneous impregnation is far from truth, either the woman deceived Aristotle, or he us.

There is another kinde of Generation of Grashoppers, that we read of. For if clay be not dug up in due time, it will breed Grashoppers, so saith Paracelsus, and before him Hesychius. For this cause Plato saith Grashoppers were of old time men born of the earth, but by the favour of the Muses turned into that Musical sort of creatures, the Grashoppers. Even at this day sustaining their lives with no other food than dew, and feeding themselves by continual ••inging they live. For this cause the Athenians were called Tettigophori, because they wore golden Grashoppers for ornament in their hair, and for a token of their nobility and antiquity; as Thucidides 1. Syngraph. and Hera∣clides Ponticus de priscis Atheniensibus testifie. Erytheus makes a proof of this custome, being born of the earth as they say, who first governed the Common-wealth of the Athenians▪ and they too in the judgement of Plato, the Natives were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. born of the earth. Afterwards it came to be a custome that none but an Athenian, or one born in the place might wear a Grashopper in his hair: of this opinion is Aristoph. as also his Scholiast.

I••idore saith that the Cuckow-spittle doth generate Grashoppers, which is not true, but that it produceth small Locusts is manifest. Lucretius in his 4, Book, saith that the Grashopper in the Summer doth shift his skin, according to this verse:

Cum veteres ponunt tunicas aestate Cicada;

And for that reason he is called by Hesychius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. the naked Grashoppers or with∣out a skin: whom I should not have believed unless I had the picture of the skin so cast off by me.

Before Copulation the Males are of the more delicate taste, afterwards the females, for that

they have in them white eggs very pleasant to the palat. The Parthians, as Pliny writeth, and the rest of the eastern Nations feed upon them; not only for nutrition sake, but to open their veins, and to stir up their languishing appetite, as Atheneus in his 4. Book, and Natalis Comes expresly af∣firm. Hence Aristophanes in his Anagyrus out of Theocritus, writes that the gods did feed upon Grashoppers, at what time they had lost their appetite through choler or passion. I have seen, saith Aelian l. 12. c. 6. those that sold them tyed in bundles together for men to eat, to wit, the most voracious of all living creatures did sell the most jejune, lest any thing should be lacking to their exquisite dainties.

Dioscorides gave rosted Grashoppers to eat, and saith they are very good against the diseases of the bladder. Some, saith Galen, use dryed Grashoppers for the Colick; they give accor∣ding * 1.112 to the number 3, 5, or 7 grains of Pepper, as well when it goes off as when it comes on. Trallianus bids to give them for the Stone, dried and beaten, the wings and feet first of all taken away, and this to be done in a bath with sweet Wine and Hippocrass. Aegineta useth them dry∣ed for the Stone in the reins, and for the diseases of the reins he invented the composition called Diatettigon. Such another like Antidote doth Myrepsus prescribe, but all heads and feet as su∣pervacaneous members being cast away. Luminaris hath transcribed an Electuary out of Nico∣laus of this sort. Take Grashoppers, their heads and legs cast away, two ounces, Grommel seed, Saxifrage seed, each 1 ounce: Pepper, Galanga, Cinnamon, of each 2 drams, Lignum A∣loes, half a dram; honey what is sufficient. Nicolaus useth Grashoppers burned and powdered, mingled with honey, and gives them about the bigness of a bean in a quantity of wine. Aetius gives three Grashoppers beat in Wine. Some in stead of Cantharides use Grashoppers to provoke urine, and in my judgement not without very good reason; for they are taken with lesse danger, and do work sooner, as well in this disease, as in the weakness of venery. Nonus the Physician prescribes an Antidote of Grashoppers, and Xenophyllum, against the Stone in the kidneys. A∣retaeus for the remedies of the bladder, speaks thus of Grashoppers; The best remedy for the blad∣der, is a Grashopper given in its time to eat (Males before copulation, but afterwards Females, as we finde in Aristotle) but out of their time, dried and powdered; boyl them with water and a little spike: also let the patient sit in the same for a bath to ease the pains of the bladder. Some of our later practitioners, put Grashoppers in oyl, and set them in the Sun, and mingle them with oyl of Scorpions, and anoint the privities of men and women, the testicles and parts about with it for pains of the bladder. Arnoldus, Breviar. l. 1. c. 20. & 32. commends the powder of Gras∣hoppers for the Colick, and Iliack passion, and also to drive forth the Stone; if half a Grashop∣per in powder be drank with Goats bloud, or Diuretick wine. Lauframus highly esteems the ashes of Grashoppers to break the Stone, taken with Radish water, or the decoction of chich Pease. Also they cause idle and lazy boyes to hunt after them: Theocritus speaks thus of it in his first Idyllium.

Hee with thin ears of corn bound to a cane did make A whip, for Grashoppers to hunt and take.

Neither are they only excellent meat, and very usefull in Physick to men, but they feed Birds also, and insnare them. For the youth of Crete (as Bellonius witnesseth) hide a hook in the body of a Grashopper, and when they have fastned it to a line, they cast it up into the air; which the Merops seeing, catch it and swalloweth; which when the boyes perceive they draw it to them; and so do exercise their air-fowling not without profit and pleasure.

The Grashoppers abounding in the end of the Spring, do foretel a sickly year to come, not that they are the cause of putrefaction in themselves, but only shew plenty of putrid matter to be, when there is such store of them appear. Oftentimes their coming and singing doth pot∣tend the happy state of things: so Theocritus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Niphus saith that what year but few of them are to be seen, they presage dearness of victuals, and scarcity of all things else. But whereas Jo. Langius (a Philosopher of great reading and learning, and a famous Physician) saith lib. 2. epist. that Grashoppers did eat the corn in Germany as the Locusts do; Stumsius, that it was done in Helvetia: Lycosthenes lib. prodig. and the Greek Epigram doth affirm, that they eat the fruits and crop the herbs, truly (unless they mean a Locust in stead of a Grashopper) they de∣clare a strange thing, and (saving the credit of so famous men) I will not believe, for they have neither teeth nor excrement as hath been said, but only feed and swell with the dew. Besides, although I have gone over all Helvetia, Germany and England, and have searcht for a Grashopper as for a needle, yet could I f••nde none. And therefore I suppose that both they themselves, as also Guill. de Conchy, and Albert. Vincentius, to have mistaken the Locust or Bruchus for the Gras∣hopper, being deceived by the common error, who take the one for the other. They that de∣sire more of their nature and use, may consult the Authors of the Greek and Latine Epigrams, with praising them or dispraising them according to their own humour.

The Aegyptians by a Grashopper painted, understood a Priest and an holy man; the later makers of Hieroglyphicks, sometimes will have them to signifie Musicians, sometimes prat∣lers or talkative companions, but very fondly. How ever the matter be, the Grashopper hath sung very well of her self in my judgement in this following Distich:

Sim licet insecti genus exiguum at{que} minutum, Magna tamen parvis gratia rebus inest.

Although I am an Insect very small, Yet with great vertue am endow'd withall.

Next in order followeth the Gryllus or Kricket, both for that it resembleth it somewhat in * 1.113 shape, the wings excepted, but comes very near it in its note and manner of singing. Cale∣pine saith it is called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but citeth not his author, neither can he. Others from the shrill sound think it to be so called, like the noise of the dashing of waves, which is called Gryl∣lismus, in the number of whom is Isidore. Hadrianus Junius calleth it from the harshness of the sound 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but not rightly; whereas I have proved one of Arist. that to be a greater sort of Locusts. Freigius quest. lib. from Pliny, calleth it Tryxalis; the which notwithstanding it be an Insect without wings as the other is, yet it is not at all like to the Gryllus in form of shape. It is called also in Latine Gryllus; in French, un Gryllon, Crynon; in Arabick, Sarsir, if we may believe Bellunensis; in Barbary, Gerad; of Avicen, Algiedgied; of the Polonians, Swierc; Hun∣garians, Oszifereg; in Germany, ein Grill, ein Heyme; about Argentinum (from the moneth wher••in it sings) Brach vogle; of the Illytians, Swiertz, Czwrczick; of the Italian and Spaniard, Gr••llo; of the English, a Kricket; of the Dutch Creket, Nachtecreket.

The Gryllus or Kricket is of two sorts, the field Kricket, and the house Kricket. Pliny refers them both to the kindes of black Beetles, but improperly, since they have not their wings in a cover, but only thin membranes, though the outmost are far thicker than those that li•• hid under them. Calepine, that came after him, makes it a kinde of Locust, but his error is the same. Niphus on Aristotle, hist. 5. 28. & 29. cals them ground Locusts and Bruches, as also

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Albertus by ignorance cals them Grashoppers. Of the field Krickets, some are males, some are females: the male is welnigh as big as the Grashopper, but the body somewhat longer, of a blackish colour, the head for the bulk of the body, big; the eyes great, standing out, the fore-head horned, but the hornes with∣out joynts, which notwithstanding are moved to and fto with ease. It hath six feet coloured like the body, the hindermost longer than the rest, for the more nim∣bleness of motion and leaping; they go (as all the rest of the Krickets do) forward and backward; the wings as it were slightly engraven, and crooked, co∣vering almost all the body, the tail forked, the body less than that of the female; she having a bigger bel∣ly, is of an un••ightly green colour; the eyes grass-co∣lour, the cornicles reddish, the tail three forked like a Trident, in bulk of body differing from the male. In the Summer they are found in the fields, making holes in the earth, and building their nests. In a calm Win∣ter they lie hid, in a cold and sharp they die in their holes, the which they seem to have digged without the help of a Pioneer.

The noise which they make is caused by the rubbing of their wings one against the other, as Pliny witnesseth. Jacob Garret an industrious and ingenious Apothecary did the same with the wings pluckt off and rubbed together, very cunningly imitating them: insomuch that I won∣der at Scaliger, who saith it cometh from a kinde of I know not what follicle and pipe placed in the hollow part of the belly; and at Sabinus who ascribeth it to the collision or grating together of their teeth: the which Pliny also, but falsly, writeth of the Locusts. When as either of them through the narrowness of the passages of their holes do lightly rub their wings, whether field Kricket or domestick, they make but a small sound: but when they are out of doors and rub hard, they make a very shril loud noise, yet not at all without the motion and agitation of their wings: the which if you crop or pull off, you shall see all that noise presently to cease. In the heat of the day (in which they are much delighted) and in the night also they sing before their holes mouth.

Their common abode is in pastures and medows; they do not willingly tarry in shady and opacous places, they seldome live till winter as George Agricola writeth.

Nigidius gives great credit to them, but the Magicians more; because they go backward and make a noise in the night, and make holes in the earth. The farther off they are, they make the shriller noise; whereas being near at hand they are silent, and through fear or suspicion presently betake themselves to their holes. The Kricket, (saith Albertus l. 4. c. 7. exercit. 273.) if it be divided in the middle, or have the head taken off, yet sings and lives a great while after. The which if it be true, what shall become of that pipe in the belly of them which Scaliger saith doth cause the sound? The children use to hunt them with a Pismire tyed about the middle

with a hair, which they put into their hole, blowing away first of all the dust lest she should hide her self again, and so is drawn out by the Pismire. Plin. l. 29. c. ult. But sooner and with less labour is she taken thus, take a long small twig or a straw, and put it into the hole, and draw it out by little and little, out she comes presently to her holes mouth, as it were to ask what the mat∣ter is, or who offered that injury to her hole; and so is taken. From whence cometh the Pro∣verb, Stultior Gryllo, more silly than the Kricket; of him that for every light cause doth betray him∣self to his enemy, and wittingly brings himself into danger. They live upon new Panick, ripe Wheat and Apples.

The house Kricket (if we may believe Albertus) is called of the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but no such name can be found. It may be he took a barbarous word for a Greek: the English call them house Krickets, the Germans, Heimgrill.

Pliny l. 11. c. 28. writing of the Scarabee (among which he falsly reckons the Kricket) hath these words: Some of them dig holes in the ground, others of them in the dry earth between the fire and the oven, making a great noise in the night. The Domestick like the former are both male and female. The male is almost all over of a dunnish colour, the back of a various dun, or rather black; the body long and much less than the field Kricket; the head almost round, the

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eyes black, the cornicles movable every way, in form and shape all alike the field Kricket; about the root of the middle feet two snow white lines do cross the back and adorn it.

In the moneths of July and August they fly, but not far nor long; and that like the Wood-pecker, or Hickway, with a waving flight, sometimes flying aloft with her wings spread a∣broad, sometimes descending with her wings close to her body: the tail is forked. The female is the bigger and longer bellied, she flyeth with four wings, of which the outermost are shorter, the innermost narrower and longer; the end of the tail hath three prickles or bristles. Both the sexes fly, a••d leap and run, and that swiftly, they lick in greedily the scum of broth, and barm of ale or beer; they feed likewise on the matter and liquor that cometh out of corrupted flesh or carrion. Of this Insect writeth Albertus thus: The Gryllus or Kricket which sings in the night, seems to have no mouth as the field Krickets have, but there is found in his head a long thing like a tongue, and it growes above the outer part of the head, and that part is not cloven, as the mouthes of other creatures; neither is there found in the belly any superfluity at all, although it feed on the moisture of flesh and fat of broth, to which either powred out or re∣served it runs in the night; yea although it feed on bread, yet is the belly alwaies lank and void of superfluity.

The Kricket doth not only recreate men weary with labour, with their singing, but are good for physick also to drive away diseases. The Ancients (as Scaliger hath observed Exercit. 186. * 1.114 and found it by his own experience to be true) did use them in stead of the Cantharides, and with the like success. It being dug out of the earth with the earth with it, is good for the running of the ears. Being rubbed between the hands it cureth the disease called St. Anthonies fire, as also the swelling of the jawes: but this Kricket must be digged out together with its earth with iron, and afterwards be rubbed; and so the patient will not only be cured for the present, but shall be free for a year from having the disease again, Plin. l. 30. 4, 9, 12. They cure also the Parotides, i. e. an Impostume or sore coming of matter distilled from the head into the kernels of the ears; whether they be bound upon the place, or the place anointed therewith; they serve also, toge∣ther with their earth, to anoint the Kings-Evill. Their ashes mixt with oyl, bring old ulcers to Cicatrice. The Kricket diluted in water is good against the Stone or difficulty of urine. Bellunen∣sis used to drop the oyl of them into the ears of them that are diseased in that part; by that means taking away all the dolour and pulsation of them. Marcellus much commends the stroking of them upon the tumours of the jawes, and binding them upon the same: and in the opinion of Haly being hung about the neck, they cure the Quartan Ague. Serenus saith they cure the swelling of the Tonsils in this Distich:

A Kricket with right hand on Tonsils prest, To kill the Kricket, gives the patient rest.

Children (as the Italians do Grashoppers) do keep them in a box bored full of holes, or bags, to hear them sing in the night, giving them leaves of herbs whereon to feed, and so keep them all the Summer. They are kept in Africk in iron cages, and are sold at a great rate, as I have heard by some Merchants, to cause sleep. For those of the inhabitants of Fesse are exceedingly de∣lighted with their shrill noise; as much as the Irish and Welch with the sound of the Harp. With which also learned Scaliger seems to be not a little affected, when for their musick sake he kept them inclosed in a box, the which if he had kept in such a thing where they might have had air, he had not found dead after three daies, but able to live a long while: lib. de plant. For being se∣cluded from the air they cannot live, which besides air and sound have nothing in them, nor seem

to be any thing else. The last Summer I had a male and a female of them; but within eight, daies, I found the sides of the female eaten out by the male, which also it self two daies after expired.

The Bird Lanio, as the learned Brewer hath observed, is fed with them. The which she fastens upon thorns near to her nest of young, for fear they should want food.

When they become offensive by reason of their number, thus they may be driven away or ta∣ken off. Take a good deep dish filled of water, and place it before their holes mouth with a good deal of oatmeal round about it; so the Krickets leaping up into the boul are drowned▪ or if you mix water with Vitriol and inject it into their hole, they will be gone.

There is one little winged creature behinde, which whether it may be referred to the Classis of Grashoppers or Locusts I know not. For by that it flies in swarms, and eats the corn, it may seem to be a Locust; but in figure and shape it is likest the Grashopper above any thing. The visage of this creature is wonderful resembling an Infants; it hath on the head a three cornered cap, in the top of which are four black foots; two often very long, the other two almost round, be∣tween which you may perceive two very little points or pricks; it hath four wings, of which the innermost are folded double when it sits still that you would think it to have six wings. And these it may be were those Locusts of which Cuspianus hath written out of Sigebertus. In the moneth of August (saith he) in the year 874. a wonderful swarm of Locusts having six wings, and six feet, did fly out of the East, by which almost all France was destroyed. You would say at first sight they had a hood upon their shoulders; but if you look nearer hand, it is nothing but the upper part of the wings inclosed with a semicircle. The body very thick, of a black and dun colour, the hinder part of the wings were all full of black spots. P. Quickelbergius of the City of Antwerp, sent over this to Pennius out of Africk, the which I keep to this day in my store-house of Insects, by the name of a young Grashopper. And as little am I satisfied concerning the Tryxalis, (spoken of before) it had its name it may be from gnawing or eating. But that it should be either the Bruchus, or the little Herb-locust, Grashopper, or Kricket, I cannot be induced to believe. Not only because Athenaeus, Pliny, and other Philosophers are not agreed in that very point; but besides, because they do much differ in form and nature: and why I pray may not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 be derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to make a noise? and if it be, truly it will best agree with the Krickets, which because of the noise it makes, it may be as true of the Cricket, which Peucer very well distinguisheth from the Blatta or Beetle, as by other things, so by the noise it makes: that which Joach. Camerarius, son of that great Camerari∣us and heir of his vertues, first observed. Pliny adviseth to rost

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20 of them and to drink them with sweet wine against shortness of breath, and spitting of bloud. The ashes of them in honey, applyed to the rugged edges of ulcers takes them down; they are likewise ex∣ceeding good for the stopping of womens courses or monethly pur∣gations.

Hitherto I thought good also to refer the water Grashopper of Ron∣doletius, whose head is like a pentangle, having as it were five corners, the eyes round and standing out of the head, not great, but black; the cornicles very short, coming forth out of the outermost part of the mouth; on each side it hath three feet, the hindermost longer than the rest; on the back it hath little wings, or some coming; the tail forked, the belly oftentimes as it were cleft; the colour of the body some-what dun, or rather black and white. I found them in muddy and stan∣ding waters, but the nature of it I yet know not. This differs from the land Grashopper, both for that the head stands out more, and it seems to have some kinde of neck, and also it hath wings not fit for flight, but only to lift it self up. This is said to make a kinde of a pleasant noise like the land Grashopper, upon the leaves of the water Lilly, pond-weed, and other water herbs. The which I have not as yet heard.

CHAP. XVIII.

Of Moths called Blattae.

MOst men talk much of the Blattae, but few or none able to describe what the Blattae, properly so called, are, neither do they give the least mark whereby they may be known; but ga∣thering divers notions here and there do put them all together and confound them. And but that Pliny had brought some light to this History, the Blattae had altogether been omitted or lost. First of all therefore we shall shew to what Insects the name of Blatta was given according to Au∣thors, then we shall set down what the true Blatta and properly so called is▪ Now under the name of Blatta are comprehended both the worms growing in the ears, as also those Phalens

which trouble the Hives of Bees. But since these desire the light, the other altogether shun it, why they should be accounted Phalens, I do not see. The Blatta also is a little worm eating cloathes or books. So Horace in his Sermons, Blattarum & tinearum epulae &c. But Martial al∣together distinguisheth between the Blatta and the Tinea, and sheweth them to be creatures of several kindes.

It is taken also of the Moderns for the little worm called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, out of whose web silken gar∣ments are made. Some call the little worm that groweth in the grain in the low oake, Blatta, from whence cometh the Blattean colour, or grain colour. So Turneb. advers. l. 18. c. 17. & l. 28. c. 23. The Blattean colour is died with worms which come out of the grain of Cockle, out of who••e bloud is produced a most curious colour, not black, as some think, but a bright purple or scarlet. To which the Book de natura rerum, & Gualter de Conchis do assent. The worms of the belly some call Blattae. Cardanus in one place calleth the worms that breed in meal or bran, Blattae. Gaza interprets the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Blattae. But the proper and right name thereof is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; according to Pollux, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; as also according to Lucian, de••iding a man * 1.115 that was no Scholar, yet bought many books. The Italians call it Blatta, and Tarma; the He∣trurians Piattela; the Germans, Wibell, Brottworme, Brottkarfaer, Malkaefaer, Springwibell; they of Norimberg call one species of them by way of sport, Schavahen, because it cannot endure cold, as Cordus writeth; the Illyrians, Swinie; the Polonians, Molulowy; the Hungarians, Moly; the Spaniards, Ropa cova potilla. Now the Blatta is an Insect flying in the night, like to a Beetle, but wanteth the sheath wings.

There are three sorts of Blattae; the soft Moth, the mill Moth, and the unsavoury or stinking Moth. Freigius divides them altogether falsly, confounding the soft and the stinking Moths one with the other, and making the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to be the third species of them, seduced as it seem∣eth by Gaza's interpretation. That all of them when they are old do shift their skin; both Arist.

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hist. 8. c. 17. and Pliny l. 11. c. 27. do affirm. All the males are supposed to have wings, but the females certainly have none; they also are less, those more bulky and big-bellied. All of them (but the stinking) run very swiftly, and die with cold. The male is soft, the female of colour more black, it hath a small head, whereout come two long cornicles, every waies movable; the brest, to∣gether with the shoulders orbicular; in the body it hath seven incisures; the wings are of the same colour with the body, it seldom flies, but (as the Ostrich doth) by help of the wings it doth run very swiftly; it hath a forked tail like a pair of Barbers cizzers; it hath six feet. It lives about Privies or Jakes houses, ditches and steamy foggy places, for the most part they are somewhat like the field Kricket, but of a more compact body, and with far more slender shanks.

In the Ship called the Philip, (which that noble other Neptune, Sir Fran∣cis Drake, took laden with spices) there was found a wonderful company of winged Moths, but somewhat bigger than ours, softer and of a more swarthy colour. I have heard by many men of good credit, that there was one of these soft Moths found and taken in the top of the roof of the Church at Peterborough, six times greater than the common Moth, which did not only pierce the skin of those that sought to catch it, but bit so deep, that

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it did fetch bloud in great quantity; it was about a great thumbs breadth in bigness and length, and being shut in between two wals, yet after two or three daies got forth no man knew how.

The Mill or Bake-house Moth, I have seen: the Greeks call the female (if I am not deceived, because it had no wings) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: it is longer, thicker, and of a more shining black colour than the ordinary soft Moth, with a little forked mouth placed as it were under its belly; the cornicles like to the first, little hollow eyes, or rather eye∣holes; the breast foursquare, with the four foremost feet fastned to it, the hindermost to the belly; above the shoulders appear as it were little wings, though they are not so indeed; the rest of the body somewhat thick, cut all over round about, circle or o••bicular wise; in the sides resembling the form of a saw, the tip of the tail and a fork growing on each side is somewhat like a Trident: these Moth Krickets take up their abode in warm places, as stoves and bake-houses, and such like; let them be never so hungry, they will scarce indure to come into the light; or if they be compelled so to do whereby to get some food, they betake themselves into the dark again with what speed they can, or else hide themselves in dust that they may not be found.

The third sort is so unsavoury, and carries with it such a stinking smell, that from the same it is called of the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; of the Latines, Faetida Blatta, i. e. the

stinking Moth; it hath thighs sharp with prickles, as Pliny describeth it, the which mark of di∣stinction, if he had not expressed, perhaps this kinde of Kricket had not been known, or seen by me. For the black Beetles (especially the hairy ones) they are altogether of the same form, only the tail taken off. It is of a pure black glissening colour, very slow paced, as no crea∣ture the like; the body so framed and ordered, that you would swear it were winged and had

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sheath wings, nevertheless none of them have any wings, no not the male it self amongst this sort of them, (what ever Pliny dreameth to the contrary) it hath thin slender long shanks; remains in deep cellars, and is a retainer to the Jakes; it creeps very slowly, but at the least glimpse of light, and whisper of talk, she hides her self; a shamefac't creature certainly, and most impatient of light, not so much for its ill favouredness, but the guiltiness of its conscience in regard of the stink it leaves behinde it, and of its ill behavi∣our: for it frequents base places, and digs through other mens wals, and doth not only annoy those that stand near it, but offends all the place thereabouts with its filthy savour. The mouth of it is forked, the back covered (as it were) with a sheath wing, so solitary a creature that you shall scarce finde two of them together. Whether it be begotten of putrefaction, or otherwise generated by the commistion of male and female, is not certainly known.

About Francford near the River Main they are frequently seen, as also in London in Wine∣cellars, and dark dungeons; the other species are more frequent in Bake-houses, and warm pla∣ces. The stinking Beetle some confound with the Cimex or Wall-louse, a creature of the like quality; but not rightly. The inhabitants of Peru have certain creatures which they call Ara∣ners: Serius thinks them to be Butterflies. They are of the bigness of the Kricket, they go forth a great many of them together in the night time, and all that is in the house almost that is soft they nibble about and eat it. Lib. Navig. Butterflies I cannot say they are, because they gnaw, and do not suck with their Promuscis; I would therefore either make them to be Krickets, or some new kinde of Moth, or some creature mixt and made of both. In an Epistle of a certain learned man sent to Gesner, there is a description of another kind of stinking Moth. There is saith he a certain stin∣king flying Insect in Hungary that stinks beyond measure; I should call it a stinking Grashopper, but that it is more like the Kricket. In Winter it desires the light, in Summer it shuns it; when it flies it makes a kinde of a terrible horrid noise, leaving a most noisome stink behinde it. Some there are when the air is infected, carry this creature about them as some secret remedy, and adore it; nay some of them, which a hog would scarce do, will swallow them, so afraid are they of the Plague, and so desirous to use means against it. They are bred in wals: where they are most frequent there grow as they say the most generous wines, & I have found it to be true by experience. So far Epistle.

All the younger Moths are whitish, but at their full growth of a bright red or tawny. The stinking are as black as a coal.

Divers Authors do speak of four other sorts of Moths, viz. the Venereal, bred in the genitals of men; the Bee Moth, the Cloth Moth, and the Library or Book Moth, from eating of the Books: but none of these, but the Bee Moth agreeth with the description of the Moth: but that nei∣ther is so stinking as the one called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or so soft as the others befote described; but of a mid∣dle nature, rather pouldred with meal than anointed with oyl. Of the rest of these we shall speak more fully when we come to speak, God willing, of the Lice and Moths called Tineae.

Much variety of opinion there is among the learned of the colour of the Blat Moth, or the Blattean colour. For if these Insects (of which we have now treated) are the Blattae truly so cal∣led, why should not the black be the Blat colour, rather than red purple colours? Certain it is, it is that the Bizantine Blatta yeelds a purple colour, as that of the worm Cochineal doth a red or scarlet; either therefore all colours may be called Blattean, or else this last of ours is not one. Indeed I wonder at the boldness of Turnebus and Thylesius, which will have that of the worms to be the Blattaean, when as they are of no Author called Blattae; but rather properly it ought to be counted a Scarlet red. The Blattae an colour therefore, to say the truth, is the Purple, not∣withstanding our Blattae send forth no such kinde of liquor; but are fliers of the light, nasty, cruel, rough, theeving, living of nocturnal depredations after an infamous manner, whence Servius cals them Piratas noctu navigantes, night Pirats.

These little creatures, although they are hateful to nature it self, to Men and Bees, yet God * 1.116 hath endued them with sundry vertues, in which they excell the Blattae Bizantine. For take off his shell or nail, which is there between its head (called papaver) and its neck, what doth the belly contain but the ornament to dye withall, and to delight the eyes with their colour? And be it so that Princes and great men will buy it though never so dear, and by the greatness of the price make it only fit for Kings to wear; yet notwithstanding when you have heard the virtue of these Blattae, otherwise so contemptible, you will say they are far more to be esteemed than purple. For they are wonderful good for the pains in the ears, taken after this manner: Take twelve Blats with their wings cropt off, of old wine and honey ana ℥ j. and half the rind of a Pomegra∣nate, of the juice of an Apple 6 spoonfuls, boyl them well in a new pipkin till the rind of the Pomegranat be made limber and soft; then beat them all together, which done, add unguentum Syriacum ℥ j. of Tarre ℥ j ss. the juyce of 4 Onions pressed out what may suffice; beat all these together and lay them by for use: let this decoction be dropt into the ears, and a lock of

new shorn wool stopt in warm. Galen sec. loc. l. 3. Experience witnesseth that the soft Blats boyled in oyl and put upon Warts, are ro good effect. The mill Blat, the head being taken off and the body bruised, doth cure the Leprosie, as Masa and Pithen have left in their Receipts. The fat of the stinking Blat, when the head is oft, beaten with oyl of Roses, Galen out of Archigenes saith is very good for the ears; but the wool in which they put it, must by and by be taken out: for that fat substance will quickly breed worms. Others write that two or three of them boyled in oyl, bruised and put into a little linnen bag and applyed, are very good for the same purpose; their entrails beaten with oyl or warm water are likewise good for the same, being dropped in∣to the ears. Pliny saith, l. 2. c. 36. that from the two first the heads must be pulled oft before they be used in medicine; from the stinking, the feet and wings, or rather that crust or shell like wings on the back, that being more hard, and more poysonous; but it hath no wings. The stinking Blattae moreover mingled with oyl or pitch, are said to cure Ulcers, otherwise in∣curable; as also Wenns and Swellings in the neck, Botches, being layed on for 21. daies toge∣ther: they cure also the Scab and Fellons, bruised and festered Sores, the wings and feet being first taken off. We disdain to hear of these things, yet truly Diodorus (as Pliny saith) reports that they have helped the Kings-evill, and difficulty of breathing, mixed with Ro••n and Honey: the most learned thought fit to keep the ashes of them in a horn box for this purpose, or the powder of them to put into the body by way of Clyster. Cardan saith they take away pains; but what pains, or what kinde of Blattae should do it, he tels us not. The Phrygians and Lycaonians, anoint those with them that have a stoppage in the Matrix. Pliny l. 30. c. ult. Last of all they may serve in stead of Castore••m for an Antiballomenon; and Galen useth them in stead of the Bu∣prestis.

Now if you would have a remedy against themselves, cast but a handfull of Flea-bane (the Greeks Mascula is the Latines Cunilago) and all the Blats will gather together to it. So called * 1.117 in Rome Blattaria or the Blat-herb. Nature hath provided a remedy against them for the Swal∣lowes; they are wont commonly to spoyl the Swallowes eggs, wherefore they use to fence their young with Parsly or Smallage, whereby the Moths are forced away from their nests. The which might be thought to be the figment of Aelian, but that Zoroastes in his Geoponicks doth af∣firm the same. The Ʋpupa or Houpe inclose their nests with earth flax against Moths. The Chough useth the herb Vervin to the same purpose. If they be anointed with the oyl of Spike, it works the like effect, as Joach. Camer. reports. That they may be rid out of Gardens, let us hear Diophanes his advice; Get the Guts of a Ram fresh killed and full of dung, bury it in the earth where many Moths use, and cast the ground lightly upon it; two daies after all the Blats will gather to it; the which at your pleasure you may carry other where, or bury them deep enough in the place, that they shall not be able to rise again. If you would preserve your Bees from them, use sharp fumigations, or set lights near to the Hives, or else anoint the props whereon they stand, that they may not get up.

CHAP. XIX.

Of the Buprestis or Burncowe, and the Cantharides.

MAny of the Naturall Philosophers have made mention of the Buprestis, but so little, that they seem neither to have touched either their form, or qualities, no not so much as their true Name. For Ardoynus cals it Buprestis; Vigelius, veter. l. 3. c. 15. cals it Vulpester or Bulpester; and in the 78. chap. Bustrepis most corruptly. Silvaticus, if any other chief at Barbarism, cals it Bustasaris, Bublistes, Bubestis, so corrupted was the Latine tongue in these blinde times, that Barbarism had wrought a general confusion in all places.

Now the true name of it is in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quia boves rumpit, because it swels Oxen; Nicander in Alex. derives it ab incendendis bobus, from burning or enflaming the bowels of beasts: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

When cowes or calves are sick, and bellies swell, They'ave eat Buprestis keepers know full well.

For first of all by their acrimony they enflame the belly of cattle, upon which followes a tu∣mor, and a feaver, and a kinde of a hot tympany, by which in the end the bowels are burst. By other, as by Hesychius in like manner 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which is more rightly ascribed to that kinde of red little Spider, found in pasture grounds, which doth use to bite them. In English it is called a Blain-worm, or Troings, which being eaten by cattel doth produce the like sym∣ptomes: the Latines retain the Greek name of Buprestis; of the Germans it is called Geuch, Gach, Knoelster, Gualster, die Grunen, Stinckhenden, Wildenwentde, Renkaefer; of those of Heidelburg, from its swift running, ein Holtzbuck; in Italian, Bupresti; in Spanish, Arebenta busi, if Mathiolus say true. B••t I for my part, somewhat boldly, though not improperly, do adventure to call it by a new name in English, Burncow, or Burstcow.

Pennius reports that he light upon one about Heidelberg, and a true one indeed, who describes it thus: It appears, saith he, both in shape and quality to be a kinde of Cantharides, both for its force and properties, (if Galene, Aegyneta, Phavorinus, Aetius, Plinius and Avicen are to be believed) but of a longer body, the outer sheath wings of a yellowish green, or rather of a golden

[illustration]

yellow; the thighs also are longer and thicker, the eyes globous, and pro∣minent, out of the forehead near the eyes come forth two long horns, joynted; the head smal; the mouth is wide, hard, strong, forked, having teeth with which he doth cruelly wound and bite; the belly not round, but very long; a great foe to the Beetle and the Lizard, aiming at their bel∣lies (as being the softer and more penetrable part) which presently she gnawes through, and when she fears to be overcome or caught, presently she retreats and hides her self▪ somewhat strong of taste (as Actuarius saith) upon the palat. Aetius makes it to have a smatch of Nitre both in taste and smell. Cornarius, Lonicerus, and Cordus being de∣ceived by the strong smell of it, could not forbear to say it was the same with the Cimex or noisome Wood-pews, and called it accordingly Knolster, and Quelster. It feedeth on flies, cankers, worms, and other the like Insects, provided she kill them in fight, for those that dye of themselves or are kill'd by others, she will not touch: when she hath filled her self with the carkasses of the slain, what she leaves she drawes into her hole, and when she is hungry again feeds on them. Other sa∣vage qualities of this little creature let Peter Turner, and William Brewer (Physicians for learning and integrity of conversation second to none) relate, who together with Pennius at Heidelberg did observe its life and manners. Bellonius in his description of Mount Athos, expresseth the true Buprestis thus: It is (saith he) a little winged flying creature of a most strong sent like to the Cantharides, but greater, of colour yellow or clay coloured; of such exquisite poyson, that the cattle when they have fed there a little while, do die of the grasse infected with its contagion. It hath its abode amongst the herbs cal∣led Succory, Flea-bane, Nettle, called Vouprissis by the inhabitants of Mount Athos. Thus far Bellonius. From whence we may truly collect that both descriptions of them do agree, as concerning their ill savour, their bigness, qualities; only they differ a little in kinde and colour. For we have not seen any of them yellow, unless I may call a greenish gold co∣lour yellow. Neither indeed is it fit to stand so much upon the outward shape or colour; but admit that according to the diversity of the climate, they may both receive some alteration (as it is in men) and yet be the same in species. Another Buprestis of the right sort I have seen, the body a little shorter, and broader about the belly, the tail more piked, the head small, the eyes standing out, the mouth gaping, and forked, the sheath wing for the length of it, chamfered; of a full bright grass and gold colour; the legs but six in number, long, proportionable to the bo∣dy. The Prints of Mathiolus and Grevinus, beyond the nature of the thing, and the experi∣ence of their own eyes, express eight but more slender, (considering the bigness of its body, than the first sort of Buprestis) and blackish, the cornicles also but half so big, and smaller; it equals the first in swiftness of pace, goeth beyond it in noysomness of savour, yea in this it excels the Cimex or stinking wood-lowse her self, and all wilde creatures. It hunts after Flies and Canker-worms, wherewith it is fed; so vehement strong it is, that it will kill the most deadly Spider that may be. Pliny saith, that in Italy this creature is seldome found, but now (as we have reason to believe Marcellus Virgilius) they are more common than the state of the countrey can well bear.

But that they are indeed venomous by nature, and very noxious to man and beast, as Aetius wit∣nesseth (for they kill both by their whole substance) doth appear even by this, that those which

[illustration]

should give them to any one to drink, were as Budaeus saith in his Pan∣dects, to suffer death. For so the Law runneth: Qui Buprestem, vel pityo∣campen, tanti facinoris conscii, aut mortiferi quid veneni ad n••cem a••cele∣randam dederit; judicio capitali, & poena Legis Corneliae afficiator. Who∣soever shall give a Buprestis or a Pine-tree Worm to drink, to kill any body, or any mortal poyson, being found guilty of such wickedness, shall suffer death by the Law of Cornelius. I have seen about Heidelberg two Buprestes like Scarabees, the one of a golden green, the other of yellowish black. The one like to the former which we have described, but somewhat bigger; the outer wings all over streaked with golden lines, and sha∣dowed with a little green; between the lines rise up bosses curiously wrought; very swift of pace according to the common nature of that Insect. But that which is of a yellowish black was sent unto me from Vienna by Jacobus Quickelbergius of Antwerp, who hath been a great help to me to enrich this history. The colour excepted, and that it was a little bigger, and had four horns, it altogether resembled the last we described.

Although these Insects are such as hath been said, that they fret with their acrimony; that freeting they enflame, and with their poysonous inflamation cause extreme thirst, and a horri∣ble * 1.118 swelling, insomuch that the very skin is burst; yet hath Dame Nature made them notwith∣standing very wholsome, which Art afterwards hath prepared for medicine, before they be put in use. Plinius and Aegineta dispute whether they should not be prepared as the Cantharides. Dioscorides dries them in a sieve over hot embers, and so layeth them by. Galen steeps them in vi∣negar. Hippocrates commands to take off their wings and feet. And because they fret, exulce∣rate, inflame and swell up, and do strongly attract and heat the parts so fretted. Diosc. l. 2. c. 59. saith, that being mixt advisedly with fitting ingredients, they may be applyed to the Leprone, Cancer, and wilde Tetters. My opinion is, that they may be used in stead of the bigger sort of Cantharides, rather than some kinde of Blattae (by Pauius his leave, if I may say so) not only because they are somewhat like in shape and figure, and in virtue also, as Galen writeth. Pliny saith that the Buprestis by way of corrosive doth take away Ringworms in the face. Hippocra∣tes doth much commend them in divers diseases of the womb. For so he writeth in his Book of the Nature of Women; and in his Book of the Diseases of Women; and in his Book of Barrenness. For the hardness of the womb, to emollient juices and fat add a Buprestis, and use it. To drive out the Monethly Flowers and secondines, prepare half the body of a Buprestis (whether great or smal) with twice as much pulp of a Fig, and apply it; for it purgeth the womb, and inflateth it, and is a special remedy to procure the Flowers when they are past hope. Sometimes he applies only a Buprestis (if it be a great one) sometimes making a soft pessary, he takes ten, and adds to them a little sawcer of oyl, and mingles with it Wine, Aethiopian Cumin, Seseli, and Anniseed, of each a∣like parts, and whilest they are hot he makes a pessary of them and useth them to the Matrix. In the strangling of the womb, when the fit is over, the body first purged, Hippocrates makes a Me∣dicament with a Buprestis, and thrusts it into the Matrix. Also for a Schirrous of the womb he useth a Buprestis, but warily and with diligent consideration; for he puts it in like a Suppository for one day, and when it doth much vex the patient by corroding, he bids to take it forth: more∣over he compounds a Buprestis, Myrrhe, and Elaterium, and puts it in. So he doth also to bring forth a Mola, Gal. l. 1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 cap. 1. out of Archigenes, describes a Medicament of Buprestes, with Vinegar, Crowfoot, and Wakerobin root, against falling of the hair, Leprosie, Elephan∣tiasis, &c. the cure whereof you may easily finde there.

Now as I have declared hitherto its profitable qualities, so (lest I should transgress the bounds of history) I shall open the terrible effects that this poysonous creature causeth in man and beast; * 1.119 if a man swallow a Buprestis, 'tis all one as if it had been a Cantharides: the body swelleth, as if it had a tympany, much wind creeps between the skin and flesh, which hapneth no doubt by the flux of humours melted by the poison, and the vapours elevated upwards. The lips are of a strong colour, to wit, of a dead violet. In the mouth there is the like poysonous taste; the stomach, belly, and guts do ake extremely, the urine is stopt, the body is ill all over, as also the head and brain are sensible of it.

A remedy of this is Salt-peter, taken in Wine and Oxe gall. Useful to that purpose is womans milk, suckt out abundantly, and in defect, cowes, goats, or sheeps milk. Womans urine drank, * 1.120 and vomited up again; but before a vomit they ought not be given, because by that means the Feaver would be more sharp. Dioscor. First of all therefore of good store of Wine sodden, or with oyl of Myttle Bacon lard, or fat Pork broth, or with good store oyl of Olive, or boyled Wine a Vomit is to be made. New Wine drank freely, is held to be a special remedy against the Bupre∣stis. Galen and Ardoynus. Pliny commends Nitre with water, or Laserwort, Asa dulcis, Wine and * 1.121 Honey, or Bezoin dissolved in warm water; or take red Nitre 4. drams, and in warm wa∣ter or Posca cause Vomit. After vomit there must be means used for purgation, afterwards use dry Figs (as Galen prescribeth) or a decoction of them in old generose Wine when the fit be∣gins to bate. The Thebane date is prescribed to eat alone, or bruised in sweet Wine or wo∣mans Milk: all kinde of Pears, and oyl of blossomes of Apples, are much commended for this use. Nicander commends wood-pears, (for that I think he means by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) and especially Myrtle berries) following the authority of Dioscorides. For that they do refrigerate and bind, and by that means do as••wage the hot nature of the Buprestis, and help the weakness of the stomach. But heed must be taken they be not eaten while the body is yet swoln, lest the disease be increased by the poyson being kept in. Some with good reason give 31. berries of bladder Nightshade, and with Almonds the make Almond-milk, together with the decoction of Lettice, Violets, Bo∣rage, Bugloss, garden Nightshade, Plantain, Raisins, and the great cold Seeds. Aetius gives the root of Scorpion—grass in sweet Wine to drink. Many extoll the wings and feet of the Cantha∣rides for an Antidote against the Buprestis, but either it hath an opposite quality by antipathy, which makes good that opinion, or else we may suspect it to be false. * 1.122

If an Horse or an Oxe eat one of these flies, presently he swels, growes mad, and shortly after bursteth and dieth. So Aelian. 6. de Anim. c. 35. and Hierocles a Greek writer witnesseth it. He bids to binde the horses head, and to open the veins about his nostrils, that the bloud may run forth of his mouth, and to rub it with Coleworts, and give him Fish-pickle and Oyl: and Vege∣tius likewise almost in the same words: If a Horse or an Oxe eat a Buprestis with the grass, his belly will instantly swell, he is inflated all over, he refuseth his meat, and he often and by little and little sends forth his dung.

To cure this, Absyrtus and Vigetius prescribe one and the same remedy: presently get upon the Horse and cause him to gallop as fast as he is able, afterwards let him bloud a little in the roof of his mouth, and let him swallow the bloud as it runs forth, chewing it in his mouth; then keep him continually walking; let his diet be wheat steeped in sweet Wine with Leeks given him with a horn in Wine warm well beaten with Raisins. Some, as Praxanus taught them, pour Oyl into the nostrils of the Oxe, l. 17. c. 17. To Goats that are swoln with the Buprestis, apply Bacon-lard, or pour the fat broth of it down their throat, saith the same Author.

The Cynoprestis seems to be the same with the Buprestis, for that works the same effects in Dogs as this doth in Cattel: or if it be a different sort of creature from this, I confess ingenuously I have not met with it.

CHAP. XX.

Of the Cantharides, or Spanish Fly.

I Know not what the reason was that the Cantharides above the rest so well known, of so great use in Physick were omitted by Pennius and Gesner. Which task notwithstanding I shal willingly undertake, and thus I begin their History. The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek is the same in Latine; in French, it is Cantaride; in Italian, Catarella; in Spanish, Cubillo; in the German Tongue, Grune, Kefer, Goldkefer; in Low Dutch, Spaensche, Ʋlieghe; in English, Cantharides, or Spanish Fly.

[illustration]

Of the Cantharides two sorts have come to our knowledge, the one greater, the other lesse. Of the greater sort there are some thick and long, taken in wheat; and fat likewise as the Blats are, drawn with variety of golden lines, which in the wings run athwart, and those are accounted of the best use in Physick. Others are lesse and lean, hairy, called the in∣nermost, not so fit for medicine. Of the greater sort also not all are of a glittering green, but some of them of a sad red, but all of them of an inexpressible splendor, and very pleasant to the eye.

[illustration]

The smaller Cantharides Thomas Decat first of all acquainted me withall, they seem to dif∣fer a little in shape and bigness; but have all the same virtue and original. Of these lesser, the first hath a long forked head, with black eyes standing out, the cornicles long and black, the wings coming forth of the middle of the loins; the which are marked with two silver coloured spots, and a few other white specks. They are commonly found in Kexes, or Asse Parsly in the summer time. It hath feet and thighs very slender and long; of colour virmi∣lion inclining toward a purple. The second is of the same colour with the first, but only that the eyes and cornicles seem to be green. Of the third the head and shoulders are not to be

[illustration]

distinguished, of a rusty colour, and the eyes as black as pitch; the wings of like colour with the head, but glittering with golden streaks, the feet black and short. The fourth is like the third, but only it is rather in colour of grass green, not rusty as the other: otherwise, except the bigness (for it is the least of all) it doth not dif∣fer. As well the greater as the lesser of these Cantharides, do not come of living creatures, but of dry and moist putrefaction. The race of Cantharides is bred in wheat and corn fields, and in fig-trees also. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: as Aelian hath it word for word out of Arist. in his 9. Book and 39. Chapt. They are bred also of the sponge of a Rose called dens Ca∣ninus, and of the Catterpillars which are found in Fig trees, Poplar, Pear tree, Ash, Olive, Rose trees; for in all these there are worms bred that are the originals of Cantharides, but in the white Rose they are less effectual. The Cantharides couple and generate likewise, but ••ot a creature of their own species, but a worm only; they feed upon pulse and grain, but especi∣ally of wheat, and those which are so fed are accounted most fit for Medicine: they smell like Tarre, taste like Cedar, as Nicander reporteth.

Their virtue consists in burning the body, causing a crust, or (as Dioscorides will have it) to corrode, cause exulceration, and provoke heat; and for that reason are used mingled with me∣dicines that are to heat the Lepry, Tettars, and Cancerous sores.

And in being mixt with Cecots or fit plaisters, they do cure deformities of the nails, causing them to fall off. They are used in medicines for Corns on the feet or hands.

Some anoint the places where the hair 〈◊〉〈◊〉 off, with Cantharides bruised and liquid Pitch, the skin being prepared with Nitre: they are good for Cauteries, but care must be had that they do not ulcerate so deep▪ then some command to annoint those ulcers made, with the heads, of with the gall or dung of Mice mixt with Hellebo••e and Pepper. Cantharides mixt with quick Lime, cure Botches, as if you should cut them off with a razour. Some use to cast a little of them into Medicaments to provoke urine. But there is a great question of it, because they are poyson drank, in respect of the bladder that they afflict with perpetual toment•• But these is no que∣stion but in oyntment they may do good with the juyce of wilde Vine, or with Sheeps or Goats suet. Some of my Masters put only their wings and their feet into Medicaments that pro∣voke urine. We, saith Galen, are wont to cast in the Cantharides whole, and we judge those to be the best, that are found in wheat, and have a yellow girdle running athwart their wings to adorn them, L. 3. & l. 11. desimpl. fac. also put under, they mightily provoke the terms, and put to medicaments for the Dropsie, they are a very good antidote against it; as not only Hippocra∣tes, and Dioscorides, but Galen, Avicenna, Rhasis, Pliny, and the best writers do testifie amongst Phy∣sicians. I cannot here praise sufficiently the excellent use of them, with Leven, Salt, and Gum Ammoniac, to divert Catarthes, to cure the Gowt in the feet and hips; by drawing the matter that lies deep, from the centre to the superficies. Also they are good against the venome of the Salamander, as Pliny teacheth l. 29. c. 4. Also in some cases and in some compositions, they are good for such as want erection, and do promote venery very much. But as rightly mixt and ex∣hibited in due proportions, they are good for ones health, so being not rightly mingled and given disorderly, they cause cruel symptomes and sometimes death. When Anno 1579. I staid at Ba∣sil, a certain married man (it was that brazen bearded Apothecary that dwelt in the Apothecaries shop) he fearing that his stopple was too weak to drive forth his wifes chastity the first night, consulted one of the chief Physicians, who was most famous, that he might have some stiffe pre∣valent Medicament, whereby he might the sooner dispatch his journey. But when it was day∣break almost, there followed a continual distending of the yard without any venereous desires, and after that bloudy urine, with inflammation of the bladder, and the new married man almost fainted away, all Antidotes profiting nothing a great while. I remember that the same thing hapned to a Noble man of Francfort in my remembrance, whom when an illiterate Physi∣cian thought to cure him of the Dropsie by giving him Cantharides, one in number inwardly, he killed him with lamentable torments. I have a singular remedy against the weakness of the Genital part, which when I used it indifferently▪ however it did great help to many Noble men, and no hurt, (who generally are more studious in venereous matters) yet it did one amongst the rest so much harm, that after venery (which he was too much addicted to) he pissed bloud continually, and swounded away frequently; truly unless there had been plenty of milk at hand, this Venus bird had died and suffered deservedly for his Lechery and lasciviousness. Thus far for their Physical force, now we shall pass to their deadly and ignominious qualities. They * 1.123 are held to be amongst the number of poysons most deadly, not only by reason of their corro∣ding and inflaming, but by reason of a putrefying quality they abound with. Their juyce en∣tring into the veins either from the stomach, or by the skin, destroys a man like to poyson. Therefore Ovid when he wished mischief to his enemy, lib. Trist. wishes that his parents might give him the juyce of Cantharides to drink Cicero ad Pecum l. 9. Epist. famil. Cajus by the accu∣sation of L. Grassus is said to have taken Cantharides: as if by that means he was resolved to kill himself. Gal. l. 3. de Simpl. fac. writ thus: If they be taken inwardly in a very small quantity, mingled with things fitting, they powerfully move 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and sometimes corrode the bladder: whence it is manifest, that all things that kill by a cold quality, if they be taken in a small quan∣tity they may nourish the body: but such as kill by putrefying (as Cantharides do) not at all; since they are enemies to mans nature. Cossiles a Roman Knight, well noted for his familia∣rity with Nero, when he was sick of a dangerous Tetter, a Physician was sent for by Caesar to cure him, who gave him Cantharides to drink, and so killed him. Pliny. Also Cantharides were objected against Cato of Ʋtica, (as the same Author saith, l. 29. c. 4.) as if he had sold poy∣son by open sale, because he set them at 60. Sextertia. But when they are drank too largely, or applyed outwardly too long and too deep, they are wont to produce these symptomes. There happens pricking and pain in the bowels; which is extended from the mouth to the secrets, and to the loyns, and haunches, and hypochondres, and they ulcerate the bladder with a painful ulcer, and inflame the yard and the parts adjacent with a vehement Impostume: then they piss bloud, and after that pieces of flesh. Sometimes there followes a Diarrhoea and Dysentery, swounding and dulness, and the minde is perverted, and there is nauseating and heaviness, and a frequent desire to make water and go to stool; but almost it is in vain. They taste a taste of Pitch in their mouthes: all which symptomes are set down in Dioscorides l. 6. c. 1. Gal. lib. de The∣riac. ad Pison. c. 4. and l. 3. de Temper. c. 3. and in Rhasis lib. 8. c. 17. To those that are so infected and affected, Dioscorides first prescribes frequent vomiting, then frequent Glysters made with Nitre to cleanse the guts; then to preserve the bladder, he gives milk inwardly and flea-seed. And he will have their Clysters made of other matter than at first, namely of Barley water, Marsh-mallowes, whites of Eggs, Muscilage, of Linseed, Rice-water, decoction of F〈…〉〈…〉 greek, Hydromel, fat Broths, Oyl of sweet Almonds, Goose-grease, yelks of Eggs. Also he bids to give inwardly Cowes milk that is sowre, Hydromel, kernels of the Pitch-tree, the great and

the small, sweet new Wine, Ducks grease, a decoction with Diuretick seeds, (namely the four great cold seeds) and decoction of figs with syrup of Violets. Oyl of Quinces is commended as the certain Theriack for this disease, as also oyl of Lillies, and Samian clay. Rhasis after that Clysters of fat Broth are cast in, will have incoction made into the yard with Oyl of Roses, and the sick shall be put into a warm bath in a great Var. tit. 8. c. 17. Authors are not agreed in what part the poyson of Cantharides doth lie. Some think it lyeth in he head and feet, and others deny that; yet they all agree that the wings are an Antidote in what part soever the poyson lyeth; and those being taken off it is deadly; so that this venome hath its remedy joyned with it. Plin. l. 11. c. 35. Lyrus of Naples writes that Purslain is an Antidote against Canthari∣des, which Pliny l. 20. c. 13. affirms of white Basil: who also l. 23. c. 2. and 4. l. 28. c. 10. com∣mends very much Vinegar of Squils, Oyl of Dill, Cowes Milk, and Broth of Goats flesh. And thus much shall suffice for the History of Cantharides, which I wonder that the most learned Gesner, and especially Pennius overslipt.

CHAP. XXI.

Of Beetles.

THE Beetle is an Insect that may be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as if he had his wings in a sheath. * 1.124 It is bred of putrid things and of dung, and it chiefly feeds and delights in that. The Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the Tyrians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the Germans Kaefer; the Italians Escuravaio, Pololere; the French, Escarbot; the Polonians Krewka; the Illyrians Krabak; the English; Beetle, or Bug; the Northern English call it Klock; but the Southern, Starke••••eken; the Arabians, Kanasis and * 1.125 Kanases by Avicenna. The Greeks all with one consent, hold that all Beetles are males, whence one may easily understand the sense of Ausonius his Epigram upon Marcus that was gelded. Rhodiginus l. 8. c. 5. Antiq. lect. renders it to us. Also the Aegyptians caused a picture of this creature to be made on the statnes of their Heroes, intimating thereby their manhood, that had no mixture of feminine weakness; for men must be valiant and manly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pu∣fillanimity is a great disgrace to them. All Beetles cast their skins, and they have no sting: when you touch them they are afraid, and they leave off to move, and they g〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣tus did vainly ascribe to them four wings hid under a crusty cover, for experience she 〈…〉〈…〉t two, very tender and frail, wherefore they have them shut up in a hard cover over 〈…〉〈…〉 them that they may take no hurt by hard bodies. For the greatest part of them either 〈◊〉〈◊〉 un∣der ground, or bites rotten wood with their teeth, and makes houses and nests there: so that if they were not excellent well guarded, they could never keep themselves safe from external injuries. When they fly they make such a humming or noise in the air, that Laertius writ that the gods talk with men by these creatures. Of all plants they cannot away with Rose trees, and they hate them as the destruction of their kinde; for they dye by the smell of them (as we read in Geopas) but on the contrary they take great pleasure in stinking and beastly places.

I remember one was wont to cleanse privies, when he came into an Apothecaries shop at Antwerp, and smelt the spices, he presently fell down in a swound, which one of the standers observing, he went and gathered up some horse dung in the street and put it to his nose, and so a man used to stinking smels was recovered by a stinking smell. Therefore it is no wonder if a Beetle (that we said before was bred and fed with dung) being anointed with oyl of Roses, be killed thereby; they are the words of Clemens Alexandrin. 2. Paedagog. which also Plu∣tarch elsewhere, and Aelian also affirm. They abhorre the smoke of Aldud, especially of the leaves as of Pulsamus, Acegi, Cow dung, and Nigella seed, Rhasis 88. The Hemerocallis of Dio∣scorides, is called by some 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the great force it hath to kill Beetles: but as they do extremely shun those plants, so they very much affect Ivy to be under its shade, and they naturally delight to go under it, under which when they are gathered in heaps, it is an easie mat∣ter to catch them, for they will hardly go from it. Beetles are some greater, some less. The great ones, some have horns, others are without horns. Those that have horns, some are like Harts horns, others like Goats horns, others have Buls horns, others have Rams horns: some have horns in their noses: we shall speak of them all in order. The 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ or Harts horn Beetle is called Lucanus by Nigidius; as Pliny witnesseth. Some call it the Bull, others the flying Stag: Hefychius cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it laies hold on things in its way with thorny horns; the Comedian and Eustathius call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it is the greatest of all; Car∣danus cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a word compounded of Greek and Latin; Gaza cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Ita∣lians call it C••reti, and vulgarly Polupeso; the French, Cerf volant; the English, Stag-fly, or Fly∣ing-fly; the Hollander, V••i••ghend•• hert; the Illyrians, Gelin; the Poles and Sclavomans Krewha, Wielka. Amongst all the horned Beetles, for the shape of its body, length and magnitude, it may challenge the first place, and is the most noted. It is blackish, of a dark red, especially about the outward cover and the breast; it hath two whole horns without joynts, and with bran∣ches like a stag as long as ones little finger in such as are grown up, but they are less and shor∣ter

in the young ones: or (as Pliny saith) it hath long

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and movable horns nicked with cloven p••ncers, and when it will it can bite or nip with them. For it will close them wonderfully, and useth its hornes for that end for which Crabs and Lobsters do their clawes. The eyes are hard, putting forth and whitish, it hath fore-yards on both sides of them, one pair that are branched between the horns & the eyes, the joynt whereof makes almost, a right angle, and two more breaking forth of the midst of the forehead straight and plain, ending as it were in a little smooth knot; it goes upon six feet, the fore feet are longer and greater than the rest. Lo∣nicerus makes this to be the male: but I (if there be any distinction between the male and the female) shall not doubt to call it the female; both because the other kindes of beetles are less, (for as Aristotle observes the males in Insects are far less than the female) and also in copulation the females receive from the lesser, as experience confirms it. The male is altogether like it, but 'tis less both for body and horns; which though they be not branched on both sides, yet pressed toge∣ther they do more sharply prick ones. finger, than the female doth. The third is three or four times less than the former: a black colour, with little cloven horns, near to which there arise two fore-yards distinguished with many joynts. It hath eyes a little standing forth, and that are great in respect of its body. The shoul∣ders on both sides end in an acute angle. It feeds for the most part in a clammy fat juyce coming forth of the oak; nor is it easily to be seen but where oakes grow. The fourth kinde is very rare, it hath two little horns, thrice branched inwardly, they seem whitish from black, the back is parted with black and white spots, but the belly with silver coloured and blew. It goes on six feet, which are no less black than the fore-yards: when the head is cut off, the other parts of the body live long, but the head (contrary to the usual custome of Insects) lives longer. This is said to be dedicated to the Moon, and the head and horns of it wax with the Moon, and do wane with the Moon, but it is the opinion of vain Astrologers. The horns are not without their Medicinal vertues; for they cure childrens diseases; for hanged about their necks, if they be great horns and full of branches, they serve for an Amulet. Laid to * 1.126 scrophulous humours and the Gout, they help much, especially if they be applied with the earth they have cast up. Pliny. If horned Beetles they call stags, be boyled in wine, and the arte∣ries of the armes be anointed with it, it cures Agues. Miraldus. But I note by the way, that Guillerinus of shell fish, was not very wise, who writing a Book of the Nature of things, was quite out, when he placed that flying Stag amongst the Grashoppers; sometimes he makes it a Locust, sometimes a Bruchus, sometimes he confounds it with a Glow-worm, conjecturing every way, but teaching nothing. The Philosopher saith that those Stag-flies are bred only from worms growing in rotten wood. But I rather approve of it, that they breed from dung as experience * 1.127 testifies. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (these are words that are synonymous) in Latine, Capricornus; the Germans call it Holtzback; the English, Goat-chafer; in greatness and colour it resembles broad-horn, it hath a little broad head, great oxe eyes, almost three fingers over-thwart

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in length; it hath a forked mouth, gaping and terrible, with two very hard crooked teeth; with these whilest he gnaws the wood, I speak by experience) it doth perfectly grunt aloud like a young pig. May be this is the reason why Hesychius hath related that they bound to a tree, will drive away fig-gnats. The shoulders of it are curiously wrought by nature, they seem to be a hilt made of Ebony and polished, it hath six feet, distinguished with three little knees; but they are very weak and faint, and altogether unfit for such a burden. These receive help by two horns that grow above their eyes, and are longer than their whole bodies, they are flexible with nine or ten joynts; not exactly round, but are rough like Goats horns, which although it can move them every way, yet when it flies it holds them only forth directly, and being wearied with flying, she useth them for feet: for knowing that his legs are weak, he twists his horns about the branch of a tree, and so he hangs at ease; as our Bruerus saw in the Countrey about Heidelberg; in that it resembles the Bird of Paradise, which wanting

feet, clings about the boughs with those pendulous nerves, and so being tired with labour, takes its ease. They thrust upon us some German fables, as many as say it flies only, and when it is weary it fals to the earth and presently dies. Those that are slaves to tales, render this reason for it: Terambus a Satyrist, did not abstain from quipping of the Muses, whereupon they trans∣formed him into a Beetle called Cerambyx, and that deservedly, to endure a double punishment, for he hath legs weak that he goes lamè, and like a thief he hangs on a tree. Antonius Libealis lib. 1. of his Metamorphosis relates the matter in these words: The Muses in anger transformed Terambus because he reproached them, and he was made a Cerambyx that feeds on wood, he is seen upon wood, and he hath crooked teeth, and he alwaies moves his jawes; he is black and long, having wings on his belly, as the greater Beetles have; he is called the Wood-eater Oxe; but in Thessaly, Cerambyx. The children catch them to play withall, and they pull off its head and carry it, and it shewes with the horns like a harp made of a Tortois-shell. Which words, whilest Xylander strove to put them into English (one otherwise well skill'd in the Greek tongue) he committed two great errors; first, by taking Cerambyx for a Bird when he called it a Fly; secondly, because he translated it, that the head with the wings are like a Harp, when as the Greek book hath it the horns. But whether this be that kinde of Beetle that runs up and down, and makes a noise like a kid in the leaves of Eriphia; (the Wizards say there is no better remedy to cure the voice) truly I am ignorant of it, but I suppose it is the lesser Beetle, because the stalk of Fennel gigant would scarse contain

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this when he is grown great. We have seen divers kindes of Cerambyces besides this we now speak of, one that was like to the first of these, but differing in mag∣nitude and colour; the belly thighs and horns were of a waterish blew; the shoul∣ders, tail and cover wings were varied with some Black spots, also the joynts of the horns were black; the hinder legs grew longer than the rest: we received these from Quickelbergins, who sent them from Antwerp; we have one more that is green without, and underneath dun co∣loured; the head, shoulders & cover wings are a dark green, and shining also with gold: it is something a long body, and seems like the other, but it is something less; it hath purple horns, but the feet and the legs are of a violet colour. I first gave to Pennius a third that was of like colour to this, it smelt almost like Nutmeg and Cinamon. But that sweet smell (as good as the oyl of Myrrhe) presently wh•••• it dies evaporates into the air, and leaving the body, doth wholly insinuate it self in∣to the box it was kept in. Cardanus makes mention of this Beetle, but I know no man that found it before me. There is yet one of a shining black, that hath a great belly, thick, with a body and horns shorter than the rest, the joynts of the horns are not round as they are in the rest, but lightly saw'd on both sides. Pennius saith he is beholding to Carolus Clusius for it. The fifth is altogether like the first for head, mouth and teeth, with very black eyes; a brown colour all over the bo∣dy, a mouth wide open and dented; the head, neck and wings are bespot∣ted with very small black spots; the body of it is almost as great as the se∣cond Cerambyx; it is but seldome seen, it lives in houses and dry wood. The sixth is ash-colour with a very lit∣tle head, they eyes are both white, the horns are somewhat long, joynted, di∣stinguished with white spots; the co∣ver wings, and almost the whole body

is various, it is conversant in houses, but whether it dwell in wood also I know not. I saw the se∣venth brought from Russia by Edward Elmer, it was brownish all the body over, it had round joynts on the horns 7 or 8, it is easily known by its form. There is an eighth kinde not far dif∣fering from this in figure and magnitude, but that the head, shoulders and wings are blewish,

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Joachimus Camerarius sent a ninth to Pennius (he was one that deserved singularly of the Common-wealth of learning) the wings and feet were of a sandy colour; the head, the horns and belly were blackish; he had bowed horns made with many turnings and knots, which he turned to both sides in the twinkling of an eye; it creeps upon plants (especially on Cythisus) I think the Beetle which Johannes de Chaul describes lib. de varia quercus historia, ch. 26. is of this kinde: There dwels a creature in the oake, of the kinds of Beetles, (so far as we can conjecture) it is of a blackish colour with long legs, carrying two prickles in its head a little crooked, where∣with he layes fast hold of what he meets with. Those Carpenters that hew timber of oake, found this little creature alive in the very heart of the oake. The countrey people of Lyons call it Thurro; it lives best and longest in roofs of houses, and it sometimes comes forth and shewes it self making a little noise, in places where stoves are. Gesner, of pious memory, Epist. l. 3. saw such a one, or one like it, voided by an old woman that was sick of a Pleu∣resie, his words are these▪ An old woman that was sick of a Pleuresie, voi∣ded a black Beetle downward, after she had drank a Potion of our Oxy∣mel with a decoction of Fenugreek; it had long feet, horns that were joynted and were flexible; it was full of raw putrefaction▪ and alive; it was as long as two joynts of ones finger. The tenth is all purple colou∣red from black, and hath a forked mouth. The eleventh is all black. The twelfth hath horns tha•• are not so much joynted, the head and shoulders are blew; all the rest of the body seems a bright red. However you see the horns of all these, some straight, others crooked in their pictures, (for to explain them the better) yet for the most part they wear them with a bending of them backward to their shoulders, as goats do, as you see the first Cerambyx: and upon that account I think it fit to put them into the same rank. And thus much for Cerambyx, or Capricorn, and its kinde. * 1.128

I have learned no other use of them in Phy∣sick, than that taken in the left hand, they drive away quartain Agues. Plin. l. 30. cap. 11. It may be posterity, by better experience will discover more of their vertues, and will not suffer them∣selves to be perswaded that a creature God hath made so curiously can want rare vertues in Me∣dicaments, which he hath bestowed on far baser things (according to his goodness unto mankinde) Flitter-mice take this for their chief dainties, and prefer it before Gnats, especially if they can catch them and squeeze them alive.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Oxe, or Buls horns rather, hath alwaies two horns standing straight and right forth; it is blackish from red, and seems almost without any head; yet it hath a very small head sunk into its short thick shoulders, and a little thorn comes forth of the middle of the forehead, very sharp for defence. We have seen four kindes of Nose-horns, the chiefest and greatest of all lives in In∣dia, it is very black, it hath a nose on its face crooked horn'd like to the stern of a ship; about the middle whereof there is another horn bent inward, and comes forth of a little knot, and such another comes out of a bunch on the shoulder; the whole body from the end of the horns to the tail is four inches long, and it is about two inches broad. Like to Beetles it hath no female, but it shapes its own form it self. It produceth its young one from the ground by it self, which

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Joach. Camerarius did elegantly express, when he sent to Pennius the shape of this Insect out of the storehouse of natural things of the Duke of Saxony; with these Verses:

A Hee begat me not, nor yet did I proceed From any Female, but my self I breed.

For it dies once in a year, and from its own corruption, like a Phoenix, it lives again (as Moninus witnesseth) by heat of the Su〈…〉〈…〉

A thousand summers heat and winters cold When she hath felt, and that she doth grow old, Her life that seems a burden, in a tomb Of spices laid, comes younger in her room.

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The second kinde of Nose-horn very rare and wor∣thy to be seen, sacred to Mercury, Carolus Clusius sent painted from Vienna, where it is very frequent, the form is as you see it: it would seem all pitch co∣lour, but that the belly is a full red; that crooked horn in the nose is so sharp, that (what is said of an Ele∣phant going to battle) you would think it had got an edge by rubbing it against a rock. The third Nose-horn, and fourth seem to be alike, but that the for∣mer hath wings growing out longer than the sheath covers, but the others are shorter. You would say they were rub'd with shining ink, they are so perfectly all over black. The Ram or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, hath knotty horns, violet colour, a head greenish from gold colour, the shoulders like vermilion, a purple coloured belly, sheath wings of the colour of the head, it goes forward with legs and feet, of a light red, but the wings shut up in the sheath, do fitly express the small whitish membrane of a Cane.

The greater Beetles without horns are many; name∣ly, that is called Pilularius, and another that is called Melolanthes; another purple, one again that is dark coloured; one called Arboreus, and another Fullo. Some call the Pilularius the dunghill Beetle, because it breeds from dung and filth, and also willingly dwels there. The Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and from its form like a cat, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the Germans, Ross∣kafer, Kaat, or Mistkafer; in English, Dung-beetle, Sharnbugg; in French, Fouille merde, as you would say Dung-digger; the Latines call it Pilularius, because it turns up round pills from the dung, which it fashions by turning it backwards with its hinder feet. Porphyrie doth thus de∣scribe the nature of it: All your Pilularii have no females, but have their generation from the Sun; they make great balls with their hin∣der feet, and drive them the contrary way, like the Sun it observes a circuit of 28. daies. Aelian saith almost the same. There is no fe∣male Beetle, it puts the seed into a round ball of dung, which it row••s and heats in 28. daies, and so produceth its young. They would say

thus much: that the Beetle called Pilulari•••• makes a round ball of the roundness of the Hea∣vens, which it turns from East to West so 〈…〉〈…〉 brought it to the figure of the World; afterwards 〈…〉〈…〉es it up▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the earth whe〈…〉〈…〉 up, it lets it remain there fo〈…〉〈…〉 when that 〈…〉〈…〉 by it self, which being ••issolved in water, 〈…〉〈…〉ies it growes up to be a flying 〈…〉〈…〉 For this 〈…〉〈…〉 to Apollo, and adored it for 〈…〉〈…〉mall god, by 〈…〉〈…〉lected, that the likeness of the Sun was given to th〈…〉〈…〉 and so he excused the 〈…〉〈…〉ustomes of his Countrey, Pliny and Plutarch, Symp▪ 〈…〉〈…〉gue of their family; but dung, especially of Cow〈…〉〈…〉 the smell of them a very great way off, they w〈…〉〈…〉 ••uddenly to it. 〈…〉〈…〉. of Smel, But they 〈…〉〈…〉 slowly, yet they labour continually and exceedingly, and delight, most of all to produce the〈…〉〈…〉 ••oung ones, for oft times the little 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bals that they make, by the injury of the winds or of the place, fall aw••y, and f••ll from a high place to the bottome; but this Bee••••e de〈…〉〈…〉ing a propagation, watcheth with perpe〈…〉〈…〉 care, and raising this Sisyphian ball to its hold with continual striving, and that tumbling back again, at length she reduceth it. And truly unless it were endued with a kinde of divine soul (as all things are full of Gods wonderfulness) it would ••aint and be spent in this great contest, and would never take this pains any more. Some say they die being blinded by the Sun; but the most think they are choked by lice (that creep▪ all about them) they hardly hold out one winter. They chiefly delight in the shade of the Ivy-tree, as most healthful for them. Praxanus in Geopon. I have ••et down the form of it so exactly, and in its colours (for it is all black) that I need say no more. Beetles first breed from dung (saith Johan. Langius) as the Worms b••eed out of rotten wood: then their seed being shed into a round ball, and the same being enlivened, breeds their young ones: every one knowe•• this sufficiently, unlesse they live where no dung is; for in dunghils they are obvious to every Man.

Beetles serve for divers uses, for they both profit our mindes, and they cure some infirmities of our bodies. For when this living creature, (and scarce a living creature, for it wants some senses) * 1.129 being of the basest kinde of Insects, and nothing but a crust, doth excel man in divers faculties; this should teach us modesty, temperance, labour, magnanimity, justice, and prudence. For though its house be but a dunghill, yet it lives contented the ••ewith, and is busied and delighted in it; nor doth it more willingly drink or eat amongst Roses than in Goats dung, which smels in its senses as sweet as Marjoram. For it lives by the law of Nature, and will-not exceed her or∣ders. The greatest care it takes, is to make the greatest bals it can〈…〉〈…〉 as it they were sweet bals, which with wonderful labour it rolleth from her; and if it chance to roll its-burden against some heap, that the bals slip away and fall down again, you would imagine that you saw Sisyphus rol∣ling a stone to the top of a mountain, and falling back again upon him, yet is it not weary, nor will it rest, till it hath rolled it to its nest, so earnest it is about its work. But we poor-men do nothing that is worth our labour, or as we have power to do, and we give off in the very steep entrance of vertue, and we spend all our pains and daies in idleness, following ill counsel, till we get a habit of mischief to our own destruction. Who doth not see the courage of the Beetle? if he shall observe him fighting with an Eagle (as 'tis related of the Beetles in India) I believe that it will come to pass, (as Erasmus said) that some man extremely favouring the Roman Commanders, will lament for the Eagle, that the combate fals out upon so kingly a Bird to fight with so mean and despised enemy, for to conquer it, it is no glory, but to be conque••ed by it is the greatest shame, and the Beetle will win praise enough that he strove with an Eagle, though he should be overcome. The Poets say that Ajax was ashamed of so weak an adversary as Ʋlys∣ses was, and valiant Captains disdain to contend with common souldiers▪ Again, a man would wonder whence this mean Insect hath gained so much courage, and boldness, that it dares wage war with the strongest of Birds; also whence it hath means, force, faculties, and patience, that it can contend so many years with the Eagle, without any reconciliation. But if any man will unfold this secret, and view this contemptible creature nearer, and as it were at home, he shall observe so many rare properties of it, that when he hath considered all, he will desire to be a Beetle rather than an Eagle: yet that no man may stop or stay me before he knowes the matter: First of all, it exceeds the Eagle and men too in this respect, that it yearly renews its old age, and growes young again. This is so great a matter, that I think all earthly poten••••res•• when they come to that unamiable old age, that they must part with all, would rather with Beetles change and cast off their dregs, than they would receive a seven fold Crown. Again, what huge courage of the minde is there in so small a body? what an heroical magnanimit••? what a force it hath in battel? that Homers Fly is nothing to the Beetle. It hath not a wit so common, but it was of old reputed for it, and commended in all places. Hence was that Greek prove••b 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Wiser than a Beetle: whereby they ascribe to it, a singular and incomparable wisdome. Nor doth that concern me if any man will cavil and say he dwels ill favouredly in an uncome••y house, for I shall rather justly condemn their houshold government, who being ill favoured them∣selves, and of filthy conditions, do build their houses curiously and lostily with so great care, and charges of King Attalus. Moreover, that it useth the excrements of living creatures for its own commodity is no fault, but a commendation of its wit and ingenuity. As though we that are Physicians did not the same things, as often as we apply the bloud, the flesh, the urine, and some-times

the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of living 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to our patients, and sometimes we give them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 P〈…〉〈…〉s. Nor are Alchymists 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who would be devide men indeed, and not mortal, could they obtain what they 〈…〉〈…〉 draw forth that quintessence. Nor are husband-men (a sort of people that of old 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were 〈…〉〈…〉 sacred now) ashamed to dung their fields. And it is probable they first learned their Art from the Beetle called Pilu〈…〉〈…〉. ••or why should it chiefly include its sseed in duug, unless God would have that there should be in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a great deal of 〈…〉〈…〉 moisture, whereby 〈◊〉〈◊〉 generation is perfected. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is that wise Farmers dung•••• their fields to make them more 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈…〉〈…〉quered that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lea••ness, barre••ness and poverty of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But you will say that the Beetles Pi〈…〉〈…〉 like the smell of so sti••king ••••thing. It were a foll•••• ••ook for a ma〈…〉〈…〉 a Beetle, for that is peculiar to man to be displeased with the sent of his own dung, and so is it not with any other creatures; therefore the Beetle is more happy than we, but not more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ye•• men are not so much oftended with it, as it is, but a•• they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For of old ••••me it did not seem abominable to them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it doth to us, for they called it by a lucky word, L〈…〉〈…〉, and they thought fit to call Satur•• the dunghill god; for his honour, i•• we will believe 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ••or Pliny saith that Sterculus the son of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 go•• not only the name, but also immo〈…〉〈…〉 by it in Italy. Moreover the same thing in Gree•••• procured to two Kings great glory; to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who invented it, and Hercules that spread it abroad. Lastly, the memory of that old King will never be abolished, whom Ho〈…〉〈…〉 (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Cato) commended to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ground with his hands, and for no other thing (but that the Beetle is delighted in. A Ro〈…〉〈…〉 ••mperor was nothing offended with the smell of urine, if it brought profit with it. Wherefore then should ••••ve be of••ended with the Pi〈…〉〈…〉rli, who hath so many good properties, for one smal inconvenience? if we call that an inconvenience that is most commodious for the so••••••ring of its young. Lastly, when we are the Beetle, though in the dung, alwaies 〈…〉〈…〉 shell alwaies neat; compare him with men polluted and infected with st••w•• and ••wdy houses, and I shall ask which of the two is most cleanly? And I think it had its name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a Beetle from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pure and clearle. If any man thinks these gifts to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and vulgar, yet no ma•• but will think that a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worthy of great honour; that of old time the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 was the chiefest amongst•• their sacred images and mysteries of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 It is the most apt. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a famous 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈…〉〈…〉 his Comment of Is•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pictures of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ye was the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a King, 〈…〉〈…〉 being added to it for it signified 〈…〉〈…〉ght and just administration of things. But he saith, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Images that wanted hands, those represented ••udges, who ought to be free from 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 amongst these there was o•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his eyes, which represented the chief Judge, because he ought to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and to look 〈◊〉〈◊〉 business, and to hear of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉mans person. It was 〈…〉〈…〉 (as the proverb is) 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Seal amongst the sacred Images. And what did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wise The old 〈◊〉〈◊〉 intimate to us thereby 〈…〉〈…〉, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and invin••ible Captain. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith as much, that no man may suppose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 yo•••• common▪ Th〈…〉〈…〉 use ••o 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••legories. But some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 follow may say, what hath a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be compared with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Com∣mander in an Army? Truly they agre•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many things: First you see the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and there is 〈…〉〈…〉 of its body but is guarded with plates and hardness, 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 arm〈…〉〈…〉 in compleat armour, and ••enced 〈…〉〈…〉 his warlike march with a horrid and terrible humming: what is there 〈…〉〈…〉 sounding of 〈◊〉〈◊〉? wh•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Kings now so much ••••light in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 could 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Asle 〈…〉〈…〉 Asse was held abominable amongst 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 (drivin•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 burden, its i〈…〉〈…〉ible 〈…〉〈…〉age, and 〈…〉〈…〉 of life. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 say 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••o females amongst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉〈◊〉. What can 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bes〈…〉〈…〉 no•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his camp (〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 allow others to have them. 〈…〉〈…〉 this is 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that in those 〈…〉〈…〉 o••, they exclude their young 〈…〉〈…〉 bring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up, and they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other place to breed in th•••• they have to 〈…〉〈…〉 is not 〈…〉〈…〉 war can better do it, who know how to 〈…〉〈…〉 their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or on ••he bare〈…〉〈…〉 that 〈…〉〈…〉

the Beetle have a face like a Cat, a creature familiar with us, and more useful, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 is desired for its self, yet in that respect the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, and prefer it before all other Insects by many degrees. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Lastly, i•• a horse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beautiful in his kindes, and a dog in his, why should not the Beetle be so in its kinde? unless we measure tha•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of all things by our own, that what is not like in must be held to be ugly. No man o•• a found minde will finde fault with the colour of it, for it sets forth some jewels, and in special the Diamond that is the chie∣fest 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Lastly, no man will think the Bettle at all despicable, who shall consider with him∣self, that Magicians and Physitians ••etch remedies from this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the greatest diseases, for they are not only carried in mens purses, but also hang'd about their necks, and ofttimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gold against all childrens diseases. What will you say if in the most effectual and incredible remedies almost, (for Pliny is the Author of it) it hath equal force with 〈◊〉〈◊〉? for that terrible Beetle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on an 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 a present remedy against all 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and no le••s effectual than that M••ly which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gave Ʋlyss••••. Nor is it good only against these, but it is also very useful, if any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be about to go before the King upon any occasion: ••o so that such a ring ought especially to be worn by them that intend to beg of Noblemen some jolly preferment, or some rich Province. It keeps away likewise the head 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which truly is no small mischief, especially to great drinkers. Who them can despise the Beetle, whose very image engraven upon stones hath so great vertue? The mentioning of precious stones puts me in minds of adding this also: that if the Eagle delight in the precious stone of her name, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Beetle comes not behinde her in it a share of the same honour, for the stone Ca〈…〉〈…〉∣rias also ••owes its name to it, wonderfully resembling the whole 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the creature, so that one would say it is not the shape represented, but a living and true beetle inclosed in the stone. Moreover this i••pure and filthy creature (〈◊〉〈◊〉) boyled with worms in oyl of Roses, doth very well cu•••• the pains of the eats. Pli••. A〈…〉〈…〉 prescribes the Beetles called Pilularii being stamped alone, to be boyled without 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which the Author of the Book ad 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ap∣proves also, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1••. Sylvatic•••• chap. 94. writer thus out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Dung-〈◊〉〈◊〉 help the pains of the womb, they provoke urine and monethly termes, they procure Abortion; with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they are good to heal the Haemorrhoids, and they help 〈…〉〈…〉 which comes of venomes infused by living creatures; and the oyl in which they are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 takes away the pains of the ears. The later writers commend th••se Beetles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 among the remedies for the Stone, especially Alex〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 makes for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Stone th•••• kinde of powder, which is no ordinary one••. Burn the Dung-beetle or any other after the same manner as you do Grash••ppe••••, or Scorpions▪ Take of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 j. dram, of Pigeons dung j. dram and a half, let them be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and a powder made of them. The Dose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 j. dram with water of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 For 〈…〉〈…〉 this ointment is very much commended. Take of oyntment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 j. ounce▪ of oyl of Roses in which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Beetles and as many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have boyled a good while j. ounce and half, of 〈…〉〈…〉 them incorporate and be made into an oyntment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉 reports that he had gotten of his master 〈…〉〈…〉 against the Convulsion, made of Beetles after this manner: Take of Pepper, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pelli∣tory of Spain, each alike, of Beetles to the weight of all the rest▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them all, being brought to a powder and mixt, together in a bath with juyce of 〈…〉〈…〉 much as 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 of an oyntment, with which let the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉〈…〉 temple•• with 〈…〉〈…〉 back-bone, be anointed. Moreover, 〈…〉〈…〉 awakening of such as are troubled with the Dead sleep, and 〈…〉〈…〉 rides 〈…〉〈…〉 have done 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good) two or three Dung 〈…〉〈…〉 put up 〈…〉〈…〉 half a 〈…〉〈…〉 to be made fast about the ••••pe of the 〈…〉〈…〉 well 〈…〉〈…〉 the muscles of the fore〈…〉〈…〉 of the arms (on every 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one) 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because this doth wonderfully 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as are 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉) awakend done that had been held with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈…〉〈…〉 with this remedy, having tried all others in vain, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him afterward with 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blister it. The Dung-〈◊〉〈◊〉 are best for this purpose, 〈…〉〈…〉 which 〈…〉〈…〉 be found under stones, and then they which are found in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The 〈…〉〈…〉 of using i••, which 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 testifie they have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 confirm〈…〉〈…〉 by many 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Yet the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will 〈…〉〈…〉 credit when foolishly rather than truly, they report and 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 that is adorned with golden 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••ut 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 water with 〈…〉〈…〉 tempest••, Pli••. 〈…〉〈…〉. I say 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Eagle 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, the 〈…〉〈…〉 by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in whose nests Beeth〈…〉〈…〉 (which our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that they serve for this use also; to feed 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Nay 〈…〉〈…〉 living 〈◊〉〈◊〉, especially 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that are in 〈…〉〈…〉 upon 〈…〉〈…〉 the ••••gle, its 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cruel 〈◊〉〈◊〉, do no less 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rank, 〈…〉〈…〉 to do 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like for 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the ••est the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one 〈…〉〈…〉

ling, and being broken, the young ones while they are yet unshapen, being dasht miserably against the stones, are deprived of life, before they have any sense of it. Neither do I see indeed how she should more torment the Eagle than in her young ones. For some who slight the greatest torments of their own body, cannot endure the least torments of their sons. We see Asses, (those sluggish and almost senseless creatures) run to the help of their foals through fire, if it be in their way, with a strange contempt of their life. So that I cannot but admire and magnifie the Beetles inbred wisdome in the choice of its revenge. But enough of this, lest I should seem to have made (not an Elephant of a fly, but) a Gyant of a Beetle. I will confess indeed, that as I was loath to make a great volume about a small thing, so I accounted it a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to bury in silence what I had read. I wonder at Pennius's brevity and emptiness in this argument, since in Lucian, Pliny, Homer, Aristophanes, Theocritus, Al••xandrinus, Erasmus, and infinite other Authors, won∣derful things are recorded of the Dung-Beetle, well worth our mentioning.

There is another altogether like the Dung-Beetle, but of a darkish bright blew colour, with

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a notable shining. This in the moneth August is troubled with lice hang∣ing between its legs, and at last kill'd with them. I should ra∣ther take this for the cat-fashioned Beetle, because an egge is not more like to an egge, than this is to a cat. It is met with every where, but I have more often seen it about Colchester. Let us go forward.

That which I should call the Emerald coloured or greenish Beetle, the Greek comick Poets all of them call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Atticks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Eustath. Some likewise call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but without right. It is taken by some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Tree-Beetle, but its place tels us it is a mistake. The Rustick•• in Lombardy call them Gallerucas, as much as to say, French Palm〈…〉〈…〉ms (as Niphus in∣terprets it) though yet they agree in nothing with Palmer-worms. In Dutch it is called Gruenen, Odor, G••uldkafer; in Italian, Mariola; ••n Polonian, Zielonakroroka; in English, Greenchafer. The opinions of writers are divers about this little creature; both be∣cause this kinde of Beetle is not every where easie to be found, as because it seemeth to be ve∣ry near the Cantharis. Some will have it to be the Cantharis, but for the most part there is want∣ing in it that caustick virtue. The Scholiast upon Aristoph••nes calleth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a little creature of the colour of gold like a Beetle. Eustathius cals it a great Wasp. Pollux affirms it to be a little creature which flies, but sets not down its kinde. Gaza translates it Galleruca, but it hath nothing like it; and they who contend that it is a Tree-Beetle, have ei∣ther lost their eyes, or cannot distinguish varieties of colours. Hesychius makes it a Beetle, but of a golden colour: as the Scholiast upon Aristophanes, yellow: later writers call it the greenish or Emerald coloured Beetle, but shining as it were with gold. Marcellus Empiricus intimates as much in these words: the green Scarabee (the Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) is of a li••ely emerald co∣lour, by reason of the pleasantness whereof, it is so delightsome and beneficial to the eyes, that they can never be weary of it; for the longer you look upon it, the more you would be in

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love with it, Pliny also saith the same, l. 30. c. 70. & 29. c. 9. The male is green all over, except the eyes which are ruddy: the sheaths of the females wings (which is the big∣ger) seem to be of a chesnut colour, shining with a delight∣some and beautiful brightness; otherwise it is like the male. The breast of them both stands out with a sharp point, which I have not observed in other Beetles. P. Quickelberg an Apothecary of A••twerp, but one who was to be preferred before many Physicians for his studiousness about things natural, sent to Pennius a male and female of them, painted as it were with Apollo's hand. Aristot. l. 9. de Rospirations, ascribes to it a shrill sound, which perhaps gave occasion to some to call this the Tree-Beetle. They are genera∣ted (saith the Philosopher) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, of worms which are in cow-dung, and of asse-dung. But Stephanus o•••• of Theophrastus saith otherwise, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. The Melolonthe is bred of the blossoms of Apple-trees, or at least it flies to them when they begin to blossom••. We are beholding to Charles Clusius for another kinde of this Beetle, whose feet are black, as like∣wise its head and shoulders, but from blewish. It hath horns in appearance, but not so indeed (wherefore we r••ck•••• it amongst the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or hornless Beetle) its 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wings seem to be furrowed: but about the edg•• they a•••• some-what red. Thilesius tels us of another notable kinde of M••l••l••••the (and I have 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉∣sented to you the figure of it) in these words▪ it is green all over, except the eyes (for those are exceeding black); its belly from golden is a little red, and so its thig••s; the middle of its

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back is beautified with a half Moon of the same colour with its sheath wings; for which reason it is elegantly called by the Latines, Equus Lunae, the Moons Horse. Thilesius writes that Aristotle makes mention of this, but I cannot yet finde where the Philosopher does it. Philesius while he speaks of this among the Dung-Beetles (for which reason also I have added it to them) describeth it thus in verse:

Which, rolling bals of dung this potter frames, Some black, like the scorcht Moor are seen, The nobler sort are deckt with green: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 back hath (to compare great things with small) A mark, you may the half Moon call. The English call't the Moons horse, so renown'd, But had there e're so fair been found, Many a Semiramis would love us then, And Centaures had out numbred men.

And indeed most of the Beetles are hide 〈…〉〈…〉-black; yet I make no question, but some of them have their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shining with a blacker, others with a more pleasant green. Th〈…〉〈…〉re also that shine like gold, and those very great ones, wh〈…〉〈…〉 dig up the earth, and make their nests there. Some there are which fly about with a little humming; some with a terrible & with a for∣midable noise, so that they would not a little fright one that is not aware of them. There are other differences also of shapes amongst them: but their breeding in dung, their feeding, life, and delight in the same, this is common to them all. Ano∣ther Beetle of a purple colour was brought to us from Con∣stantinople, which (only that its eyes, belly, and feet were like pitch) was all over of a purple and violet colour. The black one, which lives in dry wood, is formed after this manner: It is all over black, or russet rather, as if it were clad in mour∣ning; its mouth is forked, its shoulders almost square, its legs and horns somewhat short; it seldome flies, but goes for the most part, and murmurs while it is going, as lewd servants use to do. The Tree-Beetle is very common, and every where to be met with, especially in the moneths of July and August, after Sun-set: for then it flyeth giddily in mens faces with a great humming and loud noise, and vexeth cattel. These Beetles spoil the leaves of trees, which they do not so much eat as tear in pieces out of an inbred malice; for they feed upon gnats. We call them Dorrs in English; the Dutchmen, Baum∣kafer, Loubkaefer; Jo. Agricola l. de subterr. Anim. Seukaeser; the French, Hannetons. The sheaths of their wings are of a light red colour, and covered as it were with a very fine flower, otherwise they shine but a little; their legs, feet, and prickly tail are of the same colour: its other parts are all over brown: only that the circle about their eyes, and their 〈…〉〈…〉 horns are yellowish, and of the same colour are they a little above the beginning of their 〈…〉〈…〉 joynts of their bellies are whitish. In Normandy they are much more numerous every third year, and therefore they call it L' an des hannetons. It is recorded in our Chronicles, that in the year of our Lord 1574. on the 24. of February there fell such a multitude of them into the River S••vern, that they stopt and clog'd the wheels of the Water-mils: and indeed, unless together with the industry of men, the Hens, Ducks, Goat-milkers, Castrels, Bats, and other Birds of prey (which seem to make these their dainties) had afforded their help, the Mills had even to this day been choaked with them and stood still.

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There is another taken to be of kin to this, of a colour all 〈…〉〈…〉ween brown white, its belly gray and as it were hoary. Of what 〈…〉〈…〉 Physick I confess I know not. Fowlers indeed when they hunt 〈…〉〈…〉 bait their hook with two or three Dors or tree Beetles, and tye a 〈…〉〈…〉ne to their line, which they cover with flags, that their wiles be 〈…〉〈…〉 overed: the Duck for greediness of meat presently swallowes the hook, which sticking fast she is punished for her folly. How Cranes are taken with these wrapped up in a gourd, he that hath a mind to know may read Gesner de Grue.

The Beetle which Pliny cals Fullo is more rare and not every where to be met with. It is not any where to be seen here in England, so far as I have heard o••

read. Gaza sometimes translated that which Aristotle cals 〈…〉〈…〉, Fullo, whereas he alwaies intended that the Dung-Beetle only should be known by that name, and he gave proper appellations to all the rest. Neither can the Fuller-Beetle be called the ••ed Beetle (as F〈…〉〈…〉 construeth) nor is it a creature with a forked tail, which Hadrian J〈…〉〈…〉 puts upon us for that Fullo▪ for the〈…〉〈…〉rked tail is

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not of the sheath wing'd kinde a•• it shall 〈…〉〈…〉 more at large in the history thereof. This Beetle certainly i•• a fair one, big••er than the Tree-Beetle, but somewhat less than the fe〈…〉〈…〉 Hart: It hath a head almost horny, 〈…〉〈…〉u∣〈…〉〈…〉ified 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two little horns; its eyes 〈…〉〈…〉airy breast are 〈…〉〈…〉a yell〈…〉〈…〉ish white, it hath feet coal 〈…〉〈…〉 its belly and tail are 〈…〉〈…〉 Cr••hes feathers; its shoulders and wings are so beautifully wrought with black and white specks, that you wo〈…〉〈…〉 easily 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it were a cloathing of Damas•• em∣broidered after the Phrygia〈…〉〈…〉nner. Magic〈…〉〈…〉 say, that this Insect is a singular remedy against Quartan A〈…〉〈…〉 boun〈…〉〈…〉ach arm, if we may believe Pliny l. 3〈…〉〈…〉 11. Pennius first had the picture of it from C〈…〉〈…〉us; but Quickqu〈…〉〈…〉gius afterward 〈…〉〈…〉 him over the crea∣ture it self.

CHAP. XXII.

Of the lesser Beetles.

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ALL the lesser Bee∣tles

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are either spotted in their bo∣dy, or unspotted: the Greeks call those 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, divers colou∣red; and these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of one colour. The spots of some of them are of a black colour inclining to white others of them are yellow, others red. Of those that are white from black there are seven kindes, of the yellow ones thirteen, of the red ones twelve; which we have here ranked every one in its severall or∣der.

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Those that are un∣spotted, are observed to be all over of the same colour▪ and of them we have seen six blackish ones, two of a bright bay, one round, one of a skie colour inchining to black, another between yellow and black. And one was very lately observed by us paint∣ted with a light red, another seem'd drencht in the juyce of the purple fish. We have five which are as yel∣low as gold, very lit∣tle ones▪ indeed, but

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coloured all over with glittering gold, which, lest we should seem to have envied our posterity (the knowledge of) we have caused to be cut and described here. But for what use every one of them serveth, was declared when we spake in general of Beetles.

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CHAP. XXIII.

Of the Oyl-Beetle, and the Water-Beetle.

IT is called Proscarabeus in Latine; in Paracelsus, Moloe; Agricola, Pinguiculus, from the fat sweat like honey which plentifully drops from it. The Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; it is called by the Germans from the moneth which it is seen in for the most part, Mayen Wurmlein, and Meyen Kafer. Those of Heidelburg have put upon it the name of Schmalts voghel, those of Dithmaria, the names of Ever and Kadden, (Wierus testifies in his Book de Morb. incogn.) in English it may fitly be called the Oyl-beetle, or the Oyl-clock. But why it is

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rather called Proscarabeus than Scarabeus, contrary to the intention of Gesner and Pennius, I could alledge many rea∣sons, but this especially, that they are distinguished in sex, and that they couple together. You see here the bigness of the female, and you perceive that it is bigger than the male, and for the most part of a diverse shape; for its mouth is not at all forked as the females is; this also upon the lightest motion or touch, runs with an oyl, (like liquid honey) the male is alwaies observed to be as it were dry. They couple, as we have often seen it in Heidelberg fields, tail to tail; the female in the act drawing to it the male (after the fashion of dogs) so that it is forced to creep backwards; they have both tender bodies, betwixt black and dark blew shining: upon whose shoulders there grow two wings, or rather beginnings of wings, as upon the Estrich, to help the swiftness not so much of its flying, as of its going; those circles that compass the belly and the back, appear green in the young ones, in those that are more grown, blew rather. If they be bruised, they yeeld a most pleasant smell, as Taxites affirms in his O〈…〉〈…〉sticon. it feeds especially upon violet leaves, else upon the leaves of tender young grass. They are seldom seen but in the moneth of May; all the rest of the year they keep their holes, or having first wrapped up their seed in round bals of dung, they die. At Heidelberg and Francford we have seen many of them in the fields, in the pasture grounds, among the com, and even in the very gardens and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 But I have found none yet in England alive and bred there. Only Agricola hath made them four-footed, whereas indeed they are all six footed, upon the mistake perhaps, or ••hance of having met with an Oyl-beetle, which had had two of its feet pull'd off. Wierus's Oyl-beetle, if you see it lie upon its back, seems (unless this old man makes sport only) to be made after the figure of a ma••s face. It hath gotten longer wings than the rest, and is marked with more rings or girdles going round its body: otherwise it differs not from that spoken of before. The most noble Knight

Sir Edward 〈◊〉〈◊〉 affirmeth than he saw in England the former kinde of this Oyl-beetle, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 us the picture of it; but could never finde that oily humour which the German one is full of. It comes short of this likewise i•• all its dimensions▪ either because it hath a climate, or because it hath a soyl 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 for g〈…〉〈…〉ch. 〈…〉〈…〉 thus of the use they serve for. In Di〈…〉〈…〉a towards the so〈…〉〈…〉 they 〈…〉〈…〉 y••worm (••or so he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Oyl-beetle) about the neck with a thred, especially in the mo〈…〉〈…〉eth of May, when that 〈…〉〈…〉oisture like hony (which is taken to be 〈…〉〈…〉nemous) drops from it 〈…〉〈…〉: this Beetle (o•• sometimes two or three) being d••yed and 〈…〉〈…〉 powder they give with beer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the sick person into a sudden and great sweat either with labour or with many cove〈…〉〈…〉s upon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or in a ••••ove or even after the bread is drawn. Thereupon follow grie〈…〉〈…〉 symptomes, as a pain of the heart an overthrow of all strength; a weakness of the whole body, which for the most par〈…〉〈…〉 no longer than half a day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this they repeat every other day, or every third day (as the ca••e requireth) un∣••••ll

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the 〈…〉〈…〉th. This drink they call 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because it is made of Oyl-beetles. And truly for that epidemical head-ach (which Placentius at the end of his Chi∣rurgery, and Berptalia cap. de Vapore, and perhaps Avicen. 4. l. 3. Fen. Tr. 2. c. 9. do define) it is said to be an excellent remedy. The Saxons call this disease Fi••ren, or Kadden. Paracelsus l. 3. c. 6. de morb. Tartar. recordeth that he cured a Dropsie by a m••dicine compounded of those Melo••s and Radish seed: the making of it is after this manner: Take of Beetles called Me∣loes ten drams, Radish seed one o••nce, make a liquor of it: the Dose may be from one ounce to three o••nces, if necessity require. He used al∣so Oppodelton Meloum against ••and worms, lib. de vit. longa c. 12. which after other medicines he prescribed to be applied for the space of twelve 〈…〉〈…〉 before the rising of the 〈…〉〈…〉) they are very 〈…〉〈…〉 the places 〈…〉〈…〉 three or four times.

That oily fatness also healeth the chaps of the 〈…〉〈…〉 heard of the Countrey men about Heidelburg, who have more than once 〈…〉〈…〉 vertues to us. They do strongly expell urine, but withal, bloud. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 clo〈…〉〈…〉 veins, and nerv〈…〉〈…〉 wounds; they throughly c••re horses gals and br••••ses in the ••••ck which co〈…〉〈…〉 by the badness of saddles.

Gasparus Regl••••us l. de 〈◊〉〈◊〉, adviseth to gather up twenty Oyl-beetles, yet not with your hands, but with two little twigs: then being put into an earthen pot or glass, let them be smo∣thered in as much of the sweetest Oyl-Olive as will suffice, and kept for use. He affirm•• that by being anointed with this Oyl Sores in the ••rovn, Ca〈…〉〈…〉es, Pestilential So〈…〉〈…〉, 〈…〉〈…〉s, and 〈…〉〈…〉ounds made by a mad Dog are cured. In an〈…〉〈…〉 he 〈…〉〈…〉 that 〈…〉〈…〉 draw a circle about the sore with a Saphir st••ne, 〈…〉〈…〉 Meloes, or of Juniper, as being that wherewith 〈…〉〈…〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 af∣fected presently reduced to its natural temp〈…〉〈…〉eth a certa〈…〉〈…〉ai••y Beetle of the colour of a Lion, and like one 〈…〉〈…〉 else b〈…〉〈…〉oughness. He ••on∣tends that it is called by its proper name Culio; it is found in old hedges, and unregarded dit∣••hes and banks this he w••ites is wonderful good for scabby eyes, and eye-lids which have been long fretted with a fa〈…〉〈…〉 and sharp humour, or eaten away with lice. Thus he sheweth the way of using it first gather betimes in the morning a colewort l••af wet with the dew of the ••ight, and wrapit up so that all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 r••n together to the bottome of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, then having taken up his hairy Beetle with your fore-fingers and thumb; put it up instantly within the leaf, that its urine (which it presently makes upon its being bruised) may be mingled with the dew of it; for otherwise its pis••, in which all the s••cres ••eth will be 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

If with a probe you shall search the eye-lids, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the places, which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and eaten away, with its dew when it is now 〈…〉〈…〉 it were with the p〈…〉〈…〉e of this Beetle, you will co〈…〉〈…〉 and wonderful 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or what manner of Beetle this is, I am altogether ignorant, nor can I call to minde any other Authors who have made any mention of it.

The W〈…〉〈…〉 do now challeng•• to have some room allowed them, which the Greeks call 〈…〉〈…〉; the English, Water-clocks. All these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their bellies coloured with a light 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and their 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 all that border which compasseth about its shoulders and its whole o••al body, and make its eyes of a silver colour, you 〈…〉〈…〉 more toward its 〈…〉〈…〉 They have every 〈…〉〈…〉 they 〈…〉〈…〉,

lye hid their membranous wings of a silver hew, with which by night, having left the water, they nimbly fly through the air, which by day they very seldome (or never) use. But the least of all are those, which with a restless motion run about in a multitude this way and that way upon the surface of the water without order, and play as it were together, and when the water is trou∣bled, either they dive down to the bottome, or hide themselves in holes of the banks: but after∣ward, as soon as the waves are still and calm, they leap about it again for joy. Christophorus Leustnerus writeth to Gesner that he found a Beetle in a certain place, (with a sheathy crust (as they use to have) which had a head like an Ant somewhat yellow, and many wings on the hin∣der part of the belly it had sins, such as are upon Craps tayls, which they used as they wandred up and down (like rowers upon the water) it had a little tail sticking out for its defence, but which was 〈…〉〈…〉d into very long hairs, being thrown out of pond water into fountain water, it died within a few daies. And thus much of Beetles: which, of countreys only Olynthus, of plants only the wilde Lilly, produce not: whereupon that is called by Pliny, Theopompus, and An∣tigonus, Cantharolethros: this by Dioscorides, Anticantharos.

CHAP. XXIV.

Of the Fen-Kricket, the Eve-churre, or the 〈…〉〈…〉

GIVe me leave here where names are wanting to make some. The creature which we have de∣scribed is that which Cordus calleth Spondylis; & Dodoneus, Bupresti〈…〉〈…〉 both of them amiss & with∣out reason. For the Spondylis hath no wings, you see this, Insect is winged. The Bupres〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by all to be like the Cantharis; but this creature neither in figure, nor colour, nor bigne〈…〉〈…〉 any thing near it; to say nothing of its having no sheathy wings, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all wise 〈…〉〈…〉 ••an∣tharides have. If we may make names, we may call it Gry〈…〉〈…〉 be∣〈…〉〈…〉 shrill

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noyse which 〈…〉〈…〉et doth to∣wards night 〈…〉〈…〉use it digs the e〈…〉〈…〉h continually; the Netherlan〈…〉〈…〉 call it Weemol. It is an Insect ugly to sight and monstrous, four times bigger than the biggest of the Can∣tharides: especially when it is pretty well grown. The shape you see before you: I will tell you the colours. The female is paler, the male of a deep brown; that hath besides a long horns, 4 knobs hang∣ing out as it were of it nostrils and lips; it hath also bigger eyes, and the root of its wings is bedecked with a red spot. But the male is without those buttons, and in s••ead of them hath two bristles twice as long as those buttons; it seemeth to be of the same colour all over, and without any spot; both their clawes are as black as a Raven; with their fore-feet which are very strong and bending inward they both dig through hillocks, and make holes under 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they stand upon their middle feet, and with their hinder feet, when need is they leap; their tail is forked, their wings longer than their body, and membranous, their body variously joynted. The young ones for the most part are all over black, the old ones seem to be without hair: it liveth the greatest part of〈…〉〈…〉age under a moorish and moist ground, yet in the night it cometh a broad. It is a very ••lowe〈…〉〈…〉e, and its flying, is like leaping; whereupon it is reckoned by some among 〈…〉〈…〉 begins to come forth as Krickets do when the Sun is going down, and pleaseth it self with i〈…〉〈…〉 which is lowd enough and may be heard above a mile off; which as soon as the husband 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hear, they are glad presently: as though they knew by its coming, that the earth now teemed with moy∣sture, and were brought as it were to maturity by the heat of the Sun. It gathereth together grains of wheat, barly, and oats, and carrieth them into its nest, being to live upon them perhaps in the winter. Some affirm that it feeds upon Horse〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ relates that this little crea∣ture kils cattel with its biting; falling into this mistake, because he took it to be the Buprestis. Whether it do any hurt being taken inwards▪ I know not: but P〈…〉〈…〉s hath often handled it in his bare hands, and without harm, never observing in it any inclination to bite. Our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 signified as much to P〈…〉〈…〉 who hired C〈…〉〈…〉 with his mo••••y to observe as often as might be its condition, and to make relation of it.

CHAP. XXV.

Of the Fire-fly.

THat which is called by Aelian 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, other Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Hermolaus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, some * 1.130 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Aristot. l. 5. Hist. c. 19. giveth these little creatures no proper name, but sayes they are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: which Gaza translateth Bestiales fornacum, Furnace creatures. Strabo reckons them among Gnats, they are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by Suidas, and by the Scepticks, as we read in Laertius l. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Solinus calleth it Carystia l. de mund. Mirab. Jul. Scaliger, Ignigena; Gaza, Fur〈…〉〈…〉 and Besti••la Fornacum, out of Aristotle, which he maketh bigger than the greater flies and winged: Pliny af∣firmeth the same l. 11. c. 36. Antigonus l. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ saith from Aristotle that these Fire-flies are bigger than Mice (not Flies only); where it is evident he foully mistook 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Mice, for Flies; which Xylander his Translator took no notice of. In shape it is somewhat like a very big Gnat, of a bright fire-red colour, glittering with a kinde of fiery raies; it leaps, goes, flies, and lives in the flame, as Aristotle reporteth, l. 5. hist. c. 19. For I can scarce give credit to Aelian l. 2. Hist. c. 2. when he saith that the Fire-fly as soon as it hath gone out of the place where it was bred, and flown into the air for food, dieth presently: for I cannot believe that any thing bred in the fire, goeth out of its element to seek for food; nor is it likely that Nature, that most loving parent of all things, should prescribe any creature such a way of getting its food, by which it should presently lose its life. Neither is it, as it seems to me, so hard to finde out the reason of this their sudden dying in the air (which Aelian, leaves to be searched out by others) for being bred in the extremity of heat, how should they live in a temperate place? For it is evident by daily experience, that some Fishes dye as soon as ever they are taken up o••t of the water into the air; much less can those creatures that are bred in the fire, endure the air, since it differeth so much from the air, and indeed more than the a〈…〉〈…〉from the water.

These Flies are bred in the Brass Furnaces of the Isle Cyprus, where the Chalcitis (or Brass∣stone) is burnt for many daies together: perhaps the sooty vapours which go up with the flame, while the stone is continually burnt, are the matter and cause of their generation. Strabo speaking in his 12 Book of Worms bred in the snow, addeth this which followeth: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: They conje∣cture that the generation of these creatures is like that of Gnats, of the flame from metals and plates of brass; where any man may see the error of the Interpreter, for he renders it thus: Horum animalium generationem talem putant, ut culicum ex flammâ & bracteâ metallorum. For they are bred in the flame (as Scaliger saith) not in massa, that is (as I interpret it) in the fire which is condensed together: nor doth any thing forbid but that the most dry animals may be generated in the most dry element (for there is mi••tion there also) as the moistest are in the moistest; for we have no pure fire with us. But what hinders but that living creatures may be generated of matter ready for them, or what natural reason contradicteth it? They answer, that fire destroyeth all things, corrupteth all things. But they which have had but any taste of the se∣crets of Philosophy, do evince that to be false by clear demonstration and experience. For so far is our fire from destroying or corrupting all things, that it even perfecteth some. It doth not corrupt nor consume gold, nor some sorts of metals, not ashes, not the stone Amiantus which is very like Sicil Allum; nor some other things which I will not now stand to reckon up for those froward mens sakes. What then should hinder fire from having the power of generating, so it be in a fit and convenient matter? its very d••iness cannot hinder the generation from coming to effect; because it proceedeth from the form; but fire is the matter and the forms instrument for some operations. Besides, our fire hath alwaies some moisture joyned with it; for it would not take flame nor burn, if it were not cherished with a fat moisture; for certainly those things are nei∣ther without earth nor water, which are generated in our terrestrial fire. G. Agricola. But if this were not so, because fire putrefies not; yet there is no reason we should doubt but that generation may be effected by the fire, as by the form in its proper matte••. For unless there were moisture in metals, they would not melt; what therefore should hinder nature, but that it may give this a form? Aristotle maketh the question, Whether in the sphere of the fire (which is next to the Moon) there be generated any living creatures? and he seemeth to be in doubt, and putteth off the question until another time; but when he affirmeth that the Fire-fly is generated in this fire of ours, I see no reason, why any should doubt of it: yet there are some very learned men, and eminent writers of our time (who seem nevertheless to excel rather in wit, reading and language, than in the solid knowledge of things natural) who condemn and reject not only the generation of these little creatures in the fire, but this whole history as frivolous, false, and unworthy of a Philosopher. My readers expect now, that I answere these mens arguments.

They object that Aristotle doth in plain terms affirm, that the fire produceth no living crea∣ture. The Philosopher doth there compare the heat of seed with the heat of fire, affirming that there is not a fiery heat in seed; for (saith he) if there were, it would produce nothing. But this hinders not, but that a living creature may be generated in the fire without seed: but of some other fit and convenient matter, as we shall see anon. Besides, the Philosopher seems here (as

likewise elsewhere) to speak of that fire only which is under the sphere of the Moon, that that produceth no living creature; not of ours, where there is both mixtion, and no pure fire. But they yet urge: Our fire is Substantia 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a substance of most subtil parts, and seizeth upon all things that are in its way, devouring them and turning them into its own substance. This was answered before when we instanced in some things which are rather perfected in the fire, and which fire is by no means able to consume or turn into its substance. Ic. Langius (a man of much reading, and a most learned Philosopher) and from him Cardane grants that some Animals may live in the fire, but not that they can be bred there; for in this they yeeld to the Philoso∣pher. But who seeth not how absurd this yeelding is? for I cannot see how things generated in a temperate place, should be able to live in that extreme. For that which they say of the Sala∣mander, is as good as nothing. The Salamander (as Diosc. hath observed) doth not live long in the fire: for as soon as that moisture, which runneth down on every side from its yellow spots (as I conceive) while it staies in the fire, is consumed (which is quickly done) it is presently brought to ashes, as Pennius hath made trial with our Bruerus in the Countrey about Heidelburg. Erastus a most learned Physitian, disputing about rotten Feavers, endevoureth to overthrow all this Hi∣story with these arguments. First, because Aristotle compileth the History (saith Erastus) who, it is confessed, writ many things from hearsay; I grant it: but then he adds, ut aiunt, as it is re∣ported, or some other word of the same importance (as Niphus hath well-observed) even as in that very place, speaking of the Salamander, he addeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. We may observe that this is the constant practise of the Philosopher, when he speaks according to the opinion, or from the rela∣tion of others; but grant it were so, that he from others related it; they were deceived (saith Erastus) who related it to him; imagining those creatures bred in the fire, which fell by chance into it. But the circumstances of the place make it appear that this is false. If they had fallen from elsewhere into the fire, surely by his own confession they would be consumed by the fire. And unless they had been bred there, (as I said before) how should they be able to live in such an extremity of flame? Besides, spectators have observed the motion of their feet, the num∣ber of their wings, their flying, yea their death, and the cause of their death, viz. their flying somewhat too far out of the fire. These things and the like evince that those relators were not at all deceived, but that they related what was true and unquestionable. But no Author either before or since Aristotle affirms this, but one or other perhaps who hath transcribed it from him. This is more (Erastus) than you know, you have not read all Authors Books: the greatest part of books is lost, as it appeareth plainly out of Athenaeus, and Histories bear witness. But how I pray you, came Pliny to be assured that Fire-flies have four feet? He did not learn this from Aristotle, nor is there any such thing to be found in his writings which are extant. Wherefore either he learnt it from others, or else the History was known in Pliny's time. Pliny therefore added this, that he might make up the History compleat. Nay, if you had read Cicero l. de Nat. Deo. you had found him affirming for certain, that there are little winged creatures bred in the middle of the fire. Neither did I before think you so ignorant in Theology, as not to know what S. Augustine (l. de Civit. Dei 21. c. 2.) hath observed of these Pyribia: There are, saith he, creatures which live in the midst of the fire; and there are found some worms at the Spring∣head of hot waters, whose heat no man toucheth without harm: while these remain there not only without receiving any hurt, but are not able to subsist out of them. And Vincentius hist. Nat. l. 20. c. 68. In some waters which are naturally hot, there are certain Worms which live as well as Fishes in cold: nay if they go out of those waters into cold they die. Solinus also confirmeth it c. 17. who calleth these kinde of Flies Carystiae, and reporteth that in Crete they fly into hot furnaces without harm. Yea and Seneca (quest. natural. l. 2.) affirmeth that some living creatures are generated of the fire; and therefore these Fire-flies likewise; as lately Mar∣silius Cognatus teacheth us in a large Discourse, Variar. observ. l. 1. c. 23, 24. Do not then any longer contend, that no Author either before or since Aristotle affirmeth it; since besides these pious and grave men already named, I can bring others also, who would convince you either of plain falshood, or of a levity not hard to be discerned. But Theophrastus maketh no mention of it in his Book de Igne. What do you conclude, Erastus, from thence, that the History is false? Very fine. Perhaps he beleeved it not; is it therefore false? But it is probable. I grant it. There are many things probable, and yet false, as experience teacheth us. Erastus wrote many things against Paracelsus which are probable, yet not all true, unless those things which he understood not, be true. Certainly he endevoured to confute many things, which I know he never under∣stood: I will not now descend to particulars. Well, but the heat of fire is not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, fit for generation. This, Erastus, you apprehend not; but I told you before, that if it were in the seed, it were not, which was the Philosophers meaning. For it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, corruptive, according to Aristotle: But I answered before, that fire doth not corrupt all things. This barrenness there∣fore, or (if you please) destructiveness of the fire is to be limited. Nor truly do I conceive this to be done miraculously, but by the power of Nature; neither do I take it for a tale, but for a History agreeable to nature. And as for what he writeth of the Salamander, he adds 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as I said before: there was no need to add it. But I beseech those who believe nothing but what they see, to tell me, Have any one of the ancients found fault with this History, or con∣futed it? I speak of the Greek writers. No, not so much as Galen, who otherwise is a most sharp reprehender of the Philosophers, and would have laid hold on this instantly, if he had had

any such opinion. Therefore it is likely that the history is true, because none of the old wri∣ters found fault with it. But come we now to Matthiolus, who of all men hath contradicted this History most unhappily; for in his margent he inveigheth against the vain opinions of the Phi∣losopher (as he thinks) where he appears in some things vainer than vanity it self. But I will return to the business. It is against (saith he) the work of nature. Is it enough for Matthiolus to say so, though he prove nothing? If the story had been true, Galen would never have omit∣ted it, who hath searched out all things else so diligently, furnaces, and metals, and what not? Ju∣lius Scaliger will make answer, to what end should he repeat a thing known before? Sooner would he (as he was a famous and a malicious detracter) if he had not found it so, have repre∣hended it, as he doth in some places make it ridiculous. He which continued so few daies, did not understand the whole matter; they were not, they are not alwaies at hand; he never en∣quired of the Bakers. But if I should say that a little she colt newly foaled should have plenty of milk in its udder, and that it did issue forth in great quantity, what would they say then? yet nevertheless I saw it at London about six years since, as also many others of good note and credit, who with their own hands did milk it out of its teats. They will say perhaps, we do not be∣lieve it; let then chuse, it makes not much to the matter; there are many productions of na∣ture, the causes whereof it is impossible for any man to know, much less to shew to others. And that certainly not without great reason, that we might both admire the infinite power of God, and acknowledge our own blindness and ignorance. For these and the like did God create on∣ly for his glory, that he might both confound the shallow understandings of men, and also learn them to acquiesce in his wisdome only, for so much as in searching out the natural causes of things, it is impossible to go any farther. For this is amongst the works of God that may pluck down our ambition, and makes us with all our wit to fly to that common Anchor of fools, namely hid∣den causes and the whole substance. What have we then to do? surely only to apply our selves unto him, from whom all wisdom, knowledge, and perfection doth proceed: for whilest we re∣lie on our own wits, and do pry into the Majesty of God, we must needs (as Solomon in his Pro∣verbs speaketh) be confounded by the same. What then remains? this surely, that they which think these things to be impossible, do keep their opinion to themselves, without medling with those that think the contrary.

The Author of the Geoponicks (if I am not deceived) cals this little animal a Salamander: his words are these: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. that is to say, The Sala∣mander that little creature is begotten in the fire; and living in the fire, is not consumed by it. Here he tels three untruths together. For neither is this the least of creatures, but oftentimes bigger, sometime less, neither is it generated by the fire, nor doth it live long in the fire, as I said be∣fore, out of Dioscorides. Thus much I thought good to add, lest young students reading those Geoponicks should erre so foully with Zoroastes. For what purposes it serveth, I cannot boldly say: yet by its place of growth and principles it seemeth to dry and cleanse powerfully. It is also of very thin parts and body; it pierceth to places very distant: and truly if the Grashopper which feedeth upon air, be of so burning a faculty; what shall we think of the Fire-fly, which eateth and drinketh flames? But the Fire-flies are of this use to our mindes: they represent to our understanding the wonderful power of God, who hath made the greatest of all the Elements, Fire, subject to so small, so dry a creature: vouchsafing to be vanquished by these while it scor∣neth, I do not say to be vanquished (to use Majolus's words, Dier. Canic. Colloq. 5.) but even so much as to be touched by men, or the greater Animals.

CHAP. XXVI.

Of the Water-Spider.

THe Water-Spider is next, a little creature of exceeding nimbleness, whose History Au∣thors have so slightly handled, that we can hardly pick out any thing of weight or moment towards the illustration of this History: we shall yet perform what we can.

I utterly deny 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Aristotle, to be the same with Tipula in Plautus (as Gaza interprets it) for I am not perswaded that Mule-gnats can come of them.

It is called in Latine Tipula: Plautus, Festus, and Nonius Marcellus write it Tipul; others, * 1.131 Tipulla; Guillerinus de Conchis reads Tapula; Albertus and Vincentius in his Speculum, call it Tappula: none of them aright. By Plautus it is called Tipula; in Greek (as I found in Gesner's papers) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which word truly I finde not any where any footsteps of, nor can I tell what it properly signifies; some High-Dutch call it Wasser-gems, which is to say, a Water-goat; others Wasser-spin, which is a Water-spider; the Nether-lands, Wasser-spinne; with us it is called the Water-spider, as with the High-Dutch and Netherlands, for likeness sake; in Spanish, Gusano que corre sopra el aqua, a worm that runs upon the water; in Italian, Capra di aqua; in Polonian, Wood ny cieluck.

There are two sorts of Water-spiders, the greater and the less. They differ in bigness only, or perhaps in age: the greater are more common in coldest waters, the less are somewhat more blackish and of a more compact body.

The greater more inclines to an ash-colour, being of a larger body.

Although severall men write severally, and neither tell any certain marks whereby it may be known, nor agree in the number of its feet, yet I hope we shall so clearly and perspicuously ex∣plain the History of the Water-spider, that there will be no occasion of doubt left here∣after.

The Water-spider is a little creature, in shape very like a Spider, of a body somewhat long and slander: it hath four feet fast to its breast, and two little armes stretched out before near its * 1.132 mouth, perhaps in stead of horns; which if you reckon with its feet, it will have six feet: which yet (so far as we could observe) it useth not when it runneth: they are as short again as the rest of its feet, neither have they any knots or joynts like the other feet. Therefore Albertus and others allow but four feet to the Water-spider: but Festus six, reckoning these little armes together with its feet. It hath four wings, very feeble ones, which seem not to be made for flying, but for leaping. They are shorter than its body, and the uppermost of them a little thicker and larger than the others, but yet not of leather (like those sheathy cases) they are between a brazen co∣lour and a black; the inner wings are lesser and thinner, and of a silver colour. Whether they fly by night like Water-beetles or no, we are uncertain; they leap sometimes upon the water so lightly, that they scarce so much as stir the surface of it. Hence grew that proverb among the Ancients, Lighter than a Water-spider. So Pierius being to express the lightness of men; and Virgil, the nimbleness of Camilla, compare them to the Water-spider. Plautus likewise in his Persa, Ne{que} Tipulae levius est pondus quam fides lenonia (for so Lambine reads it, against the con∣sent of all copies, even that of Nonius) A Panders honesty is lighter than a Water-spider: It run∣neth not in a continued course, but with intermission. It goeth not under water, but when it is driven thither by force: its body is never wet. They are found all the Summer time in standing waters and ponds which are free from the wind, and quiet: sometimes also they are met with in rivers, especially close by the banks of great rivers, and for the most part under the shades of trees (as of the willow, or any other tree, (which is not over tall): most commonly multitudes of them are together in companies. They are seen sometimes to couple leaping on one ano∣thers backs, but they make an end of engendring very quickly. One shall hardly finde any one of them in Winter.

Whether they be of any use in Physick, besides the common use Flies are of, we leave for others to make experiment: for we know of none; nevertheless we utterly deny that these little * 1.133 creatures were brought forth by nature to no purpose. Certainly the Gudgeon, the Rochet, the Pearch, and other inhabitants in the dominions of the waters do sufficiently declare how useful they are for the feeding and fatning of Fishes. Without question Festus, No∣nius, Marcellus, Sipontinus, and others, meant this Water-spider now described, as it will appear by their words. The Tipula (saith Festus) is a kinde of little creature, having six feet, but so light, that in running upon the water it seemeth to take no steps. Per••ttus saith upon the matter the same. The Tipula (saith Nonius Marcellus) is a very light creature, which doth not swim but go upon the water. Varro thus: Levis Tipula levissime frigidos transit lacus: for so the place which is corrupted, is to be read and corrected: The light Water-spider very nimbly passeth over the cold ponds. Albertus Guillerinus de Conchis, and Vincentius call it Araneus Aquaticus, inter∣preting the Dutch name (for it hath some likeness with the Spider) ascribing but four feet to the Tipula, not reckoning the little arms which are before, among its feet, since it doth not use them in going. Others (as I said before) reckoning those little arms among their feet do al∣low Water-spiders six feet. Hence it does most certainly appear, that we have described that very Tipula which Plautus mentions, so that there is no room left for any ones doubting he e∣after. But before we go any further, the truth requires of me, that I confute two notorious er∣rors of Guillerinus de Conchis. The first error is, when he saith that the Water-spider lives alike upon the water and upon the land: the other, when he saith, that it runneth very swiftly upon land; both which do evidently contradict experience: for upon land it doth not live long, nor run at all, but move with a very slow pace, and sometimes leap, but that very little.

Whether Catrab in Avicen, which is called by Silvaticus, Cutubut and Eckentubut, be the Wa∣ter-spider (as Wierus thinketh) I cannot say for certain: although indeed I am easily perswaded by reason of the circumstances, to believe that Catrab in Avicen is not the Water-spider. But let us hear Avicens description: Catrab (saith Avicen) is a little creature having its being on the sur∣face of the water, which moveth upon it divers waies without order, and diveth ever and anon to the bottome, and presently appeareth above again. Sylvaticus hath almost the same word for word: only he adds, that whensoever any thing happens amiss to it, it runs away, and by and by appears again. From this little creature by reason of its restless and disordered moti∣on, hither and thither, that kinde of melancholy which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Latines Insania Lupina, is called by Avicen, Cathrab and Alcathrab; with which when men are taken, they fly from the living, and go out by night, and frequent graves (as Paulus writes) and think indeed that they are turned into Wolves, as Wierus writes it befell a certain husbandman in Ger∣many in the year 1541. The Ancients (saith Wierus) call a fly which is common in moorish grounds, Tipula. And we think Manardus made mention of this somewhere in his Epistles. Wherefore I am fully perswaded that Catrab is not this Water-spider, but some other little

creature, the least of the kinde of Water-beetles, which with a restless motion moveth almost continually upon the surface of the water hither and thither without order (as we said in the Hi∣story of them) and upon the least disturbance or stirring of the water, goeth to the bottome, and presently hideth it self in the mud, but by and by assoon as the billowes are down, riseth up again to the surface of the water. This little creature is seldome single, but many of them sport together in the same place, running up and down several waies. I was once wont to behold with great delight these little very black and shining Beetles pulling one another, and as it were wrestling together. But of these we have spoken at large among the Water-beetles. And we shall take Gaza's Tipulae into our consideration among the Water-worms.

The word Ascaris which they interpret Tipula, maketh nothing toward the illustration of this History.

CHAP. XXVII.

Of the Forficula, or Earwig.

ARnoldus his Forficula, is called by the later Latine writers, Auricularia; by the more An∣cient, Mordella: Niphus cals it Vellicula à vellicando, from rending; the French call the * 1.134 Earwig Aureilliez, or Perceaureille; the Germans, Oren-worm; the Low Dutch Orenmetel; the English, Earwig. Hadrianus Junius thinks it to be Fullo, which notwithstanding much differs from the form of a Beetle. Is this the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉? truly both the original of it and the biting agree thereunto; for this is bred also in the hollow stalks of herbs, (as of the wilde Parsnip, Angelica, Fennel Gigant) and is frequently seen in Coleworts. The Northern Eng∣lish by an obscene name call it Twich-ballock, as if you would call it Scrotomordium, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for where ever it findes a rivled pleated skin, it will cause very great pain, either by biting with the mouth, or by winding about it with its forked tail; which Pennius saith once hapned to him being a boy. For we fell upon two sorts of Earwigs, both were with wings, contrary to the opinion of many. For if you force them here and there back again with a bull-rush, when they are hem'd in in some place or upon a table, (which the most illustrious Knivet taught * 1.135 Pennius) they will presently open their wings that are hid under their covers, and fly away. But you must take diligent heed that you press it not too hard with a straw or or rush, or wound it, for then if it would never so fain it cannot fly away. The more common is seen with a light

[illustration]

red colour; his foreyards, feet, and forked tail are yellow. The other (which is more rare in England, and was seen by me but once or twice) is greater than the former, and of a blacker body, hath a silver ring about the neck to adorn it; the outward covers of the wings are of a reddish colour: the mouth is for∣ked and yellow; on the back on both sides near the sides, there arise five yel∣lowish spots, the fork of the tail is short and black, and she lifts this toward her head and flies, being angry, into the air.

They are oft found in Coleworts and hollow Reeds, and in the little blad∣ders of Elm leaves. They breed of worms that breed in the stalks: they year∣ly cast their old skin, and that being gone they look white as snow. But with age it growes again, and is died with its ancient colour. The English women hate them exceedingly, because of the flowers of Clove-gelliflowers that they eat and spoyl, and they lay snares for them thus: They set in the utmost void places Ox-hoofs, Hogs-hoofs, or old cast things that are hollow, upon a staff fastned to the ground, and these are easily stuft with cloathes or straw; and when by night the earwigs creep into these to avoid the rain or to hide themselves, in the morning these old cast things being suddenly taken away and shook forth, a great multitude of them fals out, and are killed with treading upon them. Arnoldus Breviar. 1. cap. 25. bids us to boyl them in common oyl, or oyl of Hearts-ease, and * 1.136 with that to anoint the arteries of such as are in a Convulsion, both their temples and wrists, to cause a Feaver, which is a remedy for a Convulsion. Josephus Michaelis, an Italian and a famous Physician, is wont to collect a great number of them, and to bring them to a fine powder in Bal∣neo in a glass very close stopt. Then he mingles as much powder with Hares pisse, that he may pour into the ear morning and evening. He often protested to Pennius that this was a secret to cure deafness. Others mingle the powder with oyl of Cloves and use it as before. The smaller Gallinago, (which the English call a Suite) and Hens feed on Earwigs: and I well remember that I have found a great number of them in their Mawes.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Of the Scorpion, the Ant, and flying Lice.

ARistotle 4. de partib. c. 6. denieth that Scorpions have wings, Scorpions (saith he) move not flying, but going. But latter ages since him have seen and acknowledged some of them to be winged. Apollodorus (witness Pliny) relateth that some of them for certain have wings, which Nicander also hath recorded. Pausanius in Boeotic. speaking of winged Serpents, hath * 1.137 these words: Neither ought any one to be too forward to believe those things, which Na∣ture more rarely representeth; nor yet to be altogether incredulous concerning them: I never saw any where flying Serpents, yet am I easily perswaded to believe that there are such, because a man of Phrygia lately brought into Ionia a winged Scorpion of the Locusts kinde. Paramenes also l. de Best. Venenatis in Aegypt. reporteth that he saw, not with other mens eyes, but with his own eyes, Scorpions with wings, and armed with a double sting in their tail. With whom Aelian agreeth l. 16. c. 42, 43. Megasthenes hath recorded that there are some in India among the Prasii, which have wings, and are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, excee∣ding great ones, In Africk likewise there are some winged, and others without wings; having seven joynts in their tails, saith Strabo l. 15. Geogr. & l. 17. The Psylli (saith Pliny l. 11. c. 25.) have often endevoured to bring them over into Italy, but they were not able to live beyond the climate of Sicily: yet there are seen of them sometimes in Italy, but harmless ones, and in many other places, as about Pharus in Aegypt. We read also in the History of Navigations, that Jambolus the Portugal, while he stayed at Palimbrota (it is a City situate by Ganges towards the East, and according to Diodorus Siculus built of old by Hercules) saw there great store of winged Scorpions. It might be called in La∣tine, Nepales quest Nepa alata, for so Plautus cals the Scorpion in Casina, when he saith, * 1.138 Recessim cedam ad parietem, imitabor nepam. So again Cicero 5. de Finib. Nepas aculeo uti videas. Varro also and Columella do very often call the Scorpion by that name, although Festus understand by it a crab. Nonnius writeth that that name was borrowed from the Moors, by whom Scorpions were first called Nepae, and brought into Italy. Thou seest

[illustration]

here its ordinary bigness and shape; It is of a colour very like ho∣ney, whereupon it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The last joynt of the tail in this kinde is black, armed with a double sting, as if one could not do mischief enough: it hath wings like the mandible of the Locusts, it goes obliquely and after the manner of a Crab; it is very hurt∣full to men, especially to young men and boyes. Aelian attributes to it a glittering red colour, and calleth it flame-colour. Its poyson being hot, causeth extream heat; which happeneth otherwise in the Scorpions which have no wings. It kils Lizards, Adders Spiders, Whirls, and all kinde of Serpents, Aelian. l. 8. c. 13. This kinde of Scorpion 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be∣ing applyed to a wound made by it self, healeth it, as others do: and if the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of one of them burnt come to other Scorpions, it driveth them out of a house.

Its Generation is after the same manner with theirs that have no wings, of which we shall treat at large in the second Book.

The Ant is called by the Latines Formica à ferendis micis, from carrying grains of corn, saith Isidore. The Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by Hesychius and Varinus; it is called in Hebrew, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; in French, Fourmis; in English, Ant, Emmet, Pismire; in Spanish, Hormiga; in Italian, Formica; in the Sclavonian and Polonian Tongues Mrawenecz; in the Illyrian, Mpowka; in Low Dutch, Miere; in Flan∣drian, Labuets; it Dutch, Omays, Omnes, Eims. Now some Ants are winged, some with∣out wings. One of the Greeks call those that are winged (of which only we treat in this Book) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; another cals them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; they are named by Aristotle 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and sim∣ply 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, l. 1. de Anius. part. by the Latines Equites, because of their exceeding swiftness, wherein they excel the others. They are of a larger body and bigger limbs than those that go and have no wings, (whereupon Pliny, if I mistake not, call'd them Herculanae) and of a middle colour between black and swart: they have four silver coloured wings; their uppermost bigger and longer than their whole body; their inner wings half so big. I have nothing that I write for certain, concerning these Indian flying Ants. For Authors them∣selves are uncertain, and many late writers, having travelled over almost all India on foot, have yet found none of those gold-horders and devourers of flesh; Of which Megasthenes hath recorded thus much: There are found (saith he) among the Dardae certain winged Ants no less than Foxes: Now the gold-stealers understanding that they feed upon the flesh of wilde beasts, strew pieces of it along the waies, and so while the Ants are over∣busie about their meat, they take away without danger all the gold they had all this while stolen. Onesicritus writeth that he saw some of their skins like Panthers skins. The Book entitled De Natura rerum, so describes this winged creature, with hooked clawes, a winged

body, and a crooked beak, that one would take it for a Griffin rather than an Ant. That Aethiopia also breeds such, we read in Philostratus, who placeth Ants and Griffins also in India; which are not very like one another in shape, but both trusty keepers and diggers up of gold. The horns of the Indian Ant, set up in the Temple of Hercules at Erythrae, were a wonder, as Pliny witnesseth, or rather lieth. He that desireth more dreams concerning them, let him read Herodotus, Arrianus, Tzetzes, Strabo, Aelian, and Pliny, who gave so much cre∣dit to lies carried to and fro and entertained, that they were not ashamed to put them down even for truths. But passing over the Indian Ants, let us treat of those in Europe on∣ly; whose course of life, fights, victories, policies, prudence, sagacity, parsimony, cunning, frugality, industry, oeconomy, charity, fidelity, civility, valour, and laboriousness I would to the shame of men represent here; but that it would be necessary to repeat the same things * 1.139 in the second Book, when we shall treat of those that go, with which they agree in na∣ture, and belong to the same Common-wealth. With these Herculean Ants bruised, and Salt and Pepper put to them, the Manginess, the Leprosie, and the Scurfe are cured. Plin. Oyl made of winged Ants, provoketh and strengtheneth Venus. Wecker. To conclude, what∣soever diseases other Ants are good for (and they help very many, as you shall read) the winged ones have the same or greater vertue in curing of them.

Agatharsides tels us, that the Acridophagi or eaters of Locusts are not far distant from the inhabitants of the Red sea: which nation are of a lower stature than others, lean of visage, and extream black. About the Vernal Aequinoctial, when the South-west and West winds blow with the Italians, an unspeakable multitude of great Locusts is brought to them with those winds, out of some place unknown, which differ little from birds in their faculty of flying, but in the shape of their body very much. With this sort of creatures they are nouri∣shed all this season, feeding upon them salted or otherwaies drest. And they catch them by fetching them down from the air to the ground with a smoak. And these people are re∣ported to excel in nimbleness and swiftness of foot: but taking a very dry nutriment, they do not prolong their life beyond forty years, nay and dye more miserably than they lived; for when old age drawes nigh, there breed in their bodies certain sorts of flying Lice, in fi∣gure indeed like Dog-flies, but otherwise less; they begin at the breast and the belly, and in a short space eat up all the skin of their face. Others of them are taken like those which have the Itch, thereupon they tear themselves grievously, and at length the disease being at a stay, and thin humours running at the coming out of these little creatures, they are fain poor wretches to undergo intolerable torments: and so by reason either of ill humors, or of their feeding, or of the badness of the air, they die. Hieron. Mercurial. de morb. cut. ex Dio∣doro Siculo 4. Antiq. lib.

CHAP. XXIX.

Of the winged Punie or Wall-Louse.

WHen I had resolved to conclude this History of winged Insects, we had three wood Wall-lice of the sheath-winged kinde brought to us, which we here represent upon

[illustration]

their backs, and upon their bellies. The back, the neck, the little hornes, and the sheathy cases of the first are of the colour of a Leek; its wings which are longer than its sheathy cases, are between green and yellow, as also its eyes and feet. The second is of a swart co∣lour all over. The third hath its body variously coloured with black and red; its little horns and feet coal-black: all of them do glitter here and there with a golden brightness (which Pennius observed not) and seem to be of a very compact and tender body. They are found sitting most commonly upon Mallowes, sometimes upon other plants and trees that bear Apples like Pine-apples, as likewise upon the Elm and the Willow. They copulate in the moneth of May tail to tail, and are almost a whole day about it. The male is less, the female bigger and broader. They fly in the heat of the day fast enough, but neither long nor far. There are bred with us (saith Cardane) in the grass two Animals like Wall-lice, the one in smell but not in shape; the other in shape but not in smell: but neither of them is of the species of Wall-lice, because they both fly. lib. de variet. rer. But he that shall observe their stink and outward shape of body, will not turn them out of the family of the Wall-lice, for their wings sake: although indeed the field kindes are six times as big as those in houses. Jacobus Quickelbergius sent two other kindes of them to Pennius from the parts about Vienna, which were waved with a golden and black colour. Matthiolus not at all understanding

Pliny, denieth that they have any vertue in them. But Pliny many waies commendeth the garden Wall-lice, being reduced to ashes and infused in oyl of Roses, against pains of the eats. Palladius useth these with the Lees of Oyl, an Oxe Gall, Ivy-leaves and Oyl, for an oyntment for the bitings of venomous Horsleeches. Let the head of the yard be put into * 1.140 Oyl of Camomil pretty hot, in which Wall-lice have boyled; then let the head of the yard when it is taken out of the oyl, be anointed with pounded Garlick, and the patient will certainly make water. Arnoldus de villa nova l. 2. Breviarii, c. de stranguria & dysuria. Are not these to be taken for those Wall-lice, which the Dutch call Knolsters and Qual∣sters? And hitherto hath been said what we know of winged Insects: ye Platerus's, Came∣rarius's, Clusius's, Quickelbergius's, and ye later and more laborious sons of Esculapius (whom Phoebus moulded out of richer clay) if you have any thing which is here wanting, make ad∣dition of it, according to your wonted courtesie and ingenuity, remembring that of the old Poet:

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

When you receive, you ought to give withall: The Muses gates are wide, and liberall.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Name.
• * 1.2

  Apes or Bees whence so cal∣led.
• * 1.3

  The Definiti∣on of the Bee.
• * 1.4

  The Descri∣ption of the Bee.
• * 1.5

  The difference of their shapes from nature.
• * 1.6

  The difference of their minds from the place.
• * 1.7

  Differences of the corporeal form from the place.
• * 1.8

  Difference from their Sex.
• * 1.9

  Creation.
• * 1.10

  Genetation.
• * 1.11

  Propagation.
• * 1.12

  Conservation.
• * 1.13

  Drink.
• * 1.14

  Exercise of Bees.
• * 1.15

  Placing of the Bees.
• * 1.16

  Fear.
• * 1.17

  Diseā es of Bees ••nd the cures.
• * 1.18

  The Use.
• * 1.19

  Their use in Medicine.
• * 1.20

  The Definiti∣on of Honey.
• * 1.21

  The best Ho∣ney how known.
• * 1.22

  Accidental properties of Honey.
• * 1.23

  In what coun∣treys the best Honey is tobe found.
• * 1.24

  What Coun∣treys produce bad honey.
• * 1.25

  The signs of poysoned Ho∣ney, and the remedies a∣gainst it.
• * 1.26

  The temper of Honey.
• * 1.27

  The medicinal vertues of Ho∣ney.
• * 1.28

  See Huonymus his Nectar in Wickerus his special Anti∣dote. fol. 191. & 195.
• * 1.29

  The Use.
• * 1.30

  The descripti∣on of the Drone.
• * 1.31

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Arist. l. 5. c. 22.
• * 1.32

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Arist. l. 9. hist. c. 40.
• * 1.33

  Their Gene∣ration.
• * 1.34

  Plin. l. 11. c. 11.
• * 1.35

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as the Greeks very many of them have written.
• * 1.36

  l. de Animal. 1. c. 10.
• * 1.37

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.38

  Chil. 8. Hist. 217.
• * 1.39

  Plat. l. 8. de Repub.
• * 1.40

  Arist. l. 9. c. 25. Plin l. 11. c. 17. Aristotle calis fur 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Hesy∣chius 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and from thence I think the Latine name was de∣rived.
• * 1.41

  Their Use.
• * 1.42

  Description.
• * 1.43

  Aristoph. in Vespis.
• * 1.44

  The gifts of his minde and wit.
• * 1.45

  Lib. 1. hist. c. 1.
• * 1.46

  Love to one another. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪
• * 1.47

  Love to their young.
• * 1.48

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Iliad. 13.
• * 1.49

  Love to their wives or fe∣males.
• * 1.50

  Strom. 2.
• * 1.51

  Their diffe∣rence from others.
• * 1.52

  Lib. 2.
• * 1.53

  Albertus l. 15. tract. 1.
• * 1.54

  L. 11. c. 21.
• * 1.55

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.56

  Hist. 9. c. 41.
• * 1.57

  Their Age.
• * 1.58

  Their Food.
• * 1.59

  The place of Wasps.
• * 1.60

  The use of the Wasp.
• * 1.61

  Preservatives against the stinging of Wasps.
• * 1.62

  Tetrab. 4. se••m. 1. c. 11.
• * 1.63

  Remedies a∣gainst the stings of Wasps.
• * 1.64

  Their De∣scription.
• * 1.65

  Arist. hist. l. 9. c. 2.
• * 1.66

  Arist. hist. l. 9. c. 42.
• * 1.67

  Their place and dwelling.
• * 1.68

  Habitation.
• * 1.69

  L. 11. c. 21.
• * 1.70

  Their Use.
• * 1.71

  Remedies a∣gainst the stinging of Hornets.
• * 1.72

  In Alexiph.
• * 1.73

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.74

  Description.
• * 1.75

  The commen∣dation of the Fly.
• * 1.76

  The Flesh-fly.
• * 1.77

  The Dog-fly.
• * 1.78

  The Hors••∣fly.
• * 1.79

  Brees or Beast-fly.
• * 1.80

  Difference of Asilus and Ta∣banus.
• * 1.81

  The Bee Fly.
• * 1.82

  The second kinde of Taba∣nus.
• * 1.83

  Gnat like.
• * 1.84

  Tabanus.
• * 1.85

  Presaging of weather.
• * 1.86

  Their use in Medicine.
• * 1.87

  Remedies a∣gainst Fly∣bitings.
• * 1.88

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. And then the Gnats with their great Trumpets sound alarm to the battle.
• * 1.89

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.90

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.91

  The Genera∣tion of Gnats.
• * 1.92

  The Use.
• * 1.93

  Description.
• * 1.94

  Copulation.
• * 1.95

  Difference of Butterflies.
• * 1.96

  The middle sort of Day-Butterflies.
• * 1.97

  The smal∣ler Day-Butterflies.
• * 1.98

  Their descri∣ption.
• * 1.99

  [illustration]
• * 1.100

  Their Copula∣tion and Ge∣neration.
• * 1.101

  Their Death.
• * 1.102

  The mischief they do.
• * 1.103

  How the Lo∣custs make a noise.
• * 1.104

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.105

  Kindes of Bruchi.
• * 1.106

  The mischiefs Locusts do.
• * 1.107

  Their Use.
• * 1.108

  Levit. 12.
• * 1.109

  Their use in Physick.
• * 1.110

  How they may be killed and driven away.
• * 1.111

  Their Copu∣lation and Generation.
• * 1.112

  Their use in Physick.
• * 1.113

  The name of the Kricket.
• * 1.114

  The Use.
• * 1.115

  Name.
• * 1.116

  Their Use▪
• * 1.117

  Remedies a∣gainst them.
• * 1.118

  The Use.
• * 1.119

  The signs of a Buprestis be∣ing drank.
• * 1.120

  The Remedy.
• * 1.121

  1▪ 2. de Amid, in Alex.
• * 1.122

  1. 2. 78. C••e∣nate.
• * 1.123

  Signs and cure of Canthari∣des drank.
• * 1.124

  The Name.
• * 1.125

  Their Sex and Description.
• * 1.126

  The use of broad horn Beetles.
• * 1.127

  The name and description.
• * 1.128

  The Use.
• * 1.129

  Their use for our understan∣dings, and by example.
• * 1.130

  The Name.
• * 1.131

  The Name.
• * 1.132

  The Descri∣ption.
• * 1.133

  Their Use.
• * 1.134

  The Name.
• * 1.135

  The difference and descripti∣on.
• * 1.136

  Their Use.
• * 1.137

  L. 11. c, 25.
• * 1.138

  The Name.
• * 1.139

  The medici∣nal use. The way to make the Oyl is found in Rhasis and Barthol. Mon∣tag. l. 5. tract. 18. c. 7.
• * 1.140

  Their Medici∣nal use.