Sylua syluarum: or A naturall historie In ten centuries. VVritten by the Right Honourable Francis Lo. Verulam Viscount St. Alban. Published after the authors death, by VVilliam Rawley Doctor of Diuinitie, late his Lordships chaplaine.

NATVRALL HISTORIE.

V. Century.

WE will now enquire of Plants or Vege∣tables: And we shall doe it with dili∣gence.* 1.1 They are the principall Part of the Third Dayes Worke. They are the first Producat, which is the Word of Animation: For the other Words are but the Words of Essence; And they are of excellent and generall Vse, for Food, Medicine, and a Number of Mechanicall Arts.

There were sowen in a Bed, Turnip-Seed, Radish-Seed, Wheat, Cucum∣ber-Seed, [ 401] and Pease. The Bed we call a Hot-Bed, and the Manner of it is this. There was taken Horse-dung, old, and well rotted; This was laid vpon a Banke, halfe a foot high, and supported round about with Planks; And vpon the Top was cast Sifted Earth, some two Fingers deepe; And then the Seed Sprinkled vpon it, hauing beene steeped all night in Water Mixed with Cow dung. The Turnip-Seed, and the Wheat came vp halfe an Inch aboue Ground, within two dayes after, without any Watring. The Rest the third day. The Experiment was made in October; And (it may be) in the Spring, the Accelerating would haue beene the speedier. This is a Noble Experiment; For without this helpe, they would haue

beene foure times as long in comming vp. But there doth not occurre to me, at this present, any vse thereof, for profit; Except it should be for Sowing of Pease; which haue their Price very much increased, by the early Comming. It may be tried also with Cherries, Strawberries, and other Fruit, which are dearest, when they come early.

[ 402] There was Wheat, steeped in Water mixed with Cow-Dung; Other in Water mixed with Horse-Dung; Other in Water mixed with Pigeon-Dung; Other in Vrine of Man; Other in Water mixed with Chalke powdred; Other in Water mixed with Soot; Other in Water mixed with Ashes; Other in Water mixed with Bay-Salt; Other in Claret Wine; Other in Malmsey; Other in Spirìt of Wine. The Proportion of the Mixture was, a fourth Part of the Ingredients to the Water; Saue that there was not of the Salt aboue an eighth Part. The Vrine, and Wines, and Spirit of Wine, were Simple without Mixture of Water. The Time of the Steeping was twelue houres. The Time of the Yeare October. There was also other Wheat sowen vnsteeped, but watred twice a day with Warme water. There was also other Wheat sowen Simple to compare it with the rest. The Euent was; That those that were in the Mixture of Dung, and Vrine, and Soot, Chalke, Ashes, and Salt, came vp within fix dayes: And those that afterwards proued the Highest, Thickest, and most Lustie, were; First the Vrine; And then the Dungs, Next the Chalke; Next the Soot; Next the Ashes; Next the Salt; Next the Wheat Simple of it selfe, vnsteeped, and vnwatered; Next the Watered twice a day with warme water; Next the Claret Wine. So that these three last were slower than the ordinary Wheat of it selfe; And this Culture did rather retard, than aduance. As for those that were steeped in Malmsey, and Spirit of Wine, they came not vp at all. This is a Rich Experiment for Profit; For the most of the Steel pings are Cheape Things; And the Goodnesse of the Crop is a great Matter of Gaine; If the Goodnesse of the Crop answer the Earlinesse of the Comming vp: As it is like it will; Both being from the vigour of the Seed; Which also partly appeared in the Former Experiments, as hath beene said. This Experiment would be tried in other Graines, Seeds, and Kernells: For it may be some Steeping will agree best with some Seeds. It would be tried also with Roots steeped as before, but for longer time. It would be tried also in Seuerall Seasons of the yeare, especially the Spring.

[ 403] Strawberries watered now and then, (as once in three dayes,) with Water, wherein hath beene steeped Sheepes-dung, or Pigeons-dong, will preuent and come early. And it is like, the same Effect would follow in other Berries, Herbs, Flowers, Graines, or Trees. And therefore it is an Experiment, though vulgar in Strawberries, yet not brought into vse generally: For it is vsuall to helpe the Ground with Mucke; And like∣wise to Recomfort it sometimes with Mucke put to the Roots; But to water it with Mucke water, which is like to be more Forcible, is not pra∣ctised.

[ 404] Dung, or Chalke, or Bloud, applied in Substance, (seasonably,) to the

Roots of Trees, doth set them forwards. But to doe it vnto Herbs, without Mixture of Water or Earth, it may be these Helpes are too Hot.

The former Meanes of Helping Germination, are either by the Good∣nesse [ 405] and Strength of the Nourishment; Or by the Comforting, and Exci∣ting the Spirits in the Plant, to draw the Nourishment better. And of this latter kinde, concerning the Comforting of the Spirits of the Plant, arealso the experiments that follow; Though they be not Applicati∣ons to the Root, or Seed. The Planting of Trees warme vpon a Wall, against the South, or South-East Sunne, doth hasten their Comming on, and Ripening; And the South-East is found to be better than the South∣West, though the South-West be the Hotter Coast. But the cause is chiefly, for that the Heat of the Morning succeedeth the Cold of the Night: and partly, because (many times) the South-west Sunne is too Parching. So likewise the Planting of them vpon the Backe of a Chimney, where a Fire is kept, doth hasten their Comming on, and Ripening: Nay more, the Drawing of the Boughes into the Inside of a Roome, where a Fire is continually kept, worketh the same Effect; Which hath beene tried with Grapes; In so much as they will come a Moneth earlier, than the Grapes abroad.

Besides the two Meanes of Accelerating Germination, formerly descri∣bed; [ 406] That is to say, the Mending of the Nourishment; and Comforting of the Spirit of the Plant; there is a Third; Which is the Making way for the Easie Comming to the Nourishment, and Drawing it. And therefore Gentle Digging and Loosening of the Earth about the Roots of Trees; And the Remening Herbs and Flowers into new Earth, once in two yeares, (which is the same thing, For the new Earth is euer looser,) doth great∣ly further the Prospering, and Earlinesse of Plants.

But the most admirable Acceleration by Facilitating the Nourishment, [ 407] is that of Water. For a Standard of a Damaske Rose with the Root on, was set in a Chamber, where no Fire was, vpright in an Earthen Pan, full of Faire Water, without any Mixture, halfe a foot vnder the Water, the Standard being more then two foot high aboue the Water: Within the Space of ten dayes, the Standard did put forth a faire Greene lease, and some other little Buds, which stood at a stay, without any Shew of decay or withering, more then seuen Daies. But afterwards that Leafe faded, but the young Buds did sprout on; which afterward opened into faire Leaues, in the space of three Moneths; And continued so a while after, till vpon Remouall wee left the Triall. But note that the Leaues were somewhat paler, and lighter-coloured, than the Leaues vse to be abroad. Note that the first Buds were in the End of October; And it is likely that if it had beene in the Spring time, it would haue put forth with greater strength, and (it may be) to haue growne on to beare Flowers. By this Meanes, you may haue, (as it seemeth,) Roses set in the middest of a Poole, being supported with some stay; Which is Mat∣ter of Rarenesse and Pleasure, though of small Vse. This is the more

strange, for that the like Rose-Standard was put, at the same time, into Wa∣ter, mixed with Horse-dung, the Horse-dung about the fourth Part to the Water, and in foure Moneths space (while it was obserued) put not forth any Leafe, though diuers Buds at the first, as the other.

[ 408] A Dutch Flower, that had a Bulbous Root, was likewise put, at the same time, all vnder Water, some two or three Fingers deepe; And within seuen dayes sprouted, and continued long after, further Grow∣ing. There were also put in, a Beet-Root, a Borrage-Root, and a Raddish∣Root, which had al their Leaues cut almost close to the Roots; And within six weekes had faire Leaues; And so continued, till the end of Nouember.

[ 409] Note that if Roots, or Pease, or Flowers, may be Accelerated in their Comming and Ripening, there is a double Profit; The one in the high Price that those Things beare when they come early: The other in the Swiftnesse of their Returnes: For in some Grounds which are strong, you shall haue a Raddish, &c. come in a Month; That in other Grounds will not come in two; And so make double Returnes.

[ 410] Wheat also was put into the Water, and came not forth at all; So as it seemeth there must be some Strength and Bulke in the Body, put into the Water, as it is in Roots; For Graines, or Seeds, the Cold of the Water will mortifie. But casually some Wheat lay vnder the Pan, which was somewhat moistned by the Suing of the Pan; which in six weekes (as a∣foresaid) looked mouldy to the Eye, but it was sprouted forth halfe a Fingers length.

[ 411] It seemeth by these Instances of Water, that for Nourishment, the Water is almost all in all, and that the Earth doth but keepe the Plant vp∣right, and saue it from Ouer-heat, and Ouer-cold; And therefore is a Comfortable Experiment for good Drinkers. It proueth also that our former Opinion; That Drinke incorporate with Flesh, or Roots, (as in Capon-Baere, &c.) will nourish more easily, than Meat and Drinke taken seuerally.

[ 412] The Nousing of Plants (I conceiue) will both Accelerate Germination, and bring forth Flowers and Plants in the Colder Seasons: And as wee House Hot-Countrey Plants, as Limons, Orenges, Myrtles, to saue them; So we may House our owne Countrey Plants, to forward them, and make them come in the Cold Seasons; In such sort, that you may haue Vio∣lets, Strawberries, Pease, all Winter: So that you sow, or remoue them at fit times. This Experiment is to be referred vnto the Comforting of the Spirit of the Plant, by Warmth, as well as Housing their Boughes, &c. So then the Meanes, to Accelerate Germination, are in Particular eight, in Generall three.

To make Roses, or other Flowers come late, it is an Experiment of Pleasure.* 1.2 For the Ancients esteemed much of Rosa Sera. And indeed the Nouember-Rose is the sweetest, hauing beene lesse exhaled by the Sunne. The Meanes are these. First, the Cutting off their Tops, imme∣diately [ 413] after they haue done Bearing; And then they will come againe

the same yeare about Nouember: But they will not come iust on the Tops, where they were cut, but out of those Shoots, which were as it were,) Water-Boughes. The Cause is, for that the Sap, which otherwise would haue fed the Top, (though after Bearing,) will, by the discharge of that, diuert vnto the Side-Sprouts; And they will come to beare, but later.

The Second is the Pulling off the Buds of the Rose, when they are [ 414] Newly knotted; For then the Side-Branches will beare. The Cause is the same with the former: For Cutting off the Tops, and Pulling off the Buds, worke the same Effect, in Retention of the Sap for a time, and Diuer∣sion of it to the Sprouts, that were not so forward.

The Third is the Cutting off some few of the Top-Roughes in the [ 415] Spring-time, but suffering the lower Boughes to grow on. The Cause is, for that the Boughes doe helpe to draw vp the Sap more strongly; And we see that in Powling of Trees, many doe vse to leaue a Bough or two on the Top, to helpe to draw vp the Sap. And it is coparated also, that if you graft vpon the Bough of a Tree, and cut off some of the old Boughes, the new Cions will perish.

The Fourth is by Laying the Roots bare about christmus, some dayes. [ 416] The Cause is plaine, for that it doth •••••••••• the Sap, from going vpwards, for a time; Which Arrest is after wards released by the Couering of the Root a gaine with Earth; And then the Sap getteth vp, but later.

The Fifth is the Re•••••••••• of the Tree, some Moneth before it Buddes. [ 417] The cause is, for that some time will be required after the Re••••••e, for the Reselting; before it can draw the Iuycs: And that time being lost, the Blossome u•••••• needs some forth later.

The Sixth is the Grasting of Kaser in May, which commonly Gar∣diners [ 418] doe not till Inly; And then they beare not till the Next Yeare; But if you graft them in May, they will beare the same yeare, but late.

The Seuenth is, the Girding of the Body of the Tree about with some [ 419] Pack-threed; For that also, in a degree, restraineth the Sap, and ma∣keth it come vp, more late, and more Slowly.

The Eighth in, the Planting of them •••• Shade, or in a Hedge; The [ 420] Cause is, partly the Keeping out of the Sunne, which hasteneth the Sap to rise; And partly the Robbing of them of Nourishment, by the S••uffe in the Hedge. These Meanes may be practised vpon other, both Trees, and Flowers, M〈10 letters〉〈10 letters〉

Men haue entertained a Conceit that sheweth prettily; Namely, [ 421] that if you grast a Late Comming Fruit, vpon a Stocke of a Fruit-tree that •••••••••••• early, the Graft will beare Fruit Early. At a Peach vpon a Cher∣ry; And contrariwise, if an Early-Comming Fruit vpon a Stocke of a Fruit-Tree that Commeth late, the Grafe will beare Fruit late; As a Cher∣ry vpon a Peach. But these are but Imaginations, and vntrue. The Cause is, for that the Cions ouerroleth the Stocke quite; And the Stocke is but Passue onely, and giueth Aliment, but no Motion to the Graft.

We will speake now, how to make Fruits, Flowers, and Ro•• larger; in more plenty; and sweeter; than they vse to be; And how to make the Trees themselues, more Tall; more Spread; and more Hasty and Sudden; than they vse to be.* 1.3 Wherein there is no doubt, but the former Experiments of Ac∣celeration, will serue much to these Purposes. And againe, that these Experiments, which we shall now set downe, doe serue also for Acceleration; because both Effects proceed from the Encrease of vigour in the Tree, But yet to auoid Confusion; And because some of the Meanes are more proper for the one Effect, and some for the other, wee will handle them apart.

[ 422] It is an assured Experience, that an Heape of flint, or Stone, laid about the Bottome of a Wilde-Tree, (as an Oake, Elme, Ash, &c.) vpon the first Planting, doth make it prosper double as much, as without it. The Cause is, for that it retaineth the Moisture, which falleth at any time vpon the Tree, and suffereth it not to be exhaled by the Sunne. Againe, it keepeth the Tree warme, from Cold Blasts and Frosts, as it were in an House. It may be also, there is somewhat in the Keeping of it steady at the first. Quare, if Laying of Straw some Height about the Body of a Tree, will not make the Tree forwards. For though the Root giueth the Sap, yet it is the Body that draweth it. But you must note, that if you lay Stones about the stalke of Lettuce, or other Plants, that are more soft, it will ouer-moisten the Roots, so as the Wormes will eat them.

[ 423] A Tree, at the first Setting, should not be Shaken, vntill it hath taken Root fully: And therefore some haue, put two little Forkes about the Bottome of their Trees, to keepe them vpright; But after a yeares Roo∣ting, then Shaking doth the Tree good, by Loosening of the Earth, and (perhaps) by Exercising (as it were) and Stirring the Sap of the Tree.

[ 424] Generally, the Cutting away of Boughes and Suckers at the Root and Body, doth make Trees grow high; And contrariwise, the Powling and Cutting of the Top, maketh them grow spread, and bushy. As wee see in Pollards, &c.

[ 425] It is reported, that to make hasty Growing Coppice-Woods, the way is, to take Willow, Sallow, Poplar, Alder, of some seuen yeares growth; And to set them, not vpright, but a-slope, a reasonable depth vnder the Ground; And then, instead of one Root, they will put forth many, and so carry more Shoots vpon a Stemme.

[ 426] When you would haue many new Roots of Fruit-trees, take a Low Tree, and bow it, and lay all his Branches a-flat vpon the Ground, and cast Earth vpon them; And euery Twigge will take Root. And this is a very profitable Experiment for Costly Trees; (for the Boughtes will make

Stockes without charge;) Such as are Apricots, Peaches, Almonds, Cor∣nelians, Mulberries, Figs, &c. The like is continually practised with Vines, Roses, Muske-Roses, &c.

From May to Iuly you may take off the Barke of any Bough, being of [ 427] the Bignesse of three or foure Inches, and couer the bare Place, some∣what aboue, and below, with Loame well tempered with Horse-dung, binding it fast downe. Then cut off the Bough about Alhollontide in the bare place, and set it in the Ground; And it will grow to be a faire Tree in one Yeare. The Cause may be, for that the Baring from the Barke keepeth the Sap from descending towards Winter, and so holdeth it in the Bough; And it may be also that the Loame and Horse-Dung ap∣plied to the bare place, doe moisten it, and cherish it, and make it more apt to put forth the Root. Note, that this may be a generall Meanes for keeping vp the Sap of Trees in their Boughes; Which may serue to other Effects.

It hath beene practised in Trees, that shew faire, and beare not, to [ 428] Bore a Hole thorow the Heart of the Tree, and thereupon it will beare. Which may be for that the Tree before had too much Repletion, and was oppressed with his owne Sap; For Repletion is an Enemy to Gene∣ration.

It hath beene practised in Trees, that doe not beare, to cleaue two [ 429] or three of the Chiese Roots, and to put into the Cleft a small Pebble, which may keepe it open, and then it will beare. The Cause may be, for that a Root of a Tree may be (as it were,) Hide-bound, no lesse than the Body of the Tree; But it will not keepe open without somewhat put into it.

It is vsually practised, to set Trees that require much Sunne, vpon [ 430] Walls against the South; As Apricots, Peaches, Plums, Vines, Figs, and the like. It hath a double Commodity; The one, the Heat of the Wall by Reflexion; The other, the Taking away of the Shade; For when a Tree groweth round, the vpper Boughes ouer-shadow the lower; But when it is spread vpon a Wall, the Sunne commeth alike, vpon the vpper, and lower Branches.

It hath also beene practised (by some) to pull off some Leanes from [ 431] the Trees so spread, that the Sunne may come vpon the Bough and Fruit the better. There hath beene practised also a Curiosity, to set a Tree vpon the North-Side of a Wall, and at a little height, to draw him tho∣row the Wall, and spread him vpon the South-Side: Conceiuing that the Root and lower Part of the Stocke should enioy the Freshnesse of the Shade; And the Vpper Boughes, and Fruit, the Comsort of the Sunne. But it sorted not; The Cause is, for that the Root requireth some Comsort from the Sunne, though vnder Earth, as well as the Body: And the Lower Part of the Body more than the Vpper, as wee see in Compassing a Tree below with Straw.

The Lownesse of the Bough, where the Fruit commeth, maketh the [ 432] Fruit greater, and to ripen better; For you shall euer see in Apricots,

Peaches, or Melo-Cotones, vpon a wall, the greatest Fruits towards the Bottome. And in France the Grapes that make the Wine, grow vpon low Vines, bound to small Stakes. And the raised Vines in Arbours make but Veriuyce. It is true, that in Italy, and other Countries, where they haue hotter Sunne, they raise them vpon Elmes, and Trees; But I con∣ceiue, that if the French Manner of Planting low, were brought in vse there, their Wines would be stronger and sweeter. But it is more charge∣able in respect of the Props. It were good to try whether a Tree graf∣ted somewhat neare the Ground, and the lower boughes onely main∣tained, and the higher continually proined off, would not make a lar∣ger Fruit.

[ 433] To haue Fruit in Greater Plenty, the way is, to graft, not onely vpon young Stockes, but vpon diuers Boughes of an old Tree; for they will beare great Numbers of Fruit; Whereas if you graft but vpon one Stocke, the Tree can beare but few.

[ 434] The Digging yearely about the Roots of Trees, which is a great means, both to the Acceleration and Melioration of Fruits, is practised in nothing but in Vines; Which if it were transferred vnto other Trees, and Shrubs, (as Roses, &c.) I conceiue would aduance them likewise.

[ 435] It hath beene knowne, that a Fruit-Tree hath beene blowne vp (al∣most) by the Roots, and set vp againe, and the next yeare bare excee∣dingly. The Cause of this, was nothing but the Looseming of the Earth, which comforteth any Tree, and is fit to be practised, more than it is, in Fruit-Trees: For Trees cannot be so fitly remoued into New Grounds, as Flowers and Herbs may.

[ 436] To reuiue an Old Tree, the Digging of it about the Roots, and Ap∣plying new Mould to the Roots, is the way. We see also that Draught∣Oxen, put into fresh Pasture, gather new and tender Flesh; And in all Things, better Nourishment than hath beene vsed, doth helpe to re∣new; Especially, if it be not onely better, but changed, and differing from the former.

[ 437] If an Herbe be cut off from the Roots, in the beginning of Winter, and then the Earth be troden and beaten downe hard, with the Foot and Spade, the Roots will become of very great Magnitude in Summer. The Reason is, for that the Moisture being forbidden to come vp in the Plant, stayeth longer in the Root, and so dilateth it. And Gardiners vse to tread downe any loose Ground, after they haue sowne Onions, or Turnips, &c.

[ 438] If Panicum be laid below, and about the Bottome of a Root, it will cause the Root to grow to an Excessiue Bignesse. The Cause is, for that being it selfe of a Spungy Substance, it draweth the Moisture of the Earth to it, and so feedeth the Root. This is of greatest vse for Onions, Turnips, Parsnips, and Carrets.

[ 439] The Shifting of Ground is a Meanes to better the Tree, and Fruit; But with this Caution; That all Things doe prosper best, when they are aduanced to the better: Your Nursery of Stockes ought to be in a more

Barren Ground, than the Ground is whereunto you remoue them. So all Grasiers preferre their Cattell from meaner Pastures to better. We see also, that Hardnesse in Youth lengthneth Life, because it lea∣ueth a Cherishing to the better, of the Body, in Age: Nay in Exer∣cises, it is good to begin with the hardest, as Dancing in Thicke Shooes, &c.

It hath beene obserued, that Hacking of Trees in their Barke, both [ 440] downe-right, and acrosse, so as you make them rather in slices, than in continued Hacks, doth great good to Trees; And especially deliue∣reth them from being Hide-bound, and killeth their Mosse.

Shade to some Plants conduceth to make them large, and prosperous, [ 441] more than Sun; As in Strawberries, and Bayes, &c. Therefore amongst Strawberries, sow here and there some Barrage-Seed; And you shall finde the Strawberries vnder those Leaues farro more large than their Fellowes. And Bayes you must plant to the North; Or defond them from the Sunne by a Hedge-Row; And when you sow the Berries, weed not the Borders, for the first halfe yeare; For the Weed giueth them Shade.

To increase the Crops of Ph••••••, there would be considered, not only [ 442] the Increasing the Lust of the Earth, or of the Plant, but the Sauing also of that which is spilt. So they haue lately made a Triall, to Set Wheat; which neuerthelesse hath beene left off, because of the trouble and paines; Yet so much is true, that there is much saued by the Setting, in comparison of that which is Sewen; Both by keeping it from being picked vp by Birds; And by Auoiding the Shallow lying of it, where∣by much that is sowen taketh no Root.

It is prescribed by some of the Ancients, that you take Small Trees, [ 443] vpon which Figs or other Fruit grow, being yet vnripe, and couer the Trees in the Middle of Autamne with dung, vntill the Spring; And then take them vp in a warme day, and replant them in good Ground; And by that meanes, the former yeares Tree will be ripe, as by a new Birth; when other Trees of the fame kinde, doe but blossome. But this seemeth to haue no great Probabilitie.

It is reported, that if you take Nitre, and mingle it with Water, to the [ 444] thicknesse of Honey, and therewith anoint the Bud, after the Vine is cut, it will sprout forth within eight dayes. The Cause is like to be, (if the Experiment be true,) the Opening of the Bud, and of the Parts Contigu∣ous, by the Spirit of the Nitre; For Nitre is (as it were) the Life of Vegetables.

Take Seed, or Kernells of Apples, Peares, Orenges; Or a Peach, or a [ 445] Plum Stone, &c. And put them into a Squill, (which is like a great Onion,) and they will come vp much earlier than in the Earth it selfe. This I conceiue no be as a Kinde of Grafting in the Root; For as the Stocke of a Graft yeeldeth better prepared Nourishment to the Graft, than the Crude Earth; So the Squill doth the like to the Seed. And I suppose the same would be done, by Putting Kernells into a Turnip, or

the like; Saue that the Squill is more Vigorous, and Hot. It may be tried also, with putting Onion-Seed into an Onion-Head, which thereby (perhaps) will bring forth a larger, and earlier Onion.

[ 446] The Pricking of a Fruit in seuerall places, when it is almost at his Big∣nesse, and before it ripeneth, hath beene practised with successe, to ri∣pen the Fruit more suddenly. Wee see the Example of the Biting of Waspes, or Wormes, vpon Fruit, whereby it (manifestly) ripeneth the sooner.

[ 447] It is reported, that Alga Marina (Sea-weed) put vnder the Roots of Coleworts, and (perhaps) of other Plants, will further their Growth. The vertue (no doubt) hath Relation to Salt, which is a great Helpe to Fertilitie.

[ 448] It hath beene practised, to cut off the Stalkes of Cucumbers, imme∣diately after their Bearing, close by the Earth; And then to cast a pret∣tie Quantitie of Earth vpon the Plant that remaineth; and they will beare the next yeare Fruit, long before the ordinary time. The Cause may be, for that the Sap goeth downe the sooner, and is not spent in the Stalke or Lease, which remaineth after the Fruit. Where note, that the Dying, in the winter, of the Roots of Plants, that are Annuall, seemeth to be partly caused by the Ouer-Expence of the Sap into Stalke, and Leaues; which being preuented, they will super-annate, if they stand warme.

[ 449] The Pulling off many of the Blossomes from a Fruit-Tree, doth make the Fruit fairer. The Cause is manifest; For that the Sap hath the lesse to nourish. And it is a Common Experience, that if you doe not pull off some Blossomes, the first time a Tree bloometh, it will blossome it selfe to death.

[ 450] It were good to trie, what would be the Effect, if all the Blossomes were pulled from a Fruit-Tree; Or the Acornes and Chesnut-buds, &c. from a Wilde Tree, for two yeares together. I suppose that the Tree will either put forth, the third yeare, bigger, and more plentifull Fruit; Or else, the same yeares, larger Leaues, because of the Sap stored vp.

[ 451] It hath beene generally receiued, that a Plant Watered with Warme Water, will come vp sooner and better, than with Cold Water, or with Showers. But our Experiment of Watering Wheat with Warme Water (as hath beene said) succeeded not; which may be, because the Triall was too late in the Yeare, vix. in the End of October. For the Cold then comming vpon the Seed, after it was made more tender by the Warme Water, might checke it.

[ 452] There is no doubt, but that Grafting (for the most Part) doth melio∣rate the Fruit. The Cause is manifest; For that the Nourishment is bet∣ter prepared in the Stocke, than in the Crude Earth: But yet note well, that there be some Trees, that are said to come vp more happily from the Kernell, than from the Graft; As the Peach, and Melocotone. The Cause I suppose to he, for that those Plants require a Nourishment of great Moisture; And though the Nourishment of the Stocke be finer,

and better prepared, yet it is not so moist, and plentifull, as the Nou∣rishment of the Earth. And indeed we see those Fruits are very Cold Fruits in their Nature.

It hath beene receiued, that a Smaller Peare, grafted vpon a Stocke [ 453] that beareth a greater Peare, will become Great. But I thinke it is as true, as that of the Prime-Fruit vpon the Late Stocke; And è conuerso; which we reiected before: For the Cions will gouerne. Neuerthelesse it is probable enough, that if you can get a Cions to grow vpon a Stocke of another kinde, that is much moister than his owne Stocke, it may make the Fruit Greater, because it will yeeld more plentifull nourish∣ment; Though it is like it will make the Fruit Baser. But generally, the Grafting is vpon a dryer Stock; As the Apple vpon a Crab; The Peare vp∣on a Thorne; &c. Yet it is reported, that in the Low-Conntries they will graft an Apple-Cions vpon the Stocke of a Colewort, and it will beare a great flaggy Apple: The Kernell of which, if it be set, will be a Colewort, and not an Apple. It were good to try, whether an Apple-Cions will pro∣sper, if it be grafted vpon a Sallow, or vpon a Poplar, or vpon an Alder, or vpon an Elme, or vpon an Horse-Plumme, which are the moistest of Trees. I haue heard that it hath beene tryed vpon an Elme, and suc∣ceeded.

It is manifest by Experience, that Flowers Remoued wax greater, be∣cause [ 454] the Nourishment is more easily come by, in the loose Earth. It may be, that Oft Regrafting of the same Cions, may likewise make Fruit greater; As if you take a Cions, and graft it vpon a Stocke the first yeare; And then cut it off, and graft it vpon another Stocke the second yeare; and so for a third; Or fourth yeare; And then let it rest, it will yeeld afterward, when it beareth, the greater Fruit.

Of Grafting there are many Experiments worth the Noting, but those we reserue to a proper Place.

It maketh Figs better, if a Fig-Tree, when it beginneth to put forth [ 455] Leaues, haue his Top cut off. The Cause is plaine, for that the Sap hath the lesse to seed, and the lesse way to mount: But it may be, the Figge will come somewhat later, as was formerly touched. The same may be tried likewise in other Trees.

It is reported, that Mulberries will be fairer, and the Trees more [ 456] fruitfull, if you bore the Truncke of the Tree thorow, in seuerall places, and thrust into the Places bored, Wedges of some Hot Trees, as Turpen∣tine, Mastick-Tree, Guaiacum, Inniper, &c. The Cause may be, for that Ad∣uentiue Heat doth cheare vp the Natiue Iuyce of the Tree.

It is reported, that Trees will grow greater, and beare better Fruit, [ 457] if you put Salt, or Lees of Wine, or Bloud to the Root. The Cause may be the Encreasing the Lust or Spirit of the Root; These Things being more forcible, than ordinary Composts.

It is reported by one of the Ancients, that Artichoakes will be lesse [ 458] prickly, and more tender; if the Seeds haue their Tops dulled, or gra∣ted off vpon a Stone.

[ 459] Herbes will be tenderer, and fairer; if you take them out of Beds, when they are newly come vp, and remoue them into Pots, with better Earth. The Remoue from Bed to Bed was spoken of before; But that was in seuerall yeares; This is vpon the sudden. The Cause is the same with other Remoues, formerly mentioned.

[ 460] Coleworts are reported by one of the Ancients, to prosper exceeding∣ly, and to be better tasted, if they be sometimes watred with Salt-Water; And much more with Water mixed with Nitre; The Spirit of which is lesse Adurent than Salt.

[ 461] It is reported, that Cucumbers will proue more Tender, and Dainty, if their Seeds be Steeped (a little) in Milke; The Cause may be, for that the Seed being mollified with the Milke, will be too weake to draw the gros∣ser Iuyce of the Earth, but onely the finer. The same Experiment may be made in Artichoakes, and other Seeds, when you would take away, either their Flashinesse, or Bitternesse. They speake also, that the like Effect followeth, of Steeping in Water mixed with Honey; But that see∣meth to me not so probable, because Honey hath too quicke a Spirit.

[ 462] It is reported that Cucumbers will be lesse Watry, and more Melon∣like, it in the Pit where you set them, you fill it (halfe way vp) with Chaffe, or small Stickes, and then powre Earth vpon them; For Cucumbers, as it seemeth, doe extremely affect Moisture; And ouer-drinke themselues; Which this Chaffe, or Chips, forbiddeth. Nay it is further reported, that if when a Cucumber is growne, you fet a Pot of water about fiue or six in∣ches distance from it, it will, in 24, houres, shoot so much out, as to touch the Pot; Which if it be true, it is an Experiment of an higher Na∣ture than belongeth to this Title: For it discouereth Perception in Plants, to moue towards that which should helpe and comfort them, though it be at a distance. The ancient Tradition of the Vine is far more strange: It is, that if you set a Stake, or Prop, some distance from it, it will grow that way; Which is farre stranger (as is said) than the other; For that Water may worke by a Sympathy of Attraction: But this of the Stake see∣meth to be a Reasonable Discourse.

[ 463] It hath beene touched before, that Terebration of Trees doth make them prosper better. But it is found also, that it maketh the Fruit swee∣ter, and better. The Cause is, for that notwithstanding the Terebration, they may receiue Aliment sufficient; And yet no more than they can well turne, and disgest; And withall doe sweat out the coursest and vn∣profitablest Iuyce; Euen as it is in Lining Creatures, which by Moderate Feeding, and Exercise, and Sweat, attaine the soundest Habite of Body.

[ 464] As Terebration doth Meliorate Fruit, so, vpon the like reason, doth Letting of Plants Blond; As Pricking Vines, or other Trees, after they be of some Growth; And thereby letting forth Gumme, or Teares; Though this be not to continue, as it is in Terebration, but at some Seasons. And it is reported, that by this Artifice, Bitter Almonds haue beene turned into Sweet.

The Ancients for the Dulcorating of Fruit, doe commend Swines∣Dung [ 465] aboue all other Dung; Which may be, because of the Moisture of that Beast, whereby the Excrement hath lesse Acrimony; For wee see Swines and Pigges Flesh is the Moistest of Fleshes.

It is obserued by some, that all Herbs wax sweeter, both in Smell [ 466] and Taste, if after they be growne vp some reasonable time, they be cut, and so you take the latter Sprout. The Cause may be, for that the longer the Iuyce stayeth in the Root, and Stalke, the better it concocteth. For one of the Chiefe Causes, why Graines, Seeds, and Fruits, are more Nou∣rishing than Leanes, is the Length of time, in which they grow to Ma∣turation. It were not amisse to keepe backe the Sap of Herbs, or the like, by some fit meanes, till the end of Summer; whereby (it may be) they will be more Nourishing.

As Grafting doth generally aduance and Meliorate Fruits, aboue that [ 467] which they would be, if they were set of Kernells, or Stones, in regard the Nourishment is better concocted; So (no doubt) euen in Grafting, for the same cause, the Choise of the Stocke doth much; Alwayes pro∣uided, that it be somewhat inferiour to the Cions: For otherwise it dul∣leth it. They commend much the Grafting of Peares, or Apples, vpon a Quince.

Besides the Meanes of Melioration of Fruits, before mentioned, it is [ 468] set downe as tryed, that a Mixture of Bran, and Swines-Dung; Or Chaffe and Swines-Dung; (especially laid vp together for a Moneth to rot,) is a very great Nourisher, and Comforter to a Fruit-Tree.

It is deliuered, that Onions wax greater, if they be taken out of the [ 469] Earth, and laid a drying twenty dayes, and then set againe; And yet more, if the outermost Pill be taken off all ouer.

It is deliuered by some, that if one take the Bough of a Low Fruit∣tree, [ 470] newly budded, and draw it gently, without hurting it, into an Earthen Pot perforate at the bottome to let in the Plant, and then Co∣uer the Pot with Earth, it will yeeld a very large Fruit, within the Ground. Which Experiment is Nothing but Potting of Plants, without Remouing, and Leauing the Fruit in the Earth. The like, (they say,) will be effected, by an Empty Pot without Earth in it, put ouer a Fruit, being propped vp with a Stake, as it hangeth vpon the Tree; And the better, if some few Pertusions be made in the Pot. Wherein, besides the Defending of the Fruit, from Extremity of Sunne or Weather, some giue a reason, that the Fruit, Louing and Coueting the o∣pen Aire and Sunne, is inuited by those Pertusions, to spread and ap∣proch, as neare the open Aire, as it can; And so enlargeth in Mag∣nitude.

All Trees, in High and Sandy Grounds, are to be set deepe; And in Wa∣try [ 471] Grounds, more shallow. And in all Trees, when they be remoued (espe∣cially Fruit-Trees) care ought to be taken, that the Sides of the Trees be coasted, (North and South, &c.) as they stood before. The same is said also of Stone out of the Quarry, to make it more durable; Though that

seemeth to haue lesse reason; Because the Stone lyeth not so neare the Sunne, as the Tree groweth.

[ 472] Timber Trees in a Coppice Wood, doe grow better, than in an Open Field; Both because, they offer not to spread so much, but shoot vp still in Height; And chiefly because they are defended from too much Sun and Wind, which doe checke the Growth of all Fruit; And so (no doubt) Fruit-Trees, or Vines, set vpon a Wall, against the Sunne, be∣tweene Elbowes or Buttresses of Stone, ripen more, than vpon a Plaine Wall.

[ 473] It is said, that if Potado Roots, be set in a Pot filled with Earth, and then the Pot with Earth be set likewise within the Ground, some two or three Inches, the Roots will grow greater, than Ordinary. The Cause may be, for that Hauing Earth enough within the Pot to nourish them; And then being stopped by the Bottom of the Pot from putting Strings downward, they must needs grow greater in Breadth, and Thicknesse. And it may be, that all Seeds or Roots, Potted, and so set into the Earth, will prosper the better.

[ 474] The Cutting off the Leaues of Radish, or other Roots, in the begin∣ning of Winter, before they wither; And Couering againe the Root, something high with Earth; Will preserue the Root all Winter, and make it bigger, in the Spring following, as hath beene partly touched before. So that there is a double Vse of this Cutting off the Leaues: For in Plants, where the Root is the Esculent, as Radish, and Parsnips, it will make the Root the greater: And so it will doe to the Heads of Onions. And where the Fruit is the Esculent, by Strengthning the Root, it will make the Fruit also the greater.

[ 475] It is an Experiment of great pleasure, to make the Leaues of Shady Trees, larger than ordinary. It hath beene tryed (for certaine) that a Ci∣ons of a Weech-Elme, grafted vpon the Stocke of an Ordinary Elme, will put forth Leaues, almost as broad as the Brimme of ones Hat. And it is very likely, that as in Fruit-Trees, the Graft maketh a greater Fruit; So in Trees that beare no Fruit, it will make the greater Leaues. It would be tryed therefore in Trees of that kinde chiefly; As Birch, Asp, Willow; And especially the Shining Willow, which they call Swallow-Taile, because of the pleasure of the Leafe.

[ 476] The Barrennesse of Trees, by Accident, (besides the Weaknesse of the Soile, Seed, or Root; And the Iniury of the Weather) commeth either of their Ouer-growing with Mosse, Or their being Hide-bound; Or their Plan∣ting too deepe; Or by Issuing of the Sap too much into the Leaues. For all these there are Remedies mentioned before.

Wee see that in Liuing Creatures, that haue Male and Fe∣male, there is Copulation of seuerall Kindes; And so Compound Creatures; As the Mule, that is generated betwixt the Horse and the Asse; And some other Compounds, which we call Mon∣sters,

though more rare: And it is held, that that Prouerbe, Africa semper aliquid Monstri parit; commeth, for that the Fountaines of Waters there, being rare, diuers Sorts of Beasts come from seuerall Parts to drinke; And so being refreshed, fall to couple, and many times with seuerall Kinds.* 1.4 The Com∣pounding or Mixture of Kinds in Plants is not found out; Which neuerthelesse, if it be possible, is more at command, than that of liuing Creatures; For that their Lust requireth a voluntary Motion: wherefore it were One of the most No∣ble Experiments touching Plants, to finde it out: For so you may haue great Varietie of New Fruits, and Flowers yet vn∣knowne. Grafting doth it not: That mendeth the Fruit, or doubleth the Flowers, &c. But it hath not the Power to make a New Kinde. For the Cions euer ouer-ruleth the Stocke.

It hath beene set downe by one of the Ancients, that if you take two [ 477] Twigs of seuerall Fruit Trees, and flat them on the Sides, and then binde them close together, and set them in the ground, they will come vp in one Stocke; But yet they will put forth their seuerall Fruits, without any Commixture in the Fruit. Wherein note (by the way) that Vnitie of Con∣tinuance, is easier to procure, than Vnitie of Species. It is reported also, that Vines of Red and White Grapes, being set in the Ground, and the vp∣per Parts being flatted, and bound close together, will put forth Grapes of the seuerall Colours, vpon the same Branch; And Grape-Stones of se∣uerall Colours within the same Grape: But the more, after a yeare or two; The Vnitie (as it seemeth) growing more Perfect. And this will likewise helpe, if from the first Vniting, they be often Watred; For all Moisture helpeth to Vnion. And it is prescribed also, to binde the Bud, as soone as it commeth forth, as well as the Stocke; At the least for a time.

They report, that diuers Seeds, put into a Clout, and laid in Earth [ 478] well dunged, will put vp Plants Contiguous; Which (afterwards) being bound in, their Shoots will Incorporate. The like is said of Kernels, put into a Bottle, with a Narrow Mouth, filled with Earth.

It is reported, that young Trees of seuerall kindes, set contiguous, [ 479] without any binding, and very often Watred, in a Fruitfull Ground, with the very Luxurie of the Trees will incorporate, and grow together. Which seemeth to me the likeliest Meanes, that hath beene propounded; For that the Binding doth hinder the Naturall Swelling of the Tree; which, while it is in Motion, doth better vnite.

There are many Ancient and Receiued Traditions and Obseruations, touching the Sympathy and Antipathy of Plants:

For that some will thriue best growing neere others; which they impute to Sympathy: And some worse; which they im∣pute to Antipathy.* 1.5 But these are Idle and Ignorant Conceits; And forsake the true Indication of the Causes; As the most Part of Experiments, that concerne Sympathies and Antipa∣thies doe. For as to Plants, neither is there any such Secret Friendship, or Hatred, as they imagine; And if we should be content to call it Sympathy, and Antipathy, it is vtterly mista∣ken; For their Sympathy is an Antipathy, and their Antipathy is a Sympathy: For it is thus; Wheresoeuer one Plant draweth such a particular Iuyce out of the Earth; as it qualifieth the Earth; So as that Iuyce which remaineth is fit for the other Plant, there the Neighbourhood doth good; Because the Nourishments are contrary, or seuerall: But where two Plants draw (much) the same Iuyce, there the Neighbour∣hood hurteth; For the one deceiueth the other.

[ 480] First therfore, all Plants that doe draw much Nourishment from the Earth, and so soake the Earth, and exhaust it; hurt all Things that grow by them; As Great Trees, (especially Ashes,) and such Trees, as spread their Roots, neere the Top of the Ground. So the Colewort is not an Enemy (though that were anciently receiued) to the Vine only; But it is an Enemy to any other Plant; Because it draweth strongly the fattest Iuyce of the Earth. And if it be true, that the Vine, when it creepeth neere the Colewort, will turneaway; This may be, because there it fin∣deth worse Nourishment; For though the Root be where it was, yet (I doubt) the Plant will bend as it nourisheth.

[ 481] Where Plants are of seuerall Natures, and draw seuerall Iuyces out of the Earth, there (as hath beene said) the One set by the other helpeth: As it is set downe by diuers of the Ancients, that Rew doth prosper much, and becommeth stronger, if it be set by a Figge-Tree: which (we conceiue) is caused, Not by Reason of Friendship, but by Extraction of a Contrary Iuyce: The one Drawing Iuyce fit to result Sweet, the other bitter. So they haue set downe likewise, that a Rose set by Garlicke is sweeter: Which likewise may be, because the more Fetide Iuyce of the Earth goeth into the Garlicke; And the more Odorate into the Rose.

[ 482] This wee see manifestly, that there be certaine Corne-Flowers, which come seldome or neuer in other places, vnlesse they be set; But onely amongst Corne: As the Blew-Bottle, a kinde of Yellow Mary Gold, Wilde Poppy, and Fumitorie. Neither can this be, by Reason of the Culture of the Ground, by Plowing, or Furrowing; As some Herbs, and Flow∣ers, will grow but in Ditches new Cast; for if the Ground lie sallow, and vnsowne, they will not come: So as it should seeme to be the Corne,

that qualifieth the Earth, and prepareth it for their Growth.

This Obseruation, if it holdeth, (as it is very probable,) is of great [ 483] vse, for the Meliorating of Taste in Fruits, and Esculent Herbs; And of the Sent of Flowers. For I doe not doubt, but if the Figge-Tree doe make the Rew more strong, and bitter, (as the Ancients haue noted,) good store of Rew planted about the Figge-Tree, will make the Figge more sweet. Now the Tastes that doe most offend in Fruits, and Herbs, and Roots, are Bitter; Harrish; Sowre; And Watrish, or Flashy. It were good therefore to make the Trials following.

Take Wormewood, or Rew, and set it neere Lettuce, or Goleflory, or [ 484] Arti••hoake; And see whether the Lettuce, or the Coleflory, &c. become not the sweeter.

Take a Seruice-Tree, or a Cornelian-Tree, or an Elder-Tree, which wee [ 485] know haue Fruits of harsh and binding Iuyce, and set them neere a Vine, or Figge-Tree, and see whether the Grapes, or Figs, will be the sweeter.

Take Cucumbers, or Pumpions, and set them (here and there) amongst [ 486] Muske-Melons, and see whether the Melons will not be more Winy, and better tasted. Set Cucumbers (likewise) amongst Radish, and see whether the Radish will not be made the more Biting.

Take Sorrell, and set it amongst Rosps, and see whether the Rasps will [ 487] not be the sweeter.

Take Common Briar, and set it amongst Violets, or Wall-Flowers, and [ 488] see whether it will not make the Violets, or Wall-Flowers sweeter, and lesse Earthy in their Smell. So set Lettuce, or Cucumbers, amongst Rosemary, or Bayes, and see whether the Rosemary, on Bayes, will not be the more Odorate, or Aromaticall.

Contrariwise, you must take heed, how you set Herbs together, that [ 489] draw much the like Iuyce. And therefore I thinke Rosemary will leese in Sweetnesse, if it be set with Lauender, or Bayes, or the like. But yet, if you will correct the strength of an Herbe, you shall doe well to set other like Herbs by him, to take him downe; As if you should set Tansey by Angelica, it may be, the Angelica would be the weaker, and fitter for Mixture in Perfume. And if you should set Rew by Common Wormewood, it may be, the Wormewood would turne to be like Roman Worniewood.

This Axiome is of large extent; And therefore would be seuered, and [ 490] refined by Triall. Neither must you expect to haue a Grasse Difference by this kinde of Culture, but only Further Perfection.

Triall would be also made in Herbs Poisonous, and Purgatine, whose ill [ 491] Qualitie (perhaps) may be discharged, or attempted, by Setting stron∣ger Poisons; or Purgatines, by them.

It is reported, that the Shrub called Our Ladies Seale; (which is a [ 492] Kinde of Briony,) and Coleworts, set neere together, one or both will die. The Cause is, for that they be both great Depredatours of the Earth, and one of them starueth the other. The like is said of a Reed, and a Brake; Both which are succulent; And therefore the One de∣ceiueth

the Other. And the like of Hemlocke and Rew; Both which draw strong luyces.

[ 493] Some of the Ancients, and likewise diures of the Moderne Writers, that haue laboured in Natural Magicke, haue noted a Sympathy, between the Sunne, Moone, and some Principall Starres; And certaine Herbs, and Plants. And so they haue denominated some Herbs Solar, and some Lu∣nar; And such like Toyes put into great Words. It is manifest, that there are some Flowers, that haue Respect to the Sunne, in two Kindes; The one by Opening and Shutting; And the other by Bowing and Incli∣ning the Head. For Mary-golds, Tulippa's, Pimper••ell, and indeed most Flowers, doe open or spread their Leaues abroad, when the Sunne shi∣neth serene and faire: And againe, (in some part,) close them, or gather them inward, either towards Night, or when the Skie is ouercast. Of this there needeth no such Solemne Reason to be assigned; As to say, that they reioyce at the presence of the Sunne; And mourne at the Ab∣sence thereof. For it is Nothing else, but a little Loading of the Leaues, and Swelling them at the Bottome, with the Moisture of the Aire; whereas the drie Aire doth extend them: And they make it a Peece of the wonder, that Garden Clauer will hide the Stalke, when the Sunne sheweth bright; Which is Nothing, but a full Expansion of the leaues. For the Bowing and Inclining the Head; it is found in the great Flower of the Sunne; in Mary-golds; Wart wort; Mallow Flowers; and others. The Cause is somewhat more Obscure than the former; But I take it to be no other, but that the Part against which the Sunne beateth, waxeth more faint and flaccide in the Stalke; And thereby lesse able to support the Flower.

[ 494] What a little Moisture will doe in Vegetables, euen though they be dead, and seuered from the Earth, appeareth well in the Experiment of Inglers. They take the Beard of an Oate; which (if you marke it well,) is wreathed at the Bottome, and one smooth entire Straw at the Top. They take only the Part that is Wreathed, and cut off the other, leauing the Beard halfe the Breadth of a finger in length. Then they make a little Crosse of a Quill, long-wayes of that Part of the Quill, which hath the Pith; And Crosse-wayes of that peece of the Quill without Pith; The whole Crosse being the Breadth of a Finger high. Then they pricke the Bottome where the Pith is, and thereinto they put the Oaten-beard, lea∣uing halfe of it sticking forth of the Quill: Then they take a little white Box of wood, to deceiue Men, as if somewhat in the Box did worke the Feat: In which, with a Pinne, they make a little Hole, enough to take the Beard, but not to let the Crosse sinke downe, but to sticke. Then like∣wise by way of Imposture, they make a Question; As, Who is the Fai∣rest Woman in the Company? Or, Who hath a Gloue, or Card? And canse Another to name diners Persons: And vpon euery Naming, they sticke the Crosse in the Box, hauing first put it towards their Mouth, as if they charmed it; And the Crasse stirreth not; But when they come to the Person that they would take; As they hold the Orasse to their Mouth,

they touch the Beard with the Tip of their Tongue, and wet it; And so sticke the Crosse in the Box; And then you shall see it turne finely and softly, three or foure Turnes; Which is caused by the vntwining of the Beard by the Moisture. You may see it more euidently, if you sticke the Crosse betweene your fingers, in Stead of the Box; And ther∣fore you may see, that this Motion, which is effected by so little Wet, is stronger than the Closing or Bending of the Head of a Marigold.

It is reported by some, that the Herb called Rosa-Solis, (wherof they [ 495] make Strong Waters,) will at the Noone-day, when the Sunne shineth hot and bright, haue a great Dew vpon it. And therefore, that the right Name is Ros Solis: which they impute to a Delight and Sympathy, that it hath with the Sunne. Men fauour Wonders. It were good first to be sure, that the Dew that is found vpon it, be not the Dew of the Mor∣ning Preserued, when the Dew of other Herbs is breathed away; for it hath a smooth and thicke Leafe, that doth not discharge the Dew so soone, as other Herbs that are more Spungy and Porous. And it may be Purslane, or some other Herb, doth the like, and is not marked. But if it be so, that it hath more Dew at Noone, than in the Morning, then sure it seemeth to be an Exudation of the Herb is solfe. As Plums sweat when they are set into the Ouen: for you will not (I hope) thinke, that it is like Gedeons Fleeel of Wood, that the Dew should fail vpon that, and no where else.

It is certaine, that the Honey-dews are found more vpon Oahe-le••••es, [ 496] than vpon A•••• of Beech, or the like: But whether any Cause be, from the Leafe it selfe, to concoct•• the Dew, Or whether it be onely, that the Leafe is Close and Smooth; (And therefore drinketh not in the Dew, but preserueth it;) may be doubted. It would be well inquired, whe∣ther Ma•••••• the Drug, doth fall but vpon certaine Herbs or L•••••• onely. Flowers that haue deepe Sockets, doe gather in the Bottome, a kinde of Honey; As Honey-Suckles; (both the Woodbine, and the Trisoile;) Dil∣lier; and the like. And in them certainly the Flower beareth part with the Dew.

The Experience is, that the Froth, which they call Woodsears, (being [ 497] like a kinde of Spittle,) is found but vpon certaine Herbs, and those Hot Ones; As Lauender-cotton, Sage, Hissope, &c. Of the Cause of this enquire further; For it seemeth a Secret. There falleth also Mil∣dew vpon Corne, and smutteth it; But it may be, that the same salleth also vpon other Herbs, and is not obserued.

It were good, Triall were made, whether the great Consent be∣tweene [ 498] Plants and Water, which is a principall Nourishment of them; will make an Attraction or Distance, and not at Touch onely. Therfore take a Vessell, and in the middle of it make a false Bottome of course Can••••affe: Fill it with E•••••• aboue the Canuaffey and let not the Bar••h be wa••ed; Then sow some good Seeds in that Earth, But •••••• the Canuaffe, some halfe a foot in the Bottome of the Vessell, lay a great Sp••••ge, th••••owly wet in water; And let it lye so some ten Dayes. And

see whether the Seeds will sprout, and the Earth become more Moist, and the Spunge more dry. The Experiment formerly mentioned of the Cu∣cumber, creeping to the Pot of Water, is far stranger than this.

The Altering of the Sent, Colour, or Taste, of Fruit, by Infusing, Mix∣ing, or Letting into the Barke, or Rost, of the Tree, Herb, or Flower, any Coloured, Aromaticall, or Medicinall; Substance; are but Fancies.* 1.6 The Cause is, for that those Things haue passed their Period, and nourish not. And [ 499] all Alteration of Vegetables, in those Qualitles, must be by somewhat, that is apt to goe into the Nourishment of the Plant. But this is true; that where Kine feed vpon Wilde Garlicke, their Milke tasteth plainly of the Garlicke: And the Flesh of Muttons is better tasted where the Sheepe feed vpon Wilde Thyme, and other wholesome Herbs. Galen also speaketh of the Curing of the Scirrus of the Liuer, by Milke of a Cow, that fee∣deth but vpon certaine Herbs; And Honey in Spaine smelleth (apparent∣ly) of the Rosemary, or Orenge, from whence the Bee gathereth it: And there is an old Tradition of a Mayden that was fed with Napellus; (which is counted the Strongest Poyson of all Vegetables;) which with vse did not hurt the Maid, but poisoned some that had Carnall Company with her. So it is obserued by some, that there is a vertuous Bexoar, and an∣other without vertue; which appeare to the shew alike; But the Vertu∣ous is taken from the Beast, that feedeth vpon the Mountaines, where there are Theriacall Herbs; And that without Vertue; from those that feed in the Valleyes, where no such Herbs are. Thus far I am of Opini∣on; That as Steeped Wines and Beeres, are very Medicinall; and like∣wise Bread tempred with diuers Powders; So of Meat also, (as Flesh, Fish, Milke, and Egges,) that they may be made of great vse for Medi∣cine, and Diet, if the Beasts, Fowle, or Fish, be fed with a speciall kinde of food, fit for the Disease. It were a dangerous Thing also for secret Em∣poysonthents. But whether it may be applyed vnto Plants, and Herbs. I doubt more; Because the Nourishment of them is a more common Iuyce; which is hardly capable of any speciall Quality, vntill the Plant doe assimilate it.

[ 500] But lest our Incredulity may preiudice any profitable Operations in this kind, (especially since Many of the Ancients haue set them down,) We thinke good briefly to propound the foure Meanes, which they haue deuised of Making Plants Medicinable. The First is by Slitting of the Root, and Infusing into it the Medicine; As Hellebore, Opium, Scammony, Triacle, &c. And then binding it vp againe. This seemeth to me the least probable; Because the Root draweth immediately from the Earth; And so the Nourishment is the more Common, and lesse Qualified: And besides, it is a long time in Going vp, ere it come to the Fruit. The Se∣cond Way is, to Perforate the Body of the Tree, and there to Infuse the Medicine: Which is somewhat better: For if any Vertue be receiued from the Medicine, it hath the lesse way, and the lesse time, to goe vp. The Third is, the Steeping of the Seed or Kernell in some Liquour, where∣in

the Medicine is Infused: Which I haue little Opinion of, because the Seed, (I doubt,) will not draw the Parts of the Matter, which haue the Propriety: But it will be farre the more likely, if you mingle the Me∣dicine with Dung; For that the Seed naturally drawing the Moisture of the Dung, may call in withall some of the Propriety. The fourth is, the Watring of the Plant oft, with an Infusion of the Medicine. This, in one respect, may haue more force than the rest; Because the Medication is oft renewed; Whereas the rest are applyed but at one time: And therefore the Vertue may the sooner vanish. But still I doubt, that the Root is somewhat too stubborne to receiue those fine Impressions; And besides, (as I said before,) they haue a great Hill to goe vp. I iudge therefore the likeliest way to be the Perforation of the Body of the Tree, in senerall Places, one aboue the other; And the Fil∣ling of the Holes with Dung mingled with the Medicine. And the Watring of those Lumpes of Dung, with Squirts of an Infusion of the Medicine in Dunged water, once in three or foure Daies.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Acceleration of Germination.
• * 1.2

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Putting backe or Retardation of Germination.
• * 1.3

  Experiments in Consort touching the Melioration of Fruits, Trees, and Plants.
• * 1.4

  Experiments in Consort touching Com∣pound Fruits and Flowers.
• * 1.5

  Experiments in Consort touching the Sympathy and Antipathy of Plants.
• * 1.6

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Making Herbs and Fruits Me∣dicinable.