stalkes, nor flowers from the former, but that it oftentimes groweth
much larger and taller; so that whosoeuer shall see both these growing
together, shall scarce discerne the difference, onely it beareth
flowers, eyther white, red or purple, wholly or entire, that is, of
one colour, without mixture of other colour in them (for so much as
euer I haue obserued, or could vnderstand by others) which are eyther
single, like vnto the former, or very thicke and double, like vnto the
next that followeth; but larger, and growing with more store of flowers
on the long stalke. But this you must vnderstand withall, that those
plants that beare double flowers, doe beare no seede at all, and is
very seldome encreased by slipping or cutting, as the next kinde of
double is: but the onely way to haue double flowers any yeare, (for
this kinde dyeth euery winter, for the most part, after it hath borne
flowers, and seldome is preserued) is to saue the seedes of those
plants of this kinde that beare single flowers, for from that seede
will rise, some that will beare single, and some double flowers, which
cannot bee distinguished one from another, I meane which will be single
and which double, vntill you see them in flower, or budde at the least.
And this is the only way to preserue this kinde: but of the seed of the
former kinde was neuer known any double flowers to arise, and therefore
you must be carefull to marke this kinde from the former.
6. _Leucoium flore pleno diuersorum colorum._
Double Stocke Gillowflowers of diuers colours.
This other kinde of Stock gilloflower that beareth onely double
flowers, groweth not so great, nor spreadeth his branches so farre,
nor are his leaues so large, but is in all things smaller, and lower,
and yet is woody, or shrubby, like the former, bearing his flowers
in the like manner, many vpon a long stalke, one aboue another, and
very double, but not so large as the former double, although it grow
in fertile soyle, which are eyther white, or red, or purple wholly,
without any mixture, or else mixed with spots and stripes, as the
single flowers of the first kinde, but more variably, and not in all
places alike, neuer bearing seede, but must be encreased, only by the
cutting of the young sproutes or branches, taken in a fit season: this
kinde perisheth not, as the former double kinde doth, so as it bee
defended in the winter from the extreame frosts, but especially from
the snow falling, or at the least remaining vpon it.
7. _Leucoium satiuum luteum flore pleno._
The double yellow Stocke Gilloflower.
This double yellow Stock gilloflower is a stranger in England, as far
as I can learne, neyther haue I any further familiaritie with him, then
by relation from Germany, where it is affirmed to grow only in some
of their gardens, that are curious louers of these delights, bearing
long leaues somewhat hoary or white, (and not greene like vnto the
Wallflower, whereunto else it might be thought to be referred) like
vnto the Stock gilloflowers, as the stalkes and branches also are, and
bearing faire double flowers, of a faire, but pale yellow colour. The
whole plant is tender, as the double Stock gilloflowers are, and must
be carefully preserued in the winter from the coldes, or rather more
then the last double, lest it perish.
The Place.
The single kindes, especially some of them, grow in Italie,
and some in Greece, Candy, and the Isles adiacent, as may
be gathered out of the verses in Plutarches Booke _De Amore
fraterno_:
_Inter Echinopodas velut asperam, & inter Ononim,
Inter dum crescunt mollia Leucoia._
Which sheweth, that the soft or gentle stocke gilloflowers doe
sometimes grow among rough or prickely Furse and Cammocke. The
other sorts are only to be found in gardens.
The Time.
They flower in a manner all the yeare throughout in some
places, especially some of the single kindes, if they stand
warme, and defended from the windes and cold: the double kindes
flower sometimes in Aprill, and more plentifully in May, and
Iune; but the double of seed, flowreth vsually late, and
keepeth flowring vnto the winter, that the frostes and colde
mistes doe pull it downe.
The Names.
It is called _Leucoium_, _&_ _Viola alba_: but the name
Leucoium (which is in English the white Violet) is referred
to diuers plants; we call it in English generally, Stocke
gilloflower, (or as others doe, Stocke gillouer) to put a
difference betweene them, and the Gilloflowers and Carnations,
which are quite of another kindred, as shall be shewne in place
conuenient.
The Vertues.
These haue no great vse in Physick that I know: only some haue
vsed the leaues of the single white flowred kinde with salt, to
be laid to the wrests of them that haue agues, but with what
good successe I cannot say, if it happen well I thinke in one
(as many such things else will) it will fayle in a number.
CHAP. XLI.
1. _Hesperis, siue Viola Matronalis._
Dames Violets, or Queenes Gilloflowers.
The ordinary Dames Violets, or Queene Gilloflowers, hath his leaues
broader, greener, and sharper pointed, then the Stock gilloflowers,
and a little endented about the edges: the stalkes grow two foot
high, bearing many greene leaues vpon them, smaller then those at the
bottome, and branched at the toppe, bearing many flowers, in fashion
much like the flowers of stocke gilloflowers, consisting of foure
leaues in like manner, but not so large, of a faint purplish colour
in some, and in others white, and of a pretty sweet sent, especially
towards night, but in the day time little or none at all: after the
flowers are past, there doe come small long and round pods, wherein
is contained, in two rowes, small and long blacke seede: the roote is
wholly composed of stringes or fibres, which abide many yeares, and
springeth fresh stalks euery yeare, the leaues abiding all the Winter.
[Illustration:
1 _Leucoium Melancholicum._ Sullen Stocke-Gilloflowers.
2 _Leucoium sativum flore pleno._ Double Stocke-Gilloflowers.
3 _Leucoium sativum flore pleno vario._ Party coloured
Stocke-Gilloflowers.
4 _Leucoium marinum Syriacum._ Leuant Stocke-Gilloflowers.
5 _Hesperis vulgaris._ Dames Violets or Winter Gilloflowers.
6 _Lysimachia lutea siliquosa Virginiana._ The tree Primrose of
Virginia.
7 _Viola lunaris siue Bolbonach._ The white Sattin flower.
]
2. _Hesperis Pannonica._ Dames Violets of Hungary.
The leaues of this Violet are very like the former, but smoother and
thicker, and not at all indented, or cut in on the edges: the flowers
are like the former, but of a sullen pale colour, turning themselues,
and seldome lying plaine open, hauing many purple veines, and streakes
running through the leaues of the flowers, of little or no sent in the
day time, but of a very sweete sent in the euening and morning; the
seedes are alike also, but a little browner.
3. _Lysimachia lutea siliquosa Virginiana._
The tree Primrose of Virginia.
Vnto what tribe or kindred I might referre this plant, I haue stood
long in suspence, in regard I make no mention of any other _Lysimachia_
in this work: lest therefore it should lose all place, let me ranke it
here next vnto the Dames Violets, although I confesse it hath little
affinity with them. The first yeare of the sowing the seede it abideth
without any stalke or flowers lying vpon the ground, with diuers long
and narrow pale greene leaues, spread oftentimes round almost like a
Rose, the largest leaues being outermost, and very small in the middle:
about May the next yeare the stalke riseth, which will be in Summer
of the height of a man, and of a strong bigge size almost to a mans
thumbe, round from the bottome to the middle, where it groweth crested
vp to the toppe, into as many parts as there are branches of flowers,
euery one hauing a small leafe at the foote thereof: the flowers stand
in order one aboue another, round about the tops of the stalks, euery
one vpon a short foot-stalke, consisting of foure pale yellow leaues,
smelling somewhat like vnto a Primrose, as the colour is also (which
hath caused the name) and standing in a greene huske, which parteth it
selfe at the toppe into foure parts or leaues, and turne themselues
downewards, lying close to the stalke: the flower hath some chiues
in the middle, which being past, there come in their places long and
cornered pods, sharpe pointed at the vpper end, and round belowe,
opening at the toppe when it is ripe into fiue parts, wherein is
contained small brownish seed: the roote is somewhat great at the head,
and wooddy, and branched forth diuersly, which perisheth after it hath
borne seede.
The Place.
The two first grow for the most part on Hils and in Woods, but
with vs in Gardens onely.
The last, as may be well vnderstood by the title, came out of
Virginia.
The Time.
They flower in May, Iune, and Iuly.
The Names.
The name of _Hesperis_ is imposed by most Herbarists vpon the
two first plants, although it is not certainly knowne to be the
same that Theophrastus doth make mention of, in his sixth Booke
and twenty fiue Chapter _de causis plantarum_: but because
this hath the like effects to smell best in the euening, it
is (as I said) imposed vpon it. It is also called _Viola
Marina Matronalis_, _Hyemalis_, _Damascena_ and _Muschatella_:
In English, Dames Violets, Queens Gilloflowers, and Winter
Gilloflowers.
The last hath his Latine name in the title as is best agreeing
with it, and for the English, although it be too foolish I
confesse, yet it may passe for this time till a fitter be
giuen, vnlesse you please to follow the Latine, and call it
Virginia Loose-strife.
The Vertues.
I neuer knew any among vs to vse these kindes of Violets in
Physicke, although by reason of the sharpe biting taste,
Dodonæus accounteth the ordinary sort to be a kinde of Rocket,
and saith it prouoketh sweating, and vrine: and others affirme
it to cut, digest, and cleanse tough flegme. The Virginian hath
not beene vsed by any that I know, either inwardly or outwardly.
CHAP. XLII.
_Viola Lunaris siue Bolbonach._ The Sattin flower.
Vnto the kindes of Stocke-Gilloflowers I thinke fittest to adioyne
these kindes of Sattin-flowers, whereof there are two sorts, one
frequent enough in all our Countrie, the other is not so common.
1. _Viola Lunaris vulgaris._ The common white Sattin flower.
The first of these Sattin flowers, which is the most common, hath his
leaues broad belowe, and pointed at the end, snipt about the edges,
and of a darke greene colour: the stalkes are round and hard, two
foot high, or higher, diuided into many branches, set with the like
leaues, but smaller: the tops of the branches are beset with many
purplish flowers, like vnto Dames Violets, or Stocke Gilloflowers, but
larger, being of little sent: after the flowers are past, there come in
their places round flat thin cods, of a darke colour on the outside,
but hauing a thinne middle skinne, that is white and cleare shining,
like vnto very pure white Sattin it selfe, whereon lye flat and round
brownish seede, somewhat thicke and great: the rootes perish when they
haue giuen their seede, and are somewhat round, long, and thicke,
resembling the rootes of _Lilium non bulbosum_, or Day Lilly, which
are eaten (as diuers other rootes are) for Sallets, both in our owne
Country, and in many places beside.
2. _Viola Lunaris altera seu peregrina._ Long liuing Sattin flower.
This second kinde hath broader and longer leaues then the former, the
stalkes also are greener and higher, branching into flowers, of a
paler purple colour, almost white, consisting of foure leaues in like
manner, and smelling pretty sweete, bearing such like pods, but longer
and slenderer then they: the rootes are composed of many long strings,
which dye not as the former, but abide, and shoot out new stalkes euery
yeare.
The Place.
The first is (as is said) frequent enough in Gardens, and is
found wilde in some places of our owne Country, as Master
Gerard reporteth, whereof I neuer could be certainly assured,
but I haue had it often sent mee among other seedes from Italy,
and other places. The other is not so common in Gardens, but
found about Watford, as he saith also.
The Time.
They flower in Aprill or May, and sometimes more early.
The Names.
It hath diuers names, as well in English as in Latine; for it
is called most vsually _Bolbonach_, and _Viola Lunaris_: Of
some _Viola latifolia_, and of others _Viola Peregrina_, and
_Lunaria Græca_, _Lunaria maior_, and _Lunaria odorata_, and is
thought to be _Thlaspi Crateuæ_: In English, White Satten, or
Satten flower: Of some it is called Honesty, and Penny-flower.
The Vertues.
Some doe vse to eate the young rootes hereof, before they runne
vp to flower, as Rampions are eaten with Vinegar and Oyle; but
wee know no Physicall vse they haue.
CHAP. XLIII.
_Linum siluestre & Linaria._ Wilde Flaxe and Tode Flaxe.
Although neither the manured Line or Flaxe is a plant fit for our
Garden, nor many of the wilde sorts, yet there are some, whose pleasant
and delightfull aspect doth entertaine the beholders eyes with good
content, and those I will set downe here for varietie, and adioyne vnto
them some of the _Linarias_, or Tode Flaxe, for the neare affinity with
them.
1. _Linum siluestre flore albo._ Wilde Flaxe with a white flower.
This kinde of wilde Flaxe riseth vp with diuers slender branches, a
foote high or better, full of leaues, standing without order, being
broader and longer then the manured Flaxe: the tops of the branches
haue diuers faire white flowers on them, composed of fiue large leaues
a peece, with many purple lines or strikes in them: the seede vessell
as well as the seede, is like vnto the heads and seede of the manured
Flaxe: the rootes are white strings, and abide diuers yeares, springing
fresh branches and leaues euery yeare, but not vntill the Spring of the
yeare.
2. _Linum siluestre luteum._ Wilde Flaxe with a yellow flower.
This wilde Flaxe doth so well resemble a kinde of St. Iohns wort, that
it will soone deceiue one that doth not aduisedly regard it: For it
hath many reddish stalkes, and small leaues on them, broader then the
former wilde Flaxe, but not so long, which are well stored with yellow
flowers, as large as the former, made of fiue leaues a peece, which
being past, there come small flattish heads, containing blackish seede,
but not shining like the former: the rootes hereof dye not euery yeare,
as many other of the wilde kindes doe, but abide and shoote out euery
yeare.
3. _Linaria purpurea._ Purple Tode Flaxe.
This purple Tode Flaxe hath diuers thicke, small, long, and somewhat
narrowish leaues, snipt about the edges, of a whitish greene colour,
from among which rise vp diuers stalkes, replenished at the tops with
many small flowers, standing together one aboue another spike-fashion,
which are small and somewhat sweete, while they are fresh, fashioned
somewhat like the common Tode flaxe that groweth wilde abroad almost
euery where, but much smaller, with a gaping mouth, but without any
crooked spurre behinde, like vnto them, sometimes of a sad purple neare
vnto a Violet, and sometimes of a paler blew colour, hauing a yellow
spot in the middle or gaping place: after the flowers are past, there
come small, hard, round heads, wherein are contained small, flat, and
grayish seede: the roote is small and perisheth for the most part euery
yeare, and will spring againe of it owne sowing, if it be suffered to
shed it selfe, yet some hard Winters haue killed the seede it should
seeme, in that sometimes it faileth to spring againe, and therefore had
neede to be sowne anew in the Spring.
4. _Linaria purpurea odorata._ Sweete purple Tode Flaxe.
The lower leaues of this purple Tode Flaxe are nothing like any of
the rest, but are long and broad, endented about the edges, somewhat
resembling the leaues of the greater wilde white Daisie: the stalke is
set at the bottome with such like leaues, but a little more diuided and
cut in, and still smaller and smaller vpward, so that the vppermost
leaues are very like the common Tode Flaxe, the toppe whereof is
branched, hauing diuers small flowers growing along vpon then, in
fashion and colour almost like the last described Tode Flaxe, but not
altogether so deepe a purple: the heads and seedes are very like the
former, but that the seede of this is reddish; the flowers in their
naturall hot Countries haue a fine sent, but in these colder, little or
none at all: the rootes are small and threadie, and perish after they
haue flowred and seeded.
[Illustration:
1 _Linum siluestre flore albo._ Wilde Flaxe with a white flower.
2 _Linaria purpurea siue cærulea._ Purple Tode Flaxe.
3 _Linaria purpurea odorata._ Sweete purple Tode Flaxe.
4 _Scoparia siue Beluidere Italorum._ Broome Tode Flaxe.
5 _Antirrhinum maius._ The greater Snapdragon.
6 _Chamænerium flore delphinij._ The willowe flower.
]
5. _Linaria Valentina._ Tode Flaxe of Valentia.
This Spanish Tode Flaxe hath three or foure thicker and bigger stalkes
then the former, bearing small broad leaues, like vnto the small
Centory, two or three together at a ioynt, round about the lower end
of the stalkes, but without any order vpwards, at the toppes whereof
stand many flowers, in fashion like vnto the common kinde, and almost
as large, of a faire yellow colour, but the gaping mouth is downie, and
the spurre behinde of a purplish colour.
6. _Scoparia siue Beluidere Italorum._ Broome Tode Flaxe.
Although this plant haue no beautifull flowers, yet because the greene
plant full of leaues is so delightfull to behold, being in Italy and
other places planted not onely in their Gardens, but set likewise in
pots to furnish their Windowes, and euen with vs also hath growne to
be so dainty a greene bush, that I haue thought it worthy to be among
the delights of my Garden; the description whereof is as followeth:
This pleasant Broome Flaxe riseth vp most vsually with one straight
vpright square stalke, three foote and a halfe high or better in our
Gardens, branching it selfe out diuers waies, bearing thereon many long
narrow leaues, like the Garden Line or Flaxe, very thicke set together,
like vnto a bush, or rather like vnto a faire greene Cypresse tree,
growing broad belowe, and spire-fashion vpwards, of a very faire greene
colour: at the seuerall ioynts of the branches, towards the tops, and
among the leaues, there come forth small reddish flowers, not easily
seene nor much regarded, being of no beauty, which turne into small
round blackish gray seede: the rootes are a number of blackish strings
set together, and the whole plant perisheth euery yeare at the first
approach of any cold ayre, as if it neuer had beene so faire a greene
bush.
The Place.
These kindes of wilde Flaxe doe growe naturally in diuers
places, some in Germany, some in Spaine, and some in Italy.
Those that delight in the beauty of natures variety, doe
preserue them, to furnish vp the number of pleasant aspects.
The Time.
They all flower in the Summer moneths, and soone after perfect
their seede.
The Names.
Their names are sufficiently expressed in their titles, yet I
must giue you to vnderstand that the last is called of some
_Linaria magna_, and of others _Osyris_.
The Vertues.
The wilde Flaxe hath no medecinable vertue appropriate vnto
it that is knowne. The Tode Flaxe is accounted to be good, to
cause one to make water.
CHAP. XLIIII.
_Antirrhinum._ Snapdragon.
There is some diuersity in the Snapdragons, some being of a larger, and
others of a lesser stature and bignesse; and of the larger, some of
one, and some of another colour, but because the small kindes are of no
beautie, I shall at this time onely entreate of the greater sorts.
1. _Antirrhinum album._ White Snapdragon.
The leaues of these Snapdragons (for I doe vnder one description
comprehend the rest) are broader, longer, and greener then the leaues
of the Garden Flaxe, or of the wilde Flaxe set confusedly vpon the
tender greene branches, which are spread on all sides, from the very
bottome, bearing at the toppes many flowers, somewhat resembling the
former Tode Flaxe, but much larger, and without any heele or spurre, of
a faire white colour, with a yellow spot in the mouth or gaping place:
after the flowers are past, there come vp in their places hard round
seede vessels, fashioned somewhat like vnto a Calues head, the snout
being cut off, wherein is contained small blacke seede: the rootes are
many white strings, which perish in most places after they haue giuen
seede, notwithstanding any care or paines taken with them to preserue
them aliue, and yet they will abide in some places where they are
defended in the Winter.
2. _Antirrhinum purpureum siue roseum._ Purple Snapdragon.
The purple Snapdragon is in stalkes, leaues, and flowers altogether
like the former, and as large and great in euery part, or greater; the
only difference is, that this beareth pale Stammell or Rose coloured
flowers, with a yellow spot in the mouth, and sometimes of a paler
colour, almost blush.
3. _Antirrhinum variegatum._ Variable Snapdragon.
This variable kinde is somewhat lesse, and tenderer then the last
described, hauing also a reddish or blush coloured flower, lesser then
the former, but much bigger then the middle kinde of Snapdragon (which
is not set downe in this worke) the yellow spot in the mouth of it hath
some white about it, and extending to both sides of the spot: the heads
and seede are like the former: the rootes are smaller, but neuer will
abide after they haue giuen flowers and seede.
4. _Antirrhinum luteum._ Yellow Snapdragon.
There is likewise another of these kindes, that beareth leaues as large
as any of the former, & very faire yellow flowers, as large likewise
as they, not differing in any thing else from the first; let not any
therefore imagine this to be a _Linaria_ or Tode Flaxe: for all parts
are answerable vnto the Snapdragons.
The Place.
All these are nourished with vs in our Gardens, although in
Spaine and Italy they are found growing wilde.
The Time.
They flower for the most part the second yeare after the
sowing, from Aprill vntill Iuly, and the seede is quickly ripe
after.
The Names.
The name _Antirrhinum_ is vsually giuen to this plant,
although it fully agreeth not eyther with the description of
Dioscorides, or Theophrastus: It hath also diuers other names
in Latine, as _Orontium_, _Canis cerebrum Os Leonis_, _Leo
herba_, _&c._ In English Calues snout, from the forme of the
seede vessels, and Snapdragon, or Lyons mouth, from the forme
of the flowers.
The Vertues.
They are seldome or neuer vsed in Physicke by any in our dayes.
CHAP. XLV.
_Chamænerium flore delphinij._ The Willowe flower.
This plant riseth vp with many strong, woddy, round, brownish great
stalkes, three or foure foote high, beset here and there without order,
with one broad and long whitish greene leafe at a ioynt, somewhat like
vnto a _Lysimachia_, or Willowe herbe, as also vnto a Peach leafe, but
larger and longer: at the toppe of the branches stand many flowers
one aboue another, of a pale reddish purple colour, consisting of
fiue leaues, spread open with an heele or spurre behinde them, with
many yellow threads in the middle, much larger then any flower of the
Larkes spurres, and smelling somewhat sweete withall; it beareth a
shew of long pods with seede, but I could neuer obserue the seede: the
rootes are like the rootes of _Lysimachia_, or the ordinary yellow
Loose-strife, or Willowe herbe, but greater: running and spreading
vnder ground, and shooting vp in many places, whereby it filleth a
ground that it likes quickly: the stalkes dye downe euery yeare, and
spring againe in many places farre asunder.
The Place.
Wee haue not knowne where this Willowe flower groweth
naturally, but we haue it standing in an out corner of our
Gardens, to fill vp the number of delightfull flowers.
The Time.
It flowreth not vntill May, and abideth a long while flowring.
The Names.
It may seeme to diuers, that this is that plant that Dodonæus
called _Pseudolysimachium purpureum minus_, and Lobel seemeth
by the name of _Delphinium buccinum_ to aime at this plant,
but withall calleth it _Chamænerium Gesneri_, and giueth the
same figure that Dodonæus hath for his _Pseudolysimachium_:
But that is one kinde of plant (which hath smaller and shorter
stalkes, and very narrow long leaues, whose flowers stand vpon
long slender cods, full of downe, with reddish seede, like vnto
the _Lysimachia siliquosa siluestris_, and rootes that abide
many yeares, but creepe not) and this is another, much greater,
whose true figure is not extant in any Author that I know. It
is vsually called _Chamænerium flore delphinij_; but the name
of _Delphinium buccinum_ in my minde may not so conueniently be
applyed vnto it. It is called in English, The Willowe flower,
for the likenesse of the leaues, and the beauty and respect of
the flowers.
The Vertues.
There is no vse hereof in Physicke that euer I could learne,
but is onely cherished among other sorts of flowers, that serue
to decke and set forth a Garden of varieties.
CHAP. XLVI.
_Aquilegia._ Colombines.
There are many sorts of Colombines, as well differing in forme as
colour of the flowers, and of them both single and double carefully
noursed vp in our Gardens, for the delight both of their forme and
colours.
1. _Aquilegia vulgaris flore simplici._ Single Colombines.
Because the whole difference of these Colombines standeth in the
varieties of the forme, and colour of the flowers, and little in the
leaues, I shall not neede to make anie repetitions of the description
of them, seeing one onely shall suffice for each peculiar kinde. The
Colombine hath diuers large spread leaues, standing on long stalkes:
euery one diuided in seuerall partitions, and roundly endented about
the edges, in colour somewhat like the leaues of Celondine, that is,
of a darke blewish greene colour: the stalkes rise vp sometimes two
or three foote high, diuided vsually into many branches, bearing one
long diuided leafe at the lower ioynt, aboue which the flowers growe,
euery one standing on a long stalke, consisting of fiue hollow leaues,
crooked or horned at the ends, turning backward, the open flower
shewing almost like vnto a Cinquefoile, but more hollow: after the
flowers are past, there arise small long cods, foure or fiue together,
wherein are contained blacke shining seede: the rootes are thicke
and round, for a little space within the ground, and then diuided
into branches, ending in many small fibres, abiding many yeares, and
shooting a fresh euery Spring from the round heads, that abide all the
Winter. The variety of the colours of these flowers are very much, for
some are wholly white, some of a blew or violet colour, others of a
blush or flesh colour, or deepe or pale red, or of a dead purple, or
dead murrey colour, as nature listeth to shew it selfe.
2. _Aquilegia vulgaris flore pleno._ Double Colombines.
The double Colombines differ not in leafe or manner of growing from the
single, so that vntill they come to flower, they cannot bee discerned
one from another; the onely difference is, it beareth very thicke and
double flowers, that is, many horned or crooked hollow leaues set
together, and are not so large as the leaues of the single flowers. The
variety of colours in this double kinde is as plentifull, or rather
more then in the single; for of these is party coloured, blew and
white, and spotted very variably, which are not in the single kinde,
and also a very deepe red, very thicke and double, but a smaller
flower, and lesse plentifull in bearing then many of the other double
sorts. These double kindes doe giue as good seede as the single kindes
doe, which is not obserued in many other plants.
3. _Aquilegia inuersis corniculis._ Double inuerted Colombines.
These Colombines are not to be distinguished eyther in roote, leaues,
or seed from the former, the flowers onely make the difference, which
are as double as the former, but that the heeles or hornes of these are
turned inward, and stand out in the middle of the flowers together:
there is not that plentifull variety of colours in this kinde, as there
is in the former: for I neuer saw aboue three of foure seuerall colours
in this kinde, that is, white, purplish, reddish, and a dun or darke
ouerworne purplish colour. These double flowers doe likewise turne into
pods, bearing seede, continuing his kind, and not varying into the
former.
4. _Aquilegia Rosea._ Rose Colombines.
The leaues and other parts of this kinde of Colombine, differ little
or nothing from the former, the diuersitie consisteth likewise in the
flowers, which although they stand in the same manner seuerally vpon
their small stalkes, somewhat more sparingly then the former doe,
yet they haue no heeles or hornes, eyther inward or outward, or very
seldome, but stand sometimes but with eight or tenne smooth small
plaine leaues, set in order one by one in a compasse, in a double rowe,
and sometimes with foure or fiue rowes of them, euery one directly
before the other, like vnto a small thick double Rose layd open, or a
spread Marigold: yet sometimes it happeneth, that some of these flowers
will haue two or three of the first rowes of leaues without any heele,
and the rest that are inward with each of them a peece of a small horne
at them, as the former haue: the colours of these flowers are almost
as variable, and as variably mixed as the former double kindes. This
likewise giueth seede, preseruing his owne kinde for the most part.
5. _Aquilegia degener._ Degenerate Colombines.
This kinde of Colombine might seeme to some, to bee but a casuall
degeneration, and no true naturall kinde, happening by some cause of
transplanting, or otherwise by the art of man: but I haue not so found
it, in that it keepeth, and holdeth his own proper forme, which is like
vnto the double Rose Colombine, but that the outermost row of leaues
are larger then any of the rest inwardes, and is of a greenish, or else
of a purplish greene colour, and is not altogether so apt to giue good
seed like the former.
The Place.
The single kindes haue beene often found in some of the wooddy
mountaines of Germany, as Clusius saith, but the double kindes
are chiefly cherished in gardens.
The Time.
They flower not vntill May, and abide not for the most part
when Iune is past, and in the meane time perfecteth their
seede.
The Names.
Costæus doth call this plant _Pothos_ of Theophrastus, which
Gaza translateth _Desiderium_. Dalechampius vpon Athenæus,
calleth it _Diosanthos_, or _Iouis flos_ of Theophrastus, who
in his sixth Booke and seuenth Chapter reckoneth them both,
that is, _Diosanthos_ and _Pothos_, to be Summer flowers, but
seuerally. Dodonæus _Leoherba_, and Gesner _Leontostomium_.
Fabius Columna in his Phytobasanos, vnto whom Clusius giueth
the greatest approbation, referreth it to the _Isopyrum_ of
Dioscorides. All later Writers doe generally call it, eyther
_Aquileia_, _Aquilina_, or _Aquilegia_; and we in English,
generally (I thinke) through the whole Countrey, Colombines.
Some doe call the _Aquilegia rosea_, _Aquilegia stellata_, The
starre Colombine; because the leaues of the flowers doe stand
so directly one by another, besides the doublenesse, that they
somewhat represent eyther a Rose or a Starre, and thereupon
they giue it the name eyther of a Starre or Rose.
[Illustration:
1 _Aquilegia simplex._ The single Colombine.
2 _Aquilegia flore multiplici._ The double Colombine.
3 _Aquilegia versicolor._ The party coloured Colombine.
4 _Aquilegia inuersis corniculis._ The double inuerted Colombine.
5 _Aquilegia Rosea siue Stellata._ The Rose or the Starre Colombine.
6 _Thalictrum Hispanicum album._ White Spanish tufts.
]
The Vertues.
Some in Spaine, as Camerarius saith, vse to eate a peece of
the roote hereof fasting, many dayes together, to helpe them
that are troubled with the stone in the kidneyes. Others vse
the decoction, of both herbe and roote in wine, with a little
Ambargrise, against those kinds of swounings, which the Greekes
call ἀδυναμία. The seede is vsed for the iaundise, and other
obstructions of the liuer. Clusius writeth from the experience
of Franciscus Rapard, a chiefe Physician of Bruges in Flanders,
that the seede beaten and drunke is effectuall to women in
trauell of childe, to procure a speedy deliuerie, and aduiseth
a second draught thereof should be taken if the first succeede
not sufficiently.
CHAP. XLVII.
_Thalictrum Hispanicum._ Spanish Tufts, Or Tufted Columbines.
From among the diuersities of this plant, I haue selected out two sorts
for this my garden, as hauing more beautie then all the rest; leauing
the other to be entreated of, where all in generall may be included. I
haue in this place inserted them, for the likenesse of the leaues only,
being in no other part correspondent, and in a Chapter by themselues,
as it is most fit.
_Thalictrum Hispanicum album._ White Spanish tufted Colombines.
These plants haue both one forme, in roote, leafe and flower, and
therefore neede but one description. The leaues are both for colour
and forme so like vnto Colombines leaues (although lesser and darker,
yet more spread, and on larger stalkes) that they may easily deceiue
one, that doth not marke them aduisedly; for the leaues are much more
diuided, and in smaller parts, and not so round at the ends: the
stalkes are round, strong, and three foote high at the least, branching
out into two or three parts, with leaues at the seuerall ioynts of
them, at the toppes whereof stand many flowers, which are nothing but
a number of threads, made like vnto a small round tuft, breaking out
of a white skinne, or leafe, which incloseth them, and being vnblowne,
shew like vnto little buttons: the colour of these threds or tufts in
this are whitish with yellow tips on them, and somewhat purplish at the
bottome, hauing a strong but no good sent, and abiding in their beautie
(especially if they grow in the shade, and not too hot in the sun) a
great while, and then fall away, like short downe or threds: the seed
vessels are three square, containing small, long, and round seede; the
rootes are many long yellow fringes, which endure and encrease much.
_Thalictrum Montanum purpureum._ Purple tufted Colombines.
This purple tufted Colombine differeth onely from the former, in that
it is not so high nor so large, and that the colour of the flower or
tuft is of a blewish purple colour with yellow tips, and is much more
rare then the other.
The Place.
These grow both in Spaine and Italie.
The Time.
They flower in the end of May, or in Iune, and sometimes later.
The Names.
Some doe call them _Thaliotrum_, and some _Thalictrum_. Others
_Ruta palustris_, and _Ruta pratensis_, and some _Rhabarbarum
Monachorum_, or _Pseudo-rhabarbarum_, by reason that the
rootes being yellow, haue an opening qualitie, and drying as
Rubarbe. In English what other fit Names to giue these then I
haue expressed in the titles, I know not.
The Vertues.
They are a little hot and drying withall, good for old Vlcers,
as Dioscorides saith, to bring them to cicatrising: in Italy
they are vsed against the Plague, and in Saxonye against the
Iaundise, as Camerarius saith.
CHAP. XLVIII.
_Radix caua._ Hollow roote.
The likenesse of the leaues likewise of this plant with Colombines,
hath caused mee to insert it next the other, and although some of this
kinde bee of small respect, being accounted but foolish, yet let it
fill vp a waste corner, that so no place be vnfurnished.
1. _Radix Caua maior flore albo._ The white Hollow roote.
The leaues of this hollow roote breake not out of the ground, vntill
the end of March, or seldome before, and are both for proportion and
colour somewhat like vnto the leaues of Colombines, diuided into fiue
parts, indented about the edges, standing on small long footestalkes
of a whitish greene colour, among which rise vp the stalkes, without
any leaues from the bottome to the middle, where the flowers shoote
forth one aboue another, with euery one a small short leafe at the
foote thereof, which are long and hollow, with a spurre behinde it,
somewhat like vnto the flowers of Larckes spurres, but hauing their
bellies somewhat bigger, and the mouth not so open, being all of a pure
white colour: after the flowers are past, arise small long and round
cods, wherein are contained round blackish seede: the roote is round
and great, of a yellowish browne colour on the outside, and more yellow
within, and hollow vnderneath, so that it seemeth but a shell: yet
being broken, euery part will grow: it abideth greene aboue ground but
a small time.
2. _Radix Caua maior flore carneo._ Blush colourd Hollow roote.
The blush Hollow roote is in all things like vnto the former, but onely
that the flowers hereof are of a delayed red or purple colour, which
we call blush: and sometimes of a very deepe red or purple colour; but
very rare to meete with.
3. _Radix Caua minor, seu Capnos fabacea radice._ Small hollow roote.
This small kinde hath his leaues of a blewish greene colour, yet
greener and smaller then the former, growing more thicke together: the
flowers are like in proportion vnto the former in all respects, but
lesser, hauing purplish backes, and white bellyes: standing closer and
thicker together vpon the short stalkes: the roote is solid or firme,
round and a little long withall, two being vsually ioyned together,
yellowish both within and without: but I haue seene the dry roots that
came from beyond Sea hither, that haue beene as small as hasell nuts,
and somewhat flat with the roundnesse, differing from those that growe
with vs, whether the nature thereof is to alter by manuring I know not.
The Place.
The greater kindes Clusius reporteth he found in many places of
Hungarie, and the other parts neare thereunto: the lesser in
the lower Germany, or Low Countries, as we call them.
The Time.
These are most truely to bee reckoned Vernall plants, for that
they rise not out of the ground vntill the Spring bee come in,
and are gone likewise before it be past, remaining vnder ground
all the rest of the yeare, yet the lesser abideth longer aboue
ground then the greater.
The Names.
Concerning the former of these, there is a controuersie among
diuers, whether it should be _Thesium_ of Theophrastus, or
_Eriphium_ of Galen, but here is no fit place to trauerse those
opinions. Some would haue it to bee _Corydalis_, and some
referre it to Plinie his _Capnos Chelidonia_, for the likenesse
it hath both with Fumeterie and Celandine. It is generally
called of all moderne Writers, _Radix Caua_, and we in English
thereafter, Hollow roote. The lesser for the firmnesse of his
round roote, is vsually called, _Capnos fabacea radice_, and
the Dutch men thereafter, =Boonkens Hollwortell=: we of the
likenesse with the former, doe call it the lesse Hollow roote.
The Vertues.
Some by the bitternesse doe coniecture (for little proofe hath
beene had thereof, but in outward cases) that it clenseth,
purgeth, and dryeth withall.
CHAP. XLIX.
_Delphinium._ Larkes heeles.
Of Larkes heeles there are two principall kindes, the wilde kinde, and
the tame or garden; the wilde kinde is of two sorts, one which is with
vs noursed vp chiefly in gardens, and is the greatest; the other which
is smaller and lower, often found in our plowed landes, and elsewhere:
of the former of these wilde sorts, there are double as well as single:
and of the tame or more vpright, double also and single: and of each of
diuers colours, as shall be set downe.
1. _Delphinium maius siue vulgare._ The ordinary Larkes heeles.
The common Larkes heele spreadeth with many branches much more ground
then the other, rather leaning or bending downe to the ground, then
standing vpright, whereon are set many small long greene leaues, finely
cut, almost like Fennell leaues: the branches end in a long spike of
hollow flowers, with a long spurre behinde them, very like vnto the
[Sidenote: _Varietas._]
flowers of the Hollow roote last described, and are of diuers seuerall
colours, as of a blewish purple colour, or white, or ash colour or red,
paler or deeper, as also party coloured of two colours in a flower;
after the flowers are past, (which in this kinde abide longer then in
the other) there come long round cods, containing very blacke seede:
the root is hard after it groweth vp to seede, spreading both abroad
and deepe, and perisheth euery yeare, vsually raising it selfe from it
own sowing, as well as from the seede sowen in the spring time.
2. _Delphinium vulgare flore pleno._ Double common Larkes heeles.
Of this vulgar kinde there is some difference in the flower, although
in nothing else: the flowers stand many vpon a stalke like the former,
but euery one of them are as if three or foure small flowers were
ioyned together, with euery one his spurre behinde, the greatest flower
being outermost, and as it were containing the rest, which are of a
pale red, or deepe blush colour: Another of this kinde will beare his
flowers with three or foure rowes of leaues in the middle, making a
double flower with one spurre behinde onely: and of this kinde there is
both with purple, blew, blush, and white flowers, and party coloured
also; these doe all beare seed like the single, wherby it is increased
euery yeare.
3. _Delphinium aruense._ Wilde Larkes spurres.
This wilde Larkes spurre hath smaller and shorter leaues, smaller and
lower branches, and more thinly or sparsedly growing vpon them, then
any of the former: the flowers likewise are neyther so large as any
of the former, nor so many growing together, the cods likewise haue
smaller seede, and is harder to grow in gardens then any of the former,
the most vsuall colour hereof is a pale reddish or blush colour, yet
sometimes they are found both white and blew, and sometimes mixt of
blew and blush, variably disposed, as nature can when she listeth; but
are much more rare.
4. _Delphinium elatius flore simplici diuersorum colorum._
Single vpright bearing Larkes heeles of many colours.
The difference betweene this and the last is, that the leaues of this
are not fully so greene, nor so large; the stalkes grow vpright,
to the height of a man, and sometimes higher, hauing some branches
thereon, but fewer then the former, and standing likewise vpright, and
not leaning downe as the former: the toppes of the stalkes are better
stored with flowers then the other, being sometimes two foote long
and aboue, of the same fashion, but not altogether so large, but of
more diuers and seueral colours, as white, pale, blush, redde deeper
or paler, ashcoloured, purple or violet, and of an ouerworne blewish
purple, or iron colour: for of all these we haue simple, without any
mixture or spot: but we haue other sorts, among the simple colours,
that rise from the same seede, and will haue flowers that wil be halfe
white, and halfe blush or purple, or one leafe white, and another blush
or purple, or else variably mixed and spotted: the seede and seede
vessels are like the former but larger and harder.
5. _Delphinium elatius flore pleno diuersorum colorum._
Double vpright Larkes heeles of many colours.
These double Larkes heeles cannot bee knowne from the single of the
same kinde, vntill they come towards flowring; for there appeare many
flowers vpon the stalkes, in the same manner, and of as many colours
almost as of the single, except the party coloured, which stand like
little double Roses, layd or spread broade open, as the Rose Colombine
without any heeles behinde them, very delightfull to behold, consisting
of many small leaues growing together, and after they are fallen there
come vp in their places three or foure small cods set together, wherein
is contained here and there (for all are not full of seede, as the
single kindes) blacke seede, like vnto all the rest, but smaller, which
being sowen will bring plants that will beare both single and double
flowers againe, and it often happeneth, that it variably altereth in
colours from it owne sowing: for none of them hold constantly his owne
colour, (so farre as euer I could obserue) but fall into others; as
nature pleaseth.
6. _Delphinium Hispanicum paruum._ Spanish wilde Larkes spurres.
This small Larkes spurre of Spaine, hath diuers long and broad leaues
next the ground, cut-in on both sides, somewhat like vnto the leafe
of a Scabious, or rather that kinde of Stœbe, which Lobel calleth
Crupina, for it doth somewhat neerly resemble the same, but that this
is smooth on the edges, and not indented besides the cuts, as the
_Crupina_ is, being of a whitish greene colour, and somewhat smooth and
soft in handling: among the leaues riseth vp a whitish greene stalke,
hauing many smaller leaues vpon it that grow belowe, but not diuided,
branching out into many small stalkes, bearing flowers like vnto the
wilde Larkes heeles, but smaller, and of a bleake blewish colour, which
being past, there come vp two or three small cods ioyned together,
wherein is blacke seede, smaller and rounder then any of the former:
the roote is small and thready, quickly perishing with the first cold
that ouertaketh the plant.
The Place.
The greatest or first wilde kindes growe among corne in many
countries beyond the Seas, and where corne hath beene sowne,
and for his beauty brought and nourished in our Gardens: the
lesser wilde kinde in some fields of our owne Country. The
Spanish kinde likewise in the like places, which I had among
many seedes that Guillaume Boel brought mee out of Spaine. The
first double and single haue been common for many yeares in all
countries of this Land, but the tall or vpright single kindes
haue been entertained but of late yeares. The double kindes are
more rare.
The Time.
These flower in the Summer onely, but the Spanish wilde kinde
flowreth very late, so that oftentimes in our Country, the
Winter taketh it before it can giue ripe seede: the double
kindes, as well the vpright as the ordinary or wilde, are very
choise and dainty many times, not yeelding good seede.
The Names.
They are called diuersly by diuers Writers, as _Consolida
regulis_, _Calcaris flos_; _Flos regius_, _Buccinum Romanorum_,
and of Matthiolus, _Cuminum siluestre alterum Dioscoridis_: but
the most vsuall name with vs is _Delphinium_: but whether it be
the true _Delphinium_ of Dioscorides, or the Poets Hyacinth, or
the flower of Aiax, another place is fitter to discusse then
this. Wee call them in English Larkes heeles, Larkes spurres,
Larkes toes, or clawes, and Monkes hoods. The last or Spanish
kinde came to mee vnder the name of _Delphinium latifolium
trigonum_, so stiled eyther from the diuision of the leaues,
or from the pods, which come vsually three together. Bauhinus
vpon Matthiolus calleth it, _Consolida regalis peregrina paruo
flore_.
The Vertues.
There is no vse of any of these in Physicke in these dayes that
I know, but are wholly spent for their flowers sake.
CHAP. L.
_Balsamina fœmina._ The Female Balsam Apple.
I haue set this plant in this place, for some likenesse of the flower,
rather then for any other comparison, euen as I must also with the
next that followeth. This plant riseth vp with a thicke round reddish
stalke, with great and bunched ioynts, being tender and full of iuice,
much like to the stalke of Purslane, but much greater, which brancheth
it selfe forth from the very ground, into many stalkes, bearing thereon
manie long greene leaues, snipt about the edges, very like vnto the
Almond or Peach tree leaues; among which from the middle of the
stalkes vpwards round about them, come forth vpon seuerall small short
foot-stalkes many faire purplish flowers, of two or three colours in
them, fashioned somewhat like the former Larkes heeles, or Monks hoods,
but that they are larger open at the mouth, and the spurres behinde
crooke or bend downewards: after the flowers are past, there come in
their places round rough heads, pointed at the end, greene at the
first, and a little yellower when they bee ripe, containing within them
small round blackish seede, which will soone skippe out of the heads,
if they be but a little hardly pressed betweene the fingers: the rootes
spread themselues vnder ground very much from the toppe, with a number
of small fibres, annexed thereunto: this is a very tender plant, dying
euery yeare, and must bee sowne carefully in a pot of earth, and tended
and watered in the heate of Summer, and all little enough to bring it
to perfection.
[Illustration:
1 _Radix Caua maior flore albo._ The white flowred Hollow roote.
2 _Capnos fabacea radice._ The small Hollow roote.
3 _Delphinium flore simplici._ Single Larkes spurs.
4 _Delphinium vulgare flore medio duplici._ Larkes spurs double in
the middle.
5 _Delphinium vulgare flore pleno._ Common Larks spurs double.
6 _Delphinium elatius flore pleno._ Double vpright Larkes spurs.
7 _Delphinium Hispanicum parvum._ Small Spanish Larkes spurs.
8 _Balsamina fœmina._ The Female Balsam apple.
9 _Nasturtium Indicum._ Indian Cresses, or yellow Larkes spurs.
]
The Place.
Wee haue alwaies had the seede of this plant sent vs out of
Italy, not knowing his originall place.
The Time.
It flowreth from the middle of Iuly, to the end of August: the
seed doth seldome ripen with vs, especially if the Summer be
backward, so that wee are oftentimes to seeke for new and good
seede from our friends againe.
The Names.
Some vse to call it _Charantia fœmina_, _Balsamina fœmina_,
_Balsamella_, and _Anguillara_, _Herba Sanctæ Katharinæ_. We
haue no other English name to call it by, then the Female
Balsame Apple, or _Balsamina_.
The Vertues.
Some by reason of the name, would attribute the property of
Balme vnto this plant, but it is not sufficiently knowne to
haue any such; yet I am well perswaded, there may bee some
extraordinary quality in so beautifull a plant, which yet lyeth
hid from vs.
CHAP. LI.
_Nasturtium Indicum._ Indian Cresses, or yellow Larkes heeles.
The likenesse (as I said before) of this flower likewise, hauing
spurres or heeles maketh me ioyne it with the rest, which is of so
great beauty and sweetnesse withall, that my Garden of delight cannot
bee vnfurnished of it. This faire plant spreadeth it selfe into very
many long trayling branches, enterlaced one within another very
confusedly (yet doth it not winde it selfe with any claspers about
either pole or any other thing, but if you will haue it abide close
thereunto, you must tye it, or else it will lye vpon the ground) foure
or fiue foot in length at the least, wherby it taketh vp a great deale
of ground: the leaues are smooth, greene, and as round as the Penniwort
that groweth on the ground, without any cut or incisure therein at all
in any part, the stalkes whereof stand in the middle of each leafe and
stand at euery ioynt of the stalke, where they are a little reddish,
and knobbed or bunched out: the flowers are of an excellent gold yellow
colour, and grow all along these stalkes, almost at euery ioynt with
the leaues, vpon pretty long foote-stalkes, which are composed of fiue
leaues, not hollow or gaping, but standing open each leafe apart by it
selfe, two of them, that be larger and longer then the other, stand
aboue and the other two that are lesser belowe, which are a little
iagged or bearded on both sides, and the first lowest: in the middle of
each of the three lower leaues (yet sometimes it is but in two of them)
there is a little long spot or streake, of an excellent crimson colour,
with a long heele or spurre behinde hanging downe: the whole flower
hath a fine small sent, very pleasing, which being placed in the middle
of some Carnations or Gilloflowers (for they are in flower at the same
time) make a delicate Tussimussie, as they call it, or Nosegay, both
for sight and sent: After the flower is past, come the seede, which
are rough or vneuen, round, greenish yellow heads, sometimes but one,
and sometimes two or three standing together vpon one stalke, bare
or naked of themselues, without any huske, containing a white pulpy
kernell; the rootes are small, and spreading vnder ground, which perish
with the first frosts, and must be sowne a new euery yeare; yet there
needeth no bed of horse-dung for the matter: the naturall ground will
be sufficient, so as you defend it a little from those frosts, that may
spoile it when it is newly sprung vp, or being yet tender.
The Place.
This goodly plant was first found in the West Indies, and from
thence sent into Spaine vnto Monardus and others, from whence
all other parts haue receiued it. It is now very familiar in
most Gardens of any curiosity, where it yearly giueth ripe
seed, except the yeare be very vnkindly.
The Time.
It flowreth sometimes in Iune, but vsually in Iuly (if it
be well defended and in any good ground) and so continueth
flowring, vntill the cold frosts and mistes in the middle or
end of October, doe checke the luxurious nature thereof, and in
the meane time the seede is ripe, which will quickly fall downe
on the ground, where for the most part the best is gathered.
The Names.
Some doe reckon this plant among the _Clematides_ or
_Convolvuli_, the Clamberers or Bindweedes; but (as I said) it
hath no claspers, neither doth it winde it selfe: but by reason
of the number of his branches, that run one within another, it
may seeme to climbe vp by a pole or sticke, which yet doth but
onely close it, as hauing something whereon to leane or rest
his branches. Monardus and others call it _Flos sanguineus_,
of the red spots in the flowers, as also _Mastuerzo de las
Indias_, which is _Nasturtium Indicum_, by which name it is now
generally knowne and called, and wee thereafter in English,
Indian Cresses, yet it may bee called from the forme of the
flowers onely, Yellow Larkes heeles.
The Vertues.
The Spaniards and others vse the leaues hereof in stead of
ordinary Cresses, because the taste is somewhat sharpe agreeing
thereunto, but other Physicall properties I haue heard of none
attributed to it.
CHAP. LII.
_Viola._ Violets.
The Garden Violets (for the Wilde I leaue to their owne place) are so
well knowne vnto all, that either keepe a Garden, or hath but once come
into it, that I shall (I thinke) but lose labour and time to describe
that which is so common. Yet because it is not onely a choise flower
of delight, notwithstanding the popularity, and that I let not passe
anything without his particular description, I must also doe so by
this. And hereunto I must adde that kinde of Violet, which, although
it want that smell of the other, goeth beyond it in variety of dainty
colours, called _Viola tricolor_ _&_ _flammea_, or Harts eases.
1. _Viola simplex Martia._ Single March Violets.
The single Garden Violet hath many round greene leaues, finely snipt
or dented about the edges, standing vpon seuerall small stalkes, set
at diuers places of the many creeping branches, which as they runne,
doe here and there take roote in the ground, bearing thereon many
flowers seuerally at the ioynts of the leaues, which consist of fiue
small leaues, with a short round tayle or spurre behinde, of a perfect
blew purple colour, and of a very sweete sent, it bringeth forth round
seede vessels, standing likewise vpon their seuerall small stalkes,
wherein is contained round white seede: but these heads rise not from
where the flowers grew, as in all other plants that I know, but apart
by themselues, and being sowne, will produce others like vnto it selfe,
whereby there may be made a more speedy encrease to plant a Garden (as
I haue done) or any other place, then by slipping, as is the vsuall
manner: the rootes spread both deepe and wide, taking strong hold in
the ground.
[Sidenote: _Flore albo._]
Of this kinde there is another that beareth white flowers, not
differing in smell or any thing else from the former.
[Sidenote: _Flore obsoleto._]
And also another, that beareth flowers of a dead or sad reddish colour,
in all other things alike, sauing that this hath not altogether so good
a sent as the other.
2. _Viola Martia flore multiplici._ Double March Violets.
There is no difference betweene this Violet and the former, in any
other thing then in the doublenesse of the flowers, which haue so many
leaues set and thrust together, that they are like vnto hard buttons.
There is of this double kinde both white and purple, as in the single;
but the white sort is seldome so thicke and double as the purple: but
of the red colour to be double I neuer heard.
3. _Viola flammea siue tricolor._ Harts eases or Pansies.
The Harts ease hath his leaues longer, and more endented or cut in
on the edges then the Violet hath, and somewhat round withall: the
stalkes are vpright, yet weake, and ready to fall downe, and lye vpon
the ground, set here and there with the like leaues, from whence come
forth the flowers, of little or no sent at all, made like vnto a
Violet, yet more open, and with larger leaues; but so variably mixed
with blew or purple, white and yellow, that it is hard to set downe all
the varieties; For some flowers will be more white, and but some spots
of purple or blew in the two vpper leaues, and the lower leaues with
some stripes of yellow in the middle: others will haue more purple in
them then any other colour, both in the vpper and lower leaues, the
side leaues blew, and the middle yellow, and others white and blew with
yellow stripes, as nature listeth to distribute their colours: the
seede is small, whitish, and round, contained in small round heads: the
roote perisheth euery yeare, and raiseth it selfe vp plentifully by it
owne sowing, if it be suffered.
4. _Viola tricolor flore duplici._ Double Harts ease.
We haue in our Gardens another sort, that beareth flowers with more
leaues then the former, making it seeme to be twice double, and that
onely in Autumne; for the first flowers are single that come in
Summer: This is of that sort that beareth purple flowers: And it is
to be obserued, that the seed of this kinde will not all bring double
flowers, but only some, if the ground be fit and liking, so that if you
haue once had of this double kinde, you shall seldome misse to haue
double flowers againe euery yeare of it owne growing or sowing.
5. _Viola flammea lutea maxima._ The great yellow Pansie.
There is one other kinde of Harts ease, that decketh vp our Gardens not
to be forgotten, whose leaues and flowers are like the former, but more
plentifull in stalkes and branches, and better abideth our Winters;
the flowers are larger then any of the former, of a faire pale yellow
colour, with some yellower stripes now and then about the middle; for
it is sometimes without any stripes; and also of a little deeper yellow
colour: this is to bee encreased by slips, which will soone comprehend
in a moist or moistened ground, for that I neuer could obserue that it
bore seede.
The Place.
These plants were first wilde, and by manuring brought to be
both fairer in colour, and peraduenture of a better sent then
when they grew wilde.
The Time.
The Violets flower in March, and sometimes earlier, and if the
yeare be temperate and milde, in Autumne againe. The double
Violets, as they are later before they flower then the single,
so they hold their flowers longer. The Harts ease flowreth
seldome vntill May; but then some will abide to flower vntill
the end of Autumne almost, especially if the frosts be not
early.
The Names.
The Violet is called _Viola nigra_, _purpurea_, and _Martia_:
In English, Violets, March Violets, and purple Violets. The
Harts ease is called _Viola flammea_, _Viola tricolor_, _Viola
multicolor_, and of some, _Iacea_, _Flos trinitatis_, and
_Herba clauellata_: In English, Harts ease, and Pansies, of
the French name Pensees. Some giue it foolish names, as Loue
in idlenesse, Call mee to you, and Three faces in a hood. The
great yellow Harts ease is so called, because it is like in
forme, and is the greatest of all other, although it haue not
that diuersity of colours in it that the other haue.
The Vertues.
The properties of Violets are sufficiently knowne to all, to
coole and moisten: I shall forbeare to recite the many vertues
that may be set downe, and onely let you knowe, that they haue
in them an opening or purging quality, being taken either fresh
and greene, or dryed, and made into powder, especially the
flowers; the dryed leaues will doe the like, but in greater
quantity. Costæus in his booke of the nature of all plants
saith, that the distilled water of Harts ease, is commended
in the French disease, to be profitable, being taken for nine
dayes or more, and sweating vpon it, which how true it is, I
know not, and wish some better experience were made of it,
before we put any great confidence in that assertion.
CHAP. LIII.
_Epimedium._ Barrenwort.
This pretty plant riseth vp out of the ground with vpright, hard,
round, small stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, or not two foote high
at the highest, diuided into three branches for the most part, each
branch whereof is againe diuided for the most part into three other
branches, and each of them beare three leaues (seldome either more or
lesse) set together, yet each vpon his owne foote-stalke, each leafe
being broad, round, and pointed at the end, somewhat hard or dry in
feeling, hayrie, or as it were prickly about the edges, but very
tenderly, without harme, of a light greene colour on the vpperside, and
a little whiter vnderneath: from the middle of the stemme or stalke of
leaues doth likewise come forth another long stalke, not much higher
then those with the leaues on them, diuided into other branches, each
whereof hath likewise three flowers, each vpon his owne footestalke,
consisting of eight small leaues a peece, yet seeming to be but of
foure leaues spread or layd open flat, for that the foure vppermost,
which are the smaller and being yellow, doe lye so close on the foure
vndermost, which are a little broader and red, that they shew as if
they were yellow flowers with red edges, hauing yellow threds tipt with
greene, standing in the middle of the flowers: the vnderside of the
lower leaues are of a pale yellowish red, striped with white lines:
after the flowers are past, there come small long pods, wherin are
contained flat reddish seede: the rootes are small, reddish and hard,
spreading, branching and enterlacing themselues very much, and is fit
to be placed on some shady side of a garden: the whole plant is rather
of a strong then any good sent, yet is cherished for the pleasant
varietie of the flowers.
The Place.
Cæsalpinus saith it groweth on the mountaines of Liguria, that
is nigh vnto Ligorne, in the Florentine Dominion. Camerarius
saith, nigh vnto Vicenza in Italie. Bauhinus on the Euganian
hils, nigh vnto Padoa, and in Romania in shadowie wet grounds.
The Time.
It flowreth from Iune vntill the end of Iuly, and to the middle
of August, if it stand, as I said it is fittest, in a shadowie
place.
The Names.
It is of most Writers accepted for the true _Epimedium_ of
Dioscorides, though he saith it is without flower or seede,
being therein eyther mistaken, or mis-informed, as he was also
in _Dictamnus_ of Candy, and diuers other plants. From the
triple triplicitie of the standing of the stalkes and leaues,
and quadriplicitie of the flowers, it might receiue another
name in English then is already imposed vpon it: but lest I
might be thought to be singular or full of noueltie, let it
passe with the name Barrenwort, as it is in the title.
The Vertues.
It is thought of diuers to agree in the propertie of causing
barrennesse, as the ancients doe record of _Epimedium_.
CHAP. LIIII.
_Papauer satiuum._ Garden Poppies.
Of Poppies there are a great many sorts, both wilde and tame, but
because our Garden doth entertaine none, but those of beautie and
respect, I wil onely giue you here a few double ones, and leaue the
rest to a general suruey.
[Illustration:
1 _Viola Martia simplex._ Single March Violets.
2 _Viola Martia multiplex._ Double March Violets.
3 _Viola flammea siue tricolor._ Ordinary garden Pansies or Harts
ease.
4 _Viola flammea lutea magna._ Great yellow Pansies.
5 _Viola tricolor duplex._ Double Pansies or Harts eases.
6 _Epimedium._ Barrenwort.
7 _Papauer sativum flore pleno._ Double garden Poppies.
8 _Papauer sativum flore pleno laciniata._ Double feathered Poppies.
9 _Nigella Hispanica flore amplo._ Spanish Nigella or Fenell flower.
10 _Nigella multiplex cærulea._ Double blew Nigella or Fenell flower.
11 _Nigella duplex flore albo._ Double white Nigella.
12 _Ptarmica flore pleno._ Double wilde Pelletory.
]
1. _Papauer multiplex album._ Double white Poppies.
The double white Poppy hath diuers broade, and long whitish greene
leaues, giuing milke (as all the rest of the plant aboue ground doth,
wheresoeuer it is broken) very much rent or torne in on the sides,
and notched or indented besides, compassing at the bottome of them a
hard round brittle whitish greene stalke, branched towards the toppe,
bearing one faire large great flower on the head of euery branch, which
before it breaketh out, is contained within a thin skinne, and being
blowne open is very thick of leaues, and double, somewhat iagged at the
ends, and of a white colour, in the middle whereof standeth a round
head or bowle, with a striped crowne on the heade of it, very like a
starre, compassed about with some threds, wherein when it is ripe, is
contained small, round, white seede, disposed into seuerall cels: the
roote is hard wooddy, and long, perishing euery yeare, and must bee new
sowne euery Spring, if they doe not spring of their own sowing, which
if it doe, the flowers are seldome so faire and double as they that are
sowne in the Spring: the whole plant is of a strong heady smell.
2. _Papauer multiplex rubescens._ Double red or blush Poppies.
This other kind of double Poppy differeth not in any other thing from
the former, but only in the colour of the flowers, which are of a
bright red, tending to a blush colour, parted, paned or striped in many
places with white, and exceedingly more iagged then the former, almost
like a feather at the ends, the bottomes of all the leaues being white:
the seede hereof is white as the former, which is not so in any other
Poppie, that beareth not a full white flower.
3. _Papauer multiplex nigrum siue purpureum._
Double purple or murry Poppies.
This kinde varyeth both in flowers and seede, although neyther in
leaues or any other thing from the first: the flowers are thicke and
double, and some what iagged at the ends, in some more, in some lesse,
eyther red or blush, or purplish red, more or lesse, or of a sad murrey
or tawney, with browne, or blacke, or tawny bottomes: the seede is
eyther of a grayish blew colour, or in others more blackish.
4. _Papauer Rhæas flore multiplici._ The double red field Poppie.
This double Poppie is like the wilde or fielde Poppie, which is well
knowne to all to haue longer, narrower, and more iagged greene leaues
then the former, the stalkes more hairy, and the flower of a deepe
yellowish red colour, knowne to all. Now this differeth in nothing from
it, but in the doublenesse of the flower, which is very thicke and
double, but not so large as the former. This riseth of seede in the
like manner as they doe, and so to bee preserued.
The Place.
From what place they haue beene first gathered naturally I
cannot assure you, but we haue had them often and long time
in our gardens, being sent from Italie and other places. The
double wilde kindes came from Constantinople, which whether it
groweth neere vnto it or further off, we cannot tell as yet.
The Time.
They flower in the beginning or middle of Iune at the furthest,
the seede is ripe within a small while after.
The Names.
The generall knowne name to all, is _Papauer_, Poppie: the
seuerall distinctions are according to their colours. Yet our
English Gentlewomen in some places, call it by a by-name, Ione
siluer pinne: _subauditur_, Faire without and fowle within.
The Vertues.
It is not vnknowne, I suppose to any, that Poppie procureth
sleepe, for which cause it is wholly and onely vsed as I
thinke: but the water of the wilde Poppies, besides that
it is of great vse in Pleurisies, and Rheumatick, or thinne
Distillations, is found by daily experience, to bee a
soueraigne remedy against surfeits; yet some doe attribute this
propertie to the water of the wilde Poppies.
CHAP. LV.
_Nigella._ The Fenell flower, or Nigella.
Among the many sorts of Nigella, both wilde and tame, both single
and double, I will onely set downe three sorts, to be noursed vp in
this garden, referring the rest to a Physicke garden, or a generall
Historie, which may comprehend all.
1. _Nigella Hispanica flore simplici._ The great Spanish Nigella.
Spanish Nigella riseth vp with diuers greene leaues, so finely cut,
and into so many parts, that they are finer then Fenell, and diuided
somewhat like the leaues of Larkes heeles, among which rise vp stalkes,
with many such like leaues vpon them, branched into three or foure
parts, at the toppe of each whereof standeth one faire large flower,
like vnto other single Nigella’s, consisting of fiue or six leaues
sometimes, of a bleake blew, or of a purplish blew colour, with a
greene head in the middle, compassed about with seuen or eight small
blewish greene flowers, or peeces of flowers rather, made like gaping
hoodes, with euery of them a yellowish line thwart or crosse the middle
of them, with some threds also standing by them: after the flower is
past the head groweth greater, hauing sixe, seuen or eight hornes
as it were at the toppe, greater and longer, and standing closer
together then any other Nigella, spreading very like a starre, or the
crowne of the Poppy head, but larger and longer, each whereof being
folded together, openeth a little when the head is ripe, which is
greater aboue, and smaller below, and not so round as the others are,
containing within them small yellowish greene seede, or not so blacke
as the other sorts: the rootes are small and yellow, perishing euery
yeare as the others likewise doe.
2. _Nigella Damascena flore multiplici._
Double blew Nigella, or The Fenell flower.
The double Nigella is in leaues, stalkes and rootes, very like vnto
the former Nigella, so that the one can very hardly bee discerned
from the other before this rise vp to flower, except it be that the
leaues hereof are not fully so large as they: the flower consisteth of
three or foure rowes of leaues, layde one vpon another, of a pale blew
colour, with a greene round head compassed with diuers short threads
in the middle, and hauing fiue or sixe such small greene Fenell-like
leaues vnder the flower, to beare it vp (as it were) below, which adde
a greater grace to the flowers, which at the first sheweth sometimes
white, but changeth quickely after: the horned heads hereof are like
vnto the heads of the other wilde kinde, which are somewhat rounder and
greater, hauing within: them blacke vneuen seedes, but without any sent.
3. _Nigella Citrina flore albo multiplici._ Double white Nigella.
This double white Nigella hath such like leaues as the last hath, but
somewhat larger, of a yellower greene colour, and not so finely cut
and iagged: the flowers are somewhat lesse, and lesser double then
the former, and in colour white, hauing no greene leaues vnder the
flower, as the former hath, the head whereof in the middle is very
like the head of the last double kinde, but not great, wherein is
contained black seede for the most part, and sweete like the Romane
Nigella, which only is sweet besides this: yet sometimes it is not so
blacke, but a little more white or yellowish: the roote is yellow, and
perisheth as the others euery yeare.
The Place.
All these, and the rest be found wilde in diuers Countreyes, as
France, Spaine, Italie, &c. but wee onely cherish them in our
Gardens for our delight.
The Time.
They flower in the end of Iune, and in Iuly, or thereabouts.
The Names.
They are called _Melanthium_, _Gith_, and _Nigella_, and of
some _Flos Diuæ Catherinæ_. We may either call them _Nigella_
according to the Latine name, or the Fenell flower, as some
doe, because the double blew Nigella hath small Fenell-like
leaues bearing vp the flower, as I shewed before in the
description.
The Vertues.
These Nigella’s are nothing so hot in qualitie as the single
Romane kind is, as may well be knowne by the smell of the seede
thereof, and therefore are not fit to be vsed in the steed of
it, as many ignorant persons vse to doe: for the single Romane
seede is vsed to helpe paines, and cold distillations in the
head, and to dry vp the rheume. Pena saith, that the pressed
oyle of the seede as well taken inwardly as vsed outwardly
is an excellent remedy for the hardnesse and swelling of the
spleene.
CHAP. LVI.
_Ptarmica siluestris flore pleno._ Double wilde Pelletory.
The double wilde Pelletorie hath straight and slender stalkes, beset
with long and narrow leaues, snipt round about the edges, in all
points like vnto the single wilde kinde, that groweth common with vs
almost euery where: on the toppes of the stalkes stand foure or fiue,
or more white flowers, one aboue another, with a greene leafe at the
bottome of the footestalke of euery one of them, beeing small, thicke,
and very double, with a little yellowishnesse in the middle of euery
flower, like both for forme and colour vnto the flower of the double
Featherfew, but smaller: the rootes are many long strings, running here
and there in the ground: this hath no smell at all, but is delightsome
only for the double white flowers.
The Place.
It is only cherished in some few Gardens, for it is very rare.
The Time.
It flowreth in the end of Iune or thereabouts.
The Names.
It is called of most _Ptarmica_, or _Sternutamentoria_, of his
qualitie to prouoke neesing: and some _Pyrethrum_, of the hot
biting taste. We vsually call it double wilde Pelletorie, and
some Sneesewort, but _Elleborus albus_ is vsually so called,
and I would not two things should be called by one name, for
the mistaking and mis-using of them.
The Vertues.
The properties hereof, no doubt, may well bee referred to the
single kinde, beeing of the same qualitie, yet as I take it, a
little more milde and temperate.
CHAP. LVII.
_Parthenium flore pleno._ Double Featherfew.
Featherfew that beareth double flowers is so like vnto the single
kinde, that the one cannot be discerned from the other, vntill it come
to flower, bearing broad, pale or fresh greene leaues, much cut in on
the sides: the stalkes haue such like leaues on them as grow below,
from the toppes whereof come forth many double white flowers, like vnto
the flowers of the former wilde Pelletory, but larger, and like also
vnto the flowers of the double Camomill: the sent whereof is as strong
as of the single.
The Place.
We haue this kinde only in Gardens, and as it is thought by
others, is peculiar only to our owne Countrey.
The Time.
It flowreth in the end of May, and in Iune and Iuly.
The Names.
It is called diuersly by diuers: Some thinke it to be
_Parthenium_ of Dioscorides, but not of Galen; for his
_Parthenium_ is a sweet herbe, and is thought to bee
_Amaracus_, that is Marierome: others call it _Matricaria_; and
some _Amarella_. Gaza translateth it _Muraleum, Theoph. lib. 7.
cap. 7_. It is generally in these parts of our Country called
Double Feaverfew, or Featherfew.
The Vertues.
It is answerable to all the properties of the single kinde
which is vsed for womens diseases, to procure their monthly
courses chiefly. It is held to bee a speciall remedy to helpe
those that haue taken _Opium_ too liberally. In Italy some
vse to eate the single kinde among other greene herbes, as
Camerarius saith, but especially fryed with egges, and so it
wholly loseth his strong and bitter taste.
CHAP. LVIII.
_Chamæmælum._ Camomill.
Ovr ordinary Camomill is well knowne to all, to haue many smal trayling
branches, set with very fine small leaues, bushing and spreading thicke
ouer the ground, taking roote still as it spreadeth: the toppes of the
branches haue white flowers, with yellow thrummes in the middle, very
like vnto the Featherfew, before described, but somewhat greater, not
so hard, but more soft and gentle in handling, and the whole herbe to
be of a very sweet sent.
1. _Chamæmælum nudum._ Naked Camomill.
We haue another sort of Camomill in some Gardens, but very rare,
like vnto the former, but that it is whiter, finer, and smaller, and
raiseth it selfe vp a little higher, and beareth naked flowers; that
is, without that border of white leaues that is in the former, and
consisteth onely of a yellow round thrummie head, smelling almost as
sweete as the former.
2. _Chamæmælum flore pleno._ Double flowred Camomill.
The double Camomill groweth with his leaues vpon the ground, as the
other single kinde doth, but of a little fresher greene colour, and
larger withall: the stalkes with the flowers on them, doe raise
themselues vp a little higher then the ordinary, and bearing one or
two flowers vpon a stalk, which are composed of many white leaues
set together in diuers rowes, which make a fine double flower, with
a little yellow spot in the middle for the most part of euery one,
and are much larger then any single kinde, smelling better, and more
pleasing then the ordinary: this doth creepe vpon the ground as the
other, but is more tender to be kept in the Winter. Yet if you saue the
flowers hereof (and so will the double Featherfew also) when they haue
stood long, and ready to fade, and keepe them dry vntill the Spring,
and then breaking them or pulling them to peeces, sowe them, there will
spring vp from them Camomill, and also Featherfew, that will againe
beare double flowers.
The Place.
Our ordinary Camomill groweth wilde in many places of our
Country, and as well neare London as in other places. The
others are onely found in our Gardens, where they are
cherished. Bauhinus saith, that the double flowred Camomill is
found wilde about Orleance in France.
The Time.
The double kinde is vsually in flower in Iune, before the
ordinary kinde, and most commonly past before it flowreth,
which is not vntill Iuly or August. The naked Camomill flowreth
betweene them both, or later.
The Names.
Camomill is called _Anthemis_, _Leucanthemis_, and
_Leucanthemum_, of the whitenesse of the flowers; and
_Chamæmælum_ of the corrupted Italian name _Camomilla_.
Some call the naked Camomill, _Chrysanthemum odoratum_. The
double Camomill is called by some _Chamæmælum Romanum flore
multiplici_.
The Vertues.
Camomill is put to diuers and sundry vses, both for pleasure
and profit, both for inward and outward diseases, both for the
sicke and the sound, in bathings to comfort and strengthen
the sound, and to ease paines in the diseased, as also in
many other formes applyed outwardly. The flowers boyled in
Posset drinke prouoke sweat, and helpe to expell colds, aches,
and other griefes. A Syrupe made of the iuice of the double
Camomill, with the flowers and white wine, as Bauhinus saith,
is vsed by some against the Iaundise and Dropsie, caused by the
euill disposition of the splene.
[Illustration:
1 _Parthenium flore pleno._ Double Featherfew.
2 _Chamæmælum nudum._ Naked Camomill.
3 _Chamæmælum flore pleno._ Double Camomill.
4 _Pyrethrum officinarum._ Pelletory of Spaine.
5 _Flos Adonis flore rubro & flore lutea._ Adonis flower both red &
yellow.
6 _Helleborus niger ferulaceus siue Buphthalmum._ The great Oxe eye
or the great yellow Anemone.
7 _Buphthalmum vulgare._ The common yellow Oxe eye.
]
CHAP. LIX.
_Pyrethrum officinarum._ Pelletory of Spaine.
I must needes adioyne vnto the Camomils this fine and tender plant,
for some neare resemblance it hath with them in face, though not in
quality. It is a small and lowe plant, bearing many fine greene leaues
vpon his slender branches, which leane or lye down vpon the ground,
diuided into many parts, yet somewhat larger and broader then Camomill,
the stalkes whereof are bigger, and more iuicie then it: the flowers
that stand at the toppes of the stalkes are single, but much larger
then any Camomill flower, hauing a pale or border of many leaues, white
on the vpperside, and reddish vnderneath, set about the yellow middle
thrumme; but not standing so close together ioyning at the bottome,
as the Camomill flowers doe, but more seuered one from another: it
beareth small whitish seede, which is hardly found and discerned from
the chaffe: the roote is long, and growing downe right, of the bignesse
of a mans finger or thumbe in our Countrey, but not half so great where
it groweth naturally, with some fibres and branches from the sides
thereof, of a very hot, sharpe, and biting taste, drawing much water
into the mouth, after it hath been chewed a while: the plant with vs
is very tender, and will hardly or not at all endure the hardnesse and
extremities of our Winters, vnlesse it be very carefully preserued.
The Place.
It groweth in Spaine wilde in many places, and in other hot
Countries, where it may feele no frosts to cause it perish.
The Time.
It flowreth so late with vs, that it is not vntill August, that
oftentimes we cannot gather ripe seedes from it, before it
perish.
The Names.
The name _Pyrethrum_ (taken from πὺρ, that is, _ignis_, fire)
is giuen to this plant, because of the heate thereof, and
that the roote is somewhat like in shew, but specially in
property vnto the true _Pyrethrum_ of Dioscorides, which is an
vmbelliferous plant, whose rootes are greater, and more feruent
a great deale, and haue a hayrie bush or toppe as _Meum_, and
many other vmbelliferous plants haue. It is also called in
Latin, _Salinaris_, of the effect in drawing much moisture into
the mouth, to be spit out. We doe vsually call it Pelletory of
Spaine.
The Vertues.
It is in a manner wholly spent to draw rheume from the teeth,
by chewing it in the mouth, thereby to ease the tooth-ach, and
likewise from the head, in the paines thereof.
CHAP. LX.
_Flos Adonis flore rubro._ Red Adonis flower.
Adonis flower may well be accounted a kinde of Camomill, although it
hath some especiall differences, hauing many long branches of leaues
lying vpon the ground, and some rising vp with the stalke, so finely
cut and iagged, that they much resemble the leaues of Mayweed, or of
the former _Nigella_: at the top of the stalkes, which rise a foote
high or better, stand small red flowers, consisting of six or eight
round leaues, hauing a greene head in the middle, set about with many
blackish threads, without any smell at all: after the flowers are past,
there grow vp heads with many roundish white seedes at the toppes of
them, set close together, very like vnto the heads of seede of the
great Oxe eye, set downe in the next Chapter, but smaller: the rootes
are small and thready, perishing euery yeare, but rising of his owne
seede againe, many times before Winter, which will abide vntill the
next yeare.
[Sidenote: _Flore luteo._]
Yellow Adonis flower is like vnto the red, but that the flower is
somewhat larger, and of a faire yellow colour.
The Place.
The first groweth wilde in the corn fields in many places of
our own country, as well as in others, and is brought into
Gardens for the beauties sake of the flower. The yellow is a
stranger, but noursed in our Gardens with other rarities.
The Time.
They flower in May or Iune, as the yeare falleth out to be
early or late: the seed is soone ripe after, and will quickly
fall away, if it be not gathered.
The Names.
Some haue taken the red kinde to be a kinde of Anemone; other
to be _Eranthemum_ of Dioscorides: the most vsuall name now
with vs is _Flos Adonis_, and _Flos Adonidis_: In English,
where it groweth wilde, they call it red Maythes, as they
call the Mayweede, white Maythes; and some of our English
Gentlewomen call it Rosarubie: we vsually call it Adonis flower.
The Vertues.
It hath been certainly tryed by experience, that the seed of
red Adonis flower drunke in wine, is good to ease the paines of
the Collicke and Stone.
CHAP. LXI.
_Buphthalmum._ Oxe eye.
Vnder the name _Buphthalmum_, or Oxe eye, are comprehended two or three
seueral plants, each differing from other, both in face and property,
yet because they all beare one generall name, I thinke fittest to
comprise them all in one Chapter, and first of that which in leafe &
seed commeth nearest to the Adonis flower.
1. _Buphthalmum maius siue Helleborus niger ferulaceus._
Great Oxe eye, or the yellow Anemone.
This great Oxe eye is a beautifull plant, hauing many branches of
greene leaues leaning or lying vpon the ground for the most part, yet
some standing vpright, which are as fine, but shorter then Fenell; some
of them ending in a small tuft of green leaues, and some hauing at the
toppes of them one large flower a peece, somewhat reddish or brownish
on the outside, while they are in bud, and a while after, and being
open, shew themselues to consist of twelue or fourteene long leaues, of
a faire shining yellow colour, set in order round about a greene head,
with yellow thrums in the middle, laying themselues open in the sunne,
or a faire day, but else remaining close: after the flower is past, the
head growing greater, sheweth it selfe compact of many round whitish
seede, very like vnto the head of seede of the Adonis flower last
described, but much greater: the rootes are many long blackish fibres
or strings, set together at the head, very like vnto the rootes of the
lesser blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote, but somewhat harder, stiffer, or
more brittle, and seeming without moisture in them, which abide and
encrease euery yeare.
2. _Buphthalmum minus, seu Anthemis flore luteo._ Small Oxe eye.
This plant might seeme to be referred to the Camomils, but that it is
not sweete, or to the Corne-Marigolds, but that the stalkes and leaues
are not edible: it is therefore put vnder the Oxe eyes, and so we will
describe it; hauing many weake branches lying vpon the ground, beset
with winged leaues, very finely cut and iagged, somewhat like vnto
Mayweede, but a little larger; the flowers are like vnto the Corne
Marigold, and larger then any Camomill, being wholly yellow, as well
the pale or border of leaues, as the middle thrummes: the rootes are
somewhat tough and long.
3. _Buphthalmum vulgare._ Common Oxe eye.
This Oxe eye riseth vp with hard round stalkes, a foote and a halfe
high, hauing many winged leaues vpon them, made of diuers long and
something broad leaues, snipt about the edges, set together somewhat
like vnto Tansie, but smaller, and not so much winged: the flowers
stand at the toppes of the stalkes, of a full yellow colour, both the
outer leaues and the middle thrum, and not altogether so large as the
last: the rootes of this kinde perish euery yeare, and require a new
sowing againe.
The Place.
The first groweth in diuers places of Austria, Bohemia, and
those parts, it hath beene likewise brought out of Spaine.
The second in Prouence, a country in France. The last in
diuers places, as well of Austria as Morauia, and about Mentz
and Norimberg, as Clusius setteth downe. We haue them in our
Gardens, but the first is of the greatest respect and beauty.
The Time.
The first flowreth betimes, oftentimes in March, or at the
furthest in Aprill; the seede is ripe in May, and must be
quickly gathered, lest it bee lost. The other two flower not
vntill Iune.
The Names.
The first is called _Buphthalmum_ of Dodonæus,
_Pseudohelleborus_ of Matthiolus, _Helleborus niger ferulaceus
Theophrasti_ by Lobel, of some others _Elleborus niger verus_,
vsing it for the true blacke Ellebor, but it is much differing,
as well in face as properties. Of others _Sesamoides minus_.
Some haue thought it to be a yellow Anemone, that haue looked
on it without further iudgement, and by that name is most
vsually knowne to most of our English Gentlewomen that know it.
But it may most fitly be called a _Buphthalmum_, as Dodonæus
doth, and _Hispanicum_ or _Austriacum_, for distinctions sake.
We doe most vsually call it _Helleborus niger ferulaceus_, as
Lobel doth: Bauhinus calleth it _Helleborus niger tenuifolius
Buphthalmi flore_. The second is called _Buphthalmum
Narbonense_: In English, The French, or lesser Oxe eye, as the
first is called, The great Oxe eye. The last, The common Oxe
eye.
The Vertues.
The first hath been vsed in diuers places for the true blacke
Ellebor, but now is sufficiently knowne to haue been an errour;
but what Physicall property hath, other then Matthiolus hath
expressed, to be vsed as Setterwort for cattell, when they
rowell them, to put or draw the rootes hereof through the hole
they make in the dewe lappe, or other places, for their coughes
or other diseases, I know not, or haue heard or read of any.
The others likewise haue little or no vse in Physicke now a
dayes that I know.
CHAP. LXII.
_Chrysanthemum._ Corne Marigold.
Although the sorts of Corne Marigolds, which are many, are fitter for
another then this worke, and for a Catholicke Garden of Simples, then
this of Pleasure and Delight for faire Flowers; yet giue me leaue to
bring in a couple: the one for a corner or by-place, the other for your
choisest, or vnder a defenced wall, in regard of his statelinesse.
1. _Chrysanthemum Creticum._ Corne Marigold of Candy.
This faire Corne Marigold hath for the most part one vpright stalke,
two foote high, whereon are set many winged leaues, at euery ioynt one,
diuided and cut into diuers parts, and they againe parted into seuerall
peeces or leaues: the flowers growe at the toppes of the stalkes,
rising out of a scaly head, composed of ten or twelue large leaues,
of a faire, but pale yellow colour, and more pale almost white at the
bottome of the leaues, round about the yellow thrumme in the middle,
being both larger and sweeter then any of the other Corne Marigolds:
the seede is whitish and chaffie: the roote perisheth euery yeare.
2. _Chrysanthemum Perüuianum, siue Flos Solis._
The golden flower of Peru, or the Flower of the Sunne.
This goodly and stately plant, wherewith euery one is now a dayes
familiar, being of many sorts, both higher and lower (with one stalke,
without branches, or with many branches, with a blacke, or with a
white seede, yet differing not in forme of leaues or flowers one from
another, but in the greatnesse or smalnesse) riseth vp at the first
like vnto a Pompion with two leaues, and after two, or foure more
leaues are come forth, it riseth vp into a great stalke, bearing the
leaues on it at seuerall distances on all sides thereof, one aboue
another vnto the very toppe, being sometimes, and in some places,
seuen, eight, or ten foote high, which leaues standing out from the
stemme or stalke vpon their seuerall great ribbed foote-stalkes, are
very large, broad belowe, and pointed at the end, round, hard, rough,
of a sad greene colour, and bending downewards: at the toppe of the
stalke standeth one great, large, and broad flower, bowing downe the
head vnto the Sunne, and breaking forth from a great head, made of
scaly greene leaues, like vnto a great single Marigold, hauing a border
of manie long yellow leaues, set about a great round yellow thrumme, as
it were in the middle, which are very like vnto short heads of flowers,
vnder euery one whereof there is a seede, larger then any seede of the
Thistles, yet somewhat like, and lesser, and rounder then any Gourd
seede, set in so close and curious a manner, that when the seede is
taken out, the head with the hollow places or cels thereof seemeth very
like vnto an hony combe; which seede is in some plants very blacke, in
the hotter countries, or very white, and great, or large, but with
vs is neither so large, blacke, or white; but sometimes blackish or
grayish. Some sort riseth not vp halfe the height that others doe,
and some againe beare but one stemme or stalke, with a flower at the
toppe thereof; and others two or three, or more small branches, with
euery one his flower at the end; and some so full of branches from the
very ground almost, that I haue accounted threescore branches round
about the middle stalke of one plant, the lowest neare two yards long,
others aboue them a yard and a halfe, or a yard long, with euery one
his flower thereon; but all smaller then those that beare but one or
two flowers, and lesser also for the most part then the flower on the
middle stalke it selfe. The whole plant, and euery part thereof aboue
ground hath a strong resinous sent of Turpentine, and the heads and
middle parts of the flowers doe oftentimes (and sometimes the ioynts of
the stalke where the leaues stand) sweat out a most fine thin & cleare
Rossin or Turpentine, but in small quantity, and as it were in drops,
in the heate and dry time of the year, so like both in colour, smell,
and taste vnto cleare Venice Turpentine, that it cannot be knowne
from it: the roote is strongly fastened in the ground by some greater
roots branching out, and a number of small strings, which growe not
deepe, but keepe vnder the vpper crust of the earth, and desireth much
moisture, yet dyeth euery yeare with the first frosts, and must be new
sowne in the beginning of the Spring.
The Place.
Their places are set downe in their titles, the one to come out
of Candy, the other out of Peru, a Prouince in the West Indies.
The Time.
The first flowreth in Iune, the other later, as not vntill
August, and sometimes so late, that the early frosts taking it,
neuer suffer it to come to ripeness.
The Names.
The first hath his name in his title. The second, besides the
names set downe, is called of some _Planta maxima_, _Flos
maximus_, _Sol Indianus_, but the most vsuall with vs is, _Flos
Solis_: In English, The Sunne Flower, or Flower of the Sunne.
The Vertues.
There is no vse of either in Physicke with vs, but that
sometimes the heads of the Sunne Flower are dressed, and eaten
as Hartichokes are, and a accounted of some to be good meate,
but they are too strong for my taste.
CHAP. LXIII.
_Calendula._ Marigolds.
Some haue reckoned vp many sorts of Marigolds, I had rather make but
two, the single and the double; for doubtlesse, those that be most
double, rise from the best seede, which are the middlemost of the great
double, and some would be lesse double, whose seede is greater then the
rest, according to the ground where it groweth; as also those that be
of a paler colour, doe come of the seed of the yellower sort.
[Illustration:
1 _Chrysanthemum Creticum._ Corne Marigolds of Candy.
2 _Flos Solis._ The Flower of the Sunne.
3 _Calendula._ Marigolds.
4 _Aster Atticus siue Italorum._ The Purple Marigold.
5 _Pilosella maior._ Golden Mouse-eare.
6 _Scorsonera Hispanica._ Spanish Vipers grasse.
7 _Tragopogon._ Goates beard, or goe to bed at noone.
]
1. _Calendula maxima._ The great Garden Marigold.
Garden Marigold hath round greene stalkes, branching out from the
ground into many parts, whereon are set long flat greene leaues,
broader and rounder at the point then any where else, and smaller
also at the setting to of the stalke, where it compasseth it about: the
flowers are sometimes very thicke and double (breaking out of a scaly
clammy greene head) composed of many rowes of leaues, set so close
together one within another, that no middle thrume can bee seene, and
sometimes lesse double, hauing a small browne spot of a thrume in the
middle: and sometimes but of two or three rowes of leaues, with a large
browne thrume in the middle; euery one whereof is somewhat broader
at the point, and nicked into two or three corners, of an excellent
faire deepe gold yellow colour in some, and paler in others, and of a
pretty strong and resinous sweete sent: after the flowers are past,
there succeede heads of crooked seede, turning inward, the outermost
biggest, and the innermost least: the roote is white, and spreadeth in
the ground, and in some places will abide after the seeding, but for
the most part perisheth, and riseth againe of his owne seede. Sometimes
this Marigold doth degenerate, and beareth many small flowers vpon
short stalkes, compassing the middle flower: but this happeneth but
seldome, and therefore accounted but _lusus naturæ_, a play of nature,
which she worketh in diuers other plants besides.
2. _Calendula simplex._ The single Marigold.
There is no difference betweene this and the former, but that the
flowers are single, consisting of one rowe of leaues, of the same
colour; eyther paler or deeper yellow, standing about a great browne
thrumme in the middle: the seed likewise is alike, but for the most
part greater then in the double kindes.
The Place.
Our Gardens are the chiefe places for the double flowers to
grow in; for we know not of any other naturall place: but the
single kinde hath beene found wilde in Spaine, from whence I
receiued seede, gathered by Guillaume Boel, in his time a very
curious, and cunning searcher of simples.
The Time.
They flower all the Summer long, and sometimes euen in winter,
if it be milde, and chiefly at the beginning of those monethes,
as it is thought.
The Names.
They are called _Caltha_ of diuers, and taken to be that
_Caltha_, whereof both Virgil and Columella haue written.
Others doe call them _Calendula_, of the Kalendes, that is the
first day of the monthes, wherein they are thought chiefly to
flower; and thereupon the Italians call them _Fiori di ogni
mese_, that is, The Flowers of euery moneth: We cal them in
English generally, eyther Golds, or Marigolds.
The Vertues.
The herbe and flowers are of great vse with vs among other
pot-herbes, and the flowers eyther greene or dryed, are often
vsed in possets, broths, and drinkes, as a comforter of the
heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential
quality, gathered neere thereunto. The Syrupe and Conserue made
of the fresh flowers are vsed for the same purposes to good
effect.
CHAP. LXIIII.
_Aster._ Starre-wort.
Dioscorides and other of the ancient Writers, haue set forth but one
kinde of Starre-wort, which they call _Aster Atticus_, of the place no
doubt, where the greatest plentie was found, which was the Countrey of
Athens: the later Writers haue found out many other plants which they
referre to this kinde, calling them by the same name. It is not my
purpose to entreate of them all, neyther doth this garden fitly agree
with them; I shall therefore select out one or two from the rest, and
giue the knowledge of them, leauing the rest to their proper place.
1. _Aster Atticus flore luteo._ Yellow Starre-wort.
This Starre-wort riseth vp with two or three rough hairy stalkes, a
foote and a halfe high, with long, rough or hairie, brownish, darke
greene leaues on them, diuided into two or three branches: at the toppe
of euery one whereof standeth a flat scaly head, compared vnderneath
with fiue or sixe long, browne, rough greene leaues, standing like a
Starre, the flower it selfe standing in the middle thereof, made as a
border of narrow, long, pale yellow leaues, set with a brownish yellow
thrume: the roote dyeth euery yeare, hauing giuen his flower.
2. _Aster Atticus Italorum flore purpureo._
Purple Italian Starre-wort.
This Italian Starre-wort hath many wooddy, round brittle stalkes,
rising from the roote, somewhat higher then the former, sometimes
standing vpright, and otherwhiles leaning downewards, whereon are set
many somewhat hard, and rough long leaues, round pointed, without order
vp to the toppe, where it is diuided into seuerall branches, whereon
stand the flowers, made like vnto a single Marigold, with a border of
blewish purple leaues, set about a browne middle thrume, the heads
sustaining the flowers are composed of diuers scaly greene leaues, as
is to be seene in the Knapweedes or Matfelons, which after the flowers
are past yeelde a certaine downe, wherein lye small blacke and flat
seedes, somewhat like vnto Lettice seede, which are carried away with
the winde: the roote is composed of many white strings, which perisheth
not as the former, but abideth, and springeth afresh euery yeare.
The Place.
The first is found in Spaine, as Clusius, and in France,
as Lobel say. The other hath beene found in many places in
Germany, and Austria: in Italie also, and other places; we haue
it plentifully in our Gardens.
The Time.
The first flowreth in Summer. And the other not vntill August
or September.
The Names.
The first is called _Aster Atticus flore luteo_, _Bubonium_,
_&_ _Inguinalis_, and of many is taken to be the true _Aster
Atticus_ of Dioscorides: yet Matthiolus thinketh not so, for
diuers good reasons, which hee setteth downe in the Chapter
of _Aster Atticus_, as any man may vnderstand, if they will
but reade the place, which is too long to bee inserted here.
The other is thought by Matthiolus, to bee the truer _Aster
Atticus_, (vnto whom I must also consent) and constantly also
affirmed to be the _Amellus Virgilij_, as may be seene in
the same place: but it is usually called at this day, _Aster
Italorum flore cæruleo_ or _purpureo_. Their English names are
sufficiently expressed in their titles, yet some call the last,
The purple Marigold, because it is so like vnto one in form.
The Vertues.
They are held, if they bee the right, to bee good for the
biting of a mad dogge, the greene herbe being beaten with old
hogs grease, and applyed; as also for swolne throats: It is
likewise vsed for botches that happen in the groine, as the
name doth import.
CHAP. LXV.
_Pilosella maior._ Golden Mouse-eare.
Some resemblance that the flowers of this plant hath with the former
Golds, maketh me to insert it in this place, although I know it agreeth
not in any other part, yet for the pleasant aspect thereof, it must
bee in this my garden, whose description is as followeth: It hath many
broade greene leaues spread vpon the ground, spotted with pale spots,
yet more conspicuous at sometimes then at other; somewhat hairy both
on the vpper and vnderside, in the middle of these leaues rise vp one,
two or more blackish hairy stalkes, two foote high at the least, bare
or naked vp to the top, where it beareth an vmbell, or short tuft of
flowers, set close together vpon short stalkes, of the forme or fashion
of the Haukeweedes, or common Mouse-eare, but somewhat smaller, of a
deep gold yellow, or orenge tawney colour, with some yellow threds in
the middle, of little or no sent at all: after the flowers are past,
the heads carry small, short, blacke seede, with a light downie matter
on them, ready to bee carried away with the winde, as many other plants
are, when they be ripe: the rootes spread vnder ground, and shoote vp
in diuers other places, whereby it much encreaseth, especially if it be
set in any moist or shadowie place.
The Place.
It groweth in the shadowie woods of France, by Lions, and
Mompelier, as Lobell testifieth: we keepe it in our gardens,
and rather in a shadowie then sunnie place.
The Time.
It flowreth in Somer, and sometimes againe in September.
The Names.
It is called by Lobell, _Pulmonaria Gallorum Hieratij
facie_: and the Herbarists of France take it to be the true
_Pulmonaria_ of Tragus. Others call it _Hieratium flore aureo_.
Pelleterius _Hieratium Indicum_. Some _Pilosella_, or _Auricula
muris maior flore aureo_. And some _Chondrilla flore aureo_.
Dalechamptus would haue it to bee _Corchorus_, but farre
vnfitly. The fittest English name we can giue it, is Golden
Mouse-eare, which may endure vntill a fitter bee imposed on it:
for the name of Grim the Collier, whereby it is called of many,
is both idle and foolish.
The Vertues.
The French according to the name vse it for the defects of the
lunges, but with what good successe I know not.
CHAP. LXVI.
_Scorsonera._ Vipers grasse.
Although there be foure or fiue sorts of _Scorsonera_, yet I shall here
desire you to be content with the knowledge only of a couple.
1. _Scorsonera Hispanica maior._ The greater Spanish Vipers grasse.
This Spanish Vipers grasse hath diuers long, and somewhat broad leaues,
hard and crumpled on the edges, and sometimes vneuenly cut in or
indented also, of a blewish greene colour: among which riseth vp one
stalke, and no more for the most part, two foote high or thereabouts,
hauing here and there some narrower long leaues thereon then those
below: the toppe of the stalke brancheth it selfe forth into other
parts, euery one bearing a long scaly head, from out of the toppe
whereof riseth a faire large double flower, of a pale yellow colour,
much like vnto the flower of yellow Goates beard, but a little lesser,
which being past, the seede succeedeth, being long, whitish and rough,
inclosed with much downe, and among them many other long smooth seedes,
which are limber and idle, and are carryed away at the will of the
winde: the roote is long, thicke and round, brittle and blacke, with
a certaine roughnesse on the outside: but very white within, yeelding
a milkie liquor being broken, as euery other part of the plant doth
besides, yet the roote more then any other part, and abideth many
yeares without perishing.
2. _Scorsonera Pannonica purpurea._ Purple flowred Vipers grasse.
This purple flowred Vipers grasse hath long and narrow leaues, of
the same blewish greene colour with the former: the stalke riseth vp
a foote and a halfe high, with a few such like leaues, but shorter
thereon, breaking at the toppe into two or three parts, bearing on each
of them one flower, fashioned like the former, and standing in the like
scaly knoppe or head, but of a blewish purple colour, not fully so
large, of the sweetest sent of any of this kinde, comming neerest vnto
the smell of a delicate perfume.
The Place.
The first is of Spaine. The other of Hungarie and Austrich:
which now furnish our gardens.
The Time.
They flower in the beginning of May: the seede is soone ripe
after, and then perishing downe to the roote for that yeare,
springeth afresh before Winter againe.
The Names.
They are called after the Spanish name _Scorsonera_, which is
in Latine _Viperaria_, of some _Viperina_, and _Serpentina_:
Wee call them in English Vipers grasse, or _Scorsonera_.
The Vertues.
Manardus as I thinke first wrote hereof, and saith that it hath
been found to cure them that are bitten of a Viper, or other
such like venemous Creature. The rootes hereof being preserued
with sugar, as I haue done often, doe eate almost as delicate
as the Eringus roote, and no doubt is good to comfort and
strengthen the heart, and vitall spirits. Some that haue vsed
the preserued roote haue found it effectuall to expelling winde
out of the stomacke, and to helpe swounings and faintnesse of
the heart.
CHAP. LXVII.
_Tragopogon._ Goates beard.
I must in this place set downe but two sorts of Goates beards; the
one blew or ash-colour, the other red or purple, and leaue the other
kindes: some to bee spoken of in the Kitchin Garden, and others in a
Physicall Garden.
1. _Tragopogon flore cæruleo._ Blew Goates beard.
All the Goates beards haue long, narrow, and somewhat hollow whitish
greene leaues, with a white line downe the middle of euery one on the
vpperside: the stalke riseth vp greater and stronger then the Vipers
grasse, bearing at the toppe a great long head or huske, composed of
nine or ten long narrow leaues, the sharpe points or ends whereof rise
vp aboue the flower in the middle, which is thicke and double, somewhat
broad and large spread, of a blewish ash-colour, with some whitish
threads among them, shutting or closing it selfe within the greene
huske euery day, that it abideth blowing, vntill about noone, and
opening not it selfe againe vntill the next morning: the head or huske,
after the flower is past, and the seede neare ripe, openeth it selfe;
the long leaues thereof, which closed not before now, falling downe
round about the stalke, and shewing the seede, standing at the first
close together, and the doune at the toppe of them: but after they haue
stood a while, it spreadeth it selfe round, and is ready to be carried
away with the winde, if it be not gathered: the seede it selfe is long,
round, and rough, like the seede of the Vipers grasse, but greater and
blacker: the roote is long, and not very great, but perisheth as soone
as it hath borne seede, and springeth of the fallen seede, that yeare
remaining greene all Winter, and flowring the next yeare following:
the whole yeeldeth milke as the former, but somewhat more bitter and
binding.
2. _Tragopogon purpureum._ Purple Goates beard.
There is little difference in this kind from the former, but that it
is a little larger, both in the leafe, and head that beareth the seed:
the flowers also are a little larger, and spread more, of a darke
reddish purple colour, with some yellow dust as it were cast vpon it,
especially about the ends: the roote perisheth in the like manner as
the other.
The Place.
Both these haue been sent vs from the parts beyond the Seas, I
haue had them from Italy, where no doubt they grow naturally
wilde, as the yellow doth with vs: they are kept in our Gardens
for their pleasant flowers.
The Time.
They flower in May and Iune: the seede is ripe in Iuly.
The Names.
Their generall name is after the Greeke word _Tragopogon_,
which is in Latine, _Barbahirci_: In English, Goates beard;
the head of seede when it is readie to bee carried away with
the winde, causing that name for the resemblance: and because
the flower doth euery day close it selfe at noone (as I said
before) and openeth not againe vntill the next Sunne, some haue
fitly called it, Goe to bed at noone.
The Vertues.
The rootes of these kindes are a little more bitter and more
binding also then the yellow kinde expressed in the Kitchin
Garden; and therefore fitter for medicine then for meate, but
yet is vsed as the yellow kinde is, which is more fit for meate
then medicine. The distilled water is good to wash old sores
and wounds.
CHAP. LXVIII.
_Flos Africanus._ The French Marigold.
Of the French or African Marigolds there are three kindes as
principall, and of each of them both with single and double flowers:
of these, some diuersity is obserued in the colour of the flowers, as
well as in the forme or largenesse, so that as you may here see, I
haue expressed eight differences, and Fabius Columna nine or ten, in
regard hee maketh a diuersity of the paler and deeper yellow colour:
and although the lesser kinde, because of its euill sent, is held
dangerous, yet for the beauty of the flower it findeth roome in Gardens.
1. _Flos Africanus maior siue maximus multiplex._
The great double French Marigold.
This goodly double flower, which is the grace and glory of a Garden
in the time of his beauty, riseth vp with a straight and hard round
greene stalke, hauing some crests or edges all along the stalke, beset
with long winged leaues, euery one whereof is like vnto the leafe of
an Ash, being composed of many long and narrow leaues, snipt about
the edges, standing by couples one against another, with an odde one
at the end, of a darke or full greene colour: the stalke riseth to
be three or foure foote high, and diuideth it selfe from the middle
thereof into many branches, set with such like leaues to the toppes
of them, euery one bearing one great double flower, of a gold yellow
colour aboue, and paler vnderneath, yet some are of a pale yellow, and
some betweene both, and all these rising from one and the same seede:
the flower, before it be blowne open, hath all the leaues hollow; but
when it is full blowne open, it spreadeth it selfe larger then any
Prouince Rose, or equall vnto it at the least, if it be in good earth,
and riseth out of a long greene huske, striped or furrowed, wherein
after the flower is past, (which standeth in his full beauty a moneth,
and oftentimes more, and being gathered, may be preserued in his full
beauty for two moneths after, if it be set in water) standeth the
seede, set thicke and close together vpright, which is blacke, somewhat
flat and long: the roote is full of small strings, whereby it strongly
comprehendeth in the ground: the flower of this, as well as the single,
is of the very smell of new waxe, or of an honie combe, and not of that
poisonfull sent of the smaller kindes.
2. _Flos Africanus maior simplex._ The great single French Marigold.
This single Marigold is in all things so like vnto the former, that it
is hard to discerne it from the double, but by the flowers, onely the
stalke will be browner then the double; and to my best obseruation,
hath and doth euery yeare rise from the seede of the double flower:
so that when they are in flower, you may see the difference (or not
much before, when they are in bud) this single flower euer appearing
with thrums in the middle, and the leaues, which are the border or
pale standing about them, shewing hollow or fistulous, which after lay
themselues flat and open (and the double flower appearing with all his
leaues folded close together, without any thrum at all) and are of a
deeper or paler colour, as in the double.
3. _Flos Africanus fistuloso flore simplex_ & _multiplex_. Single and
double French Marigolds with hollow leafed flowers.
As the former two greatest sorts haue risen from the seede of one
and the same (I meane the pod of double flowers) so doe these also,
not differing from it in anything, but that they are lower, and haue
smaller greene leaues, and that the flower also being smaller, hath
euery leafe abiding hollow, like vnto an hollow pipe, broad open at
the mouth, and is of as deepe a yellow colour for the most part as the
deepest of the former, yet sometimes pale also.
4. _Flos Africanus minor multiplex._
The lesser double French Marigold.
The lesser double French Marigold hath his leaues in all things like
vnto the former, but somewhat lesser, which are set vpon round browne
stalkes, not so stiffe or vpright, but bowing and bending diuers
wayes, and sometimes leaning or lying vpon the ground: the stalkes are
branched out diuersly, whereon are set very faire double flowers like
the former, and in the like greene huskes, but smaller, and in some the
outermost leaues will be larger then any of the rest, and of a deeper
Orenge colour, almost crimson, the innermost being of a deepe gold
yellow colour, tending to crimson; the whole flower is smaller, and of
a stronger and more vnpleasant sauour, so that but for the beautifull
colour, and doublenesse of the flower, pleasant to the eye, and not
to any other sense, this kinde would finde roome in few Gardens: the
rootes and seedes are like the former, but lesser.
5. _Flos Africanus minor simplex._ The small single French Marigold.
This single kinde doth follow after the last in all manner of
proportion, both of stalkes, leaues, seedes, and rootes: the flowers
onely of this are single, hauing fiue or six broad leaues, of a deepe
yellow crimson colour, with deepe yellow thrummes in the middle, and of
as strong a stinking sent, or more then the last.
The Place.
They growe naturally in Africa, and especially in the parts
about Tunis, and where old Carthage stood, from whence long
agoe they were brought into Europe, where they are onely kept
in Gardens, being sowne for the most part euery yeare, vnlesse
in some milde Winters. The last single and double kindes (as
being more hardy) haue sometimes endured: but that kinde with
hollow leafed flowers, as Fabius Columna setteth it downe, is
accounted to come from Mexico in America.
The Time.
They flower not vntill the end of Summer, especially the
greater kindes: but the lesser, if they abide all the Winter,
doe flower more early.
The Names.
They haue been diuersly named by diuers men: Some calling
them _Caryophyllus Indicus_, that is, Indian Gilloflowers,
and _Tanacetum Perüvianum_, Tansie of Peru, as if it grew in
Peru, a Prouince of America; and _Flos Indicus_, as a flower of
the Indies; but it hath not been knowne to haue beene brought
from thence. Others would haue it to be _Othonna_ of Plinie,
and others; some to be _Lycopersicum_ of Galen. It is called,
and that more truely, _Flos Tunetensis_, _Flos Africanus_,
and _Caltha Africana_, that is, the flower of Tunis, the
flower of Africa, the Marigold of Africa, and peraduenture
_Pedna Pænorum_. We in English most vsually call them, French
Marigolds, with their seuerall distinctions of greater or
smaller, double or single. To that with hollow leafed flowers,
Fabius Columna giueth the name of _Fistiloso flore_, and I so
continue it.
[Illustration: