_Lilium Conuallium._ Lilly Conually.
The remembrance of the Conuall Lilly, spoken of in the precedent
Chapter, hath caused me to insert these plants among the rest, although
differing both in face and properties; but lest it should lose all
place, let it keepe this. It is of two sorts, differing chiefly in the
colour of the flowers, the one being white, and the other reddish, as
shall be shewed in their descriptions following.
1. _Lilium Conuallium flore albo._ The white Lilly Conually.
The white Conuall or May Lilly, hath three or foure leaues rising
together from the roote, one enclosed within another, each whereof
when it is open is long and broad, of a grayish shining greene colour,
somewhat resembling the leaues of the former wilde Neesewort, at the
side whereof, and sometime from the middle of them, riseth vp a small
short naked foote-stalke, an hand breadth high or somewhat more,
bearing at the toppe one aboue another many small white flowers, like
little hollow bottles with open mouths, nicked or cut into fiue or
six notches, turning all downewards one way, or on one side of the
stalke, of a very strong sweete sent, and comfortable for the memory
and senses, which turne into small red berries, like vnto Asparagus,
wherein is contained hard white seede: the rootes runne vnder ground,
creeping euery way, consisting of many small white strings.
2. _Lilium Conuallium flore rubente._ May Lillies with red flowers.
This other May Lilly differeth neither in roote, leafe, nor forme of
flower from that before, but onely in the colour of the flower, which
is of a fine pale red colour, being in my iudgement not altogether so
sweet as the former.
The Place.
The first groweth aboundantly in many places of England. The
other is a stranger, and groweth only in the Gardens of those
that are curious louers of rarities.
The Time.
They both flower in May, and the berries are ripe in August.
The Names.
The Latines haue no other name for this plant but _Lilium
Conuallium_, although some would haue it to be _Lilium vernum_
of Theophrastus, and others _Oenanthe_ of the same Author.
Gesner thinketh it to be _Callionymus_. Lonicerus to be
_Cacalia_, and Fuchsius to be _Ephemerum non lethale_: but they
are all for the most part mistaken. We call it in English Lilly
Conually, May Lilly, and of some Liriconfancie.
The Vertues.
The flowers of the white kinde are often vsed with those things
that help to strengthen the memory, and to procure ease to
Apoplecticke persons. Camerarius setteth downe the manner of
making an oyle of the flowers hereof, which he saith is very
effectuall to ease the paines of the Goute, and such like
diseases, to be vsed outwardly, which is thus: Hauing filled a
glasse with the flowers, and being well stopped, set it for a
moneths space in an Ants hill, and after being drayned cleare,
set it by to vse.
CHAP. LXXXV.
_Gentiana._ Gentian or Fell-wort.
There are diuers sorts of Gentians or Fell-wortes, some greater, others
lesser, and some very small; many of them haue very beautifull flowers,
but because some are very suddenly past, before one would thinke they
were blowne open, and others will abide no culture and manuring, I will
onely set forth vnto you two of the greater sorts, and three of the
lesser kindes, as fittest, and more familiarly furnishing our gardens,
leauing the rest to their wilde habitations, and to bee comprehended in
a generall Worke.
1. _Gentiana maior flore flauo._ The great Gentian.
The great Gentian riseth vp at the first, with a long, round and
pointed head of leaues, closing one another, which after opening
themselues, lye vpon the ground, and are faire, long and broad,
somewhat plaited or ribbed like vnto the leaues of white Ellebor or
Neeseworte, but not so fairely or eminently plaited, neyther so stiffe,
but rather resembling the leaues of a great Plantane: from among which
riseth vp a stiffe round stalke, three foote high or better, full of
ioynts, hauing two such leaues, but narrower and smaller at euery
ioynt, so compassing about the stalke at the lower end of them, that
they will almost hold water that falleth into them: from the middle of
the stalke to the toppe, it is garnished with many coronets or rundles
of flowers, with two such greene leaues likewise at euery ioynt,
and wherein the flowers doe stand, which are yellow, layd open like
starres, and rising out of small greenish huskes, with some threds in
the middle of them, but of no sent at all, yet stately to behold, both
for the order, height and proportion of the plant: the seede is browne
and flat, contained in round heads, somewhat like vnto the seede of
the _Fritillaria_, or checkerd Daffodill, but browner: the rootes are
great, thicke and long, yellow, and exceeding bitter.
2. _Gentiana maior folio Asclepiadis._ Swallow-wort Gentian.
This kinde of Gentian hath many stalkes rising from the roote, neere
two foote high, whereon grow many faire pale greene leaues, set by
couples, with three ribs in euery one of them, and doe somewhat
resemble the leaues of _Asclepias_ or Swallow-wort, that is, broade at
the bottome, and sharpe at the point: the flowers grow at the seuerall
ioynts of the stalkes, from the middle vpwards, two or three together,
which are long and hollow, like vnto a bell flower, ending in fiue
corners, or pointed leaues, and folded before they are open, as the
flowers of the Bindeweedes are, of a faire blew colour, sometimes
deeper, and sometimes paler: the heads or seede vessels haue two points
or hornes at the toppes, and containe within them flat grayish seed,
like vnto the former, but lesse: the rootes hereof are nothing so great
as the former, but are yellow, small and long, of the bignesse of a
mans thumbe.
3. _Gentiana minor Cruciata._ Crosse-wort Gentian.
This small Gentian hath many branches lying vpon the ground, scarce
lifting themselues vpright, and full of ioynts, whereat grow vsually
foure leaues, one opposite vnto another, in manner of a Crosse, from
whence it tooke his name, in shape very like vnto _Saponaria_ or
Sopewort, but shorter, and of a darker greene colour: at the tops of
the stalkes stand many flowers, thick thrusting together, and likewise
at the next ioynt vnderneath, euery one of them standing in a darke
blewish greene huske, and consisting of fiue small leaues, the points
or ends whereof only appeare aboue the huskes wherein they stand, and
are hardly to be seene, but that they are of a fine pale blew colour,
and that many grow together: the seed is small and brown, hard, and
somewhat like vnto the seed of the Marian Violets, or Couentry bels:
the roots are small and whitish, dispersing themselues diuersly in the
ground, of as bitter a taste almost as the rest
[Illustration:
1 _Lilium Conuallium._ Liricon fancy or Lilly Conually.
2 _Gentiana maior._ The great Gentian.
3 _Gentianella verna._ Small Gentian of the Spring.
4 _Gentiana Cruciata._ Crossewort Gentian.
5 _Pneumonanthe seu Gentiana Autumnalis._ Autumne Gentian.
6 _Saponaria flore duplici._ Double flowred Sopewort.
7 _Plantago Rosea._ Rose Plantane.
]
4. _Gentianella Verna._ Small Gentian of the Spring.
The small Gentian of the Spring hath diuers small hard greene leaues,
lying vpon the ground, as it were in heads or tufts, somewhat broade
below, and pointed at the end, with fiue ribs or veines therein, as
conspicuous as in the former Gentians, among which riseth vp a small
short stalke, with some smaller leaues thereon, at the toppe whereof
standeth one faire, large, hollow flower, made bell fashion, with
wide open brimmes, ending in fiue corners or diuisions, of the most
excellent deepe blew colour that can be seene in any flower, with some
white spots in the bottome on the inside: after the flower is past,
there appeare long and round pods, wherein are contained small blackish
seede: the rootes are small, long, pale yellow strings, which shoot
forth here and there diuers heads of leaues, and thereby encrease
reasonable well, if it finde a fit place, and ground to grow, or else
will not be noursed vp, with all the care and diligence can be vsed:
the whole plant is bitter, but not so strong as the former.
5. _Gentiana Autumnalis siue Pneumonanthe._
Calathian Violet or Autumne Gentian.
This Gentian that flowreth in Autumne, hath in some places higher
stalkes then in others, with many leaues thereon, set by couples as
in other Gentians, but long and narrow, yet shewing the three ribbes
or veines that are in each of them: the toppes of the stalkes are
furnished euery one with a flower or two, of an excellent blew purple
colour, ending in fiue corners, and standing in long huskes: the rootes
are somewhat great at the top, and spreading into many small yellow
strings, bitter as the rest are.
6. _Saponaria flore duplici._ Double flowred Sopeworte.
Vnto these kindes of Gentians, I must needes adde these following
plants, for that the former is of some neere resemblance in leafe with
some of the former. And because the ordinary Sopeworte or Bruiseworte
with single flowers is often planted in Gardens, and the flowers serue
to decke both the garden and the house; I may vnder the one describe
them both: for this with double flowers is farre more rare, and of
greater beautie. It hath many long and slender round stalkes, scarce
able to sustaine themselues, and stand vpright, being ful of ioynts
and ribbed leaues at them, euery one somewhat like a small Gentian
or Plantane leafe: at the toppes of the stalkes stand many flowers,
consisting of two or three rowes of leaues, of a whitish or pale purple
colour, and of a strong sweet sent, somewhat like the smell of Iasmin
flowers, standing in long and thicke pale greene huskes, which fall
away without giuing any seede, as most other double flowers doe that
encrease by the roote, which spreadeth within the ground, and riseth vp
in sundry distant places like the single.
7. _Plantago Rosea._ Rose Plantane.
This other plant is in all things like vnto the ordinary Plantane or
Ribworte, that groweth wilde abroade in many places, whose leaues are
very large: but instead of the long slender spike, or eare that the
ordinary hath, this hath eyther a thicke long spike of small greene
leaues vpon short stalkes, or else a number of such small greene leaues
layd round-wise like vnto a Rose, and sometimes both these may be seene
vpon one and the same roote, at one and the same time, which abide a
great while fresh vpon the roote, and sometimes also giueth seede,
especially from the more long and slender spikes.
The Place.
Some of these Gentians grow on the toppes of hils, and some on
the sides and foote of them in Germany and other Countreyes:
some of them also vpon barren heaths in those places, as also
in our owne Countrey, especially the Autumne Gentian, and as
it is reported, the Vernall likewise. The single or ordinary
Sopeworte is found wilde in many places with vs, but the double
came to vs from beyond the Sea, and is scarce known or heard of
in England. The Rose Plantaine hath beene long in England, but
whether naturall thereof or no, I am not assured.
The Time.
They flower for the most part in Iune and Iuly, but the small
Gentian of the Spring flowreth somewhat earlier, and that of
the Autumne in August and September.
The Names.
_Gentiana_ is the generall name giuen to the Gentians. We call
them in English Gentian, Fellworte, Bitterwort, and Baldmoney.
_Saponaria_ taketh his name from the scouring qualitie it hath:
Wee call it in English Sopewort, and in some places Bruisewort.
Some haue thought it to bee _Struthium_ of Dioscorides, or
at least haue vsed it for the same causes, but therein they
are greatly deceiued, as Matthiolus hath very well obserued
thereon, and so is Dodonæus, that thought it to be _Alisma_.
The Rose Plantaine is so called of the double spikes it
carrieth.
The Vertues.
The wonderfull wholsomnesse of Gentian cannot bee easily knowne
to vs, by reason our daintie tastes refuse to take thereof,
for the bitternesse sake: but otherwise it would vndoubtedly
worke admirable cures, both for the liuer, stomacke and lunges.
It is also a speciall counterpoison against any infection, as
also against the violence of a mad dogges tooth: wilde Sopewort
is vsed in many places, to scoure the countrey womens treen,
and pewter vessels, and physically some make great boast to
performe admirable cures in Hydropicall diseases, because it
is diureticall, and in _Lue Veneria_, when other Mercuriall
medicines haue failed. The Rose Plantaine no doubt hath the
same qualities that the ordinary hath.
CHAP. LXXXVI.
_Campanula._ Bell-flowers.
Under the title of Bell-flowers are to bee comprehended in this
Chapter, not only those that are ordinarily called _Campanula_, but
_Viola Mariana_, and _Trachelium_ also, whereof the one is called
Couentry, the other Canterbury Bells.
1. _Campanula Persicifolia alba, vel cærulea._
Peach-leafed Bell-flowers white or blew.
The Peach-leafed Bell-flower hath many tufts, or branches of leaues
lying vpon the ground, which are long and narrow, somewhat like vnto
the leafe of an Almond or Peach tree, being finely nicked about the
edges, and of a sad greene colour, from among which rise vp diuers
stalkes, two foote high or more, set with leaues to the middle, and
from thence vpwards, with many flowers standing on seuerall small
foote-stalkes, one aboue another, with a small leafe at the foote of
euery one; the flowers stand in small greene huskes, being small and
round at the bottome, but wider open at the brimme, and ending in fiue
corners, with a three forked clapper in the middle, set about with some
small threds tipt with yellow, which flowers in some plants are pure
white, and in others of a pale blew or watchet colour, hauing little or
no sent at all: the seede is small, and contained in round flat heads,
or seede vessels: the roote is very small, white and threddy, creeping
vnder the vpper crust of the ground, so that oftentimes the heat and
drought of the Summer will goe near to parch and wither it vtterly: it
requireth therefore to be planted in some shadowie place.
2. _Campanula maior, siue Pyramidalis._
The great or steeple Bell-flower.
This great Bell-flower hath diuers stalkes, three foote high or
better, whereon grow diuers smooth, darke, greene leaues, broade at
the bottome, and small at the point, somewhat vneuenly notched about
the edges, and standing vpon longer footestalkes below then those
aboue: the flowers are blew, and in some white, not so great or large
as the former, but neare of the same fashion, growing thicker and more
plentifully together, with smaller leaues among them, burning thicke
below, and rising smaller and thinner vp to the toppe, in fashion of a
_Pyramis_ or speere Steeple: the roote is thicke and whitish, yeelding
more store of milke being broken (as the leaues and stalks also doe)
then any other of the Bell-flowers, euery one whereof doe yeelde milke,
some more and some lesse.
3. _Viola Mariana flore albido vel purpureo._
Couentry Bels white or purple.
The leaues of Couentry Bels are of a pale or fresh greene colour,
long, and narrow next vnto the bottome, and broader from the middle
to the end, and somewhat round pointed, a little hairy all ouer, and
snipt about the edges: the stalkes rise vp the yeare after the sowing,
being somewhat hairy also, and branching forth from the roote, into
diuers parts, whereon stand diuers leaues, smaller then the former,
and of a darker greene colour: at the end of euery branch stand the
flowers, in greene huskes, from whence come large, round, hollow Bels,
swelling out in the middle, and rising somewhat aboue it, like the
necke of a pot, and then ending in fiue corners, which are either of a
faire or faint white, or of a pale blew purplish colour, and sometimes
of a deeper purple or violet: after the flowers are past, there rise
vp great square, or cornered seede vessels, wherein is contained in
diuers diuisions, small, hard, shining, browne, flat seeds: the roote
is white, and being young as in the first yeares sowing, is tender,
and often eaten as other Rampions are; but the next yeare, when it
runneth vp to seede, it groweth hard, and perisheth: so that it is to
be continued by euery other yeares sowing.
4. _Trachelium maius flore albo vel purpureo._
Great Canterbury Bels white or purple.
The greater Canterbury Bels, or Throateworte, hath many large rough
leaues, somewhat like vnto Nettle leaues, being broad and round at the
bottome, and pointed at the end, notched or dented on the edges, and
euery one standing on a long footstalk: among these leaues rise vp
diuers square rough stalkes, diuided at the toppe into diuers branches,
whereon grow the like leaues as grow below, but lesser; toward the ends
of the branches stand the flowers, mixed with some longer leaues, euery
one in his seuerall huske, which are hollow, long and round, like a
bell or cup, wide open at the mouth, and cut at the brimme into fiue
corners, or diuisions, somewhat lesser then the Couentry Bels, in some
of a pure white, and others of a faire deepe purple violet colour, and
sometimes paler: after the flowers are past, come smaller and rounder
heades then in the former, containing flat seede, but blacker, and
not so redde as the last: the roote is hard and white, dispersing it
selfe into many branches vnder ground, not perishing euery yeare as the
former (although it loseth all the leaues in winter) but abiding many
yeares, and encreasing into diuers heades or knobs, from whence spring
new leaues and branches.
[Illustration:
1 _Campanula persicifolia._ Peach leafed Bell-flower.
2 _Trachelium maius simplex._ Canterbury Bels.
* _Trachelium flore duplici._ Double Canterbury Bels.
3 _Viola Mariana._ Couentry Bels.
4 _Trachelium Giganteum._ Giants Throatewort.
5 _Trachelium minus._ The lesser Throatewort.
6 _Trachelium Americanum siue Cardinalis planta._ The rich crimson
Cardinals flower.
]
5. _Trachelium maius flore duplici albo & cæruleo._
Canterbury Bels with double flowers both white and blew.
Of this kinde of Throateworte or Canterbury Bels, there is another
sort, not differing in any thing from the former, but in the
doublenesse of the flower: For there is of both the kindes, one that
beareth double white flowers, and the other blew: Of each whereof I
receiued plants from friends beyond the Sea, which grow well with me.
6. _Trachelium Giganteum flore purpurante._
Pale purple Giants Throateworte.
This Bell-flower, although it hath a Gigantine name, yet did I neuer
perceiue it in my garden, to rise vp higher then the former, the
epithite beeing in my perswasion, only giuen for difference sake: the
leaues whereof are not so rough, but as large, and dented about the
edges, somewhat larger pointed, and of a fresher greene colour: the
stalkes beare such like leaues on them, but more thinly or dispersedly
set, hauing a flower at the setting on of euery one of the leaues,
from the middle vpwards, and are somewhat like the great Throateworte
in forme, but of a pale or bleake reddish purple colour, turning the
brims or corners a little backwards, with a forked clapper in the
middle, sufficient eminent and yellow: the seede hereof is white, and
plentifull in the heads, which will abide all the winter vpon the
stalkes, vntill all the seede being shed, the heads remaining seeme
like torne rags, or like thin peeces of skin, eaten with wormes: the
roote is great, thicke and white, abiding long without perishing.
[Sidenote: _Flore albo._]
There is another which differeth not any thing but in the flower, which
is white.
7. _Trachelium minus flore albo & purpureo._
Small Throateworte or Canterbury Bells both white and purple.
The lesser Throateworte hath smaller leaues, nothing so broade or hard
as the former great kinde, but long, and little or nothing dented about
the edges: the stalkes are square and brownish, if it beare purple
flowers, and greene if it beare white flowers, which in forme are
alike, and grow in a bush or tuft, thicke set together, more then any
of the former, and smaller also, being not much bigger then the flowers
of the fielde, or garden Rampions: the roote is lasting, and shooteth
afresh euery yeare.
8. _Trachelium Americanum flore ruberrimo, siue Planta Cardinalis._
The rich crimson Cardinals flower.
This braue plant, from a white roote spreading diuers wayes vnder
ground, sendeth forth many greene leaues, spread round about the head
thereof, each whereof is somewhat broade and long, and pointed at
the end, finely also snipt about the edges; from the middle whereof
ariseth vp a round hollow stalke, two foote high at the least, beset
with diuers such leaues as grow below, but longer below then aboue, and
branching out at the toppe aboundantly, euery branch bearing diuers
greene leaues on them, and one at the foote of euery of them also,
the toppes whereof doe end in a great large tuft of flowers, with a
small greene leafe at the foote of the stalke of euery flower, each
footestalke being about an inch long, bearing a round greene huske,
diuided into fiue long leaues or points turned downwards, and in the
midst of euery of them a most rich crimson coloured flower, ending in
fiue long narrow leaues, standing all of them foreright, but three of
them falling downe, with a long vmbone set as it were at the backe of
them, bigger below, and smaller aboue, and at the toppe a small head,
being of a little paler colour then the flower, but of no sent or smell
at all, commendable only for the great bush of so orient red crimson
flowers: after the flowers are past, the seede commeth in small heads,
closed within those greene husks that held the flowers, which is very
like vnto the seede vessels of the _Viola Mariana_, or Couentry Bels,
and is small and brownish.
The Place.
All these Bell-flowers do grow in our Gardens, where they are
cherished for the beautie of their flowers. The Couentry Bels
doe not grow wilde in any of the parts about Couentry, as I am
credibly informed by a faithfull Apothecary dwelling there,
called Master Brian Ball, but are noursed in Gardens with them,
as they are in other places. The last groweth neere the riuer
of Canada, where the French plantation in America is seated.
The Time.
They flower from May vntill the end of Iuly or August, and
in the mean time the seed is ripe: But the Peache-leafed
Bell-flowers, for the most part, flower earlier then the other.
The Names.
The first is generally called _Campanula Perficifolia_,
in English Peach-leafed Bell-flower. The second is called
_Campanula maior_, _Campanula lactescens Pyramidalis_, and
_Pyramidalis Lutetiana_ of Lobel, in English, Great or Steeple
Bell-flower. The third is vsually called _Viola Mariana_, and
of some _Viola Marina_. Lobel putteth a doubt whether it be not
_Medium_ of Dioscorides, as Matthiolus and others doe thinke;
but in my opinion the thicknesse of the roote, as the text hath
it, contradicteth all the rest. We call it generally in English
Couentry Bels. Some call it Marian, and some Mercuries Violets.
The fourth and fift are called _Trachelium_ or _Cervicaria_,
of some _Vvularia_, because many haue vsed it to good purpose,
for the paines of the _Vvula_, or Throate: Yet there is another
plant, called also by some _Vvularia_, which is _Hippoglossum_,
Horse tongue, or Double tongue. The sixt hath his title to
descipher it out sufficiently, as is declared. The seuenth is
called _Trachelium minus_, and _Ceruicaria minor_, of some
_Saponaria altera_; in English, Small Throateworte, or Small
Canterbury Bels. The last hath his name in the title, as it is
called in France, from whence I receiued plants for my Garden
with the Latine name: but I haue giuen it in English.
The Vertues.
The Peach-Bels as well as the others may safely bee vsed in
gargles and lotions for the mouth, throate, or other parts, as
occasion serueth. The rootes of many of them, while they are
young, are often eaten in sallets by diuers beyond the Seas.
CHAP. LXXXVII.
_Campana Cærulea siue Convolvulus Cæruleus._
Blew Bell flowers, or blew Bindeweede.
There are two other kindes of Bell-flowers, much differing from the
Tribe or Familie of the former, because of their climbing or winding
qualitie, which I must needes place next them, for the likenesse of the
flowers, although otherwise they might haue beene placed with the other
clamberers that follow. Of these there is a greater, and a lesser, and
of each likewise some difference, as shall be declared.
1. _Convolvulus cæruleus maior rotundifolius._
The greater blew Bindweede, or Bell-flower with round leaues.
This goodly plant riseth vp with many long and winding branches,
whereby it climbeth and windeth vpon any poles, herbes, or trees,
that stand neare it within a great compasse, alwaies winding it selfe
contrary to the course of the Sunne: on these branches doe growe many
faire great round leaues, and pointed at the end, like vnto a Violet
leafe in shape, but much greater, of a sad greene colour: at the ioynts
of the branches, where the leaues are set, come forth flowers on pretty
long stalkes, two or three together at a place, which are long, and
pointed almost like a finger, while they are buds, and not blowne
open, and of a pale whitish blew colour, but being blowne open, are
great and large bels, with broad open mouths or brims ending in fine
corners, and small at the bottome, standing in small greene huskes of
fine leaues: these flowers are of a very deepe azure or blew colour,
tending to a purple, very glorious to behold, opening for the most part
in the euening, abiding so all the night and the next morning, vntill
the Sunne begin to growe somewhat hot vpon them, and then doe close,
neuer opening more: the plant carrieth so many flowers, if it stand in
a warme place, that it will be replenished plentifully, vntill the cold
ayres and euenings stay the luxury thereof: after the flowers are past,
the stalkes whereon the flowers did stand, bend downwards, and beare
within the huskes three or foure blacke seedes, of the bignesse of a
Tare or thereabouts: the rootes are stringy, and perish euery yeare.
2. _Convolvulus trifolius siue hederaceus purpureus._
The greater purple Bindeweede, or Bell-flower with cornered leaues.
The growing and forme of this Bindeweede or Bell-flower, is all one
with the former, the chiefest differences consisting in the forme of
the leafe, which in this is three cornered, like vnto an Iuie leafe
with corners; and in the flower, which is of a deeper blew, tending
more to a deepe purple Violet, and somewhat more reddish in the fiue
plaites of each flower, as also in the bottomes of the flowers.
3. _Convolvulus tenuifolius Americanus._
The red Bell-flower of America.
Although this rare plant (because wee seldome haue it, and can as
hardly keepe it) be scarce knowne in these cold Countries, yet I could
not but make mention of it, to incite those that haue conueniencie to
keepe it, to be furnished of it. It springeth vp at the first from
the seede with two leaues, with two long forked ends, which abide a
long time before they perish, betweene which riseth vp the stalke or
stemme, branching forth diuers waies, being of a brownish colour, which
windeth it selfe as the former great Bell-flower doth, whereon are set
at seuerall ioynts diuers winged leaues, that is to say, many small
narrow and long leaues set on both sides of the middle ribbe, and one
at the end: from these ioynts arise long stalkes, at the ends whereof
stand two or three small, long, hollow flowers, fashioned very like
vnto the flowers of a Bindeweede, or the flowers of Tabacco, and ending
in the like manner in fiue points, but not so much laide open, being of
a bright red colour, plaited as the Bindeweedes or Bell-flowers before
they be open, with some few threads in the middle, which turne into
long pointed cods, wherein is contained long and blacke seede, tasting
hot like Pepper: the roote is small and stringy, perishing euery yeare,
and with vs will seldome come to flower, because our cold nights and
frosts come so soone, before it can haue comfort enough of the Sun to
ripen it.
4. _Convolvulus cæruleus minor Hispanicus._
The Spanish small blew Bindeweede.
This small Bindeweede hath small long leaues, somewhat broader then the
next that followeth, and not so broad as the common small Bindeweede
(that groweth euery where wilde on the bankes of fields abroad) set
vpon the small trayling branches, which growe aboue two or three foote
high: from the middle of these branches, and so vnto the toppes of
them, come forth the flowers at the ioynts with the leaues, folded
together at the first into fiue plaites, which open into so many
corners, of a most excellent faire skie coloured blew (so pleasant to
behold, that often it amazeth the spectator) with white bottomes, and
yellowish in the middle, which turne into small round white heads,
wherein are contained small blackish cornered seede, somewhat like the
former, but smaller: the roote is small and threddy, perishing as the
former euery yeare: this neuer windeth it selfe about any thing, but
leaneth by reason of the weaknesse of the branches, and dyeth euery
yeare after seede time, and not to be sowne againe vntill the next
Spring.
5. _Convolvulus purpureus Spicæfolius._ Lauander leafed Bindeweede.
This small purple Bindeweede, where it naturally groweth, is rather a
plague then a pleasure, to whatsoeuer groweth with it in the fields;
yet the beauty of the flower hath caused it to be receiued into
Gardens, bearing longer and smaller leaues then the last, and such like
small Bell-flowers, but of a sad purple colour: the roote is liuing,
as the common kinds are, and springeth againe where it hath been once
sowne, without feare of perishing.
The Place.
The first two greater kindes haue beene sent vs out of Italy,
but whether they had them from the East Indies, or from some
of the Easterne Countries on this side, wee know not: but
they thriue reasonable well in our Country, if the yeare be
any thing kindly. The next came out of America, as his name
testifieth. The lesser blew kinde groweth naturally in many
places both of Spaine and Portugall (from whence I first
receiued seedes from Guillaume Boel, heretofore remembred.) The
last groweth wilde in the fields, about Dunmowe in Essex, and
in many other places of our owne Countrey likewise.
The Time.
The three first greater kindes flower not vntill the end of
August, or thereabouts, and the seede ripeneth in September,
if the colds and frosts come not on too speedily. The lesser
kindes flower in Iune and Iuly.
The Names.
The first is called of some _Campana Lazura_, as the Italians
doe call it, or _Campana cærulea_, of others _Convolvulus
cæruleus maior_, _siue Indicus_, and _Flos noctis_. Of some
_Nil Auicennæ_. The second, is called _Convolvulus trifolius_,
or _hederaceus_, for the distinction of the leaues. In English
wee call them eyther Great blew Bell flowers, or more vsually,
Great blew Bindeweedes. That of America is diuersly called by
diuers. It is called _Quamoclit_ of the Indians, and by that
name it was sent to Ioachinus Camerarius out of Italy, where
it is so called still, as Fabius Columna setteth it downe, and
as my selfe also can witnesse it, from thence being so sent
vnto mee: but Andræas Cæsalpinus calleth it, _Iasminum folio
Millefolij_, supposing it to be a Iasmine. Camerarius saith, it
may not vnfitly be called _Convolvulus tenuifolius_, accounting
it a kinde of Bindeweede. Columna entituleth it _Convolvulus
pennatus exoticus rarior_, and saith it cannot bee referred
to any other kinde of plant then to the Bindeweede. Hee that
published the _Curæ posteriores_ of Clusius, giueth it the
name of _Iasminum Americanum_, which I would doe also, if I
thought it might belong to that Family; but seeing the face
and forme of the plant better agreeing with the Bindeweedes or
Bell-flowers, I haue (as you see) inserted it among them, and
giuen it that name may bee most fit for it, especially because
it is but an annuall plant. The lesser kindes haue their names
sufficiently expressed in their titles.
The Vertues.
We know of no vse these haue in Physicke with vs, although
if the first be _Nil_ of Auicen, both he and Serapio say it
purgeth strongly.
CHAP. LXXXVIII.
_Stramonium._ Thorne-Apple.
Vnto the Bell-flowers, I must adioyne three other plants, in the three
seuerall Chapters following, for some affinity of the flowers: and
first of the Thorne-Apples, whereof there are two especiall kindes,
that is, a greater and a lesser, and of each some diuersity, as shall
be set downe.
1. _Stramonium maius album._ The great white flowred Thorne-Apple.
The greater Thorne-Apple hath a great, strong, round greene stalke, as
high as any man, if it be planted in good ground, and of the bignesse
of a mans wrest almost at the bottome, spreading out at the toppe into
many branches, whereon stand many very large and broad darke greene
leaues, cut in very deeply on the edges, and hauing manie points or
corners therein: the flowers come forth at the ioynts, betweene two
branches towards the toppe of them, being very large, long, and wide
open, ending in fiue points or corners, longer and larger then any
other Bell-flowers whatsoeuer: after the flowers are past, come the
fruit, which are thorny long heads, more prickly and greene then the
lesser kindes, which being ripe openeth it selfe into three or foure
parts, hauing a number of flat blackish seede within them: the roote is
aboundant in fibres, whereby it strongly taketh hold in the ground, but
perisheth with the first frosts; yet the seede that is shed when the
fruit is ripe, commeth vp the next yeare.
2. _Stramonium maius purpureum._
The great purple flowred Thorne-Apple.
This purple Thorne-Apple is in largenesse of leaues, thicknesse and
height of stalke, greatnesse and forme of flowers and fruit, euery
way equall and correspondent vnto the former, the chiefe differences
be these: the stalke is of a darke purple colour; the leaues are of a
darker greene, somewhat purplish, and the flowers are of light purple
or pale Doue colour, enclining to white, and whiter at the bottome.
3. _Stramonium minus seu Nux Metel flore albo._
The smaller Thorne-Apple with a white flower.
The smaller Thorne-Apple riseth vp with one round stalke, of the
bignesse of a mans finger, and neuer much aboue two foote high with vs,
bearing a few large, broad, smooth leaues thereon, without any branches
at all, which are vneuenly rent or torne about the edges, with many
ribs, and smaller veines running through them, yet lesser by much then
the greater kinde: at the ioynts where the leaues stand, come forth
long and large white flowers, with broad or wide open brims, folded
together before their opening, as the other former Bell-flowers or
Bindeweedes, but hauing their fiue corners more pointed or horned then
either they, or the former Thorne-Apples: after the flowers are past,
succeed small fruit, rounder and harder, set with harder, but blunt
prickes then the former, wherein is contained brownish yellow flat
seede, sticking to the inward pulpe; the roote is not very great, but
full of strings, and quickly perisheth with the first frosts.
[Illustration:
1 _Convolvulus maior cæruleus._ The greater blew Bindweed or
Bell flower.
2 _Convolvulus trifolius seu hederaceus._ The great purple
Bindeweed.
3 _Convolvulus minor cæruleus Hispanicus._ The Spanish small blew
Bindweed.
4 _Stramonium maius seu Pomum spinosum._ The great Thorne-Apple.
5 _Datura seu Stramonium minus._ The small Thorne-Apple.
6 _Stramonium flore duplici._ The double flowred Thorne-Apple.
7 _Stramonium flore geminato._ Double Thorne-Apple one out of
another.
8 _Tabacco latifolium._ Broad-leafed Tabacco.
9 _Mirabilia Peruana._ The Meruaile of the world.
]
4. _Stramonium minus flore geminato purpurante._
The small double flowred purple Thorne-Apple.
In the flower of this plant, consisteth the chiefest difference from
the former, which is as large as the last, pointed into more hornes or
corners, and beareth two flowers, standing in one huske, one of them
rising out from the middle of the other, like vnto those kindes of
Cowslips and Oxelips, called double, or Hose in hose, before described,
which are of a pale purplish colour on the outside, and almost white
within: the fruit is round like the last, and beareth such like seede,
so that vntill it bee in flower, their difference can hardly bee
discerned: this is more tender then the last, although euen it is so
tender, that it seldome beareth ripe seede with vs.
[Sidenote: _Flore duplici._]
Sometimes (for I think it is not another kind) the flower will haue as
it were double rowes of leaues, close set together, and not consisting
of two, rising so distinctly one aboue another.
The Place.
All these kindes haue been brought or sent vs out of Turkie
and Egypt; but Garcias, and Christopherus Acosta, with others,
affirme that they grow in the East Indies. The lesser kindes
are very rare with vs, because they seldome come to maturity;
and therefore we are still to seeke of new seede to sowe. The
greater kindes are plentifull enough in our Gardens, and will
well abide, and giue ripe fruit.
The Time.
The smaller kindes flower later then the greater; and therefore
their fruit are the sooner spoyled with the cold ayres, dewes,
and frosts, that come at the latter end of the yeare: but the
greater kinds neuer misse lightly to ripen.
The Names.
Both the greater and smaller kindes are generally called
_Stramonium_, _Stramonia_, _Pomum spinosum_, and _Datura_.
Bauhinus vpon Matthiolus his Comentaries on Dioscorides,
calleth it _Solanum fætidum spinosum_. Some learned men haue
referred it to _Nux Metel_, of the Arabian Authors. Wee call
them generally, in English, Thorne-Apples, and distinguish them
by their titles of greater and letter, single and double.
The Vertues.
The East Indian lasciuious women performe strange acts with
the seed (of the smaller kinde, as I suppose, or it may be of
either) giuing it their husbands to drinke. The whole plant,
but especially the seed, is of a very cold and soporiferous
quality, procuring sleep and distraction of senses. A few of
the seeds steeped and giuen in drinke, will cause them that
take it to seem starke drunke or dead drunke, which fit will
within a few houres weare away, and they recouer their senses
againe, as a drunken man raysed after sleep from his wine.
It may therefore (in my opinion) be of safe and good vse to
one, that is to haue a legge or an arme cut off, or to be cut
for the stone, or some other such like cure to be performed,
to take away the sense of paine for the time of doing it;
otherwise I hold it not fit to be vsed without great caution.
But the greene leaues of the greater kindes (as also the
lesser, but that with vs they are not so plentifull) are by
tryed experience, found to be excellent good for any scalded or
burned part, as also to take away any hot inflammations, being
made vp into a salue or ointment with suet, waxe, and rossin,
&c. or with _Axungia_, that is, Hogs larde.
CHAP. LXXXIX.
_Tabacco._ Indian Henbane, or Tabacco.
There hath beene formerly but three kindes of Tabacco knowne vnto vs,
two of them called Indian, and the third English Tabacco. In these
later yeares, we haue had in our gardens about London (before the
suppressing of the planting) three or foure other sorts at the least,
and all of the Indian kinde, hauing some especiall difference, eyther
in leafe, or flower, or both: And in regard the flowers of some of
these carry a pretty shew, I shall only entreate of them, and not of
the English kind.
_Tabacco latifolium._ Broade leafed Tabacco.
The great Indian Tabacco hath many very large, long, thicke, fat
and faire greene leaues, standing foreright for the most part, and
compassing the stalkes at the bottome of them, being somewhat pointed
at the end: the stalke is greene and round, sixe or seuen foote high
at sometimes, and in some places, in others not past three or foure
foote high, diuided towards the toppe into many branches, with leaues
at euery ioynt, and at the toppes of the branches many flowers, the
bottomes hereof are long and hollow, and the toppes plaited or folded
before they are open, but being open, are diuided sometimes into foure,
or more vsually into fiue corners, somewhat like vnto other of the
Bell-flowers, but lying a little flatter open, of a light carnation
colour. The seede is very small and browne, contained in round heads,
that are clammy while they are greene, and pointed at the end: the
roote is great, whitish, and woody at the head, dispersing many long
branches, and small fibres vnder the ground, whereby it is strongly
fastened, but perisheth with our violent frosts in the winter, if it be
left abroad in the garden, but if it be housed, or safely prouided for
against the frostes, the rootes will liue, and spring afresh the next
yeare.
There is of this kinde another sort, whose leaues are as large and long
as the former, but thicker, and of a more dead greene colour, hanging
downe to the ground-ward, and scarce any standing forth-right, as the
former, vnlesse they bee very young: the flowers of this kinde are
almost whole, without any great shew of corners at the brims or edges,
in all other things there is no difference.
There is another, whose large and thicke flat leaues doe compasse the
stalke at the bottome, and are as it were folded together one side vnto
another: the flowers are of a deeper blush, or carnation colour, and
with longer points and corners then in any of the former; and in these
two things consisteth the difference from the others, and is called
Verines Tabacco.
Another hath his leaues not so large and long as the first, and these
haue short footestalkes, whereon they stand, and doe not compasse the
stalke as the other doe: the flower hereof is like the first, but
smaller, and of a little paler colour.
_Tabacco angustifolium._ Narrow leafed Tabacco.
This kinde of Tabacco hath somewhat lower, and smaller stalkes, then
any of the former: the leaues hereof are smaller and narrower, and not
altogether so thicke, but more pointed, and euery one standing vpon a
footstalke, an inch and a halfe long at the least: the flowers hereof
stand thicker together, vpon the small branches, somewhat larger, of a
deeper blush colour, and more eminent corners then in any the former;
the seed and roots are alike, and perish in like manner, vnlesse it
be brought into a cellar, or other such couert, to defend it from the
extremitie of the Winter.
The Place.
America or the West Indies is the place where all these kindes
doe grow naturally, some in one place, and some in another, as
in Peru, Trinidado, Hispaniola, and almost in euery Iland and
Countrey of the continent thereof: with vs they are cherished
in gardens, as well for the medicinable qualities, as for the
beauty of the flowers.
The Time.
It flowreth in August, seldome before, and the seede is ripe
quickly after. If it once sowe it selfe in a Garden, it will
giue next year after young plants: but for the most part they
will spring vp late, and therefore they that would haue them
more early, haue sowen the seede vpon a bed of dung, and
transplanted them afterwards.
The Names.
This plant hath gotten many names. The Indians call it in some
places _Petum_, in others, _Picielt_, and _Perebecenuc_, as
Ouiedus and others doe relate. The Spaniards in the Indies
first called it _Tabacco_, of an Iland where plenty of it
grew. It hath in Christendome receiued diuers other names,
as _Nicotiana_, of one Nicot a French man, who seeing it
in Portugall, sent it to the French Queene, from whom it
receiued the name of _Herba Regina_. Lobel calleth it _Sancta
herba_, & _Sanasancta Indorum_. Some haue adiudged it to be
an _Hioscyamus_, and therefore call it _Peruvianus_. The most
vsuall name wherby we call it in English, is Tabacco.
The Vertues.
The herbe is, out of question, an excellent helpe and remedy
for diuers diseases, if it were rightly ordered and applyed,
but the continuall abuse thereof in so many, doth almost
abolish all good vse in any. Notwithstanding if men would apply
their wits to the finding out of the vertues, I make no doubt
but many strange cures would bee performed by it, both inward
and outward. For outward application, a Salue made hereof (as
is before recited of the Thorne apple leaues) cureth vlcers,
and wounds of hard curation: And for inward helpes, a Syrupe
made of the iuice and sugar, or honey, procureth a gentle
vomit (but the dryed leafe infused in wine much more) and is
effectuall in astmaticall diseases, if it bee carefully giuen.
And likewise cleanseth cankers and fistulaes admirably, as hath
beene found by late experience. The ashes of Tabacco is often
vsed, and with good successe, for cuts in the hands, or other
places, and for other small greene wounds.
CHAP. XC.
_Mirabilia Peruviana._ The Meruaile of Peru.
This plant yeeldeth in our Gardens fiue or sixe seuerall varieties of
beautifull flowers, as pure white, pure yellow, pure red, white and red
spotted, and red and yellow spotted. But besides these, I haue had some
other sorts, among which was one, of a pale purple or peach colour:
all which, comming vnto mee out of Spaine with many other, seedes in
an vnkindly yeare (an early winter following a cold summer) perished
with mee; yet I plainely might discerne by their leaues, and manner of
growing, to be diuers from them that we now haue and keepe. I shall
need therefore (because the chiefest difference consisteth almost in
the flowers) to giue only one description of the plant, and therein
shew the varieties as is before declared.
_Admirabilis._ The Meruaile of the World.
The stalke of this meruellous plant is great and thick, bigger then
any mans thumbe, bunched out or swelling at euery ioynt, in some the
stalkes will bee of a faire greene colour, and those will bring white,
or white and red flowers: in others they will bee reddish; and more at
the ioynts, and those giue red flowers; and in some of a darker greene
colour, which giue yellow flowers; the stalkes and ioynts of those that
will giue red and yellow flowers spotted, are somewhat brownish, but
not so red as those that giue wholly red flowers: vpon these stalkes
that spread into many branches, doe grow at the ioynts vpon seuerall
footestalkes, faire greene leaues, broad at the stalke, and pointed at
the end: at the ioynts likewise toward the vpper part of the branches,
at the foote of the leaues, come forth seuerall flowers vpon short
footestalkes, euery one being small, long and hollow from the bottome
to the brimme, which is broade spread open, and round, and consist
but of one leafe without diuision, like vnto a Bell flower, but not
cornered at all: which flowers, as I said, are of diuers colours, and
diuersly marked and spotted, some being wholly white, without any spot
in them for the most part, through all the flowers of the plant; so
likewise some being yellow, and some wholly red; some plants againe
being mixed and spotted, so variably either white and red, or purple,
(except here and there some may chance to be wholly white, or red or
purple among the rest) or red and yellow through the whole plant,
(except as before some may chance in this kinde to be eyther wholly
red, or wholly yellow) that you shall hardly finde two or three flowers
in a hundred, that will bee alike spotted and marked, without some
diuersitie, and so likewise euery day, as long as they blow, which
is vntill the winters, or rather autumnes cold blastes do stay their
willing pronenesse to flower: And I haue often also obserued, that
one side of a plant will giue fairer varieties then another, which is
most commonly the Easterne, as the more temperate and shadowie side.
All these flowers doe open for the most part, in the euening, or in
the night time, and so stand blowne open, vntill the next mornings sun
beginne to grow warme vpon them, which then close themselues together,
all the brims of the flowers shrinking into the middle of the long
necke, much like vnto the blew Bindeweede, which in a manner doth so
close vp at the sunnes warme heate: or else if the day be temperate
and milde, without much sunne shining vpon them, the flowers will not
close vp for the most part of that day, or vntill toward night: after
the flowers are past, come seuerall seedes, that is, but one at a place
as the flowers stood before, of the bignesse (sometimes) of pease, but
not so round, standing within the greene huskes, wherein the flowers
stood before, being a little flat at the toppe, like a crowne or head,
and round where it is fastened in the cup, of a blacke colour when it
is ripe, but else greene all the while it groweth on the stalke, and
being ripe is soone shaken downe with the wind, or any other light
shaking: the roote is long and round, greater at the head, and smaller
downwards to the end, like vnto a Reddish, spreading into two or three,
or more branches, blackish on the outside and whitish within. These
rootes I haue often preserued by art a winter, two or three (for they
will perish if they be left out in the garden, vnlesse it be vnder a
house side) because many times, the yeare not falling out kindely,
the plants giue not ripe seede, and so we should be to seeke both of
seede to sow, and of rootes to set, if this or the like art to keep
them, were not vsed; which is in this manner: Within a while after the
first frosts haue taken the plants, that the leaues wither and fall,
digge vp the rootes whole, and lay them in a dry place for three or
foure dayes, that the superfluous moysture on the outside, may be spent
and dryed, which done, wrap them vp seuerally in two or three browne
papers, and lay them by in a boxe, chest or tub, in some conuenient
place of the house all the winter time, where no winde or moist ayre
may come vnto them; and thus you shall haue these rootes to spring a
fresh the next yeare, if you plant them in the beginning of March, as
I haue sufficiently tryed. But some haue tryed to put them vp into a
barrell or firkin of sand, or ashes, which is also good if the sand and
ashes be thorough dry, but if it bee anything moist, or if they giue
againe in the winter, as it is vsuall, they haue found the moisture of
the rootes, or of the sand, or both, to putrefie the rootes, that they
haue beene nothing worth, when they haue taken them forth. Take this
note also for the sowing of your seede, that if you would haue variable
flowers, and not all of one colour, you must choose out such flowers
as be variable while they grow, that you may haue the seede of them:
for if the flowers bee of one entire colour, you shall haue for the
most part from those seedes, plants that will bring flowers all of that
colour, whether it be white, red or yellow.
The Place.
These plants grow naturally in the West Indies, where there is
a perpetuall summer, or at the least no cold frosty winters,
from whence the seede hath been sent into these parts of
Europe, and are dispersed into euery garden almost of note.
The Time.
These plants flower from the end of Iuly sometimes, or August,
vntill the frosts, and cold ayres of the euenings in October,
pull them down, and in the meane time the seed is ripe.
The Names.
Wee haue not receiued the seedes of this plant vnder any other
name, then _Mirabilia Peruvians_, or _Admirabilis planta_. In
English wee call them, The meruaile of Peru, or the meruaile
of the world: yet some Authors haue called it _Gelseminum_,
or _Iasminum rubrum_, _&_ _Indicum_: and Bauhinus _Solanum
Mexicanum flore magno_.
The Vertues.
We haue not knowne any vse hereof in Physicke.
CHAP. XCI.
_Malua._ Mallowes.
Of the kindred of Mallowes there are a great number, some of the
gardens, others wilde, some with single flowers, others with double,
some with whole leaues, others with cut or diuided: to entreate of
them all is not my purpose, nor the scope of this worke, but onely of
such whose flowers, hauing beautie and respect, are fit to furnish
this garden, as ornaments thereunto. And first of those single kindes,
whose flowers come neerest vnto the fashion of the former Bell-flowers,
and after to the double ones, which for their brauery, are entertained
euery where into euery Countrey womans garden.
1. _Malua Hispanica flore carneo amplo._ The Spanish blush Mallow.
The Spanish Mallow is in forme and manner of growing, very like vnto
our common fielde Mallow, hauing vpright stalkes two or three foote
high, spread into diuers branches, and from the bottome to the toppe,
beset with round leaues, like vnto our Mallowes, but somewhat smaller,
rounder, and lesse diuided, yet larger below then aboue: the flowers
are plentifully growing vpon the small branches, folding or writhing
their leaues one about another before they bee blowne, and being open
consist of fiue leaues, with a long forked clapper therein, of the
same colour with the flower: the chiefest difference from the common
consisteth in this, that the leaues of these flowers are longer, and
more wide open at the brimmes (almost like a Bell flower) and of a
faire blush or light carnation colour, closing at night, and opening
all the day: after the flowers are past, there come such like round
heads, with small blacke seede, like vnto the common kinde, but
somewhat smaller: the roote is small and long, and perisheth euery
yeare.
[Illustration:
1 _Malua Hispanica flore carneo amplo._ The Spanish Mallow.
2 _Alcea Veneta._ The Venice Mallow.
3 _Alcea Americana._ Thorney Mallow.
4 _Alcea Ægyptia._ The Mallow of Egypt.
5 _Althea frutex._ The shrubbe Mallow.
6 _Malua hortensis simplex._ Single Hollihockes.
7 _Malua rosea multiplex._ Double Hollihockes.
]
2. _Alcea vulgaris flore carneo._ Vervaine Mallow with blush flowers.
There is a Mallow that hath long stalkes, and flowers like vnto the
common wilde Mallow, and of the same deepe colour with it, so that
you can hardly know it from the ordinary kinde, which is found growing
wilde together with it, but onely by the leafe, which is as round and
as large as the former, but cut into many fine diuisions, euen to the
stalke that vpholdeth it, that it seemeth to consist onely of ragges,
or peeces of leaues: Of this kinde I take a plante for this garden,
growing in all respects like vnto it, but differing onely in the colour
of the flowers, which are of the same blush or light carnation colour,
or not much differing from the former Spanish kinde, with some veines
therein of a deeper colour: the root hereof liueth, as the root of the
common wilde kinde doth.
3. _Alcea peregrina siue vesicaria._
Venice Mallow, or Good night at noone.
The Venice Mallow hath long and weake stalkes, most vsually lying or
leaning vpon the ground, hauing here and there vpon them long leaues
and somewhat broad, cut in or gashed very deepely on both edges,
that it seemeth as if they were diuers leaues set together, euery
one standing on a long footestalke: at the ioynts of these stalkes,
where the leaues are set, come forth seuerall flowers, standing vpon
long footstalkes, which are somewhat larger then any of the former
flowers, consisting of fiue leaues, small at the bottome, and wide at
the brimmes, of a whitish colour tending to a blush, and sometimes all
white, with spots at the bottomes of the leaues on the inside, of a
very deepe purple or murrey colour, which addeth a great grace to the
flower, and hauing also a long pestle or clapper in the middle, as
yellow as gold: these flowers are so quickly faded and gone, that you
shall hardly see any of them blowne open, vnlesse it bee betimes in the
morning before the Sunne doe grow warme vpon them, for as soone as it
feeleth the Sunnes warme heate, it closeth vp and neuer openeth againe,
so that you shall very seldome see a flower blowne open in the day
time, after nine a clocke in the morning: after these flowers are past,
there rise vp in their places thinne, round, shining or transparent
bladders, pointed at the toppe, and ribbed down all along, wherein are
contained small, round, blackish seede: the roote is long and small,
and perisheth euery yeare.
4. _Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea._ Cinquefoile Mallow.
The stalkes of this Mallow are very long, hard or wooddy, more then of
any of the other Mallowes: at the lower part whereof, and vp to the
middle, stand diuers leaues vpon long footestalkes, parted or diuided
into fiue parts or leaues, and dented about the edges; but vpwards from
the middle to the toppe, the leaues haue but three diuisions: among
these leaues stand large wide open flowers, of the colour of the common
Mallow: the seede is smaller then in any other Mallow, but the rootes
are great and long, spreading in the ground like vnto the rootes of
Marsh Mallowes, and springeth vp afresh euery yeare from the roote.
5. _Sabdarifa seu Alcea Americana._ Thorney Mallowe.
This Thorney Mallowe hath greene leaues next vnto the ground, that
are almost round, but pointed at the end, and dented very much about
the edges; the other leaues that growe vpon the stalke are diuided
into three parts, like vnto a trefoile, and some of them into fiue
diuisions, all of them dented about the edges: the stalke is reddish,
with some harmelesse prickles in sundry places thereon, and riseth vp
three or foure foote high in a good ground, a fit place, and a kindly
yeare, bearing plenty of flowers vpon the stalkes, one at the foote
of euery leafe, the toppe it selfe ending in a long spike, as it were
of buddes and leaues together: the flowers are of a very pale yellow,
tending to a white colour, spotted in the bottome of each of the fiue
leaues, with a deepe purple spot, broad at the lower part, and ending
in a point about the middle of the leafe, which are quickly fading, and
not abiding aboue one day, with a long pestle in the middle diuided at
the toppe: after the flower is past, commeth vp a short prickly podde,
set within a small greene huske or cup that bore the flower, wherein is
contained whitish, or rather brownish yellow seede, flat and somewhat
round, like vnto the seedes of Hollyhocke: the roote is stringie, and
quickly perisheth; for it will hardly endure in our cold Country to
giue flowers, much lesse seede, vnlesse (as I said before) it happen in
a kindly yeare, and be well planted and tended.
6. _Bamia seu Alcea Ægyptia._ The Mallow of Egypt.
This Mallow is also as tender to nourse vp as the last, hauing the
lower leaues broad like a Marsh Mallow, and of a fresh greene colour;
but those that growe vpon the stalke, and vp to the toppe, are diuided
into fiue parts or points, but are not cut in to the middle ribbe, like
the former Thorney Mallow, yet dented about the edges like vnto them:
the flowers growe at the setting to of the leaues, like vnto a Mallow
for forme, but of a whitish colour; after which come long fiue square
pointed pods, with hard shels, wherein are contained round blackish
gray seede, as bigge as a Vetch or bigger: the roote perisheth quickly
with vs, euen with the first frosts.
7. _Althæa frutex flore albo vel purpureo._
Shrubbe Mallow with a white or purple flower.
There are diuers sorts of shrubbe Mallowes, whereof some that haue
their stemmes or stalkes lesse wooddy, dye downe to the ground euery
yeare, and others that abide alwayes, are more wooddy: Of the former
sorts I intend not to speake, referring them to a fitter place; and
of the other, I will onely giue you the knowledge of one or two in
this place, although I doe acknowledge their fitted place had been to
be among the shrubbes; but because they are Mallowes, I pray let them
passe with the rest of their kindred, and their descriptions in this
manner: These wooddy kindes of shrub Mallowes haue somewhat large,
long, and diuided leaues, of a whitish greene colour, soft also, and
as it were woolly in handling, set dispersedly on the whitish hard or
wooddy stalkes: their flowers are large, like vnto a single Rose or
Hollyhocke, in the one being white with purple spots in the bottome;
in the other either of a deepe red colour, or else of a paler purple,
with a deeper bottome, and with veines running in euery leafe: they
are somewhat tender, and would not be suffered to be vncouered in the
Winter time, or yet abroad in the Garden, but kept in a large pot or
tubbe, in the house or in a warme cellar, if you would haue them to
thriue.
8. _Malua hortensis rosea simplex & multiplex diuersorum colorum._
Hollihockes single and double of seuerall colours.
I shall not neede to make many descriptions of Hollihockes, in regard
the greatest difference consisteth in the flowers, which are in some
single, in some double, in some of one colour, and in others of other
colours: for the lowest leaues of Hollihockes are all round, and
somewhat large, with many corners, but not cut in or diuided, soft in
handling; but those that growe vp higher are much more diuided into
many corners: the stalkes sometimes growe like a tree, at the least
higher then any man, with diuers such diuided leaues on them, and
flowers from the middle to the toppe, where they stand as it were a
long spike of leaues and buds for flowers together: the flowers are
of diuers colours, both single and double, as pure white, and pale
blush, almost like a white, and more blush, fresh and liuely, of a Rose
colour, Scarlet, and a deeper red like a crimson, and of a darke red
like blacke bloud; these are the most especiall colours both of single
and double flowers that I haue seene: the single flowers consist of
fiue broad and round leaues, standing round like vnto single Roses,
with a middle long stile, and some chiues aboue them: the double
flowers are like vnto double Roses, very thicke, so that no stile or
vmbone is seene in the middle, and the outermost rowe of leaues in
the flowers are largest, the innermost being smaller and thicke set
together: after the flowers are past, there come vp as well in the
double as single, flat round heads, like flat cakes, round about the
bottomes whereof growe flat whitish seede: the roote is long and great
at the head, white and tough, like the roote of the common Mallowes,
but greater, and will reasonably well abide the Winter.
The Place.
The first groweth wilde in Spaine. The second in our owne
Countrey. The third is thought to growe in Italy and Venice;
but Lobel denieth it, saying, that it is there onely in
Gardens, and is more plentifull in these parts then with them.
The fourth Clusius saith he found in many places of Germany.
The fifth is supposed to be first brought out of the West
Indies, but an Arabicke name being giuen it, maketh me somewhat
doubtfull how to beleeue it. The sixth groweth in Egypt, where
it is of great vse, as Prosper Alpinus hath let downe in his
Booke of Egyptian plants. The seuenth groweth in some parts
both of Spaine and France. The last is not found but in Gardens
euery where.
The Time.
The first, second, third, fourth, and last, doe flower from
Iune vntill the end of Iuly and August. The rest flower very
late, many times not vntill September or October.
The Names.
The first and second haue their names sufficiently expressed in
their titles. The third is diuersly called, as _Malua horaria_,
_Alcea versicaria_, _Alcea Veneta_, _Alcea Peregrina_, and of
Matthiolus, _Hypecoum_. The most vsuall English name is Venice
Mallow. The fourth is called _Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea_,
and _Cannabinifolio_, or _Pentaphyllifolio_: In English,
Cinquefoile Mallow. The fifth hath been sent vnder the name of
_Sabdarifa_, and _Sabdariffa_, and (as I said) is thought to be
brought from America, and therefore it beareth the name of that
Country. The sixth is called in Egypt, _Bamia_, or _Bammia_,
and by that name sent with the addition _del Cayro_ vnto it:
In English, Egyptian Mallow, or Mallow of Egypt. The seuenth
is called _Althæa frutex_, and of some _Althæa arborea_: In
English, Shrubbe Mallow, because his stemme is wooddie, and
abideth as shrubbes and trees doe. The eight and last is called
_Malua hortensis_, _Malua Rosea_, and of some _Rosa vltra
marina_: In English, of some Hockes, and vsually Hollihockes.
The Vertues.
All sorts of Mallowes, by reason of their viscous or slimie
quality, doe helpe to make the body soluble, being vsed
inwardly, and thereby helpe also to ease the paines of the
stone and grauell, causing them to be the more easily voided:
being outwardly applyed, they mollifie hard tumours, and helpe
to ease paines in diuers parts of the body; yet those that
are of most vse, are most common. The rest are but taken vpon
credit.
CHAP. XCII.
_Amaranthus._ Flower-gentle.
We haue foure or fiue sorts of Flower-gentle to trimme vp this our
Garden withall, which doe differ very notably one from another, as
shall be declared in their seuerall descriptions; some of which are
very tender, and must be carefully regarded, and all little enough to
cause them beare seede with vs, or else wee shall bee to seeke euery
yeare: others are hardy enough, and will hardly be lost out of the
Garden.
1. _Amaranthus purpureus minor._ The small purple Flower-gentle.
This gallant purple Veluet flower, or Flower-gentle, hath a crested
stalke two foote high or more, purplish at the bottome, but greene to
the toppe, whereout groweth many small branches, the leaues on the
stalkes and branches are somewhat broad at the bottome, and sharpe
pointed, of a full greene colour, and often somewhat reddish withall,
like in forme vnto the leaues of Blites (whereof this and the rest are
accounted _species_, or sorts) or small Beetes: the flowers are long,
spikie, soft, and gentle tufts of haires, many as it were growing
together, broad at the bottome, and small vp at the toppe, pyramis or
steeple-fashion, of so excellent a shining deepe purple colour, tending
to a murrey, that in the most excellent coloured Veluet, cannot be
seene a more orient colour, (and I thinke from this respect, the French
call it _Passe velours_, that is to say, passing Veluet in colour)
without any smell at all, which being bruised giueth the same excellent
purple colour on paper, and being gathered in his full strength and
beauty, will abide a great time (if it be kept out of the winde and
sunne in a dry place) in the same grace and colour: among these tufts
lye the seede scattered, which is small, very blacke, and shining: the
rootes are a few threddy strings, which quickly perish, as the whole
plant doth, at the first approach of Winter weather.
2. _Amaranthus Coccineus._ Scarlet Flower-gentle.
The leaues of this Flower-gentle are longer, and somewhat narrower then
the former; the stalke groweth somewhat higher, bearing his long tufts
at seuerall leaues, as also at the toppe of the stalkes, many being set
together, but separate one from another, and each bowing or bending
downe his head, like vnto a Feather, such as is worn in our Gallants
and Gentlewomens heads, of an excellent bloudy Scarlet colour: the
seede is blacke, like vnto the former: the roote perisheth quicklier,
because it is more tender.
3. _Amaranthus tricolor._ Spotted or variable Flower-gentle.
The chiefest beauty of this plant consisteth in the leaues, and not in
the flowers; for they are small tufts growing along the stalke, which
is nothing so high as the former, especially with vs, and at the ioynts
with the leaues: the leaues hereof are of the same fashion that the
former are, and pointed also; but euery leafe is to be seene parted
into greene, red, and yellow, very orient and fresh (especially if it
come to his full perfection, which is in hot and dry weather) diuided
not all alike, but in some leaues, where the red or yellow is, there
will be greene, and so varying, that it is very pleasant to behold: the
seede hereof is blacke and shining, not to bee knowne from the former.
4. _Amaranthus Carnea spica._ Carnation Flower-gentle.
There is another more rare then all the rest, whose leaues are somewhat
longer, and narrower then the first, and like vnto the second kinde:
the spikes are short, many set together, like branches full of heads or
eares of corne, euery one whereof hath some long haires sticking out
from them, of a deep blush, tending to a carnation colour.
5. _Amaranthus purpureus maior paniculis sparsis._
Great Floramour, or purple Flower-gentle.
The great Floramour hath one thicke, tall, crested, browne red stalke,
fiue or six foote high, from whence spring many great broad leaues,
like vnto the former for the forme, but much larger & redder for the
most part, especially the lowest, which brancheth forth into diuers
parts, & from between these leaues, & the stalks or branches, as also
at the tops of them, stand long, spikie, round, & somewhat flat tufts,
of a more reddish purple colour then the first, and diuided also into
seuerall parts, wherin when they are full ripe, are to be seen an
innumerable company of white seed, standing out among the short thrums,
and do then easily fall away with a little touching; euery one of these
white seed hath as it were an hole halfe bored through therin: the root
is a great bush of strings, spreading in the ground, whereby it is
strongly fastened, yet perisheth euery yeare, after it hath giuen his
seede.
The Place.
All these plants growe in the Easterne Countries, as Persia,
Syria, Arabia, &c. except the greatest, which hath been brought
out of the West Indies, where it is much vsed, especially the
seede: they are all, noursed vp with much care in our Gardens,
and yet in a backward or cold yeare they will not thriue, for
that they desire much heate: but the greatest doth alwayes giue
ripe seede euery yeare.
The Time.
They beare their gallant tufts or spikes for the most part in
August, and some not vntill September.
The Names.
The name _Amaranthus_ is giuen to all these plants, taken
from the Greeke word ἀμαραντίνος, _non marcescens_, or _non
senescens_, that is, neuer waxing old, and is often also
imposed on other plants, who haue the same property, that
is, that their flowers being gathered in a fit season, will
retaine their natiue colour a long time, as shall be shewed
in the Chapter following. Diuers do thinke the first to be
_Phlox_, or _Flamma_ of Theophrastus. The third is called
_Gelosia_, or _Celosia_ of Tragus. Spigelius in his _Isagoges_
saith, it is generally taken to be _Sophonia_, whereof Plinie
maketh mention; and Lobel, to bee the Persians _Theombroton_
of Plinie. The Italians, from whom I had it (by the meanes of
Mʳ. Doctor Iohn More, as I haue had many other rare simples)
call it, _Blito di tre colori_, A three coloured Blite. The
fifth, which is the greatest, hath been sent from the West
Indies by the name of _Quinüa_, as Clusius reporteth. The name
Flower-gentle in English, and _Floramour_, which is the French,
of _Flos amoris_, and _Passe velours_, as is before said,
or Veluet flower, according to the Italian, _Flor veluto_,
are equally giuen to all these plants, with their seuerall
distinctions, as they are expressed in their titles.
The Vertues.
Diuers suppose the flowers of these plants doe helpe to stay
the fluxe of bloud in man or woman, because that other things
that are red or purple doe performe the same. But Galen
disproueth that opinion very notably, _in lib. 2. & 4. de
simpl. medicament. facultatibus_.
CHAP. XCIII.
_Helichrysum, siue Amaranthus luteus._
Golden Flower-gentle, Goldilockes, or Gold-flower.
The propinquity of property (as I before said) hath caused the affinity
in name, and so in neighbourhood in these plants, wherein there are
some diuersity; and although they differ from them before in many
notable points, yet they all agree with themselues in the golden, or
siluer heads or tufts they beare; and therefore I haue comprised them
in one Chapter, and will begin with that which commeth nearest vnto the
_Helichrysum_ of Dioscorides, or _Aurelia_ (as Gaza translateth it) of
Theophrastus.
[Illustration:
1 _Amaranthus purpureus maior._ The great purple Flower gentle.
2 _Amaranthus purpureus minor._ The lesser purple Flower gentle.
3 _Amaranthus tricolor._ Variable Flower gentle.
4 _Amaranthus Coccineus._ Scarlet Flower gentle.
5 _Amaranthus carnea spica._ Carnation Flower gentle.
6 _Chrysocome._ Golden Cassidonie.
7 _Heliochrysum Creticum._ Candy Goldilockes.
8 _Gnaphalium Americanum._ Liuelong or Life euerlasting.
9 _Gnaphalium montanum._ Cats foote.
10 _Gnaphalium roseum._ The Cotton Rose.
]
1. _Helichrysum._ The Golden flower of life.
This first Golden tuft riseth vp with many hard, round, white stalkes,
a foote and a halfe high, whereon at certaine distances stand many
fine cut leaues, or rather one leafe cut into many small fine parts,
almost as small as Fenell, but grayish, like vnto the Cud-weedes or
Cotton-weedes (whereof certainly these are speciall kindes) at the
toppes of the stalkes stand many round flowers, of a pale gold colour,
in an vmbell close together, yet euery flower vpon his owne stalke, and
all of an euen height, which will keepe the colour, being gathered,
and kept dry for a long time after, and are of a hot and quicke sent:
the roote is small and wooddy, spreading vnder the vpper crust of the
earth, and liueth long in his owne naturall place, but very hardly
endureth the cold of our Winters, vnlesse they be milde, or it be well
defended.
2. _Helichrysum Creticum._ Candy Goldilockes.
Candy Goldilockes hath two or three small slender white branches, set
here and there very scatteringly, with small, long, and narrow hoary
leaues, hauing yellow heads of flowers at the tops made into vmbels
or tufts, not so round and euen as the former, but longwise one aboue
another, the heads being made as it were of scales, loosly, and not so
closely set together, as in the next following, which when they are
full ripe, doe passe into doune, and are blowne away with the winde,
hauing a small reddish seede at the end; but will abide a long time, as
the other in his beauty, being gathered in time, as the rest will doe.
3. _Helichrysum Orientale siue Amaranthus luteus._
Golden Flower-gentle.
This most beautifull plant is very like vnto the former Candy
Goldilockes last described, but growing vp higher, with many more
branches, and more hoary, white, and woolly, hauing also long and
narrow white leaues, but somewhat broader, and thicker set on the
branches: the tufts of flowers or vmbels likewise doe consist of
longer and larger heads, more scaly, and closer compact together, of
an excellent pale gold yellow colour, and shining, with some yellow
threads or thrummes in the middle: the roote dyeth not euery yeare, but
liueth long, especially in the South and East Countries, where no colds
or frosts are felt; but will require extraordinary care and keeping,
and yet scarce sufficient to preserue it in these cold Countries.
4. _Chrysocome siue Stæchas Citrina._
Golden tufts or Golden Cassidony.
This Golden flower is somewhat like the former of these two last
described, hauing hoary stalkes and leaues, standing confusedly on
them, being long, and narrower then any of the former: the tops of the
stalkes are diuided into many parts, each bearing a small long yellow
head or flower at the toppe, with some yellow thrummes in them, which
heads being many, are diffusedly set together, like a loose or sparsed
vmbell, keeping their colour long before they wither, and when they
are ripe, haue thinne small reddish seede, like Mariorome seede, but
smaller; the roote is small and blacke: the whole plant, as well leaues
and flowers, as rootes, are of a strong sharpe sent, yet pleasant.
5. _Argyrocome siue Gnaphalium Americanum._
Liue long or Life euerlasting.
This siluer tuft or Indian Cotton weede, hath many white heads of
leafes at their first springing out of the ground, couered with a hoary
woollinesse like cotton, which rising into hard, thicke round stalkes,
containe still the same hoarinesse vpon them, as also vpon the long and
narrow leaues which are set thereon, especially on the vnder side, for
the vpper sides are of a darke shining greene colour: the stalkes are
diuided at the toppe into many small branches, each whereof haue many
scaly tufted heads set together, couered ouer with cotton before their
opening, and then diffeuering one from another, abiding very white on
the outside, when they are fully growne, but with a small yellow thrume
in the midde of euery flower, which in time turne into yellow doune,
apt to be blowne away with euery winde: the roots are long and black on
the outside, creeping vnder ground very much.
6. _Gnaphalium montanum flore albo & flore purpureo._
White and purple Cats foote.
This small Cudweede or Cottonweede, hath many small white woolly leaues
growing from the roote, which is composed of a few small blackish
threds, and lying vpon the ground somewhat like vnto the leaues of
a small Mouse eare, but smaller; from among which riseth vp a small
stalke of halfe a foote high or thereabouts, beset here and there with
some few leaues, at the top whereof commeth forth a tuft of small
flowers, set close together, in some of a pure white, in others of a
purple or reddish colour, in some of a pale red or blush, and in others
of a white and purple mixt together, which for the beauty is much
commended and desired, but will hardly abide to be kept in Gardens, so
vnwilling they are to leaue their naturall abiding.
7. _Gnaphalium Roseum._ The Cotton Rose.
This little rose Cotton weede hath many such like woolly leaues,
growing as the former from the roote vpon small short branches, not
full an hand breadth high, in fashion somewhat like vnto Daysie leaues,
but lesser, and round pointed: at the toppe of euery stalke or branch,
standeth one flower, composed of two rowes of small white leaues, layd
open like a Starre or a Rose, as it beareth the name, hauing a round
head in the middle made of many yellow threds or thrumes, which falling
away, there riseth vp a small round head, full of small seedes: the
root is small, long and threddy.
The Place.
The foure first plants doe grow naturally in many of the hot
Countries of Europe, as Spaine, Italie, and Prouince in France;
as also in Candy, Barbary, and other places, and must be
carefully kept with vs in the winter time. The Liue long was
brought out of the West Indies, and groweth plentifully in our
gardens. The two last doe grow as well in the colder Countries
of Germany, as in France and other places.
The Time.
They all flower in the end of September, if they will shew out
their beauty at all with vs, for sometimes it is so late, that
they haue no faire colour at all, especially the foure first
sorts.
The Names.
Variable and many are the names that seuerall Writers do
call these foure first sorts of plants, as _Helichrysum_,
_Heliochrysum_, or _Elichrysum_, _Eliochrysum_, _Chrysocome_,
_Coma aurea_, _Amaranthus luteus_, _Stoechas Citrina_, and
_Aurelia_, with others, needlesse here to be recited: it is
sufficient for this worke, to giue you knowledge that their
names are sufficient as they are expressed in their titles:
The fift is called _Gnaphalium_ by Carolus Clusius, from the
likenesse of the vmbels or tufts of heads, though greater and
white: for as I said before, the Cotton weedes are of kindred
with the golden tufts: It hath been called by our English
Gentlewomen, Liue long, and Life euerlasting, because of the
durabilitie of the flowers in their beautie. The two last are
called _Gnaphalium_, according to their titles; and in English
they may passe vnder those names are set downe with them.
The Vertues.
The foure first are accounted to bee hot and dry, and the three
last to bee cold and dry: yet all of them may to some good
purpose bee applyed to rheumaticke heads. The former foure are
likewise vsed to cause vrine, and in baths to comfort and heate
cold parts. They are also layd in chests and wardrobes, to
keepe garments from moths; and are worne in the heads and armes
of Gentiles and others, for their beautifull aspect.
CHAP. XCIIII.
_Canna Indica._ The Indian flowring Reede.
There are two kindes or sorts of this beautifull plant, the one with a
red flower, the other with a yellow, spotted with reddish spots, both
which in some kindly yeares haue borne their braue flowers, but neuer
any ripe seede, and doth not abide the extremities of our winters,
eyther abroade or vnder couert, vnlesse it meete with a stoue or
hot-house, such as are vsed in Germany, or such other like place: For
neyther house nor cellar will preserue it, for want of heate.
_Canna Indica flore rubro._ Red flowred Indian Reede.
This beautifull plant riseth vp with faire greene, large, broade
leaues, euery one rising out of the middle of the other, and are folded
together, or writhed like vnto a paper Coffin (as they call it) such as
Comfitmakers and Grocers vse, to put in their Comfits and Spices, and
being spread open, another riseth from the bottome thereof, folded in
the same manner, which are set at the ioynts of the stalke when it is
risen vp, like vnto our water Reede, and growing (if it runne vp for
flower) to be three or foure foote high, as I haue obserued in mine
owne garden: the flowers grow at the toppe of the stalke one aboue
another, which before their opening are long, small, round, and pointed
at the end, very like vnto the claw of a Crauise or Sea-Crab, and of
the same red or crimson colour, but being open, are very like vnto the
flower of _Gladiolus_ or Corne-flagge, but of a more orient colour
then at the first, and standing in a rough huske, wherein afterwards
standeth a three square head, containing therein round blacke seede, of
the bignesse of a pease: the roote is white and tuberous, growing into
many knobs, from whence arise such other leaues and stalkes, whereby it
encreaseth very much, if it be rightly kept and defended.
_Canna Indica flore flauo punctato._ Yellow spotted Indian Reede.
This Reede groweth vp with leaues and flowers, in all points so like
vnto the former, that it cannot bee knowne from it, vntill it come
to flower, which is of a yellow colour, spotted with reddish spots,
without any other difference.
The Place.
These plants grow naturally in the West Indies, from whence
they were first sent into Spaine, and Portugall, where Clusius
saith he saw them planted by the houses sides, flowring in
winter, which might be in those warme Countreyes. We preserue
them with great care in our gardens, for the beautifull aspect
of their flowers.
The Time.
They flower not with vs vntill the end, or middle of August, at
the soonest.
The Names.
They are called of some _Canna Indica_, and _Arundo Indica_,
of others _Cannacorus_, and of some _Flos Cancri_, because the
colour of the flowers, as well as the forme of the buds, are so
like vnto a Sea-Crabs cle, or claw.
The Vertues.
There is not any vse of these in Physicke that I know.
CHAP. XCV.
_Mandragoras._ Mandrake.
The Mandrake is distinguished into two kindes, the male and the female;
the male hath two sorts, the one differing from the other, as shall be
shewed; but of the female I know but one: The male is frequent in many
gardens, but the female, in that it is more tender and rare, is noursed
vp but in a few.
_Mandragoras mas._ The male Mandrake.
The male Mandrake thrusteth vp many leaues together out of the ground,
which being full growne, are faire, large and greene lying round about
the roote, and are larger and longer then the greatest leaues of any
Lettice, whereunto it is likened by Dioscorides and others: from the
middle, among these leaues, rise vp many flowers, euery one vpon a
long slender stalke, standing in a whitish greene huske, consisting of
fiue pretty large round pointed leaues, of a greenish white colour,
which turne into small round apples, greene at the first, and of a
pale red colour when they are ripe, very smooth and shining on the
outside, and of a heady or strong stuffing smell, wherein is contained
round whitish flat seede: the roote is long and thicke, blackish on
the outside, and white within, consisting many times but of one long
roote, and sometimes diuided into two branches a little below the
head, and sometimes into three or more, as nature listeth to bestow
vpon it, as my selfe haue often seene, by the transplanting of many,
as also by breaking and cutting off of many parts of the rootes, but
neuer found harme by so doing, as many idle tales haue beene set downe
in writing, and deliuered also by report, of much danger to happen to
such, as should digge them vp or breake them; neyther haue I euer seene
any forme of man like or woman-like parts, in the rootes of any: but
as I said, it hath oftentimes two maine rootes running down right into
the ground, and sometimes three, and sometimes but one, as it likewise
often happeneth to Parsneps, Carrots, or the like. But many cunning
counterfeit rootes haue bin shaped to such formes, and publickly
exposed to the view of all that would see them, and haue been tolerated
by the chiefe Magistrates of the Citie, notwithstanding that they haue
beene informed that such practices were meere deceit, and vnsufferable;
whether this happened through their ouer-credulitie of the thing, or
of the persons, or through an opinion that the information of the
truth rose vpon enuy, I know not, I leaue that to the searcher of all
hearts: But this you may bee bold to rest vpon, and assure your selues,
that such formes as haue bin publickly exposed to be seene, were neuer
so formed by nature, but only by the art and cunning of knaues and
deceiuers, and let this be your _Galeatum_ against all such vaine, idle
and ridiculous toyes of mens inuentions.
There is likewise another sort of these male Mandrakes, which I
first saw at Canterbury; with my very louing and kinde friende Iohn
Tradescante, in the garden of the Lord Wotton, whose gardiner he was
at that time; the leaues whereof were of a more grayish greene colour,
and somewhat folded together, when as the former kind that grew hard by
it, was of the same forme that is before described, and ordinary in all
others: but whether the apples were differing from the other, I know
not, nor did they remember that euer it had borne any.
_Mandragoras fæmina._ The female Mandrake.
The female Mandrake doth likewise put vp many leaues together, from
the head of the roote, but they are nothing so large, and are of a
darker greene colour, narrower also and shining, more crumpled, and of
a stronger sent: the flowers are many, rising vp in the middle of the
leaues, vpon slender stalkes, as in the male kind, but of a blewish
purple colour, which turne into small round fruite or apples, and not
long like a peare (as Clusius reporteth that saw them naturally growing
in Spaine) greene at the first, and of a pale yellowish colour, when
they are full ripe; of a more pleasing, or if you will, of a lesse
heady sent then the apples of the male, wherein is contained such like
seede, but smaller and blacker: the rootes are like the former, blacke
without and white within, and diuided in the same manner as the male
is, sometimes with more, and sometimes with fewer parts or branches.
The Place.
They grow in many places of Italie, as Matthiolus reporteth,
but especially on Mount Garganus in Apulia. Clusius saith hee
found the female in many wet grounds of Spaine, as also in the
borders of those medowes that lye neere vnto riuers and water
courses. The male is cherished in many Gardens, for pleasure as
well as for vse; but the female as is said, is both very rare,
and farre more tender.
The Time.
The Male flowreth in March, and the fruit is ripe in Iuly. The
Female, if it be well preserued, flowreth not vntill August, or
September; so that without extraordinary care, we neuer see the
fruite thereof in our gardens.
The Names.
_Mandragoras mas_ is called _albus_, as the _Fæmina_ is called
_niger_, which titles of blacke and white, are referred
vnto the colour of the leaues: the female is called also
_Thridacias_, from the likenesse of Lettice, whereunto they
say in forme it doth carry some similitude. Dioscorides saith,
that in his time the male was called _Morion_, and both of them
_Antimelum_, and _Circæa_. Wee call them in English, The male,
and the female Mandrake.
The Vertues.
The leaues haue a cooling and drying qualitie, fit for the
oyntment _Populeon_, wherein it is put. But the Apples haue
a soporiferous propertie, as Leuinus Lemnius maketh mention
in his Herball to the Bible, of an experiment of his owne.
Besides, as Dioscorides first, and then Serapio, Auicen, Paulus
Ægineta, and others also do declare, they conduce much to the
cooling and cleansing of an hot _matrix_. And it is probable,
that Rachel knowing that they might be profitable for her hot
and dry body, was the more earnest with Leah for her Sonne
Rubens Apples, as it is set downe _Genesis 30. verse 14_. The
strong sent of these apples is remembred also, _Cant. 7. 13._
although some would diuert the signification of the Hebrew
word, דודאים, vnto Violets, or some other sweet flowers, in
the former place of _Genesis_, and the fruit of _Musa_, or
Adams Apples in this place of the _Canticles_. Hamilcar the
Carthaginian Captaine is said to haue infected the wine of the
Lybians (his enemies against whom he fought) with the apples
of Mandrake, whereby they being made exceeding drowsie, he
obtained a famous victory ouer them.
CHAP. XCVI.
_Pomum Amoris._ Loue Apples.
Although the beautie of this plant consisteth not in the flower, but
fruit, yet giue me leaue to insert it here, lest otherwise it haue no
place: whereof there are two especiall sorts, which wee comprehend in
one Chapter, and distinguish them by _maius_ and _minus_, greater and
smaller: yet of the greater kinde, we haue noursed vp in our Gardens
two sorts, that differ only in the colour of the fruite, and in nothing
else.
_Pomum Amoris maius fructu rubro._
Great Apple of Loue the ordinary red sort.
This greater kinde of Loue Apples, which hath beene most frequently
cherished with vs, hath diuers long and trayling branches, leaning or
spreading vpon the ground, not able to sustaine themselues, whereon doe
grow many long winged leaues, that is, many leaues set on both sides,
and all along a middle ribbe, some being greater, and others lesse,
iagged also and dented about the edges, of a grayish ouer-worne greene
colour, somewhat rough or hairy in handling; from among the leaues and
the branches come forth long stalkes, with diuers flowers set thereon,
vpon seuerall short footstalks, consisting of sixe, and sometimes of
eight small long yellow leaues, with a middle pricke or vmbone, which
after the flowers are fallen, riseth to be the fruite, which are of the
bignesse of a small or meane Pippin, vneuenly bunched out in diuers
places, and scarce any full round without bunches, of a faire pale
reddish colour, or somewhat deeper, like vnto an Orenge, full of a
slimie iuice and watery pulpe, wherein the seede lyeth, which is white,
flat and somewhat rough: the roote shooteth with many small strings and
bigger branches vnder ground, but perisheth at the first feeling of
our winter weather. The fruite hereof by often sowing it in our Land,
is become much smaller then I haue here described it: but was at the
first, and so for two or three yeares after, as bigge as I haue related
it.
_Pomum Amoris maius fructu luteo._ Yellow Amorous Apples.
Of the same kinde is this other sort of Amorous Apples, differing in
nothing but the colour of the fruite, which is of a pale yellow colour,
hauing bunches or lobes in the same manner, and seede also like the
former.
_Pomum Amoris minus, siue Mala Ethiopica parua._ Small Loue Apples.
The small Apples of Loue in the very like manner, haue long weake
trayling branches, beset with such like leaues as the greater kinde
hath, but smaller in euery part: the flowers also stand many together
on a long stalke, and yellow as the former, but much smaller: the
fruite are small, round, yellowish red berries, not much bigger
then great grapes, wherein are contained white flat seede, like the
other, but smaller: the roote perisheth in like manner euery yeare,
and therefore must bee new sowen euery spring, if you will haue the
pleasure of their sight in the garden; yet some yeares I haue known
them rise of their owne sowing in my garden.
The Place.
They growe naturally in the hot Countries of Barbary, and
Ethiopia; yet some report them to be first brought from Peru, a
Prouince of the West Indies. Wee onely haue them for curiosity
in our Gardens, and for the amorous aspect or beauty of the
fruit.
The Time.
They flower in Iuly and August, and their fruit is ripe in the
middle or end of September for the most part.
The Names.
The first is named diuersly by diuers Authors; for Lobel,
Camerarius, and others, call them _Poma amoris_. Dodonæus
_Aurea Mala_. Gesnerus first, and Bauhinus after him, make it
to be a kinde of _Solanum Pomiferum_. Anguillara taketh it to
be _Lycopersicum_ of Galen. Others thinke it to bee _Glaucium_
of Dioscorides. The last is called _Mala Æthiopica parua_, and
by that title was first sent vnto vs, as if the former were of
the same kinde and country. We call them in English, Apples of
Loue, Loue-Apples, Golden Apples, or Amorous Apples, and all as
much to one purpose as another, more then for their beautifull
aspect.
The Vertues.
In the hot Countries where they naturally growe, they are much
eaten of the people, to coole and quench the heate and thirst
of their hot stomaches. The Apples also boyled, or infused in
oyle in the sunne, is thought to be good to cure the itch,
assuredly it will allay the heate thereof.
CHAP. XCVII.
_Digitalis._ Foxegloue.
There are three principall sorts of Foxegloues, a greater, a middle or
meane sort, and a lesser, and of them, three especiall colours, that
is, purple, white, and yellow; the common purple kinde that groweth
abroad in the fields, I leaue to his wilde habitation: and of the rest
as followeth.
1. _Digitalis maxima ferruginea._ Dun coloured Foxegloues.
The leaues of this Foxegloue are long and large, of a grayish green
colour, finely cut or dented about the edges, like the teeth of a fine
sawe; among which commeth vp a strong tall stalke, which when it was
full growne, and with ripe seede thereon, I haue measured to be seuen
foot high at the least, whereon grow an innumerable company (as I may
so say, in respect of the aboundance) of flowers, nothing so large as
the common purple kinde, that groweth wilde euery where in our owne
Countrey, and of a kinde of browne or yellowish dunne colour, with a
long lippe at euery flower; after them come seede, like the common
kinde, but in smaller heads: the rootes are stringie like the ordinary,
but doe vsually perish, or seldome abide after it hath giuen seed.
[Illustration:
1 _Canna Indica._ The Indian Reed.
2 _Mandragoras mas._ The male Mandrake.
3 _Pomum amoris maius._ Great Apples of loue.
4 _Digitalis maior flore luteo amplo._ The great yellow Foxegloue.
5 _Digitalis media flore luteo rubente._ Orenge tawny Foxegloues.
6 _Digitalis maxima ferruginea._ Dun coloured Foxegloues.
]
2. _Digitalis maior flore carneo._ Blush coloured Foxegloues.
This kinde of Foxegloues hath reasonable large leaues, yet not
altogether so large as the common field kinde: the flowers are also
smaller then the common sort, but of a blush colour.
3. _Digitalis media flore luteo rubente._ Orenge tawnie Foxegloue.
As this Foxegloue is none of the greatest, so also is it none of the
smallest; but a sort betweene both, hauing leaues in some proportion
correspondent to the lesser yellow Foxegloue, but not so large as
the lesser white: the flowers are long and narrow, almost as large
as the last white, but nothing so large as the first white, of a
faire yellowish browne colour, as if the yellow were ouershadowed
with a reddish colour, and is that colour wee vsually call an Orenge
tawnie colour: the seede is like the former: the rootes perish euery
yeare that they beare seede, which is vsually the second yeare of the
springing.
4. _Digitalis maior alba._ The greater white Foxegloue.
This white Foxegloue is in all things so like vnto the purple wilde
kinde, that it can hardly be distinguished from it, vnlesse it be in
the fresher greennesse and largenesse of the leaues: the flowers are as
great in a manner as the purple, but wholly white, without any spot in
them: the seed and other things agree in all points.
5. _Digitalis alba altera seu minor._ The lesser white Foxegloue.
We haue in our Gardens another sort of white Foxegloue, whose leaues
are like vnto the last described, but not altogether so long or large,
and of a darker greene colour: the stalke groweth not so high, as not
full three foote: the flowers are pure white, fashioned like vnto the
former, but not so great or large, in all other things alike: the
rootes hereof did abide sometime in our Gardens, but since perished,
and the seede also, since when we neuer could obtaine from any our
friends of that kinde againe.
6. _Digitalis maior lutea flore amplo._ The great yellow Foxegloue.
The leaues of this greater yellow Foxegloue, are in forme somewhat
like vnto the common purple kinde, but not altogether so large: the
stalke groweth to bee three or foure foote high, whereon stand many
long hollow pendulous flowers, in shape like the ordinary purple: but
somewhat shorter, and more large and open at the brimmes, of a faire
yellow colour, wherein are long threads, like as in the others: the
roote hereof is greater at the head, and more wooddy then any of the
rest, with many smaller fibres, spreading themselues in the ground, and
abideth almost as well as our common purple kinde.
7. _Digitalis minor lutea siue pallida._
The small pale yellow Foxegloue.
This small pale yellow Foxegloue hath somewhat short, broad, smooth and
darke greene leaues, snipt or dented about the edges very finely: the
stalke is two foot high, beset with such like leaues, but lesser: the
flowers are more in number then in any of the rest, except the first
and greatest, and growe along the vpper part of the stalke, being long
and hollow, like the other, but very small, and of a pale yellow colour
almost white: the seede vessels are small like the former, wherein are
contained seede like the rest, but smaller: the rootes are stringy, but
durable, and seldome perish with any iniury of the extreamest frosts.
The Place.
The great white kinde hath been often, and in many places found
wilde in our owne Country, among or hard by the common purple
kinde. All the rest are strangers, but cherished in our Gardens.
The Time.
They flower in Iune and Iuly, and some in August, their seede
becomming ripe quickly after.
The Names.
Onely the name _Digitalis_, is of all Writers giuen vnto these
plants; for it is not knowne to bee remembred of any of the old
Authors. Wee call them generally in English, Foxegloue; but
some (as thinking it to bee too foolish a name) doe call them
Finger-flowers, because they are like vnto the fingers of a
gloue, the ends cut off.
The Vertues.
Foxegloues are not vsed in Physicke by any iudicious man that I
know; yet some Italians of Bononia, as Camerarius saith, in his
time vsed it as a wound herbe.
CHAP. XCVIII.
_Verbascum._ Mullein.
There be diuers kindes of Mullein, as white Mullein, blacke Mullein,
wooddy Mullein, base Mullein, Moth Mullein, and Ethiopian Mullein,
all which to distinguish or to describe, is neither my purpose, nor
the intent of this worke, which is to store a Garden with flowers of
delight, and sequester others not worthy of that honour. Those that
are fit to bee brought to your consideration in this place, are first,
the _Blattarias_, or Moth Mulleins, and then the wooddy Mullein, which
otherwise is called French Sage, and lastly, the Ethiopian Mullein,
whose beauty consisteth not in the flower, but in the whole plant; yet
if it please you not, take it according to his Country for a Moore, an
Infidell, a Slaue, and so vse it.
1. _Blattaria lutea odorata._ Sweete yellow Moth Mullein.
The yellow Moth Mullein whose flower is sweete, hath many hard grayish
greene leaues lying on the ground, somewhat long and broad, and pointed
at the end: the stalks are two or three foot high, with some leaues on
them, & branching out from the middle vpwards into many long branches,
stored with many small pale yellow flowers, of a pretty sweete sent,
somewhat stronger then in the other sorts, which seldome giueth seede,
but abideth in the roote, during many yeares, which few or none of the
others doe.
2. _Blattaria lutea maior siue Hispanica._
The great yellow Moth Mullein.
This Spanish kinde hath larger and greener leaues then the former, and
rounder and larger then the next that followeth: the stalke is higher
than in any of the Moth Mulleins, being for the most part foure or fiue
foote high, whereon toward the toppe growe many goodly yellow flowers,
consisting of fiue leaues, as all the rest doe, not so thicke set as
the former, but much larger, with some small purplish threads in the
middle: the ends whereof are fashioned somewhat like as if a Flie were
creeping vp the flower, which turne into round heads, sometimes two or
three or more standing together, but vsually one, wherein lye small
duskie seed: the roote is not great nor full of threads, and doth
perish most vsually hauing giuen seede, except the Winter bee very
milde.
3. _Blattaria lutea altera vulgatior._
The ordinary yellow Moth Mullein.
This yellow Moth Mullein (which is the most frequent in our Gardens)
hath longer, and narrower leaues then any of the former, and roundly
notched or dented on the edges, of a darke greene colour: the stalke is
sometimes branched, but most vsually single, whereon stand many gold
yellow flowers, not fully so large as the Spanish kinde, but with the
like purple threads in the middle: the seede is small, and contained
in the like round heads, but alwaies euery one single by it selfe: the
roote perisheth euery yeare that it beareth seede.
4. _Blattaria flore luteo purpurascente._ Cloth of gold Moth Mullein.
The greatest point of difference betweene this and the last described,
consisteth chiefly in the colour of the flower, which in this is of the
colour of cloth of gold, that is, the ground yellow, and ouershadowed
with a bright crimson colour, which is a fine colour of much delight:
the threads in the middle are not so purple red as in the former, but
much about the colour of the flower: this is not so willing to giue
seede, and will as hardly abide in the roote, and hath out of question
risen from the seede of the former.
5. _Blattaria flore albo._ White Moth Mullein.
The leaues of the white Moth Mullein are somewhat like vnto the yellow,
yet not altogether so much roundly notched about the edges, but rather
a little dented, with sharper notches: the stalke riseth as high as
the yellow, and hath now and then some branches about it: the flowers
hereof are pure white, as large and great as the ordinary yellow, or
somewhat larger, with the like purple threads in the middle, as are
in the yellow: the seed is like the other; the root perisheth in like
manner, and will not endure.
6. _Blattaria flore purpureo._ Purple Moth Mullein.
The Purple Moth Mullein hath his leaues lying on the ground, broader
and shorter then any of the other, of a more grayish greene colour, and
without any denting for the most part about the edges, sharpe pointed
also at the end of the leafe; among the leaues riseth vp the stalke,
not so high as either the white or the yellow, and many times branched,
bearing many flowers thereon, of the same fashion, and no whit smaller,
of a faire deepe blewish colour tending to rednesse, the threads in
the middle of the flowers being yellow: the seede vessels hereof are
somewhat smaller then any of the former, except the first sweete yellow
kinde: the roote hereof is long, thicke, and blackish on the outside,
abiding very well from yeare to yeare, and riseth well also from the
sowing of the seede.
7. _Blattaria flore cæruleo._ Blew Moth Mullein.
This blew Moth Mullein is in all respects like vnto the former purple
kinde, sauing onely in the colour of the flower, which is of a blewish
violet colour, and is not much inferiour either in greatnesse of the
plant, or in the largenesse of the flower, vnto the former purple
kinde, and endureth many yeares in the like manner. And these be all
the sorts of this kinde of Moth Mullein, that I haue seene and noursed
vp for this my Garden, without interposing any vnknowne, not seene, or
vnworthy.
8. _Verbascum siluestre siue quartum Matthioli._
Wooddy Mullein or French Sage.
Wooddy Mullein or French Sage, hath diuers wooddy branches two or
three foot high, very hoary or white, whereon at seuerall ioynts stand
diuers thicke leaues, white also and hoary, long, somewhat broad, round
pointed, and rough, somewhat resembling the leaues of Sage in the
forme and roughnesse, but not in the sent, whereof our people gaue
it the name of Sage, calling it French Sage (when as it is as great a
stranger in France as in England, yet they doe with this as with many
other things, calling them French, which come from beyond the Seas;
as for example, all or most of our bulbous flowers, they call French
flowers, &c.) at the toppes of the stalkes and branches, at certaine
distances, are placed round about them many gaping flowers, like vnto
the flowers of Sage, but yellow: after which now and then come seede,
somewhat bigger then the Moth Mulleins, and lesse then the next Mullein
of Ethiopia: the roote is wooddy at the toppe, with diuers blackish
strings growing from it, and endureth as well aboue ground with his
leaues, as vnder it with his rootes.
9. _Æthiopis._ Ethiopian Mullein.
This Mullein of Ethiopia hath many great, broad, and large leaues
lying on the ground, rent or torne in diuers of them very much on the
sides, of so hoary a white greene colour, that it farre passeth any of
the white Mulleins, that growe wilde abroad in our owne Country; for
they are of a yellowish white hoarinesse, nothing so pleasant to looke
on as this: in the middle of these leaues riseth vp a square strong
stalke, foure or fiue foote high, set full of such like leaues as growe
belowe, but much lesser, and lesser still vp to the toppe, all hoary
and woolly, as the rest, and diuided into manie branches, spreading
farre, and taking vp a great compasse of ground, more then any one
roote of Garden Clary, or other such like plant: at each of the stalkes
and branches are set two small leaues, and with them, round about the
stalkes, stand many small gaping flowers, of a pale bleake blew colour:
the seede is almost as large as Garden Clary seede, and of the same
forme and colour: the roote is wooddy, and perisheth as soone as it
hath borne seede, which is vsually the second yeare after the sowing;
for the first yeare it seldome runneth vp to flower.
10. _Lamium Pannonicum siue Galeopsis Pannonica._
Hungary dead Nettle or the Dragon flower.
Let mee thrust this plant into this place, rather then make a peculiar
Chapter, because I haue no other of the same stocke or kindred to
be ioyned with it, and is a pretty ornament in a Garden. The leaues
whereof are very large, round, and great, rough or full of veines,
which make it seeme crumpled, dented or deepely notched about the
edges, and of a very darke greene colour, and some times brownish,
or of a darke reddish colour withall, euery one standing on a long
foote-stalke, very like in forme vnto the great white Arch-Angell
leaues, but farre larger and blacker: the stalkes are great and foure
square, hauing leaues and flowers standing round about them at the
ioynts like coronets, which flowers are very great, long, and wide
gaping open, of a darke red or purple colour, with some whitenesse or
spots in the iawes, and some hairinesse also on the sides, which stand
in full flower two or three moneths most vsually, and sometimes longer,
after which come brownish seede: the roote is a great tuft or bush
of long whitish strings, and encreaseth euery yeare, not fearing the
greatest iniuries of our coldest and extreamest Winters.
The Place.
All these plants are strangers in our Countrey, and onely
preserued in Gardens, to furnish them with variety; but (as I
said) the cloth of gold Moth Mullein hath been raised from seed
in our owne Country.
The Time.
The last flowreth first, before all the rest, beginning in
Aprill. The Moth Mulleins in May and Iune. The French Sage in
Iuly.
The Names.
All the sorts of _Blattaria_ may bee comprehended vnder the
kindes of _Verbascum nigrum_, as any one but meanely exercised
in the knowledge of plants, may discerne. And although Plinie
saith, that Moths doe most frequently haunt where _Blattaria_
either groweth, or is laid, yet it is not obserued sufficiently
in our Country so to doe, notwithstanding the name of Moth
Mullein is generally giuen them. The last is generally called
with vs _Lamium Pannonicum_, but certainely it is the _Galeosis
maxima Pannonica_ of Clusius.
The Vertues.
Other qualities I haue not found hath been alloted vnto the
_Blattaria_ or Moth Mullein, then those of Plinie, to engender
Moths. Wee vse none of these plants in Physicke in these daies.
CHAP. XCIX.
_Valeriana._ Valerian.
The many sorts of Valerian (or Set-wall as many doe call them) are
fitter for a generall worke, or a generall Physicall Garden of Simples,
then this of delightfull flowers. I will therefore select out a few,
worthy of the place, and offer them to your considerations.
1. _Valeriana rubra Dodonæi._ Red Valerian.
This Valerian hath diuers hard, but brittle whitish greene stalkes,
rising from the roote, full of tuberous or swelling ioynts, whereat
stand two leaues, on each side one, and now and then some small leaues
from betweene them, which are somewhat long and narrow, broadest in the
middle, and small at both ends, without either diuision or incisure on
the edges, of a pale greene colour: the stalkes are branched at the top
into diuers parts, at the ends whereof stand many flowers together, as
it were in an vmbell or tuft, somewhat like vnto the flowers of our
ordinary Valerian, but with longer neckes, and of a fine red colour,
very pleasant to behold, but of no sent of any Valerian: after these
flowers haue stood blowne a very great while, they sodainely fall away,
and the seede is ripe very quickly after, which is whitish, standing
vpon the branches naked, as the Valerians doe, and very like vnto them,
with a little white doune at the end of euery one of them, whereby they
are soone carried away with the winde: the roote is great, thicke, and
white, continuing long, and shooting out new branches euery yeare, and
smelling somewhat like a Valerian.
2. _Nardus Montana tuberosa._ Knobbed Mountaine Valerian.
This kinde of Valerian or Spiknard, if you will so call it, hath his
first leaues lying on the ground, without any diuision in them at
all, being smooth, and of a darke greene colour, which so abide all
the winter; but those that spring vp after, and when it runneth vp to
flower, are cut in on the edges, very like vnto the iagged leaues of
the great garden Valerian, and so the elder they grow, the more cut and
iagged they are: the stalke and flowers are very like the stalke with
flowers of the garden Valerian, but of a darke or deepe red colour, and
more store of them thrust together, by double the number almost: the
seede is like the seede of the great Valerian: the root is tuberous,
or knobbed in many parts, round about, aboue and below also, with some
fibres shooting from them, whereby it is encreased, and smelleth very
like the roote of the garden Setwall, or not altogether so strong.
[Illustration:
1 _Blattaria flore albo._ Moth Mullein with a white flower.
2 _Blattaria flore purpureo._ Moth Mullein with a purple flower.
3 _Verbascum quartum Matthioli._ French Sage.
4 _Æthiopis._ Ethiopian Mullein.
5 _Valeriana rubro Dodonæi_. Red Valerian.
6 _Valeriana Græca._ Greek Valerian.
7 _Lamium Pannonicum._ Hungary dead Nettle.
8 _Cardamine flore pleno._ Double Cuckowe flower or Ladies smocks.
]
3. _Valeriana Græca._ Greeke Valerian.
The Greek Valerian hath many winged leaues lying vpon the ground, that
is, many small leaues set on both sides of a middle ribbe, very like
vnto the wilde Valerian, that groweth by the ditch sides, but much
smaller and tenderer, among which rise vp one or two round brittle
stalkes, two foote high or thereabouts, whereon are set at the ioynts,
such like leaues as grow below, but smaller: the toppes of the stalkes
are diuided into many small branches, thicke set together, full with
flowers, consisting of fiue small round leaues a peece, layd open like
vnto the Cinquefoile flower, with some white threds in the middle, tipt
with yellow pendents: the colour of these flowers in some plants, is of
a faire bleake blew colour, and in others pure white: And I doe heare
of one beyond the Seas (if the report bee true, for I haue not seene
such a one) which should beare red flowers: after the flowers are past,
there come vp in their places small hard huskes or heads, containing
small blackish seedes: the roote is composed of a number of small long
blackish threds, fastened together at the head, without any sent at all
of a Valerian, eyther in roote or leafe; and why it should bee called
a Valerian I see no great reason, for it agreeth with none of them, in
flower or seede, and but onely with the wilde Valerian in leafe, as I
said before: but as it is, we so giue it you, and for the flowers sake
is receiued into our gardens, to helpe to fill vp the number of natures
rarities and varieties.
The Place.
All these Valerians are strangers, but endenizond for their
beauties sake in our Gardens. The Mountaine Valerian I had of
the liberalitie of my louing friend Iohn Tradescante, who in
his trauaile, and search of natures varieties, met with it, and
imparted thereof vnto me.
The Time.
They flower in the Summer moneths, and seed quickly after.
The Names.
The first is generally called of most, _Valeriana rubra
Dodonæi_, who saith also that some would haue it to be _Behen
rubrum_. Some call it _Valerianthon_, others make it a kinde of
_Ocimastrum_, and some _Saponaria altera_, with other names,
which are to no great purpose to set downe in this place,
it beeing fitter for a generall worke to discusse of names,
wherein both reading, knowledge and iudgement must bee shewen,
to correct errours, and set downe the truth, that one may rest
thereon. The others haue their names in their titles sufficient
to distinguish them.
The Vertues.
The Mountaine Valerian is of all the rest here set downe of
most vse in Physicke, the rest hauing little or none that I
know, although it be much weaker then the great garden kinde,
or the Indian Nardus, in whose steed anciently it was vsed, in
oyles, oyntments, &c.
CHAP. C.
_Cardamine._ Cuckow flowers, or Ladies smockes.
Of the common sorts of Cuckow flowers that grow by ditch-sides, or in
moist medowes, & wet grounds, it is not my purpose here to write, but
of one or two other, the most specious or faire of all the tribe, that
doe best befit this garden.
1. _Cardamine flore pleno._ Double Cuckow flowers.
The double _Cardamine_ hath a few winged leaues, weake and tender,
lying on the ground, very like vnto the single medow kinde; from among
which riseth vp a round greene stalke, set here and there, with the
like leaues that grow below, the top whereof hath a few branches,
whereon stand diuers flowers, euery one vpon a small footestalk,
consisting of many small whitish round leaues, a little dasht ouer
with a shew of blush, set round together, which make a double flower:
the roote creepeth vnder ground, sending forth small white fibres, and
shooteth vp in diuers places.
2. _Cardamine trifolia._ Trefoile Ladies smockes.
This small plant hath diuers hard, darke round greene leaues, somewhat
vneuen about the edges, alwayes three set together on a blackish small
footstalke, among which rise vp small round blackish stalkes, halfe a
foote high, with three small leaues at the ioynts, where they branch
forth; at the toppes whereof stand many flowers, consisting of foure
leaues a peece, of a whitish or blush colour very pale: after which
come vp small, thicke and long pods, wherein is contained small round
seede: the root is composed of many white threds, from the heads
whereof runne out small strings, of a dark purple colour, whereby it
encreaseth.
The Place.
The first with the double flower is found in diuers places
of our owne Countrey, as neere Micham about eight miles from
London; also in Lancashire, from whence I receiued a plant,
which perished, but was found by the industrie of a worthy
Gentlewoman, dwelling in those parts heretofore remembred,
called Mistresse Thomasin Tunstall, a great louer of these
delights. The other was sent me by my especiall good friend
Iohn Tradescante, who brought it among other dainty plants from
beyond the Seas, and imparted thereof a roote to me.
The Time.
The last most vsually flowreth before the former, yet not much
differing, that is, in the end of Aprill or in May.
The Names.
The first is a double kinde of that plant, that growing wilde
abroade, is vsually called _Cardamine altera_, and _Sisymbrium
alterum_ of Dioscorides, and of some _Flos cuculi_, but not
fitly; for that name is more vsually giuen vnto the wilde
featherd Campion, both single and double, as is before
expressed: yet for want of a fitter name, wee may call it in
English, eyther Cuckowe flower, or Ladyes smockes which you
will. The second hath beene sent vnder the name of _Sanicula
trifolia_, but the most frequent name now receiued, is
_Cardamine trifolia_, and in English Trefoile Ladies smockes.
The Vertues.
The double Ladies smockes are of the same qualitie with the
single, and is thought to be as effectuall as Watercresses. The
propertie of the other I thinke is not much knowne, although
some would make it a wound herbe.
CHAP. CI.
_Thlaspi Creticum._ Candy Tufts.
Of the many sorts of _Thlaspi_ it is not the scope of this worke to
relate, I will select but onely two or three, which for their beautie
are fit to bee inserted into this garden.
_Thlaspi Creticum vmbellatum flore albo & purpureo._
Candy Tufts white and purple.
This small plant riseth seldome aboue a foote and a halfe high, hauing
small, narrow, long and whitish greene leaues, notched or dented
with three or foure notches on each side, from the middle to the
point-wards; from among which rise vp the stalkes, branched from the
bottome almost into diuers small branches, at the toppes whereof stand
many small flowers, thick thrust together in an vmbell or tuft, making
them seeme to be small, round, double flowers of many leaues, when as
euery flower is single, and standeth a part by it selfe, of a faire
white colour in some plants, without any spot, and in others with a
purplish spot in the centre or middle, as if some of the middle leaues
were purple; in others agane the whole flower is purplish all ouer,
which make a pretty shew in a garden: the seede is contained in many
small and flat seed vessels, which stand together in an vmbell, as the
flowers did, in which are contained somewhat reddish seede, like vnto
some other sorts of _Thlaspi_, called Treakle Mustards: the roote is
small and hard, and perisheth euery yeare hauing giuen seede.
[Sidenote: _Thlaspi Marinum Bæticum._]
We haue another sort, whose leaues before it sendeth forth any stalke,
are a little toothed, or finely dented about the edges, and brancheth
not so much out, but carryeth an vmbell of purplish flowers like vnto
the former, and paler yellow seede.
The Place.
These doe grow in Spaine and Candie, not farre from the Sea
side.
The Time.
These _Thlaspi_ giue not their flowers vntill the end of Iune,
or beginning of Iuly, and the seed is ripe soone after.
The Names.
The first is named by some, _Draba_, or _Arabis_, as Dodonæus,
but _Draba_ is another plant differing much from this. Wee call
one sort, _Thlaspi Creticum_, and the other _Thlaspi Bæticum
marinum_, because the one came from Spaine, and the other from
Candy; we giue it in English, the name of Tufts, because it
doth fit the forme of the flowers best, although ordinarily all
the _Thlaspi_ are Englished Wilde Mustardes.
The Vertues.
Candy, or Spanish Tufts, is not so sharpe biting in taste,
as some other of the Thlaspies are, and therefore is not to
be vsed in medicines, where _Thlaspi_ should be in the stead
thereof.
CHAP. CII.
_Clematis._ Clamberers, or Creepers.
Hauing shewed you all my store of herbes bearing fine flowers, let
mee now bring to your consideration the rest of those plants, be they
Shrubs or Trees, that are cherished in our garden, for the beauty of
their flowers chiefly, or for some other beautifull respect: and first
I will begin with such as creepe on the ground, without climing, and
then such as clime vp by poles, or other things, that are set or grow
neere them, fit to make Bowers, and Arbours, or else are like them in
forme, in name, or some other such qualitie or propertie.
1. _Clematis Daphnoides, siue Vinca peruinca simplex minor diuersorum
colorum._ Single Perwinkle of diuers colours.
The smaller Perwinkle which not onely groweth wilde in many places, but
is most vsuall in our Gardens, hath diuers creeping branches, trayling
or running vpon the ground, shooting out small fibres at the ioynts, as
it creepeth, taking thereby hold in the ground, and rooteth in diuers
places: at the ioynts of these branches stand two small darke greene
shining leaues, somewhat like vnto small Baye leaues, but smaller, and
at the ioynts likewise with the leaues, come forth the flowers, one at
a ioynt, standing vpon a tender footestalke, being somewhat long and
hollow, parted at the brims, sometimes into foure leaues, and sometimes
into fiue, the most ordinary sort is of a pale or bleake blew colour,
but some are pure white, and some of a darke reddish purple colour: the
root is in the body of it, little bigger then a rush, bushing in the
ground, and creeping with his branches farre about, taking roote in
many places, whereby it quickely possesseth a great compasse; and is
therefore most vsually planted vnder hedges, or where it may haue roome
to runne.
2. _Vinca peruinca flore duplici purpureo._ Double purple Perwinkle.
The double Perwinkle is like vnto the former single kinde, in all
things except in the flower, which is of that darke reddish purple
colour that is in one of the single kindes; but this hath another row
of leaues within the flower, so that the two rowes of leaues causeth
it to be called double, but the leaues of these are lesser then the
single. I haue heard of one with a double white flower, but I haue not
yet seene it.
3. _Clematis Daphnoides siue Peruinca maior._ The greater Perwinkle.
This greater Perwinkle is somewhat like the former, but greater, yet
his branches creepe not in that manner, but stand more vpright, or
lesse creeping at the least: the leaues also hereof stand by couples at
the ioynts, but they are broader and larger by the halfe: the flowers
are larger, consisting of fiue leaues that are blew, a little deeper
then the former blew: this plant is farre tenderer to keepe then the
other, and therefore would stand warme, as well as in a moist shadowie
place.
4. _Clematis altera siue vrens flore albo._
Burning Clamberer, or Virgins Bower.
This Causticke or burning Climer, hath very long and climing tender
branches, yet somewhat woody below, which winde about those things that
stand neere it, couered with a brownish greene barke, from the ioynts
whereof shoote forth many winged leaues, consisting for the most part
of fiue single leaues, that is two and two together, and one at the
end, which are a little cut in or notched on the edges here and there,
but euery part of them is lesser then the leaues of the next following
Climer, without any clasping tendrels to winde about any thing at
all: towards the vpper part of the branches, with the said leaues,
come forth long stalks, whereon stand many white flowers clustering
together, opening the brims into sixe or eight small leaues, spreading
like a starre, very sweet of smell, or rather of a strong heady sent,
which after turne into flattish and blackish seede, plumed at the head,
which plume or feather flyeth away with the winde after it hath stood
long, and leaueth the seede naked or bare: the roote is white and
thicke, fleshie and tender, or easie to be broken, as my selfe can well
testifie, in that desiring to take a sucker from the roote, I could
not handle it so tenderly, but that it broke notwithstanding all my
care. Master Gerard in his Herball maketh mention of one of this kinde
with double white flowers, which hee saith he recouered from the seede
was sent him from Argentine, that is Strasborough, whereof hee setteth
forth the figure with double flowers: but I neuer saw any such with
him, neither did I euer heare of any of this kinde with double flowers.
Clusius indeed saith, that hee receiued from a friend some seede vnder
the name of _Clematis flore albo pleno_: but he doubteth whether there
bee any such: the plants that sprang with him from that seede, were
like vnto the vpright kinde called _Flammila Matthioli_, or _Iouis
cresta_, as he there saith: but assuredly I haue beene informed from
some of my especiall friends beyond Sea, that they haue a double white
_Clematis_, and haue promised to send it; but whether it will be of the
climing or vpright sort, I cannot tell vntill I see it: but surely I
doe much doubt whether the double will giue any good seede.
5. _Clematis altera siue peregrina flore rubro._ Red Ladies Bower.
This Climer hath many limber and weake climing branches like the
former, couered with a browne thin outer barke, and greene vnderneath:
the leaues stand at the ioynts, consisting but of three leaues or
parts, whereof some are notched on one side, and some on both, without
any clasping tendrels also, but winding with his branches about any
thing standeth next vnto it: the flowers in like manner come from the
same ioynts with the leaues, but not so many together as the former
vpon long footstalkes, consisting of foure leaues a peece, standing
like a crosse, of a darke red colour; the seed is flat and round, and
pointed at the end, three or foure or more standing close together vpon
one stalk, without any doune vpon them at all, as in the former: the
roots are a bundell of brownish yellow strong strings, running down
deep into the ground, from a bigge head aboue.
6. _Clematis peregrina flore purpureo simplici._
Single purple Ladies Bower.
This Ladies Bower differeth in nothing from the last described, but
onely in the colour of the flower, which is of a sad blewish purple
colour; so that the one is not possible to be known from the other,
vntill they be in flower.
7. _Clematis peregrina flore purpurea pleno._
Double flowred purple Ladies Bower.
This double _Clematis_ hath branches and leaues so neere resembling the
single kinds, that there can be knowne no difference, vnlesse it be,
that this groweth more goale and great, and yeeldeth both more store
of branches from the ground, and more spreading aboue: the chiefest
marke to distinguish it is the flower, which in this is very thicke and
double, consisting of a number of smaller leaues, set close together
in order in the middle, the foure outermost leaues that encompasse
them, being much broader and larger then any of the inward, but all of
a dull or sad blewish purple colour, the points or ends of the leaues
seeming a little darker then the middle of them: this beareth no seede
that euer I could see, heare of, or learne by any of credit, that haue
noursed it a great while; and therefore the tales of false deceitfull
gardiners, and others, that diliuer such for truth, to deceiue persons
ignorant thereof, must not bee credulously entertained.
[Sidenote: _Clematis peregrina flore carneo pleno._]
In the great booke of the Garden of the Bishop of Eystot (which place
is neere vnto Noromberg) in Germany, I reade of a _Clematis_ of this
former kinde, whose figure is thereto also annexed, with double flowers
of an incarnate, or pale purple tending to a blush colour, whereof I
haue not heard from any other place.
8. _Flammula Iouis erecta._ Vpright Virgins Bower.