The small Daffodill with a Saffron crown.
This small Daffodill hath foure or fiue narrow leaues, about a spanne
long, among which riseth vp a stalke some nine inches high, bearing
at the toppe one small white flower, made of six leaues, with a small
yellow cup in the middle, shadowed ouer at the brimmes with a Saffron
colour: the roote is small, rounded, and little long withall, couered
with a blackish skinne or coate.
3. _Narcissus minimus mediopurpureus._
The least purple ringed Daffodill.
This little Daffodill hath small narrow leaues, shorter by much then
any of the purple ringed Daffodils, before described: the stalke and
flower keepe an equal proportion to the rest of the plant, being in
forme and colour of the flower, like vnto the Starre Daffodill before
recited, but vnlike in the greatnesse: this also is to bee obserued,
that the purple colour that circleth the brimmes of the cuppe, is so
small, that sometimes it is not well perceiued.
4. _Narcissus minimus Iuncifolij flore._ The least Daffodill of all.
This least Daffodill hath two or three whitish greene leaues, narrower
then the two last recited Daffodils, and shorter by halfe, being but
aboue two or three inches long, the stalke likewise is not aboue three
or foure inches high, bearing one single flower at the toppe, somewhat
bigger then the smalnesse of the plant should seeme to beare, very like
vnto the least Rush Daffodill, and of the same bignesse, or rather
somewhat bigger, being of a faint yellow colour, both leaues, and
cup, or crowne, (if you please so to call it); for the middle part is
spread very much, euen to the middle of the leaues almost, and lyeth
flat open vpon the flower: the roote is small, euen the smallest of any
Daffodill, and couered with a blackish skinne or coate.
The Place.
The first of these Daffodils haue beene brought vs from the
Pyrenæan Mountaines, among a number of other rare plants, and
the last by a French man, called Francis le Veau, the honestest
roote-gatherer that euer came ouer to vs. The second was sent
to Mʳ. Iohn de Franqueuille, before remembred, who imparted
it to mee, as hee hath done many other good things; but his
naturall place wee know not.
The Time.
They all flower about the latter end of Aprill.
The Names.
Being brought without names, wee haue giuen them their names
according to their face and fashion, as they are set downe in
their titles.
_Narcissus Autumnalis minor albus._
The little white Autumne Daffodill.
This little Autumne Daffodill riseth with his flowers first out of the
ground, without any leaues at all. It springeth vp with one or two
stalkes about a finger long, euery one bearing out of a small huske
one small white flower, laid open abroad like vnto the Starre white
Daffodill, before spoken of: in the middle of the flower is a small
yellow cup of a meane size, and after the flower is past, there commeth
in the same place a small head, containing small, round, blacke seede,
like vnto the Autumne Hyacinth: the leaues come vp after the seede is
ripe and gone, being small and narrow, not much bigger then the Autumne
Hyacinth: the roote is small and blackish on the outside.
The Place.
This Daffodill groweth in Spaine, where Clusius saw it, and
brought it into these parts.
The Time.
It flowreth in the beginning of Autumne, and his seede is ripe
in the end of October in those hot Countries, but in ours it
will scarce abide to shew a flower.
The Names.
The Spaniards, as Clusius reporteth, call it _Tonada_, and he
vpon the sight thereof, _Narcissus Autumnalis minor albus_,
and wee in English thereafter, The little white Autumne
Daffodill.
[Illustration:
1 _Narcissus Virgineus._ The Virginian Daffodill.
2 _Narcissus minimus Iuncifolij flore._ The least Daffodill of all.
3 _Narcissus Autumnalis minor albus._ The little white Autumne
Daffodill.
4 _Narcissus albus Autumnalis medio obsoletus._ The white Autumne
Daffodill with a sullen crown.
5 _Narcissus Iuncifolius maximus amplo calice._ The great Iunquilia
with the largest flower or cup.
6 _Narcissus totus albus flore pleno Virginianus._ The double white
Daffodill of Virginia.
]
_Narcissus albus Autumnalis medio obsoletus._
The white Autumne Daffodill with a sullen crowne.
This Autumne Daffodill hath two or three leaues at the most, and very
narrow, so that some doe reckon it among the Rush Daffodils, being
somewhat broad at the bottome, and more pointed at the toppe, betweene
these leaues commeth vp the stalke, bearing vsually two flowers and no
more at the toppe, made of sixe white leaues a peece, pointed and not
round: the cup is small and round like vnto the cup or crowne of the
least Rush Daffodill, of a yellow colour at the bottome but toward the
edge of a dunne or sullen colour.
_Narcissus angustifolius luteus semper florens Caccini._
The yellow Italian Daffodill of Caccini.
This Daffodill beareth a number of small, long, narrow, and very greene
leaues, broader then the leaues of any Rush Daffodill, among which
rise vp diuers stalkes, bearing at the head two or three flowers a
peece, each of them being small and yellow, the cup or crowne is small
also, of a deeper yellow then the flower. The Nobleman of Florence,
who first sent this plant to Christian Porret at Leyden, after the
death of Carolus Clusius, writeth that euery stalke doth beare with him
more store of flowers, then are formerly set downe, and that it neuer
ceaseth to beare flowers, but that after one or more stalkes haue been
in flower together, and are past, there succeed other in their places.
The Place.
The first is naturall of Spain, the naturall place of the other
is not known to vs.
The Time.
The times of the flowring, are set downe both in the title and
in the descriptions; the one to be in Autumne, the other to be
all the Summer long.
The Names.
The Latine names are imposed on them, as are fittest for them,
and the last by that honourable man that sent it, which is most
fit to continue, and not to bee changed. But wee, to let it bee
knowne by an English name to English people, haue entituled it,
The yellow Italian Daffodill of Caccini: if any man can giue it
a more proper name, I shall bee therewith right well content.
_Narcissus angustifolius, siue Iuncifolius maximus, amplo calice._
The great Iunquilia with the large flower or cup.
Although this Daffodill importeth by his name, not to be of this
family, but of the next, considering it is so like vnto them, but
bigger; yet I haue thought good to place it in the end of these narrow
leafed Daffodils, as being indifferent, whether it should bee referred
to this or to that. For this carrieth diuers long green leaues, like
vnto the other Rush Daffodils, but thicker and broader, so that it
may without any great errour, bee reckoned among these narrow leafed
Daffodils, bearing at the toppe two or three very faire large flowers,
with a large and more open cuppe, then in any other of the Rush
Daffodils, both of them of a faire yellow colour, yet the cuppe a
little deeper then the flower, and a little crumpled about the edges,
and both a pretty sharpe sent: the roote is greater and longer then the
other Rush Daffodill, and couered likewise with a blackish coate.
The Place.
We haue this in Gardens onely, and haue not heard of his
naturall place.
The Time.
It flowreth in Aprill.
The Names.
I leaue it indifferent, as I said, whether you will call it
_Narcissus angustifolius_, or _Iuncifolius magno calice_, or
_maximus_, because it is the greatest of all the rest of that
kinde.
_Narcissus totus albus flore pleno Virginianus._
The double white Daffodill of Virginia.
The roote of this Daffodill, is very like vnto the former single
Virginia Daffodill, set forth in the first place of this ranke of
narrow leafed Daffodils, but that it is a little bigger and rounder,
being a little long withall, and blackish also on the outside, as that
is: from whence riseth vp two leaues, somewhat broader then the former:
but of a like greennesse: the stalke riseth vp betweene these two
leaues, about a span high, or not much higher, bearing one faire double
snow white flower, very like in the fashion vnto the pale yellow double
Daffodill, or bastard Daffodill of Robinus, hereafter described: For
it is in the like manner laid open flat, and composed of six rowes of
leaues, euery rowe lying in order iust opposite, or one before another,
whereof those six leaues that make the first or outermost course, are
the greatest, and all the rest lying, as I said, one vpon or before
another, are euery rowe smaller then others from the middle of this
flower, thrusteth forth a small long pointed forke or horne, white as
the flower is.
The Place.
The place is named to be Virginia, but in what part it is not
known to vs.
The Time.
It flowreth in the end of Aprill.
The Names.
It may be that this doth grow among the former single kinde,
and called by the same name Attamusco, for that the plant is
not much differing, yet hereof I am not certaine: But we, from
the forme and countenance of the plant, do call it _Narcissus
Virginianus_, The Virginian Daffodill, and because it beareth a
double flower, it hath the title of double added vnto it.
The third order of Daffodils, I said in the beginning was of
_Iuncifolios_, Rush Daffodils, which are now next to be entreated of,
I shall herein keepe the same order I vsed in the former; but because
I finde none of this order, that beare but one flower vpon a stalke, I
must begin with those that beare many.
1. _Narcissus Iuncifolius albus._ The white Iunquilia.
This white Rush Daffodill hath small long leaues, a little broader, and
of a whiter greene colour then the ordinary yellow Rush Daffodils: the
stalke riseth vp halfe a foote high or more, bearing two or three small
white flowers vpon a stalke, yet somewhat bigger then the common yellow
Rush Daffodill, hauing a small round cuppe in the middle, white also as
the leaues are. The seede is small, blacke, and round, as other seedes
of Daffodils are: the roote is small and round, couered with a blackish
coate.
_Narcissus Iuncifolius albus magno calice._
The white Iunquilia with a great cup.
There is of this kinde another sort, that hath the cup in the middle
of the flower, a little larger then the other, but in all other things
alike.
2. _Narcissus Iuncifolius flore albo reflexo._
The white turning Iunquilia, or Rush Daffodill.
This turning white Daffodill hath foure or fiue long greene leaues,
yet shorter and broader then the ordinary yellow Iunquilia, and fully
as greene also, from among which riseth vp a slender greene stalke, a
foote high bearing out of a thinne skinnie huske, three or foure, or
more snow white flowers, standing vpon long greene foot-stalkes, euery
flower hanging downe his head, and turning vp his six narrow and long
leaues, euen to the very foot-stalk againe: from the middle of the
flower hangeth downe a long round cuppe, as white as the leaues, within
which are contained three small white chiues, tipt with yellow, and a
small long pointell, thrusting out beyond the brimmes of the cup: after
the flowers are past, there come vp in their places small three square
heads, wherein is contained very small, round, and blacke shining
seede: the roote is small, round, and a little long withall, couered
with a blackish browne coate or skin. The flower is quite without any
good sent, or indeed rather none at all.
3. _Narcissus Iuncifolius flore luteo reflexo._
The yellow turning Iunquilia, or Rush Daffodill.
The leaues of the Rush Daffodill are greater and longer then the
former, and of a paler greene colour: the stalke riseth somewhat
higher, bearing two or three flowers thereon wholly of a gold yellow
colour, both the cuppe and the leaues that turne vp againe.
4. _Narcissus Iuncifolius calice albo reflexis folijs luteis._
The yellow turning Iunquilia with a white cup.
This Daffodill hath his long rush-like leaues standing vpright as the
former, betweene which riseth vp a greene stalke, about a foote high or
more, bearing two or three flowers thereon, whose turning leaues are of
a faire pale yellow, and the cuppe pale white, and not so pure a white
as the former.
5. _Narcissus Iuncifolius calice luteo reflexis folijs albidis._
The white turning Iunquilia with a yellow cup.
As the last had the leaues of the flower that turne vp againe yellow,
and the cuppe whitish, so this hath contrariwise the turning leaues of
a whitish yellow, and the long cup yellower, else in his long green
leaues, or any other thing, there is small difference.
6. _Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus magno calice._
The Iunquilia, or Rush Daffodill with a great cup.
This Rush Daffodill hath bigger leaues, and longer then the ordinary
yellow Rush Daffodill, being a little flat on the one side, and round
on the other, but of the same greennesse with all the rest: the stalke
riseth vp two foote high, bearing two, and sometimes three flowers
thereon, being of a faire yellow colour, with a large open cup in the
middle, of a little deeper yellow colour, like vnto the great Iunquilia
with the large flower, before set downe, whereof this is a kinde, no
doubt; but that is larger and greater then this, both in leafe, flower,
cup, &c. and this onely somewhat lesse in all parts then that.
[Illustration:
1 _Narcissus Iuncifolius albus._ The white Iunquilia.
2 _Narcissus Iuncifolius flore albo reflexo._ The white turning
Iunquilia.
3 _Narcissus Iuncifolius calice luteo reflexis folijs albis._ The
yellow turning Iunquilia.
4 _Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus magno calice._ The yellow Iunquilia
with a great cuppe.
5 _Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus maior vulgaris._ The ordinary yellow
Iunquilia.
6 _Narcissus Iuncifolius Autumnalis flore viridi._ The greene Autumne
Iunquilia.
7 _Narcissus angustifolius aureus multiplex._ The golden double
narrow leafed Daffodill.
8 _Narcissus Iuncifolius flore pleno._ The double Iunquilia.
]
7. _Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus vulgaris maior._
The ordinary Iunquilia, or Rush Daffodill.
This ordinary Rush Daffodill hath foure or fiue long greene round
leaues, like vnto Rushes, whereof it tooke the name: among these leaues
riseth vp the stalke, round and greene, a foote and a halfe high very
often, bearing at the toppe three or foure flowers all yellow, but much
smaller then the last, and so is the cup also: the seede is small and
blacke, inclosed in small cornered heads; the roote is blackish on the
outside. The smell of the flower is very sweete in all these sorts of
Rush Daffodils.
8. _Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus medius_. The smaller Iunquilia, or
Rush Daffodill.
The leaues of this Daffodill are like vnto the former, but smaller and
rounder, the stalke riseth vp so high, nor are the flowers so great,
but the leaues of the flower are a little rounder, and not so pointed
as in the former, in all things else alike, sauing lesser.
9. _Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus minor._
The least Iunquilia, or Rush Daffodill.
This least Daffodill hath fiue or six small greene leaues, a little
broader, and not so long as the last, among which riseth vp a stalke
almost a foote high, bearing one or two small flowers at the toppe, of
a paler yellow colour then the former, with a yellow open cuppe, or
crowne rather in the middle, bigger then in either of the last two: the
roote is very small and blacke, like vnto the last in roundnesse and
colour.
10. _Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus albicantibus lineis distinctus._
The yellow Iunquilia, or Rush Daffodill with white lines.
This Rush Daffodill, hath round, greene, and long leaues, like vnto
the ordinary Rush Daffodill, with a stalke bearing two or three yellow
flowers, hauing leaues somewhat round at the point or end, with a
line or strake of white in the middle of euerie one of them, the cup
is short, and crowne fashion, a little crumpled about the brims: the
seede, roote, or anything else differeth not.
11. _Narcissus Iuncifolius Autumnalis flore viridi._
The Autumne Rush Daffodill with a greene flower.
This strange Rush Daffodill (I call it strange, not onely because it
differeth from all others of this kinde, but also because there are but
few in these parts that haue had it, and fewer that doe still enioy it,
in that it is perished withall that had it) hath but one onely leafe,
very long, round, and greene, in all that euer I saw growing, which
beareth no flower while that greene leafe is fresh, and to bee seene:
but afterwards the stalke riseth vp, being like vnto the former greene
leafe, round, naked, and greene vp to the toppe, where two or three
flowers breake forth out of a small thin skinne, euery one consisting
of six small and narrow greene leaues, very sharpe pointed at the
end, and as it were ending in a small pricke or thorne: in the middle
whereof is a small round cup, or rather crowne, of the same colour with
the leaues and stalke, which flower smelleth very sweete, somewhat like
vnto the rest of the Rush Daffodils: this sheweth not his flower vntill
October, and the frosts quickly following after their flowring, cause
them soone to perish.
12. _Narcissus angustifolius aureus multiplex._
The golden double narrow leafed Daffodill.
The leaues of this Daffodill are very narrow, and of a whitish greene
colour, not aboue foure or fiue inches long, from among which riseth vp
a stalke about a foote high, bearing at the top one flower, consisting
of some outer leaues, which are of a yellow colour, and of many other
leaues in the middle being smaller, and set thicke and round together
of a more yellow gold colour, but with some whiter leaues among them,
the middle part a little pointing forth; the flower standeth long
before it doth perfect his colour, and abideth long in flower before
the colour decay: the roote is in fashion almost like the ordinary
Iunquilia, or Rush Daffodill. I acknowledge this Daffodill hath not his
proper place; but because the figure is set in this table, let it thus
passe at this time.
13. _Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus flore pleno._
The double Iunquilia, or Rush Daffodill.
The double Rush Daffodill hath his long greene leaues round, like
the leaues of the common or ordinary Rush Daffodill, and of the same
bignesse, among which riseth vp a long slender greene stalke, bearing
two or three, seldome more small flowers, yellow and double, that is,
with diuers rowes of leaues, hauing the yellow cup such as is in the
single flower, broken into small threads or peeces, running among the
leaues of the flower, which peeces in some flowers are not so easily
seene, being smaller then in others, this beareth no button or head
vnder the flower for seede, his roote is round and blackish, browne on
the outside, so like vnto the common Rush Daffodill, that it is almost
impossible to know the one from the other.
[Sidenote: _Alter minori flore._]
There is another of this kinde, whose flowers are smaller, and not so
double, one, two, or three at the most vpon a stalke, and of lesse
beauty by much.
The Place.
All these Rush Daffodils, doe for the most part grow in Spaine
and France, and on the Pyrenæan Mountaines, which are betweene
Spaine and France, which Mountains are the Nourseries of many
of the finest flowers, that doe adorne the Gardens of these
louers of natures pride, and gathered in part by industrious,
learned, generous men, inhabiting neare thereunto, and in part
by such as make a gaine of their labours, bestowed vpon these
things. Onely that with the greene flower was gathered in
Barbary, and imparted vnto vs from France.
The Time.
They flower in the Spring, that is, in March and Aprill, except
such whose time is set downe to be in Autumne.
The Names.
Their names are specified in their titles, and therefore I
shall not need to set downe any further repetitions.
To conclude therefore this discourse of true Daffodils, there remaineth
to speake of the Sea Daffodils, which (as I said in the beginning) is
but one, that is frequent, and doth abide with vs. But there bee some
others found about the Cape of good Hope, and in the West Indies, and
brought vnto these parts rather for ostentation, then continuance,
where they haue flowred onely once (if peraduenture so often) so that
being such strangers, of so remote Countries, and of so diuers natures,
I shall but shew you some of them, rather cursorily then curiously; and
but onely for your satisfaction, giue you knowledge of two or three of
them, that there haue beene seene such in flower, and that they are
scarce to bee seene againe, except they bee fetcht a new euery yeare
that they be seene.
_Narcissus Marinus, siue tertius Matthioli._
The great white Sea Daffodill, or Matthiolus his third Daffodill.
The roote of this Daffodill by long continuance, standing in one place
without being remoued, groweth to be much greater and larger, than
any other Daffodill whatsoeuer, and as bigge as any meane Squilla
or Sea Onion roote, hauing many long, thicke, and white fibres, or
long rootes, diuersly branched, and spread vnder the vpper part of
the earth beside some others that grow downward, and perish not euery
yeare, as the fibres of all, or most of the other Daffodils doe; and
therefore this plant will not thriue, and beare flowers, if it be
often transplanted, but rather desire to abide in one place without
remouing, as I said, and that not to be ouershadowed, or couered
with other herbes standing too neare it, which then will flourish,
and beare aboundantly: from this roote, which is couered with many
blackish coates, ariseth six or seuen, or more leaues, twice so broad
almost, as any of the former Daffodils, but not so long by halfe as
many of them, being but short, in comparison of the breadth, and of a
white greene colour; from the middle of which leaues, as also from the
sides sometimes, springeth vp one or two, or more stalkes, roundish
and thicke, and sometimes a little flat and cornered, a foote high or
somewhat more, bearing at the toppe, out of a skinnie huske, eight,
ten, twelue, or more very large flowers, consisting of six white leaues
a peece, spread or laid open, with a white short cuppe or crowne in the
middle, lying flat vpon the leaues, cut or diuided into six corners
(and not whole, as the cuppe or crowne of any other single Daffodill)
from euery of which edges, or corners of this cup or crowne, standeth
one white long thread, a little crooked or turning vp at the end, tipt
with a yellow pendent, and some other white threads tipt with yellow
pendents, standing also in the middle: after the flower is past, there
come vp great three square heads, wherein the seede is contained, which
is great, blacke, and round, like vnto the seede of other Daffodils,
but greater: the flower hath a reasonable good sent, but not very
strong.
The Place.
It was first found by the Sea side, in the Isle of Sardinia,
and on the high Mountaines also of the same Isle, where it hath
borne by report, thirty fiue flowers vpon a stalke: it groweth
likewise about Illyricum, and in diuers other places.
The Time.
It springeth later out of the ground then any other Daffodill,
that is to say, not vntill the later end of March, or beginning
of Aprill, and flowreth in the end of May, or the beginning of
Iune: the seede is ripe in the end of Iuly, or beginning of
August.
The Names.
The first that hath made mention of this Daffodill, was
Matthiolus, who placed it in the third place among his
Daffodils, and is most vsually now adayes called _Narcissus
tertius Matthioli_, Matthiolus his third Daffodill, the rather,
because Clusius vpon a more mature deliberation, first referred
it thereunto, but called it at the first, _Lilionarcissus
Hemerocallidis facie_, and, as hee saith, Iacobus Plateau (who
first sent him the figure hereof, with the description) called
it _Lilionarcissus Orientalis_, but Clusius vpon certaine
information, that it grew in the places aforesaid, misliked
the name of _Orientalis_, and added _Hemerocallis_, which yet
is not fit, for that his _Hemerocallis Valentina_, is a plaine
Pancration or Sea bastard Daffodill, whose middle cup is longer
then the cup of any true Daffodill, which (as I said in the
beginning of this Chapter) is the chiefest note of difference,
betweene a true and a bastard Daffodill. I receiued the seede
of this Daffodill among many other seedes of rare plants, from
the liberality of Mʳ. Doctor Flud, one of the Physitians of the
Colledge in London, who gathered them in the Vniuersity Garden
at Pisa in Italy, and brought them with him, returning home
from his trauailes into those parts, by the name of _Martagon
rarissimum_, (and hauing sowne them, expected fourteene yeares,
before I saw them beare a flower, which the first yeare that it
did flower, bore foure stalkes of flowers, with euery one of
them eight or ten flowers on them) which of all other names,
doth least answer the forme or qualities of this plant. It may
most fitly be called _Narcissus marinus maximus_, in English,
The great Sea Daffodill, both because it is a true Daffodill,
and the greatest of all other, and also because it hath not
been found, but in Islands, or else in other places neare the
Sea. Lobelius entituleth it _Pancratium Indicum alterum vernum,
siue Narcissus Indicus alter facie Pancratij Monspeliaci_, but
all this is wide from the matter, as may easily be known, by
that that hath been said before. It is generally (as I said
before) called of all _Narcissus tertius Matthioli_, Matthiolus
his third Daffodill, which may either so passe with vs, or as
I called it, The great Sea Daffodill, which you will, & so
Clusius doth lastly entitle it.
[Illustration:
1 _Narcissus tertius Matthioli._ The great white Sea Daffodill.
2 _Narcissus Indicus Autumnalis._ The Indian Autumne Daffodill.
3 _Narcissus marinus Africanus._ The Sea Daffodill of Africa.
4 _Narcissus marinus exoticus._ The strange Sea Daffodill.
]
1. _Pancratium Indicum, aut Narcissus Indicus Autumnalis quorundam
Lobelij._ The Indian Autumne Daffodill of Lobel.
This plant hath in my opinion, a farre nearer resemblance vnto an
Hyacinthus, then vnto any Daffodill: But because Lobel hath so set it
forth, I will so publish it vnto you, leauing it to iudgement. The
roote is, as he saith, a span long, and of the thicknesse of a mans
arme, couered with many white shells, whereof the outermost are of a
darke red or Chestnut colour: the flowers rise vp in September and
October, being eight or ten in number, euery one by it selfe vpon a
small footstalke, made of six leaues a peece, somewhat long, narrow,
and pointed, like vnto the flowers of the English Colchicum, or Medowe
Saffron, of a whitish yellow dunne colour, with six long threads in the
middle: the greene leaues are long and broad, and broad pointed.
2. _Narcissus Marinus Africanus, siue Exoticus Lobelij._
The Sea Daffodill of Africa.
The roote of this strange plant (which of some likenesse is called
a Daffodill) is very great, made as it were of many scaly cloues,
from whence riseth vp a small short stalke, bearing hard aboue the
ground two faire broad greene pointed leaues, more long then broad, so
compassing the stalke at the bottome, that it seemeth to run through
them: the stalke is spotted with diuers discoloured spots, and is bare
or naked from these two leaues vnto the toppe, where it beareth one
faire double flower, like vnto a double Anemone, of a delayed reddish
colour, tending to a blush, with many threads set about the middle head.
3. _Narcissus Marinus Exoticus._ The strange Sea Daffodill.
The strange Sea Daffodill, hath fiue or six large and long leaues of
a pale greene colour, from among which riseth vp a strong and bigge
stalke, bearing at the toppe, out of a thinne hose or skinne, many very
large flowers, made of six long and pointed leaues apeece, of a blewish
purple colour, with a large round open cup in the middle, of a sadder
colour then the leaues: the roote is very great, yet like vnto other
great Daffodils, the outer skins whereof are of a darke browne colour.
The Place.
The Indian Daffodils grew in the vpper part of Hispaniola in
the West Indies, and brought hither, where they all soone
perished.
The other grew neare the Cape of good Hope, and was brought
into the parts of Holland and thereabouts, from whence we had
it, & perished also.
The last is vnknowne where it was gathered.
The Time.
The first flowred in Autumne, as it is said.
The other in the first Summer of their bringing.
And so did the last, but the same rootes will not flower with
vs againe.
The Names.
So much hath been said of their names in their titles, as hath
come to our knowledge; and therefore let that suffice.
Thus hauing gone through the whole Family of the true Daffodils, (for
so much as hath come to our knowledge) and set them downe euery one by
his name, and in this order; it is fit that we speake of their bastard
brethern, and shew you them also, in the same order held with the
former, as neare as the plenty of variety herein, which is not the like
with the former, will giue leaue, that when you know them both by face
and name, you may the better know to place or distinguish of others,
that haue not passed vnder this rod.
_Pseudonarcissus aureus Hispanicus maximus._
The great yellow Spanish bastard Daffodill.
The roote of this kinde of Daffodill is reasonable great, and blackish
on the outside, desiring to be deepe in the ground; and therefore
will runne downe, where it will then encrease into many of-sets, from
whence rise vp many thicke, long, and stiffe leaues, of a grayish
greene colour, among which riseth vp a round strong stalke, sometimes
three foote high or better, bearing at the toppe one onely faire great
yellow flower, standing forth right, and not pendulous, consisting of
six short and somewhat broad leaues, with a very great, large, and long
trunke, of an equall largenesse, but open at the mouth, and turning vp
the brimmes a little, which are somewhat crumpled: after the flower is
past, there commeth in the place a three square head, containing round,
blacke seede, like vnto other Daffodils.
_Pseudonarcissus Pyrenæus Hispanico & Anglico similis._
The Mountaine bastard Daffodill of diuers kindes.
There is much variety in this kinde of bastard Daffodill: For one
sort hath verie broad and whitish greene leaues, somewhat short in
comparison of others, that are of that breadth: the flower is wholly
yellow, but a little paler then the former Spanish kinde, hauing the
leaues of his flower long, and somewhat narrow, standing like wings
about the middle trunke, which is as long as the leaues, and smaller
then in many other of this kinde, but a little yellower then the wings.
Another sort hath narrower green leaues then this last, and longer, the
flower is all yellow, but the trunke is larger, wider, and more open at
the mouth then the former, and almost as large as the former Spanish,
but not so high as the last. A third hath the wings of the flower of a
Strawe colour, but the trunke is long and narrow, of a faire yellow. A
fourth hath such like flowers, but that it is shorter, both the wings
and the trunke: Some likewise haue the wings of the flower longer, then
the long trunke, and some shorter. Some also are all yellow, and some
haue their wings onely a little more pale or white, like the English
kinde: Some againe haue their trunkes long and narrow, others haue
them larger and wider open, and crumpled at the brimmes; so that it is
needlesse, to spend a great deale of time and labour vpon such smally
respected flowers, but that in the beholding of them, we may therein
admire the worke of the Creatour, who can frame such diuersity in one
thing: But this is beside the text, yet not impertinent.
_Pseudonarcissus pallidus præcox._
The early Strawe coloured bastard Daffodill.
The leaues of this Daffodill are of a meane size, betweene the broadest
and the narrower kindes, of a grayish greene colour, and not very long:
the stalke riseth vp a foot high or more, whereon standeth one large
great flower, equalling the greatest Spanish bastard Daffodill, before
described, in the largenesse of his trunke, and hauing the brimmes
turned vp a little, which maketh it seeme the larger: the wings or
outer leaues are in a manner as short, as they are in the greatest
Spanish kinde, (and not long flagging down, like vnto the Mountain
kinds) and stand straight outright: all the whole flower is of one
euen colour, that is, of a fine pale yellow, somewhat like vnto the
colour of a Lemon peele or rinde, but somewhat whiter, which vsually we
call a Strawe colour; the greatnesse of the flower, the earlinesse of
the flowring, and the difference of colour from all the rest of this
kinde, hath made me entreate of it apart by it selfe, as being no lesse
worthy.
_Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus flore albo maior._
The great white Spanish bastard Daffodill.
This bastard Daffodill hath diuers leaues rising vp together, long
and broad, somewhat like vnto the first Spanish kinde, but a little
broader, and of a whiter greene colour, yet not so white, as in the
lesser Spanish white kindes, hereafter described: among these leaues
riseth vp a round strong stalke, about two foote high, bearing one
white flower at the toppe, bending downe the head, as all these white
kindes doe, but is not of so pure a white, as the lesser kindes that
follow, yet whiter then the greatest white Spanish kinde, next of all
to be described: the whole flower, as well trunke as wings, is much
larger then the lesser white kindes, and almost equalling the first
Spanish yellow, but a little longer and narrower, a little crumpled
and turning vp at the brimmes: the head and seede are like the first;
the roote is greater and thicker then the first Spanish, and doth not
encrease so much, nor is couered with a blacke, but rather with a
whitish coate.
_Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus maximus albidus._
The greatest Spanish white bastard Daffodill.
This kinde of bastard Daffodill is very like the last mentioned
Daffodill, both in leaues and flowers, but larger in both: the flower
of this is not full so white, but hath some shew of palenesse therein,
and more vpon the first opening of the flower then afterwards, and is
as great altogether, as the great Spanish yellow, at the least with
a longer, and somewhat narrower trunke: the seede is like vnto the
former, and so is the roote also, but greater, being white on the
outside, and not blacke.
_Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus flore albo medius & minor._
The two lesser white Spanish bastard Daffodils.
There are two other of these kindes of white Spanish Daffodils, one
greater or lesser then the other, but neither of them so great as the
former. The leaues of both are of a whitish greene colour, one a little
broader then the other: the flowers of both are pure white, and bending
downe the heads, that they almost touch the stalke againe, the greater
flower hath the longer and narrower trunke; and the lesser flower, the
shorter and wider open, yet both a little crumpled at the edges or
brimmes: the rootes of both are like one vnto another, but differ in
the greatnesse. From the seede of these haue sprung much variety, few
or none keeping either colour or height with the mother plants.
_Pseudonarcissus Anglicus vulgaris._
Our common English wilde bastard Daffodill.
This bastard Daffodill is so common in all England, both in Copses,
Woods, and Orchards, that I might well forbeare the description
thereof, and especially, in that growing wilde, it is of little respect
in our Garden: but yet, lest I bee challenged of ignorance in common
plants, and in regard of some variety therein worth the marking. I will
set downe his description and variety as briefly as I may: It hath
three or foure grayish greene leaues, long and somewhat narrow, among
which riseth vp the stalke, about a span high or little higher, bearing
at the toppe, out of a skinnie huske, as all other Daffodils haue, one
flower (although sometimes I haue seene two together) somewhat large,
hauing the six leaues that stand like wings, of a pale yellow colour,
and the long trunke in the middle of a faire yellow, with the edges
or brimmes a little crumpled or vneuen: after the flower is past, it
beareth a round head, seeming three square, containing round blacke
seede; the roote is somewhat blackish on the outside.
But there is another of this kinde like vnto the former, whose further
description you haue here before; the wings of which flower are much
more white then the former, and in a manner of a milke white colour,
the trunke remaining almost as yellow as the former, and not differing
in any thing else.
[Illustration:
1 _Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus maximus aureus._ The great yellow
Spanish bastard Daffodill.
2 _Pseudonarcissus Pyrenæus variformis._ The Mountaine bastard
Daffodill of diuers kindes.
3 _Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus maior albus._ The greater white Spanish
bastard Daffodill.
4 _Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus minor albus._ The lesser Spanish white
bastard Daffodill.
5 _Pseudonarcissus tubo sexangulari._ The six cornered bastard
Daffodill.
6 _Pseudonarcissus maximus aureus, siue Roseus Tradescanti._ Iohn
Tradescants great Rose Daffodill.
7 _Pseudonarcissus aureus Anglicus maximus._ Master Wilmers great
double Daffodill.
8 _Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus aureus flore pleno._ The double Spanish
Daffodill, or Parkinsons double Daffodill.
9 _Pseudonarcissus Gallicus maior flore pleno._ The greater double
French Daffodill.
10 _Pseudonarcissus Anglicus flore pleno._ The double English
Daffodill, or Gerrards double Daffodill.
]
_Pseudonarcissus tubo sexangulari._
The six cornered bastard Daffodill.
This kinde of Daffodill hath two or three long, and somewhat broader
leaues then the last, between which commeth forth a stalke, bearing
one flower somewhat large hauing the six outer leaues of a pale yellow
colour, and the long trunke plaited or cornered all along vnto the very
edge into six parts, of a little deeper yellow then the wings.
The Place.
The first great Spanish kinde was brought out of Spaine. The
rest from the Pyrenæan Mountaines, onely the last sauing one
is plentifull in our owne Country, but the white sort of that
kinde came with the rest from the same Mountaines.
The Time.
The pale or third kinde, and the English bee the most early,
all the rest flower in Aprill, and the greatest yellow somewhat
earlier, then the other greater or lesser white.
The Names.
Their seuerall names are expressed in their titles sufficient
to distinguish them, and therefore there needeth no more to be
said of them.
1. _Pseudonarcissus aureus maximus flore pleno, siue Roseus
Tradescanti._
The greatest double yellow bastard Daffodill, or Iohn Tradescant his
great Rose Daffodill.
This Prince of Daffodils (belongeth primarily to Iohn Tradescant, as
the first founder thereof, that we know, and may well bee entituled
the Glory of Daffodils) hath a great round roote, like vnto other
Daffodils, couered with a brownish outer skinne or peeling, from
whence riseth vp foure or fiue somewhat large and broad leaues, of a
grayish greene colour, yet not fully so long and large as the next
following Daffodill: from the middle whereof riseth vp a stalke almost
as high and great as it, bearing at the toppe (out of a skinnie huske)
one faire large great flower (the budde, before it breake open,
being shorter and thicker in the middle, and ending in a longer and
sharper point then any of the other Daffodils) very much spread open,
consisting of smaller and shorter leaues then the next, but more in
number, and thicker and rounder set together, making it seeme as great
and double as any Prouince Rose, and intermixt with diuers yellow and
pale leaues, as it were on rowes one vnder another. It abideth long in
flower, and spreadeth, by standing long, to be the broadest in compasse
of any of the Daffodils, but falleth away at the last without giuing
any seede, as all double Daffodils doe.
2. _Pseudonarcissus aureus Anglicus maximus._
Mʳ. Wilmers great double Daffodill.
The other great double Daffodill doth so neare resemble our ordinary
English double kinde, that I doe not finde therein any greater
difference, then the largenesse both of leaues and flowers, &c., and
the statelinesse of growth. It beareth three or foure large, long,
and broad leaues, somewhat longer and broader then the former, and
of a whitish greene colour: the stalke riseth to bee two foote high,
growing (in a fruitfull and fat soyle) strong, and somewhat round,
bearing at the toppe, out of a thin skinne, one great and faire double
flower, each leafe whereof is twice as large and broad as the former,
diuersly intermixt with a rowe of paler, and a rowe of deeper yellow
leaues, wholly dispersed throughout the flower, the pale colour as well
as the deeper yellow, in this as in the other small English kinde,
growing deeper by standing: sometimes the leaues hereof are scattered,
and spread wholly, making it shew a faire, broad, open flower: and
sometimes the outer leaues stand separate from the middle trunke,
which is whole and vnbroken, and very thicke of leaues: and sometimes
the middle trunke, will bee halfe broken, neither expressing a full
open double flower, nor a close double trunke, as it is likewise seene
in the small English kinde, as shall bee declared in his place: this
beareth no seede; the roote hereof is thicke and great, and encreaseth
as well as any other Daffodill.
3. _Pseudonarcissus aureas Hispanicus flore pleno._
The great double yellow Spanish bastard Daffodill, or Parkinsons
Daffodill.
This double Spanish Daffodill hath diuers leaues rising from the
roote, stiffer, narrower, and not of so whitish a greene colour as the
former, but more sullen or grayish, plainely resembling the leaues of
the single great kinde, from whence this hath risen: the stalke hereof
likewise riseth almost as high as it, and neare the height of the
last recited double, bearing one double flower at the toppe, alwayes
spread open, and neuer forming a double trunke like the former, yet
not so faire and large as it, the outermost leaues whereof being of a
greenish colour at the first, and afterward more yellow, doe a little
turne themselues backe againe to the stalke, the other leaues are some
of a pale yellow, and others of a more gold yellow colour, those that
stand in the middle are smaller, and some of them shew as if they were
hollow trunked, so that they seeme to be greenish, whitish, yellow, and
gold yellow, all mixed one among another: the root is great, round, and
whitish on the inside, couered with darke coloured skinnes or peelings.
I thinke none euer had this kinde before my selfe, nor did I my selfe
euer see it before the yeare 1618, for it is of mine own raising and
flowring first in my Garden.
4. _Pseudonarcissus Gallicus maior flore pleno._
The greater double French bastard Daffodill.
This greater double Daffodill, hath his whitish greene leaues longer
and broader then the smaller French kinde, hereafter following, to bee
described, and broader, longer, and more limber then the double English
kinde: the stalke riseth vp not much higher, then the smaller French
kinde, but a little bigger, bearing at the top one great double flower,
which when it is fully and perfectly blowne open (which is but seldome;
for that it is very tender, the leaues being much thinner, and thereby
continually subiect, vpon any little distemperature of the time, to
cleaue so fast one vnto another, that the flower cannot blow open
faire) is a faire and goodly flower, larger by halfe then the smaller
kinde, and fuller of leaues, of the same pale whitish yellow, or Lemon
colour, with the lesser, or rather a little whiter, and not set in the
same order of rowes as it is, but more confusedly together, and turning
backe the ends of the outermost leaues to the stalke againe, and hauing
the bottome of the flower on the backside somewhat greene, neither of
which is found in the lesser kinde: the roote is very like vnto the
lesser kinde, but a little bigger and longer.
5. _Pseudonarcissus Anglicus flore pleno._
The double English bastard Daffodill, or Gerrards double Daffodill.
The leaues of this double Daffodill are very like vnto the single
kinde, being of a whitish greene colour, and somewhat broad, a little
shorter and narrower, yet stiffer then the former French kinde: the
stalke riseth vp about a foote high, bearing at the toppe one very
double flower, the outermost leaues being of the same pale colour, that
is to bee seene in the wings of the single kinde; those that stand next
them are some as deepe a yellow as the trunke of the single, and others
of the same pale colour, with some greene stripes on the backe of
diuers of the leaues: thus is the whole flower variably intermixt with
pale and deepe yellow, and some greene stripes among them, when it
is fully open, and the leaues dispersed and broken. For sometimes the
flower sheweth a close and round yellow trunke in the middle, separate
from the pale outer wings, which trunke is very double, shewing some
pale leaues within it, dispersed among the yellow: And sometimes the
trunke is more open, or in part broken, shewing forth the same colours
intermixt within it: the flower passeth away without giuing any seede,
as all other bulbous rootes doe that beare double flowers: the roote is
small, very like vnto the French double kindes, especially the lesser,
that it is verie hard to know the one from the other.
The Place.
The first and greatest kinde, we had first from Iohn
Tradescante (as I said before) whether raised from seed, or
gained from beyond Sea, I know not.
The second we first had from Vincent Sion, borne in Flanders,
dwelling on the Bank side, in his liues time, but now dead; an
industrious and worthy louer of faire flowers, who cherished it
in his Garden for many yeares, without bearing of any flowers
vntill the yeare 1620, that hauing flowred with him, (and hee
not knowing of whom hee receiued it, nor hauing euer seene the
like flower before) he sheweth it to Mʳ. Iohn de Franqueuille,
of whom he supposed he had receiued it, (for from beyond Sea
he neuer receiued any) who finding it to bee a kinde neuer
seene or knowne to vs before, caused him to respect it the
more, as it is well worthy. And Mʳ. George Wilmer of Stratford
Bowe Esquire, in his liues time hauing likewise receiued it
of him (as my selfe did also) would needes appropriate it to
himselfe, as if he were the first founder thereof, and call it
by his owne name Wilmers double Daffodill, which since hath so
continued.
The third is of mine owne fostering or raising, as I said
before; for assuredly, it is risen from the seede of the great
Spanish single kinde, which I sowed in mine owne Garden, and
cherished it, vntill it gaue such a flower as is described.
The fourth is not certainly knowne where his originall should
be: Some thinke it to be of France, and others of Germany.
The last is assuredly first naturall of our owne Countrey, for
Mʳ. Gerrard first discouered it to the world, finding it in
a poore womans Garden in the West parts of England, where it
grew before the woman came to dwell there, and, as I haue heard
since, is naturall of the Isle of Wight.
The Time.
They doe all flower much about one time, that is, from the
middle or end of March, as the yeare is forward, vnto the
middle of Aprill.
The Names.
Vpon the three first I haue imposed the names in Latine, as
they are expressed in their titles: and for the English names,
if you please, you may let them passe likewise as they are
expressed there also, that thereby euery one may be truely
distinguished, and not confounded. The fourth, besides the name
in the title, is called of some _Narcissus Germanicus_, which
whether it be of Germany, or no, I know not; but that the name
should import so much. The last doth vsually carry Mʳ. Gerrards
name, and called Gerrards double Daffodill.
1. _Pseudonarcissus angustifolius flore flauescente tubo quasi
abscisso._
The narrow leafed bastard Daffodill with the clipt trunke.
This kinde of Daffodill hath long and narrow grayish greene leaues,
bearing one single flower at the toppe of his stalke, like vnto the
former single bastard kindes, before specified, hauing his outer
leaues of a pale yellow colour, and his trunke of a deeper yellow: the
chiefe differences in this from the former, is in the leaues, being
narrow, and then in the trunke of the flower, which is not crumpled or
turned vp, as most of the other are; and that the brimmes or edges of
the flower is as if it had been clipt off, or cut euen.
2. _Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus medius & minor luteus._
The two lesser Spanish yellow bastard Daffodils.
These two lesser kindes of Spanish Daffodils, doe but differ in
greatnesse the one from the other, and not in any thing else; so that
in declaring the one, you may vnderstand the other to bee a little
greater. The lesser hath three or foure narrow short whitish greene
leaues, from among which commeth forth a short stalke, not aboue an
hand breadth, or halfe a foote high, bearing one single flower, not
fully standing outright, but a little bending downe, consisting of
six small leaues, standing as wings about a small, but long trunke, a
little crumpled at the brimmes: the whole flower, as well leaues as
trunke, are of one deepe yellow colour, like vnto the great Spanish
kinde: the roote is but small, and couered with a darkish coate. The
other is in all parts greater, and (as I said) differeth not else.
3. _Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus luteus minimus._
The least Spanish yellow bastard Daffodill.
The leaues of this small kinde are smaller and shorter then the former,
seldome exceeding the length of three inches, and very narrow withall,
but of the same grayish greene colour with the former: euery flower
standeth vpon a small and short footestalke, scarce rising aboue the
ground; so that his nose, for the most part, doth lye or touch the
ground, and is made after the same fashion, and of the same colour with
the former, but much smaller, as his roote is so likewise.
4. _Pseudonarcissus Gallicus minor flore pleno._
The lesser French double bastard Daffodill.
The rootes of this lesser French kinde (if I may lawfully call it, or
the greater kinde before specified, a bastard Daffodill; for I somewhat
doubt thereof, in that the flower of either is not made after the
fashion of any of the other bastard Daffodils, but doth more nearely
resemble the forme of the double white Daffodill, expressed before
among the true Daffodils) are like vnto the double English kinde, as
also to the former double great French kinde, and the leaues are of
the same whitish greene colour also, but narrower and not longer: the
stalke riseth a little higher then the English, and not fully so high
as the greater French, bearing one faire double flower thereon, of a
pale yellow or Lemon colour, consisting of six rowes of leaues, euery
rowe growing smaller then other vnto the middle, and so set and placed,
that euery leafe of the flower doth stand directly almost in all, one
vpon or before another vnto the middle, where the leaues are smallest,
the outermost being the greatest, which maketh the flower seeme the
more beautifull: this and the greater kinde hath no trunke, or shew
of any other thing in the middle, as all or most of the other former
double bastard Daffodils haue, but are flowers wholly composed of
leaues, standing double euen to the middle.
The Place.
The first is vndoubtedly a naturall of the Pyrenæan Mountaines.
The Spanish kindes grew in Spaine, and
The French double kinde about Orleance in France, where it is
said to grow plentifully.
The Time.
The first flowreth at the end of March.
The Spanish kindes are the most early, flowring betimes in
March.
The French double doth flower presently after.
The Names.
More cannot bee said or added, concerning the names of any of
these Daffodils, then hath been set downe in their titles:
onely the French kinde is most vsually called Robinus his
Daffodill.
_Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius albus._
The white bastard Rush Daffodill, or Iunquilia.
This bastard Rush Daffodill hath two or three long and very greene
leaues, very like vnto the small yellow Rush Daffodill, formerly
described, but not altogether so round, among which riseth vp a short
stalke, seldome halfe a foote high, bearing at the toppe, out of a
small skinnie huske, one small white flower, sometime declining to
a pale colour, hauing six small and short leaues, standing about
the middle of the trunke, which is long, and much wider open at the
mouth, then at the bottome: the small outer leaues or wings are a
little tending to greene, and the trunke (as I said) is either white,
or whitish, hauing the brimmes a little vneuen: the seede is small,
blacke, and round, like vnto other Rush Daffodils, but smaller.
_Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolia, luteus maior._
The greater yellow Iunquilia, or bastard Daffodill.
The leaues of this greater kinde are longer, greater, and a little
broader then the former; the stalke also is higher, and the flower
larger, more open at the mouth and crumpled, then the white, but wholly
of a yellow colour: the seede and the roots are bigger, according to
the proportion of the plant.
_Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus minor._
The lesser yellow bastard Iunquilia.
This is so like vnto the last in all things, that I shall not neede to
trouble you with repetitions of the same things formerly spoken; the
chiefest difference is the smallnesse of the plant in all parts.
_Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus serotinus._
The late yellow bastard Iunquilia.
There is likewise a third kinde, as great as the greater yellow, and in
all his parts expressing and equalling it, but is accounted the fairer,
and flowreth somewhat later.
The Place.
The Pyrenæan Hils haue afforded vs all these varieties, and wee
preserue them carefully; for they are all tender.
The Time.
All these flower in Aprill, except the last, which is a moneth
later.
The Names.
The French and Lowe-Countrey men call them _Trompettes_, that
is, Trumpets, from the forme of the trunke; wee sometimes call
them also by that name, but more vsually bastard Iunquilia’s.
[Illustration:
1 _Pseudonarcissus tubo quasi abscisso._ The bastard Daffodill with
the clipt trunke.
2 _Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus minor._ The lesser Spanish bastard
Daffodill.
3 _Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus minimus._ The least Spanish bastard
Daffodill.
4 _Pseudonarcissus Gallicus minor flore pleno._ The lesser double
French bastard Daffodil.
5 _Pancratium flore albo._ The white Sea bastard Daffodil.
6 _Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus maior._ The greater yellow
bastard Iunquilia.
7 _Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus minor._ The lesser yellow
bastard Iunquilia.
8 _Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus serotinus._ The late yellow
bastard Iunquilia.
9 _Leucoium bulbosum præcox maius._ The great early bulbous Violet.
† _Leucoium bulbosum præcox minus._ The lesser early bulbous Violet.
10 _Leucoium bulbosum autumnale._ The small Autumne bulbous Violet.
11 _Leucoium bulbosum maius serotinum._ The great late flowring
bulbous Violet.
]
_Pseudonarcissus marinus albus, Pancratium vulgo._
The white Sea bastard Daffodill.
The Sea bastard Daffodill (to conclude this Chapter, and the discourse
of Daffodils) hath diuers broad whitish greene leaues, but not very
long, among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke, at the top whereof
breaketh out of a great round skinny huske, fiue or six flowers, euery
one made somewhat of the fashion of the great bastard Rush Daffodill,
but greater, and wholly white; the six leaues, being larger and longer
then in the Rush kinde, and extending beyond the trunke, are tipt with
greene at the point of each leafe, and downe the middle likewise on the
backside. The trunke is longer, larger, and wider open at the mouth,
cut in or indented at the brims or edges, and small at the bottome,
with diuers white threeds in the middle, and is very sweet: vnder the
flower is a round greene head, which groweth very great, hauing within
it, when it is ripe, flat and blacke seede: the roote is great and
white.
[Sidenote: _Flore luteo, & flore rubro._]
It is reported, that there are found other sorts; some that beare
yellow flowers, and others that beare red: but we haue seene none such,
and therefore I can say no more of them.
The Place.
This kinde groweth neare the Sea side, both in Spaine, Italy,
and France, within the Straights, and for the most part, vpon
all the Leuant shoare and Islands also, but will seldome either
flower, or abide with vs in these colder Countries, as I haue
both seene by those that I receiued from a friend, and heard by
others.
The Time.
It flowreth in the end of Summer, that is, in August and
September.
The Name.
Diuers doe call it _Pancratium_, as the learned of Mompeher,
and others, with the addition of _flore Lilij_, after they had
left their old errour, in taking it to be _Scylla_, and vsing
it for _Scylla_, in the _Trochisces_ that go into Andromachus
Treakle. The learned of Valentia in Spaine, as Clusius saith,
doe call it _Hemerocallis_, thinking it to be a Lilly; and
Clusius doth thereupon call it, _Hemerocallis Valentina_: but
in my opinion, all these are deceiued in this plant; for it
is neither a Lilly, to haue the name of _Hemerocallis_ giuen
vnto it, nor _Scylla_, nor _Pancratium_, as many doe yet call
it: for certainly this is a kinde of Daffodill; the forme both
of roote, leafe, and flower, doth assure me that haue seene
it, and not _Pancratium_, which (as Dioscorides testifieth) is
a kinde of _Scylla_, and in his time called _Scylla_, with a
red roote, and a leafe like a Lilly, but longer, and was vsed
both with the same preparation and quantity, and for the same
diseases that _Scylla_ was vsed, but that his force was weaker:
all which doth plainly shew the errours that many learned men
haue been conuersant in, and that all may see how necessary the
knowledge of Herbarisme is to the practice of Physicke; And
lest the roote of this Sea bastard Daffodill bee vsed in the
stead of an wholesome remedy, which (as Clusius maketh mention)
was deadly to him that did but cut his meate with that knife,
which had immediately before cut this roote, and done in malice
by him, that knew the force thereof, to kill his fellow, it
working the more forceably by the euill attracting quality of
the iron.
The Vertues of Daffodils in generall.
Howsoeuer Dioscorides and others, doe giue vnto some of them
speciall properties, both for inward and outward diseases, yet
know I not any in these dayes with vs, that apply any of them
as a remedy for any griefe, whatsoeuer Gerrard or others haue
written.
CHAP. X.
_Leucoium bulbosum._ The bulbous Violet.
Hauing thus set downe the whole family, both of the true and bastard
Daffodils, I should next set in hand with the Hyacinths; but because
_Leucoium bulbosum_, The bulbous Violet is a plant that doth challenge
a place next vnto the Daffodils, as most nearly partaking with them,
and a little with the Hyacinthes, I must of necessity interpose them,
and shew their descriptions and differences, whereof some are early, of
the first Spring, others later, and some of the Autumne.
_Leucoium bulbosum præcox maius._ The greater early bulbous Violet.
This bulbous Violet hath three or foure very greene, broad, flat, and
short leaues, among which riseth vp a naked greene stalke, bearing
out of a small skinny hose (as the former Daffodils doe) one white
flower, hanging downe his head by a very small foot-stalke, made of six
leaues, of an equall length, euery one whereof is tipt at the end with
a small greenish yellow spot: after the flower is past, the head or
seed-vessell groweth to be reasonable great, somewhat long and round,
wherein is contained hard round seede, which being dry, is cleare, and
of a whitish yellow colour: the roote is somewhat like a Daffodill
roote, and couered with a blackish outside or skinne.
_Leucoium bulbosum præcox minus._ The lesser early bulbous Violet.
This lesser kinde riseth vp with two narrow grayish greene leaues,
between which commeth forth the stalke, fiue or six inches high,
bearing one small pendulous flower, consisting of three white leaues,
which are small and pointed, standing on the outside, and hauing three
other shorter leaues, which seeme like a cup in the middle, being each
of them round at the ends, and cut in the middle, making the forme of
an heart, with a greene tippe or spot at the broad end or edge: the
seede is whitish, inclosed in long and round heads, like the former,
but lesser: the roote is like a small Daffodill, with a blackish gray
coate, and quickly diuideth into many of-sets.
[Sidenote: _Minus Byzantinum._]
There is another of this kinde, that came among other bulbous rootes
from Constantinople, and differeth in nothing from it, but that it is a
little greater, both in root, leafe, and flower.
The Place.
The two first are found in many places of Germany, and Hungary.
The third, as I said, was brought from Constantinople.
The Time.
The two lesser sorts doe most commonly flower in February,
if the weather be any thing milde, or at the furthest in the
beginning of March, but the first is seldome in flower, before
the other be well neare past, or altogether.
The Names.
Lobel and Dodonæus call the lesser kinde _Leucoium triphyllum_,
and _Leuconarcissolirion triphyllum_, of the three leaues in
the flower. Some doe call it _Viola bulbosa alba_. The first
or greater kinde is called by Lobel, _Leuconarcissolirion
paucioribus floribus_; and by Dodonæus, _Leucoium bulbosum
hexaphyllum_. We doe most vsually call them, _Leucoium
bulbosum præcox maius_, & _minus_, The greater, or the lesser
early bulbous Violet. In Dutch, _Somer Sottekens_, and not
_Druiskens_, which are Grape-flowers, as some haue thought.
1. _Leucoium bulbosum Vernum minimum._
The small bulbous Violet of the Spring.
This small _Leucoium_ sendeth forth his small and long greene leaues,
like haires in Autumne, and before Winter, which abide greene vntill
Aprill, and then wither away quite, and about May there ariseth vp
a naked slender stalke, at the toppe whereof breake forth two small
white flowers, made of six leaues a peece, hanging downe their heads,
the three inner leaues being a little larger then the three outward, a
little reddish neare the stalke, and very sweete: the root is small and
round, and couered with a darke coate.
2. _Leucoium bulbosum Autumnale._ The small Autumne bulbous Violet.
As the former small _Leucoium_ sprang vp with his leaues without
flowers in Autumne, so this contrariwise, riseth vp with his slender
brownish stalke of flowers in Autumne, before any greene leaues
appeare, whereon stand two or three very small snow white pendulous
flowers, consisting of six leaues a peece, and a little reddish at the
bottome of the flower next vnto the stalke, so like vnto the former,
that one would take them to be both one: after which, there grow small
browne heads, containing small, blacke, round seed; after the flower
is past, and the seede is ripening, and sometimes after the heads are
ripe, the leaues begin to spring vp, which when they are full growne,
are long, greene, and as small, or smaller then the leaues of the
Autumne Hyacinth, which abide all the Winter, and Spring following, and
wither away in the beginning of Summer: the roote is small, long, and
white.
3. _Leucoium maius bulbosum serotinum._
The great late flowring bulbous Violet.
The late bulbous Violet hath three or foure broad flat greene leaues,
very like vnto the first, but longer, among which riseth vp a flattish
stalke, being thicker in the middle then at both edges, on the toppe
whereof stand three or foure flowers, hanging downe their heads,
consisting of six leaues a peece, all of an equall length and bignesse,
wholly white, except that each leafe hath a greene tippe at the end of
them: the seede hereof is blacke and round; the roote is reasonable
great and white.
The Place.
The two former small ones were first found in Spaine, and
Portugall, and sent to me by Guillaume Boel; but the first
was so tender, that scarce one of a score sprang with me, or
would abide. The greatest haue beene found wilde in Germany and
Austria.
The Time.
The small ones haue their times expressed in their titles and
descriptions, the last flowreth not vntill May.
The Names.
These names that are set downe in their titles, doe passe with
all Herbarists in these daies.
The Vertues.
Wee haue not knowne these plants vsed Physically, either
inwardly or outwardly, to any purposes in these dayes.
CHAP. XI.
_Hyacinthus._ The Hyacinth or Iacinth.
The Iacinths are next to be entreated of, whereof there are many more
kindes found out in these later times, then formerly were knowne,
which for order and method sake, I will digest vnder seuerall sorts,
as neare as I can, that auoiding confusion, by enterlacing one among
another, I may the better put euery sort vnder his owne kinde.
_Hyacinthus Indicus maior tuberosa radice._
The greater Indian knobbed Iacinth.
I haue thought fittest to begin with this Iacinth, both because it is
the greatest and highest, and also because the flowers hereof are in
some likenesse neare vnto a Daffodill, although his roote be tuberous,
and not bulbous as all the rest are. This Indian Iacinth hath a
thicke knobbed roote (yet formed into seuerall heads, somewhat like
vnto bulbous rootes) with many thicke fibres at the bottome of them;
from the diuers heads of this roote arise diuers strong and very tall
stalkes, beset with diuers faire, long, and broad leaues, ioyned at
the bottome close vnto the stalke, where they are greatest, and grow
smaller to the very end, and those that grow higher to the toppe, being
smaller and smaller, which being broken, there appeare many threeds
like wooll in them: the toppes of the stalkes are garnished with many
faire large white flowers, each whereof is composed of six leaues,
lying spread open, as the flowers of the white Daffodill, with some
short threeds in the middle, and of a very sweete sent, or rather
strong and headie.
_Hyacinthus Indicus minor tuberosa radice._
The smaller Indian knobbed Iacinth.
The roote of this Iacinth is knobbed, like the roote of Arum or Wake
Robin, from whence doe spring many leaues, lying vpon the ground,
and compassing one another at the bottome, being long and narrow,
and hollow guttered to the end, which is small and pointed, no lesse
woolly, or full of threeds then the former: from the middle of these
leaues riseth vp the stalke, being very long and slender, three or
foure foot long, so that without it be propped vp, it will bend
downe, and lye vpon the ground, whereon are set at certaine distances
many short leaues, being broad at the bottome, where they doe almost
compasse the stalke, and are smaller toward the end where it is sharpe
pointed: at the top of the stalke stand many flowers, with a small
peece of a green leafe at the bottome of euery foot-stalke, which seeme
to bee like so many white Orientall Iacinths, being composed of six
leaues, which are much thicker then the former, with six chiues or
threeds in the middle, tipt with pale yellow pendents.
The Place.
They both grow naturally in the West Indies, from whence being
first brought into Spaine, haue from thence been dispersed vnto
diuers louers of plants.
The Time.
They flower not in these cold Countries vntill the middle of
August, or not at all, if they bee not carefully preserued
from the iniury of our cold Winters; and then if the precedent
Summer be hot, it may be flower a moneth sooner.
The Names.
Clusius calleth the lesser (for I thinke hee neuer saw the
first) _Hyacinthus Indicus tuberosa radice_, that is in
English, The Indian Iacinth with a tuberous roote: Some would
call these _Hyacinthus Eriophorus Indicus_, that is, The Indian
woolly Iacinth, because they haue much wooll in them when they
are broken; yet some doe doubt that they are not two plants
seuerall, as of greater and lesser, but that the greatnesse is
caused by the fertility of the soyle wherein it grew.
1. _Hyacinthus Botroides maior Moschatus, siue Muscari flore flauo._
The great yellow Muske Grape-flower, or yellow Muscari.
This Muske Iacinth or Grape-flower, hath fiue or six leaues spread
vpon the ground in two or three heads, which at the first budding or
shooting forth out of the ground, are of a reddish purple colour, and
after become long, thicke, hollow, or guttered on the vpper side, of
a whitish greene colour, and round and darke coloured vnderneath: in
the middle of these heads of leaues, rise vp one or two hollow weake
brownish stalkes, sometimes lying on the ground with the weight of the
flowers, (but especially of the seede) yet for the most part standing
vpright, when they are laden towards the toppe, with many bottle-like
flowers, which at their first appearing, and vntill the flowers begin
to blow open, are of a browne red colour, and when they are blowne,
of a faire yellow colour, flowring first below, and so vpwards by
degrees, euery one of these flowers is made like vnto a little pitcher
or bottle, being bigge in the belly, and small at the mouth, which is
round, and a little turned vp, very sweete in smell, like vnto Muske,
whereof it tooke the name _Muscari_; after the flowers are past, there
come three square thicke heads, puffed vp as if it were bladders, made
of a spongie substance, wherein are here and there placed blacke round
seed: the roote is long, round, and very thicke, and white on the
outside, with a little woollinesse on them, being broken, and full of a
slimie iuice, whereunto are annexed thicke, fat, and long fibres, which
perish not as most of the other Iacinths; and therefore desireth not to
bee often remoued, as the other sorts may.
2. _Hyacinthus Botroides maior Moschatus, seu Muscari flore
cineritio._
The Ashcoloured Muske Grape-flower, or Muscari.
This Muscari differeth not in rootes, or forme of leaues or flowers
from the former, the chiefe differences are these: the leaues hereof
do not appeare so red at the first budding out of the ground, nor are
so darke when they are fully growne; the stalke also most vsually hath
more store of flowers thereon, the colour whereof at the first budding
is a little duskie, and when they are full blowne, are of a bleake, yet
bright ash-colour, with a little shew of purple in them, and by long
standing change a little more gray; being as sweete, or as some thinke,
more sweete then the former: the roote (as I said) is like the former,
yet yeeldeth more encrease, and will better endure our cold clymate,
although it doth more seldome giue ripe seede.
3. _Hyacinthus Botroides maior Moschatus, siue Muscari flore rubro._
The red Muske Grape-flower.
This kinde (if there be any such, for I am in some doubt thereof) doth
chiefly differ in the colour of the flower from the first, in that this
should beare flowers when they are blowne, of a red colour tending to
yellownesse.
4. _Hyacinthus Botroides maior Moschatus, siue Muscari flore albo._
The white Muske Grape-flower.
This also is said to haue (if there bee such an one) his leaues like
vnto the second kinde, but of a little whiter greene, and the flowers
pale, tending to a white: the roots of these two last are said vsually
not to grow to be so great as of the former two.
[Illustration:
1 _Hyacinthus Indicus maior tuberosa radice._ The greater Indian
knobbed Iacinth.
2 _Hyacinthus Indicus minor tuberosa radice._ The lesser Indian
knobbed Iacinth.
3 _Muscari flore flauo._ The yellow Muscari.
4 _Muscari flore cineritio._ The ashcoloured Muscari.
5 _Hyacinthus Botroides cæruleus amænus._ The skie coloured
Grape-flower.
6 _Hyacinthus Botroides flore albo._ The white Grape-flower.
† _Hyacinthus Botroides ramosus._ The branched Grape-flower.
]
The Place.
The rootes of the two first sorts, haue been often sent from
Constantinople, among many other sorts of rootes, and it may
be come thither from beyond the Bosphorus in Asia; we haue them
in our Gardens.
The other two sorts are sprung (it is probable, if they be _in
rerum natura_) from the seede of the two former; for we could
neuer get such from Constantinople, as if the Turkes had neuer
knowledge of any such.
The Time.
They flower in March or Aprill, as the yeare is temperate, but
the first is soonest vp out of the ground.
The Names.
The two former haue beene sent from Turkie by the name of
_Muschoromi_ and _Dipcadi_. Matthiolus calleth it _Bulbus
vomitorius_, saying that no root doth more prouoke vomit then
it. Caspar Bauhinus doth most properly call it _Hyacinthus
Moschatus_. It is most generally called _Muscari_, by all
Herbarists and Florists, yet because it doth so neerely
resemble the Grape-flower, I haue named it _Hyacinthus
Botroides maior Moschatus_, to put a difference from the
lesser Grape-flowers that follow; in English, The great Muske
Grape-flower, or Muscari.
_Hyacinthus Botroides minor cæruleus obscurus._
The darke blew Grape-flower.
This Grape-flower hath many small, fat, and weake leaues lying vpon the
ground, which are somewhat brownish at their first comming vp, and of a
sad greene afterwards, hollow on the vpperside, and round vnderneath,
among which rise vp round, smooth, weake stalkes, bearing at the
toppe many small heauie bottle-like flowers, in shape like the former
Muscari, but very thicke thrust together, smaller, and of a very darke
or blackish blew colour, of a very strong smell, like vnto Starch when
it is new made, and hot: the root is round, and blackish without, being
compassed with a number of small rootes, or of-sets round about it, so
that it will quickly choke a ground, if it be suffered long in it. For
which cause, most men doe cast it into some by-corner, if they meane to
preserue it, or cast it out of the Garden quite.
[Sidenote: _Alter maior._]
There is another of this kinde that is greater, both in leafe and
flower, and differeth not in colour or any thing else.
_Hyacinthus Botroides cæruleus amænus._
The skie coloured Grape-flower.
This Iacinth springeth vp with fewer leaues then the first, and not
reddish, but green at his first appearing; the leaues, when they
are full growne, are long and hollow, like the former, but greener,
shorter, and broader, standing vpright, and not lying along vpon the
ground as they doe: the flowers grow at the toppe of the stalke, more
sparsedly set thereon, and not so thicke together, but like a thinne
bunch of grapes, and bottle-like as the former, of a perfect blew or
skie colour, euery flower hauing some white spots about the brimmes
of them: this hath a very sweete smell, nothing like the former: this
roote is whiter, and doth not so much encrease as the former, yet
plentifull enough.
_Hyacinthus Botroides ramosus._ The branched Grape-flower.
Of this kinde, there is another found to grow with many branches
of flowers, breaking out from the sides of the greater stalkes or
branches: the leaues as all the rest of the plant is greater then the
former.
_Hyacinthus Botroides flore albo._ The white Grape-flower.
The white Grape-flower hath his green leaues a little whiter, then the
blew or skie coloured Grape-flower, his flowers are very pure white,
alike sparsedly set on the stalkes, but a little lower and smaller then
it, in all other things there is no difference.
_Hyacinthus Botroides flore albo rubente._ The blush Grape-flower.
The roote of this Grape-flower groweth greater, then either the skie
coloured, or white Grape-flower, and seldome hath any small rootes or
of-sets, as the other haue: his leaues also are larger, and somewhat
broader; the flowers are of a pale, or bleake blush colour out of a
white, and are a little larger, and grow a little higher and fuller of
flowers then the white.
The Place.
They naturally grow in many places both of Germany and Hungary;
in Spaine likewise, and on Mount Baldus in Italy, and Narbone
in France, about the borders of the fields: we haue them in our
Gardens for delight.
The Time.
These flower from the beginning of March, or sooner sometimes,
vntill the beginning of May.
The Names.
They are most commonly called _Botroides_, but more truely
_Botryodes_, of Βότρυς the Greeke word, which signifieth a
bunch or cluster of grapes: Lobelius calleth the white one,
_Dipcadi flore albo_, transferring the name _Dipcadi_, whereby
the _Muscari_ is called to this Iacinth, as if they were
both one. Their seuerall names, whereby they are knowne, and
called, are set downe in their titles. The Dutchmen call them
_Driuekens_, as I said before. Some English Gentlewomen call
the white Grape-flower Pearles of Spaine.
1. _Hyacinthus Comosus albus._ The white haired Iacinth.
This Iacinth doth more neerly resemble the Grape-flowers, then the
faire haired Iacinths that follow, whereof it beareth the name, in
that it hath no haire or threeds at the toppe of the stalke or sides,
as they: and therefore I haue placed it next vnto them, and the other
to follow it, as being of another kinde. The root hereof is blackish,
a little long and round, from whence rise vp three or foure leaues,
being smooth and whitish, long, narrow, and hollow, like a trough or
gutter on the vpperside: among which the stalke riseth vp a foote high
or more, bearing at the toppe diuers small flowers, somewhat like the
former, but not so thicke set together, being a little longer, and
larger, and wider at the mouth, and as it were diuided into six edges,
of a darke whitish colour, with some blacker spots about the brimmes on
the inside: the heads or seede-vessels are three square, and somewhat
larger, then the heads of any of the former lesser Grape-flowers,
wherein is contained round blacke seede.
2. _Hyacinthus Comosus Byzantinus._ The Turkie faire haired Iacinth.
This other Iacinth which came from Constantinople, is somewhat like
the former, but that it is bigger, both in roote, and leafe, and
flower, and bearing greater store of flowers on the head of the
stalke: the lower flowers, although they haue short stalkes at their
first flowring, yet afterwards the stalkes grow longer, and those
that are lower, stand out further then those that are highest, whose
foot-stalkes are short, and almost close to the stemme, and of a more
perfect purple then any below, which are of a duskie greenish purple
colour: the whole stalke of flowers seem like a Pyramis, broad belowe,
and small aboue, or as other compare it, to a water sprinkle; yet
neither of both these Iacinths haue any threeds at the tops of the
stalkes, as the other following haue.
3. _Hyacinthus Comosus maior purpureus._
The great purple faire haired Iacinth.
This faire haired Iacinth hath his leaues softer, longer, broader, and
lesse hollow then the former, lying for the most part vpon the ground:
the stalke riseth vp in the midst of the leaues, being stronger,
higher, and bearing a greater and longer head of flowers also then
they: the flowers of this stand not vpon such long foote-stalkes, but
are shorter below, and close almost to the stalke aboue, hauing many
bright purplish blew threeds, growing highest aboue the flowers, as it
were in a bush together, euery one of these threeds hauing a little
head at the end of them, somewhat like vnto one of the flowers, but
much smaller: the red of the flowers below this bush, are of a sadder
or deader purple, and not so bright a colour, and the lowest worst of
all, rather enclining to a greene, like vnto the last Turkie kinde: the
whole stalke with the flowers vpon it, doth somewhat resemble a long
Purse tassel, and thereupon diuers Gentlewomen haue so named it: the
heads and seede are like vnto the former, but greater: the roote is
great and white with some rednesse on the outside.
4. _Hyacinthus Comosus ramosus purpureus._
The faire haired branched Iacinth.
The leaues of this Iacinth are broader, shorter, and greener then of
the last, not lying so weakly on the ground, but standing somewhat
more vpright: the stalke riseth vp as high as the former, but branched
out on euery side into many tufts of threeds, with knappes, as it were
heads of flowers, at the ends of them, like vnto the head of threeds
at the toppe of the former Iacinth, but of a little darker, and not
so faire a blewish purple colour: this Iacinth doth somewhat resemble
the next Curld haire Iacinth, but that the branches are not so fairely
composed altogether of curled threeds, nor of so excellent a faire
purple or Doue colour, but more duskie by much: the roote is greater
and shorter then of the next, and encreaseth faster.
5. _Hyacinthus Pennatus, siue Comosus ramosus elegantior._
The faire Curld-haire Iacinth.
This admirable Iacinth riseth vp with three or foure leaues, somewhat
like vnto the leaues of the Muske Grape-flower, but lesser; betweene
which riseth vp the stalke about a foote high, or somewhat more,
bearing at the toppe a bush or tuft of flowers, which at the first
appearing, is like vnto a Cone or Pineapple, and afterwards opening
it selfe, spreadeth into many branches, yet still retaining the forme
of a Pyramis, being broad spread below, and narrow vp aboue: each of
these branches is againe diuided into many tufts of threeds or strings,
twisted or curled at the ends, and of an excellent purple or Doue
colour, both stalkes and haires. This abideth a great while in his
beauty, but afterwards all these flowers (if you will so call them)
do fall away without any seede at all, spending it selfe as it should
seeme in the aboundance of the flowers: the roote is not so great as
the last, but white on the outside.
The Place.
The two first haue been sent diuers times from Constantinople,
the third is found wilde in many places of Europe, and as well
in Germany, as in Italy. The two last are onely with vs in
Gardens, and their naturall places are not knowne vnto vs.
The Time.
The three former kindes doe flower in Aprill, the two last in
May.
The Names.
The first and second haue no other names then are expressed in
their titles. The third is called of some onely _Hyacinthus
maior_ and of others _Hyacinthus comosus maior_: We call it in
English, The purple faire haired Iacinth, because of his tuft
of purple threeds, like haires at the toppe, and (as I said)
of diuers Gentlewomen, purple tassels. The fourth is called by
some as it is in the title, _Hyacinthus Comosus ramosus_, and
of others _Hyacinthus Calamistratus_. And the last or fifth is
diuersly called by diuers, Fabius Columna in his _Phytobasanos_
the second part, calleth it _Hyacinthus Sannesius_, because
hee first saw it in that Cardinals Garden at Rome. Robin of
Paris sent to vs the former of the two last, by the name
of _Hyacinthus Pennatus_, and _Hyacinthus Calamistratus_,
when as others sent the last by the name _Pennatus_, and the
other by the name of _Calamistratus_; but I thinke the name
_Cincinnatus_ is more fit and proper for it, in that the curled
threeds which seeme like haires, are better expressed by the
word _Cincinnus_, then _Calamistrum_, this signifying but the
bodkin or instrument wherewith they vse to frisle or curle the
haire, and that the bush of haire it selfe being curled. Some
also haue giuen to both these last the names of _Hyacinthus
Comosus Parnassi_, the one fairer then the other. Of all these
names you may vse which you please; but for the last kinde,
the name _Cincinnatus_, as I said, is the more proper, but
_Pennatus_ is the more common, and _Calamistratus_ for the
former of the two last.
[Illustration:
1 _Hyacinthus Comosus albus._ The white haired Iacinth.
2 _Hyacinthus Comosus Byzantinus._ The Turkie faire haired Iacinth.
3 _Hyacinthus Comosus maior purpureus._ The purple faire haired
Iacinth, or Purse tassels.
4 _Hyacinthus Comosus ramosus, siue Calamistratus._ The faire haired
branched Iacinth.
5 _Hyacinthus Pennatus, siue Comosus elegantior._ The faire curld
haire Iacinth.
]
1. _Hyacinthus Orientalis Brumalis, siue præcox flore albo._
The white Winter Orientall Iacinth.
This early Iacinth riseth vp with his greene leaues (which are in
all respects like to the ordinary Orientall Iacinths, but somewhat
narrower) before Winter, and sometimes it is in flower also before
Winter, and is in forme and colour a plaine white Orientall Iacinth,
but somewhat lesser, differing onely in no other thing, then the time
of his flowring, which is alwayes certaine to be long before the other
sorts.
2. _Hyacinthus Orientalis Brumalis, siue præcox flore purpureo._
The purple Winter Orientall Iacinth.
The difference of colour in this flower causeth it to bee
distinguished, for else it is of the kindred of the Orientall Iacinths,
and is, as the former, more early then the rest that follow: Vnderstand
then, that this is the same with the former, but hauing fine blewish
purple flowers.
3. _Hyacinthus Orientalis maior præcox, dictus Zumbul Indi._
The greatest Orientall Iacinth, or Zumbul Indi.
The roote of this Orientall Iacinth, is vsually greater then any other
of his kinde, and most commonly white on the outside, from whence rise
vp one or two great round stalkes, spotted from within the ground, with
the lower part of the leaues also vpward to the middle of the stalkes,
or rather higher, like vnto the stalkes of Dragons, but darker; being
set among a number of broad, long, and somewhat hollow greene leaues,
almost as large as the leaues of the white Lilly: at the toppe of the
stalkes stand more store of flowers, then in any other of this kinde,
euery flower being as great as the greatest sort of Orientall Iacinths,
ending in six leaues, which turne at the points, of a faire blewish
purple colour, and all standing many times on one side of the stalkes,
and many times on both sides.
4. _Hyacinthus Orientalis vulgaris diuersorum colorum._
The ordinary Orientall Iacinth.
The common Orientall Iacinth (I call it common, because it is now so
plentifull in all Gardens, that it is almost not esteemed) hath many
greene leaues, long, somewhat broad and hollow, among which riseth
vp a long greene round stalke, beset from the middle thereof almost,
with diuers flowers, standing on both sides of the stalkes, one aboue
another vnto the toppe, each whereof next vnto the foote-stalke is
long, hollow, round, and close, ending in six small leaues laid open,
and a little turning at the points, of a very sweete smell: the colours
of these flowers are diuers, for some are pure white, without any shew
of other colour in them: another is almost white, but hauing a shew of
blewnesse, especially at the brims and bottomes of the flowers. Others
againe are of a very faint blush, tending towards a white: Some are of
as deepe a purple as a Violet; others of a purple tending to rednesse,
and some of a paler purple. Some againe are of a faire blew, others
more watchet, and some so pale a blew, as if it were more white then
blew: after the flowers are past, there rise vp great three square
heads, bearing round blacke seede, great and shining: the roote is
great, and white on the outside, and oftentimes purplish also, flat at
the bottome, and small at the head.
[Sidenote: _Flore purpureo violaceo lincis albicantis in dorso._]
There is a kinde of these Iacinths, whose flowers are of a deepe
purplish Violet colour, hauing whitish lines downe the backe of euery
leafe of the flower, which turne themselues a little backwards at the
points.
[Sidenote: _Floribus antrorsum respicientibus._]
There is another, whose flowers stand all opening one way, and not on
all sides, but are herein like the great Zumbul Indi, before set out.
[Sidenote: _Serotinus erectus floribus diuersorum colorum._]
There is againe another kinde which flowreth later then all the rest,
and the flowers are smaller, standing more vpright, which are either
white or blew, or mixt with white and purple.
5. _Hyacinthus Orientalis folioso caule._
The bushy stalked Orientall Iacinth.
This strange Iacinth hath his rootes, leaues, and flowers, like vnto
the former Orientall Iacinths: the onely difference in this is, that
his stalke is not bare or naked, but hath very narrow long leaues,
growing dispersedly, and without order, with the flowers thereon, which
are blew, and hauing for the most part one leafe, and sometimes two at
the foote, or setting on of euery flower, yet sometimes it happeneth,
some flowers to be without any leafe at the bottome, as nature, that is
very variable in this plant, listeth to play: the heads and seede are
blacke and round, like the other also.
6. _Hyacinthus Orientalis flore duplici._
The bleake Orientall Iacinth once double.
This double Iacinth hath diuers long leaues, like vnto the other
Orientall Iacinths, almost standing vpright, among which riseth vp
a stalke, brownish at the first, but growing greene afterwards,
bearing many flowers at the toppe, made like the flowers of the former
Iacinths, and ending in six leaues, greene at the first, and of a
blewish white when they are open, yet retaining some shew of greenesse
in them, the brims of the leaues being white; from the middle of each
flower standeth forth another small flower, consisting of three leaues,
of the same colour with the other flower, but with a greene line on
the backe of each of these inner leaues: in the middle of this little
flower, there stand some threeds tipt with blacke: the smell of this
flower is not so sweete as of the forme; the heads, seede, and rootes
are like the former.
7. _Hyacinthus Orientalis flore pleno cæruleo, vel purpuro violaceo._
The faire double blew, or purple Orientall Iacinth.
The leaues of these Iacinths are smaller, then the leaues of most of
the other former sorts; the stalkes are shorter, and smaller, bearing
but three or foure flowers on the heads of them for the most part,
which are not composed like the last, but are more faire, full, and
double of leaues, where they shew out their full beauties, and of
a faire blew colour in some, and purple in others, smelling pretty
sweete; but these doe seldome beare out their flowers faire; and
besides, haue diuers other flowers that will be either single, or very
little double vpon the same stalke.
8. _Hyacinthus Orientalis candidissimus flore pleno._
The pure white double Orientall Iacinth.
This double white Iacinth hath his leaues like vnto the single white
Orientall Iacinth; his stalke is likewise long, slender, and greene,
bearing at the toppe two or three flowers at the most, very double
and full of leaues, of a pure white colour, without any other mixture
therein, hanging downe their heads a little, and are reasonable sweete.
I haue this but by relation, not by sight, and therefore I can giue no
further assurance as yet.
The Place.
All these Orientall Iacinths, except the last, haue beene
brought out of Turkie, and from Constantinople: but where their
true originall place is, is not as yet vnderstood.
The Time.
The two first (as is said) flower the earliest, sometimes
before Christmas, but more vsually after, and abide a great
while in flower, in great beauty, especially if the weather be
milde, when as few or no other flowers at that time are able to
match them. The other greatest kinde flowreth also earlier then
the rest that follow, for the most part. The ordinary kindes
flower some in March, and some in Aprill, and some sooner also;
and so doe the double ones likewise. The bushy stalked Iacinth
flowreth much about the same time.
The Names.
The former two sorts are called _Hyacinthus Orientalis
Brumalis_, and _Hyacinthus Orientalis præcox flore albo_, or
_cæruleo_. The third is called of many _Zumbul Indicum_, or
_Zumbul Indi_, and corruptly _Simboline_; of others, and that
more properly, _Hyacinthus Orientalis maior præcox_. The Turkes
doe call all Iacinths _Zumbul_, and by adding the name of
_Indi_, or _Arabi_, do shew from what place they are receiued.
In English, The greatest Orientall Iacinth; yet some doe call
it after the Turkish name _Zumbul Indi_, or _Simboline_, as
is said before. The rest haue their names set downe in their
titles, which are most fit for them.
_Hyacinthus Hispanicus minor Orientalis facie._
The little Summer Orientall Iacinth.
[Sidenote: _Flore cæruleo._]
This little Iacinth hath foure or fiue long narrow greene leaues, lying
vpon the ground, among which riseth vp a slender smooth stalke, about
a spanne high or more, bearing at the toppe many slender bleake blew
flowers, with some white stripes and edges to be seene in most of them,
fashioned very like vnto the flowers of the Orientall Iacinth, but much
smaller: the flower hath no sent at all; the seede is like the seede of
the English Iacinth, or Hares-bels: the roote is small and white.
[Sidenote: _Flore albo._]
There is another of this kinde, differing in nothing but in the colour
of the flower, which is pure white.
[Sidenote: _Flore rubente._]
There is also another, whose flowers are of a fine delayed red colour,
with some deeper coloured veines, running along the three outer leaues
of the flower, differing in no other thing from the former.
The Place.
These plants haue been gathered on the Pyrenæan Mountaines,
which are next vnto Spaine, from whence, as is often said, many
rare plants haue likewise been gathered.
The Time.
They flower very late, euen after all or most of the Iacinths,
in May for the most part.
The Names.
They are called eyther _Hyacinthus Hispanicus minor Orientalis
facie_, as it is in the title, or _Hyacinthus Orientalis
facie_, that is to say, The lesser Spanish Iacinth, like
vnto the Orientall: yet some haue called them, _Hyacinthus
Orientalis serotinus minor_, The lesser late Orientall Iacinth,
that thereby they may be knowne from the rest.
[Illustration:
1 _Hyacinthus Orientalis brumalis._ The Winter Orientall Iacinth.
2 _Zumbul Indi._ The greatest Orientall Iacinth.
3 _Hyacinthus Orientalis vulgaris._ The ordinary Orientall Iacinth.
4 _Hyacinthus Orientalis folioso caule._ The bushy stalked Orientall
Iacinth.
5 _Hyacinthus Orientalis flore duplici._ The Orientall Hyacinth once
double.
6 _Hyacinthus Orientalis flore pleno cæruleo._ The faire double blew
Orientall Iacinth.
]
_Hyacinthus Hispanicus obsoletus._ The Spanish dunne coloured Iacinth.
This Spanish Iacinth springeth very late out of the ground, bearing
foure or fiue short, hollow, and soft whitish greene leaues, with a
white line in the middle of euery one of them, among which rise vp
one or more stalkes, bearing diuers flowers at the toppes of them,
all looking one way, or standing on the one side, hanging downe their
heads, consisting of six leaues, three whereof being the outermost, lay
open their leaues, and turne back the ends a little again: the other
three which are innermost, do as it were close together in the middle
of the flower, without laying themselues open at all, being a little
whitish at the edges: the whole flower is of a purplish yellow colour,
with some white and green as it were mixed among it, of no sent at all:
it beareth blacke and flat seede in three square, great, and bunched
out heads: the roote is reasonable great, and white on the outside,
with many strong white fibres at it, which perish not yearely, as the
fibres of many other Iacinths doe, and as it springeth late, so it
holdeth his greene leaues almost vntill Winter.
[Sidenote: _Mauritanicus._]
There hath been another hereof brought from about Fez and Marocco in
Barbary, which in all respects was greater, but else differed little.
[Sidenote: _Maximus Æthiopicus._]
There was another also brought from the Cape of good Hope, whose leaues
were stronger and greener then the former, the stalke also thicker,
bearing diuers flowers, confusedly standing vpon longer foote-stalkes,
yet made after the same fashion, but that the three inner leaues were
whitish, and dented about the edges, otherwise the flowers were yellow
and greenish on the inside.
The Place.
These plants grow in Spaine, Barbary, and Ethiopia, according
as their names and descriptions doe declare.
The Time.
The first flowreth not vntill Iune; for, as I said, it is very
late before it springeth vp out of the ground, and holdeth his
leaues as is said, vntill September, in the meane time the
seede thereof ripeneth.
The Names.
They haue their names according to the place of their growing;
for one is called _Hyacinthus Hispanicus obsoletioris coloris_.
The other is called also _Hyacinthus Mauritanicus_. And the
last, _Hyacinthus Æthiopicus obsoletus_. In English, The
Spanish, Barbary, or Ethiopian Iacinth, of a dunne or duskie
colour.
_Hyacinthus Anglicus Belgicus, vel Hispanicus._
English Hares-bels, or Spanish Iacinth.
Our English Iacinth or Hares-bels is so common euery where, that it
scarce needeth any description. It beareth diuers long and narrow
greene leaues, not standing vpright, nor yet fully lying vpon the
ground, among which springeth vp the stalke, bearing at the toppe many
long and hollow flowers, hanging downe their heads all forwards for
the most part, parted at the brimmes into six parts, turning vp their
points a little againe, of a sweetish, but heady sent, somewhat like
vnto the Grape-flower: the heads for seede are long and square, wherein
is much blacke seede; the colour of the flowers are in some of a deeper
blew, tending to a purple; in others of a paler blew, or of a bleake
blew, tending to an ash colour: Some are pure white, and some are party
coloured, blew and white; and some are of a fine delayed purplish red
or blush colour, which some call a peach colour. The rootes of all
sorts agree, and are alike, being white and very slimie; some whereof
will be great and round, others long and slender, and those that lye
neare the toppe of the earth bare, will be greene.
_Hyacinthus Hispanicus maior flore campanulæ instar._
The greater Spanish bell-flowred Iacinth.
This Spanish bell-flowred Iacinth, is very like the former English
or Spanish Iacinth, but greater in all parts, as well of leaues as
flowers, many growing together at the toppe of the stalke, with many
short greene leaues among them, hanging downe their heads, with larger,
greater, and wider open mouths, like vnto bels, of a darke blew colour,
and no good sent.
The Place.
The first groweth in many places of England, the
Lowe-Countries, as we call them, and Spaine, but the last
chiefly in Spaine.
The Time.
They flower in Aprill for the most part, and sometimes in May.
The Names.
Because the first is more frequent in England, then in Spaine
or the Lowe-Countries, it is called with vs _Hyacinthus
Anglicus_, The English Iacinth; but it is also called as
well _Belgicus_, as _Hispanicus_: yet Dodonæus calleth it
_Hyacinthus non scriptus_, because it was not written of by any
Authour before himselfe. It is generally knowne in England by
the name of Hare-bels. The other Spanish Iacinth beareth his
name in his title.
_Hyacinthus Eriophorus._ The Woolly Iacinth.
This Woolly Iacinth hath many broad, long, and faire greene leaues,
very like vnto some of the Iacinths, but stiffer, or standing more
vpright, which being broken, doe yeeld many threeds, as if a little
fine cotton wooll were drawne out: among these leaues riseth vp a long
greene round stalke, a foote and a halfe high or more, whereon is set a
great long bush of flowers, which blowing open by degrees, first below,
and so vpwards, are very long in flowring: the toppe of the stalke,
with the flowers, and their little footstalkes, are all blew, euery
flower standing outright with his stalke, and spreading like a starre,
diuided into six leaues, hauing many small blew threeds, standing about
the middle head, which neuer gaue ripe seede, as farre as I can heare
of: the root is white, somewhat like the root of a Muscari, but as full
of wooll or threeds, or rather more, then the leaues, or any other part
of it.
The Place.
This hath been sent diuers times out of Turkie into England,
where it continued a long time as well in my Garden as in
others, but some hard frosty Winters caused it to perish with
me, and diuers others, yet I haue had it againe from a friend,
and doth abide fresh and greene euery yeare in my Garden.
The Time.
This flowred in the Garden of Mʳ. Richard Barnesley at Lambeth,
onely once in the moneth of May, in the yeare 1606, after hee
had there preserued it a long time: but neither he, nor any
else in England that I know, but those that saw it at that
time, euer saw it beare flower, either before or since.
The Names.
It is called by diuers _Bulbus Eriophorus_, or _Laniferus_,
that is, Woolly Bulbous; but because it is a Iacinth, both in
roote, leafe, and flower, and not a _Narcissus_, or Daffodill,
it is called _Hyacinthus Eriophorus_, or _Laniferus_, The
Woolly Iacinth. It is very likely, that Theophrastus in his
seuenth Book & thirteenth Chapter, did meane this plant, where
hee declareth, that garments were made of the woolly substance
of a bulbous roote, that was taken from between the core or
heart of the roote (which, as he saith, was vsed to be eaten)
and the outermost shels or peelings; yet Clusius seemeth to
fasten this woolly bulbous of Theophrastus, vpon the next
Iacinth of Spaine.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Bæticus maior, vulgò Perüanus._
The great Spanish Starry Iacinth, or of Peru.
This Iacinth (the greatest of those, whose flowers are spread like a
starre, except the two first Indians) hath fiue or six, or more, very
broad, and long greene leaues, spread vpon the ground, round about the
roote, which being broken are woolly, or full of threeds, like the
former: in the middle of these leaues riseth vp a round short stalke,
in comparison of the greatnesse of the plant (for the stalke of the
Orientall Iacinth is sometimes twice so high, whose roote is not so
great) bearing at the toppe a great head or bush of flowers, fashioned
in the beginning, before they bee blowne or separated, very like to
a Cone or Pineapple, and begin to flower belowe, and so vpwards by
degrees, euery flower standing vpon a long blackish blew foote-stalke,
which when they are blowne open, are of a perfect blew colour, tending
to a Violet, and made of six small leaues, laid open like a starre; the
threeds likewise are blewish, tipt with yellow pendents, standing about
the middle head, which is of a deeper blew, not hauing any good sent to
be perceiued in it, but commendable only for the beauty of the flowers:
after the flowers are past, there come three square heads, containing
round blacke seede: the roote is great, and somewhat yellowish on the
outside, with a knobbe or bunch at the lower end of the roote, (which
is called the seate of the roote) like vnto the Muscari, Scylla, and
many other bulbous rootes, at which hang diuers white, thicke, and
long fibres, whereby it is fastened in the ground, which perish not
euery yeare, but abide continually, and therefore doth not desire much
remouing.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Bæticus, siue Perüanus flore albo._
The great white Spanish starry Iacinth.
This other Spanish Iacinth is in most parts like vnto the former, but
that his leaues are not so large, nor so deep a greene: the stalks of
flowers likewise hath not so thicke a head, or bush on it, but fewer
and thinner set: the flowers themselues also are whitish, yet hauing a
small dash of blush in them: the threeds are whitish, tipt with yellow
pendents: the seede and rootes are like vnto the former, and herein
consisteth the difference betweene this and the other sorts.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Bæticus, siue Perüanus flore carneo._
The great blush coloured Spanish Starry Iacinth.
This likewise differeth little from the two former, but onely in the
colour of the flowers; for this being found growing among both the
other, hath his head of flowers as great and large as the first, but
the buds of his flowers, before they are open, are of a deepe blush
colour, which being open, are more delayed, and of a pleasant pale
purple, or blush colour, standing vpon purplish stalkes: the heads in
the middle are whitish, and so are the threeds compassing it, tipt with
yellow.
[Illustration:
1 _Hyacinthus Orientalis facie._ The little Summer Orientall Iacinth.
2 _Hyacinthus Mauritanicus._ The Barbary Iacinth.
3 _Hyacinthus obsoletus Hispanicus._ The Spanish duskie Iacinth.
4 _Hyacinthus Hispanicus flore campanula._ The greater Spanish
bel-flowred Iacinth.
5 _Hyacinthus Anglicus._ The English Iacinth or Harebels.
6 _Hyacinthus Eriophorus._ The Woolly Iacinth.
7 _Hyacinthus Stellaris Bæticus maior, siue Peruanus._ The great
Spanish Starry Iacinth, or of Peru.
]
The Place.
These doe naturally grow in Spaine, in the Medowes a little
off from the Sea, as well in the Island Gades, vsually called
Cales, as likewise in other parts along the Sea side, as one
goeth from thence to Porto Santa Maria, which when they be
in flower, growing so thicke together, seeme to couer the
ground, like vnto a tapistry of diuers colours, as I haue beene
credibly enformed by Guillaume Boel, a Freeze-lander borne,
often before and hereafter remembred, who being in search of
rare plants in Spaine, in the yeare of our Lord 1607, after
that most violent frosty Winter, which perished both the rootes
of this, and many other fine plants with vs, sent mee ouer some
of these rootes for my Garden, and affirmed this for a truth,
which is here formerly set downe, and that himselfe gathered
those he sent mee, and many others in the places named, with
his owne hands; but hee saith, that both that with the white,
and with the blush flowers, are farre more rare then the other.
The Time.
They flower in May, the seede is ripe in Iuly.
The Names.
This hath beene formerly named _Eriophorus Peruanus_, and
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Peruanus_, The Starry Iacinth of Peru,
being thought to haue grown in Peru, a Prouince of the West
Indies; but he that gaue that name first vnto it, eyther knew
not his naturall place, or willingly imposed that name, to
conceale it, or to make it the better esteemed. It is most
generally receiued by the name _Hyacinthus Peruanus_, from the
first imposer thereof, that is, the Iacinth of Peru: but I had
rather giue the name agreeing most fitly vnto it, and call it
as it is indeede _Hyacinthus Stellatus Bæticus_, The Spanish
Starry Iacinth; and because it is the greatest that I know
hath come from thence, I call it, The great Starry Iacinth of
Spaine, or Spanish Iacinth.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus vulgaris, siue Bifolius Fuchsij._
The common blew Starry Iacinth.
This Starry Iacinth (being longest knowne, and therefore most common)
riseth out of the ground, vsually but with two browne leaues, yet
sometimes with three, inclosing within them the stalke of flowers,
the buds appearing of a darke whitish colour, as soone as the leaues
open themselues, which leaues being growne, are long, and hollow, of
a whitish greene on the vpper side, and browne on the vnder side, and
halfe round, the browne stalke rising vp higher, beareth fiue or sixe
small starre-like flowers thereon, consisting of six leaues, of a faire
deepe blew, tending to a purple. The seede is yellowish, and round,
contained in round pointed heads, which by reason of their heauinesse,
and the weaknesse of the stalke, lye vpon the ground, and often perish
with wet and frosts, &c. The roote is somewhat long, and couered with a
yellowish coate.
_Hyacinthus stellatus flore albo._ The white Starry Iacinth.
The white Starry Iacinth hath his leaues like the former, but greene
and fresh, not browne, and a little narrower also: the buddes for
flowers at the first appeare a little blush, which when they are
blowne, are white, but yet retaine in them a small shew of that blush
colour.
[Sidenote: _Flore niueo._]
We haue another, whose flowers are pure white, and smaller then the
other, the leaues whereof are of a pale fresh greene, and somewhat
narrower.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus flore rubente._
The blush coloured Starry Iacinth.
The difference in this from the former, is onely in the flowers, which
are of a faire blush colour, much more eminent then in the others, in
all things else alike.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Martius, siue præcox cæruleus._
The early blew Starry Iacinth.
This Iacinth hath his leaues a little broader, of a fresher greene,
and not browne at all, as the first blew Iacinth of Fuchsius last
remembred: the buds of the flowers, while they are enclosed within the
leaues, and after, when the stalke is growne vp, doe remaine more blew
then the buds of the former: the flowers, when they are blowne open,
are like the former, but somewhat larger, and of a more liuely blew
colour: the roote also is a little whiter on the outside. This doth
more seldome beare seede then the former.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus præcox flore albo._
The white early Starry Iacinth.
There is also one other of this kinde, that beareth pure white flowers,
the green leafe thereof being a little narrower then the former, and no
other difference.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus præcox flore suaue rubente._
The early blush coloured Starry Iacinth.
This blush coloured Iacinth is very rare, but very pleasant, his
flowers being as large as the first of this last kinde, and somewhat
larger then the blush of the other kinde: the leaues and rootes differ
not from the last recited Iacinth.
The Place.
All these Iacinths haue beene found in the Woods and Mountaines
of Germany, Bohemia, and Austria, as Fuchsius and Gesner doe
report, and in Naples, as Imperatus and others doe testifie.
Wee cherish them all with great care in our Gardens, but
especially the white and the blush of both kindes, for that
they are more tender, and often perish for want of due regard.
The Time.
The common kindes, which are first expressed, flower about the
middle of February, if the weather bee milde, and the other
kindes sometimes a fortnight after, that is, in March, but
ordinarily much about the same time with the former.
The Names.
The first is called in Latine _Hyacinthus Stellatus vulgaris_,
and _Hyacinthus Stellatus bifolius_, and _Hyacinthus Stellaris
Fuchsij_ and of some _Hyacinthus Stellatus Germanicus_; wee
might very well call the other kinde, _Hyacinthus Stellatus
vulgaris alter_, but diuers call it _Præcox_, and some
_Martius_, as it is in the title. In English they may bee
seuerally called: the first, The common; and the other, The
early Starry Iacinth (notwithstanding the first flowreth before
the other) for distinction sake.
The _Hyacinthus_, seemeth to be called _Vacinium_ of Virgil in
his Eclogues; for hee alwayes reckoneth it among the flowers
that were vsed to decke Garlands, and neuer among fruits,
as some would haue it. But in that hee calleth it _Vacinium
nigrum_, in seuerall places, that doth very fitly answer the
common receiued custome of those times, that called all deepe
blew colours, such as are purples, and the like, blacke; for
the Violet it selfe is likewise called blacke in the same
place, where he calleth the _Vacinium_ blacke; so that it
seemeth thereby, that he reckoned them to be both of one
colour, and we know the colour of the Violet is not blacke, as
we doe distinguish of blacke in these dayes. But the colour of
this Starry Iacinth, being both of so deepe a purple sometimes,
so neare vnto a Violet colour, and also more frequent, then any
other Iacinth with them, in those places where Virgil liued,
perswadeth me to thinke, that Virgil vnderstood this Starry
Iacinth by _Vacinium_: Let others iudge otherwise, if they can
shew greater probabilitie.
1. _Hyacinthus Stellatus Byzantinus nigra radice._
The Starry Iacinth of Turkie with the blacke roote.
This Starry Iacinth of Constantinople hath three or foure fresh greene,
thinne, and long leaues, of the bignesse of the English Iacinth, but
not so long, betweene which riseth vp a slender lowe stalke, bearing
fiue or six small flowers, dispersedly set thereon, spreading open like
a starre, of a pale or bleake blew colour: the leaues of the flowers
are somewhat long, and stand as it were somewhat loosly, one off from
another, and not so compactly together, as the flowers of other kindes:
it seldome beareth ripe seede with vs, because the heads are so heauie,
that lying vpon the ground, they rotte with the wet, or are bitten with
the frosts, or both, so that they seldome come to good: the roote is
small in some, and reasonable bigge in others, round, and long, white
within, but couered with deepe reddish or purplish peelings, next vnto
it, and darker and blacker purple on the outside, with some long and
thicke white fibres, like fingers hanging at the bottome of them, as
is to be seene in many other Iacinths: the roote it selfe for the most
part doth runne downewards, somewhat deep into the ground.
2. _Hyacinthus Stellatus Byzantinus maior._
The greater Starry Iacinth of Constantinople.
This Iacinth may rightly be referred to the former Iacinth of
Constantinople, and called the greater, it is so like thereunto, that
any one that knoweth that, will soone say, that this is another of that
sort, but greater as it is in all his parts, bearing larger leaues by
much, and more store, lying vpon the ground round about the roote: it
beareth many lowe stalkes of flowers, as bleake, and standing as loosly
as the former: onely the roote of this, is not black on the outside, as
the other, but three times bigger.
3. _Hyacinthus Stellatus Byzantinus alter, siue flore boraginis._
The other Starry Iacinth of Constantinople.
This other Iacinth hath for the most part onely foure leaues, broader
and greener then the first, but not so large or long as the second: the
stalke hath fiue or six flowers vpon it, bigger and rounder set, like
other starry Iacinths, of a more perfect or deeper blew then either of
the former, hauing a whitish greene head or vmbone in the middle, beset
with six blew chiues or threeds, tipt with blacke, so closly compassing
the vmbone, that the threeds seeme so many prickes stucke into a clubbe
or head; some therefore haue likened it to the flower of Borage, and so
haue called it: after the flowers are past, come vp round white heads,
wherein is contained round and white seede: the roote is of a darke
whitish colour on the outside, and sometimes a little reddish withall.
The Place.
The first and the last haue beene brought from Constantinople;
the first among many other rootes, and the last by the Lord
Zouch, as Lobel witnesseth. The second hath been sent vs out
of the Lowe-Countries, but from whence they had it, we do not
certainly know. They growe with vs in our Gardens sufficiently.
The Time.
These flower in Aprill, but the first is the earliest of
the rest, and is in flower presently after the early Starry
Iacinth, before described.
The Names.
The former haue their names in their titles, and are not knowne
vnto vs by any other names that I know; but as I said before,
the last is called by some, _Hyacinthus Boraginis flore_. The
first was sent out of Turkie, by the name of _Susamgiul_, by
which name likewise diuers other things haue beene sent, so
barren and barbarous is the Turkish tongue.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Æstivus maior._
The greater Summer Starry Iacinth.
This late Iacinth hath diuers narrow greene leaues, lying vpon the
ground, somewhat like the leaues of the English Iacinth, but stiffer
and stronger; among which riseth vp a round stiffe stalke, bearing many
flowers at the toppe thereof, and at euery foote-stalke of the flowers
a small short leafe, of a purplish colour: the flowers are starre-like,
of a fine delayed purplish colour, tending to a pale blew or ash
colour, striped on the backe of euery leafe, and hauing a pointed
vmbone in the middle, with some whitish purple threeds about it, tipt
with blew: the seede is blacke, round, and shining, like vnto the seede
of the English Iacinth, but not so bigge: the roote is round and white,
hauing some long thicke rootes vnder it, besides the fibres, as is
vsuall in many other Iacinths.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Æstivus minor._
The lesser Summer Starry Iacinth.
This lesser Iacinth hath diuers very long, narrow, and shining
greene leaues, spread vpon the ground round about the roote, among
which riseth vp a very short round stalke, not aboue two inches
high, carrying six or seuen small flowers thereon, on each side of
the stalke, like both in forme and colour vnto the greater before
described, but lesser by farre: the seede is blacke, contained in three
square heads: the roote is small and white, couered with a browne
coate, and hauing some such thicke rootes among the fibres, as are
among the other.
The Place.
Both these Iacinths grow naturally in Portugall, and from
thence haue been brought, by such as seeke out for rare plants,
to make a gaine and profit by them.
The Time.
They both flower in May, and not before: and their seed is ripe
in Iuly.
The Names.
Some doe call these _Hyacinthus Lusitanicus_, The Portugall
Iacinth. Clusius, who first set out the descriptions of them,
called them as is expressed in their titles; and therefore we
haue after the Latine name giuen their English, according as is
set downe. Or if you please, you may call them, The greater and
the lesser Portugall Iacinth.
_Hyacinthus Stellaris flore cinereo._ The ash coloured Starry Iacinth.
This ash coloured Iacinth, hath his leaues very like vnto the leaues of
the English Iacinth, and spreading vpon the ground in the same manner,
among which rise vp one or two stalkes, set at the toppe with a number
of small starre-like flowers, bushing bigger below then aboue, of a
very pale or white blew, tending to an ash colour, and very sweete
in smell: the seede is blacke and round, like vnto the seede of the
English Iacinth, and so is the roote, being great, round, and white; so
like, I say, that it is hard to know the one from the other.
The Place.
The certaine originall place of growing thereof, is not knowne
to vs.
The Time.
It flowreth in Aprill.
The Names.
Some doe call this _Hyacinthus Someri_, Somers Iacinth, because
as Lobel saith, he brought it first into the Lowe-Countries,
eyther from Constantinople, or out of Italy.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Lilifolio & radice cæruleo._
The blew Lilly leafed Starre Iacinth.
This Iacinth hath six or seuen broad greene leaues, somewhat like vnto
Lilly leaues, but shorter (whereof it tooke his name as well as from
the roote) spread vpon the ground, and lying close and round: before
the stalke riseth out from the middle of these leaues, there doth
appeare a deepe hollow place, like a hole, to bee seene a good while,
which at length is filled vp with the stalke, rising thence vnto a
foote or more high, bearing many starre-like flowers at the toppe, of
a perfect blew colour, neare vnto a Violet, and sometimes of paler or
bleake blew colour, hauing as it were a small cuppe in the middle,
diuided into six peeces, without any threeds therein: the seede is
blacke and round, but not shining: the roote is somewhat long, bigge
belowe, and small aboue, like vnto the small roote of a Lilly, and
composed of yellow scales, as a Lilly, but the scales are greater, and
fewer in number.
_Hyacinthus Stellatus Lilifolius albus._
The white Lilly leafed Starre Iacinth.
The likenesse of this Iacinth with the former, causeth me to be briefe,
and not to repeate the same things againe, that haue already been
expressed: You may therefore vnderstand, that except in the colour of
the flower, which in this is white, there is no difference betweene
them.
[Sidenote: _Flore carneo._]
I heare of one that should beare blush coloured flowers, but I haue not
yet seene any such.
The Place.
These Iacinths haue been gathered on the Pyrenæan Hils, in that
part of France that is called Aquitaine, and in some other
places.
The Time.
These flower in Aprill, and sometimes later.
The Names.
Because the roote is so like vnto a Lilly, as the leafe is
also, it hath most properly beene called _Hyacinthus Stellatus
Lilifolio & radice_, or for breuity _Lilifolius_, that is, The
Starry Lilly leafed Iacinth. It is called _Sarahug_ by the
Inhabitants where it groweth, as Clusius maketh the report from
Venerius, who further saith, that by experience they haue found
the cattell to swell and dye, that haue eaten of the leaues
thereof.
[Illustration:
1 _Hyacinthus stellatus præcox cæruleus._ The early blew starry
Iacinth.
2 _Hyacinthus stellatus præcox albus._ The early white starry
Iacinth.
3 _Hyacinthus stellatus Byzantinus nigra radice._ The Turkie starry
Iacinth with a blacke roote.
4 _Hyacinthus Byzantinus alter siue flore Boraginis._ The other
starry Iacinth of Constantinople.
5 _Hyacinthus æstivus maior._ The greater Summer starry
Iacinth.
6 _Hyacinthus stellatus flore cinereo._ The ash coloured starry
Iacinth.
7 _Hyacinthus stellatus Lilifolius._ The Lilly leafed starre Iacinth.
8 _Hyacinthus Autumnalis._ The Autumne Iacinth.
9 _Scilla alba siue Hyacinthus marinus._ The Sea Onion or Squill.
]
_Hyacinthus Autumnalis maior._ The greater Autumne Iacinth.
The greater Autumne Iacinth hath fiue or six very long and narrow
greene leaues, lying vpon the ground; the stalkes are set at the toppe
with many starre-like flowers, of a pale blewish purple colour, with
some pale coloured threeds, tipt with blew, standing about the head in
the middle, which in time growing ripe, containeth therein small blacke
seede, and roundish: the roote is great and white on the outside.
_Hyacinthus Autumnalis minor._ The lesser Autumne Iacinth.
This lesser Iacinth hath such like long and small leaues, but narrower
then the former: the stalke is not full so high, but beareth as many
flowers on it as the other, which are of a pale or bleake purple
colour, very like vnto it also: the roote and seed are like the former,
but smaller. These both for the most part, beare their flowers and
seede before the greene leaues rise vp much aboue the ground.