Marigold.
2 _Flos Africanus maior multiplex_. The greater double French
Marigold.
3 _Flos Africanus maximus simplex_. The greatest single French
Marigold.
4 _Flos Africanus multiplex fistulosus_. The double hollow French
Marigold.
5 _Flos Africanus simplex fistulosus_. The single hollow French
Marigold.
6 _Flos Africanus minor multiplex_. The smaller double French
Marigold.
7 _Flos Africanus minor multiplex alter_. Another sort of the lesser
double French Marigold.
8 _Flos Africanus minor simplex_. The lesser single French Marigold.
]
The Vertues.
We know no vse they haue in Physicke, but are cherished in
Gardens for their beautifull flowers sake.
CHAP. LXIX.
_Caryophyllus hortensis._ Carnations and Gilloflowers.
To auoide confusion, I must diuide Gilloflowers from Pinkes, and
intreate of them in seuerall Chapters. Of those that are called
Carnations or Gilloflowers, as of the greater kinde, in this Chapter;
and of Pinkes, as well double as single, in the next. But the number of
them is so great, that to giue seuerall descriptions to them all were
endlesse, at the least needlesse: I will therefore set downe onely the
descriptions of three (for vnto these three may be referred all the
other sorts) for their fashion and manner of growing, and giue you the
seuerall names (as they are vsually called with vs) of the rest, with
their variety and mixture of colours in the flowers, wherein consisteth
a chiefe difference. I account those that are called Carnations to
be the greatest, both for leafe and flower, and Gilloflowers for the
most part to bee lesser in both; and therefore will giue you each
description apart, and the Orenge tawnie or yellow Gilloflower likewise
by it selfe, as differing very notably from all the rest.
1. _Caryophyllus maximus Harwicensis siue Anglicus._
The great Harwich or old English Carnation.
I take this goodly great old English Carnation, as a president for the
description of all the rest of the greatest sorts, which for his beauty
and statelinesse, is worthy of a prime place, hauing beene alwayes
very hardly preserued in the Winter; and therefore not so frequent as
the other Carnations or Gilloflowers. It riseth vp with a great thicke
round stalke, diuided into seuerall branches, somewhat thickly set with
ioynts, and at euery ioynt two long greene rather then whitish leaues,
somewhat broader then Gilloflower leaues, turning or winding two or
three times round (in some other sorts of Carnations they are plaine,
but bending the points downewards, and in some also of a darke reddish
greene colour, and in others not so darke, but rather of a whitish
greene colour:) the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes in long,
great, and round greene huskes, which are diuided into fiue points,
out of which rise many long and broad pointed leaues, deeply iagged at
the ends, set in order round and comely, making a gallant great double
flower, of a deepe Carnation colour, almost red, spotted with many
blush spots and strakes, some greater and some lesser, of an excellent
soft sweete sent, neither too quicke as many others of these kinds are,
nor yet too dull, and with two whitish crooked threads like hornes in
the middle: this kinde neuer beareth many flowers, but as it is slow in
growing, so in bearing, not to be often handled, which sheweth a kinde
of statelinesse, fit to preserue the opinion of magnificence: the roote
is branched into diuers great, long, wooddy rootes, with many small
fibres annexed vnto them.
2. _Caryophyllus hortensis flore pleno rubro._
The red or Cloue Gilloflower.
The red Cloue Gilloflower, which I take as a president for the second
sort, which are Gilloflowers, grow like vnto the Carnations, but not
so thicke set with ioynts and leaues: the stalkes are more, the leaues
are narrower and whiter for the most part, and in some doe as well a
little turne: the flowers are smaller, yet very thicke and double in
most, and the greene huskes wherein they stand are smaller likewise
then the former: the ends of the leaues in this flower, as in all the
rest, are dented or iagged, yet in some more then in others; some also
hauing two small white threads, crooked at the ends like hornes,in the
middle of the flower, when as diuers other haue none. These kindes,
and especially this that hath a deepe red crimson coloured flower, doe
endure the cold of our winters, and with lesse care is preserued: these
sorts as well as the former doe very seldome giue any seede, as far as
I could euer obserue or learne.
[Illustration:
1 _Caryophyllus maximus rubro varius._ The great old Carnation or
gray Hulo.
2 _Caryophyllus maior rubro & albo varius._ The white Carnation.
3 _Caryophyllus albo rubens._ The Cambersine or the Poole flower.
4 _Caryophyllus Cantij striatus._ The faire made of Kent.
5 _Caryophyllus Sabaudicus carneus._ The blush Sauadge.
6 _Caryophyllus Xerampelinus._ The Gredeline Carnation.
7 _Caryophyllus dictus Grimelo._ The Grimelo or Prince.
8 _Caryophyllus albus maior._ The great white Gilloflower.
9 _Elegans Heroina Bradshawij._ Master Bradshawes dainty Lady.
]
3. _Caryophyllus Silesiacus flore pleno miniato._
The yellow or Orenge tawny Gilloflower.
This Gilloflower hath his stalkes next vnto the ground, thicker set,
and with smaller or narrower leaues then the former for the most part:
the flowers are like vnto the Cloue Gilloflowers, and about the same
bignesse and doublenesse most vsually, yet in some much greater then
in others; but of a pale yellowish Carnation colour, tending to an
Orenge, with two small white threds, crooked at the ends in the middle,
yet some haue none, of a weaker sent then the Cloue Gilloflower: this
kinde is more apt to beare seede then any other, which is small, black,
flat, and long, and being sowen, yeelde wonderfull varieties both of
single and double flowers: some being of a lighter or deeper colour
then the mother plants: some with stripes in most of the leaues: Others
are striped or spotted, like a speckled Carnation or Gilloflower, in
diuers sorts, both single and double: Some againe are wholly of the
same colour, like the mother plant, and are eyther more or lesse double
then it, or else are single with one row of leaues, like vnto a Pinck;
and some of these likewise eyther wholly of a crimson red, deeper or
lighter, or variably spotted, double or single as a Pinck, or blush
eyther single or double, and but very seldome white: yet all of them in
their greene leaues little or nothing varying or differing.
_Caryophylli maximi._
CARNATIONS.
_Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo rubro-varius._
The gray _Hulo_ hath as large leaues as the former old
Carnation, and as deepely iagged on the edges: it hath a great
high stalke, whereon stand the flowers, of a deepe red colour,
striped and speckled very close together with a darkish white
colour.
_Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo ruber non variatus._
The red _Hulo_ is also a faire great flower, of a stamell
colour, deeply iagged as the former, and groweth very comely
without any spot at all in it, so that it seemeth to bee but a
stamell Gilloflower, saue that it is much greater.
_Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo cæruleo purpureus._
The blew _Hulo_ is a goodly faire flower, being of a faire
purplish murrey colour, curiously marbled with white, but so
smally to be discerned, that it seemeth only purple, it hath so
much the Mastrie in it; it resembleth the Brassill, but that it
is much bigger.
_Caryophyllus maximus dictus Grimelo siue Princeps._
The _Grimelo_ or Prince is a faire flower also, as large as any
Chrystall or larger, being of a faire crimson colour, equally
for the most part striped with white, or rather more white then
red, thorough euery leafe from the bottome, and standeth comely.
_Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus albus._
The white Carnation or Delicate, is a goodly delightfull fair
flower in his pride and perfection, that is, when it is both
marbled and flaked, or striped and speckled with white vpon
an incarnate crimson colour, beeing a very comely flower, but
abideth not constant, changing oftentimes to haue no flakes or
strakes of white, but marbled or speckled wholly.
_Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus Gallicus._
The French Carnation is very like vnto the white Carnation, but
that it hath more specks, and fewer stripes or flakes of white
in the red, which hath the mastrie of the white.
_Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus grandis._
The ground Carnation (if it be not the same with the graund
or great old Carnation first set downe, as the alteration but
of one letter giueth the coniecture) is a thicke flower, but
spreadeth not his leaues abroade as others doe, hauing the
middle standing higher then the outer leaues, and turning vp
their brimmes or edges; it is a sad flower, with few stripes
or spots in it: it is very subiect to breake the pod, that the
flower seldome commeth faire and right; the greene leaues are
as great as the _Hulo_ or Lombard red.
_Caryophyllus maximus Chrystallinus._
The Chrystall or Chrystalline (for they are both one, howsoeuer
some would make them differ) is a very delicate flower when
it is well marked, but it is inconstant in the markes, being
sometimes more striped with white and crimson red, and
sometimes lesse or little or nothing at all, and changing also
sometimes to be wholly red, or wholly blush.
_Caryophyllus maximus flore rubro._
The red Chrystall, which is the red hereof changed, is the most
orient flower of all other red Gilloflowers, because it is both
the greatest, as comming from the Chrystall, as also that the
red hereof is a most excellent crimson.
_Caryophyllus maximus dictus Fragrans._
The Fragrant is a faire flower, and thought to come from the
Chrystall, being as large, but of a blush red colour, spotted
with small speckes, no bigger then pinnes points, but not so
thicke as in the Pageant.
_Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus varius._
The stript Sauadge is for forme and bignesse equall with the
Chrystall or White Carnation, but as inconstant as eyther of
them, changing into red or blush, so that few branches with
flowers containe their true mixtures, which are a whitish
blush, fairely striped with a crimson red colour, thicke and
short, with some spots also among.
_Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus carneus._
The blush Sauadge is the same with the former, the same root of
the stript Sauadge, as I said before, yeelding one side or part
whose flowers will be eyther wholly blush, or hauing some small
spots, or sometimes few or none in them.
_Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus ruber._
The red Sauadge is as the blush, when the colour of the flower
is wholly red without any stripes or spots in them, and so
abideth long; yet it is sometimes seene, that the same side, or
part, or roote being separate from the first or mother plant,
will giue striped and well marked flowers againe.
_Caryophyllus maximus Oxoniensis._
The Oxeford Carnation is very like vnto the French Carnation,
both for forme, largenesse and colour; but that this is of a
sadder red colour, so finely marbled with white thereon, that
the red hauing the maistry, sheweth a very sad flower, not
hauing any flakes or stripes at all in it.
_Caryophyllus maximus Regius, siue Bristoliensis maior._
The Kings Carnation or ordinary Bristow, is a reasonable great
flower, deepely iagged, of a sad red, very finally striped and
speckled with white: some of the leaues of the flower on the
one side will turne vp their brimmes or edges: the greene leafe
is very large.
_Caryophyllus maximus Granatensis._
The greatest _Granado_ is a very faire large flower, bigger
then the Chrystall, and almost as bigge as the blew _Hulo_; it
is almost equally diuided and stript with purple and white,
but the purple is sadder then in the ordinary _Granado_
Gilloflower, else it might bee said it were the same, but
greater. Diuers haue taken this flower to bee the _Gran Pere_,
but you shall haue the difference shewed you in the next
ensuing flower.
_Caryophyllus maximus Gran Pere dictus._
The _Gran Pere_ is a fair great flower, and comely for the
forme, but of no great beautie for colour, because although it
be stript red and white like the Queenes gilloflower, yet the
red is so sad that it taketh away all the delight to the flower.
_Caryophyllus maximus Cambersine dictus._
The Cambersine is a great flower and a faire, beeing a redde
flower, well marked or striped with white, somewhat like vnto
a Sauadge, say some, but that the red is not crimson as the
Sauadge; others say the Daintie, but not so comely: the leaues
of the flowers are many, and thrust together, without any due
forme of spreading.
_Caryophyllus maximus Longobardicus ruber._
The great Lombard red is a great sad red flower, so double and
thick of leaues, that it most vsually breaketh the pod, and
seldome showeth one flower among twenty perfect: the blades or
greene leaues are as large as the _Hulo_.
_Carophylli majores._
GILLOFLOWERS.
_Caryophyllus maior Westminsteriensis._
The lustie Gallant or Westminster (some make them to be one
flower, and others to bee two, one bigger then the other)
at the first blowing open of the flower sheweth to be of a
reasonable size and comelinesse, but after it hath stood blowen
some time it sheweth smaller and thinner: it is of a bright red
colour, much striped and speckled with white.
_Caryophyllus maior Bristoliensis purpureus._
The Bristow blew hath greene leaues, so large, that it would
seeme to bring a greater flower then it doth, yet the flower
is of a reasonable size, and very like vnto the ordinary
_Granado_ Gilloflower, striped and flaked in the same manner,
but that the white of this is purer then that, and the purple
is more light, and tending to a blew: this doth not abide
constant, but changeth into purple or blush.
_Caryophyllus maior Bristoliensis carneus._
The Bristow blush is very like the last both in leafe and
flower, the colour only sheweth the difference, which seldome
varyeth to be spotted, or change colour.
_Caryophyllus maior Doroborniensis ruber._
The red Douer is a reasonable great Gilloflower and constant,
being of a faire red thicke poudered with white spots, and
seemeth somewhat like vnto the ground Carnation.
_Caryophyllus maior Doroborniensis dilutus siue albus._
The light or white Douer is for forme and all other things more
comely then the former, the colour of the flower is blush,
thicke spotted with very small spots, that it seemeth all gray,
and is very delightfull.
_Caryophyllus maior Cantii._
The faire maide of Kent, or Ruffling Robin is a very beautiful
flower, and as large as the white Carnation almost: the flower
is white, thicke poudered with purple, wherein the white hath
the mastrie by much, which maketh it the more pleasant.
_Caryophyllus maior Regineus._
The Queenes Gilloflower is a reasonable faire Gilloflower
although very common, striped red and white, some great and
some small with long stripes.
_Caryophyllus maior elegans._
The Daintie is a comely fine flower, although it be not great,
and for the smallnesse and thinnesse of the flower being red so
finely marked, striped and speckled, that for the liuelinesse
of the colours it is much desired, beeing inferiour to very few
Gilloflowers.
_Caryophyllus maior Brasiliensis._
The Brassill Gilloflower is but of a meane size, being of a
sad purple colour, thicke poudered and speckled with white,
the purple herein hath the mastrie, which maketh it shew the
sadder, it is vnconstant, varying much and often to bee all
purple: the greene leaues lye matting on the ground.
_Caryophyllus maior Granatensis._
The _Granado_ Gilloflower is purple and white, flaked and
striped very much: this is also much subiect to change purple.
There is a greater and a lesser of this kinde, besides the
greatest that is formerly described.
_Caryophyllus Turcicus._
The Turkie Gilloflower is but a small flower, but of great
delight, by reason of the well marking of the flower, being
most vsually equally striped with red and white.
_Caryophyllus Cambrensis Poole._
The Poole flower, growing naturally vpon the rockes neare
Cogshot Castle in the Isle of Wight, is a small flower, but
very pleasant to the eye, by reason of the comely proportion
thereof; it is of a bright pale red, thicke speckled, and
very small with white, that it seemeth to bee but one colour,
the leaues of the flower are but smally iagged about: it is
constant.
_Caryophyllus Pegma dilutior._
The light or pale Pageant is a flower of a middle size, very
pleasant to behold, and is both constant and comely, and but
that it is so common, would be of much more respect then it is:
the flower is of a pale bright purple, thicke poudered, and
very euenly with white, which hath the mastery, and maketh it
the more gracefull.
_Caryophyllus Pegma saturatior._
The sad Pageant is the same with the former in forme and
bignesse, the difference in colour is, that the purple hath
the mastery, which maketh it so sad, that it doth resemble the
Brassill for colour, but is not so bigge by halfe.
_Caryophyllus Heroina dictus elegans Magistri Bradshawij._
Master Bradshawe his dainty Lady may be well reckoned among
these sorts of Gilloflowers, and compare for neatenesse with
most of them: the flower is very neate, though small, with a
fine small iagge, and of a fine white colour on the vnderside
of all the leaues, as also all the whole iagge for a pretty
compasse, and the bottome or middle part of the flower on the
vpperside also: but each leafe is of a fine bright pale red
colour on the vpperside, from the edge to the middle, which
mixture is of wonderfull great delight.
_Caryophyllus albus optimus maior Londinensis & alius._
The best white Gilloflower groweth vpright, and very double,
the blades growe vpright also, and crawle not on the ground.
The London white is greater and whiter then the other ordinary
white, being wholly of one colour.
_Caryophyllus maior rubens & minor._
The stamell Gilloflower is well knowne to all, not to differ
from the ordinary red or cloue Gilloflower, but only in being
of a brighter or light red colour: there is both a greater and
a lesser of this kinde.
_Caryophyllus purpureus maior & minor._
The purple Gilloflower a greater and a lesse: the stalke is so
slender, and the leaues vpon them so many and thicke, that they
lye and traile on the ground: the greatest is almost as bigge
as a Chrystall, but not so double: the lesse hath a smaller
flower.
_Caryophyllus Persico violaceus._
The Gredeline Gilloflower is a very neate and handsome flower,
of the bignesse of the Cloue red Gilloflower, of a fine pale
reddish purple or peach colour, enclining to a blew or violet,
which is that colour is vsually called a gredeline colour: it
hath no affinity with eyther Purple, Granado, or Pageant.
_Caryophyllus purpuro cæruleus._
The blew Gilloflower is neither very double nor great, yet
round and handsome, with a deepe iagge at the edge, and is of
an exeeding deepe purple colour, tending to a tawnie; this
differeth from all other sorts, in that the leafe is as greene
as grasse, and the stalkes many times red or purple: by the
greene leaues it may be knowne in the Winter, as well as in the
Summer.
_Caryophyllus carneus._
The blush Gilloflower differeth not from the red or stamell,
but only in the colour of the flower, which is blush.
_Caryophyllus Silefiacus maximus Wittin._
Iohn Wittie his great tawny Gilloflower is for forme of
growing, in leafe and flower altogether like vnto the ordinary
tawny, the flower onely, because it is the fairest and greatest
that any other hath noursed vp, maketh the difference, as also
that it is of a faire deepe scarlet colour.
There are also diuers other Tawnies, either lighter or sadder,
either lesse or more double, that they cannot be numbered, and
all rising (as I said before) from sowing the seede of some of
them: besides the diuersities of other colours both simple and
mixed, euery yeare and place yeelding some variety was not seen
with them before: I shall neede but onely to giue you the names
of some of them we haue abiding with vs, I meane such as haue
receiued names, and leaue the rest to euery ones particular
denomination.
Of Blushes there are many sorts, as the deepe blush, the pale
blush, the Infanta blush, a blush enclining to a red, a great
blush, the fairest and most double of all the other blushes,
and many others both single and double.
Of Reds likewise there are some varieties, but not so many as
of the other colours; for they are most dead or deepe reds, and
few of a bright red or stamell colour; and they are single like
Pinkes, either striped or speckled, or more double striped and
speckled variably, or else.
There are neither purple nor white that rise from this seede
that I haue obserued, except one white in one place.
_Caryophyllus Silesiacus striatus._
The striped Tawny are either greater or lesser, deeper or
lighter flowers twenty sorts and aboue, and all striped with
smaller or larger stripes, or equally diuided, of a deeper or
lighter colour: and some also for the very shape or forme will
bee more neate, close, and round; others more loose, vnequall,
and sparsed.
_Caryophyllus Silesiacus marmor-amulus._
The marbled Tawny hath not so many varieties as the striped,
but is of as great beauty and delight as it, or more: the
flowers are greater or smaller, deeper or lighter coloured one
then another, and the veines or markes more conspicuous, or
more frequent in some then in others: but the most beautifull
that euer I did see was with Master Ralph Tuggie, which I must
needes therefore call
_Heroina Rodolphi florum Imperatoris._
Master Tuggies Princesse, which is the greatest and fairest of
all these sorts of variable tawnies, or seed flowers, being as
large fully as the Prince or Chrystall, or something greater,
standing comely and round, not loose or shaken, or breaking
the pod as some other sorts will; the marking of the flower is
in this manner: It is of a stamell colour, striped and marbled
with white stripes and veines quite through euery leafe, which
are as deeply iagged as the Hulo: sometimes it hath more red
then white, and sometimes more white then red, and sometimes
so equally marked, that you cannot discerne which hath the
mastery; yet which of these hath the predominance, still the
flower is very beautifull, and exceeding delightsome.
_Caryophyllus Silesiacus assulosus._
The Flaked Tawny is another diuersity of these variable or mixt
coloured flowers, being of a pale reddish colour, flaked with
white, not alwaies downeright, but often thwart the leaues,
some more or lesse then others; the marking of them is much
like vnto the Chrystall: these also as well as others will be
greater or smaller, and of greater or lesse beauty then others.
_Caryophyllus Silesiacus plumatus._
The Feathered Tawny is more rare to meete with then many of the
other; for most vsually it is a faire large flower and double,
equalling the Lumbard red in his perfection: the colour hereof
is vsually a scarlet, little deeper or paler, most curiously
feathered and streamed with white through the whole leafe.
_Caryophyllus Silesiacus punctatus._
The Speckled Tawny is of diuers sorts, some bigger, some
lesse, some more, and some lesse spotted then others: Vsually
it is a deepe scarlet, speckled or spotted with white, hauing
also some stripes among the leaues.
_Caryophyllus roseus rotundus Magistri Tuggie._
Master Tuggie his Rose Gilloflower is of the kindred of these
Tawnies, being raised from the seede of some of them, and onely
possessed by him that is the most industrious preseruer of
all natures beauties, being a different sort from all other,
in that it hath round leaues, without any iagge at all on the
edges, of a fine stamell full colour, without any spot or
strake therein, very like vnto a small Rose, or rather much
like vnto the red Rose Campion, both for forme, colour, and
roundnesse, but larger for size.
[Illustration:
1 _Heroina Rodolphi florum Imperatoris Princessa dictus._ Master
Tuggie his Princesse.
2 _Caryophyllus Oxoniensis._ The French or Oxford Carnation.
3 _Caryophyllus Westmonasteriensis._ The Gallant or Westminster
Gilloflower.
4 _Caryophyllus Bristoliensis._ The Bristow.
5 _Caryophyllus Chrystallinus._ The Chrystall or Chrystalline.
6 _Caryophyllus Sabaudicus striatus._ The stript Sauadge.
7 _Caryophyllus Granatensis maximus._ The Granpere or greatest
Granado.
8 _Caryophyllus peræmanus._ The Dainty.
9 _Caryophyllus Silesiacus maximus Ingonij Ioannis._ Iohn Witty his
great tawny Gilloflower.
10 _Caryophyllus Silesiacus striatus._ The stript Tawny.
11 _Caryophyllus marmor-amulus._ The marbled Tawny.
12 _Caryophyllus roseus rotundas magistri Tuggie._ Master Tuggie his
Rose Gilloflower.
]
The Place.
All these are nourished with vs in Gardens, none of their
naturall places being knowne, except one before recited, and
the yellow which is _Silesia_; many of them being hardly
preserued and encreased.
The Time.
They flower not vntill the heate of the yeare, which is in
Iuly (vnlesse it be an extraordinary occasion) and continue
flowring, vntill the colds of the Autumne checke them, or
vntill they haue wholly out spent themselues, and are vsually
encreased by the slips.
The Names.
Most of our later Writers doe call them by one generall name,
_Caryophyllus sativus_, and _flos Caryophylleus_, adding
thereunto _maximus_, when wee meane Carnations, and _maior_
when we would expresse Gilloflowers, which name is taken from
Cloues, in that the sent of the ordinary red Gilloflower
especially doth resemble them. Diuers other seuerall names
haue beene formerly giuen them, as _Vetonica_, or _Betonica
altera_, or _Vetonica altilis_, and _coronaria_. _Herba Tunica,
Viola Damascena, Ocellus Damascenus_, and _Barbaricus_. Of
some _Cantabrica Plinij_. Some thinke they were vnknowne to
the Ancients, and some would haue them to be _Iphium_ of
Theophrastus, wherof he maketh mention in his sixth and seuenth
Chapters of his sixth booke, among Garland and Summer flowers;
others to be his _Dios anthos_, or _Iouis flos_, mentioned in
the former, and in other places. We call them in English (as I
said before) the greatest kindes, Carnations, and the others
Gilloflowers (_quasi_ Iuly flowers) as they are seuerally
expressed.
The Vertues.
The red or Cloue Gilloflower is most vsed in Physicke in our
Apothecaries shops, none of the other being accepted of or vsed
(and yet I doubt not, but all of them might serue, and to good
purpose, although not to giue so gallant a tincture to a Syrupe
as the ordinary red will doe) and is accounted to be very
Cordiall.
CHAP. LXX.
_Caryophylli siluestres._ Pinkes.
There remaine diuers sorts of wilde or small Gilloflowers (which wee
vsually call Pinkes) to be entreated of, some bearing single, and some
double flowers, some smooth, almost without any deepe dents on the
edges, and some iagged, or as it were feathered. Some growing vpright
like vnto Gilloflowers, others creeping or spreading vnder the toppe
or crust of the ground, some of one colour, some of another, and many
of diuers colours: As I haue formerly done with the Gilloflowers, so
must I doe with these that are entertained in our Gardens, onely giue
you the descriptions of some three or foure of them, according to their
variety, and the names of the rest, with their distinctions.
[Illustration:
1 _Caryophyllus siluestris simplex._ The vsuall single Pinke.
2 _Caryophyllus multiplex siluestris._ Double Pinkes.
3 _Caryophyllus siluestris plumarius._ Feathered or iagged Pinkes.
4 _Caryophyllus Stellatus._ Starre Pinkes.
5 _Caryophyllus repens._ Matted Pinkes.
6 _Caryophyllus mediterraneus._ The great Thistle or Sea
Gilloflower.
7 _Caryophyllus marinus._ The ordinary Thistle or Sea Cushion.
]
1. _Caryophyllus minor siluestris multiplex & simplex._
Double and single Pinkes.
The single and double Pinkes are for forme and manner of growing, in
all parts like vnto the Gilloflowers before described, sauing onely
that their leaues are smaller and shorter, in some more or lesse then
in others, and so are the flowers also: the single kindes consisting of
fiue leaues vsually (seldome six) round pointed, and a little snipt for
the most part about the edges, with some threads in the middle, either
crooked or straight: the double kindes being lesser, and lesse double
then the Gilloflowers, hauing their leaues a little snipt or endented
about the edges, and of diuers seuerall colours, as shall hereafter be
set downe, and of as fragrant a sent, especially some of them as they:
the rootes are long and spreading, somewhat hard and wooddy.
2. _Caryophyllus plumarius._ Feathered or iagged Pinkes.
The iagged Pinkes haue such like stalkes and leaues as the former haue,
but somewhat shorter and smaller, or grasse-like, and of a whitish or
grayish greene colour likewise: the flowers stand in the like manner
at the toppes of the stalkes, in long, round, slender, greene huskes,
consisting of fiue leaues, very much cut in on the edges, and iagged
almost like a feather, of a light red, or bright purple colour, with
two white threads standing in the middle, crooked like a horne at the
end, and are of a very good sent. Some of these haue not those two
crooked threads or hornes in the middle, but haue in their stead many
small threads, not crooked at all: the seedes of them all are like
vnto the seedes of Gilloflowers, or the other Pinkes, that is, small,
blacke, long, and flat: the rootes are small and wooddy likewise.
3. _Caryophyllus plumarius albus orbe rubro siue Stellatus._
Starre Pinkes.
Of this kinde there is another sort, bearing flowers almost as deeply
cut or iagged as the former, of a faire white colour, hauing a ring or
circle of red about the bottome or lower part of the leaues, and are
as sweete as the former: this being sowne of seede doth not giue the
starre of so bright a red colour, but becommeth more dunne.
4. _Caryophyllus plumarius Austriacus siue Superba Austriaca._
The feathered Pinke of Austria.
This kinde of Pinke hath his first or lower leaues, somewhat broader
and greener then any of the former Pinkes, being both for breadth and
greennesse more like vnto the Sweete Iohns, which shall bee described
in the next Chapter: the leaues on the stalkes are smaller, standing
by couples at euery ioynt, at the toppes whereof stand such like
iagged flowers as the last described, and as large, but more deeply
cut in or iagged round about, some of them of a purplish colour, but
the most ordinary with vs are pure white, and of a most fragrant sent,
comforting the spirits and senses a farre off: the seedes and rootes
are like vnto the former. Some haue mistaken a kinde of wilde Campion,
growing in our Woods, and by the paths sides in Hornsie Parke, and
other places, to be this feathered Pinke: but the flowers declare the
difference sufficiently.
5. _Caryophyllus minor repens simplex & multiplex._
Single and double matted Pinkes.
The matted Pinke is the smallest, both for leafe and flower of all
other Pinkes that are nourished in Gardens, hauing many short and
small grassie greene leaues vpon the stalkes, which as they grow and
lye vpon the ground (and not standing so vpright as the former) doe
take roote againe, whereby it quickly spreadeth, and couereth a great
deale of ground in a little space: the flowers are small and round, a
little snipt about the edges, whereof some are white, and some red,
and some are white spotted with red, and some red spotted with white,
all of them being single flowers. But there is another of this kinde,
not differing in leafe, but in flower: for that the first flowers are
but once double, or of two rowes of leaues, of a fine reddish colour,
spotted with siluer spots: but those that follow, are so thicke and
double, that they oftentimes doe breake the pod or huske; being not
altogether of so deepe a red colour, but more pale.
6. _Caryophyllus Mediterraneus siue Marinus maior._
Great Sea Gilloflower or Great Thrift.
Vnto these kindes of Pinkes I must needs adde, not only our ordinary
Thrift (which is more frequent in gardens, to empale or border a knot,
because it abideth greene Winter and Summer, and that by cutting, it
may grow thick, and be kept in what form one list, rather then for any
beautie of the flowers) but another greater kinde, which is of as great
beautie and delight almost as any of the former Pinkes, as well for
that the leaues are like vnto Gilloflowers, being longer and larger
then any Pinkes, and of a whitish greene colour like vnto them, not
growing long or by couples vpon the stalkes as Pinkes and Gilloflowers
doe, but tufting close vpon the ground, like vnto the common Thrift: as
also that the stalkes, rising from among the leaues (being sometimes
two foote high (as I haue obserued in my garden) are yet so slender and
weake, that they are scarce able to beare the heads of flowers, naked
or bare, both of leaues and ioynts, failing only in one place, where
at the ioynt each stalke hath two small and very short leaues, not
rising vpwards as in all other Gilloflowers, Pinkes, and other herbes,
but growing downewards) and doe beare each of them a tuft or vmbell
of small purplish, or blush coloured flowers, at the toppes of them
standing somewhat like vnto sweete Williams, but more roundly together,
each flower consisting of fiue small, round, stiffe or hardish leaues,
as if they were made of paper, the bottome or middle being hollow, not
blowing all at once as the ordinary Thrift, but for the most part one
after another, not shewing vsually aboue foure or fiue flowers open
at one time (so farre as I could obserue in the plants that I kept)
so that it was long before the whole tuft of flowers were past; but
yet the hoter and dryer the time was, the sooner it would be gone:
the seede I haue not perfectly obserued, but as I remember, it was
somewhat like vnto the seede of Scabious; I am sure nothing like vnto
Gilloflowers or Pinkes: the roote is somewhat great, long and hard, and
not so much spreading in the ground as Gilloflowers or Pinkes.
7. _Caryophyllus Marinus._ Thrift, or Sea Cushion.
Our common Thrift is well knowne vnto all, to haue many short and
hard greene leaues, smaller then many of the grasses, growing thicke
together, and spreading vpon the ground: the stalkes are naked of
leaues a spanne high, bearing a small tuft of light purple, or blush
coloured flowers, standing round and close thrusting together.
Double Pinkes.
The double white Pinke is onely with more leaues in it then
the single which maketh the difference.
The double red Pinke is in the same manner double, differing
from the single of the same colour.
The double purple Pinke differeth not from the single purple
for colour, but only in the doublenesse of the flower.
The _Granado_ Pinke differeth not from the Gilloflower of
the same name, but in the smalnesse both of leaues and flower.
The double Matted Pinke is before described.
The double blush Pinke is almost as great as the ordinary
blush Gilloflower, and some haue taken it for one, but the
greene leaues are almost as small as Pinks, and therefore I
referre it to them.
Single Pinkes.
The single white ordinary Pinke hath a single white flower of
fiue leaues, finely iagged about the edges.
The single red pink is like the white, but that the leaues
are not so much iagged, and the flower is of a pale purplish
red colour,
The single purple Pinke is of a faire purple colour, like
almost vnto the purple Gilloflower.
The great blush Pinke hath broader and larger leaues in the
flower then any other Pinke, and of a faire blush colour.
The white Featherd Pinke hath the edges of the flower more
finely and deeply cut in then the former.
The red or light purple featherd Pinke is like the former
featherd Pinke, but only differeth in colour.
The Starre Pinke is a faire flower, finely iagged on the
edges, with a faire red circle at the lower end of the leaues
on the inside.
The white featherd Pinke of Austria is described before.
The purple featherd Pinke of Austria is so likewise. The
single matted Pinke is before described. The speckled Pinke
is a small flower hauing small spots of red here and there
dispersed ouer the white flower.
Those single flowers being like vnto Pinkes that rise from
the sowing of the orenge tawney, I bring not into this
_classis_, hauing already spoken of them in the precedent
Chapter.
The Place.
These are all like as the former, nourished in Gardens with
vs, although many of them are found wilde in many places of
Austria, Hungarie, and Germany, on the mountaines, and in many
other places, as Clusius recordeth. The ordinary Thrift groweth
in the salt Marshes at Chattam by Rochester, and in many other
places in England: but the great kinde was gathered in Spaine,
by Guillaume Boel that painefull searcher of simples, and the
seede thereof imparted to me, from whence I had diuers plants,
but one yeare after another they all perished.
The Time.
Many of these Pinkes both single and double, doe flower before
any Gilloflower, and so continue vntill August, and some, most
of the Summer and Autumne.
The Names.
The seuerall titles that are giuen to these Pinkes, may
suffice for their particular names: and for their generall
they haue beene expressed in the former Chapter, beeing of the
same kindred, but that they are smaller, and more frequently
found wilde. The two sorts of Thrift are called _Caryophyllus
Marinus_. The greater, _Maior & Mediterraneus_; In English,
The greater or Leuant Thrift, or Sea Gilloflower. The lesser
_Minimus_, and is accounted of some to be a grasse, and
therefore called _Gramen Marinum & Polyanthemum_; In English,
Thrift, Sea grasse, and our Ladies Cushion, or Sea Cushion.
The Vertues.
It is thought by diuers, that their vertues are answerable to
the Gilloflowers, yet as they are of little vse with vs, so I
thinke of as small effect.
CHAP. LXXI.
_Armerius._ Sweet Iohns, and sweet Williams.
These kindes of flowers as they come neerest vnto Pinkes and
Gilloflowers, though manifestly differing, so it is fitted to place
them next vnto them in a peculiar Chapter.
1. _Armerius angustifolius rubens simplex._ Single red sweete Iohns.
The sweete Iohn hath his leaues broader, shorter, and greener then any
of the former Gilloflowers, but narrower then sweete Williams, set by
couples, at the ioynts of the stalkes, which are shorter then most of
the former, and not aboue a foote and a halfe high, at the tops whereof
stand many small flowers, like vnto small Pinkes, but standing closer
together, and in shorter huskes, made of fiue leaues, smaller then most
of them, and more deeply iagged then the Williams, of a red colour in
the middle, and white at the edges, but of a small or soft sent, and
not all flowring at once, but by degrees: the seede is blacke, somewhat
like vnto the seede of Pinkes, the roote is dispersed diuersly, with
many small fibres annexed vnto it.
2. _Armerius angustifolius albus simplex._ Single white sweet Iohns.
This white Iohn differeth not in any thing from the former, but onely
that the leafe doth neuer change brownish, and that the flower is of a
faire white colour, without any mixture.
3. _Armerius angustifolius duplex._ Double sweet Iohns.
There is of both those former kindes, some whose flowers are once
double, that is, consisting of two or three rowes of leaues, and the
edges not so deeply iagged; not differing in any thing else.
4. _Armerius latifolius simplex flore rubro._
Single red sweet Williams.
The sweet Williams doe all of them spread into many very long traylng
branches, with leaues lying on the ground, in the very like manner
that the sweete Iohns doe: the chiefe differences betweene them are,
that these haue broader, and darker greene leaues, somewhat brownish,
especially towards the points, and that the flowers stand thicker and
closer, and more in number together, in the head or tuft, hauing many
small pointed leaues among them, but harmlesse, as all men know; the
colour of the flower is of a deep red, without any mixture or spot at
all.
5. _Armerius latifolius flore rubro multiplici._
Double red sweete Williams.
The double kinde differeth not from the single kinde of the same
colour, but only in the doublenesse of the flowers, which are with two
rowes of leaues in euery flower.
6. _Armerius latifolius variegatus siue versicolor._
Speckled sweete Williams, or London pride.
These spotted Williams are very like the first red Williams, in
the forme or maner of growing, hauing leaues as broade, and browne
sometimes as they, the flowers, stand as thicke or thicker, clustring
together, but of very variable colours: for some flowers will be of a
fine delayed red, with few markes or spots vpon them, and others will
bee full speckled or sprinkled with white or siluer spots, circlewise
about the middle of the flowers, and some will haue many specks or
spots vpon them dispersed: all these flowers are not blowne at one
time, but some are flowring, when others are decaying, so that abiding
long in their pride, they become of the more respect: The seede is
blacke, as all the rest, and not to be distinguished one from another:
the roots are some long, and some small and threddy, running vnder the
vpper crust of the earth.
7. _Armerius latifolius flore rubro saturo holofericeo._
Sweet Williams of a deepe red or murrey colour.
The leaues of this kinde seeme to be a little larger, and the ioints
a little redder then the former, but in the flower consisteth the
chiefest difference, which is of a deepe red, or murrey purple colour,
like vnto veluet of that colour, without any spots, but smooth, and as
it were soft in handling, hauing an eye or circle in the middle, at the
bottome of the leaues.
8. _Armerius latifolius simplex flore albo._
Single white sweete Williams.
The white kinde differeth not in forme, but in colour from the former,
the leaues are not browne at all, but of a fresh greene colour, and the
flowers are wholly white, or else they are all one.
The Place.
These for the most part grow wilde in Italie, and other places:
we haue them in our Gardens, where they are cherished for their
beautifull varietie.
The Time.
They all generally doe flower before the Gilloflowers or
Pinkes, or with the first of them: their seede is ripe in Iune
and Iuly, and doe all well abide the extremitie of our coldest
winters.
The Names.
They all generally are called _Armerius_, or _Armeria_, as some
doe write, and distinguished as they are in their titles: Yet
some haue called them _Vetonica agrestis_, and others _Herba
Tunica_, _Scarlatea_, & _Caryophyllus siluestris_: Wee doe
in English in most places, call the first or narrower leafed
kindes, Sweet Iohns, and all the rest Sweete Williams; yet in
some places they call the broader leafed kindes that are not
spotted, Tolmeiners, and London tufts: but the speckled kinde
is termed by our English Gentlewomen, for the most part, London
pride.
The Vertues.
We haue not knowne any of these vsed in Physicke.
CHAP. LXXII.
_Bellis._ Daisie.
There be diuers sorts of Daisies, both great and small, both single and
double, both wilde growing abroade in the fieldes, and elsewhere, and
manured growing only in Gardens: of all which I intend not to entreate,
but of those that are of most beautie and respect, and leaue the rest
to their proper place.
[Illustration:
1 _Armerius angustifolius simplex._ Single sweete Iohns.
2 _Armerius angustifolius multiplex._ Double sweet Iohns.
3 _Armerius latifolius simplex._ Single sweete Williams.
4 _Armerius latifolius versicolor._ Spotted sweet Williams or
pride of London.
5 _Armerius latifolius multiplex._ Double sweet Williams.
6 _Bellis hortensis minor multiplex._ Double Garden Daisies.
7 _Bellis minor hortensis flore vario._ Double red Daisies stript.
8 _Bellis minor hortensis prolifera._ Double fruitfull Daisies or
Iacke an Apes on horsebacke.
9 _Bellis cærulea siue Globularia._ Double blew Daisies or blew
Globeflower.
10 _Bellis lutea montana siue Globularia lutea montana._ Double
yellow Daisies or yellow Globeflower.
]
1. _Bellis maior flore albo pleno._ The great double white Daisie.
The great Daisie with the double white flower, is in all things so
like vnto the great single kinde, that groweth by the high wayes, and
in diuers medowes and fields, that there is no difference but in the
flower, which is double. It hath many long, and somewhat broad leaues
lying vpon the ground, deepely cut in on both sides, somewhat like
vnto an oaken leafe; but those that are on the stalkes are shorter,
narrower, and not so deeply cut in, but onely notched on the edges:
the flowers at the toppe are (as I said) white and double, consisting
of diuers rowes of leaues, being greater in compasse then any of the
double Daisies that follow, but nothing so double of leaues.
2. _Bellis minor flore rubro simplici._ Single red Daisies.
This single Daisie (like as all the rest of the small Daisies) hath
many smooth, greene, round pointed leaues lying on the ground, a
little snipt about the edges; from among which rise many slender round
foote-stalkes, rather then stalkes or stems, about an hand breadth high
at the most, and oftentimes not halfe so high, bearing one flower a
peece, consisting of many small leaues, as a pale or border set about a
middle thrumme: the leaues of this kinde are almost wholly red, whereas
in the wilde they are white or whitish, enclining to red on the edges,
the middle being yellow in both sorts: the rootes are many small white
threads or strings.
3. _Bellis minor hortensis flore pleno variorum colorum._
Double Garden Daisies of diuers colours.
The leaues of all the double Daisies are in forme like vnto the single
ones, but that they are smaller, and little or nothing snipt or notched
about the edges: the small stalkes like wise are smaller and lower,
but bearing as double flowers as any that growe on the ground, being
composed of many small leaues, thicke thrust together, of diuers
colours; for some are wholly of a pure white, others haue a little red,
either dispersed vpon the white leaues, or on the edges, and sometimes
on the backes of the leaues: some againe seeme to be of a whitish red,
or more red then white, when as indeede they are white leaues dispersed
among the red; others of a deepe or darke red colour, and some are
speckled or striped with white and red through the whole flower: and
some the leaues will bee red on the vpperside, and white vnderneath;
and some also (but those are very rare) are of a greenish colour.
4. _Bellis minor hortensis prolifera._
Double double Daisies or childing Daisies.
There is no difference either in leafe or roote in this kinde from the
former double Daisies: the chiefest variety consisteth in this, that
it beareth many small double flowers, standing vpon very short stalkes
round about the middle flower, which is vsually as great and double as
any of the other double kindes, and is either wholly of a deepe red
colour, or speckled white and red as in some of the former kindes, or
else greenish, all the small flowers about it being of the same colour
with the middlemost.
5. _Bellis cærulea siue Globularia._ Blew Daisies.
The likenesse and affinity that this plant hath with the former, both
in the forme of leafe and flower, as also in the name, hath caused me
to insert it, and another rare plant of the same kinde, in this place,
although they be very rare to be met with in our English Gardens. This
beareth many narrower, shorter, and blacker greene leaues then the
former, lying round about vpon the ground; among which rise vp slender,
but stiffe and hard stalks, halfe a foot high or more, set here and
there with small leaues, and at the top a small round head, composed of
many small blew leaues, somewhat like vnto the head of a Scabious: It
hath bin found likewise with a white head of flowers: the roote is hard
and stringie: the whole plant is of a bitter taste.
6. _Globularia lutea montana._ Yellow Daisies.
This mountaine yellow Daisie or Globe-flower hath many thicke, smooth,
round pointed leaues, spread vpon the ground like the former; among
which spring diuers small round rushie stalkes, a foote high, bearing
about the middle of them two small leaues at the ioynts, and at the
toppes round heads of flowers thrust thicke together, standing in
purplish huskes, euery of which flowers do blow or spread into fiue
leaues, starre-fashion, and of a faire yellow colour, smelling like
vnto broome flowers, with many small threads in the middle compassing a
flat pointell, horned or bended two wayes: after the flowers are past
rise vp the seede vessels, which are round, swelling out in the middle,
and diuided into foure parts at the toppes, containing within them
round, flat, blacke seede, with a small cut or notch in them: the roote
is a finger long, round and hard, with a thicke barke, and a woddy pith
in the middle, of a sharpe drying taste and strong sent: the leaues are
also sharpe, but bitter.
The Place.
The small Daisies are all planted, and found onely in Gardens,
and will require to be replanted often, lest they degenerate
into single flowers, & at least into lesse double. The
blew Daisie is naturall of Mompelier in France, and on the
mountaines in many places of Italy, as also the yellow kinde in
the Kingdome of Naples.
The Time.
The Daisies flower betimes in the Spring, and last vntill May,
but the last two flower not vntill August or September.
The Names.
They are vsually called in Latine _Bellides_, and in English
Daisies. Some call them _Herba Margarita_, and _Primula veris_,
as it is likely after the Italian names, of _Marguerite_,
and _Flor di prima vera gentile_. The French call them
_Pasquettes_, and _Marguerites_, and the Fruitfull sort,
or those that beare small flowers about the middle one,
_Margueritons_: our English women call them Iacke an Apes on
horse-backe, as they doe Marigolds before recited, or childing
Daisies: but the Physitians and Apothecaries doe in generall
call them, especially the single or Field kindes, _Consolida
minor_. The blew Daisie is called _Bellis cærulea_, and
_Globularia_, of some _Scabiosæ pumilum genus_. The Italians
call it _Botanaria_, because the heads are found like buttons.
The yellow, _Globularia montana_, is onely described by Fabius
Columna, in his last part of _Phytobasanos_, and by him
referred vnto the former _Globularia_, although it differ in
some notable points from it.
The Vertues.
The properties of Daisies are certainly to binde, and the roote
especially being dryed, they are vsed in medicines to that
purpose. They are also of speciall account among those herbes,
that are vsed for wounds in the head.
CHAP. LXXIII.
_Scabiosa._ Scabious.
The sorts of Scabious being many, yeeld not flowers of beauty or
respect, fit to bee cherished in this our Garden of delight; and
therefore I leaue them to the Fields and Woods, there to abide. I haue
onely two or three strangers to bring to your acquaintance, which are
worthy this place.
1. _Scabiosa flore albo._ White flowred Scabious.
This white Scabious hath many long leaues, very much iagged or gasht in
on both sides, of a meane bignesse, being neither so large as many of
the field, nor so small as any of the small kindes: the stalkes rise
about a foote and a halfe high, or somewhat higher, at the tops whereof
grow round heads, thicke set with flowers, like in all points vnto the
field Scabious, but of a milke white colour.
2. _Scabiosa rubra Austriaca._ Red Scabious of Austria.
This red Scabious hath many leaues lying vpon the ground, very like
vnto Deuils bit, but not so large, being shorter and snipt, not gashed
about the edges, of a light greene colour; yet (there is another of
a darker greene colour, whose flower is of a deeper red) the stalkes
haue diuers such leaues on them, set by couples at the ioynts as grow
belowe, and at the tops small heads of flowers, each consisting of
fiue leaues, the biggest flowers standing round about in the outer
compasse, as is vsuall almost in all the kinds of Scabious, of a fine
light purple or red colour: after the flowers are past, come the seede,
which is somewhat long and round, set with certaine haires at the head
thereof, like vnto a Starre: the roote is composed of a number of
slender strings, fastened at the head.
3. _Scabiosa rubra Indica._ Red flowred Indian Scabious.
This (reputed Indian) Scabious hath many large faire greene leaues
lying on the ground, iagged or cut in on both sides to the middle
ribbe, euery peece whereof is narrower then that at the end, which
is the broadest: among these leaues rise vp sundry slender and weake
stalkes, yet standing vpright for the most part, set with smaller and
more iagged leaues at certaine distances, two or three at euery ioynt,
branching forth at the toppe into other smaller branches, bearing euery
one head of flowers, like in forme vnto other Scabiouses, but of an
excellent deepe red crimson colour (and sometimes more pale or delayed)
of no sent at all; after which doe come small roundish seede, like vnto
the field Scabious: the roote is long and round, compassed with a great
many small strings, and perisheth vsually as soone as it hath borne
out his flowers and seede: otherwise if it doe not flower the first
yeare of the sowing, if it be carefully defended from the extremity of
Winter, it will flower the sooner the next yeare, as I my selfe haue
often found by experience.
The Place.
The first is sometimes found wilde in our owne Countrey, but it
is very geason, and hath been sent among other rare seedes from
Italy.
The second was first found and written of by Clusius, in
Pannonia and Austria, where it is very plentifull.
The third hath been sent both from Spaine & Italy, and is
verily thought to grow naturally in both those parts.
[Illustration:
1 _Scabiosa flore albo._ White flowred Scabious.
2 _Scabiosa rubra Austriaca._ Red Scabious of Austria.
3 _Scabiosa rubra Indica._ Red flowred Indian Scabious.
4 _Cyanus vulgaris minor._ Corn-flower of diuers colours.
5 _Cyanus Bæticus._ Spanish Corn-flower.
6 _Cyanus floridus Turcicus._ The braue Sultans flower.
7 _Carthamus sativus._ Spanish Saffron.
]
The Time.
The first and second flower earlier then the last, for that it
flowreth not vntill September or October, (vnlesse it be not
apt to beare the first yeare as I before said) so that many
times (if none be more forward) it perisheth without bearing
ripe seede, whereby we are oftentimes to seeke new seede from
our friends in other parts.
The Names.
They haue all one generall name of Scabious, distinguished
eyther by their flower, or place of growing, as in their
titles: yet the last is called of diuers _Scabiosa exotica_,
because they thinke the name _Indica_, is not truely imposed
vpon it.
The Vertues.
Whether these kindes haue any of the vertues of the other wilde
kinds, I know none haue made any experience, and therefore I
can say no more of them.
CHAP. LXXIIII.
_Cyanus._ Corne flower, or blew Bottles.
Vnder the name of _Cyanus_ are comprehended, not onely those plants
which from the excellent blew colour of their flowers (furnishing or
rather pestering the Corne fieldes) haue peculiarly obtained that name,
and which doth much vary also, in the colour of the flowers, as shall
be shewed; but some other plants also for their neere resemblance, but
with seuerall distinctions. The _Cyanus maior_, _Ptarmica Austriaca_,
_Ptarmica Imperati_, and many others which may be adioyned vnto them,
do more fitly belong to the Garden of Simples, whereunto I leaue them,
and will here only entreate of those that may most please the delight
of our Gentle Florists, in that I labour and striue, to furnish this
our garden, with the chiefest choyse of natures beauties and delights.
1. _Cyanus vulgaris diuersorum colorum._
Corne flower of diuers colours.
All these sorts of Corne flowers are for the most part alike, both
in leaues and flowers one vnto another for the forme: the difference
betweene them consisteth in the varying colour of the flowers: For the
leaues are long, and of a whitish greene colour, deeply cut in on the
edges in some places, somewhat like vnto the leaues of a Scabious: the
stalkes are two foote high or better, beset with such like leaues but
smaller, and little or nothing cut in on the edges: the toppes are
branched, bearing many small greene scaly heads, out of which rise
flowers, consisting of fiue or sixe, or more long and hollow leaues,
small at the bottome, and opening wider and greater at the brims,
notched or cut in on the edges, and standing round about many small
threds in the middle: the colours of these flowers are diuers, and very
variable; for some are wholly blew, or white, or blush, or of a sad,
or light purple, or of a light or dead red, or of an ouerworne purple
colour, or else mixed of these colours, as some, the edges white, and
the rest blew or purple, or the edges blew or purple, and the rest of
the flower white, or striped, spotted, or halfed, the one part of one
colour, and the other of another, the threds likewise in the middle
varying in many of them; for some will haue the middle thrume of a
deeper purple then the outer leaues, and some haue white or blush
leaues, the middle thrume being reddish, deeper or paler. After the
flowers are past, there come small, hard, white and shining seede in
those heads, wrapped or set among a deale of flockie matter, as is
most vsuall, in all plants that beare scaly heads: the rootes are long
and hard, perishing euery yeare when it hath giuen seede.
2. _Cyanus floridus Turcicus._ The Sultans flower.
As a kinde of these Corne flowers, I must needes adioyne another
stranger, of much beautie, and but lately obtained from Constantinople,
where, because (as it is said) the great Turke, as we call him, saw it
abroade, liked it, and wore it himselfe; all his vassals haue had it
in great regard, and hath been obtained from them, by some that haue
sent it into these parts. The leaues whereof are greener, and not only
gashed, but finely snipt on the edges: the stalkes are three foote
high, garnished with the like leaues as are below, and branched as the
former, bearing large scaly heads, and such like flowers but larger,
hauing eight or nine of those hollow gaping leaues in euery flower,
standing about the middle threds (if it be planted in good and fertile
ground and be well watered, for it soone starueth and perisheth with
drought) the circling leaues are of a fine delayed purple or blush
colour, very beautifull to behold; the seede of this is smaller and
blacker, and not enclosed in so much dounie substance, as the former
(yet in our Countrey the seede is not so blacke, as it came vnto vs,
but more gray) the roote perisheth likewise euery yeere.
3. _Cyanus Bæticus supinus._ The Spanish Corne-flower.
This Spanish kinde hath many square low bending or creeping stalkes,
not standing so vpright as the former, but branching out more diuersly;
so that one plant will take vp a great deale of ground: the leaues
are broader then any of the rest, softer also, of a pale or whitish
greene colour, and not much gashed on the edges: the flowers stand in
bigger heads, with foure or fiue leaues vnder euery head, and are of a
light pale purple or blush colour; after which come seede, but not so
plentifully, yet wrapped in a great deale of flockie matter, more then
any: the roote groweth downe deepe into the ground, but perisheth euery
yeare as they doe.
The Place.
The first or former kindes, grow many times in the Corne fields
of our own Countrey, as well as of others, especially that sort
with a blew flower: but the other sorts or colours are not so
frequent, but are nourished in gardens, where they will vary
wonderfully.
The second as is before set downe, groweth in Turkie: and
the last in Spaine, found out and first sent to vs by that
industrious searcher of simples, Guillaume Boel before
remembred.
The Time.
The first doe flower in the end of Iune, and in Iuly, and
sometimes sooner. The other two later, and not vntill August
most commonly, and the seede is soone ripe after.
The Names.
The first is generally called _Cyanus_, and some following
the Ditch name, call it _Flos frumenti_. The olde Writers
gaue it the name of _Bapti sæcuba_, which is almost worne
out. We doe call them in English, Blew Bottles, and in some
places, Corne flowers, after the Ditch names. The second hath
beene sent by the name of _Ambreboi_, which whether it be a
Turkie or Arabian name, I know not. I haue called it from the
place, from whence we had it, _Turcicus_, and for his beauty,
_Floridus_. The Turkes themselues as I vnderstand, doe call it
The Sultans flower, and I haue done so likewise, that it may
bee distinguished from all the other kindes, or else you may
call it, The Turkey blush Corne flower, which you please. The
last was sent by the name of _Iacea Bætica_, but I had rather
to referre it to the _Cyanus_, or Corne flowers, because the
flowers are like vnto the Corne flowers, and not vnto the
Iaceas or Knapweedes.
The Vertues.
These had no vse in Physicke in Galen and Dioscorides time, in
that (as it is thought) they haue made no mention of them: We
in these dayes doe chiefly vse the first kindes (as also the
greater sort) as a cooling Cordiall, and commended by some to
be a remedy, not onely against the plague and pestilentiall
diseases, but against the poison of Scorpions and Spiders.
CHAP. LXXV.
_Iacea Marina Bætica._ Spanish Sea Knapweede.
There are a great many sorts of Knapweedes, yet none of them all fit
for this our Garden, but this only stranger, which I haue beene bold
to thrust in here, for that it hath such like gaping or open flowers,
as the former Corne flowers haue, but notably differing, and therefore
deserueth a peculiar Chapter, as partaking both with _Cyanus_ and
_Iacea_. It hath many long and narrow leaues vneuenly dented or waued
on both edges (and not notched, gashed or indented, as many other
herbes are) being thicke, fleshie and brittle, a little hairy, and of
an ouerworne darke greene colour, among which rise lowe weake stalkes,
with such like leaues as grow at the bottome, but smaller, bearing
but here and there a flower, of a bright reddish purple colour, like
in forme vnto the Corne flowers, but much larger, with many threds or
thrumes in the middle of the same colour, standing vp higher then any
of the former: this flower riseth out of a large scaly head, all set
ouer with small sharpe (but harmelesse) white prickles: the seedes are
blackish, like vnto the Knapweedes, and larger then any of the former
Corne flowers: the roote is great and thicke, growing deepe into the
ground, fleshie and full of a slimie or clammy iuice, and easie to bee
broken, blackish on the outside, and whitish within, enduring many
yeares, like as the other Knapweedes, or Matfelons doe, growing in time
to be very thicke and great.
The Place.
It groweth naturally by the Sea side in Spaine, from whence I
receiued the seedes of Guillaume Boel, and did abide well in my
garden a long time, but is now perished.
The Time.
It flowreth in the beginning of Iuly, or thereabouts, and
continueth not long in flower: but the head abideth a great
while, and is of some beauty after the flower is past; yet
seldome giueth good seed with vs.
The Names.
It hath no other name then is set down in the title, being
altogether a Nouelist, and not now to be seene with any sauing
my selfe.
The Vertues.
We haue not yet known any use hereof in Physick.
CHAP. LXXVI.
_Cnicus siue Carthamus sativus._ Bastard or Spanish Saffron.
There are two or three sorts of _Cnicus_ or bastard Saffrons which
I passe ouer, as not fit for this Garden, and onely set downe this
kinde, whose flowers are of a fairer and more liuely colour in our
Country, then any hath come ouer from Spaine, where they manure it
for the profit they make thereof, seruing for the dying of Silke
especially, and transporting great quantities to diuers Countries. It
hath large broad leaues, without any prickes at all vpon them in our
Country, growing vpon the stalke, which is strong, hard, and round,
with shorter leaues thereon vp to the toppe, where they are a little
sharpe pointed, and prickly about the edges sometimes, which stalke
riseth three or foure foote high, and brancheth it selfe toward the
toppe, bearing at the end of euery branch one great open scaly head,
out of which thrusteth out many gold yellow threads, of a most orient
shining colour, which being gathered in a dry time, and kept dry, will
abide in the same delicate colour that it bare when it was fresh, for
a very long time after: when the flowers are past, the seede when it
is come to maturity, which is very seldome with vs, is white and hard,
somewhat long, round, and a little cornered: the roote is long, great,
and wooddy, and perisheth quickly with the first frosts.
The Place.
It groweth in Spaine, and other hot Countries, but not wilde,
for that it is accounted of the old Writers, Theophrastus and
Dioscorides, to be a manured plant.
The Time.
It flowreth with vs not vntill August, or September sometimes,
so that it hardly giueth ripe seede (as I said) neither is
it of that force to purge, which groweth in these colder
Countries, as that which commeth from Spaine, and other places.
The Names.
The name _Cnicus_ is deriued from the Greekes, and _Carthamus_
from the Arabians, yet still _sativus_ is added vnto it, to
shew it is no wilde, but a manured plant, and sowne euery where
that wee know. Of some it is called _Crocus hortensis_, and
_Sarasenicus_,from the Italians which so call it. We call it in
English Bastard Saffron, Spanish Saffron, and Catalonia Saffron.
The Vertues.
The flowers are vsed in colouring meates, where it groweth
beyond Sea, and also for the dying of Silkes: the kernels of
the seede are onely vsed in Physicke with vs, and serueth well
to purge flegmaticke humours.
CHAP. LXXVII.
_Carduus._ Thistles.
You may somewhat maruaile, to see mee curious to plant Thistles in
my Garden, when as you might well say, they are rather plagues then
pleasures, and more trouble to weede them out, then to cherish them
vp, if I made therein no distinction or choise; but when you haue
viewed them well which I bring in, I will then abide your censure, if
they be not worthy of some place, although it be but a corner of the
Garden, where something must needes be to fill vp roome. Some of them
are smooth, and without prickes at all, some at the heads onely, and
some all ouer; but yet not without some especiall note or marke worthy
of respect: Out of this discourse I leaue the Artichoke, with all his
kindes, and reserue them for our Kitchin Garden, because (as all know)
they are for the pleasure of the taste, and not of the smell or sight.
1. _Acanthus sativus._ Garden Beares breech.
The leaues of this kinde of smooth thistle (as it is accounted) are
almost as large as the leaues of the Artichoke, but not so sharp
pointed, very deeply cut in and gashed on both edges, of a sad green &
shining colour on the vpperside, and of a yellowish green vnderneath,
with a great thicke rib in the middle, which spread themselues about
the root, taking vp a great deale of ground. After this plant hath
stood long in one place, and well defended from the iniury of the
cold, it sendeth forth from among the leaues one or more great and
strong stalkes, three or foure foote high, without any branch at all,
bearing from the middle to the top many flowers one aboue another,
spike-fashion round about the stalke, with smaller but not diuided
greene leaues at euery flower, which is white, and fashioned somewhat
like vnto a gaping mouth; after which come broad, flat, thicke, round,
brownish yellow seede (as I haue well obserued by them haue beene sent
me out of Spaine, and which haue sprung vp, and doe grow with me; for
in our Countrey I could neuer obserue any seede to haue growne ripe)
the rootes are composed of many great and thicke long strings, which
spread farre in and vnder the ground, somewhat darkish on the outside,
and whitish within, full of a clammy moisture (whereby it sheweth to
haue much life) and doe endure our Winters, if they be not too much
exposed to the sharpe violence thereof, which then it will not endure,
as I haue often found by experience.
2. _Acanthus siluestris._ Wilde or prickly Beares breech.
This prickly Thistle hath diuers long greenish leaues lying on the
ground, much narrower then the former, but cut in on both sides, thicke
set with many white prickes and thornes on the edges: the stalke riseth
not vp so high, bearing diuers such like thornie leaues on them, with
such a like head of flowers on it as the former hath: but the seede
hereof (as it hath come to vs from Italy and other places, for I neuer
saw it beare seed here in this Country) is blacke and round, of the
bignesse of a small pease: the roote abideth reasonable well, if it be
defended somewhat from the extremity of our Winters, or else it will
perish.
3. _Eryngium Pannonicum siue Montanum._ Hungary Sea Holly.
The lower leaues of this Thistle that lye on the ground, are somewhat
large, round, and broad, hard in handling, and a little snipt about
the edges, euery one standing vpon a long foote-stalke: but those that
growe vpon the stalke, which is stiffe, two or three foote high, haue
no foote-stalke, but encompasse it, two being set at euery ioynt, the
toppe whereof is diuided into diuers branches, bearing small round
rough heads, with smaller and more prickly leaues vnder them, and more
cut in on the sides then those belowe: out of these heads rise many
blew flowers, the foote-stalkes of the flowers, together with the
toppes of the branches, are likewise blew and transparent, or shining.
[Sidenote: _Flore albo._]
We haue another of this kinde, the whole toppes of the stalkes with the
heads and branches, are more white then blew: the seede contained in
these heads are white, flat, and as it were chaffie: the roote is great
and whitish, spreading farre into many branches, and somewhat sweete in
taste, like the ordinary Sea Holly rootes.
[Illustration:
1 _Acanthus sativus._ Garden Beares breech.
2 _Acanthus siluetris._ Wilde Beares breech.
3 _Eryngium Pannonicum._ Mountaine Sea Holly.
4 _Carlina humilis._ The lowe Carline Thistle.
5 _Carduus sphærocephalus maior._ The greater Globe-Thistle.
6 _Carduus sphærocephalus minor._ The lesser Globe-Thistle.
7 _Carduus Eriocephalus._ The Friers crowne.
8 _Fraxinella._ Bastard Dittanie.
]
4. _Carduus mollis._ The gentle Thistle.
The leaues of this soft and gentle Thistle that are next vnto the
ground, are greene on the vpperside, and hoary vnderneath, broad
at the bottome, somewhat long pointed, and vneuenly notched about
the edges, with some soft hairie prickles, not hurting the handler,
euery one standing vpon a short foote-stalke; those that growe about
the middle stalke are like the former, but smaller and narrower, and
those next the toppe smallest, where it diuideth it selfe into small
branches, bearing long and scaly heads, out of which breake many
reddish purple threads: the seede is whitish and hard, almost as great
as the seede of the greater Centory: the roote is blackish, spreading
vnder the ground, with many small fibres fastened vnto it, and abideth
a great while.
5. _Carlina humilis._ The lowe Carline Thistle.
This lowe Thistle hath many iagged leaues, of a whitish greene Colour,
armed with small sharp white prickles round about the edges, lying
round about the root vpon the ground, in the middle whereof riseth vp
a large head, without any stalke vnder it, compassed about with many
small and long prickly leaues, from among which the flower sheweth
it selfe, composed of many thin, long, whitish, hard shining leaues,
standing about the middle, which is flat and yellow, made of many
thrums or threads like small flowers, wherein lye small long seede, of
a whitish or siluer colour: the roote is somewhat aromaticall, blackish
on the outside, small and long, growing downewards into the ground.
There is another of this kinde that beareth a higher stalke, and a
redder flower, but there is a manifest difference betweene them.
6. _Carduus Sphærocephalus siue Globosus maior._
The greater Globe Thistle.
The greatest of these beautifull Thistles, hath at the first many large
and long leaues lying on the ground, very much cut in and diuided in
many places, euen to the middle ribbe, set with small sharpe (but not
very strong) thornes or prickles at euery corner of the edges, greene
on the vpperside, and whitish vnderneath: from the middle of these
leaues riseth vp a round stiffe stalke, three foote and a halfe high,
or more, set without order with such like leaues, bearing at the toppe
of euery branch a round hard great head, consisting of a number of
sharpe bearded huskes, compact or set close together, of a blewish
greene colour, out of euery one of which huskes start small whitish
blew flowers, with white threads in the middle of them, and rising
aboue them, so that the heads when they are in full flower, make a
fine shew, much delighting the spectators: after the flowers are past,
the seede encreaseth in euery one, or the most part of the bearded
huskes, which doe still hold their round forme, yntill that being ripe
it openeth it selfe, and the huskes easily fall away one from another,
containing within them a long whitish kernell: the roote is great and
long, blackish on the outside, and dyeth euery yeare when it hath borne
seede.
7. _Carduus Globosus minor._ The lesser Globe Thistle.
The lesser kinde hath long narrow leaues, whiter then the former, but
cut in and gashed on the edges very much with some small prickes on
them; the stalke is not halfe so long, nor the heads halfe so great,
but as round, and with as blew flowers as the greater: this seldome
giueth ripe seede, but recompenseth that fault, in that the roote
perisheth not as the former, but abideth many yeares.
8. _Carduus Eriocephalus siue Tomentosus._ The Friers Crowne.
This woolly Thistle hath many large and long leaues lying on the
ground, cut in on both sides into many diuisions, which are likewise
somewhat vnequally cut in or diuided againe, hauing sharpe white
prickles at euery corner of the diuisions, of a dead or sad greene
colour on the vpperside, and somewhat woolly withall, and grayish
vnderneath: the stalke is strong and tall, foure or fiue foote high
at the least, branching out into diuers parts, euery where beset with
such like leaues as growe below; at the toppe of euery branch there
breaketh out a great whitish round prickly head, flattish at the toppe,
so thicke set with wooll, that the prickles seeme but small spots
or haires, and doth so well resemble the bald crowne of a Frier,
not onely before it be in flower, but especially after it hath done
flowring, that thereupon it deseruedly receiued the name of the Friers
Crowne Thistle: out of these heads riseth forth a purple thrumme, such
as is to be seene in many other wilde Thistles, which when they are
ripe, are full of a flockie or woolly substance, which breake at the
toppe shedding it, and the seede which is blackish, flat, and smooth:
the roote is great and thicke, enduring for some yeares, yet sometimes
perishing, if it be too much exposed to the violence of the frosts in
Winter.
The Place.
The first groweth naturally in Spaine, Italy, and France, and
in many other hot Countries, and growe onely in Gardens in
these colder climates, and there cherished for the beautifull
aspect both of the greene plants, and of the stalkes when they
are in flower. The Carline Thistle is found both in Germany and
Italy in many places, and as it is reported, in some places of
the West parts in England. The others are found some in France,
some in Hungary, and on the Alpes, and the last in Spaine.
The Time.
They doe all flower in the Summer moneths, some a little
earlier or later then others.
The Names.
The first is called _Acanthus sativus_ (because the other that
is prickly, is called _siluestris_ or _spinosus_) and _Branea
vrsina_; In English, Branck vrsine, and Beares breech. The
third is called _Eryngium montanum_, _Alpinum_, and _Pannonicum
latifolium_: In English, Mountaine or Hungary Sea Holly.
The fourth is called _Carduus mollis_, The gentle Thistle,
because it hath no harmfull prickles, although it seeme at
the first shew to be a Thistle. The fifth is called of diuers
_Chamæleo albus_, and _Carlina_, as if they were both but one
plant; but Fabius Columna hath in my iudgement very learnedly
descided that controuersie, making _Carlina_ to be _Ixine_
of Theophrastus, and _Chamæleo_ another differing Thistle,
which Gaza translateth _Vernilago_. We call it in English, The
Carline Thistle. The other haue their names in their titles, as
much as is conuenient for this discourse.
The Vertues.
The first hath alwaies been vsed Physically, as a mollifying
herbe among others of the like slimie matter in Glisters, to
open the body; yet Lobel seemeth to make no difference in the
vse of them both (that is, the prickly as well as the smooth.)
The Carline Thistle is thought to bee good against poysons and
infection. The rest are not vsed by any that I know.
CHAP. LXXVIII.
_Fraxinella._ Bastard Dittany.
Hauing finished those pleasing Thistles, I come to other plants of more
gentle handling, and first bring to your consideration this bastard
Dittany, whereof there are found out two especiall kindes, the one with
a reddish, the other with a whitish flower, and each of these hath his
diuersity, as shall be presently declared.
1. _Fraxinella flore rubente._ Bastard Dittany with a reddish flower.
This goodly plant riseth vp with diuers round, hard brownish stalkes,
neare two foote high, the lower parts whereof are furnished with many
winged leaues, somewhat like vnto Liquerice, or a small young Ashe
tree, consisting of seuen, nine, or eleuen leaues set together, which
are somewhat large and long, hard and rough in handling, of a darkish
greene colour, and of an vnpleasant strong resinous sent: the vpper
parts of the stalkes are furnished with many flowers, growing spike
fashion, at certaine distances one aboue another, consisting of fiue
long leaues a peece, whereof foure that stand on the two sides, are
somewhat bending vpwards, and the fift hanging downe, but turning vp
the end of the leafe a little againe, of a faint or pale red colour,
striped through euery leafe with a deeper red colour, and hauing in the
middle a tassell of fiue or six long purplish threds, that bowe downe
with the lower leafe, and turne vp also the ends againe, with a little
freese or thrume at the ends of euery one: after the flowers are past,
arise hard, stiffe, rough, clammy huskes, horned or pointed at the end,
foure or fiue standing together, somewhat like the seede vessels of the
Wolfes-banes, or Colombines, but greater, thicker and harder, wherein
is contained round shining blacke seede, greater then any Colombine
seede by much, and smaller then Peony seede: the roote is white, large,
and spreading many wayes vnder ground, if it stand long: the whole
plant, as well roots as leaues and flowers, are of a strong sent, not
so pleasing for the smell, as the flowers are beautifull to the sight.
2. _Fraxinella flore rubro._ Bastard Dittaine with a red flower.
This differeth not from the former eyther in roote, leafe or flower
for the forme but that the stalkes and leaues are of a darker greene
colour, and that the flowers are of a deeper red colour, (and growing
in a little longer spike), wherein the difference chiefly consisteth,
which is sufficient to distinguish them.
3. _Fraxinella flore albo._ Bastard Dittanie with a white flower.
The white flowred _Fraxinella_ hath his leaues and stalkes of a fresher
greene colour then any of the former; and the flowers are of a pure
white colour, in forme differing nothing at all from the other.
4. _Fraxinella flore albo cæruleo._
Bastard Dittanie with an ash coloured flower.
The colour of the flower of this _Fraxinella_ onely putteth the
difference betweene this, and the last recited with a white flower: for
this beareth a very pale, or whitish blew flower, tending to an ash
colour.
The Place.
All these kindes are found growing naturally, in many places
both of Germany, and Italie: and that with the white flower,
about Franckford, which being sent me, perished by the way by
long and euill carriage.
The Time.
They flower in Iune and Iuly, and the seede is ripe in August.
The Names.
The name _Fraxinella_ is most generally imposed on those
plants, because of the resemblance of them vnto young Ashes, in
their winged leaues. Yet some doe call them _Dictamus albus_,
or _Dictamnus albus_, and _Diptamus albus_, as a difference
from the _Dictamnus Creticus_, which is a farre differing
plant. Some would haue it to be _Tragium_ of Dioscorides, but
beside other things wheaten this differeth from _Tragium_, this
yeeldeth no milkie iuice, as Dioscorides saith _Tragium_ doth:
We in English doe eyther call it _Fraxinella_, or after the
other corrupted name of _Dictamus_, Bastard Dittanie.
The Vertues.
It is held to be profitable against the stingings of Serpents,
against contagious and pestilent diseases, to bring downe the
feminine courses, for the paines of the belly and the stone,
and in Epilepticall diseases, and other cold paines of the
braines: the roote is the most effectual for all these, yet the
seede is sometimes vsed.
CHAP. LXXIX.
_Legumina._ Pulse.
If I should describe vnto you all the kindes of Pulse, I should vnfold
a little world of varieties therein, more knowne and found out in these
dayes, then at any time before, but that must bee a part of a greater
worke, which will abide a longer time before it see the light. I shall
only select those that are fit for this garden, and set them downe
for your consideration. All sorts of Pulse may be reduced vnder two
generall heads, that is, of Beanes and Pease, of each whereof there
is both tame and wilde: Of Beanes, besides the tame or vsuall garden
Beane, and the French or Kidney Beane, (whereof I meane to entreate
in my Kitchen garden, as pertinent thereto) there is the Lupine or
flat Beane, whereof I meane to entreate here, and the blacke Beane and
others which must bee reserued for the Physicke Garden. And of the
kindes of Pease some are fit for this Garden; (whereunto I will adioyne
two or three other plants as neerest of affinitie, the flowers of
some, and the fruit of others being delightfull to many, and therefore
fit for this garden) some for the Kitchen, the rest for the Physicke
garden. And first of Lupines or flat Beanes, accepted as delightfull to
many, and therefore fit for this garden.
1. _Lupinus sativus albus._ The white garden Lupine.
The garden Lupine riseth vp with a great round stalke, hollow and
somewhat woolly, with diuers branches, whereon grow vpon long
footestalkes many broade leaues, diuided into seuen or nine parts,
or smaller leaues, equally standing round about, as it were in a
circle, of a whitish greene colour on the vpperside, and more woolly
vnderneath: the flowers stand many together at seuerall ioynts, both of
the greater stalke, and the branches, like vnto beanes, and of a white
colour in some places, and in others of a very bleake blew tending to
white: after the flowers are past, there come in their places, long,
broade, and flat rough cods, wherein are contained round and flat
seede, yellowish on the inside, and couered with a tough white skin,
and very bitter in taste: the rootes are not very great, but full of
small fibres, whereby it fasteneth it selfe strongly in the ground, yet
perisheth euery yeare, as all the rest of these kindes doe.
2. _Lupinus cæruleus maximus._ The greater blew Lupine.
The Stemme or stalke of this Lupine is greater then the last before
recited, as also the leaues more soft and woolly, and the flowers are
of a most perfect blew colour, with some white spots in the middle:
the long rough greenish cods are very great and large, wherein are
contained hard, flat and round seede, not so white on the outside as
the former, but somewhat yellower, greater also, and more rough or hard
in handling.
3. _Lupinus cæruleus minor._ The lesser blew Lupine.
This kinde of wilde Lupine differeth not in the forme of leafe or
flower from the former, but only that it is much smaller, the leaues
are greener, and haue fewer diuisions in them: the flower is of as
deepe a blew colour as the last; the cods likewise are small and long,
containing small round seede, not so flat as the former, but more
discoloured or spotted on the outside, then the greater kinde is.
[Sidenote: _Minimus._]
There is a lesser kind then this, not differing in any thing from this,
but that it is lesser.
4. _Lupinus flore luteo._ The yellow Lupine.
The yellow Lupine groweth not vsually so high, but with larger leaues
then the small blew Lupine; the flowers grow in two or three rundles
or tufts, round about the stalke and the branches at the ioynts, of a
delicate fine yellow colour, like in fashion vnto the other kindes,
being larger then the last, but nothing so large as the greater kindes,
and of a fine small sent: the seede is round, and not very flat, but
much about the forme and bignesse of the small blew, or somewhat
bigger, of a whitish colour on the outside, spotted with many spots.
The Place.
The first groweth in many places of Greece, and the Easterne
Countries beyond it, where it hath beene anciently cherished
for their foode, being often watered to take away the
bitternesse. It groweth also in these Western parts, but still
where it is planted. The great blew Lupine is thought to come
from beyond the parts of Persia, in Caramania. The lesser blew
is found very plentifully wilde, in many places both of Spaine
and Italy. The last hath beene brought vs likewise out of
Spaine, whereas it is thought it groweth naturally. They all
grow now in the gardens of those, that are curious louers of
these delights.
The Time.
They flower in Summer, and their seede is ripe quickly after.
The Names.
They are generally called _Lupini_. Plautus in his time saith,
they were vsed in Comedies in stead of money, when in any Scene
thereof there was any shew of payment, and therefore he calleth
them _Aurum Comicum_. And Horace hath this Verse,
_Nec tamen ignorant, quid distent æra Lupinis_,
to shew that counterfeit money (such as counters are with vs,
or as these Lupines were vsed in those times) was easily knowne
from true and currant coine. In English wee vsually call them
after the Latine name, Lupines; and some after the Dutch name,
Figge-beanes, because they are flat and round as a Figge that
is pressed; and some Flat-beanes for the same reason. Some haue
called the yellow Lupine, Spanish Violets: but other foolish
names haue beene giuen it, as Virginia Roses, and the like,
by knauish Gardiners and others, to deceiue men, and make
them beleeue they were the finders out, or great preseruers
of rarities, of no other purpose, but to cheate men of their
money: as you would therefore auoyde knaues and deceiuers,
beware of these manner of people, whereof the skirts of our
towne are too pitifully pestered.
The Vertues.
The first or ordinary Lupine doth scoure and cleanse the skin
from spots, morphew, blew markes, and other discolourings
thereof, beeing vsed eyther in a decoction or pouther. Wee
seldome vse it in inward medicines, not that it is dangerous,
but of neglect, for formerly it hath beene much vsed for the
wormes, &c.
[Illustration:
1 _Lupinus maior._ The great Lupine.
2 _Lupinus luteus._ The yellow Lupine.
3 _Lathyrus latifolius seu Pisum perenne._ Pease euerlasting.
4 _Pisum quadratum._ The crimson blossomd or square Pease.
5 _Medica cochleata vulgaris._ Snailes or Barbary buttons.
6 _Medica spinosa._ Prickly Snailes.
7 _Medica spinosa altera._ Another sort of prickly Snailes.
8 _Medica folliculo lata._ Broad buttons or Snailes.
9 _Medica lunata._ Halfe Moons.
10 _Hedysarum clypeatum._ The red Sattin flower or French
Honeysuckle.
11 _Scorpioides minus._ The lesser Caterpillar.
12 _Scorpioides maius._ The greater Caterpillar.
13 _Orobus Venetus._ Blew vpright Pease euerlasting.
]
1. _Lathyrus latifolius, siue Pisum perenne._ Pease euerlasting.
This kinde of wilde Pease that abideth long, and groweth euery yeare
greater then other, springeth vp with many broade trayling branches,
winged as it were on both the sides, diuersly diuided into other
smaller branches, at the seuerall ioynts whereof stand two hard, not
broad, but somewhat long greene leaues, and diuers twining claspers,
in sundry places with the leaues, from betweene the branches and the
leaues, at the ioynts towards the toppes, come forth diuers purplish
pease like blossomes, standing on a long stemme or stalke, very
beautifull to behold, and of a pretty sent or smell: after which come
small, long, thin, flat, hard skind cods, containing small round
blackish seede: the roote is great and thicke, growing downe deepe into
the ground, of the thicknesse sometimes of a mans arme, blackish on
the outside, and whitish within, with some branches and a few fibres
annexed thereunto.
2. _Orobus Venetus._ Blew vpright euerlasting Pease.
This pretty kinde of Pease blossome beareth diuers slender, but vpright
greene branches somewhat cornered, two foote high or thereabouts,
hauing at seuerall distances on both sides of them certaine winged
leaues, set together vpon long footestalkes one against another,
consisting of six or eight leaues, somewhat broade and pointed, and
without any odde one at the end: at the ioynts toward the toppes,
between the leaues and the stalkes, come forth many flowers set
together at the end of a pretty long footestalke, of the fashion of the
former Pease blossome, but somewhat smaller, and of a purplish violet
colour: after which come slender and long pointed pods rounder then
they, wherein is contained small round grayish pease: the roote is
blacke, hard or woody, abiding after seede bearing as the former doth,
and shooting afresh euery yeare.
3. _Lathyrus annuus filiquis orobi._ Partie coloured Cichelings.
This small Pulse or wild Pease, hath two or three long slender winged
branches, with smaller leaues thereon then the former, and without
any claspers at all on them: the flowers stand single, euery one by
it selfe, or two at the most together, the middle leaues whereof that
close together are white, and the vpper leaues of a reddish purple
colour: after which come long round flattish cods, bunched out in the
seuerall places where the seedes lye, like vnto the cods of _Orobus_ or
the bitter Vetch, but greater: the roote is small and dyeth euery yeare.
4. _Pisum quadratum._ The crimson blossomd or square codded Pease.
This pretty kinde of Pulse might very well for the forme of the leaues,
be referred to the kindes of _Lotus_ or Trefoiles: but because I haue
none of that kindred to entreate of in this Worke, I haue thought
fittest to place it here before the Medica’s, because both pods and
seedes are like also. It hath three or foure small weake stalkes,
diuided into many branches, hauing two stalkes of leaues at euery
ioynt, and three small soft leaues standing on a very small stalke,
comming from the ioynts: the flowers stand for the most part two
together, of a perfect red or crimson colour, like in forme almost vnto
a Pease blossome; after which come long thicke and round cods, with two
skinnes or filmes, running all along the cod at the backe or vpperside
and two other such like filmes, all along the belly or vnder side,
which make it seeme foure square, wherein there lye round discoloured
Pease, somewhat smaller and harder then ordinary Pease: the roote is
small and perisheth euery yeare.
5. _Medica Cochleata vulgaris._ Snailes or Barbary buttons.
The plant that beareth these pretty toyes for Gentlewomen, is somewhat
like vnto a Three leafed grasse or Trefoile, hauing many long trayling
branches lying vpon the ground, whereon at diuers places are three
small greene leaues, set together at the end of a little footestalke,
each of them a little snipt about the edges: at seuerall distances,
from the middle of these branches to the ends of them, come forth
the flowers, two for the most part standing together vpon a little
footstalke, which are of a pale yellow colour, very small, and of the
forme of a Pease blossome: after which come smooth heads, which are
turned or writhen round, almost like a Snaile, hard and greene at the
first, somewhat like a greene button (from the formes of both which
came their names) but afterwards growing whiter, more soft and open,
wherein lyeth yellowish round and flat seede, somewhat like vnto the
Kidney beane: the roote is small and stringie, dying downe euery yeare,
and must be new sowne in the spring, if you desire to haue it.
6. _Medica spinosa maior._ Prickly or thorny Snailes, or Buttons.
This kinde of _Medica_ is in all things very like vnto the former, both
in the long trayling branches, & three leaues alwaies growing together,
but a little greater pale yellow flowers, and crooked or winding heads:
but herein chiefly consisteth the difference, that this kinde hath his
heads or buttons harder, a little greater, more closed together, and
set with short and somewhat hard prickles, all the head ouer, which
being pulled open, haue those prickles standing on each side of the
filme or skinne, whereof the head consisteth, somewhat like vnto a fish
bone, and in this kinde goeth all one way; in which are contained such
like seedes for the forme, as are in the former, but great and blacke,
and shining withall.
7. _Medica spinosa altera._ Small thorney Buttons, or Snailes.
This other kinde is also like vnto the last described in all other
things, except in the heads or buttons, which are a little smaller, but
set with longer and softer prickes vpon the filmes, and may easily bee
discerned to goe both forwards and backewards, one enterlacing within
another, wherein are contained such like flat and blacke shining seede,
made after the fashion of a kidney, as are in the former, but somewhat
smaller: the roote perisheth in like manner euery yeare.
8. _Medica lata._ Broade Buttons.
This kinde differeth not from the first in leafe or flower, the fruite
onely hereof is broade and flat, and not so much twined as it.
9. _Medica Lunata._ Halfe Moones.
This is also a kinde of these Medicke fodders, hauing a trefoyle leafe
and yellow flowers like the former sorts, but both somewhat larger, the
chiefest difference consisteth in the head or fruite, which is broade
and flat, and not twined like the rest, but abideth halfe closed,
resembling a halfe Moone (and thereupon hath assumed both the Latine
and English name) wherein is contained flat seede, kidney fashion like
the former.
10. _Hedysarum clypeatum._ The red Sattin flower.
This red flowred Fitchling, hath many stalkes of winged faire greene
leaues, that is, of many set on both sides a middle ribbe, whereof
that at the end is the greatest of the rest: from the ioynts where the
leaues stand, come forth pretty long small stalkes, bearing on them
very many flowers, vp to the toppe one aboue another, of an excellent
shining red or crimson colour, very like vnto Sattin of that colour,
and sometimes of a white colour, (as Master William Coys, a Gentleman
of good respect in Essex, a great and ancient louer and cherisher of
these delights, and of all other rare plants, in his life time assured
me; he had growing in his garden at Stubbers by North Okenden) which
are somewhat large, and more closed together, almost flat and not
open, as in most of the other sorts: after the flowers are past, there
come rough, flat, round huskes, somewhat like vnto the old fashioned
round bucklers without pikes, three or foure standing one vpon or
aboue another, wherein are contained small brownish seede: the roote
perisheth the same yeare it beareth seede, for oftentimes it flowreth
not the first yeare it is sowne.
11. _Scorpioides maius & minus._ Great and small Caterpillers.
Vnder one description I comprehend both these sorts of Scorpions
grasse, or Caterpillers, or Wormes, as they are called by many,
whereof the greater hath been known but of late yeares; and ioyne them
to these pulses, not hauing a fitter place where to insert them. It
is but a small low plant, with branches lying vpon the ground, and
somewhat long, broad, and hard leaues thereon, among which come forth
small stalkes, bearing at the end for the most part, two small pale
yellowish flowers, like vnto Tares or Vetches, but smaller, which turne
into writhed or crooked tough cods; in the greater sort they are much
thicker, rounder and whiter, and lesser wound or turned together then
in the smaller, which are slenderer, more winding, yet not closing
like vnto the Snailes, and blacker more like vnto a Caterpiller then
the other, wherein are contained brownish yellow seede, much like vnto
a _Medica_: the rootes of both are small and fibrous, perishing euery
yeare.
The Place.
These are found seuerally in diuers and seuerall places, but
wee sow and plant them vsually to furnish our Gardens.
The Time.
They doe all flower about the moneths of Iune and Iuly, and
their seede is ripe soone after: but the second is earlier then
the rest.
The Names.
The first is called _Clymenum_ of Matthiolus, and _Lathyris_ of
Lobel and others: but _Lathyris_ in Greeke is _Cataputia_ in
Latine, which is our Spurge, farre differing from this Pulse;
and therefore _Lathyrus_ is more proper to distinguish them
asunder, that two plants so farre vnlike should not bee called
by one name: this is also called _Lathyrus latifolius_, because
there is another called _angustifolius_, that differeth from it
also: It is most vsually called with vs, _Pisum perenne_, and
in English Pease blossome, or Pease euerlasting. The second is
called by Clusius, _Orobus venetus_, because it was sent him
from Venice, with another of the same kinde that bore white
flowers; yet differeth but little or nothing from that kinde he
found in Hungary, that I thinke the seuerall places of their
growing only cause them to bear seuerall names, and to be the
same in deede. Although I yeeld vnto Clusius the Latine name
which doth not sufficiently content mee; yet I haue thought
good to giue it a differing English name, according as it is
in the title. The third, because I first receiued it among
other seeds from Spaine, I haue giuen it the name, as it is
entituled. The fourth is called of some _Sandalida Cretica_,
& _Lotus filiquosus flore rubello_, _Lotus tetragonolobus_,
_Pisum rubrum_, & _Pisum quadratum_: We vsually call it in
English, Crimson Pease, or square Pease. The _Medica Cochleata_
is called of Dodonæus _Trifolium Cochleatum_, but not iudged to
be the true _Medica_. Wee call it in English, Medick fodder,
Snailes Clouer, or as it is in the title, and so the rest
of the Medica’s accordingly. The _Hedysarum clypeatum_ or
_Securidaca_ is called of Dodonæus _Onobrichis altera_, and we
in English for the likenesse, The red Sattin flower, although
some foolishly call it, the red or French Honysuckle. The last
is called by Lobel, _Scorpioides bupleurifolio_, I haue called
it _minus_, because the greatest sort which came to me out of
Spaine was not knowne vnto him; in English they are generally
called Caterpillers.
The Vertues.
The Medica’s are generally thought to feede cattell fat much
more then the Medow Trefoile, or Clouer grasse, and therefore
I haue known diuers Gentlemen that haue plowed vp some of
their pasture grounds, and sowen them with the seedes of some
Medica’s to make the experience. All the other sorts are
pleasures to delight the curious, and not any way profitable in
Physicke that I know.
CHAP. LXXX.
_Pæonia._ Peonie.
There are two principall kindes of Peonie, that is to say, the Male and
the Female. Of the male kinde, I haue onely known one sort, but of the
Female a great many; which are thus to be distinguished. The male his
leafe is whole, without any particular diuision, notch or dent on the
edge, & his rootes long & round, diuided into many branches, somewhat
like to the rootes of Gentian or Elecampane, and not tuberous at all.
The Female of all sorts hath the leaues diuided or cut in on the edges,
more or lesse, and hath alwaies tuberous rootes, that is, like clogs
or Asphodill rootes, with many great thick round peeces hanging, or
growing at the end of smaller strings, and all ioyned to the toppe of
the maine roote.
1. _Pæonia mas._ The Male Peonie.
The Male Peonie riseth vp with many brownish stalkes, whereon doe
grow winged leaues, that is, many faire greene, and sometimes reddish
leaues, one set against another vpon a stalke, without any particular
diuision in the leafe at all: the flowers stand at the toppes of the
stalkes, consisting of fiue or six broade leaues, of a faire purplish
red colour, with many yellow threds in the middle, standing about the
head, which after riseth to be the seede vessels, diuided into two,
three or foure rough crooked pods like hornes, which when they are ful
ripe, open and turn themselues down one edge to another backeward,
shewing within them diuers round black shining seede, which are the
true seede, being full and good, and hauing also many red or crimson
graines, which are lancke and idle, intermixed among the blacke, as if
they were good seede, whereby it maketh a very pretty shew: the roots
are great, thick and long, spreading in the ground, and running downe
reasonable deepe.
2. _Pæonia fæmina vulgaris flore simplici._
The ordinary single Female Peonie.
This ordinary Female Peonie hath many stalkes, with more store of
leaues on them then the Male kinde hath, the leaues also are not so
large, but diuided or nicked diuersly on the edges, some with great
and deepe, and others with smaller cuts or diuisions, and of a darke
or dead greene colour: the flowers are of a strong heady sent, most
vsually smaller then the male, and of a more purple tending to a murrey
colour, with yellow thrumes about the head in the middle, as the male
kinde hath: the heads or hornes with seed are like also but smaller,
the seede also is blacke, but lesse shining: the rootes consist, as I
said, of many thicke and short tuberous clogs, fastened at the ends of
long strings, and all from the head of the roote, which is thicke and
short, and tuberous also, of the same or the like sent with the male.
3. _Pæonia fæmina vulgaris flore pleno rubro._ The double red Peonie.
This double Peonie as well as the former single, is so frequent in
euerie Garden of note, through euery Countrey, that it is almost labour
in vaine to describe it: but yet because I vse not to passe ouer any
plant so slightly, I will set down the description briefly, in regard
it is so common. It is very like unto the former single female Peony,
both in stalkes and leaues, but that it groweth somewhat higher, and
the leaues are of a fresher greene colour: the flowers at the tops of
the stalkes are very large, thicke and double (no flower that I know
so faire, great, and double; but not abiding blowne aboue eight or ten
daies) of a more reddish purple colour then the former female kinde,
and of a sweeter sent: after these flowers are past, sometimes come
good seed, which being sowne, bring forth some single flowers, and some
double: the rootes are tuberous, like vnto the former female.
4. _Pæonia fæmina flore carneo simplici._ The single blush Peony.
The single blush Peony hath his stalkes higher, and his leaues of a
paler or whiter greene colour then the double blush, and more white
vnderneath (so that it is very probable it is of another kinde, and not
risen from the seede of the double blush, as some might thinke) with
many veines, that are somewhat discoloured from the colour of the leafe
running through them: the flowers are very large and single, consisting
of fiue leaues for the most part, of a pale flesh or blush colour, with
an eye of yellow dispersed or mixed therewith, hauing many whitish
threads, tipt with yellow pendents standing about the middle head: the
rootes are like the other female Peonies.
5. _Pæonia fæmina flore pleno albicante._ The double blush Peony.
The double blush Peony hath not his stalkes so high as the double red,
but somewhat lower and stiffer, bearing such like winged leaues, cut
in or diuided here and there in the edges, as all these female kindes
are, but not so large as the last: the flowers are smaller, and lesse
double by a good deale then the former double red, of a faint shining
crimson colour at the first opening, but decaying or waxing paler euery
day: so that after it hath stood long (for this flower sheddeth not his
leaues in a great while) it will change somewhat whitish; and therefore
diuers haue ignorantly called it, the double white Peony: the seedes,
which sometimes it beareth, and rootes, are like vnto the former female
kindes, but somewhat longer, and of a brighter colour on the outside.
6. _Pæonia fæmina Byzantina._ The single red Peony of Constantinople.
This red Peony of Constantinople is very like in all things vnto the
double red Peonie, but that the flowers hereof are single, and as
large as the last, and that is larger then either the single female,
or the male kinde, consisting of eight leaues, of a deeper red colour
then either the single or double Peonies, and not purplish at all, but
rather of the colour of an ordinary red Tulipa, standing close and
round together: the roots of this kinde haue longer clogs, and not so
short as of the ordinary female kinde, and of a paler colour on the
outside.
The Place.
All these Peonies haue beene sent or brought from diuers parts
beyond the Seas; they are endenized in our Gardens, where
wee cherish them for the beauty and delight of their goodly
flowers, as well as for their Physicall vertues.
The Time.
They all flower in May, but some (as I said) abide a small
time, and others many weekes.
[Illustration:
1 _Pæonia mas cum semine._ The male Peony & the seed.
2 _Pæonia fæmina Byzantina._ The female red Peony of Constantinople.
3 _Pæonia fæmina flore pleno vulgaris._ The ordinary double Peony.
4 _Pæonia flore pleno albicante._ The double white Peony.
5 _Helleborus vernus atrorubente flore._ The early white Ellebor
with a darke red flower.
6 _Helleborus niger verus._ The Christmas flower.
7 _Calceolus Mariæ._ Our Ladies Slipper.
]
The Names.
The name _Pæonia_ is of all the later Writers generally
giuen to these plants, although they haue had diuers other
names giuen by the elder Writers, as _Rosa fatuina_, _Idæus
dactylus_, _Aglaophotis_, and others, whereof to set downe
the causes, reasons, and errours, were to spend more time then
I intend for this worke. Wee call them in English, Peonie, and
distinguish them according to their titles.
The Vertues.
The male Peony roote is farre aboue all the rest a most
singular approued remedy for all Epilepticall diseases, in
English, The falling sicknesse (and more especially the greene
roote then the dry) if the disease be not too inueterate, to
be boyled and drunke, as also to hang about the neckes of the
younger sort that are troubled herewith, as I haue found it
sufficiently experimented on many by diuers. The seede likewise
is of especiall vse for women, for the rising of the mother.
The seede of the female kinde, as well as the rootes, are most
vsually sold, and may in want of the other be (and so are
generally) vsed.
CHAP. LXXXI.
_Helleborus niger._ Beares foote.
There are three sorts of blacke Hellebor or Beares foote, one that
is the true and right kinde, whose flowers haue the most beautifull
aspect, and the time of his flowring most rare, that is, in the deepe
of Winter about Christmas, when no other can bee seene vpon the ground:
and two other that are wilde or bastard kindes, brought into many
Gardens for their Physicall properties; but I will only ioyne one of
them with the true kinde in this worke, and leaue the other for
another.
1. _Helleborus niger verus._
The true blacke Hellebor, or Christmas flower.
The true blacke Hellebor (or Beare foote as some would call it, but
that name doth more fitly agree with the other two bastard kindes)
hath many faire greene leaues rising from the roote, each of them
standing on a thicke round fleshly stiffe greene stalke, about an
hand breadth high from the ground, diuided into seuen, eight, or nine
parts or leaues, and each of them nicked or dented, from the middle
of the leafe to the pointward on both sides, abiding all the Winter,
at which time the flowers rise vp on such short thicke stalkes as the
leaues stand on, euery one by it selfe, without any leafe thereon for
the most part, or very seldome hauing one small short leafe not much
vnder the flower, and very little higher then the leaues themselues,
consisting of fiue broad white leaues, like vnto a great white single
Rose (which sometimes change to be either lesse or more purple about
the edges, as the weather or time of continuance doth effect) with many
pale yellow thrummes in the middle, standing about a greene head, which
after groweth to haue diuers cods set together, pointed at the ends
like hornes, somewhat like the seede vessels of the _Aconitum hyemale_,
but greater & thicker, wherein is contained long, round, and blackish
seede, like the seede of the bastard kindes: the rootes are a number of
brownish strings running downe deepe into the ground, and fastened to a
thicke head, of the bignesse of a finger at the toppe manie times, and
smaller still downewards.
2. _Helleboraster minor._
The lesser bastard blacke Hellebor, or Beare foote.
The smaller Beare foote is in most things like vnto the former true
blacke Hellebor; for it beareth also many leaues vpon short stalkes,
diuided into many leaues also, but each of them are long and narrow,
of a blacker greene colour, snipt or dented on both edges, which feele
somewhat hard or sharpe like prickes, and perish euery yeare, but rise
againe the next Spring: the flowers hereof stand on higher stalkes,
with some leaues on them also, although but very few, and are of a
pale, greene colour, like in forme vnto the flowers of the former,
but smaller, hauing also many greenish yellow threads or thrums in the
middle, and such like heads or seede vessels, and blackish seed: the
rootes are stringie and blackish like the former.
The Place.
The first groweth onely in the Gardens of those that are
curious, and delight in all sorts of beautifull flowers in our
Countrey, but wilde in many places of Germany, Italy, Greece,
&c.
The other groweth wilde in many places of England, as well
as the other greater sort, which is not here described; for
besides diuers places within eight or ten miles from London,
I haue seen it in the Woods of Northamptonshire, and in other
places.
The Time.
The first of these plants doth flower in the end of December,
and beginning of Ianuary most vsually, and the other a moneth
or two after, and sometime more.
The Names.
The first is called _Helleborus_, or _Elleborus niger verus_,
and is the same that both Theophrastus and Dioscorides haue
written of, and which was called _Melampodion_, of Melampus
the Goateheard, that purged and cured the mad or melancholicke
daughters of Prætus with the rootes thereof. Dodonæus calleth
it _Veratrum nigrum primum_, and the other _secundum_: Wee
call it in English, The true blacke Hellebor, or the Christmas
flower, because (as I said) it is most commonly in flower at
or before Christmas. The second is a bastard or wilde kinde
thereof, it so nearely resembleth the true, and is called of
most of the later Writers, _Pseudoelleborus niger minor_, or
_Helleboraster minor_, for a distinction betweene it and the
greater, which is not here described: and is called in English,
The smaller or lesser Beare foote, and most vsed in Physicke,
because it is more plentifull, yet it is more churlish and
strong in operation then the true or former kinde.
The Vertues.
The rootes of both these kindes are safe medecines, being
rightly prepared, to be vsed for all Melancholicke diseases,
whatsoeuer others may feare or write, and may be without danger
applied, so as care and skill, and not temerary rashnesse doe
order and dispose of them.
The powder of the dryed leaues, especially of the bastard
kinde, is a sure remedy to kill the wormes in children,
moderately taken.
CHAP. LXXXII.
_Elleborus albus._ White Ellebor or Neesewort.
There are two sorts of great white Ellebors or Neeseworts, whereas
there was but one kinde knowne to the Ancients; the other being found
out of later dayes: And although neither of both these haue any beauty
in their flowers, yet because their leaues, being faire and large, haue
a goodly prospect, I haue inserted them in this place, that this Garden
should not be vnfurnished of them, and you not vnacquainted with them.
1. _Elleborus albus vulgaris._ White Ellebor or Neesing roote.
The first great white Ellebor riseth at the first out of the ground,
with a whitish greene great round head, which growing vp, openeth it
selfe into many goodly faire large greene leaues, plaited or ribbed
with eminent ribbes all along the leaues, compassing one another at
the bottome, in the middle whereof riseth vp a stalke three foot
high or better, with diuers such like leaues thereon, but smaller to
the middle thereof; from whence to the toppe it is diuided into many
branches, hauing many small yellowish, or whitish greene starre-like
flowers all along vpon them, which after turne into small, long, three
square whitish seede, standing naked, without any huske to containe
them, although some haue written otherwise: the roote is thicke and
reasonable great at the head, hauing a number of great white strings
running downe deepe into the ground, whereby it is strongly fastened.
2. _Elleborus albus præcox siue atrorubente flore._
The early white Ellebor with reddish flowers.
This other Ellebor is very like the former, but that it springeth vp
a moneth at the least before it, and that the leaues are not fully
so thicke or so much plaited, but as large or larger, and doe sooner
perish and fall away from the plant: the stalke hereof is as high
as the former, bearing such like starry flowers, but of a darke or
blackish red colour: the seede is like the other: the roote hath no
such head as the other (so farre as I haue obserued, both by mine own
and others plants) but hath many long white strings fastened to the
top, which is as it were a long bulbous scaly head, out of which spring
the leaues.
The Place.
The first groweth in many places of Germany, as also in some
parts of Russia, in that aboundance, by the relation of that
worthy, curious, and diligent searcher and preseruer of all
natures rarities and varieties, my very good friend, Iohn
Tradescante, often heretofore remembred, that, as hee said, a
good ship might be loaden with the rootes hereof, which hee saw
in an Island there.
The other likewise groweth in the vpland wooddy grounds of
Germanie, and other the parts thereabouts.
The Time.
The first springeth vp in the end or middle of March, and
flowreth in Iune. The second springeth in February, but
flowreth not vntill Iune.
The Names.
The first is called _Elleborus albus_, or _Helleborus albus_,
the letter _H_, as all Schollers know, being but _aspirationis
nota_: and _Veratrum album flore viridante_, of some _Sanguis
Herculis_. The other is called _Elleborus albus præcox_, and
_flore atrorubente_, or _atropurpurante_. We call the first in
English, White Ellebor, Neesewort, or Neesing roote, because
the powder of the roote is vsed to procure neesing; and I call
it the greater, in regard of those in the next Chapter. The
other hath his name according to the Latine title, most proper
for it.
The Vertues.
The force of purging is farre greater in the roote of this
Ellebor, then in the former; and therefore is not carelessly
to bee vsed, without extreame danger; yet in contumatious
and stubborne diseases it may bee vsed with good caution
and aduice. There is a Syrupe or Oxymel made hereof in the
Apothecaries shops, which as it is dangerous for gentle and
tender bodies, so it may be very effectuall in stronger
constitutions. Pausanias _in Phocicis_, recordeth a notable
stratagem that Solon vsed in besieging the Citie of Cirrheus,
_viz._ That hauing cut off the riuer Plistus from running into
the Citie, he caused a great many of these rootes to be put
into a quantity thereof, which after they had steeped long
enough therein, and was sufficiently infected therewith, he let
passe into the Citie againe: whereof when they had greedily
drunke, they grew so weake and feeble by the superpurgation
thereof, that they were forced to leaue their wals vnmand,
and not guarded, whereby the Amphyctions their enemies became
masters of their Citie. The like stratagems are set downe by
diuers other Authors, performed by the helpe of other herbes.
CHAP. LXXXIII.
_Elleborine._ Small or wilde white Ellebor.
The likenesse of the leaues of these plants, rather then any other
faculty with the former white Ellebor, hath caused them to be called
_Elleborine_, as if they were smaller white Ellebors. And I for the
same cause haue ioyned them next, whereof there are found many sorts:
One which is the greater kinde, is of greatest beauty; the other which
are lesser differ not much one from another, more then in the colour
of the flowers, whereof I will onely take three, being of the most
beautie, and leaue the rest to another worke.
1. _Helleborine vel Elleborine maior, siue Calceolus Mariæ._
Our Ladies Slipper.
This most beautifull plant of all these kindes, riseth vp with diuers
stalkes, a foote and a halfe high at the most, bearing on each side
of them broad greene leaues, somewhat like in forme vnto the leaues
of the white Ellebor, but smaller and not so ribbed, compassing the
stalke at the lower end; at the tops of the stalkes come forth one, or
two, or three flowers at the most, one aboue another, vpon small short
foote-stalkes, with a small leafe at the foote of euery stalke: each
of these flowers are of a long ouall forme, that is, more long then
round, and hollow withall, especially at the vpper part, the lower
being round and swelling like a belly: at the hollow part there are two
small peeces like eares or flippets, that at the first doe couer the
hollow part, and after stand apart one from another, all which are of a
fine pale yellow colour, in all that I haue seene (yet it is said there
are some found, that are more browne or tending to purple) there are
likewise foure long, narrow, darke coloured leaues at the setting on of
the flower vnto the stalke, wherein as it were the flower at the first
standeth: the whole flower is of a pretty small sent: the seede is very
small, very like vnto the seede of the _Orchides_ or Satyrions, and
contained in such like long pods, but bigger: the roots are composed of
a number of strings enterlacing themselues one within another, lying
within the vpper crust of the earth, & not spreading deep, of a darke
brownish colour.
2. _Elleborine minor flore albo._
The small or wilde white Ellebor with a white flower.
This smaller wilde white Ellebor riseth vp in the like manner vnto the
former, and not much lower, bearing such like leaues, but smaller, and
of a winter greene colour, almost of the colour and fashion of the
leaues of Lilly Conually; the top of the stalke hath many more flowers,
but lesser, growing together, spike-fashion, with small short leaues
at the stalke of euery flower, which consisteth of fiue small white
leaues, with a small close hood in the middle, without any sent at all;
the seede and seede vessels are like vnto the former, but smaller: the
rootes are many small strings, dispersing themselues in the ground.
3. _Elleborine minor flore purpurante._
The small or wilde white Ellebor with blush flowers.
The leaues of this kinde are like vnto the last described, but somewhat
narrower: the stalkes and flowers are alike, but smaller also, and of a
pale purplish or blush colour, which causeth the difference.
The Place.
The first groweth in very many places of Germany, and in other
Countries also. It groweth likewise in Lancashire, neare vpon
the border of Yorkeshire, in a wood or place called the Helkes,
which is three miles from Ingleborough, the highest Hill in
England, and not farre from Ingleton, as I am informed by a
courteous Gentlewoman, a great louer of these delights, called
Mistris Thomasin Tunstall, who dwelleth at Bull-banke, neare
Hornby Castle in those parts, and who hath often sent mee vp
the rootes to London, which haue borne faire flowers in my
Garden. The Second groweth in many places of England, and with
the same Gentlewoman also before remembred, who sent me one
plant of this kinde with the other. The last I haue not yet
knowne to growe in England; but no doubt many things doe lye
hid, and not obserued, which in time may bee discouered, if
our Country Gentlemen and women, and others, in their seuerall
places where they dwell, would be more carefull and diligent,
and be aduertised either by themselues, or by others capable
and fit to be imployed, as occasion and time might serue, to
finde out such plants as growe in any the circuits or limits of
their habitations, or in their trauels, as their pleasures or
affaires leade them. And because ignorance is the chiefe cause
of neglect of many rare things, which happen to their view at
sometimes, which are not to be seene againe peraduenture, or
not in many yeares after, I would heartily aduise all men of
meanes, to be stirred vp to bend their mindes, and spend a
little more time and trauell in these delights of herbes and
flowers, then they haue formerly done, which are not onely
harmlesse, but pleasurable in their time, and profitable in
their vse. And if any would be better enformed, and certified
of such things they know not, I would be willing and ready to
my best skill to aduertise them, that shall send any thing vp
to me where I dwell in London. Thus farre I haue digressed from
the matter in hand, and yet not without some good vse I hope,
that others may make of it.
The Time.
The two first flower earlier then the last, and both the first
about one time, that is, in the end of Aprill, or beginning of
May. The last in the end of May, or in Iune.
The Names.
The first is called _Elleborine recentiorum maior_, and
_Calceolus Mariæ_: Of some thought to be _Cosmosandalos_,
because it is _Sandali forma_. In English we call it our Ladies
Slipper, after the Dutch name. The other two lesser kinds haue
their names in their titles: I haue thought it fit to adde the
title of small white Ellebors vnto these, for the forme sake,
as is before said.
The Vertues.
There is no vse of these in Physicke in our dayes that I know.