Flora, seu, De florum cultura, or, A complete florilege, furnished with all requisites belonging to a florist by John Rea, Gent.

CERES THE SECOND BOOK. (Book 2)

HAving given you a full account of all the fair∣est flowers which Flora hath afforded our cold Country, and with the pleasure of their beautiful aspects passed over the Spring; We are now arrived at Sommer, which that it may present you with some∣thing besides Corn and Hay, Ceres presents her Harvest Garland, made up of all such pretty Plants and fine Flowers as are yearly, or every other year raised from seeds.

In this Book I shall endeavor to set down the best in every kind, and purposely omit such simple seedlings as are not worth the sowing; and although you will find some that are of longer lasting than the rest of the same tribe or kindred, yet properly befitting their places, as deserving no other.

We will begin with those that last longest, and so proceed to the rest that are annual, and to be raised by seeds from year to year; and as in the former, so in these you will find directions for the sowing, transplanting, and preserving each particular; and first of the largest and longest laster.

CHAP. I.

Malva Hortensis.

GArden Mallows are of many sorts, but most of them fitter for a Physick than a Flower-Garden, there being but one kind that beareth beautiful flowers, which is that called Malva Hortensis Rosea multiplex, which in English we call double Hocks, or double Hollihocks, these bearing many gallant double flowers, and of divers glorious colours, whereof there are of each colour that bear single flowers, but those by few esteemed or entertained, unless in want of the double kinds.

The double Hollihocks have great long white roots, from whence spring up many round cornered leaves, like those of common Mal∣lows, from among which the stalks spring up five or six foot high, set with green leaves, more cut in and divided, and from the middle to the top, adorned with smaller green leaves and fair large flowers, some very thick and double like the Province Rose, some that have the out∣ter leaves broad, and a thick double flower composed of shorter leaves in the middle; and there are some that the double flower hath many heads, as if many small double flowers were thrust together into one. The colours of these flowers in several Plants, are either white, Silver-colour, Cream-colour, blush, Rose-colour, Carnation, Scarlet, Orenge-colour, Brimston-colour, bright red, dark blackish red, or purple; of all which several colours I have Plants now grow∣ing in my own Garden. After the flowers are past, the seeds are con∣tained in round flat heads, for the double kinds seed as well as the single, which are flat, and of a whitish brown colour.

They commonly flower late in August and September, so that the first flowers must be preserved for seeds; for although the Plants are of some continuance, yet they are chiefly increased and raised from seeds, which are to be sowed in the beginning of April, where the second year they will bear flowers, out of which the best may be chosen, and those removed into the Garden in October after they have done bearing.

CHAP. II.

Aquilegia.

COlombines are Plants well known, and commonly raised from seeds, although their roots are of some continu∣ance, they are of many sorts, differing in form, as well as in the colours of the flowers; we will in these, as in all the rest that are to follow, give you a brief account of the best varieties of each, with directions how to continue the kinds from year to year.

The double Colombines, for the single are not regarded, are distin∣guished by the flowers, which chiefly are of four colours, namely white, blew, murrey purple, and red, some deeper, and others ligh∣ter; but these self-colours are not valued, those that are variegated, striped, spotted, or powdered, are onely entertained, whereof there are many diversities, differing in colours, or manner of marking, from each other; some will be half white, and half of another colour, as light blew, violet-purple, murrey, or light red; others striped, spot∣ted, and variously marked with these colours upon white, in some more and in others less.

The double Inverted Colombines, that is with the heels turned in∣wards, are of several sorts, as double and well-marked as those of the former, and with the same colours, but not so plentiful in va∣rieties.

The double Rose-Colombines are those that have no heels, but stand on the stalks like little double Roses, but that the leaves are narrow and sharp-pointed; of these there are some diversities, of the fore∣mentioned colours, diversly striped and mixed, some bigger and less double, and others lesser but more double.

The Degenerate Colombine is like the last, but that the outermost row of leaves is much larger than the rest that are inward; the whole flower is commonly of a greenish purple colour.

The Virginian Colombine hath small single flowers with long heels, of a yellowish colour, shadowed with red, having deeper red spots in the hollow parts of the flower; this came to us in Plants from Vir∣ginia, and from the seeds thereof, many have been raised, but few like the original, most of them degenerating into simple single ill-co∣loured flowers.

They flower in the end of May after the Tulips are past, and there∣fore the more acceptable, that season affording few other flowers.

All the double Colombines do bring seeds as well a the single, which must be sowed in April in the Nurcery, where the second year they will bear flowers, out of which the best may be chosen and removed into the Garden, there to continue three or four years, but if they be kept too long, they will turn single, or less double, and few of them will come well marked; so that against the fourth year a new stock would be provided, and the old cast away; almost every root that bears mixed-coloured flowers, will have some that will be of one co∣lour, the which, in such Plants of every colour and kind as you reserve to seed, must be nipped off, and the best marked flowers onely left to seed, and so you may be sure of many fine varieties from the seeds of such well-chosen flowers.

CHAP. III.

Antirrhinum.

SNap-Dragon hath some pretty diversities, the Plant is common and well known, and needeth no description, the chiefest difference is in the colours of the flowers, and the thing most ne∣cessary to inform, is how to gain the best kinds, and to keep and preserve them; the first and most common is that called

Antirrhinum album.

THe white Snap-Dragon is so common, that I need say no more of it, but we have another kind thereof that is more rare, and this is called

Antirrhinum album variegatum.

THe white variegated Snap-Dragon is in all things like the common white, but onely that the upper broad leaf, that is divided in the middle, and turned up at the edges, hath on the inside many small long feathered lines, of a fine purplish colour, which addeth much to the beauty of the flower.

Antirrhinum rubrum.

THe red Snap-Dragon is of two or three sorts, the best hath flow∣ers like the former, but that they are of the colour of a deep red Rose, the other are red, but paler than each other; and there is another that beareth smaller red flowers than the former, having a yellow spot in the Nose of the flower, as all the rest have, but in this circled as it were almost about with white.

Antirrhinum lutcum.

THe yellow Snap-Dragon is in all things like the common white, and onely differing in that the flowers are of a fair yellow colour.

They flower from May to July, and the seeds are ripe in August.

All these kinds of Snap-Dragons are raised from seeds, and bear flowers the second year from the sowing, and then commonly the old roots having perfected their seeds perish; yet the slips of them being taken off and set in the manner directed for double stock-Gilliflowers, will grow and bear flowers the year following; the best slips for this purpose are those that do not rise up to flower, and the best time to set them, the end of May or beginning of June; I have now several Plants of the variegated white and best red, raised from slips, and have thereby preserved the kinds many years, without sowing their seeds.

CHAP. IV.

Linaria.

WIld, and Tode-flax, have some varieties planted in Gar∣dens, the which we will onely name, and so pass them over, being Plants of small esteem; and first of the Wild flax.

Wild flax with a white flower hath many slender stalks a foot high, set thick with broader leaves than the common Flax, bearing at the top many white flowers, made of five somthing large leaves, with small lines of purple; the seed is like that of the manured kind, but the root will abide many years after the sowing, and although the branches dye to the ground in Winter, new will come up at the Spring.

Wild flax with a yellow flower hath many reddish stalks, set with leaves like those of St. Johns-wort, bearing at the top many flowers like the former, but of a yellow colour; the seeds are black, but not shining, and the roots abide in the ground like those of the white.

Purple Tode-flax hath fat narrow long leaves, of a whitish green colour, shipt about the edges, the stalks bearing in a spike divers small flowers, made in the fashion of the common Wild Tode-flax, but lesser, and without heels behind, which are either of a sadder purple, or paler violet, with a yellow spot in the gaping place of every flower; the seed is small and flat, of a grayish colour, and the root dies soon after the seed is ripe.

Sweet purple Tode-flax hath leaves lying on the ground like those of a Daisie, but bigger, with smaller up the stalk, which is branched at the top, and plentifully furnished with many small (and if the season be hot) sweet flowers, something like those of the last, but of a lighter purple; the seeds are also alike, but of a reddish colour, and the root perisheth in the like manner.

Toad-flax of Valentia hath more and bigger stalks than the former, with leaves like unto those of small Centory; at the tops of the stalks come forth the flowers, like in fashion to the common wild kind, but lesser, of a fair yellow colour, the gaping mouth down, and the heel behind of a purplish colour.

Broom Tode-flax is onely commendable for the thick standing of many small fair green leaves in a bush, it riseth up with a streight up∣right stalk, about a yard high, divided into many branches, and those thick set with fair green leaves, long and narrow, like those of the common Flax; at the joynts come forth small reddish flowers, not worth regarding, which are succeeded by small blackish seeds, and the whole Plant dies at the first approach of Winter.

They flower in July and August, and the seed is ripe soon after; those whose roots abide the Winter, are fit to be set together, the rest sowed with other annuals or seedlings, in some place open to the Sun; the best of them is, they are apt to come up, and need but small attendance.

CHAP. V.

Digitalis.

FOx-gloves are of three several sorts, that is, a greater, a middle kind, and a lesser, and these are of three prin∣cipal colours, which are purple, white, and yellow; the best that are received into Gardens, are those fol∣lowing.

Digitalis major ferruginea.

THe Dun-coloured Fox-glove hath long nicked grayish green leaves, a stalk five or six foot high, bearing a multitude of small and short flowers, of a yellowish dun-colour, with a long lip at the lower side of each of them; the flowers are succeeded by cods, containing small dusty seeds; the roots commonly perish after seeding, but if they stand warm, and are defended from Frosts in Winter, the Plants will continue two or three years.

Digitalis media flore luteo rubente.

THe Orenge-tawny Fox-glove is of a middle size, having leaves a little bigger than those of the lesser yellow; the flowers are long and narrow, of a fair yellowish brown colour, inclining to an Orenge-tawney; the seeds are like the former, and the roots commonly perish after the seeds are ripe.

Digitalis alba major & minor.

THe great white Fox-glove differeth from the common red of the field, in that the leaves and stalks are of a yellowish green co∣lour, and the flowers wholly white; there is a lesser kind that is more rare, it hath the leaves and stalks shorter, the flowers lesser, of a pure white colour, and thicker set on the stalk.

Digitalis major lutea.

THe great yellow Fox-glove hath leaves like, but lesser than those of the wild kind; the stalk riseth three or four foot high, bear∣ing many long hollow pendulous flowers, shorter than those of the common kinde, and wider open at the brims; the seeds are like those of the former, and the root more woody and of long continuance.

Digitalis minor lutea pallida.

THe small pale yellow Fox-glove hath something broad smooth dark green leaves, finely snipt about the edges, a stalk two foot high, bearing a multitude of long, hollow, small, pale yellow flowers, which are succeeded by seeds, like those of the rest, but smaller; the root is composed of divers hard strings, and longer lasting than any of the former.

They flower in June and July, and that with dun flowers, seldom before August.

All these kinds of Fox-gloves are raised from seeds, and none of them bear flowers until the second year; the seeds are sowed in good rich earth in April in the Flower-Nurcery, and in September after re∣moved into the Garden.

CHAP. VI.

Carduus.

THistles, as noysome Weeds, are more usually cast out, than as delightful flowers received into Gardens, yet there are some sorts that may be accepted, and the chiefest among these seedlings inserted.

Carduus Globosus major.

THe greater Globe-Thistle hath many large leaves lying on the ground, cut in and gashed to the middle ribb, full of sharp prickles; the stalk riseth above a yard high, divided into branches, bearing great round hard heads, thick set with sharp-bearded husks, of a blewish green colour; out of the husks come forth pale blew flowers, spreading over the whole head; a braver thistle never beautified a Scots Bonet; after the flowers are past, the seeds are contained in the husks, which must be preserved, for the old Plant dieth in Winter.

Carduus Globosus minor.

THe lesser Globe-Thistle hath leaves like the former, but lesser and whiter, the stalk and head of flowers not so bigg, the root more durable, commonly lasting three or four years, bearing flowers.

These flower usually in August, and sometimes later; being sow∣ed of seeds, they will come to bear flowers the second year. There are some other sorts of Thistles, which in general collections are re∣ceived into Gardens, but none of them fit for our purpose.

CHAP. VII.

Scabiosa.

SCabious is a Plant well known, especially those sorts there∣of which carry blew flowers, and grow wild in the fields, but there are other kinds of Scabious, which as well for the beauty of their flowers, as being Foreiners, find friend∣ly entertainment from all that delight in seedlings, but first take one of our own Country to usher in the other strangers.

Scabiosa flore albo.

WHite flowered Scabious hath many jagged green leaves, like that of the field, but lesser, bearing stalks and flowers of the same fashion, onely differing in colour, the flowers of this being white; this hath been found wild in the fields, and thence for the ra∣rity brought into Gardens.

Scabiosa rubra Austriaca.

REd Scabious of Austria, in leaves resembleth the Devils bit, but shorter, and onely snipt about the edges; the flowers are of the fashion of those of other kinds, in one of a deep red colour, and in another of a fine bright purplish red; the seeds are a little long and round, set with hairs at the ends.

Scabiosa rubra Indica.

REd Indian Scabious hath many jagged green leaves lying on the ground, from whence rise up divers stalks, divided into several branches, bearing flowers like those of the former, but of various colours, some being deep crimson, others murrey purple, in both, some deeper, and others paler; and some will have the outer leaves of a deeper or lighter murrey, and the middle of the flower almost white; we have some that bear their flowers like the Childling Day∣sie, many smaller coming out on long foot-stalks of the sides of one larger flower; and many other diversities are observed to proceed from the seeds of this kind which are yearly sowed, for the Plant commonly dyeth after it hath given seeds, yet if it stand in a warm place, and the Winters prove milde, some Plants will last and bear flowers two or three years.

The two first flower about July, the other, if they bear the first year they are sowed, it will be late in September, so that then from such Plants little good seed can be expected, but the best way to be sure of good seeds, is about the beginning of June to remove the young Plants, to keep them back from running up to flower the first year, which will cause them to bring their flowers sooner the next, and so have time to ripen the seeds, from which being sowed in April, many more varieties may be raised than are before described, especially from the flowers that are of the lightest and most mixed colours, the which are chiefly to be reserved for that purpose.

CHAP. VIII.

Cyanus.

COrn-flower, or Blew-bottles, are common in every corn-field, especially those with blew flowers, of which kind many diversities are raised from seeds, differing in colour, for some of them will be blew, like that of the field, other white, blush, sadder or lighter, purple, brighter or darker, red, or else of these colours mixed, as edges white, the rest blew or purple, or the flower white, edged with blew or purple, in some striped, spotted, or divided, half the flower of one colour, and the other of another, and often the middle of the flower of a sadder and deeper colour than the rest. After the flowers are past, the scaly heads contain (wrapped in downy matter) small hard white shining seeds, which must be preserved and sowed at the Spring, for the roots yearly perish.

There is another sort more rare than any of the former, called the Sultans flower, the seeds are smaller and blacker than those of the former, the plants bigger in all the parts thereof, the flowers are lar∣ger, and of a purplish blush-colour in one, and in another Snow-white, more beautiful than any of the former; the roots yearly perish, and the seeds not very apt to come up, or the Plant to prosper, but requireth to be often watered, and to be nursed up in a hot bed.

We have another called the Spanish Corn-flower, which rambles and takes up more ground than can well be spared for so poor a Plant; the flowers are of a pale purplish blush-colour, but not so fair nor beautiful as the last; this seeds, and yearly dies as the rest doe.

The first kind flower in June and July, the two last not untill August; the Sultans flower is of some esteem, but the rest are little valued, yet by such as want better things entertained.

We have another Plant which Mr. Parkinson in his florilege sets forth by the name of Jacea marina Baetica, Spanish sea Knabweed, then rare with him, but now common in almost every Garden, and is no other than that rambling lasting Plant, vulgarly called the great Cyanus, or Blew-bottle.

Carthamus Sativus, bastard Saffron, is an annual, yearly raised from seeds, it hath broad green leaves, a round hard stalk, branched at the top, and each branch bearing one great scaly head, out of which com∣eth

a tuft of shining gold-coloured threds, which keep that colour (though gathered) a long time; the seed is round and long, white and hard, but seldome ripens with us, and the root yearly dies; the seeds come to us from Spain, where much is planted, for the use of the dyers of silk.

CHAP. IX.

Amaranthus.

FLower Gentle is chiefly of two sorts, the greater, and the lesser; of the first there are some diversities, but many more and better of the latter, of which there hath late∣ly been observed twenty five varieties, all in flower to∣gether, but first of that best known.

Amaranthus purpureus major.

THe great Floramour hath a thick and tall crested stalk, with many reddish, large green leaves, the stalk divided into many branches, bearing long spikes of round hairy tufts, of a reddish purple colour, which are divided into several parts, wherein (when full ripe) great store of small white seeds is contained; this is an old flower and com∣mon, called by some Country women, Love lies a bleeding; we have now of this kind some other varieties, that differ chiefly in the tufts or flowers, some bigger, others lesser, some purple mixed with green, others wholy of a whitish green colour; they are hardy, sowed in April, will flower in the end of July, and perish with the first frosts.

Amaranthuus purpureus minor.

THe lesser purple Flower Gentle cometh up with yellowish green leaves, a little reddish, something broad at the stalk, and sharp pointed; the stalk set with these leaves, riseth about two foot high, branched at the top, and bearing flowers, which are long, soft, and gentle tufts of hairs, many standing close together in form of a Pyra∣mis, of an excellent rich deep shining murrey purple colour, which it will retain (after it is gathered) many moneths: the seeds of this (as of all the rest) are small black and shining, and the roots perish as those of the former.

Amaranthus diversorum colorum.

FLower Gentles of divers colours do little differ from the last, either in leaves, stalks, or seeds, only as their flowers are of deeper or lighter colours, so are the leaves paler green, and lesser red than other, the chiefest difference is in the flowers, which are not only of many

several colours, but notably differing in form of growing, some with one spike, others with many, some round, and others more flat and divided into divers parts, the colours most common to these flowers are purple, scarlet, and gold-colour, in some deeper, in others lighter or paler, in very great variety, and in all exceeding bright and shining; fine flowers to be set in pots to supply the place of Gilliflowers, these coming to flower as soon as they are past, and with the great Afri∣can Marigold make a gallant shew in a Garden.

Amaranthus tricolor.

FLower Gentle of three colours differeth from the former, in that the leaves are in some hot years parted into three colours, namely, green, red, and yellow; the flowers small, and of no esteem; the whole beauty of the plant being in the marking of the leaves; the seeds like those of the former, and the root as soon perishing.

They flower usually in August, but some years not untill late in September; therefore that they may flower betimes, and perfect their seeds, sow the seeds in a hot bed about the middle of March; after the plants are come up, and have gotten some strength, make a new hot bed, and after the violent heat is past, take them up with earth about them, and set them therein; about the beginning of May, transplant them where they may stand to bear flowers; the place must be open to the Sun, and the foil light and rank, and often watered. Thus by removing them from one hot bed to another, it will cause them to thrive, and not only afford you many gallant flowers, but store of good seeds, which will continue good three or four years, so to pre∣vent wanting, you may reserve a quantity from year to year, for in∣deed, no good Garden would be unfurnished with these beautiful flowers, the chiefest, and most deserving esteem of all the annuals or seed-flowers.

Helichrysum sive Amaranthus luteus.

THe golden Flower Gentle, or Goldy locks, is a stranger in our Coun∣trey, it will neither be raised from seeds, or live if the Plants should be procured out of the hotter Countreys; yet I have seen two sorts thereof in flower in London, many years since; they came up with small stalks, thinly set with narrow long whitish green leaves, bearing at the ends of the stalks, many small, double, gold-yellow flowers, in the one round, and in the other bigger, and flat at the top, both keeping their colour, and not shedding their leaves, many moneths after they are gathered, as I have seen in divers dry Plants; these and the Cats-foot, or Cotton weeds, grow wild in some parts of Italy, Candy, and other hot Countreys, but will not live with us.

CHAP. x.

Delphinium.

LArks-heels are ofseveral sorts, as well double as single, yet there is but one kind worth the preserving, which is that called

Delphinium elatius flora pleno.

DOuble upright Larks-heels have small jagged leaves, tall upright stalks, branched at the top, and bearing many fine double flow∣ers, in form like to the Rose-Colombine, in several Plants of sundry entire colours, as purple, blew, Ash-colour, Rose-colour, pale blush, or white; these are the most usual colours, yet sometimes some roots will bring flowers that are striped and variegated with blew end white, and often with some leaves blew, and others purple; after the flowers are past, the seeds are contained in small horned pods, which are black and round, the which being sowed will bring some Plants with single, but most with double flowers; the roots perish in Winter.

They flower according to the time of sowing them, sooner or la∣ter, in July or August, but I have often had Plants that have come up from seeds fallen out of the pods before Winter, which have conti∣nued and born fair double flowers in June following, and furnished me with much good seed.

The usual time to sow these seeds is the beginning of April, but to get good seeds, which is a chief consideration in these Plants, I usu∣ally sow some as soon as they are ripe, in some place where they may be defended from long frosts in Winter, and one of these Winter plants is worth ten of those raised in the Spring, and will yield more good seed; yet in some kindly Somers, those of the Spring will seed reasonable well. Next unto these two other Plants are ranked, in re∣spect their flowers resemble the single Larks-heels, the first is called

Nasturtium Indicum.

INdian Cresses, or yellow Larks-heels, spread into many long tray∣ling branches, four or five foot long, which, unless supported, lie on the ground, and take up much room; the leaves are smooth and round, the flowers of a fair yellow colour, in fashion something like a single Larks-heel, but the leaves stand plainer, and some of them are streaked with red; the flower is so well known, that I need not to be curious in describing it, for few Gardens of any note are without

it; the seeds are rough, and uneaven, falling of themselves, and ga∣thered off the ground and preserved, for the root dies in Winter.

The flowers come forth in July, and the Plant continues flowring until it be checked by frosts; the seeds are sowed in April, and if they be ripe and good, are apt enough to come up; and the trayling branches as they grow, may be led upon a pack-thred fastened un∣to sticks, into what form you please, or they may be bound to rods stuck in the earth, that they may not ly on the ground. The other Plant wherewith we will conclude this Chapter is called

Balsamina foemina.

THe female Balsam-Apple hath a thick reddish stalk like Purslane, bunched, and set with leaves like those of the Peach-tree; about the stalk from the middle upwards, come the flowers, on short foot-stalks; which are of two or three shadows of purples, with spurs be∣hind like single Larks-heels; but bended downwards; these flowers are succeeded by round rough heads pointed at the end, wherein is contained small round blackish seeds; the root dies at the first approch of Winter.

The flowers come forth in July and August, and rarely yield any good seeds in our Countrey; the Plant is tender, and must be sowed in a hot bed, and remov'd into good ground, and carefully at∣tended with watering in the heat of Somer, else it will quickly perish.

CHAP. XI

Blattaria.

MUllen, or Moth Mullen, hath some diversities that are commonly raised from seeds, whose roots perish in Winter, but there are others that will continue many years, and yield increase from the root, the first of which is that called

Blattaria flore purpureo.

THe purple Moth Mullen hath dark green broad leaves lying on the ground, from among which riseth up a stalk a yard high, bearing from the middle to the top many fair purple flowers, consisting of five leaves, with some threds in the middle; the root is long and brown, abiding many years, and increasing; of this kind there is another that beareth flowers of a Violet blew colour, in other respects not differing.

Blattaria lutea odorata.

SWeet yellow Moth Mullen hath leaves of a grayer green colour than those of the former; the stalk riseth about a yard high, divided in∣to branches, bearing pale yellow flowers of the fashion of the other, but smaller, and of an excellent sweet scent; the root abiding as well as the former.

Blattaria flore luteomajor.

THe great yellow Moth Mullen hath larger and greener leaves than any of the former, the stalk four foot high, bearing many fair yellow flowers, broader and larger than those of the purple, which are succeeded by round buttons, containing seeds; the root perisheth in Winter, after it hath born flowers and seeds. Like unto this kind there is a newer variety, differing only in that the flowers are be∣twixt red and yellow, but more red than yellow, and abiding the Winter.

Blattaria flore albo.

WHite Moth Mullen differeth from the great yellow, in that the flowers are not all thing so broad, and of a fair white colour, with purple threds in the middle; the root perishing in the same manner.

The two first flower in the beginning of May, the rest in June.

These are plants of little reputation; those whose roots conti∣nue are the best; they may be increased by parting the roots, or raised from seeds, and will bear flowers the second year. The great yellow and the white are raised of seeds only, the root not lasting like those of the three other sorts.

CHAP. XII.

Papaver Multiplex.

DOuble Poppies are become the common ornaments of the Kitchen-Garden, and are so well known that they need no description; the colours of the flowers are red, pur∣ple, Scarlet, Lead-colour, white, or blush, and of these many varieties, some deeper, and others lighter; there is one that beareth small, but very double flowers, every leaf where∣of is half white, and half red, and another of a fine Scarlet colour stri∣ped with white; besides these, the small double rich Scarlet, which

differeth onely from the single field Popy in the doubleness of the flowers, is of some esteem; but the rarest of all the rest, is one lately discovered, differing onely from the last, in that the flowers are of a fine Gold yellow colour.

They flower in June, and yield store of seeds, which falling of themselves, or gathered, and sowed in the Spring, will come up and prosper in any place; the party-coloured red, the striped Scarlet, the small double Scarlet, and especially the yellow, are those most esteemed.

CHAP. XIII.

Nigella.

THe Fennel-flower hath some few varieties, whose seeds are preserved, and yearly sowed in Gardens; the Plant is so common and well known, that it needeth little descrip∣tion, the first is that single kind called

Nigella Hispanica.

SPanish Nigella hath leaves like Fennel, the flowers are single, con∣sisting of five larger leaves than those of the other sorts, com∣monly of a bleak blew colour, with a green head in the middle, com∣pased about with little gaping hollow leaves and a yellow line; after the flowers are past, the head grows bigger, with a crown on the top spread like a Star; the seeds are round and of a yellowish green colour.

Nigella flore duplici.

THe double Nigella hath leaves like the former, the flowers consist∣ing of three or four rows of smaller leaves, one lying under another, of a pale blew colour in one, and white in another; the seeds are black, contained in round heads.

They flower in the end of June or beginning of July, and are year∣ly raised from seeds, which sowed in the Spring are apt to come up, and require small attendance.

CHAP. XIV.

Crysanthemum.

COrn-Marigold is an annual scarce worth the sowing, some retain two sorts, that is, Crysanthimum Cre∣ticum, the Corn-Marigold of Candy, which is a simple single pale yellow flower, and Crysanthi∣mum Peruvianum, the Corn-Marigold of Peru, which is that great Monster we call the Flower of the Sun, of which there are two sorts, the one bearing round, and the other Oval yellow flowers, hereto∣fore admired, but now grown common, not at all respected.

Calendula flore plena.

DOuble Garden-Marigolds are yearly sowed of seeds in Kitchen-Gardens; there is one kind thereof that beareth fair large double flowers, far excelling the other common kinds.

After Atticus flore luteo.

YEllow Star-wort hath rough leaves of a dark green colour, the stalk divided into branches, bearing at the ends five or six green leaves, standing round like a Star, with a flower in the middle, con∣sisting of narrow long pale yellow leaves, compassing a yellowish brown thrum; these flowers appear in June, and as soon as the seeds are ripe, the root dies; we have another which we call After Atticus Italorum, the Italian Star-flower, commonly called the blew Marigold, which will continue many years, and yield increase from the root; it flowereth late, seldom before September, and the flowers like those of a single Marigold, but of a purplish blew colour, with a yellowish brown thrum in the middle.

Flos Africanus.

THe African, or French Marigold, and the varieties thereof, are well known to most persons that delight in flowers; there are three principal kinds, and of them some that bear single, others double flowers, some deeper, and others paler, but the best of them is that called

Flos Africanus maximus multiplex.

THe greatest double African, or French Marigold, hath many winged leaves like those of the Ash, finely purled about the edges, and

of a dark green colour; the stalk riseth commonly a yard high, to∣wards the top divided into branches, set with green leaves, and each branch bearing one large double flower, consisting of a multitude of leaves, of a fair gold-yellow colour on the upper side, and paler un∣derneath; and sometimes there will come diversities from the seeds of one flower, some being paler than others; these fair great double flowers rise out of a large pod, wherein after they are past, long nar∣row black seeds are contained, from which the several varieties are raised, and some of them will bring large single flowers with a thrum in the middle, although taken from double flowers.

Flos Africanus fistuloso flore multiplex.

THe hollow-leafed African, or French Marigold, is like the last, but smaller; the flowers are thick and double, composed of ma∣ny hollow leaves, opening at the ends, in some of a deep, in others of a paller yellow colour, and as the former, so the seeds of this will sometimes bring single flowers.

Flos Africanus minor flore pleno.

THe lesser double French, or African Marigold, hath lesser leaves than any of the former, the stalks not so strong and upright, but leaning and turning divers ways; the flowers are thick and double, but much smaller than those of the other kinds, sometimes wholly of a gold-yellow colour, and sometimes the outer leaves being bigger than those within, are of a deeper and sad colour; the seeds of this do likewise bring some single flowers as well as double, and diversi∣ties of both, as bigger, and lesser, deeper, and paler, but none of them much esteemed in respect of their evil smell.

The two first kinds flower about the beginning of September, and the last common sort sooner; the roots perish with the first Frosts, and are yearly renewed by seeds, for which purpose the first flowers are to be preserved, and the seeds sowed in the beginning of April in a hot bed, especially those of the two first kinds, and after they are come up and of some strength, removed into a good rich soil that standeth in the Sun, where being watered they will prosper, and bear store of gallant double flowers, the seed whereof are onely to be preserved.

CHAP. XV

Convolvulus Caeruleus.

BLew Binde weed is of two sorts, a bigger and a lesser, the first riseth up with many long winding branches, set with large and something round leaves, pointed at the ends; the flow∣ers come forth at the joynts upon long foot-stalks, which being blown open, are like bells, with broad open mouths, ending in five corners, of a fair blew colour, tending to purple; these flowers open in the night, and are to be seen in the morning before the Sun, for as soon as it shines upon them, they are all gone and ne∣ver appear again; after the flowers are past, the husks contain round black seeds; the roots perish in Winter.

There is of this kind another that hath cornered leaves like Ivy, the flowers of a deeper blew, more reddish in the five plaits and bot∣tom, in all other things like the former.

The lesser Bind-weed hath smaller and longer leaves than the first, and a weak stalk, rising about two foot high; the flowers come forth at the joynts where the leaves stand, like the other in fashion, but lesser, and far more beautiful, being of a fair blew colour with a white Star in the bottom; the seeds are like the former, but smaller, and the root dies with the first approach of Winter.

The greater kinds flower late in September, the lesser in June and July; they are yearly raised from seeds, the first requiring a hot bed, but the other is hardy and will come up and thrive without that trouble; as for the red flowered Bind weed of America, we must not expect to see it bear in England, and the Lavender leafed Bind-weed, is a weed indeed common in many fields in divers English Countries. We have another sort of Bell-flowers raised from seeds, called

Viola Mariana.

MArians Violet, or Canterbury Bells, the first year after the seeds are sowen, cometh up with many hairy leaves, something broad and long, spread on the ground; the year after the stalk riseth a yard high, divided into many branches set with smaller leaves, and a multitude of flowers standing in green husks, which are large, round, hollow Bells, swelling in the middle, with narrow necks, and ending in five corners, in some of a white or silver colour, and in others of a pale or deep purple; the seed is small, contained in square husks, and the whole Plant dies as soon as the seeds are ripe, so that the kinds are continued, by sowing the seeds in April, with other annu∣als, and after removed where the Plants may stand to bear flowers.

CHAP. XVI.

Stramonium.

THorn-Aple is of two sorts, a greater and a lesser, the first riseth up with a strong round stalk four or five foot high, spreading at the joynts into many branches, set with large dark green cornered leaves, cut and jag∣ged about the edges; at the joynts come forth large Bell-fashioned white flowers, which are succeeded by great round and somthing prickly Thorny green heads, which being ripe, open into three or four parts, and discover a great quantity of blackish flat seeds within them; the root dies in Winter, and new Plants often come up of its own sowing.

There is another, little differing from this, but that the flowers are of a light purple colour.

The lesser Thorn-Aple differeth from the former, in that it is lower and much lesser in all the parts thereof; the leaves are smooth and rent at the edges, and the stalks without branches; the flowers come forth at the joynts like the other, not so big, but more beautiful, white in colour, and like a Bell in fashion; the Aples or heads that contain the seeds are lesser, rounder and harder than those of the grea∣ter kind; the root dies at the first appearance of Winter.

We talk much of two other varieties of this lesser kind, the one bearing flowers ingeminated, or hose in hose, one coming out of the other; and another that is double, consisting of two or more rows of leaves rising equally together; I have seen the figures of both these well cut in Brass, in two or three Books of Flowers Printed in Forein Countries, and it is like that such there are in those parts, but I am confident they were never seen in England, otherwise than in picture.

For that with single flowers will hardly flower with us, and if it do, it is so late that it seldom yieldeth any good seeds; the greater kind is common and will grow any where, the fittest place is in an Orchard or Kitchen-Garden, for it takes more room than the Plant deserves.

CHAP. XVII.

Mirabilia Peruviana.

THe Mervail of Peru hath a big stalk, bunched at the joynts, of a fair green colour, in those that will bear white and red flowers, red in those with red flowers, dark green in those with yellow flowers, and brown in those with red and yellow flowers; these stalks spread into many branches, set at the joynts with fair green leaves, betwixt which and the stalk the flowers come forth on short foot-stalks, in fashion like those of the lesser blew Bind-weed, narrow at the bottom, and wide open at the brims, which in several Plants are of the fore-mentioned colours, as white, red, or yellow, but the rarest are those with variegated flowers, either red and white, or red and yel∣low: these flowers (like those of the Bind-weeds) open in the night, and as soon as the Sun shine upon them, the brims shrink inward and wi∣ther away, so that they are to be seen late in evenings, or early in mornings, and therefore have been called the flowers of the night; af∣ter the flowers are past, each of them is succeeded by one seed, of the bigness of a small Pease, with a short neck like a little bottle; the roots are long like a Raddish, blackish on the outside, and com∣monly perishing in Winter.

They flower from the end of July, untill Winter check their luxury; the seeds are set in the beginning of April in a hot bed, and thence removed into some place where they may have the benefit of the Sun; such roots as flower not the first year, being covered in Winter with Horse-litter, will bear sooner the year following and yield good seeds, and the roots of such as have born, being taken up in the beginning of Winter, laid for a time to dry, and then wrap∣ped severally in Woollen rags, and so kept all the Winter, being set in the ground in the beginning of March, will prosper and bear flowers in due season; heretofore this flower hath been much esteem∣ed, and yet is by many much desired.

CHAP. XVIII.

Pomum Amoris.

APles of love are of three sorts, the most common hath long trailing branches, set at the joynts with winged rough leaves and yellow flowers, which are succeeded by Aples, as we call them, of the bigness of an ordinary Crab, not round but bunch∣ed on the sides, of a pale Orenge-colour, full of a waterish slimy pulp, wherein small seeds are contained; the root dieth in Winter. Of this kind there is another sort, that differeth onely in that the Aples are of a pale yellow colour; and we have a third that is of a lesser kind, smaller in all the parts thereof, and bear∣ing many fine round Berries of a bright Orenge-colour, containing a slimy pulp and small seeds, as the rest do.

These Plants are received onely for the beauty of the Aples or Berries, as they are commonly called, the flowers being not consider∣able; the seeds are yearly sowed in the beginning of April, and must be often watered to bring them forward, else Winter will take them before the fruit be ripe, which seldom comes to perfection before the middle of September.

CHAP. XIX.

Thlaspi Creticum.

CAndy tufts are small Plants rising about a foot high, with stalks set with long, narrow, notched, whitish-green leaves; at the tops stand many small single flowers close set together, which in some Plants are all white, others have a purplish spot in the middle, and some are all of a pale purple colour; the seeds are small and reddish, and the roots yearly perish.

They flower in the beginning of July, and will thrive in almost any ground, being sowed in April with other annuals.

CHAP. XX.

Lupinus Sativus.

GArden Lupins are chiefly of four sorts, the first and most common is that with yellow flowers, of which kind there is another in all things like unto it, but that the flowers are white; the two other sorts are called blew Lupins, whereof there is a bigger and a lesser, but the bigger is much the better; they bear Pease-like blossoms, of a blew colour, with some mixture of purple and white in the middle; they are yearly sowed of the Pease-like spotted seeds in April, with other annuals. Unto these may be added the Scarlet Kidney Bean, now common and well known unto all that delight in flowers; this groweth taller, and rampeth more than any of the other, twining about what is near it; the beauty of this Plant consists in the flow∣ers, which in fashion are like those of the field Bean, but of an ex∣cellent bright Scarlet colour; after the flowers are past, the Beans are contained in long codds, which may be eaten green, as other Kidney Beans are, which when they are ripe, are of delicate reddish marbled colour, and some of them black; these must be set before April, and where they may have room, and the benefit of the Sun.

CHAP. XXI.

Lathyrus latifolius.

PEase everlasting, although it be a Plant of long conti∣nuance, yet it is raised from the seeds, which being like small Pease and sowed, will be two or three years before the Plants grow big enough to bear flowers, and after the roots will continue long, the branches dying to the ground in Winter, and rising again at the Spring; it beareth many large Pease-like blossoms, of a purplish red colour, standing on long foot-stalks; this is commonly planted under Walls, where it may be supported, for if the Plant be old, the branches will grow to a great length, and twine with claspers about what is next it.

Orobus Venetus.

BLew everlasting Pease differeth from the former, in that the Plant is much smaller, and the flowers of a Violet purple colour, not so common, yet as long lasting, and raised from seeds like the former.

CHAP. XXII.

Medica.

SNails, or Button, are of divers sorts, raised yearly from Pease-like seeds, only regarded for the vessels, which in some are like a Snails house, smooth rouled up, others prickly, some like small Buttons, and others rough and hairy, and of all these sorts varieties; pretty toyes for such as delight in simple seedlings; like unto these there are others called

Scorpioides.

CAterpillers, like the last, are only esteemed for the seed vessels, which are like green Worms, or Caterpillars, some bigger, and others lesser; the Plants trail on the ground, and must be supported; the seeds yearly sowed in April, the common time for most seedlings.

Hedysarum clypiatum.

THe red Satten flower, vulgarly called, French Hony-suckle, is com∣mon in most Gardens, it hath many stalks, set with winged green leaves, and at the joynts come forth smaller stalks, set with many flowers, of a shining red colour, and in some white, but more rare or seldome found than the red, which is ordinary: after the flowers are past, the seeds are contained in flat round husks, three or four stan∣ding one above another; they flower in June and July, the second year after the sowing, seed, and die at Winter following.

Planta Mimosa.

THe Sensible Plant, and the Humble Plant, from seeds yearly gained out of America, and sowed upon a hot bed, covered with glasses, and carefully preserved, will rise with woody stalks set with small winged leaves about a foot high; respected only for that by touch∣ing the leaves of the Sensible you may perceive them to shrink from you, and the Humble to, fall of their own accord, as sensible of in∣jury, and disdaining to be handled, the one out of Pride, the other Humility; they are curiosities scarce able to requite the care of at∣tendance, perishing with the first Frosts, and good seeds hardly ob∣tained.

Ocimum

BAssil is a sweet-smelling Herb well known unto all, especially the ordinary and common kind, but there are two other sorts more rare, one called Bush-Bassil, the other Indian Bassil; the first of these

hath smaller leaves, thicker set on the stalks, and sweeter than the common kind; the other hath larger leaves, and deeply cut in on the edges; they all perish at the first appearance of Winter, and are yearly renewed from seeds which are black, and a little long; the last big∣gest, and the middlemost the least.

Majorana odorata.

SWeet Marjerom is also an annual, as well known as the common Bassil; of this we have a smaller kind, called Marjerom Gentle, the leaves whereof are lesser, more hoary, and sweeter than those of the common kind; these are yearly raised from seeds, sowed in April with Bassil.

Botrys.

Oke of Jerusalem riseth up half a yard high, divided in many bran∣ches, set with leaves deeply cut in on the sides, resembling an Oke-leaf; the seedy flowers grow clustering about the branches, like the blossoms of the Vine; the whole Plant is sweet, and dies as soon as the small seeds are ripe.

Ambrosia.

Oke of Cappadocia riseth higher than the last, with many crooked weak branches, bearing many tops of mossie yellowish flowers; the leaves are something like those of Mugwort, dusted as it were with meal all over the Plant, which is of a pleasant sweet scent, and good taste; the seeds are round and black, the root threddy, and dies in Winter; this is the Poets so much celebrated Ambrosia, which in respect of its fragrant scent, and pleasant tuft, they feign to be the food of the Gods.

And now the Swains sing Harvest home, 'Tis time for CERES to be gone: Her Flowers are past, 'tis Seeding-time, Autumnal Fruits are in their prime. That you may taste, and know the best, POMONA bids you to her Feast.