vomiting and stanch the spitting vp of bloud they strengthen the stomacke Of the same effect be the floures both of the tame and wilde Pomegranate tree being like to the seeds in temperature and vertues They fasten the teeth and strengthen the gums if the same be washed therewith They are good against burstings that come by falling downe of the guts if they be vsed in plaisters and applied The rinde or pill is not onely like in facultie to the seeds and both the sorts of floures but also more 〈◊〉 for it cooleth and 〈◊〉 more forceably it bringeth downe the hot swellings of the almonds in the throat 〈◊〉 vsed in a gargarisme or a lotion for the throat and it is a singular remedy for all things that need cooling and binding Dioscorides writeth that there is also gathered a iuice out of both those sorts of floures which is very like in facultie and vertue to Hypocistis as the same Author affirmeth The blossomes of the tame and wilde Pomegranates as also the rinde or shell thereof made into pouder and drunke in red wine or boyled in red wine 〈◊〉 the decoction drunke is good against the bloudy flix and all other issues of bloud yea it is good for women to sit ouer bathe themselues in the decoction hereof these foresaid blossomes and shels are good also to put into restraining pouders for the stanching of bloud in wounds The seeds or stones of Pomegranats dried in the Sun and beaten to pouder are of like operation with the floures they stop the laske and all issues of bloud in man or woman being taken in the manner aforesaid CHAP. 97. Of the Quince Tree ¶ The Kindes COlumella maketh three kindes of Quinces Struthia Chrysomeliana and 〈◊〉 but what manner ones they be hee doth not declare notwithstanding wee finde diuers sorts differing as well in forme as taste and substance of the fruit wherof some haue much core and many kernels and others 〈◊〉 Malus Cotonca The Quince tree ¶ The Description THe Quince tree is not great but groweth low and many times in maner of a shrub it is couered with a rugged barke which hath on it now and then certaine scales it spreadeth his boughes in compasse like other trees about which stand leaues somewhat round like those of the common Apple tree greene and smooth aboue and vnderneath soft and white the floures be of a white purple colour the fruit is like an apple saue that many times it hath certaine embowed and swelling diuisions it differeth in fashion and bignesse for some Quinces are lesser and round trust vp together at the top with wrinkles others longer and greater the third sort be after a middle manner betweene both they are all of them set with a thin cotton or freeze and be of the colour of gold and hurtfull to the head by reason of their strong smell they all likewise haue a kinde of choking taste the pulp within is yellow and the seed blackish lying in hard skins as doe the kernels of other apples ¶ The Place The Quince tree groweth in gardens and orchards and is planted oftentimes in hedges and fences belonging to gardens vineyards it delighteth to grow on plaine and euen grounds and somewhat moist withall ¶ The Time These apples be ripe in the fall of the leafe and chiefely in October ¶ The Names The tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Malus Cotonea in English Quince tree The fruit is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Malum Cotoneum Pomum Cydonium and many times Cydonium without any addition by which name it is made known to the Apothecaries it is called in high Dutch Quitten Quittenopfell or Kuttenopffel in low Dutch Queappel in Italian Mele cotogne in Spanish Codoyons Membrilhos and Marmellos in French Pomme de coing in English Quince ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Quinces be cold and dry in the second degree and also very much binding especially when they be raw they haue likewise in them a certaine superfluous and excrementall moisture which will not suffer them to lie long without rotting they are seldom eaten raw being rosted or baked they be more pleasant They strengthen the stomacke stay vomiting stop lasks and also the bloudy flix They are good for those that spit vp bloud or that vomit bloud and for women also that haue too great plenty of their monethly courses Simeon Sethi writeth that the woman with childe which eateth many Quinces during the time of her breeding shall bring forth wise children and of good vnderstanding The Marmalade or Cotiniate made of Quinces and sugar is good and profitable for the strengthening of the stomacke that it may retaine and keepe the meat therein vntill it be perfectly digested it likewise stayeth all kindes of fluxes both of the belly and other parts and also of bloud which Cotiniate is made in this manner Take faire Quinces pare them cut them in pieces and cast away the core then put vnto euery pound of Quinces a pound of sugar and to euery pound of sugar a pinte of water these must bee boiled together ouer a still fire till they be very soft then let it be strained or rather rubbed through a strainer or an hairy sieue which is better and then set it ouer the fire to boile againe vntill it be stiffe and so box it vp and as it cooleth put thereto a little Rose water and a few graines of Muske well mingled together which will giue a goodly taste vnto the Cotiniat This is the way to make Marmalade Take whole Quinces and boile them in water vntill they be as soft as a scalded codling or apple then pill off the skin and cut off the flesh and stampe it in a stone morter then straine it as you did the Cotiniate afterward put it into a pan to drie but not to seeth at all and vnto euery pound of the flesh of Quinces put three quarters of a pound of sugar and in the cooling you may put in rose water and a little Muske as was said before There is boiled with Quinces oile which therefore is called in Greeke Melinon or oile of Quinces which we vse saith 〈◊〉 so oft as we haue need of a binding thing The seed of Quinces tempered with water doth make a 〈◊〉 or a thing like 〈◊〉 which being held in the mouth is maruellous good to take away the roughnesse of the tongue in hot burning seuers The same is good to be layed vpon burnings or scaldings and to be put into clisters against the bloudy flix for it easeth the paine of the guts and alaieth the sharpnesse of biting 〈◊〉 Many other excellent dainty and wholesome confections are to be made of Quinces as ielly of Quinces and such odde conceits which for breuitie sake I do now let passe CHAP. 98. Of the Medlar Tree ¶ The Kindes THere are diuers sorts of Medlars some greater others lesser some sweet and others of a 〈◊〉 harsh taste some with
oyle and therefore men are compelled to make a compound drinke of Barley which they call Zythum Dioscorides nameth one kinde of Barley drinke Zythum another Curmi Simeon Zethi a later Grecian calleth this kind of drinke by an Arabicke name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English we call it Beere and Ale which is made of Barley Malt. ¶ The temperature Barley as Galen writeth in his booke of the Faculties of nourishments is not of the same temperature that Wheat is for Wheat doth manifestly heate but contrariwise what medicine or bread soeuer is made of Barley is found to haue a certaine force to coole and drye in the first degree according to Galen in his booke of the faculties of Simples It hath also a little abstersiue or cleansing qualitie and doth dry somewhat more than Beane meale ¶ The vertues Barley saith Dioscorides doth cleanse prouoke vrine breedeth windinesse and is an enemie to the stomacke Barley meale boyled in an honied water with figges taketh away inflammations with Pitch Rosin and Pigeons dung it softneth and ripeneth hard swellings With Melilot and Poppy seeds it taketh away the paine in the sides it is a remedy against windinesse in the guts being applied with Lineseed Foenugreeke and Rue with tarre wax oyle and the vrine of a yong boy it doth digest soften and ripe hard swellings in the throat called the Kings Euill Boyled with wine myrtles the barke of the pomegranate wilde peares and the leaues of brambles it stoppeth the laske Further it serueth for Ptisana Polenta Maza Malt 〈◊〉 and Beere The making whereof if any be desirous to learne let them reade Lobelius Aduersaria in the chapter of Barley But I thinke our London Beere-Brewers would scorne to learne to make beere of either French or Dutch much lesse of me that can say nothing therein of mine owne experience more than by the Writings of others But I may deliuer vnto you a Confection made thereof as Columella did concerning sweet wine sodden to the halfe which is this Boyle strong 〈◊〉 till it come to the thickenesse of hony or the forme of an vnguent or salue which applied to the paines of the sinewes and joints as hauing the propertie to abate aches and paines may for want of better remedies be vsed for old and new sores if it be made after this manner Take strong ale two pound one Oxe gall and boyle them to one pound with a soft fire continually stirring it adding thereto of Vineger one pound of Olibanum one ounce floures of Camomil and melilot of each i. Rue in fine pouder s. a little hony and a small quantitie of the pouder of Comin seed boyle them all together to the forme of an vnguent and so apply it There be sundry sorts of Confections made of Barley as Polenta Ptisana made of water and husked or hulled barley and such like Polenta is the meate made of parched Barley which the Grecians doe properly call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Maza is made of parched Barley tempered with water after Hippocrates and Xenophon Cyrus hauing called his souldiers together exhorteth them to drinke water wherein parched Barley hath beene steeped calling it by the same name Maza Hesychius doth interpret 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be Barley meale mixed with water and oyle Barley meale boyled in water with garden Nightshade the leaues of garden Poppie the pouder of Foenugreeke and Lineseed and a little Hogs grease is good against all hot and burning swellings and preuaileth against the Dropsie being applied vpon the belly CHAP. 51. Of Naked Barley Hordeumnudum Naked Barley ¶ The Description HOrdeum nudum is called Zeopyrum and Tritico-Speltum because it is like to Zea otherwise called Spelta and is like to that which is called French Barley whereof is made that noble drinke for sicke Folkes called Ptisama The plant is altogether like vnto Spelt sauing that the eares are rounder the eiles or beards rougher and longer and the seed or graine naked without huskes like to wheat the which in it's yellowish colour it somewhat resembles ¶ The place ‡ It is sowne in sundry places of Germany for the same vses as Barley is ¶ The Names It is called Hordeum Nudum for that the Corne is without huske and resembleth Barley In Greeke it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it participateth in similitude and nature with Zea that is Spelt and Puros that is wheat ‡ ¶ The vertues This Barley boyled in water cooleth vnnaturall and hot burning choler In vehement feuers you may adde thereto the seeds of white Poppie and Lettuse not onely to coole but also to prouoke sleepe Against the shortnesse of the breath and paines of the brest may be added to all the foresaid figs raisins of the Sunne liquorice and Annise seed Being boyled in the Whay of Milke with the leaues of Sorrell Marigolds and Scabious it quencheth thirst and cooleth the heate of the inflamed Liuer being drunke first in the morning and last to bedward Hordeum Spurium Wall Barley CHAP. 52. Of Wall Barley ¶ The Description THis kinde of wilde Barley called of the Latines Hordeum Spurium is called of Pliny Holcus in English Wall Barley Way Barley or after old English Writers Way Bennet It groweth vpon mud walls and stony places by the wayes sides very well resembling Selfe-sowed Barley yet the blades are rather like grasse than Barley ‡ This groweth some foot and better in height with grassie leaues the eare is very like that of Rie and the corne both in colour and shape absolutely resembles it so that it cannot be fitlier named than by calling it wilde Rie or Rie grasse ‡ ¶ The vertues This Bastard wilde Barley stamped and applied vnto places wanting haire doth cause it to grow and come forth whereupon in old time it was called 〈◊〉 CHAP. 53. Of Saint Peters Corne. 1 Brizamonococcos S. Peters Corne. 2 Festuca Italica Hauer Grasse ¶ The Description †1 BRiza is a Corne whose leaues stalkes and eares are lesse than Spelt the eare resembles our ordinary Barley the corne growing in two rowes with awnes at the top and huskes vpon it not easily to be gotten off In colour it much resembles barley yet Tragus saith it is of a blackish red colour 2 This Aegilops in leaues and stalkes resembles wheat or barley and it growes some two handfuls high hauing a little eare or two at the top of the stalke wherein are inclosed two or three seeds a little smaller than Barley hauing each of them his awne at his end These seeds are wrapped in a crested filme or skinne out of which the awnes put themselues forth 〈◊〉 saith That he by his owne triall hath found this to be true That as Lolium which is our common Darnel is certainly knowne to be a seed degenerate from wheat being found for the most part among wheat or where wheat hath been so is Festuca a seed or grain degenerating from barley and is found among Barley or
My selfe speake by proofe who haue cured of that infectious disease a great many diuers of which had couered or kept vnder the sickenesse by the helpe of Tabaco as they thought yet in the end haue beene constrained to haue vnto such an hard knot a crabbed wedge or else had vtterly perished Some vse to drinke it as it is tearmed for wantonnesse or rather custome and cannot forbeare it no not in the midst of their dinner which kind of taking is vnwholesome and very dangerous although to take it seldome and that Physically is to be tolerated and may do some good but I commend the syrrup aboue this 〈◊〉 or smokie medicine It is taken of some physically in a pipe for that purpose once in a day at the most and that in the morning fasting against paines in the head stomacke and griefe in the brest and lungs against catarrhes and rheumes and such as haue gotten cold and hoarsenesse Some haue reported that it little preuaileth against an hot disease and that it profiteth an hot complexion nothing at all but experience hath not shewed it to bee iniurious vnto either They that haue seene the proofe hereof haue credibly reported that when the Moores and Indians haue fainted either for want of food or rest this hath beene a present remedie vnto them to supplie the one and to helpe them to the other The priests and Inchanters of the hot countries do take the fume thereof vntill they be 〈◊〉 that after they haue lien for dead three or foure houres they may tell the people what wonders visions or illusions they haue seene and so giue them a propheticall direction or foretelling 〈◊〉 we may trust the Diuell of the successe of their businesse The 〈◊〉 or distilled water of the first kind is very good against catarrhes the dizzinesse of the head and rheumes that fall downe the eies against the paine called the Megram if either you applie it vnto the temples or take one or two greene leaues or a dry lease 〈◊〉 ed in wine and dried cunningly vpon the embers and laid thereto It cleereth the sight and taketh away the webs and 〈◊〉 thereof being annointed with the iuice bloud warme The oile or iui ce dropped into the eares is good against deaseness a cloth dipped in 〈◊〉 same and laid vpon the face taketh away the lentils rednesse and spots thereof Many notable medicines are made hereof against the old and inueterate cough against 〈◊〉 or pectorall griefes which if I should set downe at large would require a peculiar Volume It is also giuen to such as are accustomed to swoune and are troubled with the Collicke and windinesse against the Dropsie the Wormes in children the Piles and the Sciatica It is vsed in outward medicines either the herbe boiled with oile waxe rosin and turpentine as before is set downe in yellow Henbane or the extraction thereof with salt oile balsame the distilled water and such like against tumours apostumes old vlcers of hard curation botches scabbes stinging with nettles carbuncles poisoned arrowes and wounds made with gunnes or any other weapon It is excellent good in burnings and scaldings with fire water oile lightning or such like boiled with Hogges greace in forme of an Ointment which I haue often prooued and found most true adding a little of the iuice of thorne apple leaues spreading it vpon a cloth and so applying it I doe make hereof an excellent balsame to cure deepe wounds and punctures made by some narrow sharpe pointed weapon Which balsame doth bring vp the flesh from the bottome verie speedily and also heale simple cuts in the flesh according to the first intention that is to glew or soder the lips of the wound together not procuring matter or corruption vnto it as is commonly seene in the healing of wounds The receit is this Take oile of roses oile of S. Iohns 〈◊〉 of either one pinte the leaues of Tabaco stamped small in a stone morter two pounds boile them together to the consumption of the iuice straine it and put it to the fire againe adding thereto of Venice Turpentine two ounces of Olibanum and masticke of either halfe an ounce in most fine and subtill pouder the which you may at all times make an vnguent or salue by putting thereto wax and rosin to giue vnto it a stiffe body which worketh exceeding well in maligne and virulent vlcers as in wounds and punctures I send this iewell vnto you women of all sorts especially to such as cure and helpe the poore and impotent of your Countrey without reward But vnto the beggerly rabble of witches charmers and such like couseners that regard more to get money than to helpe for charitie I wish these few medicines far from their vnderstanding and from those deceiuers whom I wish to be ignorant herein But courteous gentlewomen I may not for the malice that I doe beare vnto such hide any thing from you of such importance and therefore take one more that followeth wherewith I haue done very many and good cures although of small cost but regard it not the lesse for that cause Take the leaues of Tabaco two pound hogges grease one pound stampe the herbe small in a stone morter putting thereto a small cup full of red or claret wine stir them well together couer the morter from filth and so let it rest vntill morning then put it to the fire and let it boile gently continually stirring it vntill the consumption of the wine straine it and set it to the fire againe putting thereto the 〈◊〉 of the herbe one pound of Venice turpentine foure ounces boile them together to the consumption of the iuice then adde therto of the roots of round Aristolochia or Birthwoort in most fine pouder two ounces sufficient waxe to giue it a body the which keep for thy wounded poore neighbour as also the old and filthy vlcers of the legs and other parts of such as haue need of helpe †The figures were formerly transposed CHAP. 69. Of Tree Nightshade Amomum Plinij Tree Nightshade ¶ The Description THis rare and pleasant Plant called tree Nightshade is taken of some to be a kinde of Ginnie pepper but not rightly of others for a kinde of Nightshade whose iudgement and censure I gladly admit for that it doth more fitly answer it both in the forme and nature It groweth vp like vnto a small shrubbe or wooddy hedge bush two or three cubits high couered with a greenish barke set with many small twiggie branches and garnished with many long leaues very greene like vnto those of the Peach tree The floures are white with a certaine yellow pricke or pointell in the middle like vnto the floures of garden Nightshade After which succeede small round berries verie red of colour and of the same substance with Winter Cherries wherein are contained little flat yellow seeds The root is compact of many small 〈◊〉 yellow strings ¶ The Place It groweth not wilde in these cold regions but we
that hard to be cured as a dead palsie and such like The vse of it as Galen in his 11. booke of medicines according to the places affected saith is so offensiue to the firme and solide parts of the body as that they had need afterwards to be restored So also colliries or eie medicines made with Opium haue beene hurtfull to many insomuch that they haue weakned the eies and dulled the sight of those that haue vsed it what soeuer is compounded of Opium to mittigate the extreeme paines of the eares bringeth hardnesse of hearing Wherefore all those medicines and compounds are to bee shunned that are to be made of Opium and are not to be vsed but in extreme necessitie and that it is when no other mitigater or asswager of paine doth any thing preuaile as Galen in his third booke of Medicines according to the places affected doth euidently declare The leaues of poppie boiled in water with a little sugar and drunke causeth sleep or if it be boiled without sugar and the head feet and temples bathed therewith it doth effect the same The heads of Poppie boiled in water with sugar to a sirrup causeth sleepe and is good against 〈◊〉 and catarrhes that distill fal downe from the brain into the lungs easeth the cough The greene knops of Poppie stamped with barley meale and a little barrowes grease helpeth S. Anthonies fire called Ignis sacer The leaues knops and seed stamped with vineger womans milke and saffron cureth an Erysipelas another kinde of S. Anthonies fire and easeth the gout mightily and put in the fundament as a clister causeth sleepe The seed of black Poppy drunke in wine stoppeth the flux of the belly and the ouermuch flowing of womens sicknesse A Caudle made of the seeds of white poppy or made into Almond milk and so giuen causeth sleepe †It is manifest that this wilde Poppy which I haue described in the fifth place is that of which the composition Diacodium is to be made as Galen hath at large treated in his seuenth booke of Medicines according to the places affected Crito also and after him Themison and Democrates do appoint 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the wilde Poppy to be in the same composition and euen that same Democritus addeth that it should be that which is not sowen and such an one is this which groweth without sowing Dod. CHAP. 74. Of Corne-Rose or wilde Poppy 1 Papauer Rhoeas Red Poppy or Corne-rose ‡ 4 Papauer spinosum Prickly Poppy ¶ The Description 1 THe stalkes of red Poppy be blacke tender and brittle somewhat hairy the leaues are cut round about with deepe gashes like those of Succory or wilde Rocket the floures grow forth at the tops of the stalks being of a beautifull and gallant red colour with blackish threds compassing about the middle part of the head which being fully growne is lesser than that of the garden Poppy the seed is small and blacke †2 There is also a kinde hereof in all 〈◊〉 agreeing with the former sauing that the floures of this are very double and beautifull and therein only consists the difference †‡ 3 There is a small kinde of red Poppy growing commonly wilde together with the first described which is lesser in all parts and the floures are of a fainter or ouerworne red inclining somewhat to orange ‡ 4 Besides these there is another rare plant which all men and that very fitly haue referred to the kindes of Poppy This hath a slender long and fibrous root from which arises a stalke some cubit high diuided into sundry branches round crested prickly and full of a white pith The leaues are diuided after the maner of horned poppy smooth with white veins prickly edges the floure is yellow and consists of foure or fiue leaues after which succeeds a longish head being either foure fiue or six cornered hauing many yellow threds incompassing it the head whilest it is tender is reddish at the top but being ripe it is blacke and it is set with many and stiffe pricks The seed is round blacke and pointed being six times as big as that of the ordinary Poppy ‡ ¶ The Place They grow in earable grounds among wheat spelt rie barley otes and other graine and in the borders of fields ‡ The double red and prickly Poppy are not to be found in this kingdome vnlesse in the gardens of some prime herbarists ‡ ¶ The Time The fields are garnished and ouerspred with these wilde poppies in Iune and August ¶ The Names †Wilde Poppy is called in Greeke of Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Papauer erraticum 〈◊〉 according to the Greeke nameth it Papauer sluidum as also Lobel who cals it Pap. Rhoe as because the floure thereof soone falleth away Which name 〈◊〉 as may for the same cause be common not onely to these but also to the others if it be so called of the speedy falling of the floures but if it be syrnamed Rhoe as of the falling away of the seed as it appeareth then shall it be proper to that which is described in the fifth place in the foregoing chapter out of whose heads the seed easily and quickly falls as it doth also out of this yet lesse manifestly They name it in French Cocquelicot Confanons Pauot sauvage in Dutch Collen bloemen Coren rosen in high Dutch Klapper Rossen in English Red Poppy and Corne-rose ‡ 4 Some haue called this Ficus infernalis from the Italian name Figo del inferno But Clusius and Bauhine haue termed it Papauer spinosum and the later of them would haue it and that not without good reason to be Glaucium of Dioscorides 〈◊〉 3. cap. 100. And I also probably coniecture it to be the Hippomanes of Crateuas mentioned by the Greeke Scholiast of Theocritus as I haue formerly briefely declared Chap. 62. ‡ ¶ The Nature The facultie of the wilde poppies is like to that of the other poppies that is to say cold and causing sleepe ¶ The Vertues Most men being led rather by false experiments than reason commend the floures against the Pleurisie giuing to drinke as soone as the paine commeth either the distilled water or 〈◊〉 made by often infusing the leaues And yet many times it happeneth that the paine ceaseth by that meanes though hardly sometimes by reason that the spittle commeth vp hardly and with more difficultie especially in those that are weake and haue not a strong constitution of body Baptista Sardus might be counted the Author of this error who hath written That most men haue giuen the floures of this poppy against the paine of the sides and that it is good against the spitting ofbloud CHAP. 75. Of Bastard wilde Poppy ¶ The Description THe first of these bastard wilde Poppies hath slender weake stemmes a foot high rough and hairy set with leaues not vnlike to those of Rocket made of many small leaues deeply cut or iagged about the edges The floures grow at the
Dioscorides writeth that all the Dockes beeing boiled doe mollifie the bellie which thing also Horace hath noted in his second booke of Sermons the fourth Satyre writing thus Si dura morabitur alvus Mugilus viles pellent obstantia conchae Et lapathi brcuis herba He calleth it a short herbe being gathered before the stalke be growne vp at which time it is fittest to be eaten And being sodden it is not so pleasant to bee eaten as either Beetes or Spinage it ingendreth moist bloud of a meane thicknesse and which nourisheth little The leaues of the sharpe pointed Dockes are cold and drie but the seed of Patience and the water Docke doe coole with a certaine thinnesse of substance The decoction of the roots of Monkes Rubarbe is drunke against the bloudy flix the laske the wambling of the stomacke which commeth of choler and also against the 〈◊〉 of serpents as Dioscorides writeth It is also good against the spitting of bloud being taken with Acacia or his succedaneum the dried iuice of sloes as Plinie writeth Monkes Rubarb or Patience is an excellent wholesome pot-herbe for being put into the pottage in some reasonable quantitie it doth loosen the belly helpeth the iaunders the timpany and such like diseases proceeding of cold causes If you take the roots of Monkes Rubarb and red Madder of each halfe a pound Sena soure ounces annise seed and licorice of each two ounces Scabiouse and Agrimonie of each one handfull slice the roots of the Rubarb bruise the annise seed and licorice breake the herbes with your hands and put them into a stone pot called a steane with foure gallons of strong alc to steepe or infuse the space of three daies and then drinke this liquour as your ordinarie drinke for three weekes together at the least though the longer you take it so much the better prouiding in a readinesse another steane so prepared that you may haue one vnder another being alwaies carefull to keepe a good dict it cureth the dropsie the yellow iaunders all manner of itch scabbes breaking out and manginesse of the whole body it purifieth the bloud from all corruption 〈◊〉 against the greene sicknesse very greatly and all oppilations or stoppings maketh young wenches to looke faire and cherrie like and bringeth downe their tearmes the stopping whereof hath caused the same The seed of bastard Rubarb is of a manifest astringent nature insomuch that it 〈◊〉 the bloudy flix mixed with the seed of Sorrell and giuen to drinke in red wine There haue not beene any other faculties attributed to this plant either of the antient or later writers but generally of all it hath beene referred to the other Docks or Monks Rubarb of which number I assure my selfe this is the best and doth approch neerest vnto the true Rubarb Manie reasons induce me so to thinke and say first this hath the shape and proportion of Rubarbe the same colour both within and without without any difference They agree as well in taste as smell it coloureth the spittle of a yellow colour when it is chewed as Rubarb doth and lastly it purgeth the belly after the same gentle manner that the right Rubarb doth onely herein it differeth that this must be giuen in three times the quantitie of the other Other distinctions and differences with the temperature and euery other circumstance I leaue to the learned Physitions of our London colledge who are very well able to search this matter as a thing farre aboue my reach being no graduate but a Countrey Scholler as the whole framing of this Historie doth well declare but I hope my good meaning will be well taken confidering I doe my best not doubting but some of greater learning will perfect that which I haue begun according to my small skill especially the ice being broken vnto him and the wood rough hewed to his hands Notwithstanding I thinke it good to say thus much more in mine owne defence that although there bee many wants and defects in me that were requisite to performe such a worke yet may my long experience by chance happen vpon some one thing or other that may do the learned good considering what a notable experiment I learned of one Iohn Bennet a Chirurgion of Maidstone in Kent a man as slenderly learned as my selfe which he practised vpon a Butchers boy of the same towne as himselfe reported vnto me his practise was this Being desired to cure the foresaid lad of an ague which did grieuously vex him he promised him a medicine for want of one for the present for a shift as himselfe confessed vnto me he tooke out of his garden three or foure leaues of this plant of Rubarb which my selfe had among other simples giuen him which he stamped strained with a draught of ale and gaue it the lad in the morning to drinke it wrought extremely downeward and vpward within one houre after and neuer ceased vntill night In the end the strength of the boy ouercame the force of the Physicke it gaue ouer working and the lad lost his ague since which time as hee saith he hath cured with the same medicine many of the like maladie hauing euer great regard vnto the quantitie which was the cause of the violent working in the first cure By reason of which accident that thing hath been reuealed vnto posteritie which heretofore was not so much as dreamed of Whose blunt attempt may set an edge vpon some sharper wit and greater iudgement in the faculties of plants to seeke farther into their nature than any of the Antients haue done and none fitter than the learned Physitions of the Colledge of London where are many singularly wel learned and experienced in naturall things The roots sliced and boiled in the water of Carduus Benedictus to the consumption of the third part adding thereto a little honie of the which decoction eight or ten spoonfuls drunke before the fit cureth the ague in two or three times so taking it at the most vnto robustous or strong bodies twelue spoonfuls may be giuen This experiment was practised by a worshipfull Gentlewoman mistresse Anne Wylbraham vpon diuers of her poore Neighbours with good successe CHAP. 83 Of Rubarb ‡ IT hath happened in this as in many other forreine medicines or simples which though they be of great and frequent vse as Hermodactyls Muskc Turbeth c. yet haue we no certaine knowledge of the very place which produces them nor of their exact manner of growing which hath giuen occasion to diuers to thinke diuersly and some haue been so bold as to counterfeit figures out of their owne fancies as Matthiolus so that this saying of Pliny is found to be very true Nulla medicinae pars 〈◊〉 incerta quam quae ab alio quam nostro orhe petitur But we will endeauour to shew you more certaintie of this here treated of than was knowne vntill of very late yeres ‡ ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Rubarb hath very
cap. 143. For besides the notes it hath agreeing with the description it is at this day by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Temperature The kindes of Tode-flax are of the same temperature with wilde Snap-dragons whereof they are kindes ¶ The Vertues The decoction os Tode-flax taketh away the yellownesse and deformitie of the skinne beeing washed and bathed therewith The same drunken openeth the stoppings of the Liuer and spleene and is singular good against the iaundise which is of long continuance The same decoction doth also prouoke vrine in those that pisse drop after drop vnstoppeth the kidneies and bladder CHAP. 166. Of Garden flaxe 1 Linum sativum Garden flax The Description FLaxe riseth vp with slender and round stalks The leaues thereof bee long narrow and sharpe pointed on the tops of the sprigs are faire blew floures after which spring vp little round knops or buttons in which is contained the seed in forme somewhat long smooth glib or slipperie of a dark colour The roots be smal and threddie ¶ The Place It prospereth best in a fat and fruitfull soile in moist and not drie places for it requireth as Columella saith a very fat ground and somewhat moist Some saith Palladius do sow it thicke in a leane ground by that means the flax groweth fine Pliny saith that it is to be sowne in grauelly places especially in furrowes Nec magis festinare aliud and that it burneth the ground and maketh it worser which thing also Virgil testifieth in his Georgickes Vrit lini campum seges vrit Auena Vrunt lethaeo perfusa papauera somno In English thus Flaxe and Otes sowne consume The moisture of a fertile field The same worketh Poppie whose Iuice a deadly sleepe doth yeeld ¶ The Time Flaxe is sowne in the spring it floureth in Iune and Iuly After it is cut downe as 〈◊〉 in his 19. booke first chapter saith the stalkes are put into the water subject to the heate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sunne and some weight laid on them to be steeped therein the loosenes of the rinde is a signe when it is well steeped then is it taken vp and dried in the sunne and after vsed as most huswiues can 〈◊〉 better than my selfe ¶ The Names It is called both in Greeke and Laine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Linum in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian and Spanish Lino in French Dulin in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Flaxe and Lyne ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen in his first booke of the faculties of nourishments saith that diuers vse the seed hereof parched as a sustenance with Garum no otherwise than made salt They also vse it mixed with hony some likewise put it among bread but it is hurtfull to the stomacke and hard of digestion and yeeldeth to the body but little nourishment but 〈◊〉 the quality which maketh the belly soluble neither will I praise or dispraise it yet that it hath some force to prouoke 〈◊〉 is more apparant when it is parched but then it also stayeth the belly more The same author in his bookes of faculties of simple medicines saith that Lineseed being eaten is windy although it be parched so full is it of super fluous moisture and it is also after a 〈◊〉 hot in the first degree and in a meane betweene moist and dry But how windy the seed is and how full of superfluous moisture it is in euery part might very well haue been perceiued a few yeeres since as at Middleborough in Zeland where for want of graine and other corne most of the Citizens were faine to eate bread and cakes made hereof with hony and oile who were in short time after swolne in the belly below the short ribs faces other parts of their 〈◊〉 in such sort that a great number were brought to their graues thereby 〈◊〉 these symptomes or accidents came no otherwise than by the superfluous moisture of the seed which causeth windinesse Lineseed as Dioscorides hath written hath the same properties that Fenugreeke hath it wasteth away and mollifieth all inflammations or hot swellings as well inward as outward if it be boiled with hony oile and a little faire water and made vp with clarified hony it taketh away blemishes of 〈◊〉 face and the sunne burning being raw and vnboiled and also foule 〈◊〉 if it be mixed with salt-peter and figs it causeth rugged and ill fauoured nailes to fall off mixed with hony and water Cresses It draweth forth of the chest corrupted flegme and other filthy humors if a composition with hony be made thereof to licke on and easeth the cough Being taken largely with pepper and hony made into a cake it stirreth vp lust The oile which is pressed out of the seed is profitable for many purposes in physicke and surgery and is vsed of painters picture makers and other artificers It softeneth all hard swellings it stretcheth forth the sinewes that are shrunke and drawne together mitigateth paine being applied in maner of an ointment Some also giue it to drinke to such as are troubled with paine in the side and collicke but it must be 〈◊〉 and newly drawne for if it be old and 〈◊〉 it causeth-aptnesse to vomit and withall it 〈◊〉 heateth Lineseed boiled in water with a little oile and a quantity of Annise-seed impoudered and implaistered vpon an angina or any swelling in the throat helpeth the same It is with good successe vsed plaisterwise boiled in vineger vpon the diseases called Coliaca and Dysenteria which are bloudy fluxes and paines of the belly The seeds stamped with the roots of wilde Cucumbers draweth forth splinters thornes broken bones or any other thing fixed in any part of the body The decoction is an excellent bath for women to sit ouer for the inflammation of the secret parts because it softeneth the hardnesse thereof and easeth paine and aking The seed of Line and Fenugreek made into powder boiled with Mallowes violet leaues Smallage and Chickweed vntill the herbs be soft then stamped in a stone morter with a little hogs grease to the forme of a cataplasme or pultesse appeaseth all maner of paine softneth all cold tumors or swellings mollifieth and bringeth to suppuration all apostumes defendeth wounded members from swellings and rankling and when they be already rankled it taketh the same away being applied very warme euening and morning CHAP. 167. Of Wilde Flaxe ¶ The Description 1 THis Wilde kinde of Line or Flaxe hath leaues like those of garden Flaxe but narrower growing vpon round bright and shining sprigs a foot long and floures like the manured flaxe but of a white colour The root is tough and small with some fibres annexed thereto ‡ This is sometimes found with deep blew floures with violet coloured floures and sometimes with white streaked with white streaked with purple lines ‡ 1 Linum sylvestre 〈◊〉 albis Wilde white flaxe 2 Linum sylvestre 〈◊〉 Thin leaued wilde flaxe 2 The narrow and thinne leafed kinde of Line is very
after some copies hot and dry in the third ¶ The 〈◊〉 Sweete Marjerome is a remedy against cold diseases of the braine and head being taken any way to your best liking put vp into the nosthrils it prouoketh sneesing and draweth forth much baggage 〈◊〉 it easeth the tooth-ache being chewed in the mouth being drunke it prouoketh vrine and draweth away waterish humors and is vsed in medicines against poison The leaues boiled in water and the decoction drunke helpeth them that are entering into the dropsie it easeth them that are troubled with difficultie of making water and such as are giuen to ouermuch sighing and easeth the paines of the belly The leaues dried and mingled with hony and giuen dissolueth congealed or clotted blood and putteth away blacke and blew markes after stripes and bruses being applied thereto The leaues are excellent good to be put into all odoriferous ointments waters pouders broths and meates The dried leaues poudered and finely searched are good to be put into Cerotes or Cere-cloths and ointments profitable against colde swellings and members out of joint There is an excellent oile to be drawne forth of these herbes good against the shrinking of sinewes crampes convulsions and all aches proceeding of a colde cause CHAP. 218. Of wilde Marjerome ¶ The Description 1 BAstard Marjerome groweth straight vp with little round stalkes of a reddish colour full of branches a foot high and sometimes higher The leaues be broad more long than round of a whitish greene colour on the top of the branches stand long spikie scaled eares out of which shoot forth little white floures like the flouring of wheate The whole plant is of a sweete smell and sharpe biting taste 2 The white Organy or bastard Marjerome with white floures differing little from the precedent but in colour and stature This plant hath whiter and broader leaues and also much higher wherein consisteth the difference 3 Bastard Marjerome of Candy hath many threddy roots from which rise vp diuers weake and feeble branches trailing vpon the ground set with faire greene leaues not vnlike those of Penny Royall but broader and shorter at the top of those branches stand scalie or chaffie eares of a purple colour The whole plant is of a most pleasant sweet smell The root endured in my garden 1 Origanum 〈◊〉 Bastard Marjerome 2 Origanum album Tabern White bastard Marjerome 3 Origanum Creticum Wilde Marjerome of Candy 4 Origanum Anglicum English wilde Marjerome 4 English wilde Marjerome is exceedingly well knowne to all to haue long stiffe and hard stalkes of two cubits high set with leaues like those of sweet Marjerome but broader and greater of a russet greene colour on the top of the branches stand tufts of purple floures composed of many small ones set together very closely vmbell fashion The root creepeth in the ground and is long lasting ¶ The Place These plants do grow wilde in the kingdome of Spaine Italy and other of those hot regions The last of the foure doth grow wilde in the borders of fields and low copses in most places of England ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in the Sommer moneths afterward the seed is perfected ¶ The Names Bastard Marjerome is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that which is surnamed Heracleoticum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of diuers it is called Cunila in shops Origanum Hispanicum Spanish Organy our Euglish wilde Marjerome is called in Greeke of Dioscoridcs 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Onitis of some Agrioriganum or 〈◊〉 Origanum in Italian Origano in Spanish Oregano in French Mariolaine bastarde in English 〈◊〉 bastard Marjerome and that of ours wilde Marjerome and groue Marjerome ¶ The Temperature All the Organies do cut attenuate or make thin dry and heate and that in the third degree and Galen teacheth that wilde Marjerome is more forceable and of greater strength notwithstanding Organy of Candy which is brought dry out of Spaine whereof I haue a plant in my garden is more biting than any of the rest and of greatest heate ¶ The Vertues Organy giuen in wine is a remedy against the bitings and stingings of venomous beasts and cureth them that haue drunke Opium or the juice of blacke poppy or hemlockes especially if it be giuen with wine and raisons of the sunne The decoction of Organy prouoketh vrine bringeth downe the monethly course and is giuen with good successe to those that haue the dropsie It is profitably vsed in a looch or a medicine to be licked against an old cough and the stuffing of the lungs It healeth scabs itches and scuruinesse being vsed in bathes and it taketh away the bad colour which commeth of the yellow jaundice The weight of a dram taken with meade or 〈◊〉 water draweth forth by stoole blacke and filthy humors as Dioscorides and Pliny write The juice mixed with a little milke being poured into the 〈◊〉 mitigateth the paines thereof The same mixed with the oile of Ireos or the rootes of the white Florentine floure de luce and drawne vp into the nosthrils draweth downe water and flegme the herbe strowed vpon the ground driueth away serpents The decoction looseth the belly and voideth choler and drunke with vineger helpeth the infirmities of the splcene and drunke in wine helpeth against all mortall poisons and for that cause it is put into mithridate and treacles prepared for that purpose These plants are easie to be taken in potions and therefore to good purpose they may be vsed and ministred vnto such as cannot brooke their meate and to such as haue a sowre and sqamish and watery stomacke as also against the swouning of the heart CHAP. 219. Of Goates Marjerome or Organy ¶ The Description 1 THe stalkes of Goates Organy are slender hard and wooddy of a blackish colour whereon are set long leaues greater than those of the wilde Time sweete of smell rough and somewhat hairy The floures be small and grow out of little crownes or wharles round about the top of the stalkes tending to a purple colour The root is small and threddy 1 Tragoriganum Dod. Goats Marierome Tragoriganum Lob. Goats Marierome 2 Tragoriganum Clusij Clusius his Goats Marierome ‡ 3 Tragoriganum Cretense Candy Goats Marierome 2 Carolus Clusius hath set forth in his Spanish Obseruations another sort of Goats Marierome growing vp like a small shrub the leaues are longer and more hoarie than wilde Marierome and also narrower of a hot biting taste but of a sweet smell 〈◊〉 not very pleasant The floures do stand at the top of the stalkes in spokie rundles of a white colour The root is thicke and wooddy ‡ 3 This differs little in forme and magnitude 〈◊〉 the last described but the branches are of a blacker colour with rougher and darker coloured leaues the floures also are lesser and of a purple colour Both this and the last described continue alwaies greene but this last is of a much more fragrant smell
deeper yellow tending to blacknesse of the forme and shape of a single Marigold whereupon I haue named it the Sunne Marigold The seed as yet I haue not obserued ¶ The Place These plants do grow of themselues without setting or sowing in Peru and in diuers other prouinces of America from whence the seeds haue beene brought into these parts of Europe There hath been seen in Spaine and other hot regions a plant sowne and nourished vp from seed to attain to the height of 24. foot in one yeare ¶ The Time The seed must be set or sowne in the beginning of Aprill if the weather be temperate in the most fertile ground that may be and where the Sun hath most power the whole day ¶ The Names The floure of the Sun is called in Latine Flos Solis taking that name from those that haue reported it to turne with the Sun the which I could neuer obserue although I haue endeuored to finde out the truth of it but I rather thinke it was so called because it doth resemble the radiant beames of the Sun whereupon some haue called it Corona Solis and Sol Indianus the Indian Sunne floure others haue called it Chrysanthemum 〈◊〉 or the golden floure of Peru in English the floure of the Sun or the Sun floure ¶ The Temperature They are thought to be hot and dry of complexion ¶ The Vertues There hath not any thing been set downe either of the antient or later writers concerning the vertues of these plants notwithstanding we haue found by triall that the buds before they be floured boiled and eaten with butter vineger and pepper after the manner of Artichokes are exceeding pleasant meat surpassing the Artichoke far in procuring bodily lust The same buds with the stalks neere vnto the top the hairinesse being taken away broiled vpon a gridiron and afterward eaten with oile vineger and pepper haue the like property CHAP. 260. Of Jerusalem Artichoke ONe may wel by the English name of this plant perceiue that those that vulgarly impose names vpon plants haue little either iudgement or knowledge of them For this plant hath no similitude in leafe stalke root or manner of growing with an Artichoke but onely a little similitude of taste in the dressed root neither came it from Ierusalem or out of Afia but out of America whence Fabius Columna one of the first setters of it forth fitly uames it Aster Peruuianus tuberosus and Flos solis Farnesianus because it so much resembles the Flos solis and for that he first obserued it growing in the garden of Cardinall Farnesius who had procured roots thereof from the West Indies Pelliterius calls this 〈◊〉 Indicum tuberosum and 〈◊〉 in his Prodromus sets this forth by the name of 〈◊〉 latifolium Brasilianum but in his Pinax he hath it by the name of Helianthemum Indicum tuberosum Also our Countreyman Mr. Parkinson hath exactly deliuered the history of this by the name of Battatas de Canada Englishing it Potatoes of Canada now all these that haue written and mentioned it bring it from America but from far different places as from Peru Brasil and Canada but this is not much material seeing it now grows so wel plentifully in so many places of England I will now deliuer you the Historie as I haue receiued it from my oft mentioned friend Mr. Goodyer who as you may see by the date took it presently vpon the first 〈◊〉 into England ‡ Flos Solis Pyramidalis Ierusalem Artichoke ¶ The Description Flos solis Pyramidalis parvo flore tuberosa radice 〈◊〉 Indicum quorundam 1 THis wonderfull increasing plant hath growing vp from one root one sometimes two three or more round green rough hairy straked stalks commonly about twelue foot high sometimes sixteene foot high or higher as big as a childs arme full of white spungious pith within The leaues grow all alongst the stalkes out of order of a light green color rough sharp pointed about eight inches broad and ten oreleuen inches long deeply notched or indented about the edges very like the leaues of the common flos solis Peruanus but nothing crompled and not so broad The stalkes diuide themselues into many long branches euen from the roots to their very tops bearing leaues smaller and smaller toward the tops making the herbe appeare like a little tree narrower and slenderer toward the top in fashion of a steeple or Pyramide The floures with vs grow onely at the toppes of the stalkes and branches like those of the said flos solis but no bigger than our common single Marigold consisting of twelue or thirteene straked sharpe pointed bright yellow bordering leaues growing foorth of a scaly small hairie head with a small yellow thrummie matter within These floures by reason of their late 〈◊〉 which is commonly two or three weeks after Michaelmas neuer bring their seed to perfection it maketh shew of abundance of small heads neere the tops of the stalkes and branches forth of the bosomes of the leaues which neuer open and floure with vs by reason they are destroyed with the frosts which otherwise it seemes would be a goodly spectacle The stalke sendes foorth many small creeping roots whereby it is fed or nourished full of hairie threddes euen from the vpper part of the earth spreading farre abroad amongst which from the maine root grow forth many tuberous roots clustering together sometimes fastened to the great root it selfe sometimes growing on long strings a foot or more from the root raising or heauing vp the earth aboue them and sometimes appearing aboue the earth producing from the increase of one root thirty forty or fifty in number or more making in all vsually aboue a pecke many times neere halfe a bushell if the soile be good These tuberous roots are of a reddish colour without of a soft white substance within bunched or bumped out many waies sometimes as big as a mans fist or not so big with white noses or peaks where they will sprout or grow the next yeare The stalkes bowed downe and some part of them couered ouer with earth send forth smal creeping threddie roots and also tuberous roots like the 〈◊〉 which I haue found by experience These tuberous roots will abide 〈◊〉 in the earth all winter though the stalkes and rootes by the which they were nourished vtterly rot and perish away and will beginne to spring vp againe at the beginning of May seldome sooner ¶ The Place Where this plant groweth naturally I know not in Anno 1617 I receiued two small roots thereof from Master Franqueuill of London no bigger than hens egges the one I planted and the other I gaue to a friend mine brought mee a pecke of roots wherewith I stored Hampshire ¶ The Vertues These rootes are dressed diuers waies some boile them in water and after stew them with sacke and butter adding a little Ginger others bake them in pies putting Marrow Dates Ginger Raisons of the Sun Sacke c.
the root liues many yeares This floures in Iuly Clusius makes this his Hormini syluestris quarti 〈◊〉 quarta ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth wilde in diuers barren places almost in euery Country especially in the fields of Holborne neere vnto Grayes Inne in the high way by the end of a bricke wall at the end of Chelsey next to London in the high way as you go from the Queenes pallace of Richmond to the waters side and in diuers other places The other is a stranger in England it groweth in my garden ¶ The Time They floure and flourish from Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names Wilde Clarie is called after the Latine name Oculus Christi of his effect in helping the diseases of the eies in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and likewise in Latine Horminum of some Geminalis in English wild Clarie and Oculus Christi The second is thought of some to be the right Clarie and they haue called it Horminum verum but with greater errour it may be called in Latine Horminum syluestre folijs floribus 〈◊〉 Clarie with leaues and floures of a purple colour ‡ Our Authour should haue shewn his reasons why this is not the Horminum verum to haue conuincted the errour of Anguillara Matthiolus Gesner 〈◊〉 Lobel and others who haue accounted it so as I my selfe must needs do vntill some reason be shewne to the contrarie the which I thinke cannot be done ‡ ¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉 The temperature and faculties are referred vnto the garden Claries yet Paulus Aegineta saith it is hot and moderately drie and it also clenseth The seed of wilde Clarie as Dioscorides writeth being drunke with wine stirreth vp lust it clenseth the eies from filmes and other imperfections being mixed with honie The seede put whole into the eies clenseth and purgeth them exceedingly from waterish humours tednesse inflammation and diuers other maladies or all that happen vnto the eies and takes away the paine and smarting thereof especially being put into the eies one seed at one time and no more which is a generall medicine in Cheshire and other Countries thereabout 〈◊〉 of all and vsed with good successe The leaues are good to be put into pottage or brothes among other 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 congealed bloud warme the stomacke and helpe the 〈◊〉 of the eies CHAP. 269. Of Mullein ¶ The Description 1 THe male Mullein or Higtaper hath broad leaues 〈◊〉 soft whitish and downie in the midst of which riseth vp a stalke straight single and 〈◊〉 same also whitish all ouer with a hoarie downe and couered with the like leaues but lesser and 〈◊〉 euen to the top among which taperwise are set a multitude of yellow floures consisting 〈◊〉 fiue leaues apeece in the places whereof come vp little round vessels in which is contained very small seed The root is long a 〈◊〉 thicke blacke without and full of strings 1 Tapsus Barbatus Mullein or Higtaper 2 Tapsus Barbatus flore albo White 〈◊〉 Mullein 2 The female Mullein hath likewise many white woolley leaues set vpon an hoarie cottonie vpright stalke of the height of foure or fiue cubits the top of the stalks resembleth a torch decked with infinite white floures which is the speciall marke to know it from the male kinde being like in euery other respect ¶ The Place These plants do grow of themselues neere the borders of pastures and plowed fields or causies and drie sandie ditch banks and in other vntilled places They grow in great plentie neere vnto a lyme kill vpon the end of black Heath next to London as also about the 〈◊〉 house at Eltham neere vnto Dartford in Kent in the high waies about Highgate neere London and in most countries of England that are of a sandie soile ¶ The Time They are found with their floure from Iuly to September and bring forth their seed the second yeare after the seed is sowne ¶ The Names Mullein is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in shops Tapsus Barbatus of diuers Candela Regia Candelaria and Lanaria Dioscorides Pliny and Galen do call it Verbascum in Italian Verbasco and Tasso Barbasso in Spanish 〈◊〉 in High Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Bouillon in English Mullein or rather Woollen Higtaper Torches Long-woort and Bullockes Long-woort and of some Hares-beard ¶ The Temperature Mullein is of temperature drie the leaues haue also a digesting and clensing qualitie as Galen affirmeth ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Mullein being boiled in water and laid vpon hard swellings and inflammations of the eies cureth and ceaseth the paine The root boiled in red wine and drunke stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix The same boiled in water and drunke is good for them that are broken and hurt inwardly and preuaileth much against the old cough A little fine treacle spred vpon a leafe of 〈◊〉 and laied to the piles or Hemorhoides cureth the same an ointment also made with the leaues thereof and old hogs grease worketh the same effect The leaues worne vnder the feet day and night in manner of a shooe sole or sock bringeth down in yong maidens their desired sicknesse being kept vnder their feet with some socks or other thing for falling away The Countrey people especially the husbandmen in Kent doe giue their cattell the leaues to drinke against the cough of the lungs being an excellent approued medicine for the same whereupon they doe call it Bullocks Lung-woort Frankensence and Masticke burned in a 〈◊〉 dish of coles and set within a close stoole and the fume thereof taken vnderneath doth perfectly cure the piles hemorrhoids and all diseases happening in those lower parts if also there be at euery such fuming which must bee twice euerie day a leafe of the herbe bound to the place and there kept vntill the next dressing There be some who thinke that this herbe being but carried about one doth helpe the falling sicknesse especially the leaues of that plant which hath not as yet borne floures and that is gathered when the Sun is in Virgo and the Moone in Aries which thing notwithstanding is vaine and superstitious The later Physitions commend the yellow floures beeing steeped in Oile and 〈◊〉 in warme doung vntill they bee wasted into the Oile and consumed away to bee a remedie against the piles The report goeth saith Pliny that figges do not putrifie at all that are wrapped in the leaues of Mullein which thing Dioscorides also maketh mention of CHAP. 270. Of base Mullein ¶ The Description 1 THe base white Mullein hath a thicke wooddie root from which riseth vp a stiffe and hairie stalke of the height of foure cubites garnished with faire grayish leaues like those of Elecampane but lesser the floures grow round about the stalks taper or torch fashion of a white colour with certaine golden thrums in the middle the seed followeth smal and of the colour of dust 2 Blacke Mullein hath long leaues not downie at all large and sharp pointed of an ouerworne
standing waters elswhere This description was made vpon sight of the plant the 2. of Iune 1622. Tribulus aquaticus minor muscat 〈◊〉 floribus 1 Tribulus aquaticus Water Caltrops ‡ 2 Tribulus aquaticus minor quercus floribus Small water Caltrops or Frogs-lettuce ‡ 3 Tribulus aquaticus minor Muscatellae floribus Small Frogs-Lettuce ¶ The Place Cordus saith that it groweth in Germany in myrie lakes and in citie ditches that haue mud in them in Brabant and in other places of the Low-countries it is found oftentimes in standing waters and springs Matthiolus writeth that it groweth not only in lakes of sweet water but also in certaine ditches by the sea neere vnto Venice ¶ The Time It flourisheth in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latins Tribulus aquatilis and aquaticus and Tribulus lacustris the Apothecaries Tribulus marinus in High Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Brabanders 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of the likenesse of yron nailes 〈◊〉 the French men Macres in English it is named water Caltrops Saligot and Water nuts most do call the fruit of this Caltrops Castaneae aquatiles or water 〈◊〉 nuts ¶ The Temperature Water Caltrop is of a cold nature it consisteth of a moist essence which in this is 〈◊〉 waterie than in the land Caltrops wherein an earthie cold is predominant as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues The herbe vsed in manner of a pultis as Dioscorides teacheth is good against all inflammations or hot swellings boiled with honie and water it perfectly healeth cankers in the mouth sore gums and the Almonds of the throat The Thracians saith Plinie that dwell in Strymona do fatten their horses with the leaues of Saligot and they themselues do feed of the kernels making very sweet bread thereof which bindeth the belly The green nuts or fruit of Tribulus aquaticus or Saligot being drunke in wine is good for them which are troubled with the stone and grauell The same drunke in like manner or laied outwardly to the place helpeth those that are bitten with any venomous beast and resisteth all venome and poison The leaues of Saligot be giuen against all inflammations and vlcers of the mouth the 〈◊〉 and corruption of the iawes and against the Kings euill A pouder made of the nuts is giuen to such as pisse bloud and are troubled with grauell and it doth bind the belly very much ‡ The two lesser water Caltrops here described are in my opinion much agreeable in temper to the great one and are much fitter Succidanea for it then Aron which some in the composition of Vnguentum Agrippae haue appointed for it ‡ CHAP. 299. Of water Sengreene or fresh water Soldier Militaris Aizoides Fresh water Soldier ¶ The Description FResh water Soldier or water Housleeke hath leaues like those of the herbe Aloe or Semper vivum but shorter and lesser setround about the edges with certaine stiffe and short prickles amongst which commeth forth diuers cases or huskes verie like vnto crabbes clawes out of which when they open grow white floures consisting of three leaues altogether like those of Frogs-bit hauing in the middle little yellowish threds in stead of roots there be long strings round white vetic like to great Harp-strings or to long wormes which falling downe from a short head that brought sorth the leaues go to the bottom of the water and yet be they seldome there fastened there also grow from the same other strings aslope by which the plant is multiplied after the manner of Frogs-bit ¶ The Place ‡ I found this growing plentifully in the ditches about Rotsey a smal village in Holdernesse And my friend Mr. William Broad obserued it in the Fennes in Lincolne-shire ‡ The leaues and floures grow vpon the top of the water and the roots are sent downe through the water to the mud ¶ The Time It floures in Iune and sometimes in August ¶ The Names It may be called Sedum aquatile or water Sengreen that is to say of the likenesse of herbe Aloe which is also called in Latine Sedum of some Cancri chela or Cancri forficula in English VVater Housleeke Knights Pondwoort and of some Knights water Sengreene fresh water Soldier or wading Pondweed it seemeth to be Stratiotes aquatilis or Stratiotes potamios or Knights water Wound-woort which may also be named in Latine Militaris aquatica and Militaris 〈◊〉 or Soldiers Yarrow for it groweth in the water and floteth vpon it and if those strings which it sendeth to the bottome of the wat er be no roots it also liueth without roots ¶ The Temperature This herbe is of a cooling nature and temperament ¶ The Vertues This Housleeke staieth the bloud which commeth from the kidneies it keepeth green wounds from being inflamed and it is good against S. Anthonies fire and hot swellings being applied vnto them and is equall in the vertues aforesaid with the former CHAP. 300. Of Water Yarrow and water Gillofloure 1 Viola palustris Water Violet ‡ Viola Palustris tenuifolia The smaller leaued water violet ¶ The Description 1 WAter Violet hath long and great iagged leaues very finely cut or rent like Yarrow but smaller among which come vp small stalkes a cubit and a halfe high bearing at the top small white floures like vnto stocke Gillofloures with some yellownes in the middle The roots are long and small like blacke threds and at the end whereby they are fastened to the ground they are white and shining like Chrystall ‡ There is another varietie of this plant which differs from it only in that the leaues are much smaller as you may see them exprest in the figure ‡ 2 Water Milfoile or water Yarrow hath long and large leaues deepely cut with many diuisions like 〈◊〉 but finelier iagged swimming vpon the water The root is single long and round which brings vp a right straight and slender stalke set in sundry places with the like leaues but smaller The floures grow at the top of the stalke tuft fashion and like vnto the land Yarrow 3 This water Milfoile differeth from all the kindes aforesaid hauing a root in the bottom of the water made of many hairy strings which yeeldeth vp a naked slender stalke within the water and the rest of the stalke which floteth vpon the water diuideth it selfe into sundry other branches and wings which are bedasht with fine small iagged leaues like vnto 〈◊〉 or rather resembling hairy tassels or fringe than leaues From the bosomes whereof come forth small and tender branches euery branch bearing one floure like vnto water Crow-foot white of colour with a little yellow in the midst the whole plant resembleth water Crow-foot in all things saue in the broad leaues †4 There is another kinde of water violet very like the former sauing that his leaues are much longer somewhat resembling the leaues of Fennell fashioned like vnto wings and the floures are somewhat smaller yet white with yellownesse in their middles and shaped
stone but also is very good to cause the same to descend more easily and to 〈◊〉 forth The roots and seeds are profitable for the same purpose moreouer the decoction of the roots helpeth the bloudy flix yet not by any binding qualitie but by mitigating the gripings and frettings thereof for they doe not binde at all although 〈◊〉 otherwise thought but they cure the bloudy flix by hauing things added vnto them as the roots of Bistort Tormentill the 〈◊〉 and rindes of Pomegranates and such like The mucilage or slimie iuice of the roots is mixed very effectually with all oils ointments and plaisters that slacken and mitigate paine The roots boiled in wine and the decoction giuen to drinke expell the stone and grauell helpe the bloudy flix sciatica crampes and convulsions The roots of Marsh Mallows the leaues of common Mallowes and the leaues of Violets boiled in water vntill they be verie soft and that little water that is left drained away stamped in a stone morter adding thereto a certaine quantitie of Fenugreeke and Lineseed in pouder the root of the blacke Bryonie and some good quantitie of Barrowes grease stamped altogether to the forme of a pultis and applied very warme mollifie and soften Apostumes and hard swellings swellings in the ioints and sores of the mother it consumeth all cold tumors blastings and windie outgrowings it cureth the rifts of the fundament it comforteth defendeth and preserueth dangerous greene wounds from any manner of accidents that may happen thereto it helpeth digestion in them and bringeth old vlcers to maturation The seeds dried and beaten into pouder and giuen to drinke stoppeth the bloudy flix and laske and all other issues of bloud CHAP. 354. Of the yellow Lillie Althaea Lutea Yellow Mallow ¶ The Description THe yellow Mallow riseth vp with a round stalke something hard or wooddie three or foure cubits high couered with broad leaues something round but sharpe pointed white soft set with very fine haires like to the leaues of gourds hanging vpon long tender footstalks from the bosome of which leaues come forth yellow floures not vnlike to those of the common Mallow in forme the knops or seed vessels are blacke crooked or wrinckled made vp of 〈◊〉 small cods in which is black seed the root is small and dieth when it hath perfected his seed ¶ The Place The seed hereof is brought vnto vs from Spaine and Italy we doe yearely sow it in our gardens the which seldom or neuer doth bring his seed to ripenesse by reason whereof we are to seeke for seeds against the next yeare ¶ The Time It is sowne in the midst of Aprill it brings forth his floures in September ¶ The Names Some thinke this to be Abutilon 〈◊〉 on that agreeth which Auicen writeth that it is like to the Gourd that is to sav in leafe and to be named 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 take it to be that Althaea or Marsh Mallow vnto which Theophrastus in his ninth booke of the Historie of Plants doth attribute Florem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or a yellow floure for the floure of the common Marsh Mallow is not yellow but white yet may Theophrastus his copie which in diuers places is faultie and hath many emptie and vnwritten places be also faultie in this place therefore it is hard to say that this is Theophrastus marsh Mallow especially seeing that Theophrastus seemeth also to attribute vnto the root of Marsh Mallow so much slime as that water may bee thickened therewith which the roots of common Marsh Mallow can very well doe but the root of Abutilon or yellow Mallow not at all it may be called in English yellow Mallow and Auicen his Mallow ¶ The Temperature The temperature of this Mallow is referred vnto the Tree-mallow ¶ The Vertues Auicen saith that Abutilon or yellow Mallow is held to be good for greene wounds and doth presently glew together and perfectly cure the same The seed drunke in wine preuaileth mightily against the stone Bernardus Paludanus of Anchusen reporteth that the Turks do drinke the seed to prouoke sleepe and rest CHAP. 355. Of Venice Mallow or Good-night at Noone 1 Alcea Peregrina Venice Mallow 2 Sabdarifa Thornie Mallow ¶ The Description ‡ 3 Alcea Aegyptia The Aegyptian Codded Mallow Et Moloche Prono sequitur quae vertice solem The seed is contained in thicke rough bladders whereupon Dodonaeus calleth it Alcea Vesicaria within these bladders or seed vessels are contained blacke seed not vnlike to those of Nigella Romana The root is small and tender perisheth when the seed is ripe and must be increased by new and yearely sowing of the seed carefully reserued 2 Thorn Mallow riseth vp with one vpright stalk of two cubits high diuiding it selfe into diuers branches whereupon are placed leaues deeply cut to the middle rib and likewise snipt about the edges like a saw in taste like Sorrel the floures forthe most part thrust forth of the trunke or body of the small stalke compact of fiue small leaues of a yellowish colour the middle part whereof is of a purple tending to rednesse the husk or cod wherein the floure doth stand is set or armed with sharpe thornes the root is small single and most impatient of our cold clymate insomuch that when I had with great industrie nourished vp some plants from the seed and kept them vnto the midst of May notwithstanding one cold night chancing among many hath destroied them all ‡ 3 This also is a stranger cut leaued Mallow which Clusius hath set forth by the name of Alcea Aegyptia and Prosper Alpinus by the title of Bammia the stalke is round straight green some cubit and halfe high vpon which without order grow leaues at the bottome of the stalk like those of Mallow cornered and snipt about the edges but from the middle of the stalke to the top they are cut in with fiue deep gashes like as the leaues of the last described the floures grow forth by the sides of the stalke in forme and colour like those of the last mentioned to wit with fiue yellowish leaues after these follow long thicke fiue cornered hairy and sharpe pointed seed vessels containing a seed like Orobus couered with a little downinesse this growes in Egypt where they eat the fruit thereof as we do Pease and Beanes Alpinus attributes diuers vertues to this plant agreeable to those of the common Marsh-mallow ‡ ¶ The Place The seeds hereof haue been brought out of Spaine and other hot countries The first prospereth well in my garden from yeare to yeare ¶ The Time They are to be sowne in the most fertill ground and sunnie places of the garden in the beginning of May or in the end of Aprill ¶ The Names Their names haue beene sufficiently touched in their seueral descriptions The first may be called in English Venice-mallow Good-night at noone or the Mallow flouring but an houre of Matthiolus it is called Hypecoon or Rue Poppie but vnproperly ¶ The Temperature
foot high diuided into sundry branches whereon grow vmbels of whitish floures the seeds are like but larger than those of the common Parsley and when they are ripe they commonly sow themselues and the old roots die and the young ones beare seed the second yeere after there sowing ‡ ¶ The Place It is sowne in beds in gardens it groweth both in hot and cold places so that the ground be either by nature moist or be oftentimes watered for it prospereth in moist places and is delighted with water and therefore it naturally commeth vp neere to fountaines or springs Fuchsius writeth that it is found growing of it selfe in diuers fenny grounds in Germany ¶ The Time It may be sowne betime but it slowly commeth vp it may oftentimes be cut and cropped it bringeth forth his 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 be ripe in Iuly or August ¶ The 〈◊〉 Euery one of the 〈◊〉 is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but this 〈◊〉 named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say Apium hortense the Apothecaries and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 name it Petroselinum in high 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French du Persil in Spanish 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Salsa in Italian 〈◊〉 in English Persele Parsely common Parsley and garden Parsley Yet is it not the true and right Petroselinum which groweth among rockes and 〈◊〉 whereupon it tooke his name and whereof the best is in Macedonia therefore they are 〈◊〉 who thinke that garden Parsley doth not differ from stone Parsley and that the onely difference is for that Garden Parsley is of lesse force than the wilde for wilde herbes are more strong 〈◊〉 operation than those of the garden ¶ The Temperature Garden Parsley is hot and dry but the seed is more hot and dry which is hot in the second degree and dry almost in the third the root is also of a moderate heate ¶ The Vertues The leaues are pleasant in sauces and broth in which besides that they giue a 〈◊〉 taste they be also singular good to take away stoppings and to prouoke vrine which thing the roots likewise do notably performe if they be boiled in broth they be also delightful to the taste and agreeable to the stomacke The seeds are more profitable for medicine they make thinne open prouoke vrine dissolue the stone breake and waste away winde are good for 〈◊〉 as haue the dropsie draw downe menses bring away the birth and after-birth they be commended also against the cough if they be mixed or boiled with medicines made for that purpose lastly they resist poisons and therefore are mixed with treacles The roots or the seeds of any of them boiled in ale and drunken cast forth strong venome or poison but the seed is the strongest part of the herbe They are also good to be put into clysters against the stone or torments of the guts CHAP. 367 Of water Parsley or Smallage Eleoselinum siue Paludapium Smallage ¶ The Description SMallage hath greene smooth and glittering leaues cut into very many parcels yet greater and broader than those of common Parsley the stalkes be chamfered and diuided into branches on the tops whereof stand little white floures after which doe grow seeds something lesser than those of common Parsley the roote is fastened with many strings ¶ The Place This kinde of Parsley delighteth to grow in moist places and is brought from thence into gardens ‡ It growes wilde abundantly vpon the bankes in the salt marshes of Kent and Essex ‡ ¶ The Time It flourishes when the garden Parsley doth and the stalke likewise commeth vp the next yeere after it is sowne and then also it bringeth forth seeds which are ripe in Iuly and August ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Gaza Paludaplum in shops Apium absolutely without any addition in Latine Palustre Apium and Apium rusticum in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 and of diuers 〈◊〉 in Spanish and Italian Apio in French de 〈◊〉 in English Smallage Marsh Parsley or water Parsley ¶ The Temperature This Parsley is like in temperature and vertues to that of the garden but it is both hotter and drier and of more force in most things this is seldome eaten neither is it 〈◊〉 good for 〈◊〉 but it is very profitable for medicine ¶ The Vertues The juice thereof is good for many things it clenseth openeth attenuateth or maketh thin it remooueth obstructions and prouoketh vrine and therefore those syrrups which haue this mixed with them as that which is called Syrupus 〈◊〉 open the stoppings of the liuer and spleene and are a remedy for long lasting agues whether they be tertians or quartains and all other which proceed both of a cold cause and also of obstructions or stoppings and are very good against the yellow jaundise The same juice doth perfectly cure the malicious and venomous vlcers of the mouth and of the almonds of the throat with the decoction of Barly and Mel Rosarum or hony of Roses added if the parts be washed therewith it likewise helpeth all outward vlcers and foule wounds with hony it is profitable also for cankers exulcerated for although it cannot cure them yet it doth keep them from putrifaction and preserueth them from stinking the seed is good for those things for which that of the Garden Parsley is yet is not the vse thereof so safe for it hurteth those that are troubled with the falling sickenesse as by euident proofes it is very well knowne Smallage as Pliny writeth hath a peculiar vertue against the biting of venomous spiders The juice of Smallage mixed with hony and beane floure doth make an excellent mundificatiue for old vlcers and malignant sores and staieth also the weeping of the cut or hurt sinewes in simple members which are not very fatty or fleshie and bringeth the same to perfect digestion The leaues boiled in hogs grease and made into the forme of a pultis take away the paine of felons and whitlowes in the fingers and ripen and heale them CHAP. 398. Of Mountaine Parsley Oreoselinum Mountaine Parsley ¶ The Description THe stalke of mountaine Parsley as Dioscorides writeth is a span high growing from a slender root vpon which are branches and little heads like those of Hemlock yet much slenderer on which stalkes do grow the seed which is long of a sharpe or biting taste slender and of a strong smell like vnto Cumin but we can not find that this kinde of Mountaine Parsley is knowne in our age the leaues of this we here giue are like those of common parsley but greater and broader consisting of many slender footstalkes fastened vnto them the stalke is short the floures on the spoked tufts be white the seed small the root is white and of a meane length or bignesse in taste somewhat biting and bitterish and of a sweet smell ¶ The Place Dioscorides writeth that mountaine Parsley groweth vpon rockes and mountaines And Dodonaeus affirmeth that this
root hereof as Galen saith containeth in it a deadly qualitie it is also by Nicander numbred among the poysonous herbes in his booke of Treacles by Dioscorides lib. 6. and by Paulus Aegineta and therefore it is vsed only outwardly as for scabs morphewes tetters and to be briefe for all such things as stand in need of clensing moreouer it is mixed with such things as doe dissolue and mollific as Galen saith CHAP. 484. Of Sea Holly ¶ The Kindes DIoscorides maketh mention onely of one sea Holly Pliny lib. 22. cap. 7. seemes to acknowledge two one growing in rough places another by the fea side The Physitians after them haue obserued more ¶ The Description 1 SEa Holly hath broad leaues almost like to Mallow leaues but cornered in the edges and set round about with hard prickles fat of a blewish white and of an aromaticall or spicie taste the stalke is thicke aboue a cubit high now and then somewhat red below it breaketh forth on the tops into prickly or round heads or knops of the bignesse of a Wall-nut held in for the most part with six prickely leaues compassing the top of the stalke round about which leaues as wel as the heads are of a glistring blew the floures forth of the heads are likewise blew with white threds in the midst the root is of the bignesse of a mans finger very long and so long as that it cannot be all plucked vp vnlesse very seldome set here and therewith knots and of taste sweet and pleasant 2 The leaues of the second sea Holly are diuersly cut into sundry parcels being all ful of prickles alongst the edges the stalke is diuided into many branches and bringeth sorth prickly heads but lesser than those of the other from which there also grow forth blew floures seldome yellow there stand likewise vnder euery one of these six rough and prickly leaues like those of the other but thinner and smaller the root hereof is also long blacke without white within a finger thicke of taste and smell like that of the other as be also the leaues which are likewise of an aromaticall or spicie taste which being new sprung vp and as yet tender be also good to be eaten 1 Eryngium marinum Sea Holly 2 Eryngium mediterraneum Leuant sea Holly ¶ The Place Eryngium marinum growes by the sea side vpon the baich and stony ground I found it growing plentifully at Whitstable in Kent at Rie and Winchelsea in Sussex and in Essex at Landamer lading at Harwich and vpon Langtree point on the other side of the water from whence I haue brought plants for my garden Eryngium Campestre groweth vpon the shores of the Mediterranean sea and in my garden likewise ¶ The Time Both of them do floure after the Sommer solstice and in Iuly ¶ The Names This Thistle is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and likewise in Latine Eryngium and of Pliny also Erynge in shops Eringus in English Sea Holly sea Holme or sea Huluer The first is called in Latine Eryngium marinum in low-Dutch euery where Cryus distil Eindeloos Meerwortele in English sea Holly The second is named of Pliny lib. 22. cap. 8. Centum capita or hundred headed Thistle in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 Branchendistell Radendistel in Spanish Cardo corredor in Italian Eringio and Iringo this is syrnamed Campestre or Champion sea Holly that it may differ from the other ¶ The Temperature The roots of them both are hot and that in a mean and a little dry also with a thinnesse of substance as Galen testifieth ¶ The Vertues The roots of sea Holly boyled in wine and drunken are good for them that are troubled with the Collicke it breaketh the stone expelleth grauell and helpeth also the infirmities of the kidnies prouoketh vrine greatly opening the passages being drunke fifteene dayes together The roots themselues haue the same propertie if they be eaten and are good for those that be 〈◊〉 sicke and for such as are bitten with any venomous beast they ease cramps convulsions and the falling sicknesse and bring downe the termes The roots condited or preserued with sugar as hereafter followeth are exceeding good to be giuen vnto old and aged people that are consumed and withered with age and which want naturall moisture they are also good for other sorts of people that haue no delight or appetite to venerie nourishing and restoring the aged 〈◊〉 amending the defects of nature in the younger ¶ The manner to condite Eryngos Refine sugar fit for the purpose and take a pound of it the white of an egge and a pint of cleere water boile them together and scum it then let it boile vntill it be come to good strong syrrup and when it is boiled as it cooleth adde thereto a saucer full of rose-Rose-water a spoone full of Cinnamon water and a graine of Muske which haue been infused together the night before and now strained into which syrrup being more than halfe cold put in your roots to soke and infuse vntill the next day your roots being ordered in manner hereafter following These your roots being washed and picked must be boiled in faire water by the space of foure houres vntill they be soft then must they be pilled cleane as ye pill parsneps and the pith must bee drawne out at the end of the root and if there be any whose pith cannot be drawne out at the end then you must slit them and so take out the pith these you must also keepe from much handling that they may be cleane let them remaine in the syrrup till the next day and then set them on the fire in a faire broad pan vntill they be verie hot but let them not boile at all let them there remaine ouer the fire an houre or more remoouing them easily in the pan from one place to another with a woodden slice This done haue in a readinesse great cap or royall papers whereupon you must straw some Sugar vpon which lay your roots after that you haue taken them out of the pan These papers you must put into a Stoue or hot house to harden but if you haue not such a place lay them before a good fire In this manner if you condite your roots there is not any that can prescribe you a better way And thus may you condite any other root whatsoeuer which will not onely bee exceeding delicate but very wholesome and effectuall against the diseases aboue named A certaine man affirmeth saith Aetius that by the continual vse of Sea Holly he neuer afterward voided any stone when as before he was very often tormented with that disease It is drunke saith Dioscorides with Carrot seed against very many infirmities in the weight of a dramme The iuice of the leaues pressed forth with wine is a remedie for those that are troubled with the running of the reines They report that the herbe Sea Holly if one Goat take it into her mouth it causeth her first to stand still and
simples which do manifestly heat and that men do vse it for food as they do Lupines for it is taken with pickle to keep the body soluble and for this purpose it is more agreeable than Lupines seeing it hath nothing in his owne proper substance that may hinder the working The iuice of boiled Fenegreeke taken with honie is good to purge by the stoole all manner of corrupt humors that remaine in the guts making soluble through his sliminesse and mitigating paine through his 〈◊〉 And because it hath in it a clensing or scouring facultie it raiseth humors out of the chest but there must be added vnto it no great quantitie of honie least the biting qualitie should abound In old diseases of the chest without a feuer fat dates are to be boiled with it but when you haue mixed the same iuice pressed out with a great quantitie of hony and haue againe boiled it on a soft fire to a mean thicknesse then must you vse it long before meat In his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines he saith that Fenegreek is hot in the second degree and dry in the first therefore it doth kindle and make worse hot inflammations but such as are lesse hot and more hard are thereby cured by being wasted and consumed away The meale of Fenegreeke as Dioscorides saith is of force to mollifie and waste away being boiled with mead and applied it taketh away inflammations as well inward as outward The same being tempered or kneaded with niter and vineger doth soften and waste away the hardnesse of the milt It is good for women that haue either imposthume vlcer or stopping of the matrix to bathe and sit in the decoction thereof The iuice of the decoction pressed forth doth clense the haire taketh away dandraffe scoureth running sores of the head called of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being mingled with goose grease and put vp in manner of a pessarie or mother supposititorie it doth open and mollifie all the parts about the mother Greene Fenegreeke bruised and pounded with vineger is a remedie for weak and feeble parts and that are without skin vlcerated and raw The decoction thereof is good against vlcers in the low gut and foule stinking excrements of those that haue the bloudy flix The oile which is pressed out thereof scoureth haires and scars in the priuie parts The decoction of Fenegreeke seed made in wine and drunke with a little vineger expelleth all euill humors in the stomacke and guts The seed boiled in wine with dates and hony vnto the form of a syrrup doth mundifie and clense the breast and easeth the paines thereof The meale of Fenegreek boiled in mead or honied water consumeth and dissolueth all cold hard imposthumes and swellings and being mixed with the roots of Marsh Mallows and Linseed effecteth the same It is very good for women that haue any griefe or swelling in the matrix or other lower parts if they bathe those parts with the decoction thereof made in wine or sit ouer it and sweat It is good to wash the head with the decoction of the seed for it taketh away the scurfe scailes nits and all other such like imperfections CHAP. 501. Of Horned Clauer and blacke Clauer ¶ The Description 1 THe horned Clauer or codded Trefoile groweth vp with many weake and slender stalks lying vpon the ground about which are set white leaues somewhat long lesser aud narrower than any of the other Trefoiles the floures grow at the tops of the fashion of those of Peason of a shining yellow colour after which come certain straight cods bigger than those of Fenegreek but blunter at their ends in which are contained little round seed the root is hard and wooddie and sendeth forth young springs euery yeare 1 Lotus trifolia corniculata Horned or codded Clauer 2 Lotus quadrifolia Foure leafed grasse 2 This kinde of three leafed grasse or rather foure leafed Tre foile hath leaues like vnto the common Trefoile sauing that they bee lesser and of a browne purplish colour knowne by the name of Purple-wort or Purple-grasse whose floures are in shape like the medow Trefoile but of a dustie ouerworn colour tending to whitenesse the which doth oftentimes degenerate sometime into three leaues sometimes in fiue and also into seuen and yet the plant of his nature hathbut foure leaues no more ‡ I do not thinke this to be the purple leaued Trefoile with the white floure which is commonly called Purple-grasse for I could neuer obserue it to haue more leaues than three vpon a stalke ‡ ‡ 3 The root of this is small and white from which arise many weake hairie branches some cubit long wheron grow soft hairy leaues three on one foot-stalke with two little leaues at the root therof out of the bosoms of these vpon like footstalkes grow three lesser leaues as also floures of the bignes and shape of those of a Vetch but of a braue deep crimson veluet colour after these are past come cods set with foure thinne welts or skins which make them seem foure square whence Camerarius called it Lotus pulcherrima tetragonolobus the seed is of an ash colour somewhat lesse than a pease It floures most of the Sommer moneths and is for the prettinesse of the floure preserued in many Gardens by yearely sowing the seede for it is an annuall plant Clusius hath it by the name of Lotus siliquosus rubello flore and hee saith the seeds were diuers times sent out of Italy by the name of Sandalida It is also commonly called in Latine 〈◊〉 quadratum ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth wilde in barren ditch bankes pastures and drie Mountaines ‡ 3 Lotus siliqua qaudrata Square crimson veluet pease The second groweth likewise in pastures and fields but not so common as the other and is planted in gardens ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The second is called Lotus Trifolia in English horned Clauer or codded Trefoile The other is called Lotus quadrifolia or foure leafed Grasse or Purple-wort of Pena and Lobel Quadrifolium phaeum fuscum hortorum ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their faculties in working are referred vnto the medow Trefoiles notwithstanding it is reported that the leaues of Purple-wort stamped and the iuyce giuen to drinke cureth young children of the disease called in English the Purples CHAP. 502. Of Medicke Fodder or snaile Clauer ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Trefoile called Medica hath many small and slender ramping branches crawling and creeping along vpon the ground set full of broad leaues slightly indented about the edges the floures are very small and of a pale yellow colour which turne into round wrinkled knobs like the water Snaile or the fish called Periwinckle wherein is contained flat seed fashioned like a little kidney in colour yellow in taste like a Vetch or pease the 〈◊〉 is small and dieth when the seed is ripe it growes in my garden
they are as yet fresh which they lose when they be dried for this cause their iuice and infusion doth also make the bodie soluble yet not so much as of the others aforesaid These roses being dried and their moisture 〈◊〉 do bind and dry and likewise coole but lesser than when they are fresh ¶ The Vertues They strengthen the heart and helpe the trembling and beating thereof They giue strength to the liuer kidneies and other weake intrails they dry and comfort a weak stomacke that is flashie and moist stay the whites and reds stanch bleedings in any part of the body stay sweatings binde and loose and moisten the body And they are put into all manner of counterpoisons and other like medicines whether they be to be outwardly applied or to be inwardly taken to which they giue an effectuall binding and certaine strengthning qualitie Honie of Roses or Mel Rosarum called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is made of them is most excellent good for wounds vlcers issues and generally for such things as haue need to be clensed and dried The oile doth mitigate all kindes of heat and will not suffer inflammations or hot swellings to rise and being risen it doth at the first asswage them ¶ The Temperature and Vertues of the parts The floures or bloomings of Roses that is to say the yellow haires and tips do in like maner dry and binde and that more effectually than of the leaues of the roses themselues the same temperature the cups and beards be of but seeing none of these haue any sweet smell they are not so profitable nor so familiar or beneficiall to mans nature notwithstanding in fluxes at the sea it shall auaile the Chirurgion greatly to carry store thereof with him which doth there preuaile much more than at the land The same yellow called Anthera staieth not onely those lasks and bloudy fluxes which do happen at the sea but those at the land also and likewise the white flux and red in women if they bee dried beaten to pouder and two scruples thereof giuen in red wine with a little powder of Ginger added thereto and being at the sea for want of red wine you may vse such liquour as you can get in such extremitie The little heads or buttons of the Roses as Pliny writeth do also stanch bleeding and stoppe the laske The nailes or white ends of the leaues of the floures are good for watering eies The iuice infusion or decoction of Roses are to be reckoned among those medicines which are soft gentle loosing opening and purging gently the belly which may be taken at all times and in all places of euery kinde or sex of people both old and yong without danger or perill The syrrup made of the infusion of Roses is a most singular gentle loosing medicine carrying downwards cholericke 〈◊〉 opening the stoppings of the liuer helping greatly the yellow iaundies the trembling of the heart taking away the extreme heat in agues and burning feuers which is thus made Take two pound of Roses the white ends cut away put them to steepe or infuse in six pintes of warme water in an open vessell for the space of twelue houres then straine them out and put thereto the like quantitie of Roses and warme the water again so let it stand the like time do thus foure or fiue times in the end adde vnto that liquor or infusion foure pound of fine sugar in powder then boyle it vnto the forme of a syrrup vpon a gentle fire continually stirring it vntill it be cold then straine it and keepe it for your vse whereof may be taken in white wine or other liquour from one ounce vnto two Syrrup of the iuice of Roses is very profitable for the grieses aforesaid made in this manner Take Roses the white nailes cut away what quantitie you please stampe them and straine our the iuice the which you shall put to the fire adding thereto sugar according to the quantity of the iuice boiling them on a gentle fire vnto a good consistence Vnto these syrrups you may adde a few drops of oyle of Vitriol which giueth it a most beautifull colour and also helpeth the force in cooling hot and burning feuers and agues you likewise may adde thereto a small quantitie of the iuice of Limons which doth the like The conserue of Roses as well that which is crude and raw as that which is made by ebullition or boiling taken in the morning fasting and last at night strengthneth the heart and taketh away the shaking and trembling thereof strengthneth the liuer kidneies and other weake intrails comforteth a weake stomacke that is moist and raw staieth the whites and reds in women and in a word is the most familiar thing to be vsed for the purposes aforesaid and is thus made Take the leaues of Roses the nails cut off one pound put them into a clean pan then put thereto a pinte and a halfe of scalding water stirring them together with a woodden slice so let them stand to macerate close couered some two or three houres 〈◊〉 set them to the fire slowly to boyle adding thereto three pounds of sugar in powder letting them to simper together according to discretion some houre or more then keepe it for your vse The same made another way but better by many degrees take Roses at your pleasure put them to boyle in faire water hauing regard to the quantity for if you haue many roses you may take the more water if fewer the lesse water will serue the which you shall boyle at the least three or foure houres euen as you would boyle a piece of meat vntill in the eating they be very tender at which time the roses will lose their colour that you would thinke your labour lost and the thing spoyled But proceed for though the Roses haue lost their colour the water hath gotten the tincture thereof then shall you adde vnto one pound of Roses foure pound of fine sugar in pure powder and so according to the rest of the roses Thus shall you let them boyle gently after the Sugar is put therto continually stirring it with a woodden Spatula vntill it be cold whereof one pound weight is worth six pound of the crude or raw conserue as well for the vertues and goodnesse in taste as also for the beautifull colour The making of the crude or raw conserue is very well knowne as also Sugar roset and diuers other pretty things made of roses and sugar which are impertent vnto our historie because I intend neither to make thereof an Apothecaries shop nor a Sugar bakers storehouse leauing the rest for our cunning confectioners CHAP. 2. Of the Muske Roses ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Roses planted in gardens besides those written of in the former chapter which are of most writers reckoned among the wilde roses notwithstanding we thinke it conuenient to put them into a chapter betweene those of the garden and
Temperature Ladanum saith Galen is hot in the later end of the first degree hauing also a little astrictiueor binding qualitie it is likewise of a thin substance and therefore it softeneth and withall doth moderately digest and also concoct ¶ The Vertues Ladanum hath a peculiar property against the infirmities of the mother it keepeth haires from falling for it wasteth away any setled or putrified humour that is at their roots Dioscorides saith that Ladanum doth bind heat souple open being tempered with wine Myrrhe and oile of Myrtles it keepeth haires from falling being annointed therewith or laied on mixed with wine it maketh the markes or scars of wounds faire and well coloured It taketh away the paine in the eares if it be powred or dropped therein mixed with honied water or with oile of Roses A fume made thereof draweth forth the afterbirth and taketh away the hardnesse of the matrix It is with good successe mixed with mollifying plaisters that mitigate paine Being drunke with wine it stoppeth the laske and prouoketh vrine There is made hereof diuers sorts of Pomanders chaines and bracelets with other sweets mixed therewith CHAP. 8. Of Rosemarie ‡ The Description 1 ROsemarie is a wooddie 〈◊〉 growing oftentimes to the height of three or foure cubits especially when it is set by a wall it consisteth of slender brittle branches wheron do grow verie many long leaues narrow somewhat hard of a quicke spicy taste whitish vnderneath and of a full greene colour aboue or in the vpper side with a pleasant sweet strong smell among which come forth little floures of a whitish blew colour the seed is blackish the roots are tough and woody 1 Rosmarinum Coronarium Garden Rosemarie 2 Rosmarinum syluestre Wilde Rosemarie 2 The wilde Rosemarie Clusius hath referred vnto the kindes of Cistus Ledon we haue as a poore kinsman thereof inserted it in the next place in kinred or neighbourhood at the least This wilde Rosemarie is a small wooddie shrub growing seldome aboue a foot high hauing hard branches of a reddish colour diuiding themselues into other smaller branches of a whitish color wheron are placed without order diuers long leaues greene aboue and hoarie vnderneath not vnlike to those of the dwarfe Willow or the common Rosemarie of a drie and astringent taste of little smel or none at all the floures stand on the tops of the branches set vpon bare or naked footstalks consisting of fiue small leaues of a reddish colour somewhat shining after which appeare little knaps full of small seed the root is tough and wooddie 3 Casia Poetica Lobelij The Poets Rosemarie or Gardrobe ¶ The Place Rosemarie groweth in France Spaine and in other hot countries in woods and in vntilled places there is such plentie thereof in Languedocke that the inhabitants burne scarce any other fuell they make hedges of it in the gardens of Italy and England being a great ornament vnto the same it groweth neither in the fields nor gardens of the Easterne cold countries but is carefully and curiously kept in pots set into the stoues and sellers against the iniuries of their cold Winters Wilde Rosemarie groweth in Lancashire in diuers places especially in a field called Little Reed amongst the Hurtleberries neere vnto a small village called Maudsley there found by a learned Gentleman often remembred in our historie and that worthily Mr. Thomas Heskcth ¶ The Time Rosemarie floureth twice a yeare in the Spring and after in August The wilde Rosemarie floureth in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Rosemarie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Rosmarinus Coronaria it is surnamed Coronaria for difference sake betweene it and the other Libanotides which are reckoned for kindes of Rosemarie and also because women haue been accustomed to make crownes and garlands thereof in Italian Rosmarino coronario in Spanish Romero in French and Dutch Rosmarin Wilde Rosemarie is called Rosmarinus syluestris of Cordus 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature Rosemarie is hot and drie in the second degree and also of an a stringent or binding quality as being compounded of diuers parts and taking more of the mixture of the earthy substance ¶ The Vertues Rosemarie is giuen against all fluxes of bloud it is also good especially the floures thereof for all infirmities of the head and braine proceeding of a cold and moist cause for they dry the brain quicken the sences and memorie and strengthen the sinewie parts 〈◊〉 witnesseth that Rosemarie is a remedie against the stuffing of the head that commeth through coldnesse of the braine if a garland thereof be put about the head whereof 〈◊〉 Mesuai giueth testimonie Dioscorides teacheth that it cureth him that hath the yellow iaundice if it be boiled in water and drunk before exercise that after the taking therof the patient must bathe himselfe drink wine The distilled water of the floures of Rosemarie being drunke at morning and euening first and last taketh away the stench of the mouth and breath and maketh it very sweet if there be added thereto to sleep or insuse for certaine daies a few Cloues Mace Cinnamon and a little Annise seed The Arabians and other Physitions succeeding do write that Rosemarie comforteth the brain the memorie the inward senses and restoreth speech vnto them that are possessed with the dumbe palsie especially the conserue made of the floures and sugar or any other way confected with sugar being taken euery day fasting The Arabians as Serapio witnesseth giue these properties to Rosemarie it heateth say they is of subtill parts is good for the cold rheume which salleth from the braine driueth away windines prouoketh vrine and openeth the stoppings of the liuer and milt Tragus writeth that Rosemarie is spice in the Germane Kitchins and other cold countries Further he saith that the wine boiled with Rosemarie and taken of women troubled with the mother or the whites helpeth them the rather if they fast three or foure houres after The floures made vp into plates with sugar after the manner of Sugar Roset and eaten comfort the heart and make it merry quicken the spirits and make them more liuely The oile of Rosemaire chimically drawne comforteth the cold weake and feeble braine in most wonderfull maner The people of Thuringia do vse the wilde Rosemarie to prouoke the desired sicknesse Those of Marchia vse to put it into their drinke the sooner to make their clients drunke and also do put it into chests and presses among clothes to preserue them from morhes or other vermine CHAP. 9. Of Vpright Wood-binde 1 Periclymenum rectum Sabaudicum Sauoy Honisuckles 2 Periclymenum rectum Germanicum Germane Honisuckles ¶ The Description 1 THis strange kinde of Hony-suckle found in the woods of Sauoy represents vnto vs that shrub or hedge-bush called Cornus foemina the Dog-berry tree or Pricke-timber tree hauing leaues and branches like the common Wood-binde sauing that this doth not clamber or clymbe as the others do but contrariwise groweth vpright without leaning to
of the signe Gemini and that generally in one night ¶ The Names The Gall tree is called Quercus Robur and Gallae arbor the Gall is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Apothecaries and Italians keepe the name Galla for the fruit in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in Spanish 〈◊〉 Galha and Bugalha in French Noix de Galle in English Gaules and Galls ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Gall called Omphacitis as Galen writeth is dry in the third degree and cold in the second it is a very harsh medicine it fastneth and draweth together faint and slacke parts as the ouergrowings in the flesh it repelleth and keepeth backe rheumes and such like fluxes and doth effectually dry vp the same especially when they haue a descent into the gums almonds of the throat and other places of the mouth The other Gall doth dry and also binde but so much lesser by how much the harsh or choking qualitie is diminished being boyled beaten and also applied in manner of a plaister is laid with good successe vpon the inflammations of the fundament and falling downe thereof it is boiled in water if there be need of a little astriction and in wine especially in austere wine if more need require Galls are very profitable against the Dysenterie and the Coeliacke passion being drunk in wine or the pouder thereof strewed vpon meats Galls are vsed in dying and colouring of sundry things and in making of inke Last of all burnt Galls doe receiue a further facultie namely to stanch bloud and are of thin parts and of a greater vertue to dry than be those that are not burnt they must be layd vpon hot burning coles vntill they come to be thorow white and then they are to be quenched in Vineger and wine Moreouer Galls are good for those that are troubled with the bloudy flix and common laskes being taken in wine or water and also applied or vsed in meats finally these are to be vsed as oft as need requireth to dry and binde Oke Apples are much of the nature of Galls yet are they far inferiour to them and of lesser force CHAP. 38. Of Misseltoe or Misteltoe 1 〈◊〉 Misseltoe ¶ The Description 1 VIscum or Misseltoe hath many 〈◊〉 branches spred 〈◊〉 one another and wrapped and interlaced 〈◊〉 within another the bark 〈◊〉 is of a light green or Popinjay colour the leaues of this 〈◊〉 excrescence be of a browne greene colour the floures be smal and yellow which being past there appeare small clusters of white translucent berries which are so cleare that a man may see through them and are full of clammy or viscous moisture whereof the best Bird-lime is made far exceeding that which is made of Holme or Holly barke and within this berry is a small blacke 〈◊〉 or seed this excresence hath not any root neither doth encrease himselfe of his seed as some haue supposed but it rather commeth of a certaine moisture and substance gathered together vpon the boughes and ioints of the trees through the barke whereof this vaporous moisture proceeding bringeth forth the Misseltoe Many haue diuersly spoken hereof some of the Learned haue set downe that it comes of the dung of the bird called a Thrush who hauing sed of the seeds thereof as eating his owne bane hath voided and left his dung vpon the tree whereof was ingendred this berry a most sit matter to make lime of to intrap and catch birds withall 2 Indian Misseltoe groweth likewise vpon the branches of trees running alongst the same in manner of Polypodie the strings of the roots are like those of Couch-grasse from which rise vp diuers stalks smooth and euen set with ioints and knees at certain distances toward the top comes forth one leafe ribbed like the Plantain lease whereon are marked certaine round eyes such as are in the haft of a knife from the bosome whereof commeth forth a chaffie branch set with small leaues which continue greene winter and Sommer 2 Viscum Indicum Lobelij Indian Misseltoe 3 Viscum Peruvianum Lobelij Misseltoe of Peru. 3 There is found also another plant growing vpon the boughes or branches of trees in maner as our Misseltoe doth and may very well be reckoned as a kinde thereof the plant cleaueth vnto the branches being set thereto as it were with the pillings of the sea onion of the bredth of a mans hand toward the bottome and somewhat hollow the tops whereof are very small and rushy hollow likewise and of a purple colour among which comes forth a branch like that of Haslula Regia or the Kings Speare resembling the bush of Otes couered with a white silke such as is to be found in Asclepias of a salt and nitrous taste and very vnpleasant ¶ The Place The first kinde of Misseltoe groweth vpon Okes and diuers other trees almost euery where as for the other two they are strangers in England ¶ The Time 〈◊〉 is alwaies greene as well in Winter as in Sommer the berries are ripe in Autumne they remaine all Winter thorow and are a food for diuers birds as Thrushes Blacke-birds and Ring-doues ¶ The Names Misseltoe is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Viscum in high-Dutch Mistell in Low-Dutch Marentacken in Italian Vischio in Spanish Liga in the Portugal language Visgo in English Missel and Misseltoe The glue which is made of the berries of Missel is likewise called Viscum and Ixia in English Bird-lime Ixia is also called 〈◊〉 albus by reason of the glue which is oftentimes found about the root thereof This word is also ascribed to Chamaeleon niger as we reade among the bastard names Ixia is likewise reckoned vp by Dioscorides lib. 6. and by Paulus Aegineta lib. 5. among the poysons but what this poysonsome and venomous Ixia is it is hard and doubtfull to declare many would haue it to be Chamaeleon niger others the glue or clammy substance which is made of the berries of Missel-toe who do truly thinke that Ixia differeth from Chamaeleon niger for Paulus Aegineta lib. 5. cap. 30. in reckoning vp of simple poysons hath first made mention of Chamaeleon niger then a little after of Ixia and whilest he doth particularly discourse of euery one he intreateth of Chamaeleon niger cap. 32. and of Ixia which hee also nameth Vlophonon cap. 47. and telleth of the dangerous and far differing accidents of them both And Dioscorides himselfe lib. 6. where he setteth downe his iudgement of simple poysons intreateth first of Chamaeleon niger and then a little after of Ixia These things declare that 〈◊〉 niger doth differ from Ixia which is reckoned among the poysons Moreouer it can no where be read that 〈◊〉 niger beareth Birdlime or hath so glutinous and clammy a substance as that it ought to be called Ixia therfore Ixia as it is one of the poysons is the glue that is made of the berries of Misseltoe which because it is sharpe
the name of VVitch Hasell as 8. El. 10. This hath little affiaitie with 〈◊〉 which in Essex is called VVitch Hasell Vlmus folio glabro VVitch Elme or smooth leauen Elme 4 This kinde is in bignesse and height like the first the boughes grow as those of the VVitch Hasell doe that is hanged more downewards than those of the common Elme the barke is blacker than that of the first kinde it will also peele from the boughes the floures are like the first and so are the seeds the leaues in forme are like those of the first kinde but are smooth in handling on both sides My worthy friend and excellent Herbarist of happy memorie Mr. William Coys of Stubbers in the parish of Northokington in Essex told me that the wood of this kinde was more desired for naues of Carts than the wood of the first I obserued it growing very plentifully as I rode between Rumford and the said Stubbers in the yeere 1620. intermixed with the first kinde but easily to be discerned apart and is in those parts vsually called VVitch Elme ‡ ¶ The Place The first kinde of Elme groweth plentifully in all places of England The rest are set forth in their descriptions ¶ The Time The seeds of the Elme sheweth it selfe first and before the leaues it falleth in the end of Aprill at what time the leaues begin to spring ¶ The Names The first is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Vlmus in high Dutch 〈◊〉 holtz 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low Dutch Oimen in French Orme and Omeau in Italian Olmo in Spanish Vlmo in English Elme tree The seed is named by Plinie and Columella Samera The little wormes which are found with the liquor within the small bladders be named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Culices and Muliones The other Elme is called by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which Gaza translateth Montiulmus or mountaine Elme Columella nameth it Vernacula or Nostras Vlmus that is to say Italica or Italian Elme it is called in low Dutch Herseleer and in some places Heerenteer ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The leaues and barke of the Elme be moderately hot with an euident clensing facultie they haue in the chewing a certaine clammie and glewing qualitie The leaues of Elme glew and heale vp greene wounds so doth the barke wrapped and swadled about the wound like a band The leaues being stamped with vineger do take away scurffe Dioscorides writeth that one ounce weight of the thicker barke drunke with wine or water purgeth flegme The decoction of Elme leaues as also of the barke or root healeth broken bones very speedily if they be fomented or bathed therewith The liquor that is found in the blisters doth beautifie the face and scoureth away all spots freckles pimples spreading tetters and such like being applied thereto It healeth greene wounds and cureth ruptures newly made being laid on with Spleenwoort and the trusse closely set vnto it CHAP. 117. Of the Line or Linden Tree ¶ The Description 1 THe female Line or Linden tree waxeth very great and thicke spreading forth his branches wide and farre abroad being a tree which yeeldeth a most pleasant shadow vnder and within whose boughes may be made braue sommer houses and banqueting arbors because the more that it is surcharged with weight of timber and such like the better it doth flourish The barke is brownish very smooth and plaine on the outside but that which is next to the timber is white moist and tough seruing very well for ropes trases and halters The timber is whitish plaine and without knots yea very soft and gentle in the cutting or handling Better gunpouder is made of the coles of this wood than of VVillow coles The leaues are greene smooth shining and large somewhat snipt or toothed about the edges the floures are little whitish of a good sauour and very many in number growing clustering together from out of the middle of the leafe out of which proceedeth a small whitish long narrow leafe after the floures succeed cornered sharpe pointed Nuts of the bignesse of Hasell Nuts This tree seemeth to be a kinde of Elme and the people of Essex about Heningham wheras great plenty groweth by the way sides do call it broad leafed Elme 1 Tilia faemina The female Line tree 2 Tilia mas The male Line tree 2 The male Tilia or Line tree groweth also very great and thicke spreading it selfe far abroad like the other Linden tree his bark is very tough and pliant and serueth to make cords and halters of The timber of this tree is much harder more knottie and more yellow than the timber of the other not much differing from the timber of the Elme tree the leaues hereof are not much vnlike luy leaues not very greene somewhat snipt about the edges from the middle whereof come forth clusters of little white floures like the former which being vaded there succeed small round pellets growing clustering together like Iuy berries within which is contained a little round blackish seed which falleth out when the berry is ripe ¶ The Place The female Linden tree groweth in some woods in Northampton shire also neere Colchester and in many places alongst the high way leading from London to Henningham in the countie of Essex The male Linden tree groweth in my Lord Treasurers garden at the Strand and in sundry other places as at Barn-elmes and in a garden at Saint Katherines neere London ‡ The female growes in the places here named but I haue not yet obserued the male ‡ ¶ The Time These trees floure in May and their fruit is ripe in August ¶ The Names The Linden tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Tilia in high Dutch Linden and Lindenbaum in low Dutch Linde and Lindenboom the Italians Tilia the Spaniards Teia in French Tilet and Tilieul in English Linden tree and Line tree ¶ The Temperature The barke and leaues of the Linden or Line tree are of a temperate heat somewhat drying and astringent ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Tilia boiled in Smithes water with a piece of Allom and a little honey cure the sores in childrens mouthes The leaues boiled vntill they be tender and pouned very small with hogs grease and the pouder of Fenugrecke and Lineseed take away hot swellings and bring impostumes to maturation being applied thereto very hot The floures are commended by diuers against paine of the head proceeding of a cold cause against dissinesse the Apoplexie and also the falling sicknesse and not onely the floures but the distilled water thereof The leaues of the Linden saith Theophrastus are very sweet and be a fodder for most kinde of cattle the fruit can be eaten of none CHAP. 118. Of the Maple tree ‡ 1 Acer maius The great Maple †2 Acer minus The lesser Maple ¶ The Description THe great Maple is a beautifull and high tree with a barke of a meane smoothnesse
many other places Small Hard-grasse groweth in moist fresh marishes and such like places Rush-grasse groweth in salt marishes neere vnto the sea where the marishes haue beene ouerflowne with salt water ‡ It also groweth in many wet woods lanes and such places as in the lane going by Totenham Court towards Hampstead The lesser varietie hereof growes on the bogges vpon Hampstead heath ‡ ¶ The Time These kindes of Grasses do grow floure and flourish when the common Medow grasse doth ¶ The Names It sufficeth what hath beene said of the names in the description as well in English as Latine onely that some haue deemed White Dwarfe-grasse to be called Xerampelinum Rush-grasse hath been taken for Holosteum Matthioli ‡ ¶ The Names in particular 1 This I here giue you in the first place is the Gramenminimum Xerampelinum of Lobel it is the Gramen of Matthiolus and Gramen bulbosum of Daleschampius Our Author did not vnderstand what Xerampelinus signified when as he said the white Dwarfe-grasse was so termed for the word imports red or murrey such a colour as the withered leaues of Vines are of 2. Tabern calls this Gramen panniculatum minus 3. Lobel calls this Exile Gramen durius 4. This by Matthiolus was called Holostium by Thalius Gramen epigonatocaulon by Tabernamontanus Gra. 〈◊〉 that is Toad-grasse ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues These kindes of Grasses doe agree as it is thought with the common 〈◊〉 grasse in nature and vertues notwithstanding they haue not beene vsed in physicke as yet that I can reade of †The first figure was onely a varietie of the second according to 〈◊〉 yet in my iudgement it was the same with the third which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 CHAP. 3. Of Corne-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 COrne-grasse hath many grassie leaues resembling those of Rie or rather Otes amongst the which commeth vp slender benty stalkes kneed or ioynted like those of corne whereupon groweth a faire tuft or pannicle not much vnlike to the feather-like tuft of common Reed but rounder compact together like vnto Millet The root is threddy like those of Otes 1 Gramen segetale Corne-grasse 2 Gramen 〈◊〉 Reed-grasse or Bent. 2 Reed-grasse hath many thin grassie leaues like the former the bushy top with his long feather-like pannicles doresemble the common Reed which is lightly shaken with the winde branched vpon a long slender reeden stalke kneed or ioynted like corne The root is small and fibrous ¶ The Place and Time These kindes of Grasses grow for the most part neere hedges in fallow fields in most places Their time of springing flouring and fading may be referred to the common Medow-grasse The Names †The first is called in English Corne-grasse Lobelius calls this Segetum gramen pannicula speciosa latiore others termeit Gramen segetale for that it vsually groweth among corne the which I haue not as yet seene The second is called in English Reed-grasse of Lobelius in Latine Gramen agrorum latiore arundinacea comosa pannicula for that his tuft or pannicles do resemble the Reed and Spicaventi agrorum by reason of his feather-top which is easily shaken with the wind ‡ Some in English much agreeable to the Latine name call these Windle-strawes Now I take this last to be the Grasse with which we in London do vsually adorne our chimneys in Sommer time and we commonly call the bundle of it handsomely made vp for our vse by the name of Bents ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These Grasses are thought to agree with common Grasse as well in temperature as vertues although not vsed in physicke CHAP. 4. Of Millet Grasse 1 Gramen Miliaceum Millet Grasse 2 Gramen majus aquaticum Great Water-grasse ¶ The Description 1 MIllet Grasse is but a slender Grasse bearing a tuft or eare like vnto the common Medow-grasse but consisting of small seeds or chaffie heads like to Milium or 〈◊〉 whereof it tooke the name The stalke or leaues do resemble the Bent wherewith countrey people do trimme their houses 2 The great Water-grasse in root leafe tuft and reeden stalke doth very well resemble the Grasse called in Latine Gramen sulcatum or Pictum and by our English women Lady-laces because it is stript or furrowed with white and greene streakes like silke laces but yet differs from that that this Water grasse doth get vnto it selfe some new roots from the middle of the stalks and ioynts which the other doth not ‡ This is a large Grasse hauing stalkes almost as thicke as ones little finger with the leaues answerable vnto them and a little rougish the tuft is somewhat like a reed but lesse and whitish coloured ‡ ¶ The Place 〈◊〉 Nature and Vertues The former growes in medowes and about hedges and the later is to be found in most fenny and watery places and haue their vertues and natures common with the other Grasses for any thing that wee can finde in writing The reason of their names may be gathered out of the description CHAP. 5. Of Darnell Grasse ¶ The Description 1 DArnell Grasse or Gramen Sorghinum as Lobel hath very properly termed it hath a brownish stalke thicke and knotty set with long sharpe leaues like vnto the common Dogs Grasse at the top whereof groweth a tuft or eare of a grayish colour somwhat like 〈◊〉 whereof it tooke his name 1 Gramen Sorghinum Darnell Grasse †2 Gramen harundinaceum panniculatum Wilde Reed ‡ 3 Gramen arundinaceum minus The lesser Reed-Grasse ‡ 3 This in root stalkes and leaues is like to the last described but that they are lesser the top or head is a long single spike or eare not seuered or parted into many eares like 〈◊〉 top of the precedent and by 〈◊〉 and the magnitude it may chiefely be distinguished from it This was in the twelfth place in the sixteenth chapter vnder the title of Gramen harundinaceum minus and the Calamogrostis but now described was also there againe in the eleuenth place ‡ ¶ The Place The first growes in fields and orchards almost euery where the other grow in fenny waterish places ¶ The Names 2 This in Lincolneshire is called Sheere-grasse or Henne in other parts of England wild Reed in Latine Calamogrostis out of the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As for their natures and vertues we doe not finde any great vse of them worth the setting downe CHAP. 6. Of Feather-top Ferne and Wood-grasse ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THis might fitly haue beene put to those mentioned in the foregoing chapter but that our Author determined it for this as may appeare by the mention made of it in the names as also by the description hereof framed from the figure we here giue you ‡ This Grasse is garnished with chaffie and downie tufts set vpon a long benty stalke of two cubits high or somewhat more naked without any blades or leaues for the most part His root is tough and hard ‡ The top is commonly of a
red or murrey colour and the leaues soft and downy ‡ ‡ 2 This whose figure was formerly by our Author giuen for the last described though verie much different from it is a very pretty and elegant 〈◊〉 it in roots and leaues is not vnlike to the vsuall medow Grasse the stalke riseth to the height of a foot and at the top thereof it beareth a beautifull pannicle whence the French and Spanish Nations call it Amourettes that is the Louely Grasse This head consists of many little eares shaped much like those of the ordinarie Quaking Grasse longer and flatter being composed of more scales so that each of them somewhat resembles the leafe of a small Ferne whence I haue called it Ferne-Grasse These tops when they are ripe are white and are gathered where they grow naturally to beautifie garlands ‡ ‡ 1 Gramen tomentosum arundinaceum Feather-top or Woolly Reed-grasse 2 Gramen panniculatum elegasis Ferne-grasse 3 〈◊〉 syluaticum majus The greater Wood-grasse ‡ 4 This in leaues stalks roots manner and place of growing is like the last described the onely difference betweene them is That this hath much lesse yet sharper or rougher eares or tufts The figure and description of this was formerly giuen by our Author in the sixteenth chapter and ninth place vnder the title of Gramen syluaticum minus But because the difference between the last described and this is so small we haue spared the figure to make roome for others more 〈◊〉 and note-worthy ¶ The Time and Place 1 This kinde of Grasse growes in fettil fields and pastures 2 The second growes in diuers places of Spaine and France The other two grow in Woods ¶ The Names 1 Lobelius in Latine calls this Gramen tomentosum Acerosum Some haue taken it for the second kinde of 〈◊〉 but most commonly it is called Gramen plumosum and in English a Bent or Feather-top Grasse 2 Gramen panniculatum is called by some Heragrostis in Greeke Lobel calls this Gramen panniculosum phalaroides And it is named in the Hist. Lugd. Gramen filiceum seu polyanthos that is Ferne or many-floured Grasse ‡ 3 Gramen syluaticum or as it pleaseth others Gramen nemorosum is called in our tongue wood Grasse or shadow Grasse CHAP. 7. Of great Fox-taile Grasse ¶ The Description 1 THe great Fox-taile Grasse hath many threddy roots like the common Medow grasse and the stalke riseth immediatly from the root in fashion like vnto Barley with two or three leaues or blades like Otes but is nothing rough in handling but foft and downie and somewhat hoarie bearing one eare or tuft on the top and neuer more fashioned like a Fox-taile whereof it tooke his name At the approch of Winter it dieth and recouereth it selfe the next yeare by falling of his seed 1 Gramen Alopecuroides majus Great Fox-taile Grasse †2 Gramen Alopecuroides minus Small Fox-taile Grasse 2 The lesser Fox-taile Grasse hath a tuffe and hard root compact of many small strings yeelding a strawie stalke like the former though somwhat lesser with the like top or crest but of a whitish colour 3 Great bastard Fox-taile Grasse hath a strawie stalke or stemme which riseth to the height of a cubit and an halfe hauing a small root consisting of many fibres His leafe is small and grassie and hath on his top one tuft or spike or eare of a hard chaffie substance some three inches long composed of longish seeds each hauing a little beard or awne 4 Small bastard Fox-taile Grasse doth resemble the former sauing that this kinde doth not send forth such large stalkes and eares as the other but smaller and not so close packed together neither hauing so long beards or awnes †3 Gramen Alopecurinum majus Great bastard Fox-taile Grasse 4 Gramen Alopecurinum 〈◊〉 Small bastard Fox-taile Grasse ¶ The Place and Time These wilde bastard Fox-taile Grasses doe grow in the moist furrowes of fertile fields towards the later end of Sommer ¶ The Names ‡ The first by Lobel and Tabern is called Gramen phalaroides The other Lobel calleth 2 Gramen Alopecuroides 3. minus 4. minus alterum CHAP. 8. Of Great Cats-taile Grasse ¶ The Description 1 GReat Cats-taile Grasse hath very small roots compact of many small skins or threds which may easily be taken from the whole root The stalke riseth vp in the middest and is somewhat like vnto wilde Barley kneed and ioynted like corne of a foot high or thereabout bearing at the top a handsome round close compact eare resembling the Cats-taile 2 The small Cats-taile grasse is like vnto the other differing chiefely in that it is lesser than it The root is thicke and cloued like those of Rush Onions or Ciues with many small strings or hairie threads annexed vnto it Gramen Typhinum minus Small Cats-taile Grasse ¶ The Place and Time These kindes of Grasses do grow very well neere waterie places as Gramen Cyperoides doth and flourish at the same time that all the others doe ‡ The latter may be found by the bridge entring into Chelsey field as one goeth from Saint Iames to little Chelsey ‡ ¶ The Names The Latines borrow these names of the Greekes and call it Gramen Typhinum of Typha a Cats taile and it may in English as wel be called round Bent-grasse as Cats-taile Grasse ‡ The last described is by 〈◊〉 who first gaue the figure and description thereof in his Prodomus pag. 10. called Gramen Typhoides maximum spica longissima that is The largest Foxe-taile Grasse with a very long eare ‡ CHAP. 9. Of Cyperus Grasse 1 Gramen Cyperoides Cyperus Grasse 2 Gramen Iunceum aquaticum Rushy Water-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 CYperus Grasse hath roots somewhat like Cyperus whereof it tooke his name his leaues are long and large like vnto the common reed the stalke doth grow to the height of a cubit in some places vpon which groweth little scaly knobs or eares spike fashion somewhat like vnto Cats-taile or Reed-mace very chaffie rough and rugged 2 Rushy Water-grasse hath his roots like the former with many fibres or strings hanging at them and creepeth along vpon the vppermost face of the earth or rather mud wherein it groweth bearing at each ioynt one slender benty stalke set with a few small grassie blades or leaues bringing forth at the top in little hoods small feather-like tufts or eares ¶ The Place Time and Names They grow as I haue insinuated in myrie and muddy grounds in the same season that others do And concerning their names there hath been said enough in their titles CHAP. 10. Of Water-Grasse 1 Gramen aquaticum Water-grasse 2 Gramen aquaticum spicatum Spiked Water-grasse ¶ The Description †1 WAter-grasse or as we terme it Water Burre-grasse hath a few long narrow slender and ioynted leaues among which riseth vp a stalke of two foot high bearing vpon his small and tender branches certaine little rough knobs or brownish sharpe pointed seeds made vp
grow in or by their Descriptions and are of no vertue nor propertie in medicine or any other necessarie vse as yet knowne CHAP. 17. Of Couch-Grasse or Dogs-grasse 1 Gramen Caninum Couch-grasse or Dogs-grasse 2 Gramen Caninum nodosum Knotty Dogs-grasse ¶ The Description †1 THe common or best knowne Dogs-grasse or Couch-grasse hath long leaues of a whitish greene colour the stalke is a cubit and a halfe high with ioynts or knees like wheaten straw but these ioynts are couered with a little short down or woollinesse The plume or tuft is like the reed but smaller and more chaffie and of a grayish colour it creepeth in the ground hither and thither with long white roots ioynted at certaine distances hauing a pleasant sweet taste and are platted or wrapped one within another very intricately insomuch as where it hapneth in gardens amongst pot-herbes great labour must be taken before it can be destroyed each piece being apt to grow and euery way to dilate it selfe †2 Knotty Dogs grasse is like vnto the former in stalke and leafe but that they are of a deeper colour also the spike or eare is greener and about some two handfulls long much in shape resembling an Oate yet far smaller and is much more dispersed than the figure 〈◊〉 to you The roots of this are somewhat knotty and tuberous but that is chiefely about the Spring of the yeare for afterwards they become lesse and lesse vntill the end of Summer And these bulbes do grow confusedly together not retaining auy certaine shape or number ¶ The Place 1 The first growes in gardens and arable lands as an infirmitie or plague of the fields nothing pleasing to Husbandmen for after that the field is plowed they are constrained to gather the roots together with harrowes and rakes and being so gathered and laid vpon heapes they set them on fire lest they should grow againe 2 The second growes in plowed fields and such like places but not euery where as the other I haue found of these in great plenty both growing and plucked vp with harrowes as before is rehearsed in the fields next to S. 〈◊〉 wall as ye go to Chelsey and in the fields as ye go from the Tower-hill of London to Radcliffe ¶ The Time These Grasses seldome come to shew their eare before Iuly ¶ The Names It is called Gramen Caninum or Sanguinale and Vniola The Countreymen of Brabant name it 〈◊〉 others Ledt grasse of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines by the common name Gramen It is of some named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Couch-grasse Quitch-Grasse and Dogs-grasse Gramen Caninum bulbosum or nodosum is called in English Knobby or Knotty Couch-grasse ¶ The Nature The nature of Couch-grasse especially the roots agreeth with the nature of common Grasse although that Couch-grasse be an vnwelcome guest to fields and gardens yet his physicke vertues do recompence those hurts for it openeth the stoppings of the liuer and reines without any manifest heate The learned Physitions of the Colledge and Societie of London do hold this bulbous Couch grasse in temperature agreeing with the common Couch-grasse but in vertues more effectuall ¶ The Vertues Couch-grasse healeth greene wounds The decoction of the root is good for the kidneys and bladder it prouoketh vrine gently and driueth forth grauell 〈◊〉 and Galen do agree that the root stamped and laid vpon greene wounds doth heale them speedily The decoction thereof serueth against griping paines of the belly and difficultie of making water Marcellus an old Author maketh mention in his 26 chapter That seuen and twenty knots of the herbe which is called Gramen or Grasse boiled in wine till halfe be consumed pressed forth strained and giuen to drinke to him that is troubled with the strangurie hath so great vertue that after the Patient hath once begun to make water without paine it may not be giuen any more But it must be giuen with water onely to such as haue a Feuer By which words it appeareth That this knotted Grasse was taken for that which is properly called Gramen or Agrostis and hath bin also commended against the stone and diseases of the bladder The later Physitions doe vse the roots sometimes of this and sometimes of the other indifferently CHAP. 18. Of Sea Dogs-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 THe Sea Dogs-grasse is very like vnto the other before named his leaues are long and slender and very thicke compact together set vpon a knotty stalke spiked at the top like the former Also the root crambleth and creepeth hither and thither vnder the earth occupying much ground by reason of his great encrease of roots 1 Gramen Caninum marinum Sea Dogs-grasse 2 Gramen Caninum marinum 〈◊〉 Sea Couch-grasse 2 The second Sea Dogs-grasse is according vnto Lobel somewhat like the former his roots are more spreading and longer dispersing themselues vnder the ground farther than any of the rest The leaues are like the former thicke bushed at the top with a cluster or bush of short thick leaues one folded within another The stalke and tuft is of a middle kinde betweene Ischaemon and the common Couch-grasse ¶ The Place Time Names Nature and Vertues They grow on the sea shore at the same time that others do and are so called because they grow neere the sea side Their nature and vertues are to be referred vnto Dogs-grasse CHAP. 19. Of vpright Dogs-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 VPright Dogs-grasse or Quich-grasse by reason of his long spreading ioynted roots is like vnto the former and hath at euery knot in the root sundry strings of hairie substance shooting into the ground at euery ioint as it spreadeth the stalks ly creeping or rise but a little from the ground and at their tops haue spokie pannicles farre smaller than the common Couch-grasse By which notes of difference it may easily be discerned from the other kindes of Dogs-grasse 1 Gramen Caninum supinum Vpright Dogs-grasse 2 Ladies Laces hath leaues like vnto Millet in fashion rough and sharpe pointed like to the Reed with many white vaines or ribs and siluer streakes running along through the midst of the leaues fashioning the same like to laces or ribbons wouen of white and greene silke very beautifull and faire to behold it groweth vnto the height of wilde Pannicke with a spoky top not very much vnlike but more compact soft white and chaffie The root is small and hairie and white of colour like vnto the Medow-grasse 2 Gramen 〈◊〉 Lady-lace Grasse ¶ The Place 1 Vpright Dogs-grasse groweth in dunged grounds and fertile fields 2 Lady-laces growes naturally in woody and hilly places of Sauoy and answers common Grasse in his time of seeding It is kept and maintained in our English gardens rather for pleasure than vertue which is yet knowne ¶ The Names Lobelius calleth the later Gramen sulcatum and striatum or Gramen pictum in English the Furrowed Grasse the white Chamelion Grasse or streaked
about Calecut as also at Goa ¶ The Names This without doubt is the Cyperus Indicus of Dioscorides Lib. 1. Cap. 4. It is now vulgarly by most Writers and in shops called by the name of Terra merita and Curcuma yet some terme it Crocus Indicus and we in English call it Turmericke ¶ The temperature and vertues This root is certainly hot in the third degree and hath a qualitie to open obstructions and it is vsed with good successe in medicines against the yellow Iaundise and against the cold distempers of the liuer and spleene CHAP. 28. Of Zedoarie ‡ Zerumbeth siue Zedoaria rotunda Round Zedoarie ‡ ZEdoarie is also a root growing naturally in the woods of Malavar about Calecut and Cananor in the Indies the leaues thereof are larger than Ginger and much like them the root is also as large but consisting of parts of different figures some long and small others round their colour is white and oft times brownish on the inside and they haue many fibers comming out of them but they are taken away together with the outward rinde before they come to vs. These roots haue a strong medicine-like smell and somewhat an vngratefull taste ¶ The Names Some call the long parts of these roots Zedoaria and the round whose figure we here giue you Zerumbeth and make them different whenas indeed they are but parts of the same root as Lobell and others haue well obserued Some make Zedoaria and Zerumheth different as Auicen others confound them and make them one as Rhases and Serapio Some thinke it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Aegineta but that is not so for he saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is an Aromaticke and therefore chiefely mixed in ointments which is as much as if he should haue said That it was put into ointments for the smells sake which in this is no wayes gratefull but rather the contrarie ¶ The temperature and vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree it discusses flatulencies and fattens by a certaine hidden qualitie It also dissipates and amends the vngratefull smell which Garlicke Onions or too much wine infect the breath withall if it be eaten after them It cures the bites and stings of venomous creatures stops laskes resolues the Abscesses of the wombe stayes vomiting helpes the Collicke as also the paine of the stomacke It kills all sorts of wormes and is much vsed in Antidotes against the plague and such like contagious diseases ‡ CHAP. 29. Of Rushes ‡ I Do not here intend to trouble you with an accurate distinction and enumeration of Rushes for if I should it would be tedious to you laborious to me and beneficiall to neither Therefore I will onely describe and reckon vp the chiefe and more note-worthy of them beginning with the most vsuall and common ‡ ¶ The Description 1 The roots of our common Rushes are long and hairy spreading largely in the ground from which as from one entire tuft proceed a great company of small rushes so exceedingly well knowne that I shall not need to spend much time about the description thereof 2 There be sundry sorts of Rushes besides the former whose pictures are not here exprest and the rather for that the generall description of Rushes as also their common vse and seruice are sufficient to leade vs to the knowledge of them This great Water-Grasse or Bul-Rush in stead of leaues bringeth forth many strait twiggie shoots or springs which be round smooth sharpe pointed and without knots Their tuft or flower breaketh forth a little beneath the top vpon the one side of the Rush growing vpon little short stems like Grape clusters wherein is contained the seed after the fashion of a speares point The roots be slender and full of strings Pliny and Theophrastus before him affirme that the roots of the Rush do die euery yeare and that it groweth againe of the seed And they affirme likewise that the male is barren and groweth againe of the yong shoots yet I could neuer obserue any such thing ‡ 3 There growes a Rush to the thicknes of a Reed and to some two yards and an halfe or three yards high in diuers fenny grounds in this kingdome it is very porous and light and they vsually make mats and bottom chaires therewith The seeds are contained in reddish tufts breaking out at the top thereof The roots are large and ioynted and it grows not vnlesse in waters ‡ 4 〈◊〉 acutus or the sharpe Rush is likewise common and well knowne not much differing from Iuncus laeuis but harder rougher and sharper pointed fitter to straw houses and chambers than any of the rest for the others are so soft and pithy that they turne to dust and filth with much treading where contrariwise this rush is so hard that it will last sound much longer ‡ 5 There is also another pretty small kinde of Rush growing to some foot in heigth hauing smooth stalkes which end in a head like to that of the ordinary Horse-taile This rush hath also one little 〈◊〉 towards the bottome thereof It growes in watery places but not so frequently as the former ‡ 1 〈◊〉 laeuis Common Rushes 4 Iuncus acutus Sharpe Rush or hard Rush. 3 Iuncus aquaticus maximus Great Water-Rush or Bul-Rush ¶ The place 1 Iuncus laeuis groweth in fertile fields and meadowes that are somewhat moist 2 3 5 Grow in standing pooles and by riuers sides in sundry places 4 Iuncus acutus groweth vpon dry and barren grounds especially neere the furrows of plowed land I need not speake of their time of growing they being so common as they are ¶ The Names The Rush is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Iuncus in high Dutch Binken in low Dutch Biesen in Italian Giunco in Spanish Iunco in French Ionc in English Rushes 2 3 The Grecians haue called the Bull-Rush 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The greater are commonly in many places termed Bumbles 1 Iuncus laeuis is that Rush which Dioscorides called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4 Iuncus acutus is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Dutch 〈◊〉 Bresen 5 This is called by Lobell Iuncus aquaticus minor Capitulis Equiseti By Daleschampius Iuncus clauatus or Club-Rush ¶ The Nature and vertues These Rushes are of a dry nature The seed of Rushes dried at the fire and drunke with wine alayed with water stayeth the 〈◊〉 and the ouermuch flowing of womens termes Galen yeeldeth this reason thereof because that their temperature consisteth of an earthy essence moderately cold and watery and meanly hot and therefore doth the more easily drie vp the lower parts and by little and little send vp the cold humours to the head whereby it prouoketh drow sinesse and desire to sleepe but causeth the head-ache whereof Galen yeeldeth the reason as before The tender leaues that be next the root make a conuenient ointment against the bitings of the Spider called Phalangium The seed of the Bull-Rush is most
The Latines haue called this plant Arundo Saccharina with this additament Indica because it was first knowne or brought from India Of some it is called Calamus Saccharatus in English Sugar Cane in Dutch 〈◊〉 ¶ The Nature and vertues The Sugar or juice of this Reed is of a temperate qualitie it drieth and cleanseth the stomacke maketh smooth the roughnesse of the brest and lungs cleareth the voice and putteth away hoarsenesse the cough and all 〈◊〉 and bitternesse as Isaac saith in Dictis ¶ The vse Of the iuyce of this Reed is made the most pleasant and profitable sweet called Sugar whereof is made infinite confections confectures syrups and such like as also preseruing and conseruing of sundry fruits herbes and flowers as Roses Violets Rosemary flowers and such like which still retaine with them the name of Sugar as Sugar Roset Sugar violet c. The which to write of would require a peculiar volume and not pertinent vnto this historie for that it is not my purpose to make of my booke a Confectionarie a Sugar Bakers furnace a Gentlewomans preseruing pan nor yet an Apothecaries shop or Dispensatorie but onely to touch the chiefest matter that I purposed to handle in the beginning that is the nature properties and descriptions of plants Notwithstanding I thinke it not amisse to shew vnto you the ordering of these reeds when they be new gathered as I receiued it from the mouth of an Indian my seruant he saith They cut them in small pieces and put them into a trough made of one whole tree wherein they put a great stone in manner of a mill-stone whereunto they tie a horse buffle or some other beast which draweth it round in which trough they put those pieces of Canes and so crush and grind them as we do the barkes of trees for Tanners or apples for Cyder But in some places they vse a great wheele wherein slaues do tread and walke as dogs do in turning the spit and some others do feed as it were the bottome of the said wheele wherein are some sharpe or hard things which do cut and crush the Canes into powder And some likewise haue found the inuention to turne the wheele with water workes as we do our iron mills The Canes being thus brought into dust or powder they put them into great cauldrons with a little water where they boyle vntill there be no more sweetnesse left in the crushed reeds Then doe they straine them through mats and such like things and put the liquor to boyle againe vnto the consistence of honey which being cold is like vnto sand both in shew and handling but somewhat softer and so afterward it is carried into all parts of Europe where it is by the Sugar Bakers artificially purged and 〈◊〉 to that whitenesse as we see CHAP. 32. Of Flowring Reed Arundo florida Flowring Reed ¶ The Description FLourishing Reed hath a thicke and fat stalke of foure or fiue foot high great below neere the ground and smaller toward the top taper-wise whereupon do grow very faire broad leaues ful of ribs or sinewes like vnto Plantaine in shape representing the leaues of white Hellebor or the great Gentian but much broader and larger euery way at the top of which stalkes do grow phantasticke flowers of a red or vermilion colour which being faded there follow round rough and prickly knobs like those of Sparganium or water-Burre of a browne colour and from the middle of those knobs three small leaues The seed contained in those knobs is exceeding black of a perfect roundnesse of the bignesse of the smallest pease The root is thicke knobby and tuberous with certain small threds fixed thereto ‡ There is a variety of this hauing floures of a yellow or Saffron colour with red spots ‡ ¶ The place It groweth in Italy in the garden of Padua and many other places of those hot regions My selfe haue planted it in my garden diuers times but it neuer came to flowring or seeding for that it is very impatient to endure the injurie of our cold clymate It is a natiue of the West Indies ¶ The time It must be set or sowen in the beginning of Aprill in a pot with fine earth or in a bed made with horse-dung and some earth strawed thereon in such manner as Cucumbers and Muske-Melons are ¶ The Names The name Arundo Indica is diuersly attributed to sundrie of the Reeds but principally vnto this called of Lobelius Cannacorus of others Arundo florida and Harundo florida in English the Flowring Reed ¶ The Nature and vertues There is not any thing set downe as touching the temperature and vertues of this Flourishing Reed either of the Ancients or of the new or later Writers CHAP. 33. Of Paper Reed PAper Reed hath many large flaggie leaues somewhat triangular and smooth not much vnlike those of Cats-taile rising immediatly from a tuft of roots compact of many strings among st the which it shooteth vp two or three naked stalkes square and rising some six or seuen cubits high aboue the water at the top whereof there stands a tuft or bundle of chaffie threds set in comely order resembling a tuft of flowers but barren and void of seed Papyrus Nilotica Paper Reed ¶ The place This kinde of Reed growes in the Riuers about Babylon and neere the city Alcaire in the riuer Nilus and such other places of those countries ¶ The time The time of springing and flourishing answereth that of the common Reed ¶ The Names This kinde of Reed which I haue Englished Paper Reed or Paper plant is the same as I do reade that Paper was made of in Aegypt before the inuention of paper made of linnen clouts was found out It is thought by men of great learning and vnderstanding in the Scriptures and set downe by them for truth that this plant is the same Reed mentioned in the second chapter of Exodus whereof was made that basket or cradle which was dawbed within and without with 〈◊〉 of that countrey called Bitumen Iudaicum wherein Moses was put being committed to the water when Pharaoh gaue commandement that all the male children of the Hebrewes should be drowned ¶ The nature vertues and vse The roots of Paper Reed doe nourish as may appeare by the people of Aegypt which do vse to chew them in their mouthes and swallow downe the juice finding therein great delight and comfort The ashes burned asswage and consume hard apostumes tumors and corrasiue vlcers in any part of the body but chiefely in the mouth The burnt paper made hereof doth performe those effects more forcibly The stalkes hereof haue a singular vse and priuiledge in opening the chanels or hollow passages of a Fistula being put therein for they do swell as doth the pith of Elder or a tent made of a sponge The people about Nilus do vse to burne the leaues and stalkes but especially the roots The frailes wherein they put Raisins and Figs are sometimes
or six inches in length like to Fox-taile they in colour resemble white silke or siluer Thus much Lobell Our Author described this in the first place Ch. 23. vnder Iuncus Marinus Gramineus for so Lobell also calls it †¶ The place 1 This growes in Africa Nabathaea and Arabia and is a stranger in these Northerne Regions 2 The place of the second is mentioned in the description ¶ The time Their time answereth the other Reeds and Flags ¶ The Names 1 Camels Hay is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Iuncus odoratus and Scoenanthum in shops Squinanthum that is Flos Iunci in French Pasteur de Chammeau in English Camels Hay and Squinanth 2 This Lobell calls Iuncus marinus gramineus and Pseudoschaenanthum We call it Bastard Squinanth and Fox-taile Squinanth ¶ The temper This plant is indifferently hot and a little astrictiue ¶ The vertues Camels Hay prouoketh vrine moueth the termes and breaketh winde about the stomacke It causeth aking and heauinesse of the head Galen yeeldeth this reason thereof because it heateth moderately and bindeth with tenuitie of parts According to Dioscorides it dissolues digests and opens the passages of the veines The floures or chaffie tufts are profitable in drinke for them that pisse bloud anywayes It is giuen in medicines that are ministred to cure the paines and griefes of the guts stomacke lungs liuer and reines the fulnesse loathsomenesse and other defects of the stomacke the dropsie conuulsions or shrinking of sinews giuen in the quantitie of a dram with a like quantitie of Pepper for some few dayes The same boyled in wine helpeth the inflammation of the matrix if the woman do sit ouer the fume thereof and bathe her selfe often with it also CHAP. 36. Of Burre-Reed ¶ The Description 1 THe first of these plants hath long leaues which are double edged or sharpe on both sides with a sharpe crest in the middle in such manner raised vp that it seemeth to be triangle or three square The stalkes grow among the leaues and are two or three foot long being diuided into many branches garnished with many prickly huskes or knops of the bignesse of a nut The root is full of hairy strings 2 The great Water Burre differeth not in any thing from the first kind in roots or leaues saue that the first hath his leaues rising immediately from the tuft or knop of the root but this kinde hath a long stalke comming from the root whereupon a little aboue the root the leaues shoot out round about the stalke successiuely some leaues still growing aboue others euen to the top of the stalke and from the top thereof downeward by certaine distances It is garnished with many round wharles or rough coronets hauing here and there among the said wharles one single short leafe of a pale greene colour ¶ The place Both these are very common and grow in moist medowes and neere vnto water-courses They plentifully grow in the fenny grounds of Lincolnshire and such like places in the ditches about S. George his fields and in the ditch right against the place of execution at the end of Southwark called S. Thomas Waterings ¶ The time They bring forth their burry bullets or seedy knots in August 1 Sparganium Ramosum Branched Burre-Reed 2 Sparganium latifolium Great Water-Burre ¶ The Names These Plants of some are called Sparganium Theophrastus in his fourth Booke and eighteenth Chapter calleth them Butomus of some Platanaria I call them Burre-Reed in the Arabian tongue they are called Safarhe Bamon in Italian Sparganio of Dodoneus Carex Some call the first Sparganium ramosum or Branched Burre-Reed The second Sparganium non ramosum Notbranching Burre-Reed ¶ The temperature They are cold and dry of complexion ¶ The vertues Some write that the knops or rough burres of these plants boyled in wine are good against the bitings of venomous beasts if either it be drunke or the wound washed therewith CHAP. 37. Of Cats Taile ¶ The Description CAts Taile hath long and flaggy leaues full of a spongeous matter or pith among which leaues groweth vp a long smooth naked stalke without knot fashioned like a speare of a firme or solid substance hauing at the top a browne knop or eare soft thicke and smooth seeming to be nothing else but a deale of flockes thicke set and thrust together which being ripe turneth into a downe and is carried away with the winde The Roots be hard thicke and white full of strings and good to burne where there is plenty thereof to be had ¶ The place It groweth in pooles and such like standing waters and sometimes in running streames I haue found a smaller kinde hereof growing in the ditches and marshie grounds in the Isle of Shepey going from Sherland house to Feuersham ¶ The time They floure and beare their mace or torch in Iuly and August Typha Cats Taile ¶ The Names They are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 in Latine Typha of some Cestrum Morionis in French Marteau Masses in Dutch 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 In Italian Mazza sorda in Spanish Behordo and Iunco amacorodato In English Cats Taile and Reed-Mace Of this Cars Taile Aristophanes maketh mention in his Comedy of Frogs where he bringeth them forth one talking with 〈◊〉 being very glad that they had spent the whole day in skipping and leaping inter Cyperum Phleum among Galingale and Cats Taile Ouid seemeth to name this plant Scirpus for he termeth the mats made of the leaues Cats-taile Mats as in his sixth Booke Fastorum At Dominus discedite ait plaustróque morantes Sustulit in plaustro scirpea matta fuit ¶ The nature It is cold and dry of complexion ¶ The vertues The soft Downe stamped with swines grease well washed healeth burnings or scaldings with fire or water Some practitioners by their experience haue found That the Downe of the 〈◊〉 taile beaten with the leaues of Betony the roots of Gladiole and the leaues of Hippoglosson into powder and mixed with the yelks of egges hard sodden and so eaten is a most perfect medicine against the disease in children called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is when the gut called Intestinum caecum is fallen into the cods This medicine must be ministred euery day fasting for the space of thirtie dayes the quantitie thereof to be ministred at one time is 1. This being vsed as before is specified doth not onely helpe children and striplings but growne men also if in time of their cure they vse conuenient ligature or trussings and fit consounding plaisters vpon the grieued place according to art appointed for that purpose in Chirurgerie This Downe in some places of the Isle of Elie and the low countries adioyning thereto is gathered and well sold to make mattresses of for plowmen and poore people It hath beene also often proued to heale kibed or humbled heeles as they are termed being applied to them either before or after the skinne is broken CHAP. 38. Of Stitchwort ¶ The
Grano the Spaniards Trigo the French men Bled ou Fourment in England we call the first White-Wheat and Flaxen Wheat Triticum Lucidum is called Bright Wheat Red Wheat is called in Kent Duck-bill Wheate and Normandy Wheat ¶ The nature Wheat saith Galen is very much vsed of men and with greatest profit Those Wheats do nourish most which be hard and haue their whole substance so closely compact as they can scarcely be bit asunder for such doe nourish very much and the contrary but little Wheat as it is a medicine outwardly applied is hot in the first degree yet can it not manifestly either dry or moisten It hath also a certaine clamminesse and stopping qualitie ¶ The vertues Raw Wheat saith Dioscorides being eaten breedeth wormes in the belly being chewed and applied it doth 〈◊〉 the biting of mad dogs 3 Triticum Typhinum Flat Wheat 4 Triticum multiplici spica Double eared Wheat The floure of wheat being boyled with honey and water or with oyle and water taketh away all inflammations or hot swellings The bran of Wheat boyled in strong Vineger clenseth away scurfe and dry scales and dissolueth the beginning of all hot swellings if it be laid vnto them And boyled with the decoction of Rue it slaketh the swellings in womens brests The graines of white Wheat as Pliny writeth in his two and twentieth booke and seuenth chapter being dried brown but not burnt and the pouder thereof mixed with white wine is good for watering eyes if it be laid thereto The dried pouder of red Wheat boyled with vineger helpeth the shrinking of sinewes 5 Triticum lucidum Bright Wheat The leauen made of Wheat hath vertue to heate and draw outward it resolueth concocteth and openeth all swellings bunches tumors and felons being mixed with salt The fine floure mixed with the yolke of an egge honey and a little saffron doth draw and heale byles and such like sores in children and in old people very well and quickely Take crums of wheaten bread one pound and an halfe barley meale 〈◊〉 ij Fennigreeke and Lineseed of each an ounce the leaues of Mallowes Violets Dwale Sengreene and Cotyledon ana one handfull boyle them in water and oyle vntill they be tender then stampe them very small in a stone morter and adde thereto the yolks of three egges oyle of Roses and oyle of Violets ana 〈◊〉 ij Incorporate them altogether but if the inflammation grow to an Erysipelas then adde thereto the juice of Nightshade Plantaine and Henbane ana 〈◊〉 ij it easeth an Erysipelas or Saint Anthonies fire and all inflammations very speedily Slices of fine white bread laid to infuse or steepe in Rose water and so applied vnto sor̄e eyes which haue many hot humors falling into them doth easily defend the humour and cease the paine The oyle of wheat pressed forth betweene two plates of hot iron healeth the chaps and chinks of the hands feet and fundament which come of cold making smooth the hands face or any other part of the body The same vsed as a Balsame doth excellently heale wounds and being put among salues or vnguents it causeth them to worke more effectually especially in old vlcers CHAP. 47. Of Rie ¶ The Description THe leafe of Rie when it first commeth vp is somewhat reddish afterward greene as be the other graines It groweth vp with many stalks slenderer than those of wheat and longer with knees or ioynts by certaine distances like vnto Wheat the eares are orderly framed vp in rankes and compassed about with short beards not sharpe but blunt which when it floureth standeth vpright and when it is filled vp with seed it leaneth and hangeth downward The seed is long blackish slender and naked which easily falleth out of the huskes of it selfe The roots be many slender and full of strings ¶ The place Rie groweth very plentifully in the most places of Germany and Polonia as appeareth by the great quantitie brought into England in times of dearth and scarcitie of corne as hapned in the yeare 1596 and at other times when there was a generall want of corne by reason of the aboundance of raine that fell the yeare before whereby great penurie ensued as well of cattell and all other victuals as of all manner of graine It groweth likewise very wel in most places of England especially towards the North. Secale Rie ¶ The time It is for the most part sowen in Autumne and sometimes in the Spring which proueth to be a Graine more subiect to putrifaction than that which was sowen in the fall of the leafe by reason the Winter doth ouertake it before it can attaine to his perfect maturitie and ripenesse ¶ The Names Rie is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in Low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in Spanish Centeno in Italian Segala in French Seigle which soundeth after the old Latine name which in Pliny is Secale and Farrago lib. 18. cap. 16. ¶ The temperature Rie as a medicine is hotter than wheat and more forcible in heating wasting and consuming away that whereto it is applied It is of a more clammy and obstructing nature than Wheat and harder to digest yet to rusticke bodies that can well digest it it yeelds good nourishment ¶ The vertues Bread or the leauen of Rie as the Belgian Physitians affirme vpon their practise doth more forcibly digest draw ripen and breake all Apostumes Botches and Byles than the leuen of Wheat Rie Meale bound to the head in a Linnen Cloath doth asswage the long continuing paines thereof CHAP. 48. Of Spelt Corne. ¶ The Description SPelt is like to Wheat in stalkes and eare it groweth vp with a multitude of stalks which are kneed and joynted higher than those of Barley it bringeth forth a disordered eare for the most part without beards The cornes be wrapped in certaine dry huskes from which they cannot easily be purged and are joyned together by couples in two chaffie huskes out of which when they be taken they are like vnto wheat cornes it hath also many roots as wheat hath whereof it is a kinde ¶ The place It groweth in fat and fertile moist ground ¶ The time It is altered and changed into Wheat it selfe as degenerating from bad to better contrary to all other that do alter or change especially as Theophrastus saith if it be clensed and so sowen but that not forthwith but in the third yeare ¶ The Names The Grecians haue called it 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 the Latines Spelta in the Germane tongue 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Espeautre of most Italians Pirra Farra of the Tuscans Biada of the Millanois Alga in English Spelt Corne. Dioscorides maketh mention of two kindes of Spelt one of which he names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or single another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which brings forth two cornes ioyned together in a couple of huskes as before in the description is mentioned That Spelt which Dioscorides calls Dicoccos is the same that Theophr and Galen do name Zea. The most ancient Latines
haue called Zea or Spelta by the name of Far as Dionysius Halicarnassaeus doth sufficiently testifie The old Romans saith he did call sacred marriages by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because Zea siue Speltae Spelt Corne. the Bride and Bridegroome did eate of that Far which the Grecians do call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The same thing Asclepiades affirmeth in Galen in his ninth Booke according to the places affected writing thus Farris quod Zea appellant that is to say Far which is called Zea c. And this Far is also named of the Latines Ador 〈◊〉 and Semen adoreum ¶ The temper Spelt as Dioscorides reporteth nourisheth more than Barley Galen writeth in his Bookes of the Faculties of simple Medicines Spelt is in all his temperature in a meane betweene Wheat and Barley and may in vertue be referred to the kindes of Barley and Wheat being indifferent to them both ¶ The vertues The floure or meale of Spelt corne boyled in water with the pouder of red Saunders and a little oyle of Roses and Lillies vnto the forme of a Pultesse and applied hot taketh away the swelling of the legs gotten by cold and long standing ‡ Spelt saith Turner is common about Weisenburgh in high Almanie eight Dutch miles on this side Strausbourgh and there all men vse it for wheat for there groweth no wheat at all yet I neuer saw fairer and pleasamer bread in any place in all my life than I haue eaten there made onely of this Spelt The Corne is much lesse than Wheat and somewhat shorter than Rie but nothing so blacke ‡ CHAP. 49. Of Starch Corne. 〈◊〉 Amyleum Starch Corne. ¶ The Description THis other kind of Spelta or Zea is called of the Germane Herbarists Amyleum Frumentum or Starch corne and is a kinde of grain sowen to that end or a three moneths graine and is very like vnto wheat in stalke and seed but the eare thereof is set round about and made vp with two ranks with certaine beards almost after the manner of Barley and the seed is closed vp in chaffie huskes and is sowen in the Spring ¶ The place Amil corne or Starch corne is sowen in Germanie Polonia Denmarke and other those Easterne Regions as well to feed their cattel and pullen with as also to make starch for the which purpose it doth very fitly serue ¶ The time It is sowen in Autumne or the fall of the leafe and oftentimes in the Spring and for that cause hath beene called Trimestre or three months grain it bringeth his seed to ripenesse in the beginning of August and is sowen in the Low-Countries in the Spring of the yeare ¶ The Names Because the Germanes haue great vse of it to make starch with they do call it 〈◊〉 Wee thinke good to name it in Latine Amyleum frumentum in English it may be called 〈◊〉 after the Germane word and may likewise be called Starch Corne. Tragus and Fuchsius tooke it to be Triticum 〈◊〉 or three moneths wheat but it may rather be referred to the Farra 〈◊〉 Columella speaketh of a graine called Far Halicastrum which is sowen in the Spring and for that cause it is named Trimestre or three moneths Far. If any be desirous to learne the making of Starch let them reade Dodoneus last edition where they shall be fully taught my selfe not willing to spend time about so vaine a thing and not pertinent to the story It is vsed onely to feed cattell pullen and make starch and is in nature somewhat like to wheat or Barley CHAP. 50. Of Barley ¶ The Description BArley hath an helme or straw which is shorter and more brittle than that of Wheat and hath more joints the leaues are broader and rougher the eare is armed with long rough and prickly beards or ailes and set about with sundry rankes sometimes two otherwhiles three foure or six at the most according to 〈◊〉 but eight according to Tragus The graine is included in a long chaffie huske the roots be slender and grow thicke together Barley as Pliny writeth is of all graine the softest and least subiect to casualtie yeelding fruit very quickely and profitably 1 Hordeum Distichon Common Barley 2 Hordeum Polystichum vernum Beare Barley or Barley Big 1 The most vsuall Barley is that which hath but two rowes of Corne in the eare each graine set iust opposite to other and hauing his long awne at his end is couered with a huske sticking close thereto 2 This which commonly hath foure rowes of corne in the eare and sometimes more as wee haue formerly deliuered is not so vsually sowen with vs the eare is commonly shorter than the former but the graine very like so that none who knowes the former but may easily know the later at the first sight ¶ The place They are sowen as Columella teacheth in loose and dry ground and are well knowne all Europe through 2 The second is sowen commonly in some parts of Yorke shire and the Bishopricke of Durham ¶ The Names 1 The first is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Orzo in Spanish 〈◊〉 in French Orge in English Barley 2 The second is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Columella calleth it Galaticum and Hippocrates 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of our English Northerne people Big and Big Barley Crimmon saith Galen in his Commentaries vpon the second booke of Hippocrates his Prognosticks is the grosser part of Barley meale being grossely ground Malt is well knowne in England insomuch that the word needeth no interpretation notwithstanding because these Workes may chance into the hands of Strangers that neuer heard of such a word or such a thing by reason it is not 〈◊〉 where made I thought good to lay downe a word of the making thereof First it is steeped in water vntill it swell then is it taken from the water and laid as they terme it in a Couch that is spred vpon an euen floore the thicknesse of some foot and an halfe and thus is it kept vntill it Come that is vntill it send forth two or three little strings or fangs at the end of each Corne then it is spred vsually twice a day each day thinner than other for some eight or ten daies space vntill it be pretty dry and then it is dried vp with the heate of the fire and so vsed It is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Latine of later time Maltum which name is borrowed of the Germanes Actius a Greeke Physitian nameth Barley thus prepared 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Bine The which Author affirmeth That a plaister of the meale of Malt is profitably laid vpon the swellings of the Dropsie Zythum as Diodorus Siculus affirmeth is not onely made in Aegypt but also in Galatia The aire is so cold saith he writing of Galatia that the country bringeth forth neither wine nor
where barley hath beene ‡ ¶ The place 1 Briza is sowen in some parts of Germany and France and my memorie deceiues me if I haue not often times found many eares thereof amongst ordinarie barley when as I liued in the further side of Lincolneshire and they there called it Brant Barley 2 This Aegilops growes commonly amongst their Barley in Italy and other hot countries ‡ ¶ The Names 1 Briza Monococcos after Lobelius is called by Tabernamontanus Zea Monococcos in English Saint Peters Corne or Brant Barley 2 Festuca of Narbone in France is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Aegilops Narbonensis according to the Greeke in English Hauer-grasse ¶ The nature They are of qualitie somewhat sharpe hauing facultie to digest ¶ The vertues The iuice of Festuca mixed with Barley meale dried and at times of need moistned with Rose water applied plaisterwise healeth the disease called Aegilops or Fistula in the corner of the eye it mollifieth and disperseth hard lumps and asswageth the swellings in the joynts CHAP. 54. Of Otes ¶ The Description 1 AVena Vesca Common Otes is called Vesca à Vescendo because it is vsed in many countries to make sundry sorts of bread as in Lancashire where it is their chiefest bread corne for Iannocks Hauer cakes Tharffe cakes and those which are called generally Oten cakes and for the most part they call the graine Hauer whereof they do likewise make drink for want of Barley 2 Auena Nuda is like vnto the common Otes differing in that that these naked Otes immediately as they be threshed without helpe of a Mill become Otemeale fit for our vse In consideration whereof in Northfolke and Southfolke they are called vnhulled and naked Otes Some of those good house-wiues that delight not to haue any thing but from hand to mouth according to our English prouerbe may whiles their pot doth seeth go to the barne and rub forth with their hands sufficient for that present time not willing to prouide for to morrow according as the Scripture speaketh but let the next day bring with it ¶ The nature Otes are dry and somewhat cold of temperature as Galen saith ¶ The vertues Common Otes put into a linnen bag with a little bay salt quilted handsomely for the same purpose and made hot in a frying pan and applied very hot easeth the paine in the side called the stitch or collicke in the belly If Otes be boyled in water and the hands or feet of such as haue the Serpigo or Impetigo that is certaine chaps chinks or rifts in the palmes of the hands or feet a disease of great affinitie with the pocks be holden ouer the fume or smoke thereof in some bowle or other vessell wherein the Otes are put and the Patient 〈◊〉 with blankets to sweat being first annointed with that ointment or vnction vsually applied contra 〈◊〉 Gallicum it doth perfectly cure the same in sixe 〈◊〉 so annointing and sweating Otemeale is good for to make a faire and wel coloured maid to looke like a cake of tallow especially if she take next her 〈◊〉 a good draught of strong vineger after it Otemeale vsed as a 〈◊〉 dries and moderately discusses and that without biting for it hath somewhat a coole temper with some astriction so that it is good against scourings 1 Auena 〈◊〉 Common Otes 2 Auena Nuda Naked Otes CHAP. 55. Of Wilde Otes The description 1 BRomos sterilis called likewise Auena fatua which the Italians do call by a very apt name Vena vana and Auena Cassa in English Barren Otes or wilde Otes hath like leaues and stalkes as our Common Otes but the heads are rougher sharpe many little sharpe huskes making each eare †2 There is also another kinde of Bromos or wilde Otes which Dodoneus calleth Festuca altera not differing from the former wilde Otes in stalkes and leaues but the heads are thicker and more compact each particular eare as I may terme it consisting of two rowes of seed handsomly compact and ioyned together being broader next the straw and narrower as it comes to an end ‡ ¶ The time and place ‡ The first in Iuly and August may be found almost in euery hedge the later is to be found in great plenty in most Rie ¶ The Names 1 This is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Bromos stirilis by Lobell Aegylops prima by Matthiolus in English Wilde-Otes or Hedge-Otes 2 Lobell calls this Bromos sterilis altera Dodonaeus termes it Festuca altera in Brabant they call it Drauich in English Drauke 1 Bromos sterilis Wilde Otes 2 Bromos 〈◊〉 Drauke or small wilde Otes ¶ The Nature and vertues 1 It hath a drying facultie as Dioscorides saith Boile it in water together with the roots vntill two parts of three be consumed then straine it out and adde to the decoction a quantitie of honey equall thereto so boile it vntill it acquire the thicknesse of thin honey This medicine is good against the OZaena and filthy vlcers of the nose dipping a linnen cloth therein and putting it vp into the nosthrils some adde thereto A loes finely poudred and so vse it Also boiled in Wine with dried Rose leaues it is good against a stinking breath ‡ CHAP. 56. Of Bearded Wilde Otes ¶ The Description AEGylops Bromoides Belgarum is a Plant indifferently partaking of the nature of Aegilops and Bromos It is in shew like to the naked Otes The seed is sharpe hairy and somewhat long and of a reddish colour inclosed in yellowish chaffie huskes like as Otes and may be Englished Crested or bearded Otes I haue found it often among Barley and Rie in sundry grounds This is likewise vnprofitable and hurtfull to 〈◊〉 whereof is no mention made by the Antients worthy the noting CHAP. 57. Of Burnt Corne. †Aegilops Bromoides Bearded Wilde Otes ¶ The Description 1 HOrdeum vstum or 〈◊〉 Hordei is that burnt or 〈◊〉 Barley which is altogether vnprofitable and good for nothing an enemy vnto corne for that in stead of an eare with corne there is nothing else but blacke dust which spoileth bread or whatsoeuer is made thereof 2 Burnt Otes or Vstilago Auenae or Auenacea is likewise an vnprofitable Plant degenerating from Otes as the other from Barley Rie and Wheat It were in vaine to make a long haruest of such euill corne considering it is not possessed with one good qualitie And therefore thus much shall suffice for the description 3 Burnt Rie hath no one good property in phisicke appropriate either to man birds or beast and is a hurtfull maladie to all corne where it groweth hauing an eare in shape like to corne but in stead of graine it doth yeeld a blacke pouder or dust which causeth bread to looke blacke and to haue an euill taste and that corne where it is is called smootie corne and the thing it selfe Burnt Corne or blasted corne 1 Hordeum vstum siue 〈◊〉 hordei Burnt Barley 2 Vstilago 〈◊〉 Burnt Otes
The rest are named in their titles and history but Clusius questions whether the Bulbus vnifolius be not 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus 7. hist. 13. Bauhinus seemes to affirme the Spicatum to be Moly of Dioscorides and Theophrastus and Epimedium of Pliny ¶ The Nature These are temperate in heate and drinesse ¶ The Vertues The vertues of most of them are vnknowne yet Hieronymus Tragus writeth That the root of the Star of Bethlehem rosted in hot embers and applied with honey in manner of a Cataplasme or pultesse healeth old eating vlcers and softens and discusses hard tumors The roots saith Dioscorides are eaten both raw and boyled CHAP. 93. Of Onions ¶ The Kindes THere be saith Theophrastus diuers sorts of Onions which haue their syr-names of the places where they grow some also lesser others greater some be round and diuers others long but none wilde as Pliny writeth 1 Cepa alba White Onions ‡ 3 Cepa Hispanica oblonga Longish Spanish Onions ¶ The Description 1 THe Onion hath narrow leaues and hollow within the stalke is single round biggest in the middle on the top whereof groweth a round head couered with a thinne skin or filme which being broken there appeare little white floures made vp in forme of a ball and afterward blacke seed three cornered wrapped in thinne white skinnes In stead of the root there is a bulbe or round head compact of many coats which oftentimes becommeth great in manner of a Turnep many times long like an egge To be briefe it is couered with very fine skinnes for the most part of a whitish colour 2 The red Onion differeth not from the former but in sharpnesse and rednesse of the roots in other respects there is no difference at all ‡ 3 There is also a Spanish kinde whose root is longer than the other but in other respects very little different ‡ 4 There is also another small kinde of Onion called by Lobel Ascalonit is Antiquorum or Scallions this hath but small roots growing many together the leaues are like to Onions but lesse It seldome beares either stalke floure or seed It is vsed to be eaten in sallads ¶ The Place The Onion requireth a fat ground well digged and dunged as Palladius saith It is cherished euery where in kitchen gardens it is now and then in beds sowne alone and many times mixed with other herbes as with Lettuce Parseneps and Carrets Palladius liketh well that it should be sowne with Sauory because faith Pliny it prospereth the better and is more wholesome ‡ 4 Ascalonitides Scallions ¶ The Time It is sowne in March or Aprill and somtimes in September ¶ The Names The Onion is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cepa and many times Cepe in the neuter gender the shops keepe that name The old Writers haue giuen vnto this many syr-names of the places where they grow for some are named Cipriae Sardiae Creticae 〈◊〉 Ascaloniae of a towne in Iudea otherwise called Pompeiana in English Onions Moreouer there is one named Marisca which the Countrey-men call Vnio saith Columella and thereupon it 〈◊〉 that the French men call it 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 thinketh and peraduenture the Low Dutch men name it 〈◊〉 of the French word corrupted they are called Setaniae which are very little and sweet and these are 〈◊〉 to be those which Palladius nameth Cepullae as though he called them parvae Cepae or little Onions There is an Onion which is without an head or bulbe and hath as it were a long necke and spends it selfe wholly in the leaues and it is often cropped or cut for the pot like the Leekes This Theophrastus names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of this Pliny also writeth in his nineteenth booke and sixt chapter There is with vs two principall forts of Onions the one seruing for a sauce or to season meate with which some call 〈◊〉 and others Pallacana and the other is the headed or common Onion which the Germanes call Onion zwibel the Italians Cipolla the Spaniards Cebolla Ceba and Cebola ¶ The Temperature All Onions are sharpe and moue teares by the smell They be hot and dry as Galen saith in the fourth degree but not so extreme hot as Garlick The iuyce is of a thin waterie and airy substance the rest is of thicke parts ¶ The Vertues The Onions do bite attenuate or make thinne and cause drinesse being boyled they doe lose their sharpenesse especially if the water be twice or thrice changed and yet for all that they doe not lose their attenuating qualitie they also breake winde prouoke vrine and be more soluble boyled than raw and raw they nourish not at all and but a little though they be boyled They be naught for those that are cholericke but good for such as are replete with raw and flegmaticke humors and for women that haue their termes stayed vpon a cold cause by reason they open the passages that are stopped Galen writeth That they prouoke the Hemorrhoides to bleed if they be laid vnto them either by themselues or stamped with vineger The iuyce of Onions sniffed vp into the nose purgeth the head and draweth forth raw 〈◊〉 humors Stamped with salt rew and honey and so applied they are good against the biting of a mad Dog Rosted in the embers and applied they ripen and breake cold Apostumes Biles and such like The iuyce of Onions mixed with the decoction of Penniriall and annointed vpon the goutie member with a feather or a cloath wet therein and applied easeth the same very much The iuice annointed vpon a pild or bald head in the sunne bringing againe the haire very speedily The iuyce taketh away the heate of scalding with water or oyle as also burning with fire and gun-pouder as is set forth by a very skilfull Chirurgion named Master William 〈◊〉 one of the Queens Chirurgions and before him by Ambrose Parey in his Treatise of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by gun shot Onions sliced and dipped in the iuyce of Sorrell and giuen vnto the sicke of a tertian Ague to eate take away the fit in once or twice so taking them ¶ The Hurts The Onion being eaten yea though it be boyled causeth head-ache hurteth the eyes and maketh a man dimme sighted dulleth the sences ingendreth windinesse and prouoketh 〈◊〉 sleepe especially being eaten raw CHAP. 94. Of Squils or Sea-Onions ‡ 1 Scilla Hispanica vnlgaris The common Spanish Squill The Description ‡ 1 THe ordinarie Squill or sea Onion hath a pretty large root composed of sundrie white coats filled with a certain viscous humiditie and at the bottome thereof grow forth sundry white and thicke fibres The leaues are like those of Lillies broad thicke and very greene lying spred vpon the ground and turned vp on the sides The stalke groweth some cubit or more high straight naked without leaues beautified at the top with many starre 〈◊〉 floures very like 〈◊〉 of the bigger Ornithogalum The seed is contained in 〈◊〉 three cornered seed-vessels being it selfe also black smooth
little bels of an ouer-worne purple colour hanging down their heads euery one hauing his owne foot-stalke of two inches long as also his pestell or clapper from the middle part of the floure which being past and withered there is not found any seed at all as in other plants but is increased onely in his root ¶ The Place This Persian Lilly groweth naturally in Persia and those places adiacent whereof it tooke his name and is now by the industrie of Trauellers into those countries louers of Plants made a Denizon in some few of our London gardens ¶ The Time This plant floureth from the beginning of May to the end of Iune ¶ The Names This Persian Lilly is called in Latine Lilium Persicum Lilium Susianum Pennaciò Persiano and Pannaco Persiano either by the Turks themselues or by such as out of those parts brought them into England but which of both is vncertaine Alphonsus Pancius Physition to the Duke of Ferrara when as he sent the figure of this Plant vnto Carolus Clusius added this title Pennacio Persiano è Piantabellissima è specie di Giglio ó Martagon diuerso della corona Imperiale That is in English This most elegant plant Pennacio of Persia is a kinde of Lilly or Martagon differing from the floure called the Crowne Imperiall Lilium Persicum The Persian Lilly ¶ The Nature and Vertues There is not any thing knowne of the nature or vertues of this Persian Lilly esteemed as yet for his rarenesse and comely proportion although if I might be so bold with a stranger that hath vouchsafed to trauell so many hundreds of miles for our acquaintance we haue in our English fields many scores of floures in beauty far excelling it CHAP. 108. Of the Crowne 〈◊〉 ¶ The Description THe Crowne Imperial hath for his root a thicke firme and solid bulbe couered with a yellowish filme or skinne from the which riseth vp a great thicke fat stalke two cubits high in the bare and naked part of a darke ouerworne dusky purple colour The leaues grow confusedly about the stalke like those of the white Lilly but narrower the floures grow at the top of the stalke incompassing it round in forme of an Imperiall crowne whereof it tooke his name hanging their Corona Imperialis The Crowne Imperiall Corona Imperialis duplici corona The double Crowne Imperiall Corona Imperialis cum semine Crowne Imperiall with the seed heads downward as it were bels in colour it is yellowish or to giue you the true colour which by words otherwise cannot be expressed if you lay sap berries in steepe in faire water for the space of two houres and mix a little Saffron with that infusion and lay it vpon paper it sheweth the perfect colour to limne or illumine the floure withall The backside of the said floure is streaked with purplish lines which doth greatly set forth the beauty thereof In the bottome of each of these bells there is placed six drops of most cleere shining sweet water in tast like sugar resembling in shew faire Orient pearles the which drops if you take away there do immediately appeare the like notwithstanding if they may be suffered to stand still in the floure according to his owne nature they wil neuer fall away no not if you strike the plant vntill it be broken Amongst these drops there standeth out a certaine pestell as also sundry smal chiues tipped with small pendants like those of the Lilly aboue the whole floures there growes a tuft of green leaues like those vpon the stalke but smaller After the floures be faded there 〈◊〉 cods or seed-vessels six square wherein is contained flat seeds tough and limmer of the colour of Mace The whole plant as well roots as floures do sauour or smell very like a Fox As the plant groweth old so doth it wax rich bringing forth a Crowne of floures amongst the vppermost greene leaues which some make a second kinde although in truth they are but one and the selfe same which in time is thought to grow to a triple crowne which hapneth by the age of the root and fertilitie of the soile whose figure or tipe I haue thought good to adioyne with that picture also which in the time of his infancie it had ¶ The Place This plant likewise hath been brought from Constantinople amongst other bulbous roots and made Denizons in our London gardens whereof I haue great plenty ¶ The Time It floureth in Aprill and sometimes in March when as the weather is warme and pleasant The seed is ripe in Iune ¶ The Names This rare strange Plant is called in Latine Corona Imperialis and Lilium Byzantinum the Turks doe call it Cauale lale and Tusai And as diuers haue sent into these parts of these roots at sundry times so haue they likewise sent them by sundry names some by the name Tusai others Tousai and Tuyschiachi and likewise Turfani and Turfanda ‡ Clusius and that not without good reason iudgeth this to be the Hemerocallis of Dioscorides mentioned lib. 3. cap. 120. ¶ The Nature and Vertues The vertue of this admirable plant is not yet knowne neither his faculties or temperature in working CHAP. 109. Of Dogs Tooth ¶ The Description 1 THere hath not long since beene found out a goodly bulbous rooted plant and termed Satyrion which was supposed to be the true Satyrion of Dioscorides after that it was cherished and the vertues thereof found out by the studious searchers of nature Little difference hath bin found betwixt that plant of Dioscorides and this Dens caninus except in the colour which as you know doth commonly vary according to the diuersitie of places where they grow as it falleth out in Squilla Onions and the other kindes of bulbous plants It hath most commonly two leaues very seldome three which leafe in shape is very like to Allium Vrsinum or Ramsons though farre lesse The leaues turne downe to the groundward the stalke is tender and flexible like to Cyclamen or Sow-bread about an handfull high bare and without leaues to the root The proportion of the floure is like that of Saffron or the Lilly floure full of streames of a purplish white colour The root is bigge and like vnto a date with some fibres growing from it vnto the said root is a small flat halfe round bulbe adioyning like vnto Gladiolus or Corn-flag 2 The second kinde is farre greater and larger than the first in bulbe stalke leaues floure and cod It yeeldeth two leaues for the most part which do close one within another and at the first they doe hide the floure for so long as it brings not out his floure it seemes to haue but one leafe like the Tulipa's and like the Lillies though shorter and for the most part broader wherefore I haue placed it and his kindes next vnto the Lillies before the kinds of Orchis or stones The leaues which it beareth are spotted with many great spots of a darke purple colour and
Drehen ¶ The Temperature and Vertues It is not vsed in Physicke that I can finde in any authoritie either of the antient or later Writers but is esteemed as a degenerate kinde of Orchis and therefore not vsed THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF PLANTS Containing the description place time names nature and vertues of all sorts of Herbes for meate medicine or sweet smelling vse c. WE haue in our first booke sufficiently described the Grasses Rushes Flags Corne and bulbous rooted Plants which for the most part are such as with their braue and gallant floures decke and beautifie Gardens and feed rather the eyes than the belly Now there remaine certaine other bulbes whereof the most though not all serue for food of which we will also discourse in the first place in this booke diuiding them in such sort that those of one kinde shall be separated from another ‡ In handling these and such as next succeed them we shall treat of diuers yea the most part of those Herbes that the Greekes call by a generall name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Olera and we in English Sallet-herbes When we haue past ouer these we shall speake of other plants as they shall haue resemblance each to other in their externall forme ‡ CHAP. 1. Of Turneps ¶ The Kindes THere be sundry sorts of Turneps some wilde some of the garden some with round roots globe fashion other ouall or peare fashion and another sort longish or somwhat like a Radish and of all these there are sundry varieties some being great and some of a smaller sort ¶ The Description 1 THe Turnep hath long rough and greene leaues cut or snipt about the edges with deepe gashes The stalke diuideth it selfe into sundry branches or armes bearing at the top small floures of a yellow colour and sometimes of a light purple which being past there do succeed long cods full of small blackish seed like rape seed The root is round like a bowle and sometimes a little stretched out in length growing very shallow in the ground and often shewing it selfe aboue the face of the earth ‡ 2 This is like the precedent in each respect but that the root is not made so globous or bowle-fashioned as the former but slenderer and much longer as you may perceiue by the sigure wee here giue you ‡ 3 The small Turnep is like vnto the first described sauing that it is lesser The root is much sweeter in taste as my selfe hath often proued 4 There is another sort of small Turnep said to haue red roots ‡ and there are other-some whose roots are yellow both within and without some also are greene on the outside and othersome blackish ‡ ¶ The Place The Turnep prospereth wel in a light loose and fat earth and so loose as 〈◊〉 Crescentius saith that it may be turned almost into dust It groweth in fields and diuers vineyards or Hop gardens in most places of England The small Turnep groweth by Hackney in a sandy ground and those that are brought to Cheape-side market from that Village are the best that euer I tasted ¶ The Time Turneps are sowne in the spring as also in the end of August They floure and seed the second yeare after they are sowen for those which floure the same yeare that they are sowen are a degenerate kinde called in Cheshire about the Namptwitch Mad neeps of their euill qualitie in causing frensie and giddinesse of the braine for a season 1 Rapum majus Great Turnep ‡ 2 Rapum radice oblonga Longish rooted Turnep ¶ The Names The Turnep is called in Latine Rapum in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the name commonly vsed in shops and euery where is Rapa The Lacedemonians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Boetians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Athenaeus reporteth in high Dutch Ruben in low Dutch Rapen in French Naueau rond in Spanish Nabo in English Turnep and Rape ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The bulbous or knobbed root which is properly called Rapum or Turnep and hath giuen the name to the plant is many times eaten raw especially of the poore people in Wales but most commonly boiled The raw root is windy and engendreth grosse and cold bloud the boyled doth coole lesse and so little that it cannot be perceiued to coole at all yet it is moist and windy It auaileth not a little after what manner it is prepared for being boyled in water or in a certaine broth it is more moist and sooner descendeth and maketh the body more soluble but being rosted or baked it drieth and ingendreth lesse winde and yet it is not altogether without winde But howsoeuer they bedressed they yeeld more plenty of nourishment than those that are eaten raw they do increase milke in womens brests and naturall seed and prouoke vrine The decoction of Turneps is good against the cough and hoarsenesse of the voice being drunke in the euening with a little sugar or a quantitie of clarified honey 〈◊〉 writeth That the Turnep it selfe being stamped is with good successe applied vpon mouldie or kibed heeles and that also oile of roses boiled in a hollow turnep vnder the hot embers doth cure the same The young and tender shootes or springs of Turneps at their first comming forth of the ground boiled and eaten as a sallade prouoke vrine The seed is mixed with counterpoisons and treacles and being drunke it is a remedie against poifons They of the lowe countries doe giue the oile which is pressed out of the seed against the after throwes of women newly brought to bed and also minister it to young children against the wormes which it both killeth and driueth sorth The oile washed with water doth allaie the feruent heat and ruggednesse of the skin CHAP. 2. Of wilde Turneps ¶ The Kindes THere be three sorts of wilde Turneps one our common Rape which beareth the seed whereof is made rape oile and feedeth singing birds the other the common enemy to corne which call Charlock whereof there be two kindes one with a yellow or els purple floure the other with a white floure there is also another of the water and marish grounds 1 Rapum syluestre Wilde Turneps 2 Rapistrum aruorum Charlocke or Chadlocke ¶ The Description 1 WIlde Turneps or Rapes haue long broad and rough leaues like those of Turneps but not so deeply gashed in the edges The stalkes are slender and brittle somewhat 〈◊〉 of two cubits high diuiding themselues at the top into many armes or branches whereon doe grow little yellowish flowers which being past there doe succeed small long cods which containe the seed like that of the Turnep but smaller somewhat reddish and of a firie hot and biting taste as is the mustard but bitterer The root is small and perisheth when the seed is ripe 2 Charlocke or the wilde rape hath leaues like vnto the former but lesser the stalke and leaues being also rough The stalkes bee of a cubite high
the hottest place of the garden and most fine and fertile mold Thus may you do with Muske-Melons Cucumbers and all cold fruits that require haste for that otherwise the frost will ouertake them before they come to fruit-bearing ‡ They may also be sowen in good mold like as other seeds and vsually are ‡ Nasturtium Indicum cum flore semine Indian Cresses with floure and seed ¶ The Names This beautifull plant is called in Latine Nasturtium Indicum in English Indian Cresses Although some haue deemed it a kinde of Conuolvulus or Binde-weed yet I am well contented that it retaine the former name for that the smell and taste shew it to be a kinde of Cresses ¶ The Nature and Vertues We haue no certain knowledge of his nature or vertues but are content to refer it to the kindes of Cresses or to a further consideration CHAP. 14. Of Sciatica Cresses ¶ The Description 1 SCiatica Cresses hath many slender branches growing from a stalke of a cubit high with small long and narrow leaues like those of Garden Cresses The floures be very small and yellow of colour the seed-vessels be little flat chaffie huskes wherein is the seed of a reddish gold colour sharpe and very bitter in taste The root is small tough white within and without and of a biting taste ‡ The plant whose figure I here giue you in stead of that with the narrower leaues of our Author hath leaues somewhat like Rocket but not so deepe cut in being only snipt about the edges the vpper leaues are not snipt nor diuided at all and are narrower The floures decking the tops of the branches are small and white the seed vessels are lesse then those of Cresses and the seed it selfe exceeding small and of a blackish colour the root is woody sometimes single 〈◊〉 diuided into two branches ‡ ¶ The Place It groweth vpon old wals and rough places by high waies sides and such like I haue found it in corne fields about Southfleete neere to Grauesend in Kent Iberis Cardamantica Sciatica Cresses ¶ The Time It floureth according to the late or 〈◊〉 sowing of it in the fields in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Sciatica Cresses is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Iberis of Plinie Heberis and Nasturtium syluestre and in like manner also Lepidium There is another Lepidium of Plinie in English Sciatrica Cresse ‡ The first described may be called Iberis Cardamantica tenuifolia Small leaued Sciatica Cresses The second Iberis latiore folio broad leaued Sciatica Cresses ‡ ¶ The Nature Sciatica Cresse is hot in the fourth degree and like to garden Cresses both in smell and in taste ¶ The Vertues The rootes gathered in Autumne saith Dioscorides doe heate and burne and are with good successe with swines grease made vp in manner of a plaister and put vpon such as are tormented with the Sciatica it is to lie on the 〈◊〉 place but foure hours at the most and then taken away and the patient bathed with warme water and the place afterwards anointed with oile and wooll laid on it which things Galen in his ninth booke of medicines according to the place greeued citeth out of Democrates in certaine verses tending to that effect CHAP. 15. Of Banke Cresses ¶ The Description 1 BAnke Cresses hath long leaues deepely cut or jagged vpon both sides not vnlike to those of Rocket or wilde mustard The stalkes be smal limber or pliant yet very tough and wil twist and writhe as doth the 〈◊〉 or water willow wherupon do grow small yellow flowers which being past there do succeed little slender cods full of small seedes in taste 〈◊〉 and biting the tongue as those of Cresses 2 The second kinde of banke Cresses hath leaues like vnto those of Dandelion somewhat 〈◊〉 Spinach The branches be long tough and pliant like the other The flowers be yellowish which are succeeded by smal long cods hauing leaues growing amongst them in these cods is contained small biting seed like the other of this kinde The smell of this plant is very vngratefull ¶ The Place Banke Cresses is found in stonie places among rubbish by path waies vpon earth or mudde 〈◊〉 and in other vntoiled places The second kinde of banke Cresses groweth in such places as the former doth I found it growing at a place by Chelmes forde in Essex called little Baddowe and in sundrie other places ‡ If our Author meant this which I haue described and giuen you the figure of as it is probable he did I doubt he scarce found it wilde I haue seene it in the garden of Master Parkinson and it groweth wilde in many places of Italy ‡ ¶ The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly and the seed is ripe in August and September ¶ The Names Banke Cresses is called in Latine Irio and Erysimum in Greeke 〈◊〉 and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to Dioscorides Theophrastus hath an other Erysimum ‡ The first is called Irio or Erysimum by Matthiolus 〈◊〉 and others 〈◊〉 Fuchsius and Tragus call it Verbena foemina or recta The second is Irio alter of Matthiolus and Saxifraga Romanorum Lugd. It may be called Italian Banke Cresses or Roman Saxifrage ‡ 1 Erysimum Dioscoridis Lobelij Bancke Cresses 2 Erysimum alterum Italicum Italian bancke Cresses ¶ The Nature The seed of bancke Cresses is like in taste to garden Cresses and is as Galen saith of a fietie temperature and doth extreamely attenuate or make thinne ¶ The Vertues The seed of bancke Cresses is good against the rheume that falleth into the chest by rotting the same It remedieth the cough the yellow jaundise and the Sciatica or ache of the hucklebones if it be taken with hony in manner of a lohoc and often licked It is also drunke against deadly poisons as Dioscorides addeth and being made vp in a plaister with water and hony and applied it is a remedie against hidden cankrous apostumes behind the eares hard swellings and inflammations of the pappes and stones ‡ The seeds of the Italian Banke Cresses or Roman Saxifrage taken in the weight of a dram in a decoction of Grasseroots effectually cleanse the reines and expell the stone as the Authour of the hist. Lugd. affirmes ‡ CHAP. 16. Of Docke Cresses Lampsana Docke Cresses ¶ The Description DOcke-Cresses is a wilde Wort 〈◊〉 pot-herbe hauing roughish hairy leaues of an ouerworne greene colour deepely cut or indented vpon both sides like the leaues of small Turneps The stalkes grow to the height of two or three cubits and sometimes higher diuiding themselues toward the top into sundry little branches whereon do grow many small yellow floures like those of Hieracium or Hawke-weed which decaying are succeeded by little crested heads containing a longish small seed somewhat like Lettice seed but of a yellowish colour the plant is also milkie the stalke woody and the root small fibrous and white ¶ The Place Dock-Cresses
vsed pultesse-wise or in bath or any other way else In a Clyster it cureth the bloudy flix it healeth greene and bleeding wounds it is maruellous good for inflammations new begun and for all diseases which must be checked backe and cooled The decoction doth stop the laske the spitting and pissing of bloud and all other fluxes of bloud CHAP. 26. Of Italian Rocket ¶ The Description 1 ITalian Rocket hath long leaues cut into many parts or diuisions like those of the Ash tree resembling Ruellius his Bucks-horne among which rise vp stalks weake and tender but thicke and grosse two foot high garnished with many small yellowish floures like the middle part of Tansie floures of a naughty sauor or smell The seed is small like sand or dust in taste like Rocket seed whereof in truth wee suspect it to be a kinde The root is long and wooddy 1 Rheseda Plinij Italian Rocket 2 〈◊〉 maxima Crambling Rocket 2 Crambling Rocket hath many large leaues cut into sundry sections deeply diuided to the middle rib branched like the hornes of a stag or hart among which there do rise vp long fat and fleshy stalkes two cubits high lying flat vpon the ground by reason of his weake and feeble branches The floures grow at the top clustering thicke together white of colour with brownish threds in them The seed is like the former ‡ Lobel affirmes it growes in the Low-country gardens with writhen stalkes sometimes ten or twelue cub its high with leaues much diuided ‡ ¶ The Place These Plants grow in sandy stony grauelly and chalky barren grounds I haue found them in sundry places of Kent as at South-fleet vpon Long-field downes which is a chalkie and hilly ground very barren They grow at Greenhithe vpon the hills and in other places of Kent ‡ The first growes also vpon the Wolds in Yorke-shire The second I haue not seene growing except in gardens and much doubt whether it grow wilde with vs or no. ‡ ¶ The Time These Plants do flourish in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names The first is called of Pliny Reseda Erucaperegrina Eruca Cantabrica in English Italian Rocket The second is called Reseda maxima of Anguillara Pignocomon whereof I finde nothing extant worthy the memorie either of temperature or vertues CHAP. 27. Of Groundsell ¶ The Description 1 THe stalke of Groundsell is round chamfered and diuided into many branches the leaues be greene long and cut in the edges almost like those of Succorie but lesser like in a manner to the leaues of Rocket The floures be yellow and turne to downe that is carried away with the winde The root is full of strings and threds 1 Erigerum Groundsell 2 Erigerum Tomentosum Cotton Groundsell 2 Cotton Groundsel hath a straight stalke of a browne purple colour couered with a fine cotton or downy haire of the height of two cubits The leaues are like those of S. Iames Wort 〈◊〉 Rag-wort and at the top of the stalke grow small knops from which come floures of a pale yellow colour which are no sooner opened and spred abroad but they change into downe like that of the Thistle 〈◊〉 the same houre of his flouring and is carried away with the winde the root is small and tender ‡ 3 There is another with leaues more iagged and finelier cut than the last mentioned soft also and downie the floures are fewer lesse and paler than in the ordinarie but turne speedily into downe like as the former ‡ ¶ The Place These herbes are very common throughout England and do grow almost euery where ¶ The Time They flourish almost euery moneth of the yeare ‡ 3 Erigeron tomentosum alterum The other Cotton Groundsell ¶ The Names Groundsel is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Senecio because it waxeth old quickely by a bastard name Herbutum in Germany Creuszwurtz in low-Dutch Cruys crupt and Cruysken cruyt in Spanish 〈◊〉 cana in Italian Cardoncello Speliciosa in English Groundsel Cotton Groundsell seemeth to be all one with Theophrastus his Aphace hee maketh mention of Aphace in his seuenth booke which is not onely a kinde of pulse but an herbe also vnto which this kinde of Groundsell is very like For as Theophrastus saith The herbe Aphace is 〈◊〉 of the pot-herbs and kindes of Succorie adding further That it floureth in haste but yet soone is old and turneth into down and such a one is this kind of Groundsell But Theophrastus saith further That it floureth all the winter long and so long as the Spring lasteth as my selfe haue often seene this Groundsell do ¶ The Temperature Groundsell hath mixt faculties it cooleth and withall digesteth as Paulus Aegineta writeth ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Groundsell boyled in wine or water and drunke healeth the paine and ache of the stomacke that proceedeth of choler The leaues and floures stamped with a little Hogs grease ceaseth the burning heat of the stones and fundament By adding to a little saffron or salt it helpeth the Struma or Kings Euill The leaues stamped and strained into milke and drunke helpeth the red gummes and frets in children Dioscorides saith That with the fine pouder of Frankinsence it healeth wounds in the sinewes The like operation hath the downe of the floures mixed with vineger Boyled in Ale with a little honey and vineger it prouoketh vomit especially if you adde thereto a few roots of Assarabacca CHAP. 28. Of Saint James his Wort. ¶ The Kindes THe herbe called Saint Iames his wort is not without cause thought to be a kinde of Groundsel of which there be sundry sorts some of the pasture and one of the sea some sweet-smelling and some of a loathsome sauor All which kindes I will set downe ¶ The Description 1 SAint Iames his wort or Rag-wort is very well knowne euery where and bringeth forth at the first broad leaues gashed round about like to the leaues of common Wormewood but broader thicker not whitish or soft of a deepe greene colour with a stalke which riseth vp aboue a cubit high chamfered blackish and somewhat red withall The armes orwings are set with lesser leaues like those of Groundsell or of wilde Rocket The floures at the top be of a yellow colour like Marigolds as well the middle button as the small floures that stand in a pale round about which turne into downe as doth Groundsell The root is threddy ‡ 2 This hath stalkes some cubit high crested and set with long whitish leaues the lower leaues are the shorter but the vpper leaues the longer yet the narrower at the top of the stalke grow some foure or fiue floures as in an vmbell which are of a darke red colour before they open 1 〈◊〉 Rag-wort ‡ 2 Iacobaea angustifolia Narrow leaued Rag-weed ‡ 3 Iacobaea latifolia Broad leaued Rag-weed 4 Iacobaea marina Sea Rag-weed 3 This broad leaued Rag-weed hath stiffe crested stalkes which are set with broad wrinckled sharpe pointed leaues of a greene colour
winter Cherrie is brought out of Spaine and Italy or other hot regions from whence I haue had of those blacke seeds marked with the shape of a mans hart white as aforesaid and haueplanted them in my garden where they haue borne floures but haue perished before the fruit could grow to maturitie by reason of those vnseasonable yeeres 1594. 95. 96. ¶ The Time The red winter Cherrie beareth his floures and fruite in August The blacke beareth them at the same time where it doth naturally grow ¶ The Names The red winter 〈◊〉 is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Vesicaria and Solanum Vesicarium in shops 〈◊〉 Plinie in his 21. booke nameth it Halicacabus and Vesicaria of the little bladders or as the same Author writeth because it is good for the bladder and the stone it is called in Spanish Vexiga de porro in French Alquequenges Bagenauldes and Cerises d'outre mer in English red Nightshade Winter Cherries and Alkakengie 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Red winter Cherries 2 Halicacabum Peregrinum Blacke winter Cherries The blacke winter Cherrie is called Halacacabum Peregrinum Vesicaria Peregrina or strange 〈◊〉 Cherrie of Pena and Lobel it is called Cor Indum Cor Indicum of others Pisum 〈◊〉 in English the Indian heart or heart pease some haue taken it to be Dorycnion but they are greatly deceiued being in truth not any of the Nightshades it rather seemeth to agree with the graine named of Serapio Abrong or Abrugi of which he writeth in his 153. chapter in these words It is a little graine spotted with blacke and white round and like the graine Maiz with which notes this doth agree ¶ The Temperature The red winter Cherrie is thought to be cold and drie and of subtile parts The leaues differ not from the temperature of the garden Nightshade as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues The fruite brused and put to infuse or steepe in white wine two or three houres and 〈◊〉 boiled two or three bublings straining it and putting to the decoction a little sugar and cinnamon and drunke preuaileth very mightily against the stopping of vrine the stone and grauell the difficultie and sharpenes of making water and such like diseases if the griefe be old the greater quantity must be taken if new and not great the lesse it scoureth away the yellow jaundise also as some write CHAP. 58. Of the Maruell of the World Mirabilia Peruuiana flore luteo The maruell of Peru with yellowish floures ‡ Mirabilia Peruuiana flore albo The maruell of Peru with white floures The description THis admirable plant called the maruell of Peru or the maruell of the World springeth forth of the ground like vnto Basill in leaues amongst which it sendeth out a stalke two cubits and a halfe high os the thickenesse of a finger full of iuice very firme and of a yellowish greene colour knotted or 〈◊〉 with ioints somewhat bunching forth of purplish color as in the female Balsamina which stalke diuideth it selfe into sundrie branches or boughes and those also knottie like the stalke His branches are decked with leaues growing by couples at the ioints like the leaues of wilde Peascods greene fleshie and sull of ioints which beeing rubbed doe yeeld the like vnpleasant smell as wilde Peascods doe and are in taste also verie vnsauorie yet in the latter end they leaue a taste and sharpe smacke of Tabaco The stalkes towards the top are garnished with long hollow single flowers folded as it were into fiue parts before they be opened but being fully blowne doe resemble the flowers of Tabaco not ending into sharpe corners but blunt and round as the slowers of Bindeweede and larger than the flowers of Tabaco glittering oftentimes with a sine purple or Crimson colour many times of an horse-flesh sometime yellow sometime pale and sometime resembling an old red or yellow colour sometime whitish and most commonly two colours occupying halfe the flower or intercoursing the whole flower with streakes and orderly streames now yellow now purple diuided through the whole hauing sometime great sometime little spots of a purple colour sprinkled and scattered in a most variable order and braue mixture The ground or field of the whole flower is either pale red yellow or white containing in the middle of the hollownesse a pricke or pointell set round about with sixe small strings or chiues The flowers are verie sweet and pleasant resembling the 〈◊〉 or white Daffodill and are very suddenly fading for at night they are flowred wide open and so continue vntill eight of the clocke the next morning at which time they beginne to close or shut vp after the manner of the Bindeweede especially if the weather be very hot but if the aire be more temperate they remaine open the whole day and are closed onely at night and so perish one flower lasting but onely one day like the true Ephemerum or Hemerocailis This maruellous varietie doth not without cause bring admiration to all that obserue it For if the flowers be gathered and reserued in seuerall papers and compared with those flowers that will spring and flourish the next day you shall easily perceiue that one is not like another in colour though you should compare one hundreth which slower one day and another hundred which you gathered the next day and so from day to day during the time of their 〈◊〉 The cups and huskes which containe and embrace the flowers are diuided into fiue pointed sections which are greene and as it were consisting of skinnes wherein is contained one seede and no more couered with a blackish skinne hauing a blunt point whereon the flower groweth but on the end next the cup or huske it is 〈◊〉 with a little fiue cornered crowne The seed is as bigge as a pepper corne which os it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with any light motion Within this seede is contained a white kernell which being bruised resolueth into a very white pulpe like starch The root is thicke and like vnto a great 〈◊〉 outwardly blacke and within white sharpe in taste wherewith is mingled a superficiall sweetnes It bringeth new floures from Iuly vnto October in infinite number yea euen vntill the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cause the whole plant to perish notwithstanding it may be reserned in pots and set in chambers and cellars that are warme and so defended from the iniurie of our cold climate prouided alwaies that there be not any water cast vpon the pot or set forth to take any moisture in the aire vntill March following at which time it must bee taken forth of the pot and replanted in the garden By this meanes I haue preserued many though to small purpose because I haue sowne seeds that haue borne floures in as ample manner and in as good time as those reserued plants Of this wonderfull herbe there be other sorts but not so amiable 〈◊〉 so full of varietie and 〈◊〉 the most part their floures are ail of one color But I haue since by practise found out another
the taste pleasing and strong the qualitie thereof is cold in the fourth degree Which description agreeth herewith except in the forme or shape it should haue with Nux vomica Anguillara suspecteth it to be Hippomanes which Theocritus mentioneth wherewith in his second Eclog he sheweth that horses are made mad for Crateuas whom Theocritus his Scholiast doth cite writeth That the plant of Hippomanes hath a fruit full of prickles as hath the fruit of wilde Cucumbers In English it may be called Thorne-apple or the Apple of Peru. ‡ The words of Theocritus Eidyll 2. are these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which is thus in English Hippomanes'mongst the Arcadians springs by which euen all The Colts and agile Mares in mountaines mad do fall Now in the Greeke Scholia amongst the Expositions there is this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. That is 〈◊〉 saith That the plant hath a fruit like the wilde Cucumber but blacker the leaues are like a poppie but thorny or prickly Thus I expound these words of the Greeke Scholiast being pag. 〈◊〉 of the edition set forth by Dan. Heinsius Ann. Dom. 1603. Iulius Scaliger blames Theocritus because he calls Hippomanes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Plant but Heinsius as you may see in his notes vpon Theocritus pag. 120 probably iudges that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in this place signifies nothing but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Thing growing Such as are curious may haue recourse to the places quoted where they may finde it more largely handled than is fit for me in this place to insist vpon There is no plant at this day knowne in mine opinion whereto Crateuas his description may be more fitly referred than to the Papauer spinosum or 〈◊〉 infernalis which we shall hereafter describe ‡ ¶ The Nature The whole plant is cold in the fourth degree and of a drowsie and numming qualitie not inferior to Mandrake ¶ The Vertues The iuyce of Thorne-apples boiled with hogs grease to the forme of an vnguent or salue cureth all inflammations whatsoeuer all manner of burnings or scaldings as well of fire water boyling leade gun-pouder as that which comes by lightning and that in very short time as my self haue found by my dayly practise to my great credit and profit The first experience came from Colchester where Mistresse Lobel a Merchants wise there being most grieuously burned with lightning and not finding ease or cure in any other thing by this found helpewhen all hope was past by the report of Mr. William Ramme publique Notarie of the said towne was perfectly cured The leaues stamped small and boiled with oyle Oliue vntill the herbes be as it were burnt then strained and set to the fire againe with some wax rosin and a little Turpentine and made into a salue doth most speedily cure old vlcers new and fresh wounds vlcers vpon the glandulous part of the yard and other sores of hard curation CHAP. 63. Of Bitter-sweet or Wooddy Nightshade ¶ The Description BItter-sweet bringeth forth wooddy stalkes as doth the Vine parted into many slender creeping branches by which it climeth and taketh hold of hedges and shrubs next vnto it The barke of the oldest stalkes are rough and whitish of the colour of ashes with the outward rinde of a bright greene colour but the yonger branches are greene as are the leaues the wood brittle hauing in it a spongie pith it is clad with long leaues smooth sharpe pointed lesser than those of the Binde-weed At the lower part of the same leaues doth grow on either side one small or lesser leafe like vnto two eares The floures be small and somewhat clustered together consisting of fiue little leaues apiece of a perfect blew colour with a certaine pricke or yellow pointall in the middle which being past there do come in place faire berries more long than round at the first green but very red when they be ripe of a sweet taste at the first but after very vnpleasant of a strong sauour growing together in clusters like burnished coral The root is of a meane bignesse and full 〈◊〉 strings I haue found another sort which bringeth forth most pleasant white floures with yellow pointals in the middle in other respects agreeing with the former ¶ The Place Bitter-sweet doth grow in moist places about ditches riuers and hedges almost euery where Amara-dulcis Bitter-sweet The other sort with the white floures I found in a ditch side against the right honorable the Earle of Sussex his garden wall at his house in Bermonsey street by London as you go from the court which is full of trees 〈◊〉 farme house neere thereunto ¶ The Time The leaues come forth in the Spring the floures in Iuly the berries are 〈◊〉 in August ¶ The Names The later Herbarists haue named this plant Dulcamara Amarodulcis and Amaradulcis that is in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they call it also 〈◊〉 lignosum and Siliquastrum Pliny calleth it Melortum Theophrastus Vit is syluestris in English we call it Bitter-sweet and Wooddy Nightshade But euery Author must for his credit say somthing although to small purpose for Vit is syluestris is that which we call our Ladies Seale which is no kinde of Nightshade for Tamus and Vitu sylucstris are both one as likewise Solanum lignosum or Fruticosum and also Solanum rubrum whereas indeed it is no such plant nor any of the Nightshades although I haue followed others in placing it here Therfore those that vse to mixe the berries thereof in compositions of diuers cooling ointments in stead of the berries of Nightshade haue committed the greater errour for the fruit of this is not cold at all but hot as forthwith shall be shewed Dioscorides saith it is 〈◊〉 altera describing it by the description of those with white floures aforesaid whereunto it doth very well agree ‡ Dioscorides 〈◊〉 his Muscoso 〈◊〉 with a mossy floure that is such an one as consists of small chiues or threds which can by no meanes be agreeable to the floure of this plant ‡ ¶ The Temperature The leaues and fruit of Bitter-sweet are in temperature hot and dry clensing and wasting away ¶ The 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 of the leaues is reported to remoue the stoppings of the liuer and gall and 〈◊〉 be drunke with good successe against the yellow jaundice The iuyce is good for those that haue fallen from high places and haue beene thereby bruised or dry beaten for it is thought to dissolue bloud congealed or cluttered any where in the intrals and to heale the hurt places Hieronymus Tragus teacheth to make a decoction of Wine with the wood finely sliced and cut into small pieces which he reporteth to purge gently both by vrine and siege those that 〈◊〉 the dropsie or jaundice Dioscorides doth ascribe vnto Cyclaminus altcra or Bitter-sweet with white floures as I conceiue it the like faculties The fruit saith he being drunke in the weight of one dram with three ounces of white wine for forty
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that may be found carlesly cast abroad in the sowing without raking it into the ground or any such paine or industrie taken as is requisite in the so ving of other seeds as my self haue found by proofe who haue experimented euery way to cause it quickly to grow for I haue committed some to the earth in the end of March some in Aprill and some in the beginning of May because I durst not hasard all my seed at one time lest some vnkindely blast should happen after the sowing which might be a great enemie thereunto ¶ The Names The people of America call it Petun Some as Lobel and Pena haue giuen it these Latine names Sacra herba Sancta herba and Sana Sancta Indorum and other as Dodonaeus call it Hyoscyamus 〈◊〉 or Henbane of Peru Nicolaus Monardus 〈◊〉 it Tabacum That it is Hyoscyami species or a kind of Henbane not onely the forme being like to yellow Henbane but the qualitie also doth declare for it bringeth drowsinesse troubleth the sences and maketh a man as it were drunke by taking of the fume onely as Andrew Theuet testifieth and common experience sheweth of some it is called Nicotiana the which I refer to the yellow Henbane for distinctions sake ¶ The Temperature It is hot and dry and that in the second degree as Monardis thinketh and is withall of power to discusse or resolue and to cleanse away filthy humors hauing also a small astriction and a stupifying or benumming qualitie and it purgeth by the stoole and Monardis writeth that it hath a certaine power to resist poyson And to proue it to be of an hot temperatute the biting qualitie of the leaues doth shew which is easily perceiued by taste also the greene leaues laid vpon vlcers in 〈◊〉 parts may serue for a proofe of heate in this plant because they do draw out filth and corrupted matter which a cold Simple would neuer do The leaues likewise being chewed draw forth flegme and water as doth also the fume taken when the leaues are dried which things declare that this is not a little 〈◊〉 for what things soeuer that being chewed or held in the mouth bring forth flegme and water the same be all accounted hot as the root of Pellitorie of Spaine of Saxifrage and other things of like power Moreouer the benumming qualitie hereof is not hard to be perceiued for vpon the taking of the fume at the mouth there followeth an infirmitie like vnto drunkennesse and many times sleepe as after the taking of Opium which also sheweth in the taste a biting qualitie and therefore is not without heate which when it is chewed and inwardly taken it doth forthwith shew causing a certaine heat in the chest and yet withall troubling the wits as Petrus Bellonius in his third Booke of Singularities doth declare where also hee sheweth that the Turkes oftentimes doe vse Opium and take one dramme and a halfe thereof at one time without any other hurt following sauing that they are thereupon as it were taken with a certaine light drunkennesse So also this Tabaco being in taste biting and in temperature hot hath notwithstanding a benumming qualitie Hereupon it seemeth to 〈◊〉 that not onely this Henbane of Peru but also the iuice of poppie otherwise called Opium 〈◊〉 of diuers parts some biting and hot and others extreame cold that is to say stupifying or benumming if so bee that this benumming qualitie proceed of extreme cold as Galen and all the old Physitions doe hold opinion Then should this bee cold but if the benumming facultie doth not depend of an extreme cold qualitie but proceedeth of the effence of the substance then Tabaco is not cold and benumming but hot and benumming and the latter not so much by reason of his temperature as through the propertie of his substance no otherwise than a purging medicine which hath his sorce not from the temperature but from the essence of the whole substance ¶ The Vertues Nicolaus Monardis saith that the 〈◊〉 hereof are a remedy for the paine in the head called the Megram or Migraime that hath beene of long continuance and also for a cold stomacke especially in children and that it is good against the paines in the kidneies It is a present remedie for the fits of the Mother it mitigateth the paine of the gout if it bee rosted in hot embers and applied to the grieued part It is likewise a remedie for the tooth-ache if the teeth and gums be rubbed with a linnen cloth dipped in the iuice and afterward a round ball of the leaues laid vnto the place The iuice boiled with Sugar in forme of a sirrup and inwardly taken driueth forth wormes of the bellie if withall a leafe be laid to the Nauell The same doth likewise scoure and clense old and rotten vlcers and bringeth them to perfect digest ion as the same Author affirmeth In the Low Countreyes it is vsed against scabbes and filthinesse of the skinne and for the cure of wounds but some hold opinion that it is to bee vsed but onely to hot and strong bodies for they say that the vse is not safe in weake and old folkes and for this cause as it seemeth the women in America as Theuct sayth abstayne from the hearbe Petun or Tabaco and doe in no wise vse it The weight of foure ounces of the iuice heereof drunke purgeth both vpwards and downewards and procureth after a long and sound sleepe as wee haue learned of a friend by obseruation affirming that a strong Countreyman of a middle age hauing a dropsie tooke of it and being wakened out of his sleepe called for meat and drinke and after that became perfectly whole Moreouer the same man reported that he had cured many countriemen of agues with the distilled water of the leaues drunke a little while besore the fit Likewise there is an oile to be taken out of the leaues that healeth merry-gals kibed heels and such like It is good against poison and taketh away the malignitie thereof if the iuice be giuen to drink or the wounds made by venemous beasts be washed therewith The drie leaues are vsed to be taken in a pipe set on fire and suckt into the stomacke and thrust forth againe at the 〈◊〉 against the pains of the head rheumes aches in any part of the body whereof soeuer the originall proceed whether from France Italy Spaine Indies or from our familiar and best knowne diseases those leaues doe palliate or ease for a time but neuer performe any cure absolutely for although they emptie the body of humours yet the cause of the griefe cannot be so taken away But some haue learned this principle that repletion requireth euacuation that is 〈◊〉 craueth emptinesse and by euacuation assure themselues of health But this doth not take away so much with it this day but the next bringeth with it more As for example a Well doth neuer yeeld such store of water as when it is most drawne and emptied
haue them in our gardens rather for pleasure than profit or any good qualitie as yet knowne ¶ The Time It is kept in pots and tubs with earth and such like in houses during the extremity of Winter because it cannot indure the coldnesse of our colde climate and is set abroad into the Garden in March or Aprill it floureth in May and the fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names Tree Nightshade is called in Latine Solanum Arborescens of some Strychnodendron and some iudge it to be 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 it is Pseudocapsicum of Dodonaeus ¶ The Nature and Vertues We haue not as yet any thing set downe as touching the temperature or vertues of this Plant but it is referred of some to the kindes of Ginnie pepper but without any reason at all for Ginny pepper though it bring forth fruit very like in shape vnto this plant yet in taste most vnlike for that Capsicum or Ginny pepper is more sharpe in taste than our common pepper and the other hath no taste of biting at all but is like vnto the Berries of Garden Nightshade in taste although they differ in colour which hath moued some to call this plant red Nightshade of the colour of the berries and Tree Nightshade of the wooddy substance which doth continue and grow from yeare to yeare and Ginnie pepper dieth at the first approch of Winter CHAP. 70. Of Balme Apple or Apple of Hierusalem 1 Balsamina mas The male Balsam Apple 2 Balsamina foemina The female Balsam Apple The Description 1 THe male Balme Apple hath long small and tender branches set with leaues like those of the vine and the like small clasping tendrels wherewith it catcheth hold of such things as do grow neere vnto it not able by reason of his weakenesse to stand vpright without some pole or other thing to support it The floures consist of fiue small leaues of a meane bignesse and are of a faint yellow colour which being past there doe come in place long Apples something sharpe toward the point almost like an egge rough all ouer as it were with small harmelesse prickles red both within and without when they be ripe and cleaue in sunder of themselues in the Apple lieth great broad flat seeds like those of Pompion or Citrull but something blacke when they be withered The root is threddie and disperseth it selfe far abroad in the ground 2 The female Balm Apple doth not a little differ from the former it bringeth forth stalks not running or climing like the other but a most thicke and fat truncke or stocke full of iuice in substance like the stalks of Purslane of a reddish color and somewhat shining The leaues be long and narrow in shape like those of Willow or the Peach tree somewhat toothed or notched about the edges among which grow the floures of an incarnate colour tending to blewnesse hauing a small spur or taile annexed thereto as hath the Larks heele of a faire light crimson colour in their places come vp the fruit or Apples rough and hairy but lesser than those of the former yellow when they be ripe which likewise cleaue asunder of themselues and cast abroad their seedes much 〈◊〉 vnto Lentils saith mine Author But those which I haue from yeare to yeare in my Garden bring forth seed like the Cole-florey or Mustard seed whether they be of two kindes or the climate 〈◊〉 alter the 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 disputable ¶ The Place These plants do prosper best in hot Regions they are strangers in England and doe with great labour and industrie grow in these cold Countries ¶ The Time They must be sowne in the beginning of Aprill in a bed of hot horse dung euen as Muske-Melons Cucumbers and such like cold fruits are and replanted abroad from the said bed into the most hot and fertile place of the Garden at such time as they haue gotten three leaues a 〈◊〉 ¶ The Names Diuersly 〈◊〉 this plant been named some calling it by one name and some by another euery one as it seemed good to his fancie Baptista Sardus calleth it Balsamina 〈◊〉 others Viticella and Charantia as also Pomum 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 of Hierusalem in English Balme 〈◊〉 Italian Caranza in the Germane tongue Balsam opffel in French Merueille some of the Latines haue called it Pomum mirabile or maruellous Apples It is thought to be named Balsamina because the oile wherein the ripe Apples be steeped or infused is taken to bee profitable for many things as is Opobalsamum or the liquour of the plant Balsamum The female Balsam Apple is likewise called 〈◊〉 and oftentimes in the Neuter Gender Balsaminum Gesner chooseth rather to name it Balsamina amygdaloides 〈◊〉 Cordus Balsamella others Balsamina foemina in English the Female Balme Apples ¶ The Nature The fruit or apples hereof as also the leaues doe notably drie hauing withall a certaine moderate coldnesse very neere to a meane temperature that is after some hot in the first and drie in the second degree ¶ The 〈◊〉 The leaues are reported to heale greene wounds if they be bruised and laid thereon and taken with wine they are said to be a remedie sor the collicke and an effectuall medicine for burstings and convulsions or crampes The leaues of the male Balsamina dried in the shadow and beaten into pouder and giuen in wine vnto those that are mortally wounded in the body doth cure them inwardly and helpeth also the Collicke The oile which is drawne forth of the fruit doth cure all greene and fresh wounds as the true naturall Balsam it helpeth the crampes and convulsions and the shrinking of sinewes being annointed therewith It profiteth women that are in great extremitie of childe-birth in taking away the paine of the matrix causing easie deliuerance beeing applied to the place and annointed vpon their bellies or cast into the matrix with a syring and easeth the dolour of the inward parts It cureth the Hemorrhoides and all other paines of the fundament being thereto applied with lint of old clouts The leaues drunken in wine heale ruptures I finde little or nothing written of the property or vertues of the female kinde but that it is thought to draw neere vnto the first in temperament and vertue Oile oliue in which the fruit the seede taken forth is either set in the Sun as we dowhen wee make oile of roses or boiled in a double glasse set in hot water or else buried in hot horse dung taketh away inflammations that are in wounds It doth also easily and in short time consolidate or glew them together and perfectly cure them It cureth the vlcers of the dugs or paps the head of the yard or matrix as also the inflammation thereof being iniected or conueied into the place with a syringe or mother pessarie This apple is with good successe applied vnto wounds prickes and hurts of the sinewes It hath great force to cure scaldings and burnings it taketh away scarres and blemishes if in the meane time the pouder
colour like the double Violers 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 flore lut co Yellow horned Poppie 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rubro Red horned Poppie ‡ 3 Papauer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 glabrum Red horned Poppie 〈◊〉 smooth leaues 4 Papauer cornutum flore violaceo Violet coloured horned Poppie ¶ The Place The yellow horned Poppie groweth vpon the sands and banks of the sea I haue found it growing neere vnto Rie in Kent in the Iles of Shepey and Thanet at Lee in Essex at Harwich at Whitestable and many other places alongst the English coast The second groweth not wilde in England Angelus Palea and Bartholomaeus ab Vrbe-veterum who haue commented vpon Mesue write that they found this red horned Poppie in the kingdomes of Arragon and Castile in Spaine and the fields neere vnto common paths They doe grow in my Garden very plentifully ¶ The Time They floure from May to the end of August ¶ The Names Most Writers haue taken horned Poppie especially that with red floures to be Glaucium neither is this their opinion altogether vnprobable for as 〈◊〉 saith Glaucium hath leaues like those of horned Poppey but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say fatter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 low or lying on the ground of a strong smell and of a bitter taste the iuice also is much like in colour to Saffron Now Lobel and Pena witnesse that this horned Poppie hath the same kinde of iuice as my selfe likewise can testifie Dioscorides saith that Glaucium groweth about Hierapolis a citie in Syria but what hindereth that it should not bee found also somewhere else 〈◊〉 things shew it hath a great affinity with Glaucium if it be not the true and legitimate Glaucium of D oscorides Howbeit the first is the Mecon 〈◊〉 or Papauer cor niculatum of the Antients by the common consent of all late Writers in English Sea Poppie ' and Horned Poppie in Dutch 〈◊〉 and Horne Heule in the Germane Tongue 〈◊〉 in French Pauot 〈◊〉 in Spanish Dormider a marina ¶ The Nature Horned Poppies are hot and drie in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The root of horned Poppie boiled in water vnto the consumption of the one halfe and drunke prouok eth vrine and openeth the stopping of the liuer The seed taken in the quantitie of a spoonefull looseth the belly gently The iuice mixed with meale and honie mundifieth old rotten and filthievlcers The leaues and floures put into vnguents or salues appropriate for greene wounds digest them that is bring them to white matter with perfect quitture or sanies CHAP. 73. Of Garden Poppies ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of white Poppie are long broad smooth longer than the leaues of 〈◊〉 whiter and cut in the edges the stem or stalke is straight and brittle oftentimes a yard and a halfe high on the top whereof grow white floures in which at the very beginning appeareth a small head accompanied with a number of threds or chiues which being full growne is round and yet something long withall and hath a couer or crownet vpon the top it is with many filmes or thin skins diuided into coffers or seuerall partitions in which is contained abundance of small round and whitish seed The root groweth deepe and is of no estimation nor continuance 2 Like vnto this is the blacke garden Poppie sauing that the floures are not so white and shining but vsually red or at least spotted or straked with some lines of purple The leaues are greater more iagged and sharper pointed The seed is likewise blacker which maketh the difference ‡ 3 There is also another garden Poppie whose leaues are much more sinuated or crested and the floure also is all iagged or finely cut about the edges and of this sort there is also both blacke and white The floures of the blacke are red and the seed blacke and the other hath both the floures and seed white 4 There are diuers varieties of double Poppies of both these kindes and their colours are commonly either white red darke purple scarlet or mixt of some of these They differ from the former onely in the doublenesse of their floures 1 Papauer sativum album White garden Poppie 2 Papauer sativum nigrum Blacke Garden Poppie ‡ 3 Papauer simbriatum album White iagged Poppie 4 Papauer flo multipl albo nigro The double white and blacke Poppie 5 There is also another kinde of 〈◊〉 which ost times is sound wilde the slalles 〈◊〉 floures and heads are like but lesse than those of the 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 are of an 〈◊〉 blewish purple color after which sollow heads short and round which vnder their couer or crownet haue little holes by which the seed may fall out contrarie to the heads of the sormer which are close and open not of themselues There is also a double one of this kinde ‡ ¶ The Place These kinde of Poppies are sowne in gardens do afterward come of the fallings of their seed ¶ The Time They floure most commonly in Iune The seed is perfected in Iuly and August 5 Papauer syluestre Wilde Poppie ¶ The Names Poppie is called of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines Papauer the shops keepe the Latine name it is called in high Dutch Magsamen in low Dutch 〈◊〉 and Mancop in English Poppie Cheesebowls in French Pauot and Oliette by the Wallons The garden Poppie which hath blacke seeds is surnamed of Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or wilde and is as hee saith called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because Opium flowes from it of Pliny and of the Latines Papauer nigrum whereof there be many variable colours and of great beautie although of euill smell whereupon our gentlewomen doe call it Ione Siluer pin ¶ The Temperature All the Poppies are cold as Galen testifieth in his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines ¶ The Vertues This seed as Galen saith in his booke of the Faculties of nourishments is good to season bread with but the white is better than the black He also addeth that the same is cold and causeth sleepe and yeeldeth no commendable nourishment to the body it is often vsed in comfits serued at the table with other iunketting dishes The oile which is pressed out of it is pleasant and delightsull to be eaten and is taken with bread or any other waies in meat without any sence of cooling A greater force is in the knobs or heads which doe specially preuaile to mooue sleepe and to stay and represse distillations or rheums and come 〈◊〉 in force to Opium but more gentle Opium or the condensed iuice of Poppie heads is strongest of all 〈◊〉 which is the iuice of the heads and leaues is weaker Both of them any waies taken either inwardly or outwardly applied to the head prouoke sleepe Opium somewhat too plentifully taken doth also 〈◊〉 death as Plinie truely writeth It mitigateth all kinde of paines but it leaueth behinde it oftentimes a mischiefe worse than the disease it selfe and
top of the stalkes of a red colour with some small blacknesse toward the bottome The seed is small contained in little round knobs The seed is small and threddy 2 The second is like the first sauing that the cods hereof be long and the other more round wherein the difference doth consist ¶ The Place These plants do grow in the corne fields in Somersetshire and by the hedges and high-wayes as yetrauell from London to Bathe Lobel found it growing in the next field vnto a village in Kent called Southfleet my selfe being in his company of purpose to discouer some strange plants not hitherto written of ‡ Mr. Robert Lorkin and I found both these growing in Chelsey fields as also in those belonging to Hamersmith but the shorter headed one is a floure of a more elegant colour and not so plentifull as the other ‡ 1 Argemone capitulotorulo Bastard wilde Poppy 2 Argemone capitulo longiore Long codded wilde Poppy ¶ The Time They floure in the beginning of August and their seed is ripe at the end thereof ¶ The Names The bastard wilde Poppy is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Argemone Argemonia 〈◊〉 Concordalis and Herba liburnica of some Pergalium Arsela and Sacrocolla Herba in English Wind rose and bastard wilde poppy ¶ The Temperature They are hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The leaues stamped and the iuyce dropped into the eyes easeth the inflammation thereof and cureth the disease of the eye called Argema whereof it tooke his name which disease when it hapneth on the blacke of the eye it appeares white and contrariwise when it is in the white then it appeareth blacke of colour The leaues stamped and bound vnto the eyes or face that are blacke or blew by meanes of some blow or stripe doth perfectly take it away The dry herbe steeped in warme water worketh the like effect The leaues and roots stamped and the iuyce giuen in drinke helpeth the wringings or gripings of the belly The dry herbe infused in warme water doth the same effectually The herbe stamped cureth any wound vlcer canker or fistula being made vp into an vnguent or salue with oile wax and a little turpentine The iuyce taken in the weight of two drammes with wine mightily expelleth poyson or venome The iuyce taketh away warts if they be rubbed therewith and being taken in meate it helpes the milt or spleene if it be wasted CHAP. 76. Of Winde-floures ¶ The Kindes THe stocke or kindred of the Anemones or Winde-floures especially in their varieties of colours are without number or at the least not sufficiently knowne vnto any one that hathwritten of plants For Dodonoeus hath set forth fiue sorts Lobel eight Tabernamontanus ten My selfe haue in my garden twelue different sorts and yet I do heare of diuers more differing very notably from any of these which I haue briefely touched though not figured euery new yeare bringing with it new and strange kindes and euery countrey his peculiar plants of this sort which are sent vnto vs from far countries in hope to receiue from vs such as our countrey yeeldeth 1 Anemone tuberosa radice Purple Winde-floure 2 Anemone coccinea multiplex Double Skarlet Winde-floure ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Anemone or Winde-floure hath small leaues very much snipt or iagged almost like vnto Camomile or Adonis floure among which riseth vp a stalke bare or naked almost vnto the top at which place is set two or three leaues like the other and at the top of the stalke commeth forth a faire and beautifull floure compact of seuen leaues and sometimes eight of a violet colour tending to purple It is impossible to describe the colour in his full perfection considering the variable mixtures The root is tuberous or knobby 〈◊〉 very brittle 3 Anemone maxima Chalcedonica polyanthos The great double Winde-floure of Bithynia 4 Anemone Chalcedonica simplici flore The single Winde-floure of Bithynia 5 Anemone Bulbocastani radice Chesnut Winde-floure 2 The second kind of Anemone hath leaues like to the precedent insomuch that it is hard to distinguish the one from the other but by the floures onely for those of this plant are of a most bright and faire skarlet colour and as double as the Marigold and the other not so The root is knobby and very brittle as is the former 3 The great Anemone hath double floures vsually called the Anemone of Chalcedon which is a city in Bithynia and great broad leaues deeply cut in the edges not vnlike to those of the field Crow-foot of an ouerworne greene colour amongst which riseth vp a naked bare stalke almost vnto the top where there stand two or three leaues in shape like the others but lesser sometimes changed into reddish stripes confusedly mixed here and there in the said leaues On the top of the stalke standeth a most gallant floure very double of a perfect red colour the which is sometimes striped amongst the red with a little line or two of yellow in the middle from which middle commeth forth many blackish thrums The seed is not to be found that I could euer obserue but is carried away with the winde The root is thicke and knobby 4 The fourth agreeth with the first kind of Anemone in roots leaues stalks and shape of floures differing in that that this plant bringeth forth faire single red floures and the other of a violet colour as aforesaid 5 The fifth sort of Anemone hath many small iagged leaues like those of Coriander proceeding from a knobby root resembling the root of Bulbocastanum or earth Chesnut The stalke rises vp amongst the leaues of two hands high bearing at the top a single floure consisting of a pale or border of little purple leaues somtimes red and often of a white colour set about a blackish pointall thrummed ouer with many small blackish haires 6 Anemone latifolia Clusij Broad leaued Winde-floure ‡ 7 Anemone latifolia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The double yellow wind-floure 6 The sixt hath very broad leaues in respect of all the rest of the Anemones not vnlike to those of the common Mallow but greene on the vpper part and tending to rednesse vnderneath like the leaues of Sow-bread The stalke is like that of the last described on the top whereof growes a faire yellow star-floure with a head ingirt with yellow thrums The root saith my Author is a finger long thicke and knobby ‡ 7 There is also another whose lower leaues resemble those of the last described yet those which grow next aboue them are more diuided or cut in amongst these leaues riseth vp a stalke 8 Anemone Geranifolia Storkes bill Winde-floure 9 Anemone Matthioli Matthiolus white Winde-floure 10 Anemone trifolia Three leaued Winde-floure 11 Anemone Papaueracea Poppy Winde-floure 8 The eighth hath many large leaues deeply cut or iagged in shape like those of the Storks bil or Pinke-needle among which riseth vp a naked stalke set about toward the top with
round hollow stalks of a browne colour 〈◊〉 ioynts like knees garnished with such like leaues but smaller at the end whereof grow 〈◊〉 floures of a pale colour one aboue another and after them commeth a brownish three 〈◊〉 seede lapped in browne chaffie huskes like Patience The roote is great long and 〈◊〉 within ‡ There is a varietie of this with crisped or 〈◊〉 leaues whose figure was by our Authour giuen in the second place in the following chapter vnder the Title of 〈◊〉 minus ‡ 2 The second kind of sharpe pointed Docke is like the first but much smaller and doth 〈◊〉 his seed in rundles about his branches in chaffie huskes like Sorrell not so much in vse as the former called also sharpe pointed Docke ‡ 3 This in roots stalkes and seeds is like to the precedent but the leaues are 〈◊〉 and rounder than those of the first described therin consists the chiefe difference 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Place These kindes of Docks do grow as is 〈◊〉 said in medowes 〈◊〉 by riuers sides 1 Lapathum acutum Sharpe pointed Docke 2 Lapathum acutum minimum Small sharpe Docke ‡ 3 Lapathum syluestre 〈◊〉 minus 〈◊〉 The roundish leaued wilde Docke ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names They are called in Latine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mex Lapatium 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Docke and sharpe pointed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 greater and the lesser of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian Rombice in Spanish Romaza 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 which word is 〈◊〉 of Lapathum and also 〈◊〉 in French 〈◊〉 ‡ The third is Lapathum folio 〈◊〉 or minus 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Tabern ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues These herbes are of a mixture betweene cold and heat and almost drie in the third degree especially the seed which is very astringent The pouder of any of the kinds of 〈◊〉 drunk in 〈◊〉 stoppeth the laske and bloudie 〈◊〉 and caseth the pains of the stomacke The roots boiled til they be very soft and stamped with barrowes grease and made into an ointment helpeth the itch and all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and mangines And for the same purpose it shall 〈◊〉 necessarie to boile them in water as aforesaid and the partie to be bathed and rubbed therewith CHAP. 82. Of Water Dockes 1 〈◊〉 magnum Great Water 〈◊〉 2 Hydrolapathum minus Small Water Docke 3 Hippolapathum sativum Patience or Munkes Rubarb 4 Hippolapathum rotundifolium Bastard Rubarb ‡ 5 Lapathum sativum sanguineum Bloudwoort The Description 1 THe Great water Docke hath very long and great leaues sti ffe and hard not vnlike to the Garden Patience but much longer The stalke riseth vp to a great height often times to the height of fiue foot or more The 〈◊〉 groweth at the top of the stalke in spokie tusts brown of colour The seed is contained in chaffie huskes three square of a shining pale colour The root is very great thicke 〈◊〉 without and yellowish within 2 The small water Docke hath short narrow leaues set vpon a stiffe stalke The floures grow from the middle of the stalke vpward in spokie rundles set in spaces by certaine distances round about the stalke as are the floures of Horehound Which Docke is of all the kindes most common and of lesse vse and taketh no pleasure or delight in any one soile or dwellingplace but is found almost euery where as well vpon the land as in waterie places but especially in gardens among good and holesome pot-herbes being there better known than welcome or desired wherefore I intend not to spend further time about his description 3 The Garden Patience hath very strong stalks furrowed or chamfered of eight or nine foot high when it groweth in fertile ground set about with great large leaues like to those of the water Docke hauing alongst the stalkes toward the top floures of a light purple colour declining to brownenesse The seed is three square contained in thin chaffie huskes like those of the common Docke The root is verie great browne without and yellow within in colour and taste like the true Rubarb 4 Bastard Rubarb hath great broad round leaues in shape like those of the great Bur-docke The stalke and seeds are so like vnto the precedent that the one cannot be knowne from the other sauing that the seeds of this are somewhat lesser The root is exceeding great and thicke very like vnto the Rha of Barbarie as well in proportion as in colour and taste and purgeth after the same manner but must be taken in greater quantitie as witnesseth that famous learned Physition now liuing Mr. Doctor Bright and others who haue experimented the same 5 This fifth kinde of Docke is best knowne vnto all of the stocke or kindred of Dockes it hath long thin leaues sometimes red in euery part thereof and often stripped here and there with lines and strakes of a darke red colour among which rise vp stiffe brittle stalkes of the same colour on the top whereof come forth such floures and seed as the common wilde docke hath The root is likewise red or of a bloudie colour ¶ The Place They do grow for the most part in ditches and water-courses very common through England The two last saue one do grow in gardens my selfe and others in London and elswhere haue them growing for our vse in Physicke and chirurgerie The last is sowne for a pot-herbe in most gardens ¶ The Time Most of the dockes do rise vp in the Spring of the yeare and their seed is ripe in Iune and August ¶ The Names The docke is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Rumex and Lapathum yet Pliny in his 19 Booke 12. Chapter seemeth to attribute the name of Rumex onely to the garden docke The Monkes Rubarbe is called in Latine Rumex sativus and Patientia or Patience which word is borrowed of the French who call this herbe Patience after whom the Dutch men name this pot herbe also Patientie of some Rhabarbarum Monachorum or Monkes Rubarbe because as it should seeme some Monke or other haue vsed the root hereof in stead of Rubarbe Bloudwoort or bloudy Patience is called in Latine Lapathum sanguineum of some Sanguis Draconis of the bloudie colour wherewith the whole plant is possest and is of pot-herbes the chiefe or principall hauing the propertie of the bastard Rubarbe but of lesse force in his purging quality ¶ The Temperature Generally all the Dockes are cold some little and moderately and some more they doe all of them drie but not all after one manner notwithstanding some are of opinion that they are dry almost in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The leaues of the Garden Docke or Patience may be eaten and are somewhat colde but more moist and haue withall a certaine clamminesse by reason whereof they easily and quickely passe through the belly when they be eaten and
healing The decoction hereof made with wine is commended to close vp and heale wounds of the entrailes and inward parts it is also good for vlcers of the kidneies especially made with water and the roots of Comfrey added thereto The leaues of Monophyllon or Vnifolium are of the same force in wounds with Pyrola especially in wounds among the nerues and sinewes Moreouer it is esteemed of some late writers a most perfect medicine against the pestilence and all poisons if a dram of the root be giuen in vineger mixed with wine or water and the sicke go to bed and sweat vpon it CHAP. 91. Of Lilly in the valley or May Lilly 1 Lilium conuallium Conuall Lillies 2 Lilium conuallium floribus suaue-rubentibus Red Conuall Lillies ¶ The Description 1 THe Conuall Lillie or Lilly of the Vally hath many leaues like the smallest leaues of Water Plantaine among which riseth vp a naked stalke halfe a foot high garnished with many white floures like little bels with blunt and turned edges of a strong sauour yet pleasant enough which being past there come small red berries much like the berries of Asparagus wherein the seed is contained The root is small and slender creeping far abroad in the ground 2 The second kinde of May Lillies is like the former in euery respect and herein varieth or differeth in that this kinde hath reddish floures and is thought to haue the sweeter smell ¶ The Place 1 The first groweth on Hampsted heath foure miles from London in great abundance neere to Lee in Essex and vpon Bushie heath thirteene miles from London and many other places 2 That other kind with the red floure is a stranger in England howbeit I haue the same growing in my garden ¶ The Time They floure in May and their fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names The Latines haue named it Lilium Gonuallium Gesner doth thinke it to be Callionymum in the Germane tongue Meyen blumlen the low Dutch Meyen bloemkens in French Muguet yet there is likewise another herbe which they call Muguet commonly named in English Woodroof It is called in English Lillie of the Valley or the Conuall Lillie and May Lillies and in some places Liriconfancie ¶ The Nature They are hot and drie of complexion ¶ The Vertues The floures of the Valley Lillie distilled with wine and drunke the quantitie of a spoonfull restoreth speech vnto those that haue the dum palsie and that are falne into the Apoplexie and is good against the gout and comforteth the heart The water aforesaid doth strengthen the memorie that is weakened and diminished it helpeth also the inflammation of the eies being dropped thereinto The floures of May Lillies put into a glasse and set in a hill of antes close stopped for the space of a moneth and then taken out therein you shall find a liquour that appeaseth the paine griefe of the gout being outwardly applied which is commended to be most excellent CHAP. 92. Of Sea Lauander 1 Limonium Sea Lauander 2 Limonium parvum Rocke Lauander ¶ The Description 1 THere hath beene among writers from time to time great contention about this plant Limonium no one authour agreeing with another for some haue called this herbe Limonium some another herb by this name some in remouing the rock haue mired themselues in the mud as Matthiolus who described two kindes but made no distinction of them nor yet expressed which was the true Limonium but as a man heerein ignorant hee speakes not a word of them Now then to leaue controuersies and cauilling the true Limonium is that which hath faire leaues like the Limon or Orenge tree but of a darke greene colour somewhat fatter and a little crumpled amongst which leaues riseth vp an hard and brittle naked stalke of a foot high diuided at the top into sundry other small branches which grow for the most part vpon the one side full of little blewish floures in shew like Lauander with long red seed and a thicke root like vnto the small Docke 2 There is a kinde of Limonium like the first in each respect but lesser which groweth vpon rockes and chalkie cliffes ‡ 3 Besides these two here described there is another elegant Plant by Clusius and others referred to this kindred the description thereof is thus from a long slender root come forth long greene leaues lying spred vpon the ground being also deepely sinuated on both sides and somewhat roughish Amongst these leaues grow vp the stalkes welted with slender indented skinnes and towards their tops they are diuided into sundry branches after the manner of the ordinarie one but these branches are also winged and at their tops they carry floures some foure or fiue clustering together consisting of one thin crispe or crumpled leafe of a light blew colour which continues long if you gather them in their perfect vigour and so drie them and in the middest of this blew comes vp little white floures consisting of fiue little round leaues with some white threds in their middles This plant was first obserued by 〈◊〉 at Ioppa in Syria but it growes also vpon the coasts of Barbarie and at Malacca and Cadiz in Spaine I haue seene it growing with many other rare plants in the Garden of my kinde friend Mr. Iohn Tradescant at South Lambeth 4 Clusius in the end of his fourth Booke Historiae Plantarum sets forth this and saith hee receiued this figure with one dryed leafe of the plant sent him from Paris from Claude Gonier an Apothecarie of that citie who receiued it as you see it here exprest from Lisbone Now Clusius describes the leafe that it was hard and as if it had been a piece of leather open on the vpper side and distinguished with many large purple veines on the inside c. for the rest of his description was onely taken from the figure as he himselfe saith which I hold impertinent to set downe seeing I heere giue you the same figure which by no meanes I could omit for the strangenesse thereof but hope that some or other that trauell into forraine parts may finde this elegant plant and know it by this small expression and bring it home with them that so we may come to a perfecter knowledge thereos ‡ ‡ 3 Limonium folio sinuato Sea-Lauander with the indented leafe ‡ 4 Limonio congener Clus. Hollow leaued Sea-Lauander ¶ The Place 1 The first groweth in great plentie vpon the walls of the fort against Grauesend but abundantly on the bankes of the Riuer below the same towne as also below the Kings Store-house at Chattam and fast by the Kings Ferrey going into the Isle of Shepey in the salt marshes by Lee in Essex in the Marsh by Harwich and many other places The small kinde I could neuer finde in any other place but vpon the chalky cliffe going from the towne of Margate downe to the sea side vpon the left hand ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶
leaues cut about the edges like the teeth of a sawe and so like the leaues of nettles that it is hard to know the one from the other but by touching them The floures are hollow hairy within and of a perfect blew colour bell fashion not vnlike to the Couentry bells The root is white thicke and long lasting ‡ There is also in some Gardens kept a variety hereof hauing double floures ‡ 2 The white Canterbury bells are so like the precedent that it is not possible to distinguish them but by the colour of the floures which of this plant is a milke white colour and of the other a blew which setteth forth the difference 4 Trachelium minus Small Canterbury bells ‡ 5 Trachelium majus petroeum Great Stone Throtewort ‡ Our Author much mistaking in this place as in many other did againe figure and describe the third and fourth and of them made a fift and sixt calling the first Trachelium Giganteum and the next Viola Calathiana yet the figures were such as Bauhine could not coniecture what was meant by them and therefore in his 〈◊〉 he saith Trachelium Giganteum Viola 〈◊〉 apud Gerardum quid but the descriptions were better wherefore I haue omitted the former description and here giuen you the later ‡ 3 Giants Throtewort hath very large leaues of an ouerworne greene colour hollowed in the middle like the Moscouites spoone and very rough slightly intended about the edges The stalke is two cubits high whereon those leaues are set from the bottome to the top from the bosome of each leafe commeth forth one slender footestalke whereon doth grow a faire and large floure fashioned like a bell of a whitish colour tending to purple The pointed corners of each floure turne themselues backe like a scrole or the Dalmatian cap in the middle whereof commeth forth a sharpe stile or clapper of a yellow colour The root is thicke with certaine strings annexed thereto 4 The smaller kinde of Throtewort hath stalkes and leaues very like vnto the great Throtewoort but altogether lesser and not so hairy from the bosome of which leaues shoot forth very beautifull floures bell fashion of a bright purple colour with a small pestle or clapper in the middle and in other respects is like the precedent ‡ 5 This from a wooddy and wrinkled root of a pale purple colour sends forth many rough crested stalkes of some cubit high which are vnorderly set with leaues long rough and snipt lightly about their edges being of a darke colour on the vpper side and of a whitish on their vnder part At the tops of the stalkes grow the floures being many and thicke thrust together white of colour and diuided into fiue or seuen parts each floure hauing yellowish threds and a pointall in their middles It floures in August and was first set forth and described by Pona in his description of Mount Baldus ‡ ¶ The Place The first described and sometimes the second growes very plentifully in the low woods and hedge-rowes of Kent about Canterbury Sittingborne Grauesend Southfleet and Greenehyth especially vnder Cobham Parke-pale in the way leading from Southfleet to Rochester at Eltham about the parke there not farre from Greenwich in most of the pastures about Watford and Bushey fifteene miles from London ‡ 3 The third was kept by our Author in his Garden as it is also at this day preserued in the garden of Mr. Parkinson yet in the yeere 1626 I found it in great plenty growing wilde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bankes of the Riuer Ouse in Yorkshire as I went from Yorke to visite Selby the place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was borne being ten miles from thence ‡ The fourth groweth in the medow next vnto Ditton ferrie as you goe to Windsore vpon 〈◊〉 chalky hills about Greenehithe in Kent and in a field by the high way as you go from thence to Dartford in Henningham parke in Essex and in Sion medow neere to Brandford eight miles from London The fifth growes on Mount Baldus in Italy ¶ The Time All the kindes of bell floures do floure and flourish from May vntill the beginning of August except the last which is the plant that hath been taken generally for the Calathian violet which floureth in the later end of September notwithstanding the Calathian violet or Autumne violet is of a most bright and pleasant blew or azure colour as those are of this kinde although this plant sometimes changeth his colour from blew to whitenesse by some one accident or other ¶ The Names 1 2 Throtewoort is called in Latine Ceruicaria and Ceruicaria major in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of most Vuularia of Fuchsius Campanula in Dutch Halscruyt in English Canterburie bells Haskewoorte Throtewoort or Vuula woort of the vertue it hath against the paine and swelling thereof ‡ 3 This is the Trachelium majus Belgarum of Lobell and the same as I before noted that our Author formetly set forth by the name of Trachelium Giganteum so that I haue put them as you may see together in the title of the plant 4 This is the Trachelium maius of Dodonoeus Lobell and others the Ceruicaria minor of Tabernamontanus and 〈◊〉 of Tragus Our Author gaue this also another figure and description by the name of Viola 〈◊〉 not knowing that it was the last saue one which he had described by the name of Trachelium minus ‡ ¶ The Temperature These plants are cold and dry as are most of the Bell floures ¶ The Vertues The Antients for any thing that we know haue not mentioned and therefore not set downe any thing concerning the vertues of these Bell floures notwithstanding we haue found in the later writers as also of our owne experience that they are excellent good against the inflammation of the throte and Vuula or almonds and all manner of cankers and vlcerations in the mouth if the mouth and throte be gargarized and washed with the decoction of them and they are of all other herbes the chiefe and principall to be put into lotions or washing waters to iniect into the priuy parts of man or woman being boiled with hony and Allom in water with some white wine CHAP. 117. Of Peach-bells and Steeple-bells ¶ The Description 1 THe Peach-leaued Bell-floure hath a great number of small and long leaues rising in a great bush out of the ground like the leaues of the Peach tree among which riseth vp a stalke two cubits high alongst the stalke grow many floures like bells sometime white and for the most part of a faire blew colour but the bells are nothing so deepe as they of the other kindes and these also are more dilated or spred abroad than any of the rest The seed is small like Rampions and the root a tuft of laces or small strings 2 The second kinde of Bell-floure hath a great number of faire blewish or Watchet floures like the other last before mentioned growing vpon goodly tall stems two cubits and a halfe
haue somewhat the smell of a Primrose whence Mr. Parkinson gaue it the English name which I haue also here giuen you after the floures are fallen the cods grow to be some two inches long being thicker below and sharper at the top and somwhat twined which in fine open themselues into foure parts to shatter their seed which is blacke and small and sowne it growes not the first yeare into a stalke but sends vp many large leaues lying handsomely one vpon another Rose-fashion It floures in Iune and ripens the seed in August ‡ 5 The second kinde of Willow-herbe in stalks and leaues is like the first but that the leaues are longer narrower and greener The floures grow along the stalke toward the top spike-fashion of a faire purple colour which being withered turne into downe which is carried away with the winde 5 Lysimachia purpurea spicata Spiked Willow-herbe 6 Lysimachia siliquosa Codded Willow-herbe 6 This Lysimachia hath leaues and stalkes like vnto the former The floure groweth at the top of the stalke comming out of the end of a small long cod of a purple colour in shape like a stocke Gillofloure and is called of many Filius ante Patrem that is The Sonne before the Father because that the cod commeth forth first hauing seeds therein before the floure doth shew it selfe 〈◊〉 ‡ The leaues of this are more soft large and hairy than any of the former they are also snipt about the edges and the floure is large wherein it differs from the twelfth hereafter described and from the eleuenth in the hairinesse of the leaues and largenesse of the floures also as you shall finde hereafter ‡ 7 This being thought by some to be a bastard kinde is as I do esteeme it of all the rest the most goodly and stately plant hauing leaues like the greatest Willow or Ozier The branches come out of the ground in great numbers growing to the height of six foot garnished with braue floures of great beauty consisting of foure leaues a piece of an orient purple colour hauing some threds in the middle of a yellow colour The cod is long like the last spoken of and full of downy matter which flieth away with the winde when the cod is opened †7 Chamaenerion Rose bay Willow-herbe ‡ 8 〈◊〉 alterum angastifolium Narrow leaued Willow-floure ‡ 9 Lysimachia coerulea Blew Loose-strife ‡ 10 Lysimachiagalericulata Hoodéd Loose-strife 11 Lysimachia campestris Wilde Willow-herbe 9 There is another bastard Loose-strife or Willow-herbe hauing stalkes like the other of his kinde whereon are placed long leaues snipt about the edges in shape like the great Veronica or herbe Fluellen The floures grow along the stalkes spike-fashion of a blew colour after which succeed small cods or pouches The root is small and fibrous it may be called Lysimachia coerulea or blew Willow-herbe 10 We haue likewise another Willow-herbe that groweth neere vnto the bankes of 〈◊〉 and water-courses This I found in a waterie lane leading from the Lord Treasurer his house called Theobalds vnto the backeside of his slaughter-house and in other places as shall be declared hereafter Which Lobel hath called Lysimachia galericulata or hooded Willow-herbe It hath many small tender stalkes trailing vpon the ground beset with diuers leaues somwhat snipt about the edges of a deep green colour like to the leaues of Scordium or water Germander among which are placed sundrie small blew floures fashioned like a little hood in shape resembling those of Ale-hoofe The root is small and fibrous dispersing it selfe vnder the earth farre abroad whereby it greatly increaseth 11 The wilde Willow-Herbe hath fraile and very brittle stalkes slender commonly about the height of a cubit and sometimes higher whereupon doe grow sharpe pointed leaues somewhat snipt about the edges and set together by couples There come forth at the first long slender coddes wherein is contained small seed wrapped in a cottony or downy wooll which is carried away with the winde when the seed is ripe at the end of which commeth forth a small floure of a purplish colour whereupon it was called Filius ante Patrem because the floure doth not appeare vntill the cod be filled with his seed But there is another Sonne before the Father as hath beene declared in the Chapter of Medow-Saffron The root is small and threddie ‡ This differeth from the sixth onely in that the leaues are lesse and lesse hairy and the floure is smaller ‡ 12 The Wood VVillow-hearbe hath a slender stalke diuided into other smaller branches whereon are set long leaues rough and sharpe pointed of an ouerworne greene colour The floures grow at the tops of the branches consisting of foure or fiue small leaues of a pale purplish colour tending to whitenesse after which come long cods wherein are little seeds wrapped in a certaine white Downe that is carried away with the winde The root is threddie ‡ This differs from the sixth in that it hath lesser floures There is also a lesser sort of this hairie Lysimachia with small floures There are two more varieties of these codded Willow-herbes the one of which is of a middle growth somewhat like to that which is described in the eleuenth place but lesse with the leaues also snipped about the edges smooth and not hairie and it may fitly be called Lysimachia siliquosa glabra media or minor The lesser smooth-leaued Willow-herbe The other is also smooth leaued but they are lesser and narrower wherefore it may in Latine be termed Lysimachia siliquosa glabra minor angustifolia in English The lesser smooth and narrow leaued Willow-herbe ‡ 13 This lesser purple Loose-strife of Clusius hath stalkes seldome exceeding the height of a cubit they are also slender weake and quadrangular towards the top diuided into branches growing one against another the leaues are lesse and narrower than the common 〈◊〉 kinde and growing by couples vnlesse at the top of the stalkes and branches whereas they keepe no certaine order and amongst these come here and there cornered cups containing floures composed of six little red leaues with threds in their middles The root is hard woody and not creeping as in others of this kinde yet it endures all the yeere and sends forth new shoots It floures in lune and Iuly and was found by Clusius in diuers wet medowes in Austria ‡ ¶ The Place The first yellow Lysimachia groweth plentifully in moist medewos especially along the medowes as you go from Lambeth to Battersey neere London and in many other places throughout England ‡ 13 Lysimachia purpurea minor Clus. Small purple Willow herbe ‡ The second and third I haue not yet seene The fourth groweth in many gardens ‡ The fift groweth in places of greater moisture yea almost in the running streames and standing waters or hard by them It groweth vnder the Bishops house wall at Lambeth neere the water of Thames and in moist ditches in most places of England The sixth groweth neere the waters and in
forth of the ground in tufts like Pseudo-Moly that is our common herbe called Thrift amongst the leaues come forth slender stalkes an handfull high loden with small yellow floures like vnto the common Prick-Madam after which come little thicke sharpe pointed cods which containe the seed which is small flat and yellowish ¶ The Place The former of these groweth in gardens in the Low-countries in other places vpon stone wals and tops of houses in England almost euery where The other groweth about 〈◊〉 in the borders of fields and in other places that lye open to the Sunne ¶ The Time They floure in the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names The lesser kinde is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Sedum and Semperuivum minus of the Germanes Kleyn Donderbaer and Kleyn Hauszwurtz of the Italians Semperuino minore of the Frenchmen Tricque-madame of the English men Pricke-Madam Dwarfe House-leeke and small Sengreene The second kinde is named in shops Crassula minor and they syrname it minor for difference betweene it and the other Crassula which is a kinde of Orpin it is also called Vermicularis in Italian Pignola Granellosa and Grasella in low-Dutch Blader loosen in English Wilde Pricke-Madam Great Stone-crop or Worme-grasse ‡ That which is vulgarly knowne and called by the name of Stone-crop is the Illecebra described in the following chapter and such as grow commonly with vs of these small Houseleekes mentioned in this chapter are generally named PrickeMadames but our Author hath confounded them in this and the next chapter which I would not alter thinking it sufficient to giue you notice thereof ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues All these small Sengreens are of a cooling nature like vnto the great ones and are good for those things that the others be The former of these is vsed in many places in sallads in which it hath a fine relish and a pleasant taste it is good for the heart-burne ‡ CHAP. 144. Of diuers other small Sengreenes ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THe stalke of this small water Sengreene is some spanne long reddish succulent and weake the leaues are longish a little rough and full of iuyce the floures grow vpon the tops of the stalkes consisting of six purple or else flesh-coloured leaues which are succeeded by as many little cods containing a small seed the root is small and threddy and the whole plant hath an insipide or waterish taste This was found by Clusius in some waterie places of Germany about the end of Iune and he calls it Sedum minus 3 siue palustre 2 This second from small fibrous and creeping roots sends vp sundry little stalkes set with leaues like those of the ordinary Pricke-Madam yet lesse thicke and flatter and of a more 〈◊〉 taste the floures which are pretty large grow at the tops of the branches and consist of siue pale yellowish leaues It growes in diuers places of the Alps and floures about the end of Iuly and in August This is the Sedum minus 6. or Alpinum 1. of Clusius 3 This hath small little and thicke leaues lying bedded or compact close together and are of an Ash colour inclining to blew the stalkes are some two inches long slender and almost naked vpon which grow commonly some three floures consisting of fiue white leaues apiece with some yellow threds in the middle This mightily encreases and will mat and couer the ground for a good space together It floures in August and growes vpon the craggy places of the Alpes Clusius calls it 〈◊〉 minus nonum siue Alpinum 3. 4 The leaues of this are somewhat larger and longer yet thicke and somewhat hairy about their edges at first also of an acide taste but afterwards bitterish and hot it also sendeth forth shoots and in the middest of the leaues it puts forth stalkes some two inches high which at the top as in an vmbel carry some six little floures consisting of 〈◊〉 leaues apiece hauing their bottomes of a yellowish colour It is found in the like places and floures at the same time as the former Clusius makes it his Sedum minus 10. Alpinum 4. and in the 〈◊〉 Lugd. It is called Iasme montana ‡ 1 Sedum minus palustre Small water Sengreene ‡ 2 Sedum Alpinum 1. Clusij Small Sengreene of the Alps. ‡ Sedum Alpinum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 White Sengreene 〈◊〉 the Alpes ‡ 4 Sedum Alpinum 4. Clusij Hairy Sengreene of the Alpes ‡ 5 Sedum petraeum Bupleurifolio Long leaued Rocke Sengreene 5 For these foure last described we are beholden to Clusius and for this fifth to 〈◊〉 who thus describes it It hath one 〈◊〉 and large root with few or no fibres but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bunching out here and there it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a thicke barke and is of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 colour on the outside the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 long and narrow lying spred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the stalke grows some 〈◊〉 high and is round and naked and at the top carries 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 7 sharpe pointed pale yellow leaues which are succeeded by seeds like 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of a strong smell It 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the middle of Iuly and the seed is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the middle of August 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 obserued this growing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italy sets it forth by the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bupleurifolio 〈◊〉 hath it by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alpina Graminco folio and 〈◊〉 angustisolium Alpinum ¶ The Temper and 〈◊〉 The three first described without doubt are cold and partake in vertues with the 〈◊〉 small Sengreenes but the two last 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of an hot and attenuating 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them are commonly knowne or 〈◊〉 in Physicke ‡ CHAP. 145. Of Stone-crop called Wall-pepper 〈◊〉 siue Illecebra minor acris Wall-Pepper or Stone-crop ¶ The Description THis is a low and little herbe the stalks be slender and short the leaues about these stand very thicke and small in growth full bodied sharpe pointed and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the floures stand on the top and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little of colour yellow 〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taste the root is nothing but 〈◊〉 ¶ The Place It groweth 〈◊〉 where in stony and dry places and in chinks and crannies of 〈◊〉 wals and on the tops of houses it is alwaies green and therefore it is very fitly placed among the Sengreenes ¶ The Time It floureth in the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names This is Tertium sempervivum Dioscoridis 〈◊〉 Dioscorides his third Sengreene which he saith is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of the Romanes Illecebra Pliny also witnesseth that the Latines name it 〈◊〉 Yet there is another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Germanes call this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Katzen treuble the French men 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Low-countrey men Muer Pepper the English men Stone-crop and Stone hore little Stone-crop Pricket Mouse-taile Wall-Pepper Countrey Pepper and Iacke of the Butterie ¶ The Temperature This little herbe is sharpe and biting
ground hauing small and crooked branches trailing about The leaues be small narrow and hairy in sauour like the Firre or Pine tree but if my sence of smelling be perfect me thinkes it is rather like vnto the smell of hempe The floures be little of a pale yellow colour and sometimes white the root is small and single and of a wooddy substance †2 The second hath pretty strong foure square ioynted stalkes 〈◊〉 and hairy from which grow pretty large hairy leaues much clouen or cut the floures are of a purple colour and grow about the stalks in roundles like the dead Nettle the seed is black and round and the whole plant sauoureth like the former ‡ which sheweth this to be fitly referred to the Chamaepytis and not to be well called Chamaedrys 〈◊〉 or Iagged Germander as some haue named it ‡ 1 Chamaepitys mas The male ground Pine 2 Chamaepitys foemina The female ground-Pine 3 Chamaepitys 3. Dodon Small Ground-Pine 4 〈◊〉 a muscata Monspeliaca French Herbe-Iuy or Ground-Pine 3 This kinde of Herb-Iuy growing for the most part about Montpelier in France is the least of all his kind hauing smal white and yellow floures in smell and proportion like vnto the others but much smaller †4 There is a wilde or bastard kinde of Chamaepitys or ground-Pine that hath leaues somewhat like vnto the second kinde but not iagged in that manner but onely snipt about the edges The root is somewhat bigger wooddy whitish and bitter and like vnto the root of Succorie All this herbe is very rough and hath a strong vnpleasant smell not like that of the ground-Pines ‡ 5 Chamaepitys spuria altera Dodon Bastard Ground-Pine ‡ 6 Chamaepitys Austriaca Austrian Ground-Pine †5 There is another kind that hath many small and tender branches beset with little leaues for the most part three together almost like the leaues of the ordinarie ground-Pine at the top of which branches grow slender white floures which being turned vpside downe or the lower part vpward do somewhat resemble the floures of Lamium the seeds grow commonly foure together in a cup and are somewhat big and round the root is thicke whitish and long lasting 6 There groweth in Austria a kinde of Chamaepitys which is a most braue and rare plant and of great beautie yet not once remembred either of the ancient or new Writers vntill of late that famous Carolus Clufius had set it forth in his Pannonicke Obseruations who for his singular skil and industrie hath woon the garland from all that haue written before his time This rare and strange plant I haue in my garden growing with many square stalkes of halfe a foot high beset euen from the bottome to the top with leaues so like our common Rosemary that it is hard for him which doth not know it exactly to finde the difference being greene aboue and somwhat hairy and hoarie vnderneath among which come forth round about the stalkes after the manner of roundles or coronets certain small cups or chalices of a reddish colour out of which come the floures like vnto Archangell in shape but of a most excellent and stately mixed colour the outside purple declining to 〈◊〉 and sometimes of a violet colour The floure gapeth like the mouth of a beast and hath as it were a white tongue the lower and vpper iawes are white likewise spotted with many bloudy spots which being past the seeds appeare very long of a shining blacke colour 〈◊〉 in order in the small huskes as the Chamaepitys spuria The root is blacke and hard with manie hairy strings fastned thereto ¶ The Place These kindes of Chamaepitys except the two last grow very plentifully in Kent especially about Grauesend Cobham Southfleet Horton Dartford and Sutton and not in any other shire in England that euer I could finde ‡ None of these except the first for any thing I know or can learne grow wilde in England the second I haue often seene in Gardens ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and often in August ¶ The Names Ground Pine is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Ibiga Aiuga and Abiga in shops Iua Arthritica and Iua moschata in Italian 〈◊〉 in Spanish Chamaepitoes in High Dutch Bergiss 〈◊〉 nicht in low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Iue moschate In English Herbe Iuie Forget me not Ground Pine and field Cypresse ‡ 1 The first of these is the Chamaepitys prima of Matthiolus Dodonaeus and others and is that which is commonly vsed in shops and in Physicke 2 This 〈◊〉 cals Chamaedrys altera Lobel Chamaedrys Laciniatis folijs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vera 〈◊〉 Iva moschata and Dodon whom in this Chapter we chiefely follow 〈◊〉 mapitys altera 3 Thirdly this is the Chamaepitys 1. of Fuchsius and others the Chamaepitys 〈◊〉 Dioscoridisodo atior of Lobel and the Chamaepitys 3. of Matthiolus and Dodon 4 Gesner cals this Chamaepitys species Monspellij Clusius Dodon Anthyllis altera and Lobel Anthyllis Chamepityides minor and Tabern Iua Moschata 〈◊〉 5 This is Chamaepitys adulterina of Lobel 〈◊〉 and Aiuga adulterina of Clusius and Chamaepitys spuria altera of Dondon 6 This is Chamaepitys Austriaca of Clusius and Chamaepitys caerulea of Camerarius ‡ ¶ The Nature These herbes are hot in the second degree and drie in the third ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Chamaepytis tunned vp in Ale or infused in wine or sodden with hony and drunke by the space of eight or ten daies cureth the iaudies the Sciatica the stoppings of the liuer the difficultie of making water the stoppings of the spleene and causeth women to haue their natural sicknesse Chamaepytis stamped greene with honie cureth wounds malignant and rebellious vlcers and dissolueth the hardnesse of womens brests or paps and profitably helpeth against poison or biting of any venomous beast The decoction drunke dissolueth congealed bloud and drunke with vineger driueth forth the dead childe It clenseth the intrals it helpeth the infirmities of the liuer and kidneies it 〈◊〉 the yellow iaundies being drunke in wine it bringeth downe the desired sicknesse and prouoketh vrine being boiled in Mead or honied water and drunke it helpeth the 〈◊〉 in fortie daies The people of Heraclea in Pontus do vse it against Wolfes bane in stead of a counterpoison The pouder hereof taken in pils with a fig mollifieth the bellie it wasteth away the hardnesse of the paps it healeth wounds it cureth putrified vlcers being applied with hony and these things the first ground Pine doth performe so doth the other two but not so effectually as 〈◊〉 Dioscorides Clusius of whom mention was made hath not said any thing of the Vertues of 〈◊〉 Austriaca but verily I thinke it better by many degrees 〈◊〉 the purposes aforesaid my coniecture I take from the taste smell and comely proportion of this Hearbe which is more pleasing and familiar vnto the nature of man than those which wee haue plentifully in our owne Countrey growing CHAP. 152. Of
annua spuria One Sommers Nauell-woort ¶ The Description 1 THe Sea Nauel-woort hath many round thicke leaues like vnto little saucers set vpon small tender stalks bright shining and smooth of two inches long for the most part growing vpon the furrowed shels of cockles or the like euery small stem bearing vpon the end or point one little buckler and no more resembling a nauell the stalke and leafe set together in the middle of the same Whereupon the Herbarists of Montpelier haue called it 〈◊〉 Marinus or sea Nauel The 〈◊〉 and stalkes of this plant whilest they are yet in the water are of a pale ash colour but being taken forth 〈◊〉 presently waxe white as Sea Mosse called 〈◊〉 or the shel of a Cockle It is thought to be barren of seed and is in taste saltish 2 The second Androsace hath little smooth leaues spred vpon the ground like vnto the leaues of small Chickweed or Henbit whereof doubtles it is a kind among which riseth vp a slender stem hauing at the top certaine little chaffie floures of a purplish colour The seed is contained in small 〈◊〉 husks of a reddish colour a bitter taste The whole plant perisheth when it hath perfected his seede and must be sowne againe the next yeare which plant was giuen to Mathiolus by Cortusus who as he 〈◊〉 receiued it from Syria but I thinke hee said so to make Matthiolus more 〈◊〉 but surely I surmise he picked it out of one old wal or other where it doth grow euen as the small Chickweed or Naile-woort of the wall do ‡ The figure that was here was that vnperfect one of 〈◊〉 and the description of our Authour was framed by it vnlesse the last part therof which was taken out of the Aduersaria pag. 166. to amend both these we here present you with the true figure and description taken out of the workes of the iudicious and painfull Herbarist Carolus Clusius It hath saith he many leaues lying flat vpon the ground like to those of Plantaine but lesser and of a pale greene colour and 〈◊〉 about the edges soft also and iuicie and of somewhat a biting taste Amongst these leaues rise vp fiue or six stalkes of an handfull high commonly of a green vet sometimes of a purple colour naked and somewhat hairy which at their tops carry in a circle fiue roundish leaues also a little toothed and hairy from the midst of which arise fiue or more 〈◊〉 each bearing a greenish rough or hairie cup parted also into fiue little leaues or iags in the midst of which stands a little white floure parted also into fiue after which succeed pretty large seed vessels which containe an vnequall red seed like that of 〈◊〉 but bigger the root is single and slender and dies as soon as the seed is perfected It growes naturally in diuers places of Austria and amongst the corne about the Bathes of Baden whereas it floures in Aprill and ripens the seed in May and Iune ‡ ¶ The Place Androsace will not grow any where but in water great store of it is about Frontignan by Montpellier in Languedoc where euery fisher-man doth know it The second groweth vpon old stone and mud walls notwithstanding I haue the more to grace Matthiolus great iewell planted it in my garden ¶ The Time The bastard Androsace floureth in Iuly and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names Androsace is of some called Vmbilicus marinus or sea Nauell ‡ The second is knowne and called by the name of Androsace altera 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Temperature The sea Nauell is of a diureticke qualitie and more drie than Galen thought it to be and lesse hot than others haue deemed it there can no moisture be found in it ¶ The Vertues Sea Nauelwoort prouoketh vrine and digesteth the filthinesse and sliminesse gathered in the ioints Two drams of it as Dioscorides saith drunke in wine bringeth downe great store of vrine out of their bodies that haue the dropsie and maketh a good plaister to cease the paine of the gout CHAP. 153. Of Rose-woort or Roseroot Rhodia radix Rose-root ¶ The Description ROsewoort hath many small thicke and fat stems growing from a thicke and knobby root the vpper end of it for the most part standeth out of the ground and is there of a purplish colour bunched knobbed like the root of Orpin with many hairy strings hanging therat of a pleasant smell when it is broken like the damaske rose whereof it tooke his name The leaues are set round about the stalks euen from the bottome to the top like those of the field Orpin but narrower and more snipt about the edges The floures grow at the top of a faint yellow colour ¶ The Place It groweth very plentifully in the North part of England especially in a place called Ingleborough Fels neere vnto the brookes sides and not elsewhere that I can as yet finde out from whence I haue had plants for my garden ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth in Iuly and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names Some haue thought it hath taken the name Rhodia of the Island in the Mediterranean sea called Rhodes but doubtlesse it took his name Rhodia radix of the root which smelleth like a rose in English Rose-root and Rose-woort ¶ The Vertues There is little extant in writing of the faculties of Rosewoort but this I haue found that if the root be stamped with oile of Roses and laid to the temples of the head it 〈◊〉 the paine of the head CHAP. 144. Of Sampier 1 Crithmum marinum Rocke Sampier 2 Crithmum Spinosum Thornie Sampier 3 〈◊〉 chrysanthemum Golden Sampier ¶ The Description 1 ROcke Sampier hath many fat and thicke leaues somewhat like those of the lesser 〈◊〉 of a spicy taste with a certaine saltnesse amongst which riseth vp a stalke diuided into many smal spraies or sprigs on the top wherof doe grow 〈◊〉 tufts of whitefloures like the tufts of Fenell or Dill after that commeth the seed like the seed of Fenell but greater The root is thicke and knobbie being of smell delightfull pleasant 2 The second Sampier called 〈◊〉 marina or Sea Parsnep hath long fat leaues very much iagged or cut euen to the middle rib sharpe or prickley pointed which are set vpon large fat iointed stalks on the top whereof do grow 〈◊〉 of whitish or els reddish floures The seed is wrapped in thornie huskes The root is thick and long not vnlike to the Parsnep very good and wholesome to be eaten 3 Golden Sampier bringeth forth many stalks from one root compassed about with a multitude of long fat leaues set together by equall distances at the top whereof come yellow floures The seed is like those of the Rocke Sampier ¶ The Place Rocke Sampier groweth on the rockie cliffes at Douer VVinchelsey by Rie about South-hampton the Isle of VVight and most rockes about the West and North-west parts about England The second
like to those of the Walnut tree and of an ouerworne grayish colour somewhat snipt about the edges like the teeth of a saw The floures grow at the top of the stalks in scaly knaps like the great Knapweed the middle thrums whereof are of a light blew or sky colour when the seed is ripe the whole knap or head turneth into a downy 〈◊〉 like the head of an 〈◊〉 wherein is found a long smooth seed bearded at one end like those of 〈◊〉 Sattron called Cartamus or the seed of Cardus Benedictus The root is great long blacke on the outside and of a sanguine colour on the inside somewhat sweet in taste and biting the tongue 2 There is likewise another sort hauing great and large leaues like those of the water Docke somewhat snipt or toothed about the edges The stalke is shorter than the other but the root is more oleous or fuller of iuyce otherwise like The floure is of a pale yellow purplish colour and the seed like that of the former 1 Centaurium magnum Great Centorie ‡ 2 Centaurium maius alterum Whole leaued great Centorie ¶ The Place The great Centorie ioyeth in a fat and fruitfull soile and in Sunny bankes full of Grasse and herbes It groweth very plentifully saith Dioscorides in Lycia Peloponnesus Arcadia and Morea and it is also to be found vpon Baldus a mountaine in the territories of Verona and likewise in my garden ¶ The Time It floureth in Sommer and the roots may be gathered in Autumne ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus also Centauris in diuers shops falsly Rha Ponticum for Rha Ponticum is Rha growing in the countries of Pontus a plant differing from great Centorie Theophrastus and Pliny set downe among the kindes of Panaces or All-heales this great Centorie and also the lesser whereof we will write in the next chapter following Pliny reciting the words of Theophrastus doth in his twenty fifth booke and fourth chapter write that they were found out by Chiron the Centaure and syrnamed Centauria Also affirming the same thing in his sixth chapter where he more largely expoundeth both the Centauries hee repeateth them to be found out by Chiron and thereupon he addeth that both of them are named Chironia Of some it is reported That the said Chiron was cured therewith of a wound in his foot that was made with 〈◊〉 arrow that fell vpon it when he was entertaining Hercules into his house whereupon it was called Chironium or of the curing of the wounds of his souldiers for the which purpose it is most excellent ¶ The Temperature It is hot and dry in the third degree Galen 〈◊〉 by the taste of the root it sheweth contrarie qualities so in the vse it performeth contrarie effects ¶ The Vertues The root taken in the quantitie of two drams is good for them that be bursten or spit bloud against the crampe and shrinking of sinewes the shortnesse of wind or difficultie of breathing the cough and gripings of the belly There is not any part of the herbe but it rather worketh miracles than ordinarie cures in greene wounds for it ioyneth together the lips of simple wounds in the flesh according to the first intentention that is glewing the lips together not drawing to the place any matter at all The root of this Plant saith Dioscorides is a remedie for ruptures 〈◊〉 and cramps taken in the weight of two drams to be giuen with wine to those that are without a feuer and vnto those that haue with water Galen saith that the iuyce of the leaues thereof performeth those things that the root doth which is also vsed in stead of Lycium a kinde of hard iuyce of a sharpe taste CHAP. 163. Of Small Centorie ¶ The Description 1 THe lesser Centorie is a little herbe it groweth vp with a cornered stalke halfe a foot high with leaues in forme and bignesse of S. Iohns wort the floures grow at the top in a spoky bush or rundle of a red colour tending to purple which in the day time and after the Sun is vp do open themselues but towards euening shut vp againe after them come forth small seed-vessels of the shape of wheat cornes in which are contained very little seeds The root is slender hard and soone fading 2 The yellow Centorie hath leaues stalkes and seed like the other and is in each respect alike sauing that the floures 〈◊〉 are of a perfect yellow colour which setteth forth the difference ‡ This is of two sorts the one with broad leaues through which the stalkes passe and the other hath narrow leaues like those of the common Centorie ‡ 1 Centaurium parvum Small Centorie 2 Centaurium parvum luteum Lobelij Yellow Centorie ¶ The Place 1 The first is growing in great plenty throughout all England in most pastures and grassie fields 2 The yellow doth grow vpon the chalkie cliffes of Greenhithe in Kent and such like places ¶ The Time They are to be gathered in their flouring time that is in Iuly and August of some that gather them superstitiously they are gathered betweene the two Lady dayes ¶ The Names The Greekes call this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine it is called Centaurium minus yet Pliny nameth it Libadion and by reason of his great bitternesse Fel terrae The Italians in Hetruria call it Biondella in Spanish Centoria in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Small little or common Centorie in French Centoire ¶ The Temperature The small Centorie is of a bitter qualitie and of temperature hot and dry in the second degree and the yellow Centorie is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Being boyled in water and drunke it openeth the stoppings of the liuer gall and spleene it helpeth the yellow jaundice and likewise long and lingering agues it killeth the wormes in the bellie to be briefe it cleanseth scoureth and maketh thinne humors that are thicke and doth effectually performe whatsoeuer bitter things can Dioscorides and Galen after him report that the decoction draweth downe by siege choler and thicke humors and helpeth the Sciatica but though wee haue vsed this often and luckily yet could we not perceiue euidently that it purges by the stoole any thing at all and yet it hath performed the effects aforesaid This Centorie being stamped and laid on whilest it is fresh and greene doth heale and closevp greene wounds cleanseth old vlcers and perfectly cureth them The iuyce is good in medicines for the eyes mixed with honey it cleanseth away such things as hinder the sight and being drunke it hath a peculiar vertue against the infirmities of the 〈◊〉 as Dioscorides teacheth The Italian Physitions do giue the pouder of the leaues of yellow Centorie once in three daies in the quantitie of a dram with annise or caraway seeds in wine or other liquor which preuaileth against the dropsie and greene sicknesse Of the red floured Ioannes Postius hath thus written Flos
the stopping of the liuer and gall it is a remedie against lingring agues bastard and long tertians quartains also and properly agues in infants and young children as Mesues 〈◊〉 in Scrapio who also teacheth that the nature of Dodder is to purge choler by the stoole and that more effectually if it haue Wormewood ioined with it but too much vsing of it is hurtfull to the stomacke yet Auicen writeth that it doth not hurt it but strengtheneth a weake or feeble stomacke which opinion also we do better allow of 〈◊〉 or the Dodder which groweth vpon Tyme is hotter and drier than the Dodder that groweth vpon flax that is to say euen in the third degree as Galen saith It helpeth all the 〈◊〉 of the milt it is a remedy against obstructions and hard swellings It taketh away old head-aches the salling sicknesse madnesse that commeth of Melancholy and especially that which proceedeth from the spleene and parts thereabout it is good for those that haue the French disease and such as be troubled with contagious vlcers the leprosie and the scabbie euill It purgeth downewards blacke and Melancholicke humours as Aetius Actuarius and Mesue write and also flegme as Dioscorides noteth that likewise purgeth by stoole which groweth vpon Sauorie and Scabious but more weakly as Actuarius saith 〈◊〉 or Dodder that groweth vpon flax boiled in water or wine and drunke openeth the stoppings of the liuer the bladder the gall the milt the kidneies and veines and purgeth both by siege and vrine cholericke humours It is good against the ague which hath continued a long time and against the iaundise I meane that Dodder especially that groweth vpon brambles Epiurtica or Dodder growing vpon nettles is a most singular and effectuall medicine to prouoke vrine and to loose the obstructions of the body and is proued oftentimes in the West parts with good successe against many maladies CHAP. 177. Of Hyssope ¶ The Description 1 DIoscorides that gaue so many rules for the knowledge of simples hath left Hyssope altogether without description as beeing a plant so well knowne that it needed none whose example I follow not onely in this plant but in many others which bee common to auoid tediousnesse to the Reader 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hyssope with blew floures 2 Hyssopus Arabum slore rubro Hyssope with reddish floures 3 Hyssopus albis floribus VVhite floured Hyssope 4 Hyssopus tenuifolia Thinne leafed Hyssope ‡ 5 Hyssopus parva angustis folijs Dwarfe narrow leaued Hyssope 2 The second kind of Hyssope is like the former which is our common Hyssope and differeth in that that this Hyssope hath his small and slender branches decked with faire red floures 3 The third kinde of Hyssop hath leaues stalkes branches seed and root like the common Hyssope and differeth in the floures only which are as white as snow 4 This kinde of Hyssope of all the rest is of the greatest beauty it hath a wooddie root tough and full of strings from which rise vp small tough and slender flexible stalkes wherupon do grow infinite numbers of small Fennel-like leaues much resembling those of the smallest grasse of a pleasant sweet smel aromatick taste like vnto the rest of the Hyssops but much sweeter at the top of the stalks do grow amongst the leaues smal hollow floures of a blewish colour tending to purple The seeds as yet I could neuer obserue ‡ 5 This differs from the first described in that the stalkes are weaker and shorter the leaues also narrower and of a darker colour the floures grow after the same manner are of the same colour as those of the common kinde ‡ We haue in England in our gardens another kinde whose picture it shall be needlesse to expresse considering that in few words it may be deliuered It is like vnto the former but the leaues are some of them white some greene as the other and some green and white mixed and spotted very goodly to behold Of which kinde we haue in our gardens moreouer another sort whose leaues are wonderfully curled rough and hairie growing thicke thrust together making as it were a tuft of leaues in taste and smell and in all other things like vnto the common Hyssope I haue likewise in my garden another sort of Hyssope growing to the forme of a small wooddie shrub hauing very faire broad leaues like vnto those of Numularia or Monywoort but thicker fuller of iuice and of a darker greene colour in taste and smell like the common Hyssope ¶ The Place All these kindes of Hyssope do grow in my garden and in some others also ¶ The Time They floure from Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names Hyssope is called in Latine Hyssopus the which name is likewise retained among the Germans Brabanders French-men Italians and Spaniards Therefore that shall suffice which hath been set downe in their seuerall titles ‡ This is by most Writers iudged to be Hyssope vsed by the Arabian Physitions but not that of the Greekes which is neerer to Origanum and Maricorme as this is to Satureia or Sauorie ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues A decoction of Hyssope made with figs and gargled in the mouth and throte ripeneth breaketh the tumors and imposthumes of the mouth and throte and easeth the difficultie of swallowing comming by cold 〈◊〉 The same made with figges water honie and rue and drunken helpeth the inflammation of the lungs the old cough and shortnesse of breath and the obstructions or stoppings of the breast The sirrup or iuice of Hyssope taken with the sirrup of vineger purgeth by stoole tough and clammie flegme and driueth forth wormes if it be eaten with figges The distilled water drunke is good for those diseases before named but not with that speed and force CHAP. 178. Of Hedge Hyssope ¶ The Description 1 HEdge Hyssope is a low plant or herbe about a span long very like vnto the common Hyssope with many square stalkes or slender branches beset with leaues somewhat larger than Hyssope but very like The floures grow betwixt the leaues vpon short stems of a white colour declining to blewnesse All the herbe is of a most bitter taste like the small Centory The root is little and threddy dilating it selfe farre abroad by which meanes it multiplieth greatly and occupieth much ground where it groweth 1 〈◊〉 Hedge Hyssope ‡ 2 Gratiola angustifolia Grasse Poley 3 Gratiola latifolia Broad leaued Hedge Hyssope ‡ 2 Narrow leaued Hedge Hyssope from a small fibrous white root sends vp a reddish round crested stalke diuided into sundry branches which are set with leaues like those of knot grasse of a pale greene colour and without any stalkes out of the bosome of these come floures set in long cups composed of foure leaues of a pleasing blew colour which are succeeded by longish seed-vessells conteyning a small dusky seed The whole plant is without smell neither hath it any bitternesse or other manifest taste It varies in leaues sometimes broader and otherwhiles
Brook-limes ¶ The Temperature Brook-lime is of temperature hot and dry like water Cresses yet not so much ¶ The Vertues Brooke-lime is eaten in sallads as Water-Cresses are and is good against that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 malum of such as dwell neere the Germane seas which they call Seuerbuycke or as we terme it the Scuruie or Skirby being vsed after the same manner that Water Cresses and Scuruy grasse is vsed yet is it not of so great operation and vertue The herbe boyled maketh a good fomentation for swollen legs and the dropsie The leaues boyled strained and stamped in a stone morter with the pouder of 〈◊〉 Lincseeds the roots of marish 〈◊〉 and some hogs grease vnto the forme of a cataplasine or pultesse taketh away any swelling in leg or arme wounds also that are ready to fall into apostumation it mightily defendeth that no humor or accident 〈◊〉 happen thereunto The leaues of Brooke-lime stamped strained and giuen to drinke in wine helpeth the strangurie and griefes of the bladder The leaues of Brook-lime and the tendrels of Asparagus eaten with oyle vineger and Pepper helpeth the strangurie and stone CHAP. 196. Of stinking Ground-Pine ¶ The Kindes ‡ DIoscorides hath antiently mentioned two sorts of Anthyllis one with leaues like to the Leatill the other like to Chamoepitys To the first some late writers haue referred diuers plants as the two first described in this Chapter The Anthyllis Leguminosa Belgarum hereafter to be described the Anthyllis Valentina Clusij formerly set forth Chap. 171. To the second are 〈◊〉 the Iua Moschata Monspeliaca described in the fourth place of the 150. Chap. of this booke the 〈◊〉 described formerly chap. 165. in the 14. place and that which is here described in the third place of this chapter by the name of 〈◊〉 altera Italorum ‡ ¶ The Description 1 THere hath beene much adoe among Writers about the certaine knowledge of the true Anthyllis of Dioscorides I will therefore set downe that plant which of all others is found most agreeable thereunto It hath many small branches full ioynts not aboue an handfull high creeping sundry wayes beset with small thicke leaues of a pale colour resembling Lenticula or rather Alsine minor the lesser Chickweed The floures grow at the top of the stalke starre-fashion of an herby colour like boxe or Sedum minus it fostereth his small seeds in a three cornered huske The root is somewhat long slender ioynted and deepely thrust into the ground like Soldanella all the whole plant is saltish bitter in taste and somewhat 〈◊〉 ‡ 1 Anthyllis lentifolia siue Alsine cruciata marina Sea Pimpernell ‡ 2 Anthyllis Marina incana 〈◊〉 Many floured Ground-Pine ‡ This description was taken out of the Aduersaria pag. 195. where it is called 〈◊〉 prior lentifolia Peplios 〈◊〉 maritima also Clusius hath described it by the name of Alsines genus pelagicum I haue called it in my last iournall by the name of Alsine cruciata marina because the leaues which grow thicke together by couples crosse each other as it happens in most plants which haue square stalkes with two leaues at each ioynt I haue Englished it Sea Pimpernell because the leaues in shape are as like those of Pimpernel as of any other Plant and also for that our Author hath called another plant by the name of Sea Chickeweed The figure of the Aduersaria was not good and Clusius hath none which hath caused some to reck on this Anthyllis of Lobel and Alsine of Clusius for two seuerall plants which indeed are not so I haue giuen you a figure hereof which I tooke from the growing plant and which well expresseth the growing thereof ‡ 3 Anthyllis altera Italorum Stinking ground 〈◊〉 2 There is likewise another sort of 〈◊〉 or Sea Ground 〈◊〉 but in truth nothing els than a kinde of Sea Chickeweed hauing small branches trailing vpon the ground of two hands high whereupon do grow little leaues like those of Chickweed not vnlike those of 〈◊〉 or Sea Lentils on the top of the stalks stand many small mossie floures of a white colour The whole plant is of a bitter and 〈◊〉 taste ‡ This is the Marina incana 〈◊〉 Alsiae folia Narbonensium of Lobel it is the Paronychia altera of Matthiolus ‡ ‡ 3 To this sigure which formerly was giuen for the first of these by our Authour I will now giue you a briefe description This in the branches leaues and whole face thereof is very like the French Herbe-Iuie or Ground Pine but that it is much lesse in all the parts thereof but chiefely in the leaues which also are not snipt like those of the French Ground 〈◊〉 but sharp pointed the tops of the branches are downie or woolly and set with little pale yellow floures ‡ ¶ The Place These do grow in the Soath Isles belonging to England especially in Portland in the grauelly and sandy foords which lie low and against the sea and likewise in the 〈◊〉 of Shepey neere the water side ‡ I haue onely sound the first described and that both in Shepey as also in West-gate bay by Margate in the Isle of Thanet ‡ ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in Iune and 〈◊〉 ¶ The Names Their titles and descriptions sufficiently set forth their seuerall names ¶ The Temperature These sea herbes are of a temperate facultie betweene hot and cold The Vertues Halfe an ounce of the dried leaues drunke preuaileth greatly against the hot pisse the 〈◊〉 or difficultie of making water and pnrgeth the reines The same 〈◊〉 with Oxymell or honied water is good for the falling sicknesse giuen first at morning and last at night CHAP. 197. Of Whiteblow or Whitelow Grasse ¶ The 〈◊〉 1 THe first is a very slender plant hauing a fewe small leaues like the least Chickeweede growing in little tufts from the midst whereof riseth vp a small stalke three or foure inches long on whose top do grow very little white floures which being past there come in place small flat pouches composed of three filmes which being ripe the two outsides fall away leauing the middle part standing long time after which is like white Sattin as is that of 〈◊〉 which our women call white Sattin but much smaller the taste is somewhat sharpe 2 This kinde of 〈◊〉 hath small thicke and fat leaues 〈◊〉 into three or more diuisions much resembling the 〈◊〉 of Rue but a great deale smaller The stalks are like the former 〈◊〉 leaues also but the cases wherein the seede is contained are like vnto the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Myositis Scorpioides or Mouseare Scorpion grasse The floures are small and white There is another sort of Whitlow grasse or 〈◊〉 that is likewise a low or base herbe hauing a small tough roote with some threddie strings annexed thereto 〈◊〉 which rise vp diuers slender tough stalkes set with little narrow leaues consusedly like those of the smallest Chickweed whereof doubtlesse these be kindes alongst the
it helpeth those that vomite 〈◊〉 and the Whites in such ashaue them Boiled with wine and honie it cureth the wounds of the inward parts and vlcers of the lungs in a word there is not a better wound herbe no not Tabaco it selfe nor any other what soeuer The herbe boiled in wine with a little honie or meade preuaileth much against the cough in children called the Chinne cough CHAP. 200. Of Bugle or Middle Comfrey ¶ The Description 1 BVgula spreadeth and creepeth alongst the ground like Monie woort the leaues be long fat oleous and of a brown colour for the most part The floures grow about the stalks in rundles compassing the stalke leauing betweene euery rundle bare or naked spaces and are of a faire blew colour and often white I found many plants of it in a moist ground vpon Blacke Heath neere London fast by a village called Charleton but the leaues were green and not browne at all like the other 1 Bugula Middle Consound 2 Bugula flore 〈◊〉 siue carneo White or carnation floured Bugle 2 Bugle with the white floure disfereth not from the precedent in roots leaues and stalks the onely difference is that this plant bringeth forth faire milk white floures and the other those that are blew ‡ It is also sound with a flesh coloured floure and the leaues are lesse snipt than those of the former Bauhine makes mention of one much lesse than those with round suipt leaues and a yellow floure which he saith he had out of England but I haue not as yet seene it nor found any other mention thereof ‡ ¶ The Place Bugula groweth almost in euery wood and copse and such like 〈◊〉 and moist places and is much planted in gardens the other varieties are seldome to be met withall ¶ The Time Bugula floureth in Aprill and May. ¶ The Names Bugle is reckoned among the Consounds or wound herbes and it is called of some Consolida media Bugula and Buglum in High Dutch Guntzel in Low Dutch Senegroen of 〈◊〉 Herba Laurentina in English Browne Bugle of some Sicklewoort and herbe Carpenter but not truly ¶ The Nature Bugle is of a meane temperature betweene heat and drinesse ¶ The Vertues It is commended against inward burstings and members torne rent and bruised and therefore it is put into potions that serue for nodes in which it is of such vertue that it can dissolue waste away congealed and elotted bloud Ruellius writeth that they commonly say in France how he needeth neither Physition nor Surgeon that hath Bugle and Sanickle for it doth not only cure rotten wounds being inwardly taken but also applied to them outwardly it is good for the infirmities of the Liuer it taketh away the obstructions and strengthneth it The decoction of Bugle drunken dissolueth clotted or congealed bloud within the bodie healeth and maketh sound all wounds of the bodie both inward and outward The same openeth the stoppings of the Liuer and gall and is good against the iaundise and feuers of long continuance The same decoction cureth the rotten vlcers and sores of the mouth and gums Bugula is excellent in curing wounds and scratches and the iuice cureth the wounds vlcers and sores of the secret parts or the herbe bruised and laid thereon CHAP. 201 Of Selfe-heale 1 Prunella Selfe-heale 2 Prunella 〈◊〉 The second Selfe-heale 3 Prunella flore albo White floured Selfe 〈◊〉 ¶ The 〈◊〉 1 PRunell or Brunel hath square hairy stalks of a foot high beset with long hairy and sharpe pointed leaues at the top of the stalks grow floures thicke set together like an 〈◊〉 or spiky knap of a browne colour mixed with blew floures and sometimes white of which kinde I found some plants in Essex 〈◊〉 Henningham castle The root is small and very threddie †2 Prunella altera or after Lobel and Pena Symphytum 〈◊〉 hath leaues like the last described but somewhat narrower and the leaues that grow commonly towards the tops of the stalks are deeply diuided or cut in after the manner of the leaues of the small Valerian and sometimes the lower leaues are also diuided but that is more seldom the heads and floures are like those of the former and the colour of the floures is commonly purple yet somtimes it is found with flesh coloured and otherwhiles with white or ashe coloured floures 3 The third sort of Selfe-heale is like vnto the last described in root stalke leaues in euery other point sauing that the floures hereof are of a perfect white colour and the others not so which maketh the difference ‡ The figure which our Authour gaue in this third place was of the Prunella secunda of Tabern which I iudge to be all one with the Prunella 1. non vulgaris of Clusius and that because the floures in that of Tabernamontanus are expressed Ventre laxiore which Clusius complaines his drawer did not obserue the other parts also agree now this of Clusius hath much larger floures than the ordinary and those commonly of a deeper purple colour yet they are sometimes 〈◊〉 and otherwhiles of an ashe colour the leaues also are somewhat more hairie long and sharpe pointed than the ordinary and herein consists the greatest difference ‡ ¶ The Place The first kinde of Prunell or Brunell groweth verie commonly in all our fieldes throughout England The second Brunel or Symphytum petraeum groweth naturally vpon rocks 〈◊〉 mountaines and grauelly grounds ‡ The third for any thing that I know is a stranger with vs but the 〈◊〉 common kinde I haue found with white floures ‡ ¶ The Time These plants floure for the most part all Sommer long ¶ The Names Brunel is called in English Prunell Carpenters herbe Selfe-heale and Hooke 〈◊〉 and Sicklewoort It is called of the later Herbarists Brunella and Prunella of Matthiolus Consolida minor and Solidago minor but saith Ruellius the Daisie is the right Consolida minor and also the Solidago minor ¶ The Nature These herbes are of the temperature of Bugula that is to say moderately hot and drie and something binding ¶ The Vertues The decoction of Prunell made with wine or water doth ioine together and make whole and sound all wounds both inward and outward euen as Bugle doth Prunell bruised with oile of Roses and Vineger and laied to the forepart of the head swageth and helpeth the paine and aking thereof To bee short it serueth for the same that Bugle doth and in the world there are not two better wound herbs as hath been often proued It is commended against the infirmities of the mouth and especially the ruggednesse blackenesse and drinesse of the tongue with a kinde of swelling in the same It is an infirmitie amongst souldiers that lie in campe The Germans call it de Braun which happeneth not without a continuall ague and frensie The remedie hereof is the decoction of Selfe-heale with common water after bloud letting out of the veins of the tongue and the
Germander groweth lowe with very many branches lying vpon the ground tough hard and wooddie spreading it selfe here and there whereupon are placed small leaues snipt about the edges like the teeth of a saw resembling the shape of an oken leafe The floures are of a purple colour very small standing close to the leaues toward the top of the branches The seed is little and blacke The root slender and full of strings creeping and alwaies spreading within the ground whereby it greatly increaseth ‡ This is sometimes found with bigger leaues otherwhiles with lesse also the floure is sometimes white and otherwhiles red in the same plant whence Tabernam gaue two figures and our Authour two figures and descriptions whereof I haue omitted the later and put the two titles into one ‡ 2 The second Germander riseth vp with a little straight stalk a span long and sometimes longer wooddie and hard like vnto a little shrub it is afterwards diuided into very many little small branches The leaues are indented and nicked about the edges lesser than the leaues of the former great creeping Germander the floures likewise stand neere to the leaues and on the vpper parts of the sprigs of colour sometimes purple and oftentimes tending to blewnesse the roote is diuersly dispersed with many strings 1 Chamaedrys maior latifolia Great broad leaued Germander 2 Chamaedrys minor Small Germander 3 Chamaedrys syluestris Wilde Germander 3 Wilde Germander hath little stalkes weake and feeble edged or cornered somewhat hairie and set as it were with ioints about the which by certaine distances there come forth at each ioint two leaues something broad nicked in the edges and something greater than the leaues of creeping Germander and softer The floures be of a gallant blew colour made of foure small leaues a peece standing orderly on the tops of the tender spriggie spraies after which come in place little huskes or seede vessels The root is small and threddie ¶ The Place These plants do grow in rocky and rough grounds and in gardens they do easily prosper The wilde Germander groweth in manie places about London in Medowes and fertil fields and in euery place wheresoeuer I haue trauelled in England ¶ The Time They floure and flourish from the end of May to the later end of August ¶ The Names Garden Germander is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chamaedrys of some Trissago Trixago and likewise Quercula minor notwithstanding most of these names do more properly belong to Scordium or water Germander in Italian Querciuola in English Germander or English Treacle in French Germandre Before creeping Germander was knowne this wilde kinde bare the name of Germander amongst the Apothecaries and was vsed for the right Germander in the compositions of Medicines but after the former were brought to light this began to be named Syluestris and Spuria Chamaedrys that is wilde and bastard Germander of some Teucrium pratense and without errour because all the sorts of plants comprehended vnder the title of Teucrium are doubtlesse kindes of Germander Of some it hath been thought to be the plant that Dioscorides called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hierabotane that is to say the Holie herbe if so bee that the Holie herbe and Verbenaca or Veruaine which is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be sundrie herbes Dioscorides maketh them sundrie herbes describing them apart the one after the other but other Authors as Paulus Aetius and Oribasius make no mention of Herba Sacra the Holie herbe but onely of Peristereon and this same is found to be likewise called Hierabotane or the Holie Herb and therefore it is euident that it is one and the selse same plant called by diuers names the which things considered if they say so and say truely this wilde Germander cannot be Hierabotane at all as diuers haue written and said it to be ¶ The Temperature Garden Germander is of thin parts and hath a cutting facultie it is hot and drie almost in the third degree euen as 〈◊〉 doth write of Teucrium or wilde Germandet The wilde Germander is likewise hot and drie and is not altogether without force or power to open and clense it may be counted among the number of them that do open the liuer and spleen ¶ The Vertues Germander boiled in water and drunk deliuereth the bodie from all obstructions or stoppings diuideth and cutteth tough and clammie humors being receiued as aforesaid it is good for them that haue the cough and shortnesse of breath the strangurie or stopping of vrine and helpeth those which are entring into a dropsie The leaues stamped with honie and strained and a drop at sundrie times put into the eies takes away the web and hawe in the same or any dimnesse of sight It prouoketh mightily the termes being boiled in wine and the decoction drunk with a fomentation or bath made also thereof and the secret parts bathed therewith CHAP. 213 Of Tree Germander ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Tree Germander riseth vp with a little straight stalke a cubite high wooddie and hard like vnto a small wooddie shrubbe The stalke diuideth it selfe from the bottome vnto the toppe into diuers branches whereon are set indented leaues nicked about the edges in shape not much vnlike the leafe of the common Germander The floures grow among the leaues of a purple colour The root is wooddie as is all the rest of the plant 1 Teucrium latifolium Tree Germander with broad leaues 2 Teucrium Pannonicum Hungarie Germander 2 The Tree Germander of Hungarie hath many tough threddie roots from which rise vp diuers weake and feeble stalks reeling this way and that way whereupon are set together by couples long leaues iagged in the edges not vnlike those of the vpright Fluellen on the tops of the stalks stand the floures Spike fashion thicke thrust together of a purple colour tending towards blewnesse ‡ 3 This which is the fourth of Clusius description hath diuers stalkes some cubite high foure square rough and set at certaine spaces with leaues growing by couples like those of the wilde Germander the tops of the stalkes are diuided into sundry branches carrying long spokes of blew floures consisting of foure leaues whereof the vppermost leafe is the largest and distinguished with veines after the floures are past follow such 〈◊〉 seed vessels as in Fluellen the root is fibrous and liues long sending forth euery yeare new branches ‡ ‡ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 maius Pannonicum Great Austrian Germander ‡ 4 Teucrium petraeum pumilum Dwarfe Rocke Germander 5 Teucrium Baeticum Spanish Tree Germander 6 Teucrium Alpinum Cisti flore Rough headed Tree Germander 4 This Dwarfe Germander sends vp stalkes some handfull high round not branched the leaues grow vpon these stalkes by couples thicke shining a little hairy and greene on their vpper sides and whitish below the tops of the stalkes carry spoky tufts of floures consisting of foure or fiue blewish leaues which falling there followes a seed-vessell
This floures in March and was found growing wilde by Clusius in the fields of Valentia he calls it Tragoriganum Hispanicum tertium Pena and Lobel call it Tragoriganum Cretense apud Venetas that is the Candy Goats Marierome of the Venetians ‡ ¶ The Place These plants grow wilde in Spaine Italy and other hot countries The first of these I found growing in diuers barren and chalky fields and high-wayes neere vnto Sittingburne and Rochester in Kent and also neere vnto Cobham house and Southfleet in the same county ‡ I doubt our Author was mistaken for I haue not heard of this growing wilde with vs. ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in the moneth of August I remember saith Dodonaeus that I haue seene Tragoriganum in the Low-countries in the gardens of those that apply their whole study to the knowledge of plants or as we may say in the gardens of cunning Herbarists ¶ The Names Goats Organie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine likewise Tragoriganum in English goats Organie and Goats Marierome ¶ The Temperature Goats Organies are hot and dry in the third degree They are saith Galen of a binding qualitie ¶ The Vertues Tragoriganum or Goats Marierome is very good against the wamblings of the stomacke and the 〈◊〉 belchings of the same and stayeth the desire to vomit especially at sea 〈◊〉 bastard kindes of Organie or wilde Marieromes haue the 〈◊〉 force and faculties that the other 〈◊〉 haue for the diseases mentioned in the same chapter CHAP. 220. Of Herbe Masticke ¶ The Description 1 THe English and French herbarists at this day do in their vulgar tongues call this herb Masticke or Mastich taking this name Marum of Maro King of Thrace though some rather suppose the name corruptly to be deriued from this word Amaracus the one plant being so like the other that many learned haue taken them to be one and the selfe same plant others haue taken 〈◊〉 for Sampsuchus which doubtlesse is a kinde of Marierome Some as Dodonaeus haue called this our Marum by the name of Clinopodium which name rather belongs to another plant than to Masticke ‡ This growes some foot high with little longish leaues set by couples at the tops of the stalkes amongst white downie heads come little white floures the whole plant is of a very sweet and pleasing smell ‡ 2 If any be desirous to search for the true Marum let them be assured that the plant last mentioned is the same but if any do doubt thereof for nouelties sake here is presented vnto your view a plant of the same kinde which cannot be 〈◊〉 for a speciall kind thereof which hath a most pleasant sent or smell and in shew resembleth Marierome and Origanum consisting of smal twigs a foot and more long the heads 〈◊〉 like the common Marierome but the leaues are lesse and like Myrtus the root is of a 〈◊〉 substance with many strings hanging thereat 1 Marum Herbe Masticke 2 Marum Syriacum Assyrian Masticke 3 Marum supinum Lobelij Creeping Masticke ¶ The Place These plants are set and sowne in the gardens of England and there maintained with great care and diligence from the iniurie of our cold clymate ¶ The Time They floure about August and somewhat later in cold Sommers ¶ The Names ‡ Masticke is called of the new writers Marum and some as Lobel and Anguillara thinke it the 〈◊〉 odorum of Theophrastus Dodonaeus iudges it to be the Clinopodium of 〈◊〉 Clusius makes it his Tragoriganum 1. and saith he receiued the seeds thereof by the name of Ambra dulcis ‡ ¶ The Nature These plants are hot and drie in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that the herbe is drunke and likewise the decoction thereof against the bitings of venomous beasts crampes and convulsions burstings and the strangurie The decoction boiled in wine till the third part be consumed and drunke stoppeth the laske 〈◊〉 them that haue an ague and vnto others in water CHAP. 221. Of Pennie Royall or pudding grasse 1 Pulegium regium Pennie Royall 2 Pulegium mas Vpright Pennie Royall ¶ The Description 1 PVlegium regium vulgatum is so exceedingly well knowne to all our English 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it needeth no description being our common Pennie Royall 2 The second being the male Pennie Royall is like vnto the former in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and smell and differeth in that this male kinde groweth vpright of himselfe without 〈◊〉 much like in shew vnto wilde Marierome 3 Pulegium angustifolium Narrow leafed Pennie Royall 3 The third kinde of Pennie Royall growes like vnto Tyme and is of a wooddie substance somewhat like vnto the thinne leased Hyssope of the sauour of common Pennie Royall ‡ but much stronger and more pleasant the longish narrow leaues stand vpon the stalkes by couples with little leaues comming forth of their bosomes and towards the tops of the branches grow rundles of small purple floures This grows plentifully about Montpellier and by the Authors of the Aduersaria who first set it forth it is stiled Pulegium angustifol sive ceruinum Monspeliensium ‡ ¶ The Place The first and common Pennie Royall groweth naturally wilde in moist and ouerflown places as in the Common neere London called Miles end about the holes ponds thereof in sundry places from whence poore women bring plentie to sell in London markets and it groweth in sundrie other Commons neere London likewise The second groweth in my garden the third I haue not as yet seene ¶ The Time They floure from the beginning of Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names Pennie Royall is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and oftentimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Pulegium and Pulegium regale for difference sake betweene it and wilde Tyme which of some is called Pulegium 〈◊〉 in Italian Pulegio in Spanish Poleo in Dutch Poley in French Pouliot in English Pennie Roy. all Pudding grasse Puliall Royall and of some Organie ¶ The Nature Pennie Royall is hot and drie in the third degree and of subtill parts as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues Pennie Royall boiled in wine and drunken prouoketh the monthly termes bringeth forth the secondine the dead childe and vnnaturall birth it prouoketh vrine and breaketh the stone especially of the kidneies Pennie Royall taken with honie clenseth the lungs and cleereth the breast from all grosse and thicke humours The same taken with honie and Aloes purgeth by stoole melancholie humours helpeth the crampe and drawing together of 〈◊〉 The same taken with water and Vineger asswageth the inordinate desire to vomite the pains of the stomacke If you haue when you are at the sea Pennie Royal in great quantitie drie and cast it into corrupt water it helpeth it much neither will it hurt them that drinke thereof A Garland of Pennie royall made and worne about the head is of great force against the swimming in the head the paines and giddinesse thereof The
away with the winde being few in number and little in quantity so that without great diligence the seed is not to be gathered or preserued for my selfe haue often indeuoured to see it and yet haue lost my labour The roote is very thicke and of an excellent sweete sauour 1 Valeriana rubra Dodonaei Red Valerian 2 Behen album Spatling poppy 2 The second is taken for Spumeum papauer in respect of that kinde of frothy spattle or spume which we call Cuckow spittle that more aboundeth in the bosomes of the leaues of these plants than in any other plant that is knowne for which cause Pena calleth it Papaver spumeum that is frothy or spatling Poppy his floure doth very little resemble any kinde of Poppy but onely the seede and cod or bowle wherein the seede is contained otherwise it is like the other Ocymastrum the floures grow at the top of the stalkes hanging downewards of a white colour and it is taken generally for Behen album the roote is white plaine and long and very tough and hard to breake ¶ The Place The first groweth plentifully in my garden being a great ornament to the same and not common in England The second groweth almost in euery pasture ¶ The Time These plants do floure from May to the end of August ¶ The Names Red Valerian hath beene so called of the likenesse of the floures and spoked rundles with Valerian by which name we had rather haue it called than rashly to lay vpon itan vnproper name There are some also who would haue it to be a kinde of Behen of the later Herbarists naming the same 〈◊〉 rubrum for difference between it and the other Behenalbum that of some is called Ocymastrum and Papauer spumeum which I haue Englished Spatling Poppie and is in truth another plant much differing from Behen of the Arabians it is also called Valerianthon Saponaria altera Struthium Aldroandi and Condurdum in English red Valerian and red Cow Basill Spatling Poppie is called Behen album Ocymastrum alterum of some Polemonium and Papauer spumeum in English Spatling Poppie frothie Poppie and white Ben. ¶ The Nature These plants are drie in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The root of Behen Album drunke in wine is good against the bloudie fluxe and beeing pound leaues and floures and laid to cureth the stingings of Scorpions and such like venomous beasts insomuch that who so doth hold the same in his hand can receiue no damage or hurt by any venomous beast The decoction of the root made in water and drunke prouoketh vrine it helpeth the strangurie and paines about the backe and Huckle bone CHAP. 225. Of Mints ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Mints some of the garden other wilde or of the field and also some of the water ¶ The Description 1 THe first tame or garden Mint commeth vp with stalkes foure square of an obscure red colour somewhat hairie which are couered with round leaues nicked in the edges like a saw of a deepe greene colour the floures are little and red and grow about the stalkes circle-wise as those of Pennie Royall the roote creepeth aslope in the ground hauing some strings on it and now and then in sundry places it buddeth out afresh the whole herbe is of a pleasant smell and it rather lieth downe than standeth vp 2 The second is like to the first in hairie stalkes something round in blackish leaues in creeping roots and also in smell but the floures do not at all compasse the stalke about but stand vp in the tops of the branches being orderly placed in little eares or rather catkines or aglets 3 The leaues of Speare-Mint are long like those of the Willow tree but whiter softer and more bairie the floures are orderly placed in the tops of the stalks and in ears like those of the second The root hereof doth also creepe no otherwise than doth that of the first vnto which it is like 4 There is another sort of Mint which hath long leaues like to the third in stalks yet in leaues and in roots lesser but the floures hereof stand not in the tops of the branches but compasse the stalks about circle-wise as do those of the first which be of a light purple colour 1 Mentha sativarubra Red Garden Mints 2 Mentha cruciata sive crispa Crosse Mint or curled Mint 3 Mentha Romana Speare Mint ‡ 4 Mentha Cardiaca Heart Mint ‡ 5 Mentha spicata 〈◊〉 Balsam Mint ¶ The Place Most vse to set Mints in Gardens almost euery where ¶ The Time Mints do floure and flourish in Sommer in Winter the roots onely remaine being once set they continue long and remaine 〈◊〉 and fast in the ground ¶ The Names Mint is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the sweet smell saith Pliny in his 19. booke cap. 8. hath changed the name among the Graecians when as otherwise it should be called Mintha from whence our old writers haue deriued the name for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth sweet and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 smel The Apothecaries Italians and French men do keepe the Latine name Mentha the Spaniards do call it Yerua buena and Ortelana in High Dutch Muntz in Low Dutch Munte in English Mint The first Mint is called in High Dutch Diement in Low Dutch Bruyn heylighe he that would translate it into Latin must call it Sacranigricans or the holy blackish mint in English browne Mint or red Mint The second is also called in High Dutch Krausz diement Krausz muntz and Krausz balsam that is to say Mentha cruciata in French Beaume crespu in English CrosseMint or curled Mint The third is called of diuers Mentha Sarracenica Mentha Romana it is called in High Dutch Balsam muntz Onser frawen muntz Spitzer muntz Spitzer balsam it may be called Mentha angustifolia that is to say Mint with the narrow leafe and in English Speare Mint common garden Mint our Ladies Mint browne Mint and Macrell Mint The fourth is called in High Dutch Hertzkraut as though it were to bee named Cardiaca or Cardiaca Mentha in English Hart-woort or Heart-mint ‡ This is the Sisymbrium sativum of Matthiolus and Mentha hortensis altera of Gesner the Italians call it Sisembrio domestico and Balsamita the Germanes Kakenbalsam ‡ ¶ The Temperature Mint is hot and drie in the third degree It is saith Galen somewhat bitter and harsh and it is inferiour to Calamint The smell of Mint saith Pliny doth stir vp the minde and the taste to a greedy desire to meat ¶ The Vertues Mint is maruellous wholesome for the stomacke it staieth the Hicket parbraking vomiting scowring in the Cholerike passion if it be taken with the iuice of a soure pomegranate It stoppeth the casting vp of bloud being giuen with water and vineger as Galen teacheth And in broth saith Pliny it staieth the floures and is singular good against
to any woollen garment that it toucheth by reason of his roughnesse ‡ This is found with the leaues whole and also with them parted into three parts the first varietie was exprest by our Authors figure and the second is exprest by this we giue you in the place thereof ‡ 2 There is another wilde Hempe growing in the water whereof there be two sorts more delighting to grow in the like ground in shew differing very little This springs vp with long round stalkes and somewhat reddish about two cubits high or something higher they are beset with long greene leaues indented about the edges whereof you shal see commonly fiue or seuen of those leaues hanging vpon one stem like the leaues of Hempe but yet softer The floures are little of a pale reddish colour consisting of soft round tufts and stand perting vpon the top of the sprigges which at length vanish away into downe the root vnderneath is full of threddy strings of a mean bignesse 1 Eupatorium Cannabinum foemina Water Hempe or Water Agrimony ‡ 2 Eupatorium Cannabinum mas Common Dutch 〈◊〉 ¶ The Place They grow about the brinks of ditches running waters and standing pooles and in watery places almost euery where ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in Iuly and August the root continues but the stalkes and leaues wither away in Winter ¶ The Names The bastard or wilde Hempes especially those of the water are commonly called Hepatorium Cannabinum of diuers also Eupatorium Leonhar Fuchsius nameth it Eupatorium Adulterinum of most Cannabina of the likenesse it hath with the leaues of Cannabis Hempe and Eupatorium Auicennae It is thought also to be that which Baptista Sardus doth terme Terzola in high-Dutch S. 〈◊〉 kraut that is to say in Latine Sanctae Cunigundae herba S. Cunigunds herbe in Low-Dutch Boelkens kruit in English Water Hempe Bastard and water Agrimonie It is called Hepatorium of the 〈◊〉 being good for Hepar the liuer ‡ I haue named the second Common Dutch Agrimonie because it is commonly vsed for Agrimonie in the shops of that countrey ‡ ¶ The Temperature The leaues and roots of these herbes are bitter also hot and dry in the second degree they haue vertue to scoure and open to attenuate or make thinne thicke and grosse humours and to expell or driue them forth by vrine they clense and purifie the bloud ¶ The Vertues which chiefely belong to the last described The decoction hereof is profitably giuen to those that be scabbed and haue filthy skinnes and likewise to such as haue their spleen and liuer stopped or swolne for it taketh away the stoppings of both those intrals and also of the gall wherefore it is good for them that haue the jaundice especially somewhat after the beginning The herbe boyled in wine or water is singular good against tertian Feuers The decoction drunke and the leaues outwardly applied do heale all wounds both inward and outward ‡ Fuchsius saith that the second is very effectuall against poyson And Gesner in his Epistles affirmeth that he boyled about a pugil of the fibres of the root of this plant in wine and drunke it which an houre after gaue him one stoole and afterwards twelue vomits whereby he cast vp much flegme so that it workes saith he like white Hellebor but much more easily and safely and it did me very much good ‡ CHAP. 241. Of Egrimonie Agrimonia Agrimonie ¶ The Description THe leaues of Agrimonie are long hairie greene aboue and somewhat grayish vnderneath parted into diuers other small leaues snipt round about the edges almost like the leaues of hempe the stalke is two foot and a halfe long rough hairy whereupon grow many small yellow floures one aboue another vpwards toward the top after the floures come the seeds somewhat long and rough like to small burs hanging downwards which when they be ripe doe catch hold vpon peoples garments that passe by it The root is great long and blacke ¶ The Place It growes in barren places by highwayes inclosures of medowes and of corne fields and oftentimes in woods and copses and almost 〈◊〉 where ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and somwhat later and seedeth 〈◊〉 that a great part of Sommer ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines also Eupatorium Pliny Eupatoria yet there is another Eupatorium in Apuleius and that is Marrubium Horehound In like maner the Apothecaries of Germany haue another Hepatorium that is there commonly vsed being described in the last chapter and may be named Hepatorium adulterinum Agrimonie is named Lappa inuersa and it is so called because the seeds which are rough like burres do hang downwards of some Philanthropos of the cleauing qualitie of the seeds hanging to mens garments the Italians and Spaniards call it Agramonia in high Dutch 〈◊〉 Bruckwurtz in low-Dutch in French and in English Agrimonie and Egrimonie Eupatorium taketh the name of Eupator the finder of it out and saith Pliny it hath a royall and princely authoritie ¶ The Temperature It is hot and doth moderately binde and is of a temperate drinesse Galen saith that Agrimonie is of fine and subtill parts that it cutteth and scoureth therefore saith he it remoues obstructions or stoppings out of the liuer and doth likewise strengthen it by reason of the binding quality that is in it ¶ The Vertues The decoction of the leaues of Egrimony is good for them that haue naughty liuers and for such as pisse bloud vpon the diseases of the kidnies The seed being drunke in wine as Pliny affirmeth doth helpe the bloudy flixe Dioscorides addeth that it is a remedy for them that haue bad liuers and for such as are bitten with 〈◊〉 The leaues being stamped with old swines grease and applied closeth vp 〈◊〉 that be hardly healed as Dioscorides saith ‡ Agrimony boiled in wine and drunke helpes inueterate hepaticke fluxes in old people ‡ CHAP. 242. Of Sawewoort 1. 2. Serratula purpurea siue alba Saw-woort with purple or white floures ¶ The Description 1 THe plant which the new writers haue called Serratula differeth from Betonica although the Antients haue so called Betony It hath large leaues somewhat snipt about the edges like a saw whereof it tooke his name rising immediately from the root among which come vp stalkes of a cubite high beset with leaues very deepely cut or jagged euen to the middle of the rib not much vnlike the male Scabious The stalkes towards the top diuide themselues into other small branches at the top 〈◊〉 of they beare floures somewhat scaly like the Knapweed but not so great nor hard at the top of the knap commeth forth a bushie or thrummy floure of a purple colour The root is threddy and thereby increaseth and becommeth of a great quantity 2 Sawewoort with white floures differeth not from the precedent but in the colour of the floures for as the other bringeth forth a bush of purple floures in a manner this
blackish green colour somewhat rough and strongly smelling the floures grow at the top of the stalks of a golden yellow colour with certaine threds in the middle thereof The root differeth not from the precedent 3 Candle weeke Mullein hath large broad and woollie leaues like vnto those of the common Mullein among which riseth vp a stalke couered with the like leaues euen to the branches wheron the floures do grow but lesser and lesser by degrees The stalke diuideth it selfe toward the top into diuerse branches whereon is set round about many yellow floures which oftentimes doe change into white varying according vnto the soile and clymate The root is thick and wooddy 1 Verbascum album Base white Mullein 2 Verbascum nigrum Base blacke Mullein 3 Verbascum Lychnite Matthioli Candle-weeke Mullein 4 Verbascum Lychnite minus Small Candle-weeke Mullein 4 The small Candle-weeke Mullein differeth little from the last rehearsed sauing that the whole plant of this is of a better 〈◊〉 wherein especially consisteth the difference ‡ The floure also is much larger and of a straw or pale yellow colour ‡ ¶ The Place These plants do grow where the other Mulleins do and in the like soile ¶ The Time The time likewise answereth their flouring and seeding ¶ The Names Their capitall names expressed in the titles shal serue for these base Mulleins considering they are all and euery of them kindes of Mulleins ¶ The Temperature These Mulleins are drie without any manifest heat yet doubtlesse hotter and drier than the common Mullein or Hygtaper ¶ The Vertues The blacke Mullein with his pleasant yellow floures boiled in water or wine and drunken is good against the diseases of the brest and lungs and against all spitting of corrupt rotten matter The leaues boiled in water stamped and applied pultis wise vpon cold swellings called Oedemata and also vpon the vlcers and inflammations of the eies cureth the same The floures of blacke Mullein are put into lie which causeth the haire of the head to wax yellow if it be washed and combed therewith The leaues are put into cold ointments with good successe against scaldings and burnings with fire or water Apuleius reporteth a tale of Vlysses Mercurie and the inchantresse Circe and theirvse of 〈◊〉 herbes in their in cantations and witchcrafts CHAP. 271. Of Moth Mullein 1 Blattaria Plinij Plinies Moth Mullein 2 Blattaria flore purpureo Purple Moth Mullein ¶ The Description 1 PLinie hath set forth a kinde of Blattaria which hath long and smooth leaues somewhat iagged or snipt about the edges the stalke riseth vp tothe height of three cubits diuiding it selfe toward the top into sundry armes or branches beset with yellow floures like vnto blacke Mullein 2 Blattaria with purple floures hath broad blacke leaues without any manifest snips or notches by the sides growing flat vpon the ground among which riseth vp a stalke two cubits high garnished with floures like vnto the common Blattaria but that they are of a purple colour and those few threds or chiues in the middle of a golden colour the root is as thick as a mans thumb with some threds hanging thereat and it indureth from yeare to yeare 3 There is another kinde like vnto the blacke Mullein in stalks roots and leaues and other respects sauing that his small floures are of a greene colour 4 There is another like vnto the last before written sauing that his leaues are not so deepely cut about the edges and that the small floures haue some purple colour mixed with the greennesse ‡ 3 Blattaria flore viridi Greene Moth Mullein ‡ 4 Blattaria flore ex viridi purpurascente Moth Mullein with the greenish purple coloured floure ‡ 5 This is somewhat like the first described in leaues and stalks but much lesse the floures also are of a whitish or grayish colour and therein consists the chiefest difference 6 There is also another varietie of this kinde which hath very faire and large floures and these either of a bright yellow or else of a purple colour 7 This hath long narrow leaues like those of the second snipt about the edges and of a darke greene colour the stalkes grow some two cubits high and seldome send forth any branches the floures are large and yellow with rough threddes in their middles 〈◊〉 with red and these grow in such an order that they somewhat resemble a flie the seed is small and contained in round buttons This is an annuall and perisheth when the seed is ripe ‡ ‡ 5 Blattaria flore albo White floured Moth Mullein ‡ 6 Blattaria flore amplo Moth Mullein with the great floure ‡ 7 Blattaria flore Luteo Yellow Moth Mullein ¶ The Place †The first and fift of these grow wilde in sundrie places and the rest onely in gardens with vs. ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The later Herbarists call Moth Mullein by the name of Blattaria and doe truly take it to bee that which Plinie describeth in his 22. booke cap. 9. in these words There is an herbe like Mullein or Verbascum nigrum which oftentimes deceiueth being taken for the same with leaues not so white moe stalks and with yellow floures as wee haue written which do agree with blacke Mullein but we haue not as yet learned by obseruation that they do gather mothes and flies vnto them as wee haue said Valerius Cordus names it Verbascum Leptophyllon or narrow leafed Mullein their seueral titles sufficiently set forth their English names ¶ The Nature and Vertues Concerning the plants comprehended vnder the titles of Blattaria or Moth Mulleins I find nothing written of them sauing that moths butterflies and all manner of small flies and bats do resort to the place where these herbs are laied or strewed ‡ The decoctiō of the floures or leaues of the first described opens the obstructions of the bowels as also of the Meseraicke veins as Camerar affirmes ‡ CHAP. 272. Of Mullein of Aethiopia 〈◊〉 Aethiopian Mullein ¶ The Description MVllein of Aethiopia hath many very broad hoary leaues spred vpon the ground very soft and downy or rather woolly like to those of Hygtaper but farre whiter softer thicker and fuller of woollinesse which wooll is so long that one may with his fingers pull the same from the leaues euen as wooll is pulled from a Sheeps skinne among which leaues riseth vp a foure square downy stalke set with the like leaues but smaller which stalke is diuided at the top into other branches set about and orderly placed by certaine distances hauing many floures like those of Archangell of a white colour tending to blewnesse which being past there succeedeth a three square browne seed the root is blacke hard and of a wooddy substance ¶ The Place It groweth naturally in Ethiopia and in Ida a hill hard by Troy and in Messenia a prouince of Morea as Pliny sheweth in his twenty seuenth booke chap. 4. it also groweth in Meroe an Island in the
and slackenesse of the sinewes which is the palsie The decoction of the roots is thought to be profitably 〈◊〉 against the stone in the kidneyes and bladder and the iuyce of the leaues for members that are loose and out of ioynt or inward parts that are hurt rent or broken A dramme and a halfe of the pouder of the dried roots of field Primrose gathered in Autumne giuen to drinke in Ale or Wine purgeth by vomit very forcibly but safely waterish humours choler and flegme in such manner as Azarum doth experimented by a learned and skilfull Apothecarie of Colchester Mr. Thomas Buckstone a man singular in the knowledge of Simples A conserue made with the floures of Cowslips and sugar preuaileth wonderfully against the palsie convulsions cramps and all the diseases of the sinewes Cowslips or Paigles do greatly restraine or stop the belly in the time of a great laske or bloudy flix if the decoction thereof be drunke warme A practitioner in London who was famous for curing the frensie after that hee had performed his cure by the due obseruation of physicke accustomed euery yeare in the moneth of May to diet his patients after this manner Take the leaues and floures of Primrose boyle them a little in fountaine water and in some Rose and Betony waters adding thereto sugar pepper salt and butter which being strained he gaue them to drinke thereof first and last The roots of Primrose stamped and strained and the iuyce sniffed into the nose with a quill or such like purgeth the braine and qualifieth the paine of the megrim An 〈◊〉 made with the iuyce of Cowslips and oyle of Linseed cureth all scaldings or burnings with fire water or otherwise The floures of Primroses sodden in vineger and applied do heale the Kings Euill as also the almonds of the throat and uvula if you gargarise the part with the decoction thereof The leaues and floures of Primroses boyled in wine and drunke is good against all diseases of the brest and lungs and draweth forth of the flesh any thorne or splinter or bone fixed therein CHAP. 274. Of Birds-eine 1 Primulaveris flore rubro Red Bird-eyne 2 Primula veris flore albo White Bird-eyne ¶ The Description 1 SOme Herbarists call this plant by the name of Sanicula angustifolia making thereof two kinds and distinguishing them by these termes maior minor siue media others cal them Paralytica alpina which without controuersie are kindes of Cowslips agreeing with them as well in shape as in their nature and vertues hauing leaues much like vnto Cowslips but smaller growing flat vpon the ground of a faint greenish colour on the vpper side vnderneath of a white or 〈◊〉 colour among which rise vp small and tender stalkes of a foot high hauing at the top of euery stalke a bush 〈◊〉 small floures in shape like the common Oxlip sauing that they are of a faire stammell colour tending to purple in the middle of euery small floure appeareth a little yellow spot resembling the eye of a bird which hath moued the people of the North parts where it aboundeth to call it Birds eyne The seed is small like dust and the root white and threddy 2 The second is like the first sauing that the whole plant is greater in each respect and that the floures are of a whitish colour ¶ The Place These plants grow very plentifully in moist and squally grounds in the North parts of England as in Harwood neere to Blackburne in Lancashire and ten miles from Preston in Aundernesse also at Crosby Rauenswaith and Crag-Close in Westmerland They likewise grow in the medowes belonging to a village in Lancashire neere Maudsley called Harwood and at Hesketh not far from thence and in many other places of Lancashire but not on this side Trent that I could euer haue any certaine knowledge of Lobel reporteth That doctor Penny a famous Physition of our London Colledge did finde them in these Southerne parts ¶ The Time They floure and flourish from Aprill to the end of May. ¶ The Names The first is called Primrose with the red floure the second Primrose with the white floure and Birds eyne ¶ The Nature and Vertues The nature and vertues of these red and white Primroses must be sought out amongst those aboue named CHAP 275. Of Beares eares or Mountaine Cowslips 1 Auricula vrsiflore luteo Yellow Beares-eare 2 Auricula vrsiflore purpurco Purple Beares-eare ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Mountaine Cowslips or Beares-eares differing especially in the colour of their floures as shall be declared notwithstanding it may appeare to the curious that there is great difference in the roots also considering some of them haue knobby roots and others threddy notwithstanding there is no difference in the roots at all ‡ There are diuers 〈◊〉 of these 〈◊〉 and the chiefe differences arise either from the leaues or floures from their leaues which are either smooth and greene or else gray and hoary againe they are smooth about the edges or snipt more or lesse The floures some are fairer then othersome and their colours are so various that it is hard to finde words to expresse them but they may be refer'd to whites reds yellowes and purples for of all the varieties and mixtures of these they chiefely consist The gardens of Mr. Tradescant and Mr. 〈◊〉 are at this present furnished with very great varieties of these floures ‡ 3 Auricula Vrsi ij Clusij Red Beares eare 4 Auricula Vrsi iiij Clusij Scarlet Beares eare ¶ The Description 1 AVricula Vrsi was called of Matthiolus Pena and other Herbarists Sanicula Alpina by reason of his singular facultie in healing of wounds both inward and outward They do all call it Paralityca because of his vertues in curing the palsies cramps and convulsions and is numbred among the kindes of Cowslips whereof no doubt they are kinds as others are which do hereafter follow vnder the same title although there be some difference in the colour of the floures This beautifull and braue plant hath thicke greene and fat leaues somewhat finely snipt about the edges not altogether vnlike those of Cowslips but smoother greener and nothing rough or crumpled among which riseth vp a slender round stem a handfull high bearing a tuft of floures at the top of a faire yellow colour not much vnlike to the floures of Oxe-lips but more open and consisting of one only leafe like Cotiledon the root is very threddy and like vnto the Oxe-lip 2 The leaues of this kinde which beareth the purple floures are not so much sinipt about the edges these said purple floures haue also some yellownesse in the middle but the floures are not so much laid open as the former otherwise in all respects they are like 3 Carolus Clusius setteth forth in the booke of his Pannonicke trauels two kindes more which he hath found in his trauell ouer the Alpes and other mountaines of Germanie and Heluetia being the third in
leafe and are not onely indented about the edges but each leafe is diuided into six or more 〈◊〉 or cuts deepely hacked greenish aboue and of an ouerworne 〈◊〉 colour 〈◊〉 hot in taste from the middle whereof shooteth forth a bar or naked stalke six inches long somewhat purple in colour bearing at the top a 〈◊〉 of small hollow floures looking or 〈◊〉 downewards like little bells not vnlike in forme to the common Cowslips but of a sine deepe red colour 〈◊〉 to purple hauing in the middle a certaine ring or circle of white and also certaine pointals or strings which turne into an head wherein is contained seed The whole plant is couered as it were with a rough woollinesse the root is fibrous and threddy ¶ The Place These plants are strangers in England their naturall countrey is the Alpish mountains of Heluetia they grow in my garden where they flourish exceedingly except Butterwort which groweth in our English squally wet grounds and will not yeeld to any culturing or transplanting it groweth especially in a field called Crag-Close and at Crosby Rauenswaith in Westmerland vpon Ingleborow fels twelue miles from Lancaster and in Harwood in the same countie neere to Blackburne ten miles from Preston in Aundernesse vpon the bogs and marish grounds and in the boggie medowes about Bishops Hatfield and also in the fens in the way to Wittles meare from London in Huntingdonshire ‡ It groweth also in Hampshire and aboundantly in many places of Wales ‡ ¶ The Time They floureand flourish from May to the end of Iuly ¶ The Names The first is called Sanicula guttata taken from the spots wherewith the floures are marked of Lobel Geum Alpinum 〈◊〉 it a kind of Auens in English spotted Sanicle of our London dames Pratling Parnell The second is called Pinguicula of the fatnesse or 〈◊〉 of the leafe or of fatning in Yorkeshire where it doth especially grow and in greatest aboundance it is called Butterworts Butter-root and whiteroot but the last name belongeth more properly to Solomons Seale ¶ The Temperature and Vertues They are hot and dry in the third degree The husbandmens wiues of Yorkshire do vse to anoint the dugs of their kine with the fat and oilous iuyce of the herbe Butterwort when they are bitten with any venomous worme or chapped rifted and hurt by any other meanes They say it rots their sheepe when for want of other food they eat 〈◊〉 CHAP. 277. Of Fox-Gloues ¶ The Description 1 FOx-gloue with the purple floure is most common the leaues whereof are long nicked in the edges of a light greene in manner like those of Mullein but lesser and not so downie the stalke is straight from the middle whereof to the top stand the floures set in a course one by another vpon one side of the stalke hanging downwards with the bottome vpward in forme long like almost to finger stalks whereof it tooke his name Digitalis of a red purple colour with certaine white spots dasht within the floure after which come vp round heads in which lies the seed somewhat browne and as small as that of Time The roots are many slender strings 2 The Fox-gloue with white floures differs not from the precedent but in the colour of the floures for as the others were purple these contrariwise are of a milke-white colour 3 We haue in our gardens another sort hereof which bringeth forth most pleasant yellow floures and somewhat lesse than the common kinde wherein they differ ‡ This also differs from the common kind in that the leaues are much smoother narrower and greener hauing the nerues or vrines running alongst it neither are the nerues snipt nor sinuated on their edges ‡ 4 We haue also another sort which we call Digitalis ferruginea whose floures are of the colour of rusty iron whereof it tooke his name and likewise maketh the difference ‡ Of this sort there is a bigger and a lesser the bigger hath the lower leaues some foot long of a darke green colour with veines running along them the stalks are some yard and halfe high the floures large 1 Digitalis purpurea 〈◊〉 Fox-gloues 2 〈◊〉 alba White Fox-gloues ‡ 3 Digitalis lutea Yellow Fox-gloues ‡ 4 Digitalis 〈◊〉 Dusky Fox-gloues 5 The lesser duskie Fox-gloue hath much lesse leaues and those narrow smooth and exceeding greene amongst which comes vp a stalke some foot high hauing small floures of the colour of the last described This I obserued the last yeare 1632 in floure with Mr. Iohn Tradescant in the middle of Iuly It may fitly be called Digitalis ferruginea minor Small duskie Fox-gloues ‡ ¶ The Place Fox-gloue groweth in barren sandie grounds and vnder hedges almost euery where Those with white floures do grow naturally in Landesdale and Crauen in a field called Cragge close in the North of England likewise by Colchester in Essex neere Excester in the West parts and in some few other places The other two are strangers in England 〈◊〉 thelesse they do grow with the others in my garden ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Fox-gloues some call in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and make it to be Verbasci speciem or a kinde of Mullein in Latine Digitalis in High Dutch 〈◊〉 and fingher 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Gantes nostre dame in English Fox-gloues ‡ Fabius Columna thinks it to be that Ephemerum of Dioscorides described in his fourth booke and cap. 75. ‡ ¶ The Temperature The Fox-gloues in that they are bitter are hot and drie with a certaine kinde of clensing qualitie ioined therewith yet are they of no vse neither haue they any place amongst medicines according to the Antients ¶ The Vertues Fox-gloue boiled in water or wine and drunken doth cut and consume the thicke toughnesse of grosse and slimie flegme and naughtie humours it openeth also the stopping of the liuer spleene and milt and of other inward parts The same taken in like manner or boiled with honied water or sugar doth scoure and clense the brest ripeneth and bringeth forth tough and clammie flegme They serue for the same purposes whereunto Gentian doth tend and hath beene vsed in stead thereof as Galen saith ‡ Where or by what name Galen either mentions or 〈◊〉 this which our Authour cites him for I must confesse I am ignorant But I probably coniecture that our Authour would haue said Fuchsius for I onely finde him to haue these words set downe by our Authour in the end of his Chapter of Digitalis ‡ CHAP. 278. Of Baccharis out of Dioscorides ¶ The Description 1 ABout this plant Baccharis there hath beene great contention amongst the old and new writers Matthioius and Dodonaeus haue mistaken this plant for Conizamaior or Coniza Helenitis Cordi Virgil and Athenaeus haue confounded Baccharis and Azarum together but following the antient writers it hath many blackish rough leaues somewhat bigger than the leaues of Primrose amongst which riseth vp a stalke two
on their tops carry pretty floures like those of Borage but not so sharpe pointed but of a more pleasing blew colour This floures in the spring and is kept in some choice Gardens Lobell calls it Symphytum pumilum repens Borraginis facie siue Borrago minima Herbariorum ‡ ¶ The Place Comfrey joyeth in watery ditches in fat and fruitfull medowes they grow all in my Garden ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Symphytum and Solidago in shops Consolida maior and Symphytum maius of Scribonius Largus Inula rustica and Alus Gallica of others Osteocollon in high Dutch Walwurtz in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Consolida maggiore in Spanish Suelda maiore and Consuelda maior in French Consire and Oreille d'asne in English Comfrey 〈◊〉 Consound of some Knit backe and Blackewoort ¶ The Temperature The root of Comfrey hath a cold quality but yet not much it is also of a clammie and gluing moisture it causeth no itch at all neither is it of a sharpe or biting taste vnsauory and without any qualitie that may be tasted so far is the tough and gluing moisture from the sharpe clamminesse of the sea Onion as that there is no comparison betweene them The leaues may cause itching not through heate or sharpenesse but through their ruggednesse as we haue already written yet lesse than those of the Nettle ¶ The Vertues The rootes of Comfrey stamped and the juice drunke with wine helpeth those that spit bloud and healeth all 〈◊〉 wounds and burstings The same bruised and laid to in manner of a plaister doth heale all fresh and greene woundes and are so glutenatiue that it will sodder or glew together meate that is chopt in peeces seething in a pot and make it in one lumpe The rootes boiled and drunke doe clense the brest from flegme and cure the griefes of the lungs especially if they be confect with sugar and syrrup it preuaileth much against ruptures or burstings The slimie substance of the root made in a posset of ale and giuen to drinke against the paine in the backe gotten by any violent motion as wrastling or ouermuch vse of women doth in foure or fiue daies perfectly cure the same although the inuoluntary flowing of the seed in men be gotten thereby The roots of Comfrey in number foure Knotgrasse and the leaues of Clarie of each an handfull being stamped all together and strained and a quart of Muscadell put thereto the yolkes of three egges and the powder of three Nutmegs drunke first and last is a most excellent medicine against a Gonorrhaea or running of the reines and all paines and consumptions of the backe There is likewise a syrrup made hereof to be vsed in this case which staieth voiding of bloud tempereth the heate of agues allaieth the sharpenesse of flowing humors healeth vp vlcers of the lungs and helpeth the cough the receit whereof is this Take two ounces of the roots of great Comfrey one ounce of Liquorice two handfulls of Folefoot roots and all one ounce and an halfe of Pine-apple kernells twenty iuiubes two drams or a quarter of an ounce of Mallow seed one dram of the heads of Poppy boile all in a sufficient quantitie of water till one pinte remaine straine it and and adde to the liquor strained six ounces of very white sugar and as much of the best hony and make thereof a syrrup that must be throughly boiled The same syrrup cureth the vlcers of the kidnies though they haue been of long continuance and stoppeth the bloud that commeth from thence Moreouer it staieth the ouermuch flowing of the monethly sickenesse taken euery day for certaine daies together It is highly commended for woundes or hurts of all the rest also of the intrailes and inward parts and for burstings or ruptures The root stamped and applied vnto them taketh away the inflammation of the fundament and ouermuch flowing of the hemorrhoides CHAP. 288. Of Cowslips of Jerusalem 1 Pulmonaria maculosa Spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem 2 Pulmonaria folijs Echij Buglosse Cowslips 3 Pulmoria angustifolia ij Clusij Narrow leafed Cowslips of Ierusalem ¶ The Description 1 COwslips of Ierusalem or the true and right Lungwort hath rough hairy and large leaues of a brown green color confusedly spotted with diuers spots or drops of white amongst which spring vp certaine stalkes a span long bearing at the top many fine floures growing together in bunches like the floures of cowslips sauing that they be at the first red or purple and sometimes blew and oftentimes al these colours at once The floures being fallen there come small buttons full of seed The root is blacke and threddy ‡ This is sometimes found with white floures ‡ 2 The second kinde of Lungwort is like vnto the former but greater in each respect the leaues bigger than the former resembling wilde Buglosse yet spotted with white spots like the former the floures are like the other but of an exceeding shining red colour 3 Carolus Clusius setteth forth a third kinde of Lungwoort which hath rough and hairie leaues like vnto wilde Buglosse but narrower among which rises vp a stalke a foot high bearing at the top a bundle of blew floures in fashion like vnto those of Buglosse or the last described ¶ The Place These plants do grow in moist shadowie woods and are planted almost euery where in gardens ‡ Mr. Goodyer found the Pulmonaria folijs Echij being the second May 25. Anno 1620. flouring in a wood by Holbury house in the New Forrest in Hampshire ‡ ¶ The Time They floure for the most part in March and Aprill ¶ The Names Cowslips of Ierusalem or Sage of Ierusalem is called of the Herbarists of our time Pulmonaria and Pulmonalis of Cordus Symphitum syluestre or wilde Comfrey but seeing the other is also of nature wilde it may aptly be called Symphytum maculosum or Maculatum in high Dutch Lungenkraut in low Dutch Onser 〈◊〉 melcruiit in English spotted Comfrey Sage of Ierusalem Cowslip of Ierusalem Sage of Bethlem and of some Lungwort notwithstanding there is another Lungwort of which we will intreat among the kindes of Mosses ¶ The Temperature Pulmonaria should be of like temperature with the great Comfrey if the roote of this were clammie but seeing that it is hard and woody it is of a more drying quality and more binding ¶ The Vertues The leaues are vsed among pot-herbes The roots are also thought to be good against the infirmities and vlcers of the lungs and to be of like force with the great Comfrey CHAP. 289. Of Clote Burre or Burre Docke 1 Bardana maior The great Burre Docke 2 Bardana minor The lesse Burre Docke ¶ The Description 1 CLot Burre bringeth forth broad leaues and hairie far bigger than the leaues of Gourds and of greater compasse thicker also and blacker which on the vpper side are of a darke greene colour and
rise vp diuers branches charged with the like leaues the floures grow at the toppes of the branches of a most shining yellow colour the root is also like the former 3 The great Marsh Marigold with double floures is a stranger in England his natiue Countrey should seeme to be in the furthest part of Germanie by the relation of a man of those Countries that I haue had conference withall the which hee thus described it hath saith hee leaues roots and stalkes like those of our common sort and hath double floures like those of the garden Marigold wherein consisteth the difference 3 Calthapalustris multiplex Double floured Marsh Marigold The Place They ioy in moist and marish grounds and in watery medowes ‡ I haue not sound the double one wilde but seene it preserued in diuers gardens for the beautie of the floure ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in the Spring when the Crowfoots doe and oftentimes in Sommer the leaues keepe their greenenesse all the Winter long ¶ The Names Marsh Marigold is called of Valerius Cordus Caltha palustris of Tabernamontanus Populago but not properly in English Marsh Marigolds in Cheshire and those parts it is called Bootes ¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉 Touching the faculties of these plants wee haue nothing to say either out of other mens writings or our owne experiences CHAP. 295. Of Frogge-bit Morsus Rana Frogge-bit ¶ The Description THere floteth or swimmeth vpon the vpper parts of the water a small plant which wee vsually call Frog-bit hauing little round leaues thicke and full of iuice very like to the leaues of wall Peniwoort the floures grow vpon long stems among the leaues of a white colour with a certaine yellow thrum in the middle consisting of three leaues in stead of roots it hath slender strings which grow out of a short and small head as it were from whence the leaues spring in the bottom of the water from which head also come forth slopewise certaine strings by which growing forth it multiplieth it selfe ¶ The Place It is found swimming or floting almost in euery ditch pond poole or standing water in all the ditches about Saint George his fields and in the ditches by the Thames side neere to Lambeth Marsh where any that is disposed may see it ¶ The Time It flourisheth and floureth most part of all the yeare ¶ The Names It is called of some Ranae morsus and Morsus Ranae and Nymphaeaparua ¶ The Temperature and Vertues It is thought to be a kinde of Pond-weed or rather of Water Lillie and to haue the same faculties that belong vnto it CHAP. 296. Of Water Lillie ¶ The Description 1 THe white water Lillie or Nenuphar hath great round leaues in shape of a Buckler thick fat and full of iuice standing vpon long round and smooth foot-stalkes ful of a spungious substance which leaues do swim or flote vpon the top of the water vpon the end of each stalk groweth one floure onely of colour white consisting of many little long sharpe pointed leaues in the middest whereof bee many yellow threds after the floure it bringeth forth a round head in which lieth blackish glittering seed The roots be thicke full of knots blacke without white and spungie within out of which groweth a multitude of strings by which it is fastened in the 〈◊〉 1 Nymphaea alba White Water Lillie 2 Nymphaealutea Yellow Water Lillie 2 The leaues of the yellow water Lillie be like to the other yet are they a little longer The stalkes of the floures and leaues be like the floures be yellow consisting onely of fiue little short leaues something round in the midst of which groweth a small round head or button sharpe towards the point compassed about with many yellow threds in which when it is ripe lie also glittering seeds greater than those of the other and lesser than wheat cornes The roots be thick long set with certaine dents as it were white both within and without of a spungious substance 3 The smal white water Lillie floreth likewise vpon the water hauing a single root with some few fibres fastened thereto from which riseth vp many long round smooth and soft foot-stalkes some of which doe bring forth at the end faire broad round buckler leaues like vnto the precedent but lesser on the other foot-stalkes stand prettie white floures consisting of fiue small leaues apeece hauing a little yellow in the middle thereof 3 Nymphaea alba minor The small white Water Lillie 5 Nymphaea lutea minima Dwarfe Water Lillie 4 The small yellow water Lillie hath a little threddie root creeping in the bottome of the water and dispersing it selfe far abroad from which rise small tender stalkes smooth and soft whereon do grow little buckler leaues like the last described likewise on the other small stalke standeth a tuft of many floures likewise floting vpon the water as the others do ‡ This hath the floures larger than those of the next described wherefore it may be fitly named Nymphaea lutea minor flore amplo ‡ 5 This dwarfe water Lillie differeth not from the other small yellow water Lillie sauing that that this kinde hath sharper pointed leaues and the whole plant is altogether lesser wherein lieth the difference ‡ This hath the floures much lesse than those of the last described wherefore it is fitly for distinction sake named Nymphaea 〈◊〉 minor flore paruo ‡ ¶ The Place These herbes do grow in fennes standing waters broad ditches and in brookes that run slowly and sometimes in great riuers ¶ The Time They floure and flourish most of the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names Water Lillie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine also Nymphaea so named because it loues to grow in waterie places as Dioscorides saith the Apothecaries call it Nenuphar of Apuleius Mater Herculania Alga palustris Papauer palustre Clavus veneris and Digitus veneris Marcellus a very old writer reporteth that it is called in Latine Claua Herculis in French Badittin in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Water Lillie water Rose ¶ The Temperature Both the root and seed of water Lillie haue a drying force without biting ¶ The Vertues Water Lillie with yellow floures stoppeth laskes the ouerflowing of seed which commeth away by dreames or otherwise and is good for them that haue the bloudie flix But water Lillie which hath the white floures is of greater force insomuch as it staieth the whites but both this and the other that hath the black root must be drunke in red wine they haue also a scouring quality therfore they both clense away the morphew and be also good against the pilling away of the haire of the head against the morphew they are steeped in water and sor the pilling away of the haire in Tarre but for these things that is sitter which hath the black root and for the other that which hath the white root Theoprastus saith that being stamped and laid vpon
the wound it is reported to stay the bleeding The Physitions of our age do commend the floures of white Nymphaea against the insirmities of the head which come of a hot cause and do certainely 〈◊〉 that the root of the yellow cureth hot diseases of the kidnies and bladder and is singular good against the running of the reines The root and seed of the great water Lillie is very good against venery or fleshly desire if one do drinke the decoction thereof or vse the seed or root in powder in his meates for it dryeth vp the seed of generation and so causeth a man to be chast especially vsed in broth with flesh The conserue of the floures is good for the diseases aforesaid and is good also against hot burning feuers The floures being made into oile as yee do make oile of roses doth coole and refrigerate causing sweate and quiet sleepe and putteth away all venereous dreames the temples of the head and palmes of the hands and feet and the brest being annointed for the one and the genitors 〈◊〉 and about them for the other The greene leaues of the great water Lillie either the white or the yellow laid vpon the region of the backe in the small mightily cease the inuoluntary flowing away of the seed called Gonorrhaea or running of the raines being two or three times a day remooued and fresh applied thereto CHAP. 297. Of Pond-weed or water Spike 1 Potamogeiton latifolium Broad leafed Pondweed 2 Potamogeiton angustifolium Narrow leafed Pondweed ¶ The Description 1 POnd-weed hath little stalkes slender spreading like those of the vine and jointed the leaues be long smaller than the leaues of Plantaine and harder with manifest veines runniug alongst them as in Plantains which standing vpon slender and long stems or foot-stalkes shew themselues aboue the water and lie flat along vpon the superficiall or vpper part thereof as do the leaues of the water Lillie the floures grow in short eares and are of a light red purple colour like those of Red-shankes or Bistort the seed is hard ‡ 2 This whose figure was formerly vnfitly put by our Authour to the following description hath longer narrower and sharper pointed leaues than those of the last described hauing the veines running from the middle rib to the sides of the leaues as in a willow leafe which they somewhat resemble at the tops of the stalkes grow reddish spikes or eares like those of the last described the root is long jointed and fibrous ‡ ‡ 3 Potamogeiton 3 Dodonaei Small Pondweed ‡ 4 Potamogeiton longis acutis folijs Long sharpe leaued Pondweed 3 There is another Pondweed described thus it shooteth forth into many slender and round stems which are distributed into sundry branches his leaues are broad long and sharpe pointed yet much lesse than the first kinde out of the bosomes of the branches and leaues there spring certaine little stalkes which beare sundry small white mossie floures which doe turne into plaine and round seeds like the common Tare or Vetch his root is fibrous throughly fastened in the ground ‡ 4 There is also another Pondweed which hath whitish and jointed roots creeping in the bottome of the water and sending downe some fibres but sending vp slender jointed and long stalkes small below and bigger aboue hauing long narrow and very stiffe shrape pointed leaues The floures grow in a reddish spike like those of the first described This is the Potamogeiton 〈◊〉 of Dodonaeus ‡ ¶ The Place These herbes do grow in standing waters pooles ponds and ditches almost euery where ¶ The Time They do floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names It is called of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine 〈◊〉 and Spicata in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Espi d'caue in English Pondweed and water Spike ¶ The Temperature Pondweed saith Galen doth binde and coole like as doth Knot-grasse but his 〈◊〉 is thicker than that of Knot-grasse ¶ The Vertues It is good against the itch and consuming or eating Vlcers as Dioscorides writeth Also it is good being applied to the inflammation of the legges wherein Ignis sacer hath gotten the superioritie CHAP. 298. Of Water Saligot water Caltrops or water Nuts ¶ The Description 1 WAter Caltrops haue long slender stalkes growing vp and rising from the bottome of the water and mounting aboue the same the root is long hauing here and there vnder the water certaine tassels full of small strings and threddie haires the stem towards the top of the water is very great in respect of that which is lower the leaues are large and somewhat round not vnlike those of the Poplar or Elme tree leaues a little creuised or notched about the edges amongst and vnder the leaues groweth the fruit which is triangled hard sharpe pointed and prickly in shape like those hurtfull engines in the warres cast in the passage of the enemie to annoy the feet of their horses called Caltrops whereof this tooke its name within these heads or Nuts is contained a white kernell in taste almost like the 〈◊〉 nut which is reported to be eaten greene and being dried and ground to serue in stead of bread ‡ There are two other plants which are found growing in many ponds and ditches of this kingdome both about London and else-where and I will here giue you the figures out of Lobel and Clusius and their descriptions as they were sent me by Mr. Goodyer who hath saued me the labour of describing them Tribulus aquaticus minor quercus floribus Clus. p. 252. Pusillum 〈◊〉 pathum Lobelij 2 This water herbe bringeth forth from the root thin flat knottie stalkes of a reddish colour two or three cubits long or longer according to the depth of the water which when they are dire are pliant and bowing diuided towards the top into many parts or branches bearing but one leafe at euery ioint sometimes two inches long and halfe an inch broad thin and as it were shining so wrinckled and crompled by the sides that it seemeth to be torne of a reddish greene colour the foot-stalkes are something long and thicke and rise vp from amongst those leaues which alwaies grow two one opposit against another in a contrarie manner to those that grow below on the stalk neere the top of which foot-stalke groweth small grape-like huskes out of which spring very small reddish floures like those of the Oke euery floure hauing foure very small round topped leaues after euery floure commeth commonly foure sharpe pointed graines growing together containing within them a little white kernell The lower part of the stalke hath at euery ioint small white threddie roots somewhat long whereby it taketh hold in the mudde and draweth nourishment vnto it The whole plant is commonly couered ouer with water It floureth in Iune and the beginning of Iuly I found it in the standing pooles or fish-ponds adioyning to a dissolued Abbey called Durford which ponds diuide Hampshire and Suffex and in other
like those of the last described And the seed also growes like vnto that of the Water 〈◊〉 last described 5 There is also another kinde of water Milfoile which hath leaues very like vnto water Violet smaller and not so many in number the stalke is small and tender bearing yellow gaping floures fashioned like a hood or the small Snapdragon which caused Pena to put vnto his 〈◊〉 this additament Galericulatum that is hooded The roots are small and threddy with some few knobs hanging thereat like the sounds of fish 2 Millesolium aquaticum Water Yarrow 3 Millesolium siue 〈◊〉 flore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aquatici 〈◊〉 facie Crow-foot or water Milsoile ‡ 6 To these may we adde a small water Milfoile set sorth by Clusius It hath round greene stalkes set with many ioynts whereout come at their lower ends many hairy fibres whereby it taketh hold of the mud the tops of these stems stand some handfull aboue the water and at each ioynt stand fiue long finely winged leaues very greene and some inch long which wax lesse and lesse as they stand higher or neerer the top of the stalke and at each of these leaues about the top of the stem growes one small white floure consisting of six little leaues ioyned together and not opening themselues and these at length turne into little knobs with foure little pointals standing out of them Clusius calls this Myriophyllon aquaticum minus ‡ ‡ 4 Millefolium tenuifolium Fennell leaued water Milfoile ‡ 5 Millefolium palustre galericulatum Hooded water Milfoile ¶ The Place They be found in lakes and standing waters or in waters that run slowly I haue not found such plenty of it in any one place as in the water ditches adioyning to Saint George his field neere London ¶ The Time They floure for the most part in May and Iune ¶ The Names The first is called in Dutch water Uiolerian that is to say Viola aquatilis in English Water Gillofloure or water Violet in French Gyroflees d'eaue Matthiolus makes this to be also Myrophylli 〈◊〉 or a kinde of Yarrow although it doth not agree with the description thereof for neither hath it one stalke onely nor one single root as Myriophyllon or Yarrow is described to haue for the roots are full of strings and it bringeth forth many stalkes The second is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Millefolium and Myriophyllon and also Supercilium Veneris in shops it is vnknowne This Yarrow differeth from that of the land the rest are sufficiently spoken of in their titles ¶ The Nature and Vertues Water Yarrow as Dioscorides saith is of a dry facultie and by reason that it taketh away hot inflammations and swellings it seemeth to be of a cold nature for Dioscorides affirmeth that water Yarrow is a remedie against inflammations in greene wounds if with vineger it be applied greene or dry and it is giuen inwardly with vineger and salt to those that haue fallen from a high place Water Gillofloure or water Violet is thought to be cold and dry yet hath it no vse in physicke at all CHAP. 301. Of Ducks meate Lens palustris Ducks meate ¶ The Description DVckes meate is as it were a certaine greene mosse with very little round leaues of the bignesse of Lentils out of the midst whereof on the nether side grow downe very fine threds like haires which are to them in stead of roots it hath neither stalke floure nor fruit ¶ The Place It is found in pounds lakes city ditches and in other standing waters euery where ¶ The Time The time of Ducks meate is knowne to all ¶ The Names Duckes meate is called in Latine Lens lacustris Lens aquatilis and Lens palustris of the Apothecaries it is 〈◊〉 Aquae Lenticula in high-Dutch Meerlinsen in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 and more vsually Enden gruen that is to say Anatum herba Ducks herbe because Ducks doe feed thereon whereupon also in English it is called Ducks meate some terme it after the Greeke water Lentils and of others it is named Graines The Italians call it Lent 〈◊〉 in French Lentille d eaue in Spanish Lenteias de agua ¶ The Temperature Galen sheweth that it is cold and moist after a sort in the second degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that it is a remedie against all manner of inflammations Saint Anthonies fire and hot Agues if they be either applied alone or else vsed with partched barley meale It also knitteth ruptures in young children Ducks meate mingled with fine wheaten floure and applied preuaileth much against hot swellings as Phlegmons Erisipelas and the paines of the ioynts The same doth helpe the fundament fallen downe in yong children CHAP. 302. Of Water Crow-foot 1 Ranunculus aquatilis Water Crow-foot ¶ The Description 1 WAter Crow-foot hath slender branches trailing far abroad whereupon grow leaues vnder the water most finely cut and iagged like those of Cammomill Those aboue the water are somwhat round indented about the edges in forme not vnlike the smal tender leaues of the mallow but lesser among which do grow the floures small and white of colour made of fine little leaues with some yellownesse in the middle like the floures of the Straw-berry and of a sweet smell after which there come round rough and prickly knaps like those of the field Crowfoot The roots be very small hairy strings ‡ There is sometimes to be found a varietie of this with the leaues lesse and diuided into three parts after the manner of an Iuy leafe and the floures are also much lesser but white of colour with a yellow bottome I question whether this be not the Ranunculus hederaceus Daleschampij pag. 1031. of the hist. Lugd. ‡ 2 There is another plant growing in the water of smal moment yet not amisse to be remembred called Hederula aquatica or water Iuie the which is very rare to finde neuerthelesse I found it once in a ditch by Bermondsey house neere to London and neuer elsewhere it hath small threddy strings in stead of roots and stalkes rising from the bottome of the water to the top wherunto are fastned small leaues swimming or floting vpon the water triangled or three cornered like to those of barren Iuie or rather noble Liuerwort barren of floures and seeds 2 Hederula aquatica Water Iuie ‡ 3 Stellaria aquatica Water Starwort 3 There is likewise another herbe of small reckoning that floteth vpon the water called Stellaria aquatica or water Star-wort which hath many small grassie stems like threds comming from the bottome of the water vnto the vpper face of the same whereupon do grow smal double floures of a greenish or herby colour ‡ I take this Stellaria to be nothing else but a water Chickeweed which growes almost in euery ditch with two long narrow leaues at each ioynt and halfe a dozen or more lying close together at the top of the water in fashion of a starre it may be seene in this shape in the end of
to the wound also swallow some of it downe by which means they quickly ouercome the malignitie of this poisonous bite which otherwise in a very short time would proue deadly Many also commend the vse of this against the plague small pox measels and such like maligne and contagious diseases ‡ CHAP. 312. Of Violets The Kindes THere might be described many kinds of 〈◊〉 vnder this name of violets if their differences should be more curiously looked into than is necessarie for we might ioine hereunto the stock Gillofloures the Wall floures Dames Gillofloures 〈◊〉 violets and likewise some of the bulbed floures because some of them by Theophrastus are termed Violets But this was not our charge holding it sufficient to distinguish and diuide them as neere as may be in kindred and neighbourhood addressing my selfe vnto the Violets called the blacke or purple violets or March Violets of the Garden which haue a great prerogatiue aboue others not onely because the minde conceiueth a certaine pleasure and recreation by smelling and handling of those most odoriferous flours but also for that very many by these Violets receiue ornament and comely grace for there bee made of them Galands for the head Nose-gaies and poesies which are delightfull to looke on and pleasant to smell to speaking nothing of their appropriate vertues yea Gardens themselues receiue by these the greatest ornament of all chiefest beautie and most gallant grace and the recreation of the minde which is taken hereby cannot be but very good and honest for they admonish and stir vp a man to that which is comely and honest for floures through their beautie variety of colour and exquisite forme do bring to a liberall and gentle manly minde the remembrance of honestie comelinesse and all kindes of vertues For it would be an vnseemely and filthie thing as a certaine wise man saith for him that doth looke vpon and handle faire and beautifull things and who frequenteth and is conuersant in faire and beautifull places to haue his minde not faire but filthie and deformed ¶ The Description 1 THe blacke or purple Violet doth forthwith bring from the root many leaues broad sleightly indented in the edges rounder than the leaues of Iuie among the midst wherof spring vp fine slender stems and vpon euerie one a beautifull floure sweetly smelling of a blew darkish purple consisting of fiue little leaues the lowest whereof is the greatest and after them doe appeare little hanging cups or knaps which when they be ripe do open and diuide themselues into three parts The seed is small long and somewhat round withall The root consisteth of many threddie strings 1 Viola nigra sive purpurea The purple Garden Violet 2 Violaflore albo The white Garden Violet 2 The white garden Violet hath many milke white floures in forme and figure like the precedent the colour of whose floures especially setteth forth the difference 3 The double garden violet hath leaues creeping branches and roots like the garden single violet differing in that that this sort of Violet bringeth forth most beautifull sweet double floures and the other single 4 The white double Violet likewise agreeth with the other of his kinde and only differeth in the colour For as the last described bringeth double blew or purple floures contrariwise this plant beareth double white floures which maketh the difference 5 The yellow Violet is by nature one of the wilde Violets for it groweth seldome any where but vpon most high and craggie mountains from whence it hath bin diuers times brought into the garden but it can hardly be brought to culture or grow in the garden without great industrie And by the relation of a Gentleman often remembred called Mr. Thomas Hesketh who found it 3 Violamartia purpurea multiplex The double garden purple Violet 5 Viola martia lutea Yellow Violets †6 Viola canina syluestris Dogs Violets or wilde Violets 6 The wilde field Violet with round leaues riseth forth of the ground 〈◊〉 a fibrous root with long slender branches whereupon do grow round smooth leaues The floures grow at the top of the stalkes of a light blew colour ‡ and this growes commonly in Woods and such like places and floures in Iuly and August There is another varietie of this wilde Violet which hath the leaues longer narrower and sharper pointed And this was formerly figured and described in this place by our Author ‡ 7 There is found in Germanie about Noremberg and Strasborough a kinde of Violet which is altogether a stranger in these parts It hath saith my Author a thicke and tough root of a wooddy substance from which riseth vp a stalke diuiding it selfe into diuers branches of a wooddy substance whereupon grow long iagged leaues like those of the Pansey The floures grow at the top compact of fiue leaues apiece of a watchet colour ¶ The Place The Violet groweth in gardens almost euery where the others which are strangers haue beene touched in their descriptions ¶ The Time The floures for the most part appeare in March at the farthest in Aprill ¶ The Names The Violet is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Nigraviola or blacke Violet of the blackish purple colour of the floures The Apothecharies keepe the Latine name Viola but they call it Herba Violaria and Mater Violarum in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Violette de Mars in Italian Violamammola in Spanish Violeta in English Violet Nicander in his Geoponickes beleeueth as Hermolaus sheweth that the Grecians did call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because certaine Nymphs of Ionia gaue that floure first to Iupiter Others say it was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because when Iupiter had turned the young Damosell Io whom he tenderly loued into a Cow the earth brought forth this floure for her food which being made for her sake receiued the name from her and thereupon it is thought that the Latines also called it Viola as though they should say Vitula by blotting out the letter t. Seruius reporteth That for the same cause the Latines also name it Vaccinium alledging the place of Virgil in his Bucolicks Alba ligustra cadunt vaccinia nigra leguntur Notwithstanding Virgil in his tenth Eclog sheweth that Vaccinium and Viola do differ Ei nigrae violae sunt vaccinia nigra †Vitruvius also in his seuenth booke of Architecture or Building doth distinguish Viola from Vaccinium for he sheweth that the colour called Sile Atticum or the Azure of Athens is made ex Viola and the gallant purple ex Vaccinio The Dyers saith he when they would counterfeit Sile or Azure of Athens put the dried Violets into a fat kettle or caldron and boyle them with water afterwards when it is tempered they poure it into a linnen strainer and wringing it with their hands receiue into a mortar the liquor coloured with the Violets and steeping
inside and the fruit or berries are blacke when as they come to ripenesse Bryonianigra slorens non fructum ferens 3 This is altogether like the first described in roots branches and leaues onely the foot-stalks whereon the floures grow are about eight or nine inches long the floures are something greater hauing neither before or after their flouring any berries or shew thereof but the floures and foot-stalks do soone wither and fall away this I haue heretofore and now this Sommer 1621 diligently obserued because it hath not beene mentioned or obserued by any that I know Iohn Goodyer ‡ ¶ The Place The first of these plants doth grow in hedges and bushes almost euery where The second groweth in Hessia Saxonie Westphalia Pomerland and Misnia where white Bryonie doth not grow as Valerius Cordus hath written who saith that it growes vnder Hasell-trees neere vnto a citie of Germanie called Argentine or Strawsborough ¶ The Time They spring in March bring forth their floures in May and their ripe fruit in September ¶ The Names Blacke Bryonie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Bryonia nigra and Vitis syluestris or wilde Vine notwithstanding it doth not a little differ from Labrusca or 〈◊〉 Vinefera syluestris that is to say from the wilde vine which bringeth forth wine which is likewise called Ampelos agria Why both these were called by one name Pliny was the cause who could not sufficiently expound them in his 23. booke first chapter but confounded them and made them all one in which errour are also the Arabians This wilde Vine also is called in Latine Tamus and the fruit thereof Vua Taminia Pliny nameth it also Salicastrum 〈◊〉 saith that in certaine shops it is called Sigillum B. Mariae it is also called Cyclaminus alt era but not properly in English Blacke Bryonie wilde Vine and our Ladies-seale ¶ The Temperature The roots of the wild Vine are hot and drie in the third degree the fruit is of like 〈◊〉 but yet nor so forceable both of them scoure and waste away ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the roots do purge waterish humours and are good for such as haue the dropsie if they be boiled in wine adding vnto the wine a little sea water and bee drunke in three ounces of faire fresh water he saith furthermore that the fruit or berries doth take away the Sunburne and other blemishes of the skin The berries do not onely clense and remoue such kinde of spots but do also very quickly waste and consume away blacke and blew marks that come of bruises and drie beatings which thing also the roots performe being laid vpon them The young and tender sproutings are kept in pickle and reserued to be eaten with meat as Dioscorides teacheth Matthiolus writeth that they are serued at mens tables also in our age in Tuscanie others report the like also to be done in Andalosia one of the kingdomes of Granado It is said that swine 〈◊〉 after the roots hereof which they dig vp and eat with no lesse delight than they do the roots of Cyclaminus or Panis porcinus whereupon it was called Cyclaminus altera or Sow-bread if this reason stand for good then may we in like manner iome hereunto many other roots and likewise call them Cyclaminus altera or Sow-bread for swine do not seeke after the roots of this onely digge them vp and greedily deuoure them but the roots of diuers other plants also of which none are of the kindes of Sow-bread It would therefore be a point of rashnesse to affirm Tamus or our Ladies-seale to be a kinde of Sowbread because the roots thereof are pleasant meat to swine The root spred vpon a piece of sheepes leather in manner of a plaister whilest it is yet fresh and green taketh away blacke or blew marks all scars and deformitie of the skin breaketh hard apostems draweth forth splinters and broken bones dissolueth congealed bloud and being laid on and vsed vpon the hip or huckle bones shoulders armes or any other part where there is great pain and ache it taketh it away in short space and worketh very effectually CHAP. 322. Of Bryonie of Mexico ¶ The Description 1 THat plant which is now called Mechoacan or Bryonie of Mexico commeth verie neere the kinds of Bindweeds in leaues and trailing branches but in roots like the Brionies for there shooteth from the root thereof many long slender tendrels which do infinitly graspe and claspe about such things as grow or stand next vnto them whereupon grow great broad leaues sharpe pointed of a darke greene colour in shape like those of our Ladies-seale somwhat rough and hairie and a little biting the tongue among the leaues come forth the floures as Nicolaus Monardus writeth not vnlike those of the Orenge tree but rather of the golden Apple of loue consisting of fiue small leaues out of the middest whereof commeth forth a little clapper or pestell in manner of a round lumpe as big as a Hasell nut which being diuided with a thin skin or membrane that commeth through it openeth into two parts in each whereof are contained two seeds as bigge as Pease in colour blacke and shining The root is thicke and long verie like vnto the root of white Bryonie whereof we 〈◊〉 this a kinde although in the taste of the roots there is some difference for the root of white Bryonie hath a bitter taste and this hath little or no taste at all 2 The Bryony or 〈◊〉 of Peru groweth vp with many long trailing flexible branches interlaced with diuers Vinie tendrels which take hold of such things as are next or neere vnto them euen in such manner of clasping and climing as doth the blacke Bryonie or wine Vine whereunto it is very like almost in each respect sauing that his mossie floures do smell very sweetly The fruit as yet I haue not obserued by reason that the plant which doth grow in my garden did not perfect the same by occasion of the great rain and intemperate weather that hapned in An. 1596. but I am in good hope to see it in his perfection then we shall easily iudge whether it be that right Mochoacan that hath been brought from Mexico and other places of the West Indies or no The root by the figure should seeme to answer that of the wilde Vine but as yet thereof I cannot write certainly 1 Mechoacan Bryonie of Mexico 2 〈◊〉 Peruvi ana Bryonie of Peru. ¶ The Place Some write that Mechoacan was first found in the Prouince of New Spaine 〈◊〉 vnto the citie of Mexico or Mexican whereof it tooke his name It groweth likewise in a prouince of the West Indies called Nicaragua and 〈◊〉 where it is thought the best doth grow ¶ The Names It beareth his name as is said of the prouince in which it is found Some take it to be Bryoniae species or to be a kinde of Bryonie but seeing the root is nothing bitter but rather
wine which Hippocrates writeth of in his booke of the manner of diet be not as a nourishment but rather as of a medicine For wine as it is a medicine doth dry especially being outwardly applied in which case for that it doth not nourish the body at all the drines doth more plainly appeare and is more manifestly perceiued Wine is a speciall good medicine for an vlcer by reason of his heate and moderate drying as Galen teacheth in his fourth booke of the method of healing Hippocrates writeth That vlcers what manner of ones soeuer they are must not be moistned vnlesse it be with wine for that which is dry as Galen addeth commeth neerer to that which is whole and the thing that is moist to that which is not whole It is manifest that Wine is in power or facultie dry and not in act for Wine actually is moist and liquid and also cold for the same cause it likewise quencheth thirst which is an appetite or desire of cold and moist and by this actuall moisture that we may so terme it it is if it be inwardly taken not a medicine but a nourishment for it nourisheth and through his moisture maketh plenty of bloud and by increasing the nourishment it moistneth the body vnlesse peraduenture it be old and very strong for it is made sharpe and biting by long lying and such kinde of Wine doth not onely heate but also consume and dry the body for as much as it is not now a nourishment but a medicine That wine which is neither sharpe by long lying nor made medicinable doth nourish and moisten seruing as it were to make plenty of nourishment and bloud by reason that through his actuall moisture it more moistneth by feeding nourishing and comforting than it is able to dry by his power Wine doth refresh the inward and naturall heate comforteth the stomacke causeth it to haue an appetite to meate moueth coucoction and conueyeth the nourishment through all parts of the body increaseth strength inlargeth the body maketh flegme thinne bringeth forth by 〈◊〉 cholericke and waterie humors procureth sweating ingendreth pure bloud maketh the body wel coloured and turneth an ill colour into a better It is good for such as are in a consumption by reason of some disease and that haue need to haue their bodies nourished and refreshed alwaies prouided they haue no feuer as Galen saith in his seuenth booke of the Method of curing It restoreth strength most of all other things and that speedily It maketh a man merry and ioyfull It putteth away feare care troubles of minde and sorrow It moueth pleasure and lust of the body and bringeth sleepe gently And these things proceed of the moderate vse of wine for immoderate drinking of wine doth altogether bring the contrarie They that are drunke are distraughted in minde become foolish and oppressed with a drowsie sleepinesse and be afterward taken with the Apoplexy the 〈◊〉 or altogether with other most grieuous diseases the braine liuer lungs or some other of the intrals being corrupted with too often and ouermuch drinking of wine Moreouer wine is a remedy against taking of Hemlocke or green Coriander the iuyce of black Poppy Wolfs-bane and Leopards-bane Tode-stooles and other cold poysons and also against the biting of serpents and stings of venomous beasts that hurt and kill by cooling Wine also is a remedie against the ouer-fulnesse and stretching out of the sides windy swellings the greene sicknesse the dropsie and generally all cold infirmities of the stomack liuer milt and also of the matrix But Wine which is of colour and substance like water through shining bright pure of a thin substance which is called white is of all wines the weakest and if the same should be tempered with water it would beare very little and hereupon Hippocrates calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say bearing little water to delay it withall This troubbleth the head and hurteth the sinewes lesse than others do and is not vnpleasant to the stomacke it is easily and quickly dispersed thorow all parts of the body it is giuen with far lesse danger than any other wine to those that haue the Ague except some inflammation or hot swelling be suspected and oftentimes with good successe to such as haue intermitting feuers for as Galen lib. 8. of his Method saith it helpeth concoction digesteth humors that be halfe raw procureth 〈◊〉 and sweat and is good for those that cannot sleepe and that be full of care and sorrow and for such as are ouerwearied Blacke wine that is to say wine of a deepe red colour is thicke and hardly dispersed and doth not easilv passe through the bladder it quickly taketh hold of the braine and makes a man drunk it is harder of digestion it remaineth longer in the body it easily stoppeth the liuer and spleene for the most part it bindes notwithstanding it nourisheth more and is more fit to ingender bloud it filleth the body with flesh sooner than others do That which is of a light crimson red colour is for the most part more delightfull to the taste fitter for the stomacke it is sooner and easier dispersed it troubleth the head lesse it remains not so long vnder the short ribs and 〈◊〉 descendeth to the bladder than blacke wine doth it doth also make the belly costiue if so be that it be not ripe For such crude and rough wines do oftentimes molest weake stomackes and are troublesome to the belly Reddish yellow wine seemeth to be in a meane betweene a thin and thicke substance otherwise it is of all vines the hottest aand suffereth most water to be mixed with it as 〈◊〉 writeth The old vine of this kinde being of a thin substance and good smell is a singular medicine for all those that are much subject to swouning although the cause thereof proceed of choler that 〈◊〉 the mouth of the stomacke as Galen testifieth in the 〈◊〉 booke of his method Sweete wine the lesse hot it is the lesse doth it trouble the head and offend the minde and it better passeth through the belly making it oftentimes soluble but it doth not so easily passe or descend by vrine Againe the thicker it is of substance the harder and slowlier it 〈◊〉 through it is good for the lungs and for those that haue the cough It ripeneth raw humours that sticke in the chest and causeth them to be easilier spit vp but it is not so good for the liuer whereunto it bringeth no small hurt when either it is inflamed or schirrous or when it is stopped It is also an enemy to the spleene it sticketh vnder the short ribs and is hurtfull to 〈◊〉 that are full of choler For this kind of wine especially the thicker it is is in them very speedily turned into choler and in others when it is well concoctod it increaseth plenty of nourishment Austere wine or that which is somewhat harsh in tast nourisheth not much and if so be that
the edges the floure resembles a crosse with foure sharpe pointed rough leaues of a whitish blew colour which containe diuers small loose little leaues in their middles The root is long and lasting It growes vpon the rocky places of mount Baldus in Italy where Pona found it and he calls it Clemat is cruciata Alpina ‡ ‡ 6 Clematis cruciata Alpina Virgins Bower of the Alps. ¶ The Place These plants do not grow wilde in England that I can as yet learne notwithstanding I haue them all in my garden where they flourish exceedingly ¶ The Time These plants do floure from August to the end of September ¶ The Names There is not much more found of their names than is expressed in their seuerall titles notwithstanding there hath beene somewhat said as I thinke by hearesay but nothing of certaintie wherefore let that which is set downe suffice We may in English call the first Biting Clematis or white Clematis Biting Peruinkle or purging Peruinkle Ladies Bower and Virgins Bower ¶ The Temperature The leafe hereof is biting and doth mightily blister being as Galen saith of a causticke or burning qualitie it is hot in the beginning of the fourth degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that the leaues being applied do heale the scurfe and lepry and that the seed beaten and the pouder drunke with faire water or with mead purgeth flegme and choler by the stoole CHAP. 328. Of Wood-binde or Hony-suckle The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Wood-bindes some of them shrubs with winding stalks that wrappe themselues vnto such things as are neere about them Likewise there be other sorts or kindes found out by the later Herbarists that clime not at all but stand vpright the which shall bee set forth among the shrubbie plants And first of the common Woodbinde ¶ The Description 1 WOodbinde or Honisuckle climeth vp aloft hauing long slender wooddie stalkes parted into diuers branches about which stand by certaine distances smooth leaues set together by couples one right against another of a light greene colour aboue vnderneath of a whitish greene The floures shew themselues in the topps of the branches many in number long white sweet of smell hollow within in one part standing more out with certaine threddes growing out of the middle The fruit is like to little bunches of grapes red when they be ripe wherein is contained small hard seed The root is wooddie and not without strings 2 This strange kind of Woodbind hath leaues stalks and roots like vnto the common Woodbinde or Honisuckle sauing that neere vnto the place where the floures come forth the stalkes 〈◊〉 grow through the leaues like vnto the herbe Thorow-wax called Perfoliata which leaues do resemble little saucers out of which broad round leaues proceed faire beautifull and well smelling floures shining with a whitish purple colour and somewhat dasht with yellow by little and little stretched out like the nose of an Elephant garnished within with small yellow chiues or threddes and when the floures are in their flourishing the leaues and floures do resemble saucers filled with the floures of Woodbinde many times it falleth out that there is to be found three or foure saucers one aboue another filled with floures as the 〈◊〉 which hath caused it to be called double Hony-suckle or Woodbinde 1 Periclymenum Woodbinde or Honisuckles 2 Periclymenum perfoliatum Italian Woodbinde ¶ The Place The VVoodbinde groweth in woods and hedges and vpon shrubbes and bushes oftentimes winding it selfe so straight and hard about that it leaueth his print vpon those things so wrapped The double Honisuckle 〈◊〉 now in my garden and many others likewise in great plenty although not long since very rare and hard to be found except in the garden of some diligent Herbarists ¶ The Time The leaues come forth betimes in the spring the floures bud forth in May and Iune the fruit is ripe in Autumne ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Volucrum maius of Scribonius Largus Syluaemater in shops Caprifolium and Matrisylua of some Lilium inter spinas in Italian vincibosco in High Dutch Geysbladt in Low Dutch Gheytenbladt and Mammekens Cruit in French Cheurefueille in Spanish 〈◊〉 in English VVoodbinde Honisuckle and Caprifoly ¶ The Temperature There hath an errour in times past growne amongst a few and now almost past recouerie to bee called againe being growne an errour vniuersall which errour is how the decoction of the leaues of Honisuckles or the distilled water of the floures are rashly giuen for the inflammations of the mouth and 〈◊〉 as though they were binding and cooling But contrariwise Honisuckle is neither cold nor binding but hot and attenuating or making thinne For as Galen saith both the fruit of VVoodbinde and also the leaues do so much attenuate and heat as 〈◊〉 somewhat too much of them be drunke they will cause the vrine to be as red as bloud yet do they at the first onely prouoke vrine ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that the ripe seed gathered and dried in the shadow and drunke vnto the quantitie of one dram weight fortie daies together doth waste and consume away the 〈◊〉 of the spleene remoueth wearisomnesse helpeth the 〈◊〉 and difficultie of breathing cureth the hicket procureth bloudie vrine after the sixt day and causeth women to haue speedie trauell in childe bearing The leaues be of the same force which being drunk thirty daies together are reported to make men barren and destroy their naturall seed The floures steeped in oile and set in the Sun is good to annoint the bodie that is benummed and growne verie cold The distilled water of the floures are giuen to be drunke with good successe against the pissing of bloud A syrrup made of the floures is good to be drunke against the diseases of the lungs and spleene that is stopped being drunke with a little wine Notwithstanding the words of Galen or rather of 〈◊〉 it is certainely found by experience that the water of Honisuckles is good against the sorenesse of the throte and uvula and with the same leaues boiled or the leaues and floures distilled are made diuers good medicines against cankers and sore mouths as well in children as elder people and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vlcerations and 〈◊〉 in the priuie parts of man or woman if there be added to the decoction hereof some allome or Verdigreace if the sore require greater clensing outwardly 〈◊〉 alwaies that there be no Verdigreace put into the water that must be iniected into the secret parts CHAP. 329. Of Jasmine or Gelsemine 1 Iasminum album VVhite Gessemine 2 Iasminum Candiflorum maius Great white Gessemine ¶ The Description 3 Iasminum luteum Yellow Iasmine 2 Lobel reporteth that he saw in a garden at Bruxels belonging to a reuerend person called Mr. Iohn Boisot a kinde of 〈◊〉 very much differing from our Iasmine which he nourished in an earthen pot it grew not aboue saith he to the height of a cubit
them all notwithstanding it approcheth neerest vnto the Cinkefoiles hauing stalkes a foot high whereupon grow leaues diuided into fiue parts and jagged round about the edges like the teeth of a saw hauing the pale yellow floures of Pentaphyllum or Tormentilla within which are little mossie or downy threddes of the colour of saffron but lesser than the common Auens 8 The eighth kinde of Cinkefoile according to the opinion of diuers learned men who haue had the view thereof and haue iudged it to be the true Leucas of Dioscorides agreeable to Dioscorides his description is all hoary whereupon it tooke the addition Incanum The stalkes are thicke wooddy and somewhat red wrinckled also and of a browne colour which rise vnequall from the root spreading themselues into many branches shadowing the place where it groweth beset with thicke and notched leaues like Scordium or water Germander which according to the iudgment of the learned is thought to be of no lesse force against poison than Pentaphyllon or Tormentilla being of an astringent and drying quality Hereupon it may be that some trying the force hereof haue yeelded it vp for Leucas Dioscoridis This rare plant I neuer found growing naturally but 〈◊〉 the hollownesse of the peakish mountaines and dry grauelly vallies ‡ 11 Quinquefolium syluaticum minus flo albo Small white floured wood Cinkefoile ‡ 12 Quinquefolium minus flo aureo Small golden floured Cinkefoile ‡ 9 This hath the like creeping purple branches as the last described the leaues are narrower more hairy and deeper cut in the floures are also of a 〈◊〉 golden colour in other respects they are alike ‡ 10 The wood Cinkefoile hath many leaues spred vpon the ground consisting of fiue parts among which rise vp other leaues set vpon very tall foot-stalkes and long in respect of those that did grow by the ground and somewhat snipt about the ends and not all alongst the edges The floures grow vpon slender stalkes consisting of fiue white leaues The root is thicke with diuers sibres comming from it ‡ 13 Pentaphyllum fragiferum Strawberry Cinkfoile 12 This from a blacke and fibrous root sends forth creeping branches set with leaues like the common Cinkfoile but lesse somewhat hoary and shining the stalks are some handfull high and on their tops carry large floures in respect of the smalnesse of the plant and these of a faire golden colour with saffron coloured threds in their middle the seedes grow after the manner of other Cinkfoiles this floures in Iune and it is Clusius his Quinquefolium 3. aureo flore ‡ 13 There is one of the mountain Cinkfoiles that hath diuers slender brittle stalks rising immediatly out of the ground whereupon are set by equall distances certain iagged leaues not vnlike to the smallest leaues of Auens the floures are white and grow at the top hauing in them threds yellow of colour and like to the other Cinkfoiles but altogether lesser The root is thicke tough and of a wooddie substance ‡ The seedes grow clustering together like little Strawberries whence Clusius calls it Quinquefolium fragiferum ‡ ¶ The Place They grow in low and moist medowes vpon banks and by high waies sides the second is onely to be found in gardens The third groweth in the woods of Sauena and Narbon but not in England The fourth groweth in a marsh ground adioining to the land called Bourne ponds halfe a mile from Colchester from whence I brought some plants for my garden where they flourish and prosper well The fifth groweth vpon Beestone castle in Cheshire the sixth vpon bricke and stone wals about London especially vpon the bricke wall in Liuer-lane The place of the seuenth and eight is set forth in their descriptions ¶ The Time These plants do floure from the beginning of May to the end of Iune ¶ The Names Cinkfoile is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Quinquefolium the Apothecaries vse the Greek name Pentaphyllon and sometime the Latine name There be very many bastard names wherewith I will not trouble your eares in High Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian Cinquefoglio in French Quinte fueille in Spanish Cinco en rama in English Cinkfoile Fiue finger Grasse Fiue leaued grasse and Sinkfield ¶ The Temperature The roots of Cinkfoile especially of the first do vehemently drie and that in the third degree but without biting for they haue very little apparant heat or sharpnesse ¶ The Vertues The decoction of the roots of Cinkfoile drunke cureth the bloudy flixe and all other fluxes of the belly and stancheth all excessiue bleeding The iuice of the roots while they be yong and tender is giuen to be drunke against the diseases of the liuer and lungs and all poison The same drunke in Mead or honied water or wine wherein some pepper hath been mingled cureth the tertian or quartaine feuers and being drunken after the same manner for thirty daies together it helpeth the falling sicknesse The leaues vsed among herbes appropriate for the same purpose cureth ruptures and burstings of the rim and guts falling into the cods The iuice of the leaues drunken doth cure the Iaundice and 〈◊〉 the stomacke and liuer The decoction of the roots held in the mouth doth mitigate the paine of the teeth staieth putrifaction and all putrified vlcers of the mouth helpeth the inflammations of the almonds throat and the parts adioining it staieth the laske and helpeth the bloudy flix The root boiled in vineger is good against the shingles appeaseth the rage of fretting sores and cankerous vlcers It is reported that foure branches hereof cureth quartaine agues three tertians and one branch quotidians which things are most vaine and sriuolous as likewise many other such like which are not onely found in Dioscorides but also in other Authors which we willingly withstand Ortolpho Morolto a learned Physition commended the leaues being boiled with water and some Lignum vitae added therto against the falling sicknesse if the patient be caused to sweat vpon the taking thereof He likewise commendeth the extraction of the roots against the bloudy flix CHAP. 383. Of Setfoile or Tormentill Tormentilla Setfoile ¶ The Description THis herbe Tormentill or Setfoile is one of the Cinkfoiles it brings forth many stalks slender weake scarse able to lift it selfe vp but rather lieth downe vpon the ground the leaues be lesser than Cinkefoile but moe in number somtimes fiue but commonly seuen whereupon it tooke his name Setfoile which is seuen leaues and those somewhat snipt about the edges the floures grow on the toppes of slender stalkes of a yellow colour like those of the Cinkfoiles The root is blacke without reddish within thicke tuberous or knobbie ¶ The Place This plant loueth woods and shadowie places and is likewise found in pastures lying open to the Sun almost euery where ¶ The Names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 May vnto the end of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Tormentilla some
〈◊〉 it after the number of the leaues 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Septifolium in English Setfoile and Tormentill in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 most take it to be Chrysogonon whereof Dioscorides hath made a briefe description ¶ The Temperature The root of Tormentill doth mightily dry and that in the third degree and is of thin parts it hath in it very little heat and is of a binding quality ¶ The Vertues Tormentill is not only of like vertue with Cinkefoile but also of greater efficacie it is much vsed against pestilent diseases for it strongly resisteth putrifaction and procureth sweate The leaues and roots boiled in wine or the iuice thereof drunken prouoketh sweat and by that means driueth out all venome from the heart expelleth poison and preserueth the bodie in time of pestilence from the infection thereof and all other infectious diseases The roots dried made into pouder and drunke in wine doth the same The same pouder taken as aforesaid or in the water of a Smiths forge or rather the water wherein hot steele hath been often quenched of purpose cureth the laske and bloudy flix yea although the patient haue adioined vnto his scouring a grieuous feuer It stoppeth the spitting of bloud pissing of bloud and all other issues of bloud as well in men as women The decoction of the leaues and rootes or the iuice thereof drunke is excellent good for all wounds both outward and inward it also openeth and healeth the stoppings of the liuer and lungs and cureth the iaundice The root beaten into pouder tempered or kneaded with the white of an egge and eaten staieth the desire to vomite and is good against choler and melancholie CHAP. 384. Of wilde Tansie or Siluer-weed Argentina Siluerweed or wilde Tansie ¶ The Description WIlde Tansie creepeth along vpon the ground with fine slender stalkes and clasping tendrels the leaues are long made vp of many small leaues like vnto those of the garden Tansie but lesser on the vpper side greene and vnder very white The floures be yellow and stand vpon slender stems as doe those of Cinkfoile ¶ The Place It groweth in moist places neere vnto high waies and running brookes euery where ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names The later Herbarists do call it Argentina of the siluer drops that are to be seene in the distilled water therof when it is put into a glasse which you shall easily see rowling and tumbling vp and downe in the bottome ‡ I iudge it rather so called of the fine shining Siluer coloured leaues ‡ It is likewise called Potentilla of diuers Agrimonia syluestris Anserina and Tanacetum syluestre in High Dutch 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Argentine in English Wilde Tansie and Siluerweed ¶ The Temperature It is of temperature moderatly cold and dry almost in the third degree hauing withall a binding facultie ¶ The Vertues Wilde Tansie boiled in wine and drunk stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix and all other flux of bloud in man or woman The same boiled in water and salt and drunke dissolueth clotted and congealed bloud in such as are hurt or bruised with falling from some high place The decoction hereof made in water cureth the vlcers and cankers of the mouth if some honie and allom be added thereto in the boiling Wilde Tansie hath many other good vertues especially against the stone inward wounds and wounds of the priuie or secret parts and closeth vp all greene and fresh wounds The distilled water taketh away freckles spots pimples in the face and Sun-burning but the herbe laid to infuse or steepe in white wine is far better but the best of all is to steepe it in strong white wine vinegre the face being often bathed or washed therewith CHAP. 385. Of Auens or Herbe Bennet 1 Caryophyllata Auens or herbe Bennet 2 Caryophyllata montana Mountaine Auens ¶ The Description 1 THe common Auens hath leaues not vnlike to Agrimony rough blackish and much clouen or deepely cut into diuers gashes the stalke is round and hairy a soot high diuiding it selfe at the top into diuers branches whereupon do grow yellow floures like those of Cinkefoile or wilde Tansie which being past there follow round rough reddish hairy heads or knops ful of seed which being ripe wil hang vpon garments as the Burs doe The root is thicke reddish within with certaine yellow strings fastened thereunto smelling like vnto Cloues or like vnto the roots of Cyperus 2 The Mountain Auens hath greater and thicker leaues than the precedent rougher and more hairie not parted into three but rather round nicked on the edges among which riseth vp slender stalkes whereon doe grow little longish sharpe pointed leaues on the toppe of each stalke doth 3 Caryophyllata Alpina pentaphyllaea Fiue leaued Auens ‡ 4 Caryophyllata montana purpurea Red floured mountaine Auens ‡ 5 Caryophyllata Alpina minima Dwarfe mountaine Auens 3 Fiue finger Auens hath many small leaues spred vpon the ground diuided into siue parts somewhat snipt about the edges like Cinkefoile whereof it tooke his name Among which rise vp slender stalkes diuided at the top into diuers branches whereon do grow small yellow floures like those of Cinkefoile the root is composed of many tough strings of the smell 〈◊〉 Cloues which makes it a kind of Auens otherwise doubtles it must of necessitie be one of the Cinksoiles ‡ 4 This hath ioynted stringy roots some finger thick from whence rise vp many large and hairy leaues composed of diuers little leaues with larger at the top and these snipt about the edges like as the common Auens amongst these leaues grow vp sundry stalkes some foot or better high whereon grow floures hanging downe their heads and the tops of the stalkes and cups of the floures are commonly of a purplish colour the floures themselues are of a pretty red colour and are of diuers shapes and grow diuers wayes which hath beene the reason that Clusius and others haue iudged them seuerall plants as may be seene is Clusius his Workes where he giues you the floures which you here finde exprest for a different kind Now some of these floures euen the greater part of them grow with fiue red round pointed leaues which neuer lie faire open but only stand straight out the middle part being filled with a hairy matter and yellowish threds other-some consist of seuen eight nine or more leaues and some againe lie wholly open with greene leaues growing close vnder the cup of the floure as you may see them represented in the figure and some few now and then may be found composed of a great many little leaues thick thrust together making a very double floure After the floures are falne come such hairy heads as in other plants of this kinde amongst which lies the seed Gesner calls this Geum rivale Thalius Caryophyllata maior purpurea Camerarius Caryophyllata aquatica Clusius Caryophyllata mont ana prima tertia 5 The root of this
thin and waterish and if they happen to putrifie in the stomacke their nourishment is naught The distilled water drunke with white Wine is good against the passion of the heart reuiuing the spirits and making the heart merry The distilled water is reported to scoure the face to take away spots and to make the face faire and smooth and is likewise drunke with good successe against the stone in the kidnies The leaues are good to be put into Lotions or washing waters for the mouth and the priuie parts The ripe Straw-berries quench thirst coole heat of the stomack and inflammation of the liuer take away if they be often vsed the rednesse and heate of the face CHAP. 387. Of Angelica ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers kindes of Angelica's the garden Angelica that of the water and a third sort wilde growing vpon the land 1 Angelica satina Garden Angelica 2 Angelica syluestris Wilde Angelica ¶ The Description 1 Concerning this plant Angelica there hath bin heretofore some contention and controuersie Cordus calling it Smyrnium some later writers Costus niger but to auoid cauill the controuersie is soone decided sith it and no other doth assuredly retaine the name Angelica It hath great broad leaues diuided againe into other leaues which are indented or snipt about much like to the vppermost leaues of Sphondylium but lower tenderer greener and of a stronger sauor among which leaues spring vp the stalkes very great thicke and hollow sixe or seuen soot high ioynted or kneed from which ioynts proceed other armes or branches at the top whereof grow tufts of whitish floures like Fennell or Dill the root is thicke great and oilous out of which issueth if it be cut or broken an oylie liquor the whole plant as well leaues stalkes as roots are of a reasonable pleasant sauour not much vnlike Petroleum There is another kinde of true Angelica found in our English gardens which I haue obserued being like vnto the former sauing that the roots of this kinde are more fragrant and of a more aromaticke sauor and the leaues next the ground of a purplish red colour and the whole plant lesser ‡ 3 Archangelica Great wilde Angelica 2 The wilde Angelica which seldome growes in gardens but is found to grow plentifully in water soken grounds and cold moist medowes is like to that of the garden saue that his leaues are not so deepely cut or iagged they be also blacker and narrower The stalkes are much slenderer and shorter and the floures whiter the root much smaller and hath more threddy strings appendant thereunto and is not so strong of sauour by a great deale 3 Matthiolus and Gesner haue made mention of another kinde of Angelica but we are very slenderly instructed by their insufficient descriptions notwithstanding for our better knowledge and more certain assurance I must needs record that which my friend Mr. Bredwell related to me concerning his sight thereof who found this plant growing by the 〈◊〉 which compasseth the house of Mr. Munke of the parish of Iuer two miles from Colbrook and since that I haue seene the same in low fenny and marshy places of Essex about Harwich This plant hath leaues like vnto the garden Angelica but smaller and fewer in number set vpon one rib a great stalke grosse and thicke whose ioynts and that small rib whereon the leafe growes are of a reddish colour hauing many long branches comming forth of an husk or case such as is in the common garden Parsnep the floures doe grow at the top of the branches and are of a white colour and 〈◊〉 fashion which being past there succeed broad long and thicke seeds longer and thicker than garden Angelica the root is great thicke white of little sauour with some strings appendant thereto ‡ This of our Authors description seemes to agree with the Archangelica of Lobel Dodonaeus and Clusius wherefore I haue put their figure to it ‡ ¶ The Place The first is very common in our English gardens in other places it growes wilde without planting as in Norway and in an Island of the North called Island where it groweth very high It is eaten of the inhabitants the barke being pilled off as we vnderstand by some that haue trauelled into Island who were sometimes compelled to eate hereof for want of other food and they report that it hath a good and pleasant taste to them that are hungry It groweth likewise in diuers mountaines of Germanie and especially of Bohemia ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August whose roots for the most part do perish after the seed is ripe yet haue I with often cutting the plant kept it from seeding by which meanes the root and plant haue continued sundry yeares together ¶ The Names It is called of the later age Angelica in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 Brustwurtz or des 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Spiritus sancti radix the root of the holy Ghost as witnesseth Leonhartus Fuchsius in low-Dutch Angeliika in French Angelic in English also Angelica It seemeth to be a kind of Laserpitium for if it be compared with those things which Theophrastus at large hath written concerning Silphium or Laserpitium in his sixth booke of the historie of plants it shall appeare to be answerable thereunto But whether wild Angelica be that which Theophrastus calleth Magydaris that is to say another kinde of Laserpitium we leaue to be examined and considered of by the learned Physitians of our London Colledge ¶ The Temperature Angelica especially that of the garden is hot and dry in the third degree therefore it openeth attenuateth or maketh thin 〈◊〉 and procureth sweat ¶ The Vertues The roots of garden Angelica is a singular remedy against poison and against the plague and all infections taken by euill and corrupt aire if you do but take a peece of the root and hold it in your mouth or chew the same between your teeth it doth most certainely driue away the pestilentiall aire yea although that corrupt aire haue possessed the hart yet it driueth it out again by vrine and sweat as Rue and Treacle and such like Antipharmaca do Angelica is an enemy to poisons it cureth pestilent diseases if it by vsed in season a dram weight of the pouder hereof is giuen with thin wine or if the feuer be vehement with the distilled water of 〈◊〉 benedictus or of Tormentill and with a little vineger and by it selfe also or with Treacle of Vipers added It openeth the liuer and spleene draweth downe the termes driueth out or expelleth the secondine The 〈◊〉 of the root made in wine is good against the cold shiuering of agues It is reported that the root is auaileable against witchcraft and inchantments if a man carry the same about them as Fuchsius saith It attenuateth and maketh thin grosse and tough flegme the root being vsed greene and while it is full of juice helpeth them that be asthmaticke dissoluing and expectorating the stuffings therein by cutting off and clensing the parts affected
Athenaeus citing Diphilus for his Author saith that the Carrot is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it serueth for loue-matters and Orpheus as Pliny writeth said that the vse hereof winneth loue which things be written of wilde Carrot the root whereof is more effectuall than that of the garden and containeth in it as Galen saith a certaine force to procure lust ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The seed of this wild Carrot and likewise the root is hot and drie in the second degree and doth withall open obstructions The root boiled and eaten or boiled with wine and the decoction drunke prouoketh vrine expelleth the stone bringeth forth the birth it also procureth bodily lust The seed drunke bringeth downe the desired sicknesse it is good for them that can hardly make water it breaketh and dissolueth winde it remedieth the dropsie it cureth the collick and stone being drunke in wine It is also good for the passions of the mother and helpeth conception it is good against the bitings of all manner of venomous beasts it is reported saith Dioscorides that such as haue first taken of it are not hurt by them CHAP. 409. Of Candie Carrots Daucus Cret ensis verus Candie Carrots ¶ The Description THis Daucus Cretensis being the true Daucus of Dioscorides doth not grow in Candy only but is found vpon the mountaines of Germany and vpon the hills and rockes of Iura about Geneua from whence it hath beene sent and conuied by one friendly Herbarist vnto another into sundrie regions it beareth leaues which are small and very finely iagged resembling either Fennel or wild Carrot among which riseth vp a stalke of a cubit high hauing at the top white spokie tufts and the floures of Dill which being past there come great plentie of long seed well smelling not vnlike the seed of Cumin saue that it is whitish with a certaine mossinesse and a sharpe taste and is in greater vse than any part of the plant The root also is right good in medicine being lesser than the root of a Parsnep but hotter in taste and of a fragrant smell ¶ The Time This floures in Iune and Iuly his seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names There is sufficient spoken in the description as 〈◊〉 the name ¶ The Nature These plants are hot and drie especially the seed of Daucus Creticus which is hot and drie in the third degree but the seed of the wilde Carrot is hot and drie in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The seed of Daucus drunken is good against the strangurie and painfull making of water it preuaileth against the grauell and stone and prouoketh vrine Itasswageth the torments and gripings of the belly dissolueth windines cureth the collick and ripeneth an old cough The same beeing taken in VVine is verie good against the bitings of beasts and expelleth poison The seed of Daucus Creticus is of great efficacie and vertue being put into 〈◊〉 Mithridate or any antidotes against poison or pestilence The root thereof drunke in wine stoppeth the laske and is also a soueraigne remedie against venome and poison CHAP. 410. Of stinking and deadly Carrots ¶ The Description 1 THe great stinking Carrot hath very great leaues spread abroad like wings resembling those of Fennell gyant whereof some haue taken it to be a kinde but vnproperly of a bright greene colour somewhat hairie among which 〈◊〉 vp a stalk of the height of two cubits and of the bignesse of a mans finger hollow and full of a spungious pith whereupon are set at certaine ioints leaues like those next the ground but smaller The floures are yellow standing at the top of the stalkes in spokie rundles like those of Dill after which commeth the seed flat and broad like those of the Parsnep but much greater and broader The root is thicke garnished at the top with certaine capillaments or hairy threds blacke without white within full of milkie iuice of a most bitter sharpe and lothsome taste and smell insomuch that if a man do stand where the wind doth blow from the plant the aire doth exulcerate and blister the face and euery other bare or naked place that may be subiect to his venomous blast and poisonous qualitie 1 Thapsia 〈◊〉 Clusij Stinking Carrots 2 Thapsia tenuifolia Small leafed stinking Carrot 2 This small kind of stinking or deadly Carrot is like to the last described in each respect sauing that the leaues are thinner and more finely minced or iagged wherein consists the difference 3 The common deadly Carrot is like vnto the precedent sauing that he doth more neerely resemble the stalkes and leaues of the garden carrot and is not garnished with the like bush of haire about the top of the stalks otherwise in seed root and euill smell taste and qualitie like ¶ The Place These 〈◊〉 plants delight in stonie hills and mountaines they are strangers in England 3 Thapsia vulgaris Deadly 〈◊〉 ¶ The Time They floure in August or somewhat after ¶ The Names The French Physitians haue accepted the root of Thapsia for a kinde of Turbith calling it 〈◊〉 Cineritium notwithstanding vpon better consideration they haue left the vse thereof especially in purging for it mightily hurteth the principall parts and doth often cause cruell gripings in the guts and belly with 〈◊〉 and cramps neuerthelesse the venomous qualitie may bee taken away with those correctiues which are vsed in mitigating the extreme heate and virulent qualitie of Sarcocolla Hammoniacum and Turpetum but where there be so many wholesome Simples and likewise compounds they are not to be vsed Of some it is called Turpetum Griseum it is called Thapsia as some thinke of the Island Thapsus where it was first found or as we deeme of the likenesse it hath with Carrots Of the people of Sicilia and Apulia it is called 〈◊〉 where it doth grow in great aboundance ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The temperature and faculties in working haue been touched in the description and likewise in the names CHAP. 411. Of Fennell ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Fennell called in Latine Foeniculum in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is so well knowne amongst vs that it were but lost labour to describe the same 2 The second kinde of Fennell is likewise well knowne by the name of Sweet Fennell so called because the seeds thereof are in taste sweet like vnto Annise seeds resembling the common Fennell sauing that the leaues are larger and fatter or more oleous the seed greater and whiter and the whole plant in each respect greater Foeniculum vulgare Common Fennell ¶ The Place These herbs are set and sowne in gardens but the second doth not prosper well in this 〈◊〉 for being sowne of good and perfect seed yet in the second yeare after his sowing it will degenerate from the right kinde and become common Fennell ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly and the seed is ripe in the end of August ¶ The Names Fennell is called in Greeke
spokie tufts or vmbels bearing stiffe and faire white floures in shape like them of Cinkefoile in smell like Sambucus or Elder 〈◊〉 the floure is 〈◊〉 there commeth in place a yellow guttered seed of a spicie and very hot taste The root is thicke and blacke without which rotteth and perisheth in the ground as wee may see in many gummie or Ferulous plants after it hath seeded neither will it floure before the second or third yeare after it is sowne ‡ I am ignorant what our Author means by this description ‡ ‡ 3 Seseli Creticum maius Mountaine 〈◊〉 ‡ 4 Seseli 〈◊〉 Seselios of 〈◊〉 4 There is likewise a kinde of Seseli called 〈◊〉 Massiliense which hath leaues very much clouen or cut and finely iagged very much like 〈◊〉 the leaues of sweet Fennell greater and thicker than the common Fennell The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the height of three cubits hauing knotty ioints as it were knees bearing at the top 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 like vnto Dill and seed somewhat long and cornered of a sharpe and biting taste The root is long and thicke like vnto great Saxifrage of a pleasant smell and sharpe in taste There is another 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 which hath large and great leaues like vnto Ferula and not much vnlike Siler Montanum among which rise vp stalkes foure cubits high bearing at the tops spokie tufts like vnto the last before 〈◊〉 hearsed of a good sauour The root is like vnto the sormer in shape substance and sauour but that it is greater ¶ The Place These plants are strangers in England notwithstanding I haue them in my garden ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in September ¶ The Names Their names haue been touched in their seuerall descriptions ¶ The Temperature and Vertues It prouoketh vrine and helpeth the strangurie bringeth downe the sicknesse and dead birth it helpeth the cough and shortnesse of breath the suffocation of the mother and helpeth the falling sicknesse The seed drunke with wine 〈◊〉 raw humours taketh away the griping and torments of the belly and helpeth the ague as Dioscorides saith The iuice of the leaues is giuen to Goats and other cattell to drinke that they may the sooner be 〈◊〉 of their 〈◊〉 ones as the same Author reporteth CHAP. 425. Of Spignell Spicknell or Mewe ¶ The Description 1 SPignell hath stalkes rising vp to the height of a cubit and a halfe beset with leaues 〈◊〉 Fennell or Dill but thicker more bushie and more finely iagged and at the top of the stalkes do grow spokie tufts like vnto Dil. The roots are thick and full of an oleous substance smelling well and chasing or heating the tongue of a reasonable good sauour 1 Meum Spignell ‡ 2 Meum alterum Italicum Italian Spignell 2 There is a bastard kinde of Spignell like vnto the former sauing that the leaues are not so finely cut or iagged the floures are tufted more thicker than the former the roots are many thick and full of sap ¶ The Place Mew or Meon groweth in Westmerland at a place called Round-twhat betwixt 〈◊〉 and Kendall in the parish of Orton 〈◊〉 Mewe or Meum groweth in the waste mountaines of Italie and the Alps and as it hath 〈◊〉 told me vpon Saint Vincents rocke by Bristow where I spent two daies to seeke it but it was not my hap to find it 〈◊〉 I make some doubt of the truth thereof ¶ The Time These herbes doe floure in Iune and Iuly and yeeld their seed in August ¶ The Names It is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 likewise of the Latines Meum of the Italians Meo in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 declareth it is called Imperatrix in diuers places of Spaine Sistra in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in High Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Sistre Ruellius saith that it is named in France 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 or writhed Dil and wilde Dill also it is called in English Spignel or Spicknell of 〈◊〉 Mew and Bearewoort The second may be called bastard Spicknell ¶ The Temperature These herbes especially the roots of right Meon is hot in the third degree and drie in the second ¶ The Vertues The roots of Meon boiled in water and drunke mightily open the stoppings of the kidnies and bladder prouoke vrine and bodily lust ease and helpe the strangurie and consume all windinesse and belchings of the stomacke The same taken with honie doth appease the griefe of the belly and is exceeding good against all Catarrhes theumes and aches of the iointes as also any phlegme which falls vpon the Lungs If the same be laied plaisterwise vpon the bellies of children it maketh them to pisse well They clense the entrails and deliuer them of obstructions or stoppings they prouoke vrine driue forth the stone and bring downe the floures but if they be taken more than is requisite they cause the head-ache for seeing they haue in them more heat than drinesse they carry to the head raw moisture and windie heat as Galen saith CHAP. 426. Of Horestrange or Sulphurwoort ¶ The Description 1 SVlphurwoort or Hogs-fennell hath a stiffe and hard stalke full of knees or knots beset with leaues like vnto Fennell but greater comming neerer vnto Ferula or rather like the leaues of wilde Pine-tree and at the top of the stalkes round spokie tufts full of little yellow floures which do turne into broad browne seed The root is thicke and long I haue digged vp roots thereof as big as a mans thigh blacke without and white within of a strong and grieuous smell and full of yellow sap or liquour which quickly waxeth hard or dry smelling not much vnlike brimstone called Sulphur which hath induced some to call it Sulphurwoort hauing also at the top toward the vpper face of the earth a certain bush of haire of a browne colour among which the leaues and stalkes do spring forth 2 The second kinde of Peucedanum or Hogs-fennell is very like vnto the former 〈◊〉 that the leaues be like Ferula the roots are nothing so great as the former but all the rest of the plant doth far exceed the other in greatnesse 3 There is another kinde of Peucedanum or Hogs 〈◊〉 which Pena found vpon Saint Vincents rock by Bristow whose picture he hath set forth in his Aduersaria which that famous English Physition of late memorie D. Turner found there also supposing it to be the right and true Peucedanum whereof no doubt it is a kinde it groweth not aboue a soot high and is in shape and leaues like the right Peuccdanum but they be shorter and lesser growing somwhat like the writhed Fennell of Massilia but the branches are more largely writhed and the leaues are of the colour of the branches which are of a pale greene colour At the top of the branches grow small white tufts hauing seed like Dill but shorter and slenderer of a good taste somewhat sharpe The root is thicker than the smalnesse of the herbe will well beare Among the people about Bristow
or speake of it but Pena that painefull Herbarist found it growing naturally in Narbone in France 〈◊〉 vnto Veganium on the top of the high hills called Paradisus Dei and neere vnto the mountaine Calcaris this rare plant hath many knobby long roots in shape like to Ashodelus luteus or rather like the roots of Corruda or wilde Asparagus from which riseth vp a stalke a foot high and more which is thicke round and chanelled beset full of leaues like those of common Filipendula but they be not so thicke set or winged but more like vnto the leaues of a Thistle consisting of sundry small leaues in fashion like to Coronopus Ruellij that is Ruellius his Bucks horne round about the top of the stalke there groweth a very faire tuft of white floures resembling fine small hoods growing close and thicke together like the floures of Pedicularis that is Red Rattle called of Carolus Clusius Alectorolophos whereof he maketh this plant a kinde but in my iudgement and opinion it is rather like Cynosorchis a kinde of Satyrion 3 Filipendula angustifolia Narrow leafed Drop-wort †4 Filipendula Cicutaefacie Hemlocke Drop-wort 5 Filipendula aquatica Water Drop-wort †4 The fourth kinde of Filipendula is as strange a plant as the former especially with vs here in England except in the waterie places and rilles in the North where Paludapium or water Smallage groweth whereunto in leaues it is not vnlike but more like Ruta pratensis it hath many large branches a naughty sauor and in colour and shape like Cicuta that is Hemlocke The stalkes are more than two cubits high comming from a root which exceedingly multiplies it selse into bulbes like Asphodelus albus The smell of this plant is strong and grieuous the taste hot and biting it being full of a iuyce at first milky but afterwards turning yellow The spoky tusts or rundles growing at the top are like Cicuta yea it much resembleth Hemlocke in propertie and qualities and so doe they affirme that haue proued and seene the experience of it 〈◊〉 being eaten in sallads it did well nigh poyson those which ate of it making them giddie in their heads waxing very pale staggering and reeling like drunken men Beware and take good heed of this and such like Simples for there is no Physitian that will giue it because there be many other excellent good Simples which God hath bestowed vpon vs from the preuenting and curing of diseases ‡ Pernitious and not excusable is the ignorance of some of our time that haue bought and as one may probably coniecture vsed the roots of this plant in stead of those of Peionie and I know they are dayly by the ignorant women in Cheape-side sold to people more ignorant than themselues by the name of water Louage Caueat Emptor The danger that may ensue by vsing them may be gathered by that which our Author hath here set downe being taken out of the Aduersaria pag. 326. ‡ 5 The fifth and last kinde of Filipendula which is the fourth according to Matthiolus his account hath leaues like water Smallage which Pliny calleth Sylaus the leaues very much resembling those of Lauer Cratcuae among which riseth vp a small stalke deepely furrowed or crested bearing at the top thereof spokie or bushy rundles of white floures thicke thrust together The roots are compact of very many filaments or threds among which come forth a few tuberous or knobbie roots like vnto the second ¶ The Place and Time The first groweth plentifully vpon stonie rockes or mountaines and rough places and in fertile pastures I found great plenty thereof growing in a field adioyning to Sion house somtime a Nunnerie neere London on the side of a medow called Sion Medow The second hath been sufficiently spoken of in the description The third groweth neere vnto brookes and riuers sides The 〈◊〉 groweth betweene the plowed lands in the moist and wet furrowes of a field belonging to Battersey by London ‡ It also groweth in great aboundance in many places by the Thames side as amongst the oysiers against Yorke house a little aboue the Horse-ferrey against Lambeth c. ‡ The fifth groweth neere the sides of riuers and water-streames especially neere the riuer of Thames or Tems as in S. Georges fields and about the Bishop of Londons house at Fulham and such like places They floure from May to the end of Iune ¶ The Names They are commonly called Filipendulae The first is called of Nicolaus Myrepsus Philipendula of some Saxisragrarubra and Millefolium syluestre of Pliny Molon in Italian and Spanish Filipendula in English Filipendula and Drop-wort Water Filipendula is called Filipendula aquatica Oenanthe aquatica and Silaus Plinij The fourth whose leaues are like to Homlocks is as some thinke called of Cordus Oisenichium in English Homlocke Filipendula ¶ The Nature These kindes of Filipendula are hot and dry in the third degreé opening and clensing and yet with a little astriction or binding All the kindes of Oenanthes haue the same facultie except the fourth whose pernitious facultie we haue formerly touched ¶ The Vertues The root of common Filipendula boiled in wine and drunken is good against all paines of the bladder causeth one to make water and breaketh the stone The like Dioscorides hath written of Oenanthe the root saith he is good for them that pisse by drops The powder of the roots of Filipendula often vsed in meate will preserue a man from the falling sickenesse CHAP. 429. Of Homlocks or herbe Bennet ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Hemlocke hath a long stalke fiue or six foot high great and hollow full of joints like the stalkes of Fennell of an herby colour poudered with small red spots almost like the stems of Dragons The leaues are great thicke and small cut or jagged like the leaues of Cheruill but much greater and of a very strong and vnpleasant sauor The floures are white growing by tufts or spokie tops which do change and turne into a white flat seed the root isshort and somewhat hollow within 1 Cicuta Hemlocks 2 The Apothecaries in times past not knowing the right Seseli Peloponnense haue erroniously taken this Cicuta latifolia for the same The leaues whereof are broad thicke and like vnto Cicutaria yet not the same they called it Seseli Peloponnense cum folio Cicutae the faculties whereof deny and refute that assertion and opinion yea and the plant it selfe which being touched yeeldeth or breatheth out a most virulent or lothsome smell these things sufficiciently argue that it is not a kinde of Seseli besides the reasons following Seseli hath a reasonable good sauour in the whole plant the root is bare and single without fibres like a Carrot but Cicuta hath not onely a lothsome smell but his roots are great thicke and knobby like the roots of Myrrhis the whole plant doth in a manner resemble the leaues stalkes and floures of Myrrhis odorata whose
much to say as Mouse prickle and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say 〈◊〉 Asparagus or Stone Sperage it is also named in Latine Asparagus syluestris and Corruda ¶ The Temperature The roots of the garden Sperage and also of the wilde doe clense without manifest heate and drinesse ¶ The Vertues The first sprouts or naked tender shoots hereof be oftentimes sodden in flesh broth and eaten or boyled in faire water and seasoned with oyle vineger salt and pepper then are serued at mens tables for a sallad they are pleasant to the taste easily concocted and gently loose the belly They 〈◊〉 prouoke vrine are good for the kidnies and bladder but they yeeld vnto the body little nourishment and the same moist yet not faultie they are thought to increase seed and stir vp lust CHAP. 458. Of Horse-taile or Shaue-grasse ¶ The Description 1 GReat Horse-taile riseth vp with a round stalke hollow within like a Reed a cubit high compact as it were of many small pieces one put into the end of another sometimes of a reddish colour very rough and set at euery ioint with many stiffe rush-like leaues or rough bristles which maketh the whole plant to resemble the taile of a horse whereof it tooke his name on the top of the stalke do stand in stead of floures clustered and thicke Catkins 〈◊〉 vnlike to the first shoots of Sperage which is called Myacantha the root is ioynted and creepeth 〈◊〉 the ground 2 This small or naked Shaue-grasse wherewith Fletchers and Combe-makers do rub and polish their worke 〈◊〉 out of the ground like the first shoots of Asparagus iointed or kneed by certaine distances like the precedent but altogether without such bristly leaues yet exceeding rough and cutting the root groweth aslope in the earth like those of the Couch-grasse 1 Equisetum maius Great Horse-taile 2 Equisetum nudum Naked Horse-taile 3 Horse-taile which for the most part groweth among corne and where corne hath been hath a very slender root and single from which rise vp diuers iointed stalkes whereon doe grow verie long rough narrow iointed leaues like vnto the first described but thicker and rougher as is the rest of the plant 4 Water Horse-taile that growes by the brinks of riuers and running streams and often in the midst of the water hath a very long root according to the depth of the water grosse thicke and iointed with some threds anexed thereto from which riseth vp a great thick iointed stalke whereon do grow long rough rushy leaues pyramide or steeple fashion The whole plant is also tough hard and fit to shaue and rub wooden things as the other 5 This kinde of Horse-taile that growes in woods and shadowie places hath a small root and single from which riseth vp a rough chamfered stalke ioynted by certaine spaces hauing at each ioynt two bushes of rough bristly leaues set one against another like the other of his kinde 3 Equisetum segetale Corne Horse-taile 4 Equisetum palustre Water Horse-taile 5 Equisetum 〈◊〉 Wood Horse-taile 6 Cauda equina foemina Female Horse-taile 9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Italian rushie 〈◊〉 taile 6 The female Horse taile 〈◊〉 for the most part in waterish places and by the brinks of small rills and pirling brookes it hath a long root like that of Couch grasse from which rise vp diuers hollow stalkes set about at certaine distances with smal leaues in rundles like those of Woodroofe altogether barren of seed and floure whereof it was called by Lobel Polygonon foemina semine 〈◊〉 ‡ This is sometimes found with tenne or more seedes at each ioynt whence Bauhine hath called it 〈◊〉 palustre breuioribus folijs poly spermon ‡ ‡ 7 In some boggie places of this kingdome is found a rare and pretty Hippuris or Horse taile which growes vp with many little branches some two or three inches high putting forth at each ioynt many little leaues clustering close about the stalke and set after the 〈◊〉 of other Horse-tailes towards the tops of the branches the ioynts are very thicke the colour of the whole plant is gray a little inclining to green very brittle and as it were stony or grauelly like Coralline and will crash vnder your feet as if it were frozen and if you chew it you shall finde it all stonie or grauelly My friend Mr. Leonard Buckner was the first that found this plant and brought it to me he had it three miles beyond Oxford a little on this side Euansham-ferry in a bog vpon a common by the Beacon hill neere Cumner-wood in the end of August 1632. Mr. Bowles hath since found it growing vpon a bog not far from Chisselhurst in Kent I question whether this bee not the Hippuris lacustris quaedam folijs 〈◊〉 arenosis of Gesner but if Gesners be that which Bauhine in his 〈◊〉 pag. 24. sets forth by the name of Equisetum nudum minus variegatum then I iudge it not to be this of my description for Bauhines differs from this in that it is without leaues and ofttimes bigger the stalks of his are hollow these not so this may be called Hippuris Coralloides Horse-taile Coralline 8 Towards the later end of the yeare in diuers ditches as in Saint Iames his Parke in the ditches on the backe of Southwarke towards Saint Georges fields c. you may finde couered ouerwith water a kinde of stinking Horse-taile it growes sometimes a yard long with many ioints and branches and each ioint set with leaues as in the other Horse-tailes but they are somewhat iagged or diuided towards the tops I take this to be the Equisetum faetiduni sub aqua repens described in the fist place of Bauhinus his 〈◊〉 we may call it in English Stinking water Horse-taile ‡ 9 Clusius hath set forth a plant that he referreth vnto the stocke of Horse-tailes which he thus describeth it hath many twiggie or rushie stalks whereupon it was called Iuncaria and may bee Englished Rush-weed the leaues grow vpon the branches like those of Flax on the toppes of the stalks grow small chassie floures of a whitish colour The seed is small and blacke of colour The root is little and white the whole plant is sweetish in taste 10 Dodonaeus setteth forth another Horse-taile which he called climing Horse-taile or horstaile of Olympus There is saith he another plant like Horse-taile but greater and higher It riseth vp oftentimes with a stalke as big as a mans arme diuided into many branches out of which there grow long slender sprigs very full of ioints like to the first Horse-taile The floures stand about the ioints of a mossie substance small as are those of the Cornell tree in places whereof grow vp red fruit full of sowre iuice not vnlike to little Mulberries in which is the seed The root is hard and wooddie This growes now and then to a great height and sometimes lower Bellonius writeth in his Singularities that it hath been seene to be equall in height with the Plane 〈◊〉
who in his Rapsodes hath noted that the decoction of Madder giuen with Triphera that great composition is singular good to stay the reds the hemorrhoides and bloudy flixe and the same approoued by diuers experiments which confirmeth Madder to be of an astringent and binding qualitie Of the same opinion as it seemeth is also Eros Iulia her freed man commonly called Trotula who in a composition against vntimely birth doth vse the same for if he had thought that Madder were of such a qualitie as Dioscorides writeth it to be of he would not in any wise haue added it to those medicines which are good against an vntimely birth For Dioscorides reporteth that the root of Madder doth plentifully prouoke vrine and that grosse and thicke and oftentimes bloud also and it is so great an opener that being but onely applied it bringeth downe the menses the birth and after-birth but the extreme rednes of the vrine deceiued him that immediately followeth the taking of Madder which rednesse came as he thought from bloud mixed therewith which notwithstanding commeth no otherwise then from the colour of the Madder For the root hereof taken any maner of way doth by by make the vrine extreme red no otherwise than Rubarb doth make the same yellow not changing in the meane time the substance thereof nor making it thicker than it was before which is to be vnderstood in those which are in perfect health which thing doth rather shew that it doth not open but binde no otherwise than Rubarbe doth for by reason of his binding quality the waterish humors do for a while keepe their colour For colours mixed with binding things do longer remaine in the things coloured and do not so soone vade this thing they will know that gather colours out of the juices of floures and herbes for with them they mixe allume to the end that the colour may be retained and kept the longer which otherwise would be quickely lost By these things it manifestly appeareth that Madder doth nothing vehemently either clense or open and that Dioscorides hath rashly attributed vnto it this kinde of qualitie and after him Galen and the rest that followed standing stiffely to his opinion Pliny saith that the stalkes with the leaues of Madder are vsed against serpents The root of Madder boiled in Meade or honied water and drunken openeth the 〈◊〉 of the liuer the milt and kidnies and is good against the jaundise The same taken in like maner prouoketh vrine vehemently insomuch that the often vse thereof causeth one to pisse bloud as some haue dreamed Langius and other excellent Physitions haue experimented the same to amend the lothsome colour of the Kings-euill and it helpeth the vlcers of the mouth if vnto the decoction be added a little allume and hony of Roses ‡ 5 The fifth being the Synanchica of Daleschampius dries without biting and it is excellent against sqinancies either taken inwardly or applied outwardly for which cause they haue called it Synanchica Hist. Lugd. ‡ CHAP. 461. Of Goose-grasse or Cliuers ¶ The Description 1 A Parine Cliuers or Goose-grasse hath many small square branches rough and sharpe full of joints beset at euery joint with small leaues star fashion and like vnto small Madder the floures are very little and white pearking on the tops of the sprigs the seeds are small 〈◊〉 a little hollow in the middest in maner of a nauell set for the most part by couples the roots slender and full of strings the whole plant is rough and his ruggednesse taketh hold of mens vestures and woollen garments as they passe by being drawne along the tongue it fetcheth bloud Dioscorides reports that the sheepheards in stead of a Cullender do vse it to take haires out of milke if any remaine therein 2 The great Goose-grasse of Pliny is one of the Moone-worts of Lobel it hath a very rough tender stalke whereupon are set broad leaues somewhat long like those of Scorpion grasse or Alysson Galeni Galens Moone-woort very rough and hairy which grow not about the joints but three or soure together on one side of the stalke the floures grow at the top of the branches of a blew colour after which commeth rough cleauing seeds that do sticke to mens garments which touch it the root is small and single 1 Aparine Goose-grasse or Cleuers 2 Aparine maior Plinij Great Goose-grasse ¶ The Place Goose-grasse groweth neere the borders of fields and oftentimes in the fields themselues mixed with the corne also by common waies ditches hedges and among thornes Theophrastus and 〈◊〉 write that it groweth among Lentles and with hard embracing it doth choke it and by that meanes is burdensome and troublesome vnto it ¶ The Time It is found plentifully euery where in summer time ¶ The Names It is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Apparine in Latine Lappaminor but not properly Pliny affirmeth it to be Lappaginis speciem of some Philanthropos as though he should say a mans friend because it taketh hold of mens garments of diuers also for the same cause Philadelphos in Italian Speronella in Spanish 〈◊〉 or amor di Hortalano in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Reble ou Grateron in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Goose-share Goose-grasse Cleuer or Clauer ¶ The Temperature It is as Galen saith moderately hot and dry and somewhat of thin parts ¶ The Vertues The iuice which is pressed out of the seeds stalks and leaues as Dioscorides writeth is a remedie for them that are bitten of the poisonsome spiders called in Latine Phalangia and of vipers if it be drunke with wine And the herbe stamped with swines grease wasteth away the kernels by the throte Pliny teacheth that the leaues being applied do also stay the aboundance of bloud issuing out ofwounds Women do vsually make pottage of Cleuers with a little mutton and Otemeale to cause lanknesse and keep them from fatnesse CHAP. 462. Of Crosse-woort ¶ The Description 1 CRosse-woort is a low and base herbe of a pale greene colour hauing many square feeble rough stalks full of ioints or knees couered ouer with a soft downe the leaues are little short smal alwaies foure growing together and standing crossewise one right against another making a right Burgunion crosse toward the top of the stalke and from the bosome of those leaues come forth very many small yellow floures of a reasonable good fauour each of which is also shaped like a Burgunion crosse the roots are nothing else but a few small threds or fibres 1 Cruciata Crosse-woort ‡ 2 Rubia Cruciata laevis Crosse-woort Madder ‡ 2 This in mine opinion may be placed here as fitly as any where els for it hath the leaues standing crosse-waies foure at a ioint somewhat like those of the largest Chickweed the stalkes are betweene a foot and a halfe and two cubites high The white Starre-fashioned floures stand in roundles about the tops of the stalks It growes plentifully in Piemont on the hills not farre
to make the belly soluble being boiled in the broth of an old cocke with Beetes or Mallowes or other like things that mooue to the stoole by their slipperines Ioannes Mesue reckoneth vp Polypodie among those things that do especially dry and make thin peraduenture he had respect to a certaine kinde of 〈◊〉 or ache in the joints in which not one only part of the body but many together most commonly are touched for which it is very much commended by the Brabanders and other inhabitants about the riuer Rhene and the Maze In this kinde of disease the hands the feet and the joints of the knees and elbowes do swell There is joined withall a feeblenesin moouing through the extremity of the paine sometimes the vpper parts are lesse grieued and the lower more The humors do also easily run from one place to another and then settle Against this disease the Geldres and Cleuelanders do vse the decoction of Polypodie whereby they hope that the superfluous humours may be wasted and dried vp and that not by and by but in continuance of time for they appoint that this decoction should be taken for certaine daies together But this kinde of gout is sooner taken away either by bloud letting or by purgations or by both and afterwards by sweate neither is it hard to be cured if these generall remedies be vsed in time for the humors do not remaine fixed in those joints but are rather gathered together than settled about them Therefore the body must out of hand be purged and then that which remaineth is to be wasted and consumed away by such things as procure sweate Furthermore Dioscorides saith that the root of Polypody is very good for members out of joint and for chaps betweene the fingers The root of Polypodie boiled with a little honie water and pepper and the quantitie of an ounce giuen emptieth the belly of cholericke and pituitous humours some boile it in water and wine and giue thereof to the quantitie of three ounces for some purposes with good successe CHAP. 468. Of Oke-Ferne ‡ OVr Author here as in many other places knit knots somewhat intricate to loose for first he confounds in the names and nature the Polypody of the Oke or lesser Polypodie with the Dryopteris or Oke-Ferne but that I haue 〈◊〉 put backe to the former chapter his fit place then in the second place did he giue the Description of the Dryopteris of the Aduers taken from thence pag. 〈◊〉 Then were the place times names c. taken out of the chapter of Dryopteris Candiaa of Dodonaeus being Pempt 3. lib. 5. cap. 4. But the figure was of the Filicula foemina petroea 4. of Tabernamontanus Now I will in this chapter giue you the Dryopteris of the Aduersaria then that of Dodonaeus and thirdly that of Tragus for I take them to be different and this last to be that figured by our Author out of Tabernamontanus ‡ ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Ferne called Dryopteris or Filix querna hath leaues like vnto the female Ferne before spoken of but much lesser smaller and more finely cut or jagged and is not aboue a foot high being a very slender and delicate tender herbe The leaues are so finely jagged that in shew they resemble feathers set round about a small rib or sinew the backe side being sprinckled not with russet or browne markes or specks as the other Fernes are but as it were painted with white spots or markes not standing out of the leaues in scales as the spots in the male Ferne but they are double in each leafe close vnto the middle rib or sinew The root is long browne and somewhat hairy very like vnto Polypody but much slenderer of a sharpe and causticke taste ‡ Rondeletius affirmed that he found the vse of this deadly being put into medicines in stead of Polypody by the ignorance of some Apothecaries in Dauphenye in France Mr. Goodyer hath sent me an acurate description together with a plant of this Ferne which I haue thought good here also to set forth ‡ ‡ Dryopteris Aduers True Oke Ferne. ‡ 2 Dryopteris alba 〈◊〉 White Oke-Ferne ‡ 3 Dryopteris Tragi Tree Ferne. Dryopteris Penae Lobelij The roots creepe in the ground or mire neere the turfe or vpper part thereof and fold amongst themselues as the roots of Polypodium do almost as big as a wheat straw and about fiue six or seuen inches long cole blacke without and white within of a binding taste inclining to sweetnesse with an innumerable companie of small blacke fibres like haires growing thereunto The stalkes spring from the roots in seuerall places in number variable according to the length and encrease of the root I haue seene small plants haue but one or two and some bigger plants haue fourteene or fifteene they haue but a two-fold diuision the stalke growing from the root and the nerue bearing the leaues the stalke is about fiue six or seuen inches long no bigger that a bennet or small grasse stalke one side flat as are the 〈◊〉 Fernes the rest round smooth and green The first paire of nerues grow about three inches from the root and so do all the rest grow by couples almost exactly one against another in number about eight nine or ten couples the longest seldome exceeding an inch in length The leaues grow on those nerues also by 〈◊〉 eight or nine couples on a nerue without any nickes or indentures of a 〈◊〉 greene colour This Ferne 〈◊〉 be said to be like Polypodium in his creeping root like the male Ferne in his stalke and like the female Ferne in his nerues and leaues I could finde no seed-scales on the backesides of any of the leaues of this Ferne. Many yeares past I found this same in a very wet moore or bog being the land of Rlchard Austen called Whitrow Moore where Peate is now digged a mile from Peters-field in Hampshire and this sixth of Iuly 1633 I digged vp there many plants and by them made this description I neuer found it growing in any other place the leaues perish at Winter and grow vp againe very late in the Spring Iohn Goodyer Iuly 6. 1633. 2 Dodonaeus thus describes his Dryopteris saith he doth well resemble the male Ferne but the leaues are much smaller and more finely cut smooth on the foresaid and of a yellowish green together with the stalkes and middle nerues on the backe it is rough as other Fernes and also liueth without stalke or seed The root consists of fibres intricately folded together of an indifferent thicknesse here and there putting vp new buds This is the Adianthum of the Aduers who affirme the vse thereof to be safe and not pernitious and deleterie as that of Dryopteris It thus differs from the former the leaues of this are not set directly one opposite to another the diuisions of the leaues are larger and more diuided The root is more threddy and creepes not so
is giuen with good successe against intermitting feuers whether they be quotidian or 〈◊〉 As touching the faculties of Saint Barnabies Thistle which are as yet not found out we haue nothing to write CHAP. 487 Of Teasels ¶ The Kindes OVrage hath set downe two kindes of Teasels the tame and the wilde These differ not saue only in the husbanding sor all things that are planted and manured doe more 〈◊〉 and become for the most part fitter for mans vse 1 Dipsacus 〈◊〉 Garden Teasell 2 Dipsacus syluestris Wilde Teasell ‡ 3 Dipsacus minor sive Virga pastoris Sheepheards-rod ¶ The Description 1 GArden Teasel is also of the number of the Thistles it bringeth 〈◊〉 a stalke that is 〈◊〉 very long iointed and ful of prickles the leaues grow sorth of the ioints by couples not onely opposite 〈◊〉 set one right against another but also compassing the stalke about and fastened together and so fastened that they hold dew and raine water in manner of a little bason these be long of a light greene colour and like to those of Lettice but full of prickles in the edges and haue on the outside all alongst the ridge stiffer prickles on the tops of the stalkes stand heads with sharpe prickles like those of the Hedge-hog and crooking backward at the point like hookes out of which heads grow little floures The seed is like Fennell seed and in taste bitter the heads wax white when they grow old and there are found in the midst of them when they are cut certaine little magots the root is white and of a 〈◊〉 length 2 The second kinde of Teasell which is also a kinde of Thistle is very like vnto the sormer but his leaues are smaller narrower his sloures of a purple colour and the hooks of the Teasell nothing so hard or sharpe as the other nor good for any vse in dressing of cloath 3 There is another kinde of Teasell being a wilde kinde therof and accounted among these Thistles growing higher than the rest of his kindes but his knobbed heads are no bigger than a Nutmeg in all other things else they are like to the other wilde kindes ‡ This hath the lower leaues deeply cut in with one gash on each side at the bottome of the leafe which little ears are omitted in the figure the leaues also are lesse than the former and narrower at the setting on and hold no water as the two former do the whole plant is also much lesse ‡ ¶ The Place The first called the tame Teasell is sowne in this countrey in gardens to serue the vse of Fullers and Clothworkers The second kinde groweth in moist places by brookes riuers and such like places The third I found growing in moist places in the high way leading from Braintree to Henningham castle in Essex and not in any other place except here there a plant vpon the high way from Much-Dunmow to London ‡ I sound it growing in great plentie at Edgecombe by Croyden close by the gate of the house of my much honoured friend Sir Iohn Tunstall ¶ The Time These floure for the most part in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Teasell is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and likewise in Latine Dipsacus Labrum Veneris and Carduus Veneris it is termed Labrum Veneris and Lauer Lauacrum of the forme of the leaues made vp in fashion of a bason which is neuer without water they commonly call it Virga pastoris minor and Carduus fullonum in high Dutch Karden Distell in low Dutch Caerden in Spanish Cardencha and Cardo 〈◊〉 in Italian Dissaco and Cardo in French Chardon de foullon Verge à bergier in English Teasell Carde Teasell and Venus bason The third is thought to be Galedragon Plinij of which he hath written in his 27. book the tenth Chapter ¶ The Temperature The rootes of these plants are drie in the second degree and haue a certaine clensing facultie ¶ The Vertues There is small vse of Teasell in medicines the heads as we haue said are vsed to dresse woollen cloth with Dioscorides writeth that the root being boiled in wine stamped till it is come to the substance of a salue healeth chaps and 〈◊〉 of the fundament if it be applied thereunto and that this medicine must be reserued ina box of copper and that also it is reported to be good for all kindes of warts It is needlesse here to alledge those things that are added touching the little wormes or magots found in the heads of the Teasell and which are to be hanged about the necke or to mention the like thing that Pliny reporteth of Galedragon for they are nothing else but most vaine and trifling toies as my selfe haue proued a little besore the impression hereof hauing a most 〈◊〉 ague and of long continuance notwithstanding Physicke charmes these worms hanged about my neck spiders put into a walnut shell and diuers such foolish toies that I was constrained to take by fantasticke peoples procurement notwithstanding I say my helpe came from God himselse for these medicines and all other such things did me no good at all CHAP. 488. Of Bastard Saffron ‡ 1 Carthamus siue Cnicus Bastard Saffron 2 Cnicus alter caeruleus Blew floured Bastard Saffron ¶ The Description 1 CNicus called also bastard Saffron which may very wel be reckoned among the Thistles riseth vp with a stalke of a cubite and a 〈◊〉 high straight smooth round hard and wooddy branched at the top it is defended with long leaues somthing broad sharp pointed and with prickles in the edges from the tops of the stalks stand out little heads or knops of the bignesse of an Oliue or bigger set with many sharpe pointed and prickly scales out of which come forth floures like threds closely compact of a deepe yellow shining colour drawing neere to the colour of Saffron vnder them are long seeds smooth white somewhat cornered bigger than a Barly corne the huske whereof is something hard the inner pulpe or substance is fat white sweet in taste the root slender and vnprofitable 2 There is also another kinde of Bastard Saffron that may very well be numbred amongst the kindes of Thistles and is very like vnto the former sauing that his flockie or threddie floures are of a blew colour the root is thicker and the whole plant is altogether more sharpe in prickles the stalks also are more crested and hairie ¶ The Place It is sowne in diuers places of Italy Spaine and France both in gardens and in fields Pliny lib. 25. cap. 15. saith that in the raigne of Vespasian this was not knowne in Italy being in Egypt onely of good account and that they vsed to make oile of it and not meat ¶ The Time The floures are perfected in Iuly and August the root after the seed is ripe the same yeare it is sowne withereth away ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Cnicus
onely spoyle their land but the corne also as Cockle or Darnel and as a weed that generally spreadeth ouer that corner of the Shire ¶ The Time These herbes do floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Plaister Clauer is called by the generall name Melilotus of some Trifolium odor at 〈◊〉 yet there is 〈◊〉 sweet Trefoile as hath been declared Some call it Trifolium Equinum and 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 Trefoile by reason it is good sodder for horses who do greedily seed thereon likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Beares Trefoile of Fuchsius Saxifraga 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Campana of Cato 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which most do name Corona Regia in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Romanes and Hetrurians Tribolo as Matthiolus writeth in English Melilot and Plaister-Clauer in Yorkeshire Harts-Clauer ¶ The Temperature Melilote saith Galen hath more plenty of hot substance than cold that is to say 〈◊〉 and dry in the first degree it hath also a certaine binding qualitie besides a wasting and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sheweth that Melilote is of a binding and mollifying qualitie but the mollifying qualitie is not proper vnto it but in as much as it 〈◊〉 away and digesteth humors 〈◊〉 in hot swellings or otherwise for so far doth it mollifie or supple that thing which is hard which is not properly called mollifying but digesting and wasting away by vapors which kinde of quality the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ¶ The Vertues Melilote boiled in sweet wine vntill it be soft if you adde thereto the yolke of a rosted egge the meale of Fenegreeke and 〈◊〉 the roots of Marsh Mallowes and hogs greace stamped together and vsed as a pultis or cataplasma plaisterwise doth asswage and soften all manner of swellings especially about the matrix fundament and genitories being applied vnto those places hot With the juice hereof oile wax rosen and turpentine is made a most soueraigne healing 〈◊〉 drawing emplaster called Melilote plaister retaining both the colour and sauour of the 〈◊〉 being artificially made by a skilfull Surgion The herbe boiled in wine and drunke prouoketh vrine breaketh the stone and 〈◊〉 the paine of the kidnies bladder and belly and ripeneth flegme and causeth it to be easily cast 〈◊〉 The juice thereof dropped into the eies cleereth the sight consumeth dissolueth and 〈◊〉 taketh away the web pearle and spot in the eies Melilote alone with water healeth 〈◊〉 melicerides a kinde of wens or rather apostems conteyning matter like honey and also the running vlcers of the head if it be laid to with chalke wine and galls It likewise 〈◊〉 the paine of the eares if the juice be dropped therein mixed with a little wine and taketh away the paine of the head which the Greekes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 especially if the head be bathed therewith and a little vineger and oile of Roses mixed amongst it ‡ CHAP. 506. Of certaine other Trefoiles ‡ THose Tresoiles being omitted by our Author I haue thought good to put into a chapter by themselues though they haue little 〈◊〉 with one another the two last excepted ¶ The Description 1 THe first of those in roots stalkes and manner of growing is like the Medicke or 〈◊〉 Trefoiles formerly described the leaues are hairie the floures yellow and small after which sollow crooked flat cods of an indifferent bredth wherein is contained seeds made after the fashion of little kidnies this the Italians according to Lobel call Lunaria radiata in the Hist. Ludg. it is called Medica 〈◊〉 altera lunata 2 The root of this is long and thicke couered with a yellowish rinde and hauing a white sweet 〈◊〉 in the inside couered with a hairinesse on the top and sending forth sundry fibres from this rise vp many weake long foot-stalkes whereon grow leaues set together by threes long narrow smooth lightly nickt on the edges amongst these rises vp commonly one stalke yet sometimes two smooth and naked three or foure inches long on the top thereof grow spike fashion 8. or ten pretty large light purple floures each of them being set in a cup diuided into 5. parts This growes vpon diuers parts of the Alpes and Pena in his Mons Baldus set it forth by the name of 〈◊〉 angustifolium Alpinum Bauhinus saith the root hereof tasts like Liquorice wherefore it may be called Glycyrhiza Astragaloides or Astragalus 〈◊〉 and he receiued it out of Spaine by the name of Glycyrhiza He calls it in his 〈◊〉 Trifolium Alpinum flore magno radice dulci. ‡ 1 Trifolium siliqua lunata Moone Trefoile ‡ 2 Trisol angustifol Alpinum Liquorice Trefoile ‡ 3 Trifolium spinosum Creticum Prickly Trefoile 3 This thornie Trefoile hath a long threddy root from which arise many short branched stalkes some two handfulls high cornered and spred vpon the ground the ioynts which are many are commonly red and armed with foure sharpe prickles and out of each of them vpon short foot-stalkes grow two trifoile leaues greene longish and ending in a little prickle out of these ioynts also grow little foot-stalkes which carry single floures made of fiue little leaues of the shape and colour of the little blew Bell-floure with ten chiues in the middle tipt with yellow after these follow fiue cornered sharpe pointed heads containing a single flat red seed in each corner Clusius set forth this by the name of Trifolium spinosum 〈◊〉 the seed was sent out of Candy by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he questions whether it may not be the true Tribulus terrestris of Dioscorides ‡ 4 Trifolium fragiferum Straw-berry 〈◊〉 5 There are two other Trefoiles with which I thinke good to acquaint you and those by the similitude of the cups which containe the floures and become the seed vessels may be fitly called Stellata and thus Bauhine calls the first Trifolium stellatum whereto for distinctions sake I adde hirsutum calling it Trifol stellatum hirsutum Rough starrie headed Trefoile it hath a smal long white root from which arise stalkes some foot high round slender hairie and reddish hauing few leaues or branches the leaues stand three on a stalke as in other Trefoiles smooth on the vpper side and hairy below the floures are small and red like in shape to those of the common red Trefoile but lesser and they stand each of them in a cup reddish and rough below and on the vpper part cut into fiue long sharpe leaues standing open as they commonly figure a starre the floures fallen these cups dilate themselues and haue in the middle a longish transuerse whitish spot I saw this flouring in May in the garden of Mr. Tradescant who did first bring plants hereof from Fermentera a small Island in the Mediterranean sea 6 This other which for any thing that I know is not figured nor described by any hath stalks sometimes a foot otherwhiles little aboue an inch high hairy and diuided but into few branches the leaues which stand by threes are fastned to long foot-stalkes and they themselues are
spongie and light and this substance hath a scouring and clensing facultie for it is plainly seene that the meale of Beanes clenseth away the filth of the skin by reason of which qualitie it passeth not slowly through the belly And seeing the meale of Beanes is windie the Beanes themselues if they be boyled whole and eaten are yet much more windie If they be parched they lose their windinesse but they are harder of digestion and doe slowly descend and yeeld vnto the body thicke or grosse nourishing iuyce but if they be eaten green before they be ripe and dried the same thing hapneth to them which is incident to all fruits 〈◊〉 are eaten before they be fully ripe that is to say they giue vnto the body a moist kinde of nourishment and therefore a nourishment more full of excrements not onely in the inward parts but also in the outward and whole body thorow therefore those kindes of Beans do lesse nourish but they do more speedily passe thorow the belly as the said Author in his booke of the Faculties of simple Medicines saith that the Beane is moderately cold and dry The pulpe or meate thereof doth somewhat clense the skin doth a little binde Therefore diuers Physitians haue giuen the whole Beane boyled with vineger and salt to those that were troubled with the bloudy flix with laskes and vomitings It raiseth flegme out of the chest and lungs being outwardly applied it drieth without hurt the watery humors of the gout We haue oftentimes vsed the same being boiled in water and so mixed with swines grease We haue laid the meale therof with Oxymel or syrrup of vineger both vpon bruised and wounded sinewes and vpon the wounded parts of such as haue been bitten or stung to take away the fierie heat It also maketh a good plaister and pultis for mens stones and womens paps for these parts when they are inflamed haue need of moderate cooling especially when the paps are inflamed through the cluttered and congealed milke contained in them Also milke is dried vp with that pultis The meale thereof as Dioscorides further addeth being tempered with the meale of Fenugreek and hony doth take away blacke and blew spots which come by drie beatings and wasteth away kernels vnder the eares With Rose leaues Frankincense and the white of an egge it keepeth backe the watering of the eies the pin and the web and hard swellings Being tempered with wine it healeth suffusions and stripes of the eies The Beane being chewed without the skin is applied to the forehead against rheumes and falling downe of humours Being boiled in wine it taketh away the inflammation of the stones The skins of Beans applied to the place where the hairs were first plucked vp wil not suffer them to grow big but rather consumeth their nourishment Being applied with Barly meale parched and old oile they waste away the Kings euill The decoction of them serueth to die woollen cloth withall This Beane being diuided into two parts the skin taken off by which it was naturally ioined together and applied stancheth the bloud which doth too much issue forth after the biting of the horseleach if the one halfe be laied vpon the place The blacke Beane is not vsed with vs at all seeing as we haue said it is rare and sowne onely in a few mens gardens who be delighted in varietie and studie of herbes CHAP. 508. Of Kidney Beane ¶ The Kindes THe stocke or kindred of the Kidney Bean are wonderfully many the difference especially consisteth in the colour of the fruit there be other differences wherof to write particularly would greatly stuffe our volume with superfluous matter considering that the simplest is able to distinguish apart the white Kidney Beane from the blacke the red from the purple and likewise those of mixt colours from those that are onely of one colour as also great ones from little ones Wherefore it may please you to be content with the description of some few and the figures of the rest with their seuerall titles in Latine and English referring their descriptions vnto a further consideration which otherwise would be an endlesse labour or at the least needlesse ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Phaseolus or garden Smilax hath long and small branches growing very high taking hold with his clasping tendrels vpon poles and stickes and whatsoeuer standeth neere vnto him as doth the hop 〈◊〉 vine which are so weake and tender that without such props or supporters they are not able to sustaine themselues but will run ramping on the ground fruitlesse vpon the branches do grow broad leaues almost like Iuie growing together by three as in the common Trefoile or three leaued Grasse among which come the floures that do vary and differ in their colours according to the soile where they grow sometimes white sometimes red and oftentimes of a pale colour afterwards there come out long cods whereof some are crooked and some are straight and in those the fruit is contained smaller than the common Beane somwhat flat and fashioned like a Kidney which are of diuers colours like vnto the floures whereto for the most part these are like 2 There is also another Dolichus or Kidney Beane lesser shorter and with smaller cods whose floures and fruit are like in forme to the former Kidney Beanes but much lesser and of a blacke colour 3 There is likewise another strange Kidney Beane which doth also winde it 〈◊〉 about poles and props neere adioining that hath likewise three leaues hanging vpon one stem as haue the other Kidney Beans but euery one is much narrower and also blacker the cods be shorter plainer and flatter and containe fewer seeds 1 Phaseolus albus White Kidney Beane 2 Phascolus niger Blacke Kidney Beane 3 Smilax hortensis rubra Red Kidney Beane 4 Smilax hortensis 〈◊〉 Pale yellow Kidney Beane ‡ 5 Phaseolus peregrinus 〈◊〉 minore albo Indian Kidney Beane with a small white fruit ‡ 6 Phaseolus peregrinus fructa minore frutescens Indian Kidney Beane with a small red fruit ‡ 7 Phaseolus peregrinus 〈◊〉 Narrow leafed Kidney Beane 4 This Kidney Bean differeth not from the others but onely in the colour of the fruit which are of a pale yellow colour wherein consisteth the difference ‡ Besides the varieties of these Kidney Beans mentioned by our Author there are diuers other 〈◊〉 vp by 〈◊〉 which haue been brought out of the East and West Indies and from some parts of Africa I will only giue you the figures of two or three of them outof Clusius with the colours of their floures and fruit 5 The stalke of this is low and stiffe the floures of a whitish yellow on the outside and of a violet colour within the fruit is snow white with a blacke spot in the eye This is Phaseolus peregrinus 4. of Clusius 6 This hath leaues like the Marsh Trefoile floures growing many together in shape and magnitude like those of common Pease the cods were
than the 〈◊〉 one 3 The blew Lupines are longer than the yellow and diuided into more wings and branches the leaues be lesser and thinner the floures small and lesser than the yellow of a blew colour the seeds be also of diuers colours bitter and lesser than any of them all ‡ 4 There is also another blew Lupine whose leaues stalks floures and cods are like but larger than those of the first described the floures are of colour blew with some whitenesse here and there intermixt ‡ ¶ The Place and Time They require saith 〈◊〉 a sandy and bad soile they hardly come vp in tilled places being of their owne nature wilde they grow in my garden and in other mens gardens about London They are planted in Aprill and bring sorth their fruit at two or three sundrie times as though it did floure often and bring forth many crops the first in May the second in Iuly the last in September but it seldome commeth to ripenesse ¶ The Names This pulse is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lupinus and Lupinus 〈◊〉 in high Dutch Feigbonen in Italian Lupino domestico in Spanish Entramocos in the Brabanders language 〈◊〉 boonen and Lupinen in French Lupins in English Garden Lupine tame Lupine and of some after the German name Fig-beane ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The seed of the garden Lupine is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say much and often vsed as Galen saith in his books of the Faculties of Nourishments for the same being boiled and afterwards steeped in faire water vntill such time as it doth altogether lose his naturall bitternes and lastly being seasoned with a reasonable quantitie of salt it is eaten with pickle The Lupine is of an hard and earthy substance wherefore it is necessarily of hard digestion and containeth in it a thicke iuice of which being not perfectly concocted in the veines is ingendred a bloud or iuice which is properly called crude or raw but when it hath lost all his bitternes by preparing or dressing of it as aforesaid it is like 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say to such things as are without relish which is perceiued by the taste being so prepared it is as Galen writeth in his books of the Faculties of simple medicines one of the emplaistickes or clammers But whilest the naturall bitternesse doth as yet remaine it hath power to clense and to consume or waste away it killeth wormes in the belly being both applied in manner of an ointment and giuen with hony to licke on and also drunke with water and vineger Moreouer the decoction thereof inwardly taken voideth the wormes and likewise if it be sundry times outwardly vsed as a bath it is a remedy against the morphew sore heads the small Pox wilde scabs gangrenes venomous vlcers partly by clensing and partly by consuming and drying without biting being taken with Rew and Pepper that it may be the pleasanter it scoureth the liuer and milt It bringeth downe the menses and expelleth the dead childe if it be layed to with 〈◊〉 and honie Moreouer the meale of Lupines doth waste or consume away without any biting qualitie for it doth not onely take away blacke and blew spots that come of dry beatings but also it cureth 〈◊〉 and Phymata but then it is to be boiled either in vineger or oxymell or else in water and vineger and that according to the temperature of the grieued parties and the diuersities of the diseases Quod ex vsu est 〈◊〉 and it also taketh away blew marks and what thing soeuer else we haue said the decoction could do all the same doth the meale likewise performe These Lupines 〈◊〉 Dioscorides doth furthermore write being boiled in raine water till they yeeld a certaine creame are good to clense and beautifie the face They cure the 〈◊〉 in sheepe with the root of blacke Chameleon Thistle if they be washed with the warme decoction The 〈◊〉 boiled with water and drunke prouoketh vrine The Lupines being made sweet and pleasant mixed with vineger and drunk take away the lothsomnesse of the stomacke and cause a good appetite to meat Lupines boiled in that strong leigh which Barbars do vse and some Wormwood Centorie and bay salt added thereto stay the running and spreading of a Gangroena and those parts that are depriued of their nourishment and begin to mortifie and staieth the ambulatiue nature of running and spreading vlcers being applied thereto very hot with stuphes of cloth or tow CHAP. 510. Of Peason ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Peason differing very notably in many respects some of the garden and others of the field and yet both counted tame some with tough skinnes or membranes in the cods and others haue none at all whose cods are to be eaten with the Pease when they be young as those of the young Kidney 〈◊〉 others carrying their fruit in the tops of the branches are esteemed and taken for Scottish Peason which is not very common There be diuers sorts growing wild as shall be declared 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pease 2 Pisum minus Garden and field Pease ¶ The Description 1 THe great Pease hath long 〈◊〉 hollow brickle of a whitish green colour branched and spread vpon the ground vnlesse they be held vp with proppes set neere vnto them the leafe thereof is wide and long made vp of many little leaues which be smooth white growing vpon one little stalke or stem and set one right against another it hath also in the vpper part long clasping tendrels wherewith it foldeth it selfe vpon props and staies standing next vnto 3 Pisum vmbellatum Tufted or Scottish Pease 4 Pisum excorticatum Pease without skins in the cod 5 Pisum syluestre Wilde Pease 6 Pisum perenne syluestre Euerlasting wilde Pease 2 The field Pease is so very well knowne to all that it were a needlesse labour to spend time about the description 3 Tufted Pease are like vnto those of the field or of the garden in each respect the difference consisteth onely in that that this plant carrieth his floures and fruit in the tops of the branches in a round 〈◊〉 or vmbel contrary to all other of his kinde which bring forth their fruit in the midst and alongst the stalks the root is thicke and fibrous 4 Pease without skins in the cods differ not from the precedent sauing that the cods hereof want that tough skinny membrane in the same which the hogs cannot eat by reason of the toughnesse whereas the other may be eaten cods and all the rest euen as Kidney beanes are which being so dressed are exceeding delicate meat 5 The wilde Pease differeth not from the common field Pease in stalke and leaues sauing that this wilde kinde is somewhat lesser the 〈◊〉 are of a yellow colour and the fruit is much lesser 6 The Pease whose root neuer dies 〈◊〉 not from the wilde Pease onely his continuing without sowing being once sowne or
branches a cubit high wheron 〈◊〉 grow leaues diuided or 〈◊〉 of sundry other small leaues like the wilde Vetch ending at the 〈◊〉 rib with some clasping tendrels wherewith it taketh 〈◊〉 of such things as are neere 〈◊〉 it among these come sorth little brownish floures mixed with white which turne into small 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little browne slat seed and sometimes white 1 Lens maior Great Lentils 2 Lens minor Little Lentils ¶ The Place These Pulses do grow in my garden and it is reported vnto me by those of good credit that about Watford in Middlesex and other places of England the husbandmen do sow them for their cattell euen as others do Tares ¶ The Time They both floure and wax ripe in Iuly and August ¶ The Names They are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lens and Lenticula in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Lentille in Italian Lentichia in Spanish Lenteia in English Lentils ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Lentils as Galen saith are in a meane betweene hot and cold yet are they dry in the second degree their skin is astringent or binding and the meate or substance within is of a thicke and earthy iuyce hauing a qualitie that is a little austere or something harsh much more the skin thereof but the iuyce of them is quite contrarie to the binding qualitie wherefore if a man shal boile them in faire water and afterwards season the water with salt and pickle aut cum ipsis oleo condiens and then take it the same drinke doth loose the belly The first decoction of Lentils doth loose the belly but if they be boyled againe and the first decoction cast away then doe they binde and are good against the bloudy flixe or dangerous laskes They do their operation more effectually in stopping or binding if all or any of these following be bovled therewith that is to say red Beets Myrtles pils of Pomegranats dried Roses Medlars Seruice berries vnripe Peares Quinces Paintaine leaues Galls or the berries of Sumach The meale of Lentils mixed with honey doth mundifie and clense corrupt vlcers and rotten 〈◊〉 filling them with flesh againe and is most singular to be put into the common digestiues vsed among our 〈◊〉 Surgeons for greene wounds The Lentil hauing the skin or coat taken off as it loseth that strong binding qualitie and those accidents that depend on the same so doth it more nourish than if it had the skin on It in gendreth thicke and naughty iuyce and slowly passeth thorow the belly yet doth it not stay the loosnesse as that doth which hath his coat on and therefore they that vse to eat too much thereof do necessarily become Lepers and are much subiect to cankers for thicke and dry nourishments are apt to breed melancholy Therefore the Lentill is good food for them that through waterish humours be apt to fall into the dropsie and it is a most dangerous food for dry and withered bodies for which cause it bringeth dimnesse of sight though the sight be perfect through his excessiue drinesse whereby the spirits of the sight be wasted but it is good for them that are of a quitecontrarie constitution It is not good for those that want their termes for it breedeth thicke bloud and such as slowly passeth through the veines But it is singular good to stay the menses as Galen in his booke of the faculties of nourishments 〈◊〉 It causeth 〈◊〉 dreames as Dioscorides doth moreouer write it hurteth the head sinewes and lungs It is good to swallow downe thirty graines of Lentils shelled or taken from their husks against the 〈◊〉 of the stomacke Being boyled with parched barly meale and laid to it asswageth the paine and ach of the gout With honey it filleth vp hollow sores it breaketh aschares clenseth vlcers being boyled in wine it wasteth away wens and hard swellings of the throat With a 〈◊〉 and Melilot and oyle of Roses it helpeth the inflammation of the eyes and fundament but in greater inflammations of the fundament and great deep 〈◊〉 it is boyled with the rinde of a pomegranat dry Rose leaues and honey And after the same maner against 〈◊〉 sores that are mortified if sea water be added it is also a remedie against pushes the shingles and the hot inflammation called S. Anthonies fire and for kibes in such manner as we haue written being boyled in sea water and applied it helps womens brests in which the milke is cluttered and cannot suffer too great aboundance of milke CHAP. 514. Of Cich or true Orobus Orobus receptus Herbariorum The true Orobus ¶ The Description THis Pulse which of most Herbarists is taken for the true Orobus and called of some bitter Fitch is one of the Pulses whose tender branches traile vpon the ground as 〈◊〉 saith and whose long tender branches spred far abroad whereon doe grow leaues like those of the field Vetch among which grow white floures after which come long cods that appeare bunched on the outside against the place where the seeds do lie which are small round russet of colour and of a bitter taste the root is small and single ¶ The Place It prospereth best in a leane 〈◊〉 according to Columella it groweth in woods and copses in sundry places of Spaine and Italy but here only in gardens ¶ The Time This is sowne early and late but if it be sowne in the spring it easily commeth vp and is pleasant and vnpleasant if it be sowne in the fall of the leafe ¶ The Names This is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the shops of Germanie haue kept the name Orobus the Italians cal it Macho the Spaniards Yeruo and Yeruos in English it is called bitter Vetch or bitter Fitch and Orobus after the Latine name Of some Ers after the French name ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen in his first booke of the Faculties of nourishments saith That men do altogether abstaine from the bitter Vetch for it hath a very vnpleasant taste and naughty iuyce but Kine in Asia and in most other countries do eate thereof being made sweet by steeping in water notwithstanding men being compelled through necessitie of great famine as Hippocrates also hath written do oftentimes feed thereof and we also dressing them 〈◊〉 the manner of Lupines vse the bitter Vetches with honey as a medicine that purgeth thicke and grosse humors out of the chest and lungs Moreouer among the bitter Vetches the white are not so medicinable but those which are neere to a yellow or to the colour of Okar and those that haue beene twice boyled or sundrie times soked in water lose their bitter and vnpleasant taste and withall their clensing and cutting qualitie so that there is onely left in them an earthy substance which serues 〈◊〉 nourishment that drieth without any manifest bitternesse And in his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines he-saith That bitter Vetch is dry in the later end of the
water with honey allum and a little white wine added thereto make a most excellent lotion or washing water to heale the sores in the mouth the 〈◊〉 parts of man or woman and the same decoction fastneth the teeth The Raspis is thought to be like the Bramble in temperature and vertues but not so much 〈◊〉 or drying The Raspis saith Dioscorides performeth those things which the Bramble doth The fruit is good to be giuen to those that haue weake and queasie stomacks CHAP. 5. Of Holly Roses or Cistus ¶ The Kindes 〈◊〉 hath been taken of diuers to be a kinde of Rose the old Writers haue made two sorts thereof male and female and likewise a third sort which is called Ledum the later Herbarists haue discouered diuers more as shall be declared ¶ A generall Description wherein all the sorts of Cistus are comprised CIstus and his kindes are wooddy shrubs full of branches of the height of two or three cubits some haue broad leaues others rough vneuen wrinkled somewhat downy and most like the leaues of Sage although some haue the leaues of Rosemary others the forme of those of the Poplar tree the floures grow on the tops of the branches like vnto the wild Rose yet such as very quickly fade perish and fall away those of the male are most of a reddish blew or purple colour and of the female white in their places come vp little heads or knops somwhat round in which is contained small seed the roots of them all are wooddy There groweth vp sometimes vnder the shrub hard to the roots a certaine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hypocist which is thicke fat grosse full of iuyce without leaues wholly consisting of many little cases or boxes as do those of Henbane or of the Pomegranat tree of a yellowish red 〈◊〉 in one kinde and in another white and in certaine other greene or grassie as Dioscorides saith ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Cistus groweth vp like a small bush or shrub of a wooddy substance three or foure cubits high garnished with many small and brittle branches set full of crumpled or rugged leaues very like vnto Sage leaues at the top of the branches come floures of a purple colour in shape like vnto a single Brier Rose hauing leaues somwhat wrinkled like a cloath new dried before it be smoothed and in the midst a few yellow chiues or thrums the floures for the most part do perish and fall away before noone and neuer cease flouring in such maner from the moneth of May vnto the beginning of September at which time the seed is ripe being of a reddish colour and is contained in an hard hairie huske not much vnlike the husk of Henbane 1 Cistus mas angustifolius The male Holly Rose 2 Cistus mas cum Hypocistide The male Holly Rose with his excrescence 2 The second sort of Cistus being another kind of the male Cistus which Pena calls Cistus mas cum Hypocistide is like vnto the former but that from the root of this kinde there commeth a certaine excrescence or out-growing which is sometimes yellow sometimes greene and sometimes white from which is drawne by an artificiall extraction a certaine iuyce called in shops 〈◊〉 3 This kinde of Cistus hath many wooddy stalks diuided into diuers brittle branches of a russet colour whereon do grow rough leaues somewhat cut or toothed on the edges and of an ouerworne colour the floures grow on the tops of the branches in forme of a Muske Rose but of an excellent bright purple colour after which come round knops wherein is contained smal reddish seed the root is tough and wooddy 4 This fourth sort of Cistus hath diuers wooddy branches whereon are set thicke thrust together diuers smal leaues narrow like those of Winter Sauorie but of an ouerworne russet colour the root and floures are like the precedent 3 Cistus mas dentatus Toothed or snipt male Cistus 4 Cistus mas tenuifolius Thin leafed Cistus 5 Cistus foemina The female Cistus 7 Cistus folio Halimi Cistus with leaues like Sea Purslane 5 The first of the females is like vnto the male Cistus in each respect sauing that the floures hereof are of a white colour with diuers yellow thrummes in the middle and the others purple wherein consisteth the difference 6 The second female of Matthiolus description hath many hard and wooddie stalks branched with diuers armes or wings whereon are set by couples rough hoary and hairy leaues of a darke russet colour among which come forth small white floures like vnto those of the 〈◊〉 root is tough and wooddy †This I iudge all one with the former and therefore haue omitted the figure as impertinent although our Authour followed it making the floure so little in his description ‡ †7 The seuenth sort of Cistus groweth vp to the height of a small hedge bush hauing diuers brittle branches full of pith whereon are set leaues by couples like those of sea Purslane that is to say soft hoary and as it were couered ouer with a kinde of mealinesse the floures are yellow and lesse than those of the former 8 Cistus folio Lauandulae Lauander leaued Cistus 9 Cistus folio Thymi Cistus with the leaues of Tyme 8 The eighth Cistus hath likewise shrubbie stalks in maner of a hedge tree whereon do grow at certaine distances diuers leaues close ioyned together at the stalke like those of the former but somewhat lower and narrower the floures we haue not expressed in the figure by reason we haue no certaine knowledge of them 9 This ninth Cistus is likewise a wooddy shrub some foot high the stalks are very brittle as are all the rest of his kinde whereon do grow very small leaues like those of Tyme the floures are white which maketh it one of the females 10 The low or base Cistus with broad leaues groweth like a small shrub of a wooddy substance the leaues are many of a darke greene colour the floures are in forme like the other but of a yellow colour the roots are likewise wooddy 11 This narrow leafed low Cistus hath diuers tough branches leaning to the ground whereon do grow without order many small narrow leaues somewhat long of a gummy taste at the first afterwards bitter the floures grow on the tops of the branches of a yellow colour consisting of fiue leaues with certaine chiues in the middle after which follow three square cods or seed-vessels the root is tough and wooddy 10 Cistus humilis latifolius Low Cistus with broad leaues 11 Cistus humilis angustifolius Low Cistus with narrow leaues 12 Cistus humilis Austriaca Clusij Low Cistus of Austria 13 Cistus 〈◊〉 serpilli folio Low Cistus with leaues like wilde Tyme 12 The low or base Cistus of Austria groweth likewise leaning to the ground hauing many wooddy branches very firme and tough couered with a blackish barke whereon do grow very many rough and hairy leaues in shape like those of the small myrtle of a shining greene on the
lenitiue medicines It may be giuen in pouder but commonly the infusion thereof is vsed The quantitie of the pouder is a dram weight and in the infusion foure fiue or more It may be mixed in any liquor It is in the decoction or in the infusion tempered with cold things in burning agues and other hot diseases in cold and long infirmities it is boyled with hot opening simples and such like or else it is steeped in wine in which manner as familiar to mans nature it draweth forth gently by the stoole almost without any kinde of paine crude and raw humors Most of the Arabians commend the cods but our Physitions the leaues rather for vnlesse the cods be full ripe they ingender winde and cause gripings in the belly For they are oftentimes gathered before they be ripe and otherwise easily fall away being shaken downe by the wind by reason of their weake and slender stalks Some also thinke that Sene is hurtfull to the stomacke and weakneth the same for which cause they say that Ginger or some sweet kinde of spice is to be added whereby the stomacke may be strengthned Likewise Mesue noteth that it is slow in operation and therefore Salgem is to be mixed with it Moreouer Sene purgeth not so speedily as stronger medicines do Notwithstanding it may be helped not only by Salgem but also by other purging things mixed therewith that is to say with simple medicines as Rubarb Agaricke and others and with compounds as that which is called Catholicon or the Electuarie Diaphoenicon or that which is made of the iuyce of Roses or some other according as the condition or qualitie of the disease and of the sicke man requireth The leaues of Sene are a familiar purger to all people but they are windie and do binde the bodie afterwards very much disquieting the stomack with rumbling and belching for the auoiding of which inconuenience there must be added Cinnamon Ginger Annise seed and Fennell seed Raisins of the Sun and such like that do breake winde which will the better help his purging qualitie Sene doth better purge when it is infused or steeped than when it is boyled for doubtlesse the more it is boiled the lesse it purgeth and the more windie it becommeth Take Borage Buglosse Balme Fumitorie of each three drams Sene of Alexandria very wel prepared and pouned two ounces strow the pouder vpon the herbes and distill them the water that commeth thereof reserue to your vse to purge those that liue delicately being ministred in white wine with sugar in condited confections and such dainty waies wherein delicate and fine people do greatly delight you may also as was said before adde hereunto according to the maladie diuers purgers as Agaricke Mirobalans c. The pouder of Sene after it is well prepared two ounces of the pouder of the root of Mechoacan foure drams pouder of Ginger Anise seeds of each a little a spoonfull of Anise seeds but a very little Ginger and a modicum or small quantitie of Salgemmae this hath beene proued a verie fit and familiar medicine for all ages and sexes The patient may take one spoonful or two therof fasting either in pottage some supping in drink or white wine This is right profitable to draw both flegme and melancholy from the brest and other parts The leaues of Sene and Cammomil are put in baths to wash the head Sene opens the inward parts of the body which are stopped and is profitable against all griefes of the principall members of the body Take Sene prepared according to art one ounce Ginger half a quarter of an ounce twelue cloues Fenell seed two drams or in stead thereof Cinnamon and Tartar of each halfe a dram pouder all these which done take thereof in white wine one dram before supper which doth maruellously purge the head Handle Sene in maner aboue specified then take halfe an ounce thereof which don adde thereto sixty Raisins of the Sunne with the stones pickt out one spoonfull of Anise seeds braied boile these in a quart of ale till one halfe be wasted and while it is boiling put in your Sene let it stand so till the morning then straine it and put in a little Ginger then take the one halfe of this potion and put thereunto two spoonfulls of syrrup of Roses drinke this together I meane the one halfe of the medicine at one time and if the patient canot abide the next day to receiue the other halfe then let it be deferred vntil the third day after Sene and Fumitorie as Rasis affirmeth do purge adust humors and are excellent good against scabs itch and the ill affection of the body If Sene be infused in whey and then boyled a little it becommeth good physicke against melancholy clenseth the braine and purgeth it as also the heart liuer milt and lungs causeth a man to looke yong ingendreth mirth and taketh away sorrow it cleareth the sight strengthneth hearing and is very good against old feuers and diseases arising of melancholy CHAP. 11. Of bastard Sene. ¶ The Description 1 Colutea and Sene be so neere the one vnto the other in shape and shew that the 〈◊〉 Herbarists haue deemed Colutea to be the right Sene. This bastard Sene is a shrubby plant growing to the forme of a hedge bush or shrubby tree his branches are straight brittle and wooddy which being carelesly broken off and as negligently prickt or stucke in the ground will take root and prosper at what time of the yeare soeuer it be done but slipt or cut or planted in any curious sort whatsoeuer among an hundred one will 〈◊〉 grow these boughes or branches are beset with leaues like Sena or Securidaca not much vnlike Liquorice among which come forth faire broome-like yellow floures which turne into small cods like the sownd of a fish or a little bladder which will make a cracke being broken betweene the fingers wherein are contained many blacke flat seeds of the bignesse of Tares growing vpon a small rib or sinew within the cod the root is hard and of a wooddy substance 1 Colutea Bastard Sene. 2 Colutea Scorpioides Bastard Sene with Scorpion cods 2 Bastard Sene with Scorpion cods is a small wooddy shrub or bush hauing leaues branches and floures like vnto the former bastard Sene but lesse in each respect when his small yellow floures are fallen there succeed little long crooked cods like the long cods or husks of 〈◊〉 his Scorpioides whereof it tooke his name the root is like the root of the Box tree or rather resembling the roots of Dulcamara or Bitter-sweet growing naturally in the shadowie woods of Valena in Narbone whereof I haue a small plant in my garden which may be called Scorpion Sene. 3 Colutea scorpioides humilis Dwarfe bastard Sene. 4 Colutea scorpioides montana 〈◊〉 Mountaine bastard Sene. 5 Colutea minima siue Coronilla The smallest bastard Sene. 4 This mountaine bastard Sene hath stalks leaues and roots like the last
Rhamnus and being broken or bruised smelleth like Rocket 8 This eighth kinde of Cytisus which Pena setteth forth is doubtlesse another kinde of 〈◊〉 resembling the former in leaues floures and cods sauing that the small leaues which are alwaies three together area little snipt about the edges the whole plant is slenderer softer and greener rather resembling an herbe than a shrub the root is small and single 9 This bastard or mis-begotten shrub Trefoile or bastard Cytisus groweth vp like a shrub but not of a wooddy substance hauing tender stalks smooth and plaine whereon do grow hairy leaues like the other diuers set vpon one foot-stalke contrarie to all the rest the floures grow along the stems like those of the stocke Gillofloures of a yellow colour the root is tough and wooddy 8 Cytisus 8. The eighth shrub Trefoile 9 Cytisus adulterinus 〈◊〉 Alysson fruticans Bastard shrub Trefoile ¶ The Place These plants were first brought into Italy and Greece from one of the 〈◊〉 of Cyclades called Cyntho or Cynthusa and since found in many places of France as about Montpelier Veganium and other places they are strangers in England though they grow very plentifully in Scotland as it is reported whereof I haue two sorts in my garden that is to say Cytisus Maranthae or the horned Cytisus and likewise one of the smallest that is to say the third in number ‡ The second groweth in the garden of Mr. Iohn 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Time These plants floure for the most part in May Iune and Iuly and some after the seed is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 September ¶ The Names The Grecians and Latines do call this shrub 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Cynthusa an Island before mentioned in which place they are in great estimation for that they do so wonderfully feed cattell and encrease milke in their dugs nourish sheepe and goats which bring yong ones good for store and increase One Author doth call these plants in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say in Latine 〈◊〉 foenum fertile or fruitfull Hay for that the kindes hereof cause milke to encrease maketh good bloud and iuice augmenteth strength and multiplieth the naturall seed of generation they may be called in English milke Trefoile of the store of milke which they encrease ¶ The Temperature The leaues of milke Trefoile do coole as Dioscorides writeth they asswage swellings in the beginning if they be stamped and laid vnto them with bread the decoction thereof drunke prouoketh vrine Galen teacheth that the leaues of Milke Trefoile haue a digesting or wasting qualitie mixed with a waterie and temperate facultie as haue those of the Mallow ¶ The Vertues Women saith Columella if they want milke must steepe dry milke Trefoile in fairewater and when it is throughly soked they must the next day mix a quart or thereabouts of the same pressed or strained forth with a little wine and so let it be giuen vnto them to drinke and by that meanes they themselues shall receiue strength and their children comfort by abundance of milke Hippocrates reckoneth vp Milk-Trefoile among those things that encrease milke in his booke of the Nature of women and of womens diseases Also Aristomachus of Athens in Pliny commandeth to giue with wine the dry plant and the same likewise boiled in water to nurses to drinke when their milke is gone Democritus and Aristomachus do promise that you shall want no Bees if you haue milke Trefoile for them to feed on for all writers with one consent do conclude as Galen saith that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gather of the floures of Milke Trefoile very great store of honie Columella teacheth that Milke Trefoile is notable good for hennes Bees Goats Kine and all kinde of Cattell which quickely grow fat by eating thereof and that it yeeldeth very great store of milke The people of Betica and Valentia where there is great store of Cytisus doe vse it very much for the Silke Worms to hang their web vpon after they haue been well fed with the leaues of Mulberries Milke Trefoile is likewise a maruellous remedie against the Sciatica and all other kindes of gouts CHAP. 12. Of Bastard Milke-Trefoiles ¶ The Description 1 THis riseth vp with little stalks from the root brittle very many in number parted into wings and branches about which grow many leaues lesser than those of the medow Trefoile of colour greene the floures about the tops of the twigs be orderly placed in maner like ears of colour yellow lesser than those of broom otherwise all alike in their places grow vp slender cods long narrow and lesser than the cods of Broome rough also and hairy in which do lie little blackish seeds the root is long and groweth deepe and oftentimes creepeth aslope 2 The second kinde of bastard Milke-Tresoile is like vnto the former in plentifull stalkes and twigges but 〈◊〉 it is lower and more downie neither doe the stalkes thereof stand vpright but rather incline to the one side the leaues also are somewhat greater but yet lesser than those of the medow Trefoile wholly white and they 〈◊〉 open themselues out but keep alwaies folded with the middle rib standing out the floures likewise be closelier ioined together and compacted as it were into a little head and be also something greater the cods in like manner are a little bigger and hairy and of a blackish purple or murrey the root groweth deepe in the ground being diuided into a few sprigs it oftentimes happeneth to grow in one place more hairie or downie than in another the more hairie and downie it is the more white and 〈◊〉 it is for the hairinesse doth also bring with it a certaine whitish colour 3 The third kinde of bastard Milke Trefoile bringeth forth a companie of young shoots that are somewhat writhed and crooked long leaues of a faire greene colour the floures are closed together long white or else galbineous sweetly smelling that is to say hauing the smel of honie the shrub it selfe is alwaies greene both Sommer and Winter ‡ This growes some foot or better high with slender hoarie branches set with leaues three standing together vpon a very short stalke and the middle leafe is as long againe as the other two they are very white and 〈◊〉 and the yellow floures grow out of the bosomes of the leaues all alongst the stalks This is that mentioned in the vertues of the former chapter at F for the Silke wormes to worke vpon ‡ 4 The fourth shrub is likewise one of the wilde kinde though in face and stature like the manured 1 Pseudocytisus 1. The first bastard shrub Trefoile 2 Pseudocytisus 2. The 2. bastard shrub Trefoile 3 Cytisus semper 〈◊〉 The euer-greene shrub Trefoile 4 Pseudocytisus hirsutus The hairie bastard tree Trefoile ¶ The Place These kindes of Milke Trefoiles are found in Morauia so called in our age which in times past was named Marcomannorum prouincia and in the vpper Pannonia otherwise called Austria neere to high
to drinke the distilled water of Broome floures against surfets and diseases thereof arising Sir Thomas Fitzherbert Knight was woont to cure the blacke iaundice with this drinke onely Take as many handfuls as you thinke good of the dried leaues of Broom gathered and brayed to pouder in the moneth of May then take vnto each handfull of the dried 〈◊〉 one spoonful and a halfe of the seed of Broom braied into pouder mingle these together and let the sicke drinke thereof each day a quantitie first and last vntill he finde some 〈◊〉 The medicine must be continued and so long vsed vntil it be quite extinguished for it is a disease not very 〈◊〉 cured but must by little and little be dealt withall Orobanch or Broom rape sliced and put into oyle Oliue to insuse or 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 same as ye do Roses for oile of Roses scoureth and putteth away all spots lentils freck les pimples wheals and pushes from the face or any part of the body being annointed therewith Dioscorides writeth that Orobanch may be 〈◊〉 either raw 〈◊〉 boiled in manner as we vse to eat the sprigs or young shoots of Asparagus The floures and seeds of Spanish Broome are good to be drunke with Mead or honied water in the quantitie of a dram to cause one to vomite with great force and violence euen as white Hellebor or neesing pouder If it be taken alone it looseneth the belly driueth forth great quantitie of waterie and filthie humours CHAP. 18. Of base Broome or greening weed ¶ The Description 1 THis base kinde of Broom called Greene weed or Diers weed hath many tough branches proceeding from a wooddie root whereon do grow great store of leaues of a deep green colour somewhat long like those of Flax the floures grow at the top of the branches not much vnlike the leaues of Broome but smaller of an exceeding faire yellow colour which turne into small flat cods wherein is contained a little flat seed 2 Carolius Clusius setteth forth another kinde of Broome which Dodonaeus calleth Genistatinctoria being another sort of Diers weed it groweth like the Spanish Broome vpon whose branches do grow long and small leaues like Flax greene on the vpper side and of an hoarie shining colour on the other The floures grow at the top of the stalks spike fashion in forme and colour like the former the roots are thicke and wooddie 3 Carolus Clusius setteth forth two kindes of Broome The first is a low and base plant creeping and lying flat vpon the ground whose long branches are nothing else but as it were stalkes consisting of leaues thicke in the middest and thinne about the edges and as it were diuided with small nicks at which place it beginneth to continue the same leafe to the end and so from leafe to leafe vntill it haue increased a great sort all which doe as it were make one stalke and hath none other leaues sauing that in some of the nicks or diuisions there commeth forth a small leafe like a little eare At the end of those flat and leafed stalks come forth the 〈◊〉 much like the floures of the common Greening weed but lesser and of a yellow colour which turne into small cods The roots are very long tough and wooddie ful of fibres closing at the top of the root from whence they proceed as from one body 4 This kinde of Greenweed called of some Chamaesparium hath a thicke wooddie root from which rise vp diuers long leaues consisting as it were of many pieces set together like a paire of Beads as may better be perceiued by the figure than expressed by words greene on the vpper side and whitish vnderneath very tough and as it were of a rushie substance among which rise vp very small naked rushie stalkes on the top whereof groweth an eare or spike of a chaffie matter hauing here and there in the said care diuers yellow floures like Broome but very small or little 1 Genistella tinctoria Greeneweed or Diers weed 2 Genistella infectoria Wooddie Diers weed 3 Genistella pinnata Winged Greeneweed 4 Genistella globulata Globe Greene weed 5 The fist Greeneweed hath a wooddie tough root with certaine strings annexed thereto from which rise vp diuers long flat leaues tough very hard consisting as it were of many little leaues set one at the end of another making of many one entire leafe of a greene colour amongst which come forth diuers naked hard stalks very small and stiffe on the tops whereof stand spikie 〈◊〉 of yellow floures like those of Broome in shape like that great three leafed grasse called Lagopus 〈◊〉 like the Fox-taile grasse after which come flat cods wherein is inclosed small seed like to Tares both in taste and forme 5 Genistella Lagopoides maior Hares foot Greeneweed 6 Genistella Lagopoides minor Small Greenweed with Hares foot floure 6 This differeth not from the precedent in stalks roots and leaues the floures consist of a flockie soft matter not vnlike to the grassie tuft of Foxtaile resembling the floure of Lagopus or Hares-foot but hauing small yellow floures lesser than the former wherein it chiefely differeth from the other of his kinde ¶ The Place The first being 〈◊〉 common Diers-weed groweth in most fertile pastures and fields almost euery where The rest are strangers in England ¶ The Time They floure from the beginning of Iuly to the end of August ¶ The Names The first of these Greenweeds is named of most Herbarists Flos Tinctorius but more rightly Genista Tinctoria of this Pliny hath made mention The Greenweeds saith he do grow to dye cloths with in his 18. booke 16. Chapter It is called in high Dutch Ferblumen and Ackerbrem in Italian Cerretta and Cosaria as Matthiolus writeth in his chapter of Lysimachia or Loose-strifie in 〈◊〉 Diers Greening weed base Broome and Woodwaxen The rest we refer to their seuerall titles ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These plants are like vnto common Broome in bitternesse and therefore are hot and drie in the second degree they are likewise thought to be in vertues equall notwithstanding their vse is not so well known and therefore not vsed at all where the other may be had we shall not need to speak of that vse that Diers make thereof being a matter impertinent to our Historie CHAP. 19. Of Spanish base Broomes ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THis growes to the height of a cubit and is couered with a crested and rough 〈◊〉 and diuided into many longish branches crested green which at their first springing vp haue some leaues vpon them which fall away as soon as the plant comes to floure from the sides of the branches come forth long foot-stalks whereon hang some small yellow floures which are succeeded by short round yellowish red cods which commonly containe but one seed 〈◊〉 two and these hard and blacke and like a little Kidney which when it is ripe will rattle in the cod being shaken ‡ 1 Pseudospartum Hispanicum Aphyllum
a weake and feeble heart vnlesse this stone called Lapis Cyaneus be quite left out Therefore he that is purposed to vse this composition against beatings and throbbings of the heart and swounings and that not as a purging medicine shall do well and wisely by leauing out the stone Cyaneus for this being taken in a little weight or small quantitie cannot purge at all but may in the meane season trouble and torment the stomacke and withall thorow his sharpe and venomous qualitie if it be oftentimes taken be very offensiue to the guts and intrailes and by this meanes bring more harme than good Moreouer it is not necessarie no nor expedient that the bristle died with Cochenele called Chesmes as the Apothecaries terme it should be added to this composition for this bristle is not died without Auripigmentum called also Orpiment and other pernitious things ioyned therewith whose poysonsome qualities are added to the iuyces together with the colour if either the bristle or died silke be boyled in them The berries of the Cochenele must be taken by themselues which alone are sufficient to dy the iuices and to impart vnto them their vertue neither is it likewise needfull to boile the raw silke together with the graines as most Physitians thinke this may be left out for it maketh nothing at all for the strengthning of the heart CHAP. 34. Of the great Skarlet Oke ¶ The Description THe great Skarlet Oke or the great Holme Oke groweth many times to the full height of a tree sometimes as big as the Peare tree with boughes far spreading like the Acorne or 〈◊〉 Mast trees the timber is firme and sound the leaues are set with prickles round about the edges like those of the former Skarlet Oke the leaues when the tree waxeth old haue on them no prickles at all but are somwhat bluntly cut or indented about the edges greene on the vpper side and gray vnderneath the Acorne standeth in a prickly cup like our common Oke Acorne which when it is ripe becommeth of a browne colour with a white kernel within of taste not vnpleasant There is found vpon the branches of this tree a certaine kinde of long hairy mosse of the colour of ashes not vnlike to that of our English Oke ‡ This tree is euer greene and at the tops of the branches about the end of May here in England carrieth diuers long catkins of mossie yellow floures which fall away and are not succeeded by the acornes for they grow out vpon other stalks Clusius in the yeare 1581 obserued two trees the one in a garden aboue the Bridge and the other in the priuat garden at White-Hall hauing lesser leaues than the former The later of these is yet standing and euery yeare beares small Acornes which I could neuer obserue to come to any maturitie ‡ Ilex maior Glandifera The great Skarlet Oke ‡ Ilicis ramus floridus The floures of the great Skarlet Oke ¶ The Place In diuers places there are great woods of these trees hills also and vallies are beautified therewith they grow plentifully in many countries of Spaine and in Languedocke and Prouence in great plenty It is likewise found in Italy It beareth an Acorne greater and of a larger size than doth the tame Oke in some countries lesser and shorter they are strangers in England notwithstanding there is here and there a tree thereof that hath been procured from beyond the seas one groweth in her Maiesties Priuy Garden at White-Hall neere to the gate that leadeth into the street and in some other places here and there one ¶ The Time It is greene at all times of the yeare it is late before the Acornes be ripe Clusius reporteth that he saw the floures growing in clusters of a yellow colour in May. ¶ The Names This Oke is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Ilex in Spanish Enzina in Italian Elize in French Chesneuerd in English Barren Skarlet Oke or Holme Oke and also of some French or Spanish Oke The Spaniards call the fruit or Acorne Bellota or Abillota Theophrastus seemeth to call this tree not Prinos but Smilax for he maketh mention but of one Ilex onely and that is of Scarlet Oke and he sheweth that the Arcadians do not call the other Ilex but Smilax for the name Smilax is of many significations there is Smilax among the Pulses which is also called Dolichus and Phaseolus and Smilax aspera and Laeuis amongst the Binde-weeds likewise Smilax is taken of Dioscorides to be Taxus the Yew tree Of Smilax Theophrastus writeth thus in his third booke the inhabitants of Arcadia do call a certaine tree Smilax being like vnto the Skarlet Oke the leaues thereof be not set with such sharpe prickles but tenderer and softer Of this Smilax Pliny also writeth in his sixteenth booke chap. 6. There be of Ilex saith he two kindes Ex ijs in Italia folio non multum ab oleis distant called of certain Grecians Smilaces in the proninces Aquifolia in which words in stead of Oliue trees may perchance be more truly placed Suberis or the Corke tree for this kinde of Ilex or Smilax is not reported of any of the old writers to haue the leafe of the Oliue tree but Suber in Greeke called Phellos or the Corke tree hath a little leafe ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The leaues of this Oke haue force to coole and repell or keepe backe as haue the leaues of the Acornes or Mast trees being stamped or beaten and applied they are good for soft swellings and strengthen weake members The barke of the root boiled in water vntill it be dissolued and layd on all night maketh the haire blacke being first scoured with Cimolia as Dioscorides saith Clusius reporteth that the Acorne is esteemed of eaten and brought into the market to be sold in the city of Salamanca in Spaine and in many other places of that countrey and of this Acorne Pliny also hath peraduenture written lib 16. cap. 5. in these words Moreouer at this day in Spain the Acorne is serued for a second course CHAP. 35. Of the great Holme-Oke 1 Cerris maiore Glande The Holme Oke with great Acornes 2 Cerris minore Glande The Holme Oke with lesser Acorns ¶ The Description ‡ Cerri minoris 〈◊〉 cum flore A branch of the smaller Holme Oke with floures 2 The second is altogether like the first sauing that this beareth smaller Acornes and the whole tree is altogether lesse wherein consisteth the difference ‡ Both this the former cary floures clustering vpon long stalkes like as in the common Oke but the fruit doth not succeed them but grow forth in other places ‡ ¶ The Place This Oke groweth in vntoiled places it is seldome times found and that but in Woods onely it is for the most part vnknowne in Italy as Pliny reporteth ¶ The Time They bring forth their fruit or 〈◊〉 in the fall of the leafe ¶ The Names This Oke
Thebarke fruit and gums of the Fir tree are of the nature of the Pitch tree and his gums ¶ The Vertues The liquid Rosin of the Fir tree called Turpentine looseth the belly driueth forth hot cholerick humours clenseth and mundifieth the kidnies prouoketh vrine and driueth forth the stone and grauell The same taken with Sugar and the pouder of Nutmegs cureth the strangurie staieth the Gonorrhoea or the inuoluntary issue of mans nature called the running of the rains and the white flux in women It is very profitable for all green and fresh wounds especially the wounds of the head for it healeth and clenseth mightily especially if it be washed in Plantaine water and afterward in Rose water the yolke of an egge put thereto with the pouders of Olibanum and Masticke finely searced adding thereto a little Saffron CHAP. 44. Of the Larch Tree ¶ The Description 1 THe Larch is a tree of no small height with a body growing straight vp the bark wherof in the nether part beneath the boughes is thicke rugged and full of chinks which being cut in sunder is red within and in the other part aboue smooth 〈◊〉 something whitewithout it bringeth forth many boughes diuided into other lesser branches which be tough and pliable The leaues are small and cut into many iags growing in 〈◊〉 thicke together like tassels which fall away at the approch of Winter the floures or rather the first shewes of the cones or fruit be round and grow out of the tenderest boughes being at the length of a braue red purple colour the cones be small and like almost in bignesse to those of the Cypresse tree but longer and made vp of a multitude of thin scales like leaues vnder which lie small seeds hauing a thin 〈◊〉 growing on them very like to the wings of Bees and wasps the substance of the wood is very hard of colour especially that in the midst somewhat red and very profitable for workes of long continuance 1 Laricis ramulus A branch of the Larch tree 2 Larix cum Agarico suo The Larch tree with his Agarick It is not true that the wood of the Larch tree tree cannot be set on fire as Vitruvius reporteth of the castle made of Larch wood which 〈◊〉 besieged for it burneth in chimneies and is turned into coles which are very profitable for Smithes as Matthiolus writeth There is also gathered of the Larch tree a liquid Rosin very like in colour and substance to the whiter hony as that of Athens or of Spaine which notwithstanding issueth not forth of it selfe but runneth out of the stocke of the tree when it hath been bored euen to the heart with a great and long auger and wimble Galen writeth that there be after a sort two kindes hereof in his 4. booke of Medicines according to the kinds one like vnto Turpentine the other more sharper than this hotter more liquid of a stronger smell and in taste bitterer and hotter but the later is thought not to be the Rosine of the Larch but of the Fir-tree which Galen because it is after a sort like in substance might haue taken for that of the Larch tree There groweth also vpon the Larch tree a kinde of Mushrum or excrescence not such as is vpon other trees but whiter softer more loose and spungie than any other of the Mushrums and good for medicine which beareth the name of Agaricus or Agaricke I find that Pliny supposeth all the Masticke trees and those that beare Galls do bring forth this Agaricum wherein he was somewhat deceiued and especially in that he took Glandifera for Conifera that is those trees which beare mast or Acornes for the Pine apple trees but among all the trees that beare Agaricus the Larch is the chiefe and bringeth most plenty of Agarick ¶ The Place The Larch tree groweth not in Greece or in Macedon but chiefely vpon the Alpes of Italy not far from Trent hard by the riuers Benacus and Padus and also in other places of the same mountaines it is likewise found on hils in Morauia which in times past was called the countrey of the Marcomans Fuchsius writeth that it groweth also in Silesia others in Lusatia in the borders of Poland it also groweth plentifully in the woods of Gallia Cesalpina Pliny hath said somewhat hereof contradicting the writings of others in his 16 book 8 chapter where he saith that specially the Acorne trees of France do beare Agaricke and not only the acorn trees but the Cone trees also among which saith he the Larch tree is the chiefe that bringeth forth Agaricke and that not onely in Gallia which now is called France but rather in Lumbardy and Piemont in Italy where there be whole woods of Larch trees although they be found in some smal quantitie in other countries The best Agarick is that which is whitest very loose and spungie which may easily be broken and is light and in the first taste sweet hard and well compact that which is heauy blackish and containing in it little threds as it were of sinewes is counted pernicious and deadly ¶ The Time Of all the Cone trees onely the Larch tree is found to be without leaues in the Winter in the Spring grow fresh leaues out of the same knobs from which the former did fall The cones are to be gathered before winter so soone as the leaues are gone but after the scales are loosed and opened the seeds drop away the Rosine must be gathered in the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Larix in Italian and Spanish Larice in high Dutch Lerchenbaum in low Dutch Lorkenboom in French Melese in English Larch tree and of some Larix tree The liquid Rosin is named by Galen also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines call it Resina Larigna or Resina Laricea Larch Rosin the Italians Larga the Apothecaries Terebinthina or Turpentine and it is sold and also mixed in medicines in stead thereof neither is that a thing newly done for Galen likewise in his time reporteth that the Druggers sold the Larch Rosine in stead of Turpentine and this may bee done without errour for Galen himselfe in one place vseth Larch Rosin for Turpentine and in another Turpentine for Larch Rosine in his booke of medicines according to the kindes The Agaricke is also called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Agaricum and Agaricus and so likewise in shops the Italians Spaniards and other nations do imitate the Greeke word and 〈◊〉 English we call it Agaricke ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The leaues barke fruit and kernell are of temperature like vnto the Pine but not so strong The Larch Rosin is of a moister temperature than all the rest of the Rosines and is withall without sharpnesse or biting much like to the right Turpentine and is fitly mixed with medicines which perfectly cure vlcers and greene wounds All
to their blame that call sweet and odoriferous smells euen all of them by that name because he doth especially make mention withall in one verse of Cedrus and Thya the copies haue falsly Larix or Larch tree in which it is manifest that he spake onely of trees the verse is extant in the fift booke of Odysses where he mentioneth that Mercurie by Iupiters commandement went to Calypsus den and that he did smell the burnt trees Thya and Cedrus a great way off Theophrastus attributeth great honor to this tree shewing that the roofs of old Temples became famous by reason of that wood and that the timber thereof of which the rafters are made is euerlasting and it is not hurt there by rotting cobweb nor any other infirmitie or corruption ¶ The Temperature The fruit and leaues of the Cypres are dry in the third degree and astringent ¶ The Vertues The Cypres nuts being stamped and drunken in wine as Dioscorides writeth stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix it is good against the spitting of bloud and all other issues of bloud They glue and heale vp great vlcers in hard bodies they safely and without harme soke vp and consume the hid and secret moisture lying deepe and in the bottome of weake and moist infirmities The leaues and nuts are good to cure the rupture to take away the Polypus being an excrescence growing in the nose Some do vse the same against 〈◊〉 and eating sores mixing them with parched Barley meale The leaues of Cypres boyled in sweet wine or Mede helpes the strangurie and difficulty of making water It is reported that the smoke of the leaues doth driue away gnats and that the clogs do so likewise The shauings of the wood laid among garments preserueth them from the moths the rosin killeth Moths little wormes and magots CHAP. 46. Of the Tree of Life Arhor Vitae The Tree of Life ¶ The Description THe tree Tree of Life groweth to the height of a small tree the barke being of a darke reddish colour the timber very hard the branches spreading themselues abroad hanging down toward the ground by reason of the weakenesse of the twiggie branches surcharged with very oileous and ponderous leaues casting and spreading themselues like the feathers of a wing resembling those of the Sauine tree but thicker broader and more ful of gummie or oileous substance which being 〈◊〉 in the hands do yeeld an aromatick spicie or gummie sauor very pleasant and comfortable amongst the leaues come forth small yellowish floures which in my garden fall away without any fruit but as it hath beene reported by those that haue seene the same there followeth a fruit in hot regions much like vnto the fruit of the Cypres tree but smaller compact of little and thinne scales closely pact one vpon another which my selfe haue not yet seene The branches of this tree laid downe in the earth wil very easily take root euen like the Woodbinde or some such plant which I haue often proued and thereby haue greatly multiplied these trees ¶ The Place This tree groweth not wilde in England but it groweth in my garden very plentifully ¶ The Time It endureth the cold of our Northerne clymat yet doth it lose his gallant greenes in the winter moneths it floureth in my garden about May. ¶ The Names Theophrastus and Pliny as some thinke haue called this sweet and aromatical tree Thuia or Thya some call it 〈◊〉 Lycia the new writers do terme it Arbor vitae in English the tree of life I doe not meane that whereof mention is made Gen. 3. 22. ¶ The Temperature Both the leaues and boughes be hot and dry ¶ The Vertues Among the plants of the New-found land this Tree which Theophrastus calls Thuia or 〈◊〉 is the most principal and best agreeing vnto the nature of man as an excellent cordial and of a very pleasant smell CHAP. 47. Of the Yew tree Taxus The Yew tree ¶ The Description ‡ IN stead of the description and place mentioned by our Author which were not amisse giue me leaue to present you with one much more accurate sent me by Mr. Iohn Goodyer Taxus glandifera bacciferáque The Yew bearing Acornes and berries THe Yew tree that beareth Acornes and berries is a great high tree remaining alwaies greene and hath vsually an huge trunke or body as big as the Oke couered ouer with a scabbed or scaly barke often pilling or falling off and a yong smooth barke appearing vnderneath the timber hereof is somewhat red neere as hard as Box vniuersally couered next the barke with a thickewhite sap like that of the Oke and hath many big limmes diuided into many smal spreading branches the leaues be about an inch long narrow like the leaues of Rosemary but smooth and of a darker greene colour growing all alongst the little twigs or branches close together seldome one opposite against another often hauing at the ends of the twigs little branches composed of many leaues like the former but shorter and broader closely compact or ioyned together amongst the leaues are to be seene at all times of the yeare small slender buds somewhat long but neuer any floures which at the very beginning of the Spring grow bigger and bigger till they are of the fashion 〈◊〉 little Acornes with a white kernell within after they are of this forme then groweth vp from the bottomes of the Acornes a reddish matter making beautiful reddish berries more long than round smooth on the out side very clammie within and of a sweet taste couering all the Acorne onely leauing a little hole at the top where the top of the Acorne is to be seene these 〈◊〉 or deuoured by birds leaue behinde them a littlewhitish huske made of a few scales appearing like a little floure which peraduenture may deceiue some taking it to be so indeed it seemes this tree if it were not hindred by cold weather would alwaies haue Acornes and berries on him for he hath alwaies little buds which so soone as the Spring yeelds but a reasonable heate they grow iuto the forme of Acornes about the beginning of August seldome before you shall finde them turned into ripe berries and from that time till Christmasse or a little after you may see on him both Acornes and red berries Taxus tantum florens The Yew which only floures The Yew which onely beareth floures and no berries is like the other in trunke timber barke and leaues but at the beginning of Nouember or before this tree doth beginne to be very thicke set or fraught on the lower side or part of the twigs or little branches with small round buds verie neere as big and of the colour of Radish seed and do so continue all the Winter till about the beginning or middle of Februarie when they open at the top sending forth one small sharpe pointall little longer than the huske diuided into many parts or garnished towards the top with many small dusty things like floures of the colour
boyled in oyle Oliue and kept therein kill the wormes in children if you anoint their bellies therewith and the leaues poudered and giuen in milke or Muscadell do the same The leaues dried and beate into fine pouder and strewed vpon those kindes of excrescences sub praeputio called Caroles and such like gotten by dealing with vncleane women take them away perfectly curing and healing them but if they be inueterate and old and haue been much tampered withall it shall be necessarie to adde vnto the same a small quantitie of Auripigmentum in fine pouder and vse it with discretion because the force of the medicine is greatly increased thereby and made more corrosiue CHAP. 51. Of Tamariske 1 Tamariscus Narbonensis French Tamariske 2 Tamariscus Germanica Germane Tamariske ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Tamariske groweth like a small hedge tree couered with a reddish barke hauing many branches set and bedeckt with leaues much like vnto Heath among which come forth small mossie white floures declining to purple which turne into a pappous or downie seed that flieth away with the winde as that of Willow doth the root is wooddie as the roots of other shrubs be and groweth diuers waies 2 The Germane Tamariske hath many wooddie branches or shoots rising from the root with a white bark hauing his leaues thicker and grosser than the former and not so finely iagged or cut The floures are reddish and larger than the former growing not vpon foot-stalkes many thick clustering together as those of the former but each a 〈◊〉 distance from another on the tops of the branches spike fashion and begin to floure below which do turne into seed that is likewise carried away with the winde ¶ The Place Tamariske groweth by running streames and many times by riuers that breake forth and not seldome about fenny grounds commonly in a grauelly soile for it best prospereth in moist and stony places it is sound in Germany Vindelicia Italy Spaine and also in Greece The Tamarisks do also grow in Egypt and Syria as Dioscorides writeth and likewise in Tylus an Island in Arabia as Theophrastus noteth the wood wherof saith he is not weak as with vs in Greece but strong like 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or timber or any other strong thing this Tamariske Dioscorides doth call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say tame or planted and saith that it bringeth forth fruit very like to Galls in taste rough and binding Petrus Bellonius in his second booke of singularities reporteth that hee saw in Egypt very high Tamarisks and great like other trees and that sometimes in moist places by riuers sides and many times also in dry and grauelly grounds where no other trees did grow which now and then did beare hanging on the boughes such a multitude of Galls that the inhabitants call Chermasel as being ouer loden they were ready to breake Both these grow and prosper well in gardens with vs here in England ¶ The Time These trees or shrubs floure in May and in the later end of August their seed is carried away with the wind ¶ The Names They are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine also Myrica and Tamarix in shops Tamariscus of Octautus Horatianus Murica Dioscorides maketh that which groweth in Greece and Italy to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 orwilde Tamariske it is named in high Dutch Tamarischen holk and Pork in low Dutch 〈◊〉 Tamarlschboome in Italian Tamarigio in Spanish Tamarguira and Tamariz in French Tamaris in English Tamariske ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Tamariske hath a clensing and cutting facultie with a manifest drying it is also somewhat astringent or binding and by reason of these qualities it is very good for an hard spleen being boyled with vineger or wine either the root or leaues or tender branches as Galen writeth Moreouer Dioscorides teacheth that the decoction of the leaues made with wine doth waste the spleene and that the same is good against the tooth-ache if the mouth be washed therewith that it bringeth downe the Menses if the patient sit therein that it killeth lice and nits if the parts be bathed therewith The ashes of burnt Tamariske hath a drying facultie and greatly scouring withall and a little binding The floures and downie seed of the greater Tamariske doth greatly binde insomuch as it commeth very neere to the Gall named Galla Omphacitis but that the roughnesse of taste is more euident in the Gall the which floures are of an vnequall temperature for there is ioined to the nature therof a great thinnesse of parts and clensing facultie which the Gall hath not as Galen writeth These floures we fitly vse saith Dioscor in stead of Gall in medicines for the eies and mouth It is good to stanch bloud and to stay the laske and womens whites it helpeth the yellow iaundice and also cureth those that are bit of the venomous spider called Phalangium the barke serueth for the same purposes The leaues and wood of Tamariske haue great power and vertue against the hardnesse and stopping of the spleene especially the leaues being boiled in water and the decoction drunke or else 〈◊〉 in a small vessell of Ale or Beere and continually drunke and if it bee drunke forth of a cup or dish made of the wood or timber of Tamariske is of greater efficacie CHAP. 52. Of Heath Hather or Linge ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Heath some greater some lesser some with broad leaues and some narrower some bringing forth berries and others nothing but floures ¶ The Description 1 THe common Heath is a low plant but yet wooddie and shrubby scarce a cubit high it bringeth forth many branches whereupon do grow sundry little leaues somewhat hard and rough very like to those of Tamariske or the Cypresse tree the floures are orderly placed alongst the branches small soft and of a light red colour tending to purple the root is also wooddie and creepeth vnder the vpper crust of the earth and this is the Heath which the Antients tooke to be the right and true Heath 1 Erica vulgaris sive Pumila Common or dwarfe Heath ‡ Erica vulgaris hirsuta Rough leaued Heath There is another Heath which differeth not from the precedent sauing that this plant bringeth forth floures as white as snow wherein consisteth the difference wherefore we may call it Erica pumila alba Dwarfe Heath with white floures 2 The great Heath which Carolus Clusius at his being in England found in the barren grounds about Windsor which in his Spanish trauels he maketh the first kinde groweth to the height of two cubits seldome higher full of branches couered with a blackish barke whereon are set in very good order by couples small rough square leaues finer than those of Tamariske or Cypresse The floures inclose the little twiggie branches round about at certaine distances from the lower part to the top fashioned like little bottles consisting of foure parts of a shining
writeth that the Arcadians do call the lesser 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 Pliny also nameth this Helice both of them do make this to be Salicis tertia species the third kinde of Sallow the same is likewise called in Latine Salix pumila Salix viminalis Gallica Salix and by Columella Sabina which he saith that many do terme Amerina in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Osier small Withy Twig Withy Petrus Crescentius nameth it Vincus ¶ The Temperature The leaues floures seed and barke of Willowes are cold and dry in the second degree and astringent ¶ The Vertues The leaues and barke of Withy or Willowes do stay the spitting of bloud and all other fluxes of bloud whatsoeuer in man or woman if the said leaues and barke be boiled in wine and drunke The greene boughes with the leaues may very well be brought into chambers and set about the beds of those that be sicke of feuers for they do mightily coole the heate of the aire which thing is a wonderfull refreshing to the sicke Patients The barke hath like vertues Dioscorides writeth that this being burnt to ashes and steeped in vineger takes away cornes and other like risings in the feet and toes diuers saith Galen doe slit the barke whilest the Withy is in flouring and gather a certain iuice with which they vse to take away things that hinder the sight and this is when they are constrained to vse a clensing medicine of thin and subtill parts CHAP. 56. Of the Oliue Tree 1 Oleasativa The manured Oliue tree 2 Oleasyluestris The wilde Oliue tree ¶ The Description 1 THe tame or manured Oliue tree groweth high and great with many branches full of long narrow leaues not much vnlike the leaues of Willowes but narrower and smaller the floures be white and very small growing vpon clusters or bunches the fruit is long and round wherein is an hard stone from which fruit is pressed that liquor which we call oyle Oliue 2 The wilde Oliue is like vnto the tame or garden Oliue tree sauing that the leaues are something smaller among which sometimes do grow many prickely thornes the fruit hereof is lesser than of the sormer and moe in number which do seldome come to maturitie or ripenes in somuch that the oile which is made of those berries continueth euer green and is called Oile Omphacine or oile of vnripe Oliues ¶ The Place Both the tame and the wilde Oliue trees grow in very many places of Italy France and Spaine and also in the Islands adioyning they are reported to loue the sea coasts for most do thinke as Columella writeth that aboue sixty miles from the sea they either dy or else bring forth no fruit but the best and they that do yeeld the most pleasant Oyle are those that grow in the Island called Candy ¶ The Time All the Oliue trees floure in the moneth of Iune the fruit is gathered in Nouember or December when they be a little dried and begin to wrinckle they are put into the presse and out of them is sqeezed oile with water added in the pressing the Oliues which are to be preserued in salt and pickle must be gathered before they be ripe and whilest they are greene ¶ The Names The tame or garden Oliue tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Oleasatiua and Vrbana in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Oliuo domestico in French Oliuier in Spanish Oliuo and Oliuera in English Oliue tree The berry is called Oliua in Greeke also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Spanish Azcytuna in French Dutch and English Oliue Oliues preserued in brine or pickle are called Colymbades Thewilde Oliue tree is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Oleasyluestris Oleaster Cotinus Olea Aethiopica in Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian Oliuosaluatico in Spanish Azcbuche Azambulheyro in French Oliuier sauuage in English wilde Oliue tree ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Oliues which be so ripe as that either they fall off themselues or be ready to fall which are named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be moderatly hot and moist yet being eaten they yeeld to the body little nourishment The vnripe oliues are dry and binding Those that are preserued in pickle called Colymbades do dry vp the ouermuch moisture of the stomacke they remoue the loathing of meate stirre vp an appetite but there is no nourishment at all that is to be looked for in them much lesse good nourishment The branches leaues and tender buds of the Oliue tree do coole dry and binde and especially of the wilde Oliue for they be of greater force than those of the tame therefore by reason they be milder they are better for eye medicines which haue need of binding things to be mixed with them The same do stay S. Anthonies fire the shingles epinyctides night wheales carbuncles and eating vlcers being laid on with honey they take away eschares clense foule and filthy vlcers and quench the heate of hot swellings and be good for kernels in the flanke they heale skin wounds in the head and being chewed they are a remedie for vlcers in the mouth The iuyce and decoction also are of the same effect moreouer the iuice doth stay all maner of bleedings and also the whites The iuice is pressed forth of the stamped leaues with wine added thereto which is better or with water and being dried in the Sun it is made vp into little cakes like perfumes The sweat or oyle which issueth forth of the wood whilest it is in burning healeth tetters scurfs and scabs if they be anointed therewith The same which is pressed forth of the vnripe Oliues is as cold as it is binding The old oile which is made of sweet and ripe Oliues being kept long doth withall become hotter and is of greater force to digest or waste away and that oile which was made of the vnripe Oliue being old doth as yet retaine some part of his former 〈◊〉 and is of a mixt faculty that is to say partly binding and partly digesting for it hath got this digesting or consuming faculty by age and the other propertie of binding of his owne nature The oile of ripe Oliues mollifieth and asswageth paine dissolueth tumors or swellings is good for the stiffenesse of the ioints and against cramps especially being mingled according to art with good and wholesome herbes appropriate vnto those diseases and griefes as Hypericon Cammomill Dill Lillies Roses and many others which do sortifie and increase his vertues The oile of vnripe Oliues called Omphacinum Oleum doth stay represse and driue away the beginning of tumors and inflammations cooling the heate of burning vlcers and exulcerations CHAP. 57. Of Priuet or Prim Print Ligustrum Priuet or Prim Print ¶ The Description PRiuet is a shrub growing like a hedge tree the branches and twigs wherofbe straight and couered with soft glistring leaues of a
described but thinner and not snipt about the edges on the tops of the branches grow the floures wholly white consisting of nine ten or twelue leaues set in two rankes these floures are very sweet hauing a sent as it were compounded of the Spanish Iasmine and Orange floures It is a tender plant and may be graffed vpon the common Iasmine whereon it thriues well and floures most part of the Sommer It groweth plentifully in Egypt and Prosper Alpinus is thought to mention this by the name of Sambac Arabum siue Gelseminum Arabicum ‡ 4 Glans vnguentaria or the oylie Acorne is the fruit of a tree like Tamariske of the bignesse of an Hasell Nut out of the kernell whereof no otherwise than out of bitter Almonds is pressed an oylie iuyce which is vsed in pretious Oyntments as Dioscorides 〈◊〉 neither is it in our time wholly reiected for the oyle of this fruit mixed with sweet odours serueth to persume gloues and diuers other things and is vulgarly knowne by the name of Oyle of Ben. ¶ The Place 1. 2. These trees grow not wilde in England but I haue them growing in my garden in very great plenty ¶ The Time They floure in Aprill and May but as yet they haue not 〈◊〉 any fruit in my garden though in Italy and Spaine their fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names The later Physitians call the first Syringa or rather 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say a Pipe because the stalks and branches thereof when the pith is taken out are hollow like a pipe it is also many times syrnamed Candida or white or Syringa candido slore or Pipe with a white floure because it should differ from Lillach which is sometimes named Syringa coerulea or blew Pipe in English White Pipe Blew Pipe the later Physitians as we haue said do name Lillach or 〈◊〉 of some Syringa 〈◊〉 or blew Pipe most do expound the word Lillach and call it Ben Serapio's and the Arabians 〈◊〉 is Glans vnguentaria which the Grecians name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from which Lillach doth very much differ among other differences it is very apparant that Lillach bringeth forth no Nut howsoeuer 〈◊〉 doth falsly picture it with one for it hath only a little cod the seed whereof hath in it no oile at all The figure of the Balanus Myrepsica we haue thought good to insert in this chapter for want of a more conuenient roome ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Concerning the vse and faculties of these shrubs neither we our selues haue found out any thing 〈◊〉 learned ought of others ‡ The Balanus Myrepsica taken in the quantitie of a dram causeth vomit drunk with Hydromel it purges by stoole but is hurtfull to the stomacke The oile pressed out of this fruit which is vsually termed oyle of Ben as it hath no good or pleasing smell so hath it no ill sent neither doth it become rancide by age which is the reason that it is much vsed by perfumers The oile smoothes the skin softens and dissolues hardnesse and conduces to the cure of all cold affects of the sinewes and it is good for the paine and noise in the eares being mixed with Goose-grease and so dropped in warme in a small quantitie ‡ CHAP. 62. Of Widow-Waile or Spurge Oliue ¶ The Description WIdow-waile is a small shrub about two cubits high The stalke is of a wooddy substance branched with many small twigs full of little leaues like Priuet but smaller and blacker on the ends whereof grow small pale yellow floures which being past there succeedeth a three cornered berrie like the Tithymales for which cause it was called Tricoccos that is three berried Chamelaea these berries are greene at the first red afterward and browne when they be withered and containe in them an oylie fatnesse like that of the Oliue being of an hot and biting taste and that doe burne the mouth as do both the leaues and rinde The root is hard and wooddy ¶ The 〈◊〉 It is found in most vntilled grounds of Italy and Languedoc in France in rough and desart places I haue it growing in my garden ¶ The Time It is alwaies greene the seed is ripe in Autumne ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as though they should say low or short Oliue tree the Latines 〈◊〉 and Oleastellus and likewise Citocacium it is also named of diuers Oliuella as Matthiolus 〈◊〉 saith it is called in English Widow-Waile quia facit viduas The fruit is named of diuers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Coccus 〈◊〉 but he is deceiued saith 〈◊〉 that nameth the fruit of Spurge-Oliue Coccus 〈◊〉 Auicen and 〈◊〉 call 〈◊〉 or Spurge Oliue Mezereon vnder which name notwithstanding they haue also contained both the Chamaeleons or Carlines and so haue they confounded Chamelaea or Spurge Oliue with the Carlines and likewise 〈◊〉 or Spurge flax Chamelaea Arabum Tricoccos Widow-Waile ¶ The Temperature Both the leaues and fruit of Spurge-Oliue as we haue said are of a burning and extrme hot temperature ¶ The Vertues The leaues saith Dioscorides purge both flegme and choler especially taken in pills so that two parts of Wormewood be mixed with one of Spurge Oliue and made vp into pils with Mede or honied water They melt not in the belly but as many as be taken are voided whole Mesue likewise hath a description of pills of the leaues of Mezereon that is 〈◊〉 or Spurge-Oliue yet Syluius expoundeth it Thymelaea or Spurge-Flax but in stead of Wormwood he taketh the outward substance of the yellow Mirobalans and Cepula Mirobalans and maketh them vp with Tereniabin that is to say with Manna and soure 〈◊〉 which they call Tamarinds dissolued in Endiue water and appointeth the same leaues to be first tempered with very strong vineger and to be dried These pills are commended against the Dropsie for they draw forth watery humours but are violent to nature therfore we must vse them as little as may be Moreouer Dioscorides addeth that the leaues of Spurge Oliue beaten with hony do clense filthy or crusted vlcers 〈◊〉 Germanica siue Mezereon Spurge Flax or the dwarfe Bay CHAP. 63. Of Germane Oliue Spurge ¶ The Description THe dwarfe Bay tree called of Dutch men Mezereon is a smal shrub two cubits high the branches be tough limber easie to bend very soft to be cut whereon grow long leaues like those of Priuet but thicker and fatter The floures appeare before the leaues oft times in Ianuarie clustring together about the stalks at certain distances of a whitish colour tending to purple and of a most fragrant and pleasant sweet smel after come the small berries green at the first but being ripe of a shining red colour and afterward wax of a dark black colour of a very hot and burning taste inflaming the mouth and throat being tasted with danger of choking The root is wooddy ¶ The Place and Time This plant grows naturally in the moist and shadowy woods
faculties that the Sesely of Marsilles hath whereunto I refer it CHAP. 77. Of the Elder tree ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Elders some of the land and some of the water or marish grounds some with very jagged leaues and others with double floures as shall be declared ¶ The Description 1 THe common Elder groweth vp now and then to the bignesse of a meane tree casting his boughes all about and oftentimes remaineth a shrub the body is almost all wooddie hauing very little pith within but the boughes and especially the young ones which be iointed are full of pith within and haue but little wood without the barke of the body and great armes is rugged and full of chinks and of an ill fauoured wan colour like ashes that of the boughes is not very smooth but in colour almost like and that is the outward barke for there is another vnder it neerer to the wood of colour greene the substance of the wood is sound somewhat yellow and that may be easily cleft the leaues consist of fiue or six particular ones fastened to one rib like those of the Walnut tree but euery particular one is lesser nicked in the edges and of a ranke and 〈◊〉 smell The floures grow on spokie rundles which be thin and scattered of a white colour and sweet smell after them grow vp little berries greene at the first afterwards blacke whereout is pressed a purple juice which being boiled with Allom and such like things doth serue very well 〈◊〉 the Painters vse as also to colour vineger the seeds in these are a little flat and somewhat long There groweth oftentimes vpon the bodies of those old trees or shrubs a certaine 〈◊〉 called Auricula Iudae or Iewes 〈◊〉 which is soft blackish couered with a skin somewhat like now and then to a mans eare which being plucked off and dryed shrinketh together and becommeth hard This Elder groweth euery where and is the common Elder 2 There is another also which is rare and strange for the berries of it are not blacke but white this is like in leaues to the former 1 Sambucus The common Elder tree ‡ 2 Sambucus fructu albo Elder with white berries 3 The jagged Elder tree groweth like the common Elder in body branches shootes 〈◊〉 floures fruit and stinking smell and differeth onely in the fashion of the leaues which doth so much disguise the tree and put it out of knowledge that no man would take it for a kinde of Elder vntill he hath smelt thereunto which will quickely shew from whence he is descended for these strange Elder leaues are very much jagged rent or cut euen vnto the middle rib From the trunke of this tree as from others of the same kinde proceedeth a certaine fleshie excrescence like vnto the eare of a man especially from those trees that are very old 4 This kinde of Elder hath 〈◊〉 which are white but the berries redde and both are not contained in spokie rundles but in clusters and grow after the manner of a cluster of grapes in leaues and other things it resembleth the common Elder saue that now and then it groweth higher ¶ The Place The common Elder groweth euery where it is planted about 〈◊〉 burrowes for the shadow of the 〈◊〉 but that with the white berries is rare the other kindes grow in like places but that with the clustered fruit groweth vpon mountaines that with the jagged leaues groweth in my garden ¶ The Time These kindes of Elders do floure in Aprill and May and their fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine and of the Apothecaries Sambucus of 〈◊〉 Salicetus Beza in high Dutch Holunder Holder in low Dutch Ulier in Italian Sambuco in French Hus and 〈◊〉 in Spanish Sauco Sauch Sambugueyro in English Elder and Elder tree that with the white berries diuers would haue to be called Sambucus sylucstris or wilde Elder but Matthiolus calleth it Montana or mountaine Elder 3 〈◊〉 laciniatis folijs The iagged Elder tree 4 Sambucus racemosa vel 〈◊〉 Harts Elder or Cluster Elder ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen attributeth the like facultie to Elder that he doth to Danewoort and saith that it is of a drying qualitie gluing and moderatly digesting and it hath not only these faculties but others also for the 〈◊〉 leaues first buds 〈◊〉 and fruit of Elder do not only dry but also heate and haue withall a purging qualitie but not without trouble and hurt to the stomacke The leaues and tender crops of common Elder taken in some broth or pottage open the belly purging both slimie flegme and cholericke humors the middle barke is of the same nature but stronger and purgeth the said humors more violently The seeds contained within the berries dried are good for such as haue the dropsie and such as are too fat and would faine be leaner if they be taken in a morning to the quantity of a dram with wine for a certaine space The leaues of Elder 〈◊〉 in water vntill they be very soft and when they are almost boiled enough a little oile of sweet Almonds added thereto or a little Lineseed oile then taken forth and laid vpon a red cloath or a piece of scarlet and applied to the hemorrhoides or Piles as hot as can be suffered and so let to remaine vpon the part affected vntill it be somewhat cold hauing the like in a readinesse applying one after another vpon the diseased part by the space of an houre or more and in the end some bound to the place and the patient put warme a bed it hath not as yet failed at the first dressing to cure the said disease but if the Patient be dressed twice it must needs doe good if the first faile The greene leaues pouned with Deeres suet or Bulls tallow are good to be laid to hot swellings and tumors and doth asswage the paine of the gout The inner and greene barke doth more forcibly purge it draweth forth choler and waterie humors for which cause it is good for those that haue the dropsie being stamped and the liquor pressed out and drunke with wine or whay Of like operation are also the fresh floures mixed with some kinde of meat as fried with egges they likewise trouble the belly and moue to the stoole being dried they lose as well their purging qualitie as their moisture and retaine the digesting and attenuating qualitie The vinegar in which the dried floures are steeped are wholsome for the stomacke being vsed with meate it stirreth vp an appetite it cutteth and attenuateth or maketh thin grosse and raw humors The facultie of the seed is somewhat gentler than that of the other parts it also moueth the belly and draweth forth waterie humors being beaten to pouder and giuen to a dram weight being new gathered steeped in vineger and afterwards dried it is taken and that effectually in the like weight of the dried lees of
wine and with a few Anise seeds for so it worketh without any maner of trouble and helpeth those that haue the dropsie But it must be 〈◊〉 for certaine daies together in a little wine to those that haue need thereof The gelly of the Elder otherwise called 〈◊〉 eare hath a binding and drying qualitie the infusion thereof in which it hath bin steeped a few houres taketh away inflammations of the mouth and almonds of the throat in the 〈◊〉 if the mouth and throat be washed therewith and doth in like manner helpe the uvula Dioscorides saith that the tender and greene leaues of the Elder tree with barley meale parched do 〈◊〉 hot swellings and are good for those that are burnt or scalded and for such as be bitten with a mad dog and that they glew and heale vp hollow vlcers The pith of the young boughes is without qualitie This being dried and somewhat pressed or quashed together is good to lay vpon the narrow orifices or holes of fistula's and issues if it be put therein CHAP. 78. Of Marish or Water Elder 1 Sambucus aquatilis siue palnstris Marish or water Elder 2 Sambucus Rosea The Rose Elder ¶ The Description 1 MArish Elder is not like to the common Elder in leaues but in boughes it groweth after the manner of a little tree the boughes are couered with a barke of an ill fauoured Ash colour as be those of the common Elder they are set with ioints by certaine distances and haue in them great plenty of white pith therefore they haue lesse wood which is white and brittle the leaues be broad cornered like almost to Vine leaues but lesser and foster among which come forth spoked rundles which bring forth little floures the vttermost whereof alongst the borders be greater of a gallant white colour euery little one consisting of fiue leaues the other in the midst and within the borders be smaller and it floures by degrees and the whole 〈◊〉 is of a most sweet smell after which come the fruit or berries that are round like those of the common Elder but greater and of a shining red colour and blacke when they be withered 2 Sambucus Rosea or the Elder Rose groweth like an hedge tree hauing many knotty branches or shoots comming from the root full of pith like the common Elder the leaues are like the vine leaues among which come forth goodly floures of a white colour 〈◊〉 and dashed here and there with a light and thin Carnation colour and do grow thicke and closely compact together in quantitie and bulke of a mans hand or rather bigger of great beauty and sauoring like the floures of the Haw-thorne but in my garden there groweth not any fruit vpon this tree nor in any other place for ought that I can vnderstand 3 This kinde is likewise an hedge tree very like vnto the former in stalks and branches which are iointed and knotted by distances and it is full of white pith the leaues be likewise cornered the floures hereof grow not out of spoky rundles but stand in a round thicke and globed tuft in bignesse also and fashion like to the former sauing that they tend to a deeper purple colour wherin only the difference consists ¶ The Place Sambucus palustris the water Elder growes by running streames and water courses and in hedges by moist ditch sides The Rose Elder groweth in Gardens and the floures are there doubled by Art as it is supposed ¶ The Time These kindes of Elders do floure in Aprill and May and the fruit of the water Elder is ripe in September ¶ The Names The water Elder is called in Latine Sambucus aquatica and Sambucus palustris it is called Opulus and Platanus and also Chamaeplatanus or the dwarfe Plane tree but not properly Valerius Cordus maketh it to be Lycostaphylos the Saxons saith Gesner do call it Vua Lupina from whence Cordus inuented the name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is named in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 holder and 〈◊〉 holder in low Dutch Swelcken and Swelckenhout of certaine French men Obiere in English Marish Elder and Whitten tree Ople tree and dwarfe Plane tree The Rose Elder is called in Latine Sambucus Rosea and Sambucus aquatica being doubtles a kind of the former water Elder the floures being doubled by art as we haue said it is called in Dutch 〈◊〉 Roose in English Gelders Rose and Rose Elder ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Concerning the faculties of these Elders and the berries of the Water Elder there is nothing found in any writer neither can we set downe any thing hereof of our owne knowledge CHAP. 79. Of Dane-Wort Wall-Wort or Dwarfe Elder ¶ The Description DAne-wort as it is not a shrub neither is it altogether an herby plant but as it were a Plant participating of both being doubtles one of the Elders as may appeare both by the leaues floures and fruit as also by the smell and taste Wall-wort is very like vnto Elder in leaues spoky tufts and fruit but it hath not a wooddie stalke it bringeth sorth only greene stalks which wither away in Winter these are edged and full of ioynts like to the yong branches and shoots of Elder the leaues grow by couples with distances wide and consist of many small leaues which stand vpon a thicke ribbed stalke of which euery one is long broad and cut in the edges like a saw wider and greater than the leaues of the common Elder tree at the top of the stalkes there grow tufts of white floures tipt with red with fiue little chiues in them pointed with blacke which turne into blacke berries like the Elder in the which be little long seed the root is tough and of a good and reasonable length better for Physicks vse than the leaues of Elder Ebulus siue Sambucus 〈◊〉 Dane-wort or dwarfe Elder ¶ The Place Dane-wort growes in vntoiled places neere common waies and in the borders of fields it groweth plentifully in the lane at Kilburne Abbey by London also in a field by S. Ioans neere Dartford in Kent and also in the high-way at old Branford townes end next London and in many other places ¶ The Time The floures are perfected in Sommer and the berries in Autumne ¶ The Names It is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is humilis Sambucus or low Elder it is called in Latine Ebulus and Ebulum in high-Dutch Attich in low-Dutch Adich in Italian Ebulo in French Hieble in Spanish Yezgos in English Wall-wort Dane-wort and dwarfe Elder ¶ The Temperature Wall-wort is of temperature hot and drie in the third degree and of a singular qualitie which Galen doth attribute vnto it to wast and consume and also it hath a strange and speciall facultie to purge by the stoole the roots be of greatest force the leaues haue the chiefest strength to digest and consume ¶ The Vertues The roots of Wall-wort boiled in 〈◊〉 and drunken are good against the dropsie for they purge downwards watery
laid plaisterwise vpon the temples staieth the rheume from falling into the iawes and teeth and easeth the paines thereof It preuaileth much against vlcers and wounds being put into digestiues and healing Vnguents It draweth flegme sorth of the head gently and without trouble It is also vsed in waters which serue to clense and make faire the face with The decoction of this filleth vp hollow vlcers with flesh if they be bathed therewith It knitteth broken bones staieth eating vlcers and prouoketh vrine CHAP. 85. Of the Turpentine Tree 1 Terebint hus The Turpentine tree 2 Terebint hus latifolia The broad leafed Turpentine tree ¶ The Description 1 THe first Turpentine Tree groweth to the height of a tall and faire tree hauing many long boughes or branches dispersed abroad beset with long leaues consisting of sundry other small leaues each whereof resembleth the Bay leafe growing one against another vpon a little stem or middle rib like vnto the leaues of the Ash tree the floures be small reddish growing vpon clusters or bunches that turne into round berries which at their beginning are greene afterwards reddish but being ripe wax blacke or of a darke blew colour clammie full of fat and oilous in substance and of a pleasant sauour this plant beareth an empty cod or crooked horne somewhat reddish wherein are found small flies wormes or gnats bred and ingendred of a certaine humorous matter which cleaueth to the inner sides of the said cods or hornes which wormes haue no physicall vse at all The right 〈◊〉 issueth out of the branches of those trees if you do cut or wound them the which is faire and cleere and better than that which is gathered from the barke of the 〈◊〉 tree 2 The second kinde of Turpentine tree is very like vnto the former but that it groweth not so great yet the leaues are greater and broader and of the same fashion but very like to the leaues of the Pistacia tree The berries are first 〈◊〉 a scarlet colour and when they be ripe of a skie colour The great horned cods are sharpe pointed and somewhat 〈◊〉 consisting as it were of the substance of gristles And out of those bladders being broken do creepe and come small flies or gnats bred of a fuliginous excrement and ingendred in those bladders The tree doth 〈◊〉 yeeld his Turpentine by dropping like the former ¶ The Place These trees grow as Dioscorides saith in Iurie Syria Cyprus Africke and in the Islands called Cyclades Bellonius reporreth that there are found great store of them in Syria and Cilicia and are brought from thence to Damascus to be sold. Clusius saith that 〈◊〉 growes of it selfe in Languedocke and in very many places of Portingale and Spaine but for the most part like a shrub and without bearing Turpentiue Theophrastus writeth that it groweth about the hill Ida and in Macedonia short in manner of a shrub and writhed and in Damascus and Syria great in manner of a small tree he also 〈◊〉 downe a certaine male Turpentine tree and a female the male saith he is barren and the female fruitfull And of these he maketh the one with a berry red at the first of the bignesse of a Lentill which cannot come to ripenes and the other with the fruit greene at the first afterwards somewhat of a yellowish red and in the end blacke waxing ripe in the spring of the bignesse of the Grecians Beane and rosenny He also writeth of a certaine Indian Turpentine tree that is to say a tree like in boughes and leaues to the right Turpentine tree but differing in fruit which is like vnto 〈◊〉 ¶ The 〈◊〉 The floures of the Turpentine tree come forth in the spring together with the new buds the berries are ripe in September and October in the time of Grape gathering The hornes 〈◊〉 about the same time ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and also many times 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Terebinthus in Italian Terebintho in Spanish Cornicabra in French Terebinte in English Turpentine tree the Arabians call it Botin and with an article Albotin The Rosin is surnamed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Terebinthina in high Dutch Termintijn in English Turpentine and right Turpentine in the Arabian language Albotia who name the fruit Granum viride or greene berries ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The barke leaues and fruit of the Turpentine tree do somewhat binde they are hot in the second degree and being greene they dry moderately but when they are dryed they dry in the second degeee and the fruit approacheth more neere to those that be dry in the third degree and also hotter This is fit to be eaten as Dioscorides saith but it hurteth the stomacke It prouoketh vrine helpeth those that haue bad spleenes and is drunke in wine against the bitings of the poysonsome spiders called Phalangia The Rosin of the Turpentine tree excelleth all other Rosins according to Dioscorides his opininion but Galen writeth that the Rosin of the masticke tree beareth the preheminence and then the Turpentine This Rosin hath also an astringent or binding facultie and 〈◊〉 not so much as masticke but it hath withall a certaine bitternesse ioyned by reason whereof it digesteth more than that of the Masticke tree thorow the same qualitie there is likewise in it so great a clensing as also it healeth scabs in his 8. booke of the faculties of simple medicines but in his booke of medicines according to the kindes he maketh that of the Turpentine tree to be much like the Rosins of the Larch tree which he affirmeth to be moister than all the rest and to be without both sharpnesse and biting The fruit of Turpentine prouoketh vrine and stirreth vp fleshly lust The Rosine of this tree which is the right Turpentine looseth the belly openeth the stoppings of the liuer and spleene prouoketh vrine and driueth forth grauell being taken the quantitie of two or three Beanes The like quantitie washed in water diuers times vntill it be white then must be put thereto the like quantity of the yolk of an egge and laboured togetheradding thereto by little and little continually stirring it a small draught of possit drinke made of white wine and giuen to drink in the morning fasting ithelpeth most speedily the Gonorrhaea or running of the reines commonly at the first time but the medicine neuer faileth at the second time of the taking of it which giues stooles from foure to eight according to the age and strength of the patient CHAP. 86. Of the Frankincense tree ¶ The Description THe tree from which Frankincense floweth is but low and hath leaues like the Mastick tree yet some are of opinion that the leafe is like the leafe of a Peare tree and of a grassie colour the rinde is like that of the Bay tree whereof there are two kindes the one groweth in mountains and rockie places the other in the plaine but those in the
on the outside the meate likewise about the stone is of a gallant red colour These kindes of Peaches are very like to wine in taste and therefore maruellous pleasant 3 Persica praecocia or the d'auant Peach tree is like vnto the former but his leaues are greater and larger The fruit or Peaches be of a russet colour on the one side and on the other side next vnto the sun of a red colour but much greater than the red Peach the stones whereof are like vnto the former the pulpe or meate within is of a golden yellow colour and of a pleasant taste Persicaalba The white Peach 4 Persica lutea or the yellow Peach tree is like vnto the former in leaues and floures his fruit is of a yellow colour on the 〈◊〉 and likewise on the inside harder than the rest in the middle of the Peach is a wooddy hard and rough stone full of crests and gutters in which doth lie a kernell much like to that of the Almond and with such a like skin the substance within is white and in taste something bitter The fruit hereof is of greatest pleasure and best taste of all the other of his kinde although there be 〈◊〉 this day diuers other sorts that are of very good taste not remembred of the ancient or set downe by the later writers whereof to speake particularly would not be greatly to our pretended purpose considering we hasten to an end ‡ 5 There is also kept in some of our choise gardens a kind of Peach which hath a very double and beautiful floure but it is seldome succeeded by any fruit they call this Persica flore pleno The double blossomed Peach ‡ ¶ The Place They are set and planted in gardens and vineyards I haue them all in my garden with many other sorts ¶ The Time The Peach tree soone commeth vp it beares fruit the third or fourth yeere after it is planted and it soone decaieth and is not of 〈◊〉 continuance it floureth in Aprill or a little while after that the leaues appeare and hath his fruit ripe in September ¶ The Names The Peach tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Malus Persica and Persica in high Dutch Persichboum in low Dutch Perse boom in French Perscher in English Peach tree The fruit as Galen testifieth is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also without any addition in Latine Malum Persicum and Persicum in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch Persen in Italy Pesche in Spanish Pexegos in French Pisches in English Peach ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Peaches be cold and moist and that in the second degree they haue a juice and also a substance that doth easily putrifie which yeeldeth no nourishment but bringeth hurt especially if they be eaten after other meates for then they cause the other meates to putrifie But they are lesse hurtfull if they be taken first for by reason that they are moist and slippery they easily and quickly descend and by making the belly slippery they cause other meates to slip downe the sooner The kernels of the Peaches be hot and dry they open and clense they are good for the stoppings of the liuer and spleene Peaches before they be ripe do stop the laske but being ripe they loose the belly and ingender naughty humors for they are soone corrupted in the stomacke The leaues of the Peach tree do open the stopping of the liuer and do gently loosen the belly and being applied plaisterwise vnto the nauell of young children they kill the 〈◊〉 and driue them forth The same leaues boiled in milke do kill the wormes in children very speedily The same being dried and cast vpon greene wounds cure them The floures of the Peach tree infused in warme water for the space of ten or twelue houres and strained and more floures put to the said liquor to infuse after the same manner and so iterated six or eight times and strained again then as much sugar as it will require added to the same liquor and boiled vnto the consistence or thicknes of a syrrup and two spoonefulls hereof taken doth so singularly well purge the belly that there is neither Rubarbe Agaricke nor any other purger comparable vnto it for this purgeth downe waterish humors mightily and yet without griefe or trouble either to the stomacke or lower parts of the body The kernell within the Peach stone stamped small and boiled with Vineger vntill it be brought to the forme of an ointment is good to restore and bring again the haire of such as be troubled with the Alopecia There is drawne forth of the kernels of Peaches with Peniroyall water a iuice like vnto milke which is good for those that haue the Apoplexy if the same be oftentimes held in the mouth it draweth 〈◊〉 water and recouereth the speech The gum is of a meane temperature but the substance thereof is tough and clammy by reason whereof it dulleth the sharpnes of thin humors it serueth in a looch or licking medicine for those that be troubled with the cough and haue rotten lungs and stoppeth the spitting and raising vp of bloud and also stayeth other fluxes CHAP. 95. Of the Aprecocke or Abrecocke tree 1 Armeniaca malus maior The greater Aprecocke tree 2 Armeniaca malus minor The lesser Aprecocke tree ¶ The Description 1 THis tree is greater than the Peach tree and hath a bigger body it lasteth longer 〈◊〉 if it be grafted or inoculated the leaues hereof are broad and sharpe pointed like those of blacke Poplar but lesser and comming more neere to the leaues of birch 〈◊〉 in the edges the floures are somewhat white the fruit round like a peach yellow within and without in which doth lie a browne stone nothing rough at all as is that of the Peach shorter also and lesser in which is included a sweet kernell 2 We haue another sort of Aprecocke whose trunk or body is equall with the other in greatnesse it is like 〈◊〉 in leaues and brittle branches his time of flouring flourishing and manner of growing accordeth the only point wherein they differ is that this tree bringeth forth lesse fruit and not so good in taste in euery other respect it is like ‡ Of this also Mr. Parkinson hath set forth diuers varieties and my forementioned friend Mr. Millen hath these fiue sorts the common the long and great the Muske the Barbary and the early Aprecocke ‡ ¶ The Place These trees do grow in my garden and now adaies in many other gentlemens gardens throughout all England ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in Aprill and their fruit is ripe in Iuly ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Malus Armeniaca in English Abrecocke tree and Aprecocke tree The fruit is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of diuers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which be words corrupted from the Latine for
later of these I haue seene growing wilde in diuers places but not the former in any place as yet ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in March and their fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names The first is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Sorbus in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Cormier in English Seruice tree and of some after the Latines Sorbe tree 1 Sorbus The Seruice tree 2 Sorbus terminalis Common Seruice tree The common Seruice tree is named of Pliny Sorbus torminalis in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Common Seruice tree The berries or fruit of the Seruice tree is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Sorbum in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Sorbe and Sorbole in French 〈◊〉 in Spanish 〈◊〉 and Sorbas in English Seruice of some Sorbe Apple ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Seruice berries are cold and binding and much more when they be hard than when they are milde and 〈◊〉 in some places they are quickly soft either hanged in a place which is not altogether cold or laid in 〈◊〉 or chaffe those Seruices are eaten when the belly is too soluble for they 〈◊〉 the same and if they yeeld any nourishment at all the same is very little grosse and cold and therefore it is not expedient to eate of these or other-like fruits nor to vse them otherwise than in medicines These do stay all manner of fluxes of the belly and likewise the bloudy flixe as also vomiting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bleeding if they be cut and dried in the sunne before they be ripe and so reserued for 〈◊〉 these we may vse diuers waies according to the manner of the greife and grieued part CHAP. 109. Of the Ash tree ¶ The Description 1 THe Ash also is an high and tall tree it riseth vp with a straight body now and then of no small bignesse now and then of a middle size and is couered with a smooth bark the wood is white smooth hard and somewhat rough grained the tender branches hereof and such as be new growne vp are set with certaine ioints and haue within a white and spongie pith but the old boughes are wooddy throughout and be without either ioints or much pith the leaues are long and winged consisting of many standing by couples one right against another vpon one rib or stalke the vpermost of all excepted which standeth alone of which euery particular one is long broad like to a Bay leafe but softer and of a lighter greene without any sweet smell and nicked round about the edges out of the yonger sort of the boughes hard to the 〈◊〉 on of the leaues grow sorth hanging together many long narrow and flat cods as it were like almost to diuers birds tongues where the seed is persected which is of a bitter taste the roots be many and grow deepe in the ground Fraxinus The Ash tree ¶ The Place The Ash doth better prosper in moist places as about the borders of 〈◊〉 and Riuer sides than in dry grounds ¶ The Time The leaues and keyes come forth in Aprill and May yet is not the seed ripe before the fall of the leafe ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of diuers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Fraxinus in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in Italian Frassino in French Fresne in Spanish Fresno Fraxino and Freixo in English Ash tree The fruit like vnto cods is called of the Apothecaries Lingua Auis and Lingua Passerina it may be named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet some would haue it called 〈◊〉 Others make Ornus or the wilde Ash to be called Orneoglossum it is 〈◊〉 in English Ash keyes and of some Kite-keyes ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The leaues and bark of the Ash tree are dry and moderatly hot the seed is hot and dry in the second degree The iuice of the leaues or the leaues 〈◊〉 being applied or taken with wine cure the 〈◊〉 of vipers as Dioscorides saith The leaues of this tree are of so great vertue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as that they dare not so much as touch the morning and euening shadowes of the 〈◊〉 but shun them afar off as Pliny reports li. 16. cap. 13. He also affirmeth that the serpent being penned in with boughes layd round about will sooner run into the fire if any be there than come neere the boughes of the Ash and that the Ash doth floure before the Serpents appeare and doth not cast his leaues before they be gon againe We write saith he vpon experience that if the serpent be set within the circle of a fire and the boughes the serpent will sooner run into the fire than into the boughes It is a wondersull 〈◊〉 in nature that the Ash should floure before these serpents appeare and not cast his leaues before they begon againe Both of them that is to say the leaues and the barke are reported to stop the belly and being boiled with vineger and water do stay vomiting 〈◊〉 they be laid vpon the stomacke The leaues and barke of the Ash tree boiled in wine and drunk do open the stopping of the 〈◊〉 and spleene and do greatly comfort them Three or foure leaues of the Ash tree taken in wine each morning from time to time doe 〈◊〉 those 〈◊〉 that are fat and keepeth them from feeding which do begin to wax fat The seed or Kite-keyes of the Ash tree prouoke vrine increase naturall seed and stirre vp 〈◊〉 lust especially being poudred with nutmegs and drunke The wood is profitable for many things being exalted by Homers commendations and 〈◊〉 speare as Pliny writeth The shauings or small pieces thereof being drunke are said to be pernicious and deadly as Dioscorides affirmeth The Lee which is made with the Ashes of the barke cureth the white scurse and such other 〈◊〉 roughnesse of the skin as Pliny testifieth CHAP. 110. Of the wilde Ash otherwise called Quicke-Beame or Quicken tree Sorbus syluestris siue Fraxinus Bubula The Quicken tree wilde Ash or wilde Seruice tree ¶ The Description THe wilde Ash or Quicken Tree Pena setteth forth for the wilde Seruice this tree groweth seldome or neuer to the stature and height of the Ash tree notwithstanding it growes to the bignes of a large tree the leaues be great and long and scarcely be discerned from the leaues of the Seruice tree the floures bee white and sweet of smell and grow in tusts which do turne into round berries greene at the first but when they be ripe of a deepe red colour and of an vnpleasant taste the branches are as full of iuice as the Osiar which is the cause that boyes doe make Pipes of the barke thereof as they doe of Willowes ¶ The Place The wilde Ash or Quicken tree groweth on high mountaines and in thicke high woods in
the bignes of a beane which when it waxeth ripe doth alter his colour as grapes do the fruit of which the Lotophagi do eate is sweet pleasant harmeles and wholesome for the belly but that is 〈◊〉 which is without kerneis and of this they make their wine This Lote tree as the same Author 〈◊〉 is by nature euerlasting as for example the Lote trees whereof Pliny hath written in his 16. booke 44. chapter At Rome saith he the Lote tree in Lucinas court how much elder it was than the church of the citie built in the yeere which was without magistrates 469. it is vncertaine there is no doubt but that it was elder because Lucina bare the name of that Lucus or groue This is now about 450. yeeres old That is elder which is surnamed Capillata or hairie because the haire of the vestall virgins was brought vnto it but the other Lote tree in Vulcans church which Romulus built by the victory of tenths is taken to be as old as the citie as Massurius witnesseth ¶ The Time They lose their leaues at the first approch of winter and recouer them againe in Aprill the fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine by Pliny Celtis in Italian Perlaro by those of Trent Bagolaro and in English Lote tree and Nettie tree ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Lote tree is not greatly binding as Galen saith but of thin parts and of a drying nature The decoction of the wood beaten small being either drunke or vsed clisterwise is a remedy for the bloudy flix and for the whites and reds It stoppeth the laske and maketh the haire yellow and as Galen addeth keepeth haires from falling The shiuers or small pieces thereof as the same Author alleageth are boiled sometimes in water sometimes in wine as need shall require CHAP. 124. Of Italian wood of Life or Pocke wood vulgarly called Lignum vitae ¶ The Description 1 ITalian Lignum vitae or Wood of Life groweth to a faire and beautifull tree hauing a straight and vpright body couered ouer with a smooth and darke greene barke yeelding forth many twiggy branches set forth of goodly leaues like those of the Peare tree but of greater beautie and somewhat broader among which commeth forth the fruit growing close to the branches almost without stalkes this fruit is round and at the first greene but blacke when it is ripe as big as Cherries of an excellent sweet taste when it is dried but this is not the Indian Lignum sanctum or Guaiacum whereof our bowles and physicall drinkes be made but it is a bastard kind therof first planted in the common garden at Padua by the learned Fallopius who supposed it to be the right Guaiacum ‡ 2 The leaues of this are longer and narrower than the former but firme also and nervous like as they are the fruit is in shape like Sebestens but much lesse of a blewish colour when it is ripe with many little stones within the taste hereof is not vnpleasant Matthiolus calls this Pseudolotus and Tabernamontanus Lotus Africana whose figure our Author in the last chapter saue one gaue vnfitly for the Zizyphus Cappadocica ‡ ¶ The Place 〈◊〉 Patauinum groweth plentifully about Lugdunum 〈◊〉 Lions in France I planted it in the garden of Barne Elmes neere London two trees besides there groweth another in the garden of Mr. Gray an Apothecarie of London and in my garden likewise 1 Guaiacum Patauinum latifolium Broad leafed Italian Wood of life 2 Guaiacum Patauinum angustifol Narrow leafed Italian Guaiacum ¶ The Time It floureth in May and the fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names Guaiacum Patauinum hath been reputed for the Lotus of Theophrastus in English it is called the bastard Meuynwood ‡ This hath no affinitie with the true Indian Guajacum which is frequently vsed in medicine ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues ‡ The fruit of this is thought to be of the same temper and qualitie with that of the Nettle-tree ‡ CHAP. 125. Of the Strawberry tree ¶ The Description THe Strawberry tree groweth for the most part low very like in bignesse to the Quince tree whereunto Dioscorides compareth it The body is couered with a reddish barke both rough and scaly the boughes stand thicke on the top somewhat reddish the leaues bee broad long and smooth like those of Bayes somewhat nicked in the edges and of a pale greene colour the floures grow in clusters being hollow and white and now and then on the one side somewhat of a purple colour in their places come forth certaine berries hanging downe vpon little long stems like vnto Strawberries but greater without a stone within but onely with little seeds at the first greene and when they be ripe they are of a gallant red colour in taste somewhat harsh and in a manner without any relish of which Thrushes and Black-birds do feed in Winter Arbutus The Strawberry tree ¶ The Place The Strawberry tree groweth in most Countries of Greece in Candy Italy and Spaine also in the vallies of the mountaine Athos where being in other places but little they become great huge trees as P. Bellonius writeth Iuba also reporteth that there be in Arabia of them fifty cubits high They grow only in some few gardens with vs. ¶ The Time The Strawberry tree floureth in Iuly and August and the fruit is ripe in September after it hath remained vpon the tree by the space of an whole yeare ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Arbutus in English Strawberry tree and of some Arbute tree The fruit is named in Creeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or as others reade it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Memaecylum and Arbutus and Pliny calleth it Vnedo Ground Strawberries saith he haue one body and Vnedo much like vnto them another body which onely in apple is like to the fruit of the earth The Italians call this Strawberry Albatro the Spaniards Madrono Medronheyro and Medronho in French Arboutes Arbous It may be termed in English Tree Strawberry ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The fruit of the Strawberry tree is of a cold temperature hurting the stomacke and causing head-ache wherefore no wholesome food though it be eaten in some places by the poorer sort of people CHAP. 126. Of the Plum tree ¶ The Kindes TO write of Plums particularly would require a peculiar volume and yet the end not to be attained vnto nor the stocke or kindred perfectly knowne neither to be distinguished apart the number of the sorts or kindes are not knowne to any one countrey euery Clymat hath his owne fruit far different from that of other countries my selfe haue three score sorts in my garden and all strange and rare there be in other places many more common and yet yearely commeth to our hands others not before knowne therefore a few figures shall serue for the rest ‡ Let
such as require a larger historie of these varieties haue recourse to the oft mentioned Worke of Mr. Parkinson and such as desire the things themselues may finde most of the best with Mr. Iohn Millen in Old street ‡ ¶ The Description 1 THe Plum or Damson tree is of a meane bignesse it is couered with a smooth barke the branches are long whereon do grow broad leaues more long than round nicked in the edges the floures are white the Plums do differ in colour fashion and bignes they all consist of pulpe and skin and also of kernell which is shut vp in a shell or stone Some Plums are of a blackish blew of which some be longer others rounder others of the colour of yellow wax diuers of a crimson red greater for the most part than the rest There be also green Plums and withall very long of a sweet and pleasant taste moreouer the pulpe or meate of some is 〈◊〉 and easilier separated from the stone of other-some it is moister and cleaueth faster our common Damson is knowne to all and therefore not to be stood vpon 1 Prunus Domestica The Damson tree 2 Prunus Mirobalana The Mirobalane Plum tree 3 Prunus Amygdalina The Almond Plum tree 5 Prunus syluestris The Sloe tree 2 The Mirobalan Plum tree groweth to the height of a great tree charged with many great armes or boughes which diuide themselues into small twiggy branches by means whereof it yeeldeth a goodly and pleasant shadow the trunke or body is couered with a finer and thinner barke than any of the other Plum trees the leaues do somewhat resemble those of the Cherry tree they are very tender indented about the edges the floures be white the fruit is round hanging vpon long foot-stalkes pleasant to behold greene in the beginning red when it is almost ripe and being full ripe it glistereth like purple mixed with blacke the flesh or meate is full of iuice pleasant in taste the stone is small or of a meane bignesse the tree bringeth forth plenty of fruit euery other yeare 3 The Almond Plum groweth vp to the height of a tree of a meane bignesse the branches are long smooth and euen the leaues are broad somthing long and ribbed in diuers places with small nerues running through the same the floures are white sprinkled with a little dash of purple scarcely to be perceiued the fruit is long hauing a cleft downe the middle of a browne red colour and of a pleasant taste 4 The Damascen Plum tree groweth likewise to a meane height the branches very brittle the leaues of a deepe green colour the fruit is round of a blewish blacke colour the stone is like vnto that of the Cherry wherein it differeth from all other Plums 5 The Bullesse and the Sloe tree are wilde kindes of Plums which do vary in their kind euen as the greater and manured Plums do Of the Bullesse some are greater and of better taste than others Sloes are some of one taste and some of others more sharpe some greater and others lesser the which to distinguish with long descriptions were to small purpose considering they be all and euery of them knowne euen vnto the simplest therefore this shall suffice for their seueral descriptions ¶ The Place The Plum trees grow in all knowne countries of the world they require a loose ground they also receiue a difference from the regions where they grow not only of the forme or fashion but especially of the faculties as we will forthwith declare The Plum trees are also many times graffed into trees of other kindes and being so ingraffed they faciem parent is succum adoptionis vt Plinius dicit exhibent The greatest varietie of these rare Plums are to be found in the grounds of Mr. Vincent Pointer of Twicknam before remembred in the Chap. of Apples although my selfe am not without some and those rare and delicate The wilde Plums grow in most hedges through England ¶ The Time The common and garden Plum trees do bloome in April the leaues come forth presently with them the fruit is ripe in Sommer some sooner some later ¶ The Names The Plumme tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Prunus in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Spanish Ciruelo in French Prunier in English Plum tree The fruit is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Prunum in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian and French Prune in Spanish Prunas in English Prune and Plum These haue also names from the regions and countries where they grow The old Writers haue called those that grow in Syria neere vnto Damascus Damascena Pruna in English Damsons or Damaske Prunes and those that grow in Spain Hispanica Spanish Prunes or Plums So in our age we vse to call those that grow in Hungarie Hungarica or Pannonica Plums of Hungarie some Gallica Pruna or French Prunes of the country of France Clearcus Peripateticus saith that they of Rhodes and Sicilia do call the Damaske Prunes Brabula ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Plummes that be ripe and new gathered from the tree what sort soeuer they are of do moisten and coole and yeeld vnto the body very little nourishment and the same nothing good at all for as Plummes do very quickly rot so is also the iuice of them apt to putrifie in the body and likewise to cause the meate to putrifie which is taken with them onely they are good for those that would keepe their bodies soluble and coole for by their moisture and slipperinesse they do mollifie the belly Dried Plums commonly called Prunes are wholsomer and more pleasant to the stomack they yeeld more nourishment and better and such as cannot easily putrifie It is reported saith Galen in his booke of the faculties of Nourishments that the best doe grow in Damascus a city of Syria and next to those they that grow in Spaine but these doe nothing at all binde yet diuers of the Damaske Damson Prunes very much for Damaske Damson Prunes are more astringent but they of Spaine be sweeter Dioscorides saith that Damaske Prunes dried do stay the belly but Galen 〈◊〉 inhis books of the faculties of simple medicines that they do manifestly loose the belly yet lesser than they that bee brought out of Spaine being boiled with Mead or 〈◊〉 water which hath a good quantitie of honey in it they loose the belly very much as the same Authour saith although a man take them alone by themselues and much more if the Mead be supped after them We most commend those of Hungarie being long and sweet yet more those of Morauia the chiefe and principall citie in times past of the Prouince of the Marcomans for these after they be dried that the waterie humour may be consumed away be most pleasant to the taste and do easily without any trouble so mollifie the belly as that in that respect they go beyond Cassia and Manna as Thomas Iordanus 〈◊〉
which barks doth flow the vpper barke being wounded a white Balsam like vnto teares or drops of a most sweet sauour and singular effects for one drop of this which thus 〈◊〉 out of the tree is worth a pound of that which is made by decoction the fruit hereof is small in respect of the others it seldome exceedeth the bignes of a Pease of a bitter taste inclosed in a narrow huske of the length of a finger something thin and of a white colour which the Indians do vse against head-ache which fruit of most is that we haue before described called Carpobalsamum It is also written that in the Island called Hispaniola there groweth a small tree of the height of two men without the industry of man hauing stalkes or 〈◊〉 of the colour of ashes whereon do grow greene leaues sharpe at both ends but more greene on the vpper side than on the lower hauing a middle rib somewhat thicke and standing out the foot-stalkes whereon they grow are somewhat reddish among which leaues commeth fruit growing by clusters as long as a mans hand fingers and all the stones or graines in the fruit be few and greene but growing to rednesse more and more as the fruit waxeth ripe From the which is gathered a juice after this manner they take the young shootes and buds of the tree and also the clusters of the fruit which they bruise and boile in water to the thickenesse of hony which being strained they keepe it for their vses They vse it against wounds and vlcers it stoppeth and stancheth the bloud maketh them cleane bringeth vp the flesh and healeth them mightily and with better successe than true Balsame The branches of the tree being cut do cast forth by drops a certaine cleare water more worth than Aqua vitae most wholesome against wounds and all other diseases proceeding from cold causes if it be drunken some few daies together ¶ The Place These trees grow in diuers parts of the world some in Aegypt and most of those countries adiacent there groweth of them in the East and West Indies as trauellers in those parts report ¶ The Time These trees for the most part keepe greene winter and Sommer ¶ The Names Balsame is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Balsamum of the Arabians Balseni Balesina and Belsan in Italian Balsamo in French Baume The liquor that floweth out of the tree when it is wounded is called Opobalsamum the wood 〈◊〉 the fruit Carpobalsamum and the liquor which naturally floweth from the tree in Aegypt Balsamum ¶ The Temperature Balsame is hot and dry in the second degree with astriction ¶ The Vertues Naturall Balsame taken in a morning fasting with a little Rosewater or wine to the quantitie of fiue or six drops helpeth those that be asthmatike or short of winde it preuaileth against the paines of the bladder and stomacke and comforteth the same mightily and also amendeth a stinking breath takes away the shaking fits of the quotidian 〈◊〉 if it be taken two or three times It helpeth consumptions clenseth the barren wombe especially being annointed vpon a pessary or mother suppositorie and vsed The stomacke being annointed therewith digestion is helped thereby it also preserueth the stomacke from obstructions and windinesse it helpeth the hardnesse of the spleene easeth the griefes of the reines and belly proceeding of cold causes It also taketh away all manner of aches proceeding of cold causes if they be annointed therewith but more speedily if a linnen cloth be wet therein and laid thereon vsed in the same manner it dissolueth hard tumors called 〈◊〉 and strengthneth the weake members The same refresheth the braine and comforteth the parts adioining it helpeth the palsie convulsions and all griefes of the sinewes if they be annoitned therewith The maruellous effects that it worketh in new and greene wound were heere too long to set downe and also superfluous considering the skilfull Chirurgion whom it most concerneth doth know the vse thereof and as for the beggerly Quacksaluers Runnagates and knauish Mountibanks we are not willing to instruct them in things so far aboue their reach capacitie and worthinesse CHAP. 146. Of a kinde of Balme or Balsame Tree ¶ The Description THis tree which the people of the Indies do call Molli groweth to the bignesse of a great tree hauing a trunke or body of a darke greene colour sprinkled ouer with many ash coloured spots the branches are many and of very great beautie whereupon do grow leaues not vnlike to those of the Ash-tree consisting of many small leaues set vpon a middle rib growing narrower euer towards the point euery particular one jagged on the sides like the teeth of a saw which being plucked from the stem yeeldeth forth a milkie juice tough and clammie 〈◊〉 like the bruised leaues of Fenell and as it seemeth in taste somewhat astringent the 〈◊〉 grow in clusters vpon the twiggie branches like those of the Vine a little before the grapes be formed after followeth the fruit or berries somewhat greater than Pepper cornes of an oilic substance greene at the first and of a darke reddish colour when they be ripe ‡ The first of the sigures was taken from a tree only of three yeeres growth but the latter from a tree come to his full growth as it is affirmed in Clusius his Cur. Poster It differs only in that the leaues of the old trees are not at all snipt or diuided on the edges ‡ 1 Molli siue Molly Clusij Lobelij The Balsame tree of Clusius and Lobels description ‡ 2 Molle arboris adult ae ramus A branch of the old tree of Molle ¶ The Place This tree saith a learned Physition called Ioh. 〈◊〉 doth grow in the King of Spaine his garden at Madryll which was the first that euer he did see since which time Iohn Ferdinando Secretary vnto the foresaid king did shew vnto the said Fragosus in his owne ' garden a tree so large and of such beautie that he was neuer satisfied with looking on it and meditating vpon the vertues thereof Which words I haue receiued from the hands of a famous learned man called Mr. 〈◊〉 Browne Dr. in Physicke and Physition to the Queenes 〈◊〉 at the impression hereof faithfully translated out of the Spanish tongue without adding or taking any thing away They grow plentifully in the vales and low grounds of Peru as all affirme that haue trauelled to the VVest Indies as also those that haue described the singularities thereof My selfe with diuers others as namely Mr. Nicholas Lete a worshipfull Merchant of the Citie of London and also a most skilfull Apothecary Mr. Iames Garret who haue receiued seeds hereof from the right Honorable the Lord Hunsdon Lord high Chamberlaine of England worthy of triple honour for his care in getting as also for his curious keeping rare and strange things brought from the farthest parts of the world which seedes we haue sowne in our gardens where
that qualitie that if a stake be driuen into it that part of the stake which is within the ground will be a firme and hard stone and all that which is aboue the ground retaineth his former substance and nature Also my selfe being at Rougby about such time as our fantasticke people did with great concourse and multitudes repaire and run headlong vnto the sacred Wells of Newnam 〈◊〉 in the edge of Warwickshire as vnto the water of life which could cure all diseases I went from thence vnto these Wells where I found growing ouer the same a faire Ash tree whose boughes did hang ouer the spring of water whereof some that were seare and rotten and some that of purpose were broken off fell into the water and were all turned into stones Of these boughes or parts of the tree I brought into London which when I had broken in pieces therein might be seene that the pith and all the rest was turned into stones yea many buds and flourings of the tree falling into the said water were also turned into hard stones still retaining the same shape and fashion that they were of before they were in the water I doubt not but if this water were proued about the hardning of some Confections Physicall for the preseruation of them or other special ends it would offer greater occasion of admiration for the health and benefit of mankinde than it doth about such things as already haue been experimented tending to very little purpose CHAP. 171. Of the Goose tree Barnacle tree or the tree bearing Geese Britannicae Conchae anatiferae The breed of Barnacles ¶ The Description HAuing trauelled from the Grasses growing in the bottome of the fenny waters the Woods and mountaines euen vnto Libanus it selfe and also the sea and bowels of the same wee are arriued at the end of our Historie thinking it not impertinent to the conclusion of the same to end with one of the maruells of this land we may say of the world The historie whereof to set forth according to the worthinesse and raritie thereof would not only require a large and peculiar volume but also a deeper search into the bowels of nature than my intended purposewil 〈◊〉 me to wade into my sufficiencie also considered leauing the historie thereof rough hewen vnto some excellent men learned in the secrets of nature to be both fined and refined in the mean space take it as it falleth out the naked and bare truth though vnpolished There are found in the North parts of Scotland and the Islands adiacent called Orchades certain trees whereon do grow certaine shells of a white colour tending to russet 〈◊〉 are contained little liuing creatures which shells in time of maturitie do open and out of them grow those little liuing things which falling into the water do become fowles which we call 〈◊〉 in the North of England brant Geese and in Lancashire tree Geese but the other that do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the land perish and come to nothing Thus much by the writings of others and also from the mouths 〈◊〉 people of those parts which may very well accord with truth But what our eyes haue seene and hands haue touched we shall declare There is a small Island in Lancashire called the Pile of Foulders wherein are found the broken pieces of old and bruised ships some whereof haue been cast thither by shipwracke and also the trunks and bodies with the branches of old and rotten trees cast vp there likewise whereon is found a certaine spume or froth that in time breedeth vnto certaine shels in shape like those of the Muskle but sharper pointed and of a whitish colour wherein is contained a thing in forme like a lace of silke finely wouen as it were together of a whitish colour one end whereof is fastned vnto the inside of the shell euen as the fish of Oisters and Muskles are the other end is made fast vnto the belly of a rude masse or Iumpe which in time commeth to the shape and 〈◊〉 of a Bird when it is perfectly formed the shell gapeth open and the first thing that appeareth is the foresaid lace or string next come the legs of the bird hanging out and as it groweth greater it openeth the shell by degrees til at length it is all come forth and hangeth onely by the bill in short space after it commeth to full maturitie and falleth into the sea where it gathereth feathers and groweth to a fowle bigger than a Mallard and lesser than a Goose hauing blacke legs and bill or beake and feathers blacke and white spotted in such manner as is our Mag-Pie called in some places a Pie-Annet which the people of Lancashire call by no other name than a tree Goose which place aforesaid and all those parts adioyning do so much abound 〈◊〉 that one of the best is bought for three pence For the truth hereof if any doubt may it please them to repaire vnto me and I shall satisfie them by the testimonie of good witnesses Moreouer it should seeme that there is another sort hereof the historie of which is true and of mine owne knowledge for trauelling vpon the shore of our English coast betweene Douer and Rumney I found the trunke of an old rotten tree which with some helpe that I procured by Fishermens wiues that were there attending their husbands returne from the sea we drew out of the water vpon dry land vpon this rotten tree I found growing many thousands of long crimson bladders in shape like vnto puddings newly filled before they be sodden which were very cleere and shining at the nether end whereof did grow a shell fish fashioned somewhat like a small Muskle but much whiter resembling a shell fish that groweth vpon the rockes about Garnsey and Garsey called a Lympit many of these shells I brought with me to London which after I had opened I found in them liuing things without forme or shape in others which were neerer come to ripenes I found liuing things that were very naked in shape like a Bird in others the Birds couered with soft downe the shell halfe open and the Bird ready to fall our which no doubt were the Fowles called Barnakles I dare not absolutely auouch euery circumstance of the first part of this history concerning the tree that beareth those buds aforesaid but will leaue it to a further consideration howbeit that which I haue seene with mine eyes and handled with mine hands I dare confidently auouch and boldly put downe for veritie Now if any will obiect that this tree which I saw might be one of those before mentioned which either by the waues of the sea or some violent wind had been ouerturned as many other trees are or that any trees falling into those seas about the Orchades will of themselues beare the like fowles by reason of those seas and waters these being so probable coniectures and likely to be true I may not without preiudice gainesay or indeauour to 〈◊〉 ‡ The
Nauelwoort or Penniwoort of the Wall ¶ The Description 1 THe great Nauelwoort hath round and thicke leaues somewhat bluntly indented about the edges and somewhat hollow in the midst on the vpper part hauing a short tender stemme fastened to the middest of the leafe on the lower side vnderneath the stalke whereon the floures doe grow is small and hollow an handfull high and more beset with many small floures of an ouerworne incarnate colour The root is round like an oliue of a white colour ‡ The root is not well exprest in the figure for it should haue been more vnequall or tuberous with the fibers not at the bottome but top thereof ‡ 2 The second kinde of Wall Penniwoort or Nauelwoort hath broad thicke leaues somewhat deepely indented about the edges and are not so round as the leaues of the former but somewhat long towards the setting on spred vpon the ground in manner of a tuft set about the tender stalke like to Sengreene or Housleeke among which riseth vp a tender stalke whereon do grow the like leaues The floures stand on the top consisting of fiue small leaues of a white colour with red spots in them The root is small and threddie ‡ This by some is called Sedum Serratum ‡ ‡ 3. This third kinde hath long thicke narrow leaues very finely snipt or nickt on the edges which lie spred very orderly vpon the ground and in the midst of them rises vp a stalke some foot high which beares at the top thereof vpon three or foure little branches diuers white floures consisting of fiue leaues apiece 4 The leaues of this are long and thicke yet not so finely snipt about the edges nor so narrow as those of the former the stalke is a foot high set here and there with somewhat shorter and rounder leaues than those below and towards the top thereof out of the bossomes of these leaues come sundry little foot-stalkes bearing on their tops pretty large floures of colour white and spotted with red spots The rootes are small and here and there put vp new tufts of leaues like as the common Housleeke ‡ 5 There is a kinde of Nauelwoort that groweth in waterie places which is called of the husbandmen Sheeps bane because it killeth sheepe that do eat thereof it is not much vnlike the precedent but the round edges of the leaues are not so euen as the other and this creepeth vpon the ground and the other vpon the stone walls 1 Vmbilicus Veneris Wall Penniwoort ‡ 2 Vmbilicus Ven. sive Cotyledon altera Iagged or Rose Penniwoort ‡ 6 Because some in Italy haue vsed this for Vmbilicus Veneris and othersome haue so called it I thought it not amisse to follow Matthiolus and giue you the history thereof in this place rather than to omit it or giue it in another which may be perhaps as vnfit for indeed I cannot sitly ranke it with any other plant Bauhine sets it betweene Hedera Terrestris and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Columna refers it to the Linaria's but I must confesse I cannot referre it to any wherefore I thinke it as proper to giue it here as in any other place The branches of this are many long slender and creeping vpon which grow without any certaine order many little smooth thicke leaues fashioned like those of Ivie and fastened to stalkes of some inch long and together with these stalkes come sorth others of the same length that carry spur-fashioned floures of the shape and bignesse of those of the female Fluellen their outside is purple their inside blew with a spot of yellow in the opening The root is small creeping and threddie It floures toward the end of Sommer and growes wilde vpon walls in Italie but in gardens with vs. 〈◊〉 calls it Cymbalaria to which Lobel addes Italica Hederaceo folio Lonicerus termes it Vmbilicus Veneris 〈◊〉 and lastly Columna cals it Linaria hederae folio ‡ ¶ The Place The first kind of Penniwoort groweth plentifully in Northampton vpon euery stone wall about the towne at Bristow Bathe Wells and most places of the West Countrie vpon stone walls It groweth vpon Westminster Abbey ouer the doore that leadeth from Chaucers tombe to the old palace ‡ In this last place it is not now to be found ‡ The second third and fourth grow vpon the Alpes neere Piedmont and Bauier and vpon the mountaines of Germanie I found the third growing vpon Bieston Castle in Cheshire ‡ The fifth growes vpon the Bogges vpon Hampstead Heath and many such rotten grounds in other places ‡ ¶ The Time They are greene and flourish especially in VVinter They floure also in the beginning of Sommer ¶ The Names Nauelwoort is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Vmbilicus Veneris and Acetabulum of diuers Herba Coxendicum Iacobus Manlius nameth it Scatum Coeli and Scatellum in Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Cupertoiule in French Escuelles in Spanish Capadella of some Hortus Veneris or Venus garden and Terrae vmbilicus or the Nauel of the earth in English Penniwoort Wall-penniwoort Ladies nauell Hipwoort and Kidney-woort VVater Penniwoort is called in Latine Cotyledon palustris in English Sheepe-killing Pennigrasse Penny-rot and in the North Countrey VVhite-rot for there is also Red-rot which is Rosa solis in Northfolke it is called Flowkwoort ‡ Columna and Bauhine fitly refer this to the Ranunculi or Crowfeet for it hath no affinitie at all with the Cotyledons but onely in the roundnesse of the leafe the former of them cals it Ranunculus aquaticus vmbilicatofolio and the later Ranunculus aquat Cotyledonis folio ¶ The Temperature Nauelwoort is of a moist substance and somewhat cold and of a certaine obscure binding qualitie it cooleth repelleth or driueth backe scoureth and consumeth or wasteth away as Galen testifieth ‡ The VVater Pennywoort is of an hot and vlcerating qualitie like to the Crowfeet whereof it is a kinde The bastard Italian Nauelwoort seemes to partake with the true in cold and moisture ‡ ¶ The Vertues The iuice of VVall Pennywoort is a singular remedie against all inflammations and hot tumors as Erysipelas Saint Anthonies fire and such like and is good for kibed heeles being bathed therwith and one or more of the leaues laid vpon the heele The leaues and rootes eaten doe breake the stone prouoke vrine and preuaile much against the dropsie The ignorant Apothecaries doe vse the VVater Pennywoort in stead of this of the wall which they cannot doe without great error and much danger to the patient for husbandmen know well that it is noisome vnto Sheepe and other cattell that feed thereon and for the most part bringeth death vnto them much more to men by a stronger reason 3 Vmbilicus Veneris minor Small Nauelwoort ‡ 4 Cotyledon minor montana altera The other small mountaine Nauelwoort 5 Cotyledon palustris Water Penniwoort ‡ 6 Cymbalaria Italica Italian Bastard Nauelwoort CHAP. 152. Of Sea Pennywoort 1 Androsace Matthioli Sea Nauel-woort 2 Androsace
mouth and tongue must be often washed with the same decoction and sometimes a little vineger mixed therewith This disease is thought to be vnknowne to the old writers but notwithstanding if it be conferred with that which Paulus Aegineta calleth Erysipelas 〈◊〉 an inflammation of the braine then will it not be thought to bee much differing if it be not the very same CHAP. 202. Of the great Daisie or Maudelen woort 1 Bellis maior The great Daisie ¶ The Description 1 THe great Daisie hath very many broad leaues spred vpon the ground somewhat indented about the edges of the breadth of a finger not vnlike those of groundswell among which rise vp stalkes of the height of a cubit set with the like leaues but lesser in the top whereof do grow large white floures with yellow thrums in the middle like those of the single field Daisy or Mayweed without any smell at all The root is full of strings ¶ The Place It groweth in Medowes and in the borders of fields almost euery where ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth in May and Iune ¶ The Names It is called as we haue said Bellis maior and also 〈◊〉 media vulnerariorum to make a difrence betweene it and Bugula which is the true Consolida media notwithstanding this is holden of all to bee Consolida medij generis or a kinde of middle Consound in High Dutch as Fuchsius reporteth 〈◊〉 in English the Great Daisie and Maudelen woort ¶ The Temperature This great Daisie is moist in the end of the second degree and cold in the beginning of the same ¶ The Vertues The leaues of the great Maudleine woort are good against all burning vlcers and apostemes against the inflammation and running of the eies being applied thereto The same made vp in an vnguent or salue with wax oile and turpentine is most excellent for wounds especially those wherein is any inflammation and will not come to digestion or maturation as are those weeping 〈◊〉 made in the knees elbowes and other ioints The iuice decoction or distilled water is drunk to very good purpose against the rupture or any inward burstings The herbe is good to be put into Vulnerarie drinks or potions as one simple belonging thereto most necessarie to the which effect the best practised do vse it as a simple in such cases of great effect It likewise asswageth the cruell torments of the gout vsed with a few Mallows and butter boiled and made to the sorme of a pultis The same receipt aforesaid vsed in Clysters profiteth much against the vehement heat in agues and ceaseth the torments or wringing of the guts or bowels CHAP. 203. Of little Daisies ¶ The Description 1 THe Daisie bringeth forth many leaues from a threddy root smooth fat long and somwhat round withall very sleightly indented about the edges for the most part lying vpon the ground among which rise vp the floures euery one with his owne slender stem almost like those of Camomill but lesser of a perfect white colour and very double 2 The double red Daisie is like vnto the precedent in euery respect sauing in the colour of the floures for this plant bringeth forth floures of a red colour and the other white as aforesaid ‡ These double Daisies are of two sorts that is either smaller or larger and these againe either white or red or of both mixed together wherefore I haue giuen you in the first place the figure of the small and in the second that of the larger 3 Furthermore there is another pretty double daisie which differs from the first described only in the floure which at the sides thereof puts forth many foot-stalkes carrying also little double floures being commonly of a red colour so that each stalke carries as it were an old one and the brood thereof whence they haue fitly termed it the childing Daisie ‡ 1 Bellis minor multiplex flore albo vel rubro The lesser double red or white Daisie 2 Bellis media multiplex flore albo vel rubro The larger double white or red Daisie 4 The wilde field Daisie hath many leaues spred vpon the ground like those of the garden Daisie among which rise vp slender stems on the top whereof do grow small single floures like those of Camomill set about a bunch of yellow thrums with a pale of white leaues sometimes white now and then red and often of both mixed together The root is threddy 5 There doth likewise grow in the fields another sort of wilde Daisie agreeing with the former in each respect sauing that it is somewhat greater than the other and the leaues are somwhat more cut in the edges and larger ‡ 3 Bellis minor prolifera Childing Daisie 4 Bellis minor syluestris The small wilde Daisie 5 Bellis media syluestris The middle wilde Daisie 7 The French blew Daisie is like vnto the other blew Daisies in each respect sauing it is altogether lesser wherein consisteth the difference ‡ There were formerly three figures and descriptions of this blew Daisie but one of them might haue serued for they differ but in the tallnesse of their growth and in the bredth and narrownesse of their leaues ‡ ¶ The Place The double Daisies are planted in gardens the others grow wilde euery where The blew Daisies are strangers in England their naturall place of abode is set forth in their seuerall titles 6 Bellis coerulea siue Globularia 〈◊〉 The blew Italian Daisie 7 Bellis coerulea Monspeliaca Blew French Daisies ¶ The Time The Daisies do floure most part of the Sommer ¶ The Names The Daisie is called in high-Dutch Maszlieben in low Dutch Margrieten in Latine Bellis minor and Consolida minor or the middle Consound of Tragus Primula veris but that name is more proper vnto Primrose of some Herba Margarita or Margarites herbe in French Marguerites and Cassaudes in Italian Fiori di prima veri gentili In English Daisies and Bruisewort The blew Daisie is called Bellis coerulea of some Globularia of the round forme of the floure it is also called Aphyllanthes and Frondislora in Italian Botanaria in English blew Daisies and Globe Daisie ¶ The Temperature The lesser Daisies are cold and moist being moist in the end of the second degree and cold in the beginning of the same ¶ The Vertues The Daisies doe mitigate all kinde of paines but especially of the ioynts and gout proceeding from an hot and dry humor if they be stamped with new butter vnsalted and applied vpon the pained place but they worke more effectually if Mallowes be added thereto The leaues of Daisies vsed amongst other Pot-herbes doe make the belly soluble and they are also put into Clysters with good successe in hot burning feuers and against inflammations of the intestines The iuyce of the leaues and roots snift vp into the nosthrils purgeth the head mightily of foule and filthy slimie humors and helpeth the megrim The same giuen to little dogs with milke keepeth them
or Cnecus in shops Cartamus or Carthamum of diuers Crocus hortensis and Crocus Saracenicus in Italian Zaffarano Saracinesco and Zaffarano saluatico in Spanish Alasor and Semente de papagaios in high Dutch Widen Zaffran in French Safran 〈◊〉 in English Bastard Saffron of some Mocke Saffron and Saffron D'orte as though you should say Saffron de horte or of the garden Theophrastus and Pliny call it Cnecus vrbana and 〈◊〉 or tame and garden bastard Saffron that it may differ from Atractilis which they make to be a kinde of Cnicus syluestris or wilde Bastard Saffron but rather a 〈◊〉 of the Holy Thistle ¶ The Temperature We vse saith Galen the seed onely for purgations it is hot and that in the first degree as Mesues writeth ¶ The Vertues The iuice of the seed of bastard Saffron bruised and strained into honied water or the broth of a chicken and drunke prouoketh to the stoole and purgeth by siege slimy flegme and sharp humors Moreouer it is good against the collicke and difficultie of taking breath the cough and stopping of the brest and is singular against the dropsie The seed vsed as aforesaid and strained into milke causeth it to curdle and yeeld much cruds and maketh it of great force to loose and open the belly The floures drunke with honied water open the liuer and are good against the iaundice and the floures are good to colour meat in stead of Saffron The seed is very hurtfull to the stomacke causing desire to vomite and is of hard slow digestion remaining long in the stomacke and entrailes Put to the same seed things comfortable to the stomacke as Annise seed Galingale or Mastick Ginger 〈◊〉 and it shall not hurt the stomacke at all and the operation thereof shall be the more quicke and speedy Of the inward pulpe or substance hereof is made a most famous and excellent composition to purge water with commonly called Diachartamon a most singular and effectual purgation for those t hat haue the dropsie The perfect description hereof is extant in Guido the Surgion in his first Doctrine and the sixt Tractate We haue not read or had in vse that Bastard Saffron with the blew floure and therefore can say nothing of his vertues CHAP. 489. Of Wilde Bastard Saffron ¶ The Description 1 ATractylis otherwise called wilde Bastard Saffron bringeth forth a straight and firme stalke verie fragile or brittle diuided at the toppe into certaine branches it hath long iagged leaues set with prickles the heads on the tops of the branchesare very ful of sharp prickles out of which grow floures all of threds like those of bastard Saffron but they are of a light yellow colour and sometimes purple the seed is somewhat great browne and bitter otherwise like that of bastard Saffron the root is of a meane bignesse 1 〈◊〉 Wilde Bastard Thistle 2 Carduus Benedictus The blessed Thistle 2 The stalkes of Carduus Benedictus or Blessed Thistle are round rough and pliable and being parted into diuers branches do lic flat on the ground the leaues are iagged round about and full of harmlesse prickles in the edges the heads on the tops of the stalks are set with prickles and 〈◊〉 with sharpe prickling leaues out of which standeth a yellow floure the seed is long and set with haires at the top like a beard the root is white and parted into strings the whole herb leaues and stalks and also the heads are couered with a soft and thin downe ¶ The Place Atractylis groweth in Candie and in diuers prouinces and Islands of Greece and also in Languedocke and is an herbe growing in our English gardens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is found euery where in Lemnos an Island of the Midland Sea in Champion grounds as 〈◊〉 Bellonius testifieth it is diligently cherished in Gardens in these Northerne parts ¶ The Time Atractylis is very late before it floureth and seedeth Carduus 〈◊〉 floureth in Iuly and August at which time it is especially to be gathered for Physicke matters ¶ The Names 〈◊〉 is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latins likewise 〈◊〉 and Cnicus sylue stris and because women in the old time were wont to vse the stiffe stalk thereof pro fuso aut colo for a spindle or a distaffe it is named Fusus agrestis and Colus Rustica which thing Petrus Bellonius reporteth the women in Greece do also euen at this day who call Atrastylis by a corrupt name Ardactyla diuers of the later herbarists name it Syluestris Carthamus that is to say in low Dutch Wilden Carthamus and in English wilde Bastard Saffron or Spindle Thistle Blessed Thistle is called in Latine euery where Carduus Benedictus and in shops by a compound word Cardo-benedictus it is most plaine that it is Species 〈◊〉 or a kind of wil de 〈◊〉 Saffron it is called Atractylis hirsutior hairie wilde bastard Saffron 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nameth it 〈◊〉 supinus it is called in high Dutch Beseegnete distell Kardo Benedict the later 〈◊〉 whereos is knowne to the low Countrey men in Spanish it is called Cardo Sancto in French Chardon 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 in the Isle Lemnos Garderacantha in English Blessed Thistle but more commonly by the Latine name Carduus Benedictus ¶ The Temperature Wilde bastard Saffron doth drie and moderately digest as Galen witnesseth As Carduus Benedictus is bitter so is it also hot and drie in the second degree and withall ciensing and opening ¶ The Vertues The tops seed and leaues of Atractylis saith Dioscorides being beaten and drunk with pepper and wine are a remedie for those that are stung of the scorpion Blessed Thistle taken in meat or drinke is good for the swimming and giddinesse of the head it strengthneth memorie and is a singular remedie against deafenesse The same boiled in wine and drunke hot healeth the griping paines of the belly killeth and 〈◊〉 pelleth wormes causeth sweat prouoketh vrine and driueth out grauel clenseth the stomack and 〈◊〉 very good against the Feuer 〈◊〉 The iuice of the said Carduus is singular good against all poison as Hierome Bocke witnesseth in what sort soeuer the medicine be taken and helpeth the inflammation of the liuer as reporteth 〈◊〉 Camerarius of Noremberg The pouder of the leaues ministred in the quantitie of halfe a dram is very good against the pestilence if it be receiued within 24. houres after the taking of the sicknes and the party sweat vpon the same the like vertue hath the wine wherein the herbe hath been sodden The green herb pounded and laid to is good against all hot swellings as Erysipelas plague sores and botches especially those that proceed of the pestilence and is also good to be laied vpon the bitings of mad dogs serpents spiders or any venomous beast whatsoeuer and so is it likewise if it be inwardly taken The distilled water thereof is of lesse vertue It is reported that it likewise cureth stubborne and rebellious vlcers if the decoction be taken for certaine daies
together and likewise Arnoldus de Villanoua reporteth that if it be stamped with Barrows grease to the form of an vnguent adding thereto a little wheat floure it doth the same being applied twice a day The herbe also is good being stamped and applied and so is the iuice thereof The extraction of the leaues drawne according to Art is excellent good against the French disease and quartaine agues as reporteth the foresaid Camerarius The same Author reporteth that the distilled water taken with the water of Louage and Dodder helpeth the sauce-flegme face if it be drunke for certaine daies together CHAP. 490. Of Thistle vpon Thistle and diuers other Wilde Thistles ¶ The Description 1 AMong all the Thornes and Thistles this is most full of prickles the stalks thereof are verie long and seem to be cornered by reason of certaine thin skins growing to them being sent downe forth of the leaues the leaues are set round about with many deep gashes being very full of prickles as well as the stalks the heads are very thicke set in euery place with stiffe prickles and consist of a multitude of scales out of which grow purple floures as they do out of other Thistles seldome white the root is almost straight but it groweth not deep 2 To this also may be referred that which Lobel writeth to be named of the Italians Leo and Carduus ferox sor it is so called of the wonderfull sharpe and stiffe prickles wherewith the whole plant aboundeth the stalke thereof is short scarce a handfull high the floure groweth forth of a prickly head and is of a pale yellow colour like that of wilde bastard Saffron and it is also inuironed and set round about on euery side with long hard thornes and prickles 3 The third groweth seldome aboue a cubite or two foot high it bringeth forth many round stalkes 〈◊〉 into diuers branches the leaues are like those of white Cotton Thistle but lesser and blacker and not couered with downe or Cotton vpon the tops of the stalks grow little heads †1 Polyacanthos Thistle vpon Thistle 2 Carduus ferox The cruell Thistle †3 Carduus Asininus sive Onopyxes The Asses Thistle or Asses box †4 Carduus 〈◊〉 viarum The Way Thistle 4 The fourth riseth vp with an higher stalke now and then a yard long round and not so full of branches nor leaues which are sharpe and full of prickles but lesser and narrower the heads be also lesser longer and not so full of stiffe prickles the floures are of a white colour and vanish into downe the root is blacke and of a foot long 5 This wilde Thistle which groweth in the fields about Cambridge hath an vpright stalke whereon do grow broad prickley leaues the floures grow on the tops of the branches consisting of a flockie downe of a white colour tending to purple of a most pleasant sweet smell 〈◊〉 with the sauour of muske the root is small and perisheth at the approch of Winter ‡ I had no figure directly fitting this wherefore I put that of Dodonaeus his Onopordon which may well serue for it if the leaues were narrower and more diuided ‡ †5 Carduus Muscatus The musked Thistle 6 Carduus lanceatus The Speare Thistle 6 The Speare Thistle hath an vpright stalke garnished with a skinnie membrane full of most sharpe prickles whereon do grow very long leaues diuided into diuers parts with sharp prickles the point of the leaues are as the point of a speare whereof it tooke his name the floures growon the tops of the branches set in a scaly prickly head like vnto the heads of Knapweed in forme consisting of many threds of a purple colour the root consisteth of many tough strings 7 Theophrastus his fish Thistle called Acarna which was brought from Illyria to Venice by the learned Valerandus Donrez described by Theophrastus hath horrible sharpe yellow prickles set vpon his greene indented leaues which are couered on the backe side with an hoarie downe as all the rest of the plant hauing a stalke of a cubit and a halfe high and at the top certaine scaly knops containing yellow thrummie floures armed or fenced with horrible sharp prickles the root is long and threddie 8 The other kinde of fish Thistle being also another Acarna of Valerandus description hath long and large leaues set ful of sharpe prickles as though it were set full of pins all the whole plant is couered with a certaine hoarinesse like the former there ariseth vp a stalke nine inches long yea in some fertile grounds a cubite high bearing the floure of Carduus benedictus standing thicke together but lesser 7 Acarna Theophrasti Theophrastus his fish Thistle 8 Acarna Valerandi Donrez Donrez his fish Thistle †9 Picnomos The thicke or bush headed Thistle ‡ 9 This Thistle in the opinion of 〈◊〉 whereto I much incline is the same with the former The root is small the leaues long welting the stalks at their setting on and armed on the edges with sharpe prickles the stalkes lie trailing on the ground like those of the star-Thistle so set with prickles that one knoweth not where to take hold thereof it hath many closely compact vmbels consisting of pale yellowish little floures like those of Groundswell the seed is like that of Carthamus smal and chaffie Pena and Lobel call this Picnomos Cretae Salonensis of a place in Prouince where they first found it called the Crau being not farre from the city Salon Tabernamontanus set it forth for Chamaeleon niger and our Author formerly gaue the figure hereof by the same title though his historie belonged to another as I haue formerly noted ‡ ¶ The Time The two first grow on diuers banks not farre from mount Apennine and sometimes in Italy but yet seldome The way Thistles grow euery where by high-waies sides and common paths in great plenty The places of the rest baue beene sufficiently spoken of in their descriptions ¶ The Time These kindes of Thistles do floure from the beginning of Iune vntill the end of September ¶ The Names These Thistles comprehended in this present chapter are by one generall name called in Latine Cardui syluestres or wilde Thistles and that which is the second in order is named 〈◊〉 but not that Scolymus which Theophr declareth to yeeld a milky iuyce of which wee haue written before but one of those which Pliny in his twentieth booke cap. 23. describeth of some they are taken for kindes of Chamaeleon their seuerall titles do set forth their seuerall Latine names and also the English ‡ There was formerly much confusion in this chapter both in the figures and historie which I will here endeauour to amend and giue as much light as I can to the obscuritie of our Authour and some others to which end I haue made choice of the names as the fittest place 1 This description was taken out of Dodonaeus and the title also of Onopordon which was formerly put ouer the
order composed of three leaues and sometimes of fiue or else the two lower leaues are diuided into two parts as Hop leaues are now and then of a light greene colour both aboue and vnderneath The floures grow on the tops of the branches racematim many together sometimes white sometimes of a very light purple colour euery floure containing fiue leaues which are crompled or wrinkled and do not grow plaine the fruit followes first green and afterwards blew euerie berry composed of one or two graines seldome oboue foure or fiue growing together about the bignesse of corans wherein is contained a stony hard kernell or seed and a iuyce of the colour of Claret wine contrarie to the common Rubus or Bramble whose leaues are white vnderneath the berries being ripe are of a shining blacke colour and euery berry containes vsually aboue forty graines closely compacted and thrust together The root is wooddy and lasting This growes common enough in most places and too common in ploughed fields Sept. 6. 1619. Iohn Goodyer ‡ 3 The Raspis or Framboise bush hath leaues and branches not much vnlike the common Bramble but not so rough nor prickly and sometimes without any prickles at all hauing onely a rough hairinesse about the stalkes the fruit in shape and proportion is like those of the Bramble red when they be ripe and couered ouer with a little downinesse in taste not very pleasant The root creepeth far abroad whereby it greatly encreaseth ‡ This growes either with prickles vpon the stalkes or else without them the fruit is vsually red but sometimes white of colour ‡ 1 Rubus The Bramblebush 2 Rubus Idaeus The Raspis bush or Hinde-berry 4 Stone Bramble seldome groweth aboue a foot high hauing many small flexible branches without prickles trailing vpon the ground couered with a reddish barke and somwhat hairy the leaues grow three together set vpon tender naked foot-stalkes somewhat snipt about the edges the floures grow at the end of the branches consisting of foure small white leaues like those of the Cherry tree after which come small Grape-like fruit consisting of one two or three large transparent berries set together as those of the common Bramble of a red colour when they be ripe and of a pleasant taste but somewhat astringent The roots creepe along in the ground very farre abroad whereby it greatly increaseth 4 Chamaemorus called in the North part of England where they especially doe grow Knot-berries and Knought-berries is likewise one of the Brambles though without prickles it brings forth small weake branches or tender stems of a foot high whereon do grow at certaine distances rough leaues in shape like those of the Mallow not vnlike to the leaues of the Gooseberrie bush on the top of each branch standeth one floure and no more consisting of fiue small leaues of a dark purple colour which being fallen the fruit succeedeth like vnto that of the Mulberrie whereof it was called Chamaemorus dwarfe Mulberry at the first white and bitter after red and somwhat pleasant the root is long something knotty from which knots or ioynts thrust forth a few threddie strings ‡ I take that plant to which our Author hereafter hath allotted a whole chapter and called Vaccinia nubis or Cloud-berries to be the same with this as I shall shew you more largely in that place ‡ 4 Rubus Saxatilis Stone blacke Berry bush 5 Chamaemorus Knot berry bush ¶ The Place The Bramble groweth for the most part in euery hedge and bush The Raspis is planted in gardens it groweth not wilde that I know of except in the field by a village in Lancashire called Harwood not far from Blackburne I found it among the bushes of a causey neere vnto a village called Wisterson where I went to schoole two miles from the Nantwich in Cheshire The stone Bramble I haue found in diuers fields in the Isle of Thanet hard by a village called 〈◊〉 neere Queakes house sometimes Sir Henry Crispes dwelling place ‡ I feare our Author mistooke that which is here added in the second place for that which he figured and described in the third now the fourth which I know not yet to grow wilde with vs. ‡ Knot-berries do loue open snowie hills and mountaines they grow plentifully vpon 〈◊〉 hils among the heath and ling twelue miles from Lancashire being thought to be the highest hill in England They grow vpon Stane-more betweene Yorkshire and Westmerland and vpon other wet Fells and mountaines ¶ The Time These floure in May and Iune with the Roses their fruit is ripe in the end of August and September ¶ The Names The Bramble is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Ronges Loi Duyts Brelmers in Latine Rubus and Sentis and Vepres as Ouid writeth in his first booke of Metamorpho sis Aut Leporiqui vepre latens hostilia cernit Oracanum Or to th'Hare that vnder Bramble closely lying spies The hostile mouthes of Dogs Of diuers it is called Cynosbatus but not properly for Cynoslatus is the wild Rose as we haue written in high-Dutch Bremen in low-Dutch Breemen in French Rouce in Italian Garza in English Bramble bush and Black-berry bush The fruit is named in Latine Morum rubi and as Fuchsius thinketh Vacinium but not properly in shops Mora Bati and in such shops as are more barbarous Mora Bassi in English Blacke-berries The Raspis is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Rubus Idaeus of the mountaine Ida on which it groweth in English Raspis Framboise and Hinde-berry ¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉 The yong buds or tender tops of the Bramble 〈◊〉 the floures the leaues and the vnripe fruit do very much dry and binde withall being chewed they take away the heate and inflammation of the mouth and almonds of the throat they stay the bloudy flix and other fluxes and all maner of bleedings of the same force is their decoction with a little honey added They heale the eyes that hang out hard knots in the fundament and stay the hemorrhoids if the leaues be layd thereunto The iuyce which is pressed out of the stalks leaues and vnripe berries and made hard in the Sun is more effectuall for all those things The ripe fruit is sweet and containeth in it much iuyce of a temperate heate therefore it is not vnpleasant to be eaten It hath also a certaine kinde of astriction or binding qualitie It is likewise for that cause wholsome for the stomack and if a man eat too largely therof saith Galen he shall haue the head-ache but being dried whilest it is yet vnripe it bindeth and drieth more than the ripe fruit The root besides that it is binding containeth in it much thin substance by reason whereof it wasteth away the stone in the kidnies saith Galen Pliny writeth that the berries and floures do prouoke vrine and that the decoction of them in wine is a present remedie against the stone The leaues of the Bramble boiled in