leaues are rounder and not so much cut about the edges as the others The branches are weake and feeble trailing vpon the ground The floures are likewise of three colours that is to say white blew and yellow void of smell The root perisheth when it hath perfected his seed 5 There is found in sundry places of England a wilde kinde hereof bringing floures of a faint yellow colour without mixture of any other colour yet hauing a deeper yellow spot in the lowest 1 Violatricolor Hearts-ease 2 Viola assurgens tricolor Vpright Hearts-ease 3 Violatricolor syluestris Wilde Paunsies 4 Violatricolor petraea Stony Hearts-ease ¶ The Place The Hearts-ease groweth in fields in many places and in gardens also and that oftentimes of it selfe it is more gallant and beautifull than any of the wilde ones Matthiolus reporteth that the vpright Paunsie is found on mount Baldus in Italy Lobel saith that it groweth in Languedocke in France and on the tops of some hills in England but as yet I haue not seene the same Those with yellow floures haue been found by a village in Lancashire called Latham foure miles from 〈◊〉 by Mr. Thomas 〈◊〉 before remembred ¶ The Time They sloure not onely in the Spring but for the most part all Sommer thorow euen vntill Autumne ¶ The Names Hearts-ease is named in Latine Viola tricolor or the three coloured Violet and of diuers Iacea yet there is another Iacea syrnamed Nigra in English Knap-weed Bull-weed and Matfellon of others Herba 〈◊〉 or herbe Trinitie by reason of the triple colour of the floures of some others Herba 〈◊〉 in French Pensees by which name they became knowne to the Brabanders and others of the Low-countries that are next adioyning It seemeth to be Viola slammea which Theophrastus calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Hearts-ease Paunsies Liue in idlenesse Cull me to you and Three faces in a hood The vpright Pansie is called not vnproperly Viola assurgens or Surrecta and withall Tricolor that is to say straight or vpright Violet three coloured of some Viola arborescens or Tree Violet for that in the multitude of branches and manner of growing it resembles a little tree ¶ The Temperature It is of temperature obscurely cold but more euidently moist of a tough and 〈◊〉 iuyce like that of the Mallow for which cause it moistneth and suppleth but not so much as the Mallow doth ¶ The Vertues It is good as the later Physitions write for such as are sicke of an ague especially children and infants whose convulsions and fits of the falling sicknesse it is thought to cure It is commended against inflammations of the lungs and chest and against scabs and itchings of the whole body and healeth vlcers The distilled water of the herbe or floures giuen to drinke for ten or more dayes together three ounces in the morning and the like quantitie at night doth wonderfully ease the paines of the French disease and cureth the same if the Patient be caused to sweat sundry times as Costaeus reporteth in his booke denatura 〈◊〉 stirp CHAP. 314. Of Ground-Juy or Ale-hoofe ¶ The Description 1 GRound Iuy is a low or base herbe it creepeth and spreads vpon the ground hither and thither all about with many stalkes of an vncertaine length slender and like those of the Vine something cornered and sometimes reddish whereupon grow leaues something broad and round wrinkled hairy nicked in the edges for the most part two out of euerie ioynt amongst which come sorth the floures gaping like little hoods not vnlike to those of Germander of a purplish blew colour the roots are very threddy the whole plant is of a strong smell and bitter taste ‡ 2 Vpon the rockie and mountainous places of Prouince and Daulphine growes this other kinde of Ale-hoofe which hath leaues stalkes floures and roots like in shape to those of the former but the floures and leaues are of a light purple colour and also larger and longer This by Lobel is called Asarina siue Saxatilis hedera ‡ ¶ The Place It is found as well in tilled as in vntilled places but most commonly in obscure and darke places vpon banks vnder hedges and by the sides of houses ¶ The Time It remaineth greene not onely in Sommer but also in Winter at any time of the yeare it floureth from Aprill till Sommer be far spent 1 Hedera terrestris Ale-hoofe ‡ 2 Hedera saxatilis Rocke Ale-hoofe ¶ The Names It is commonly called Hedera terrestris in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also Corona terrae in high-Dutch Gundelreb in low-Dutch Onderhaue in French Lierre terrestre Hedera humilis of some and Chamaecissum in English Ground-Iuy Ale-hoofe Gill go by ground Tune-hoofe and Cats-foot ‡ Many question whether this be the Chamaecissus of the Antients which controuersie 〈◊〉 hath largely handled Pempt 3. lib. 3. cap. 4. ‡ ¶ The Temperature Ground-Iuie is hot and dry and because it is bitter it scoureth and remoueth stoppings out of the intrals ¶ The Vertues Ground-Iuy is commended against the humming noyse and ringing sound of the eares being put into them and for them that are hard of hearing Matthiolus writeth That the iuyce being tempered with Verdugrease is good against fistulaes and hollow vlcers Dioscorides teacheth That halfe a dram of the leaues being drunke in foure ounces and a halfe of faire water for fourty or fifty dayes together is a remedie against the Sciatica or ache in the huckle bone The same taken in like sort six or seuen dayes doth also cure the yellow jaundice Galen hath attributed as we haue said all the vertue vnto the floures Seeing the floures of Ground-Iuy saith he are very bitter they remoue stoppings out of the liuer and are giuen to them that are vexed with the Sciatica Ground-Iuy 〈◊〉 and Daisies of each a like quantitie stamped and strained and a little sugar and rose water put thereto and dropped with a feather into the eyes taketh away all manner of inflammation spots webs itch smarting or any griefe whatsoeuer in the eyes yea although the sight were nigh hand gone it is proued to be the best medicine in the world The herbes stamped as aforesaid and mixed with a little ale and honey and strained takes away the pinne and web or any griefe out of the eyes of horse or cow or any other beast being squirted into the same with a syringe or I might haue said the liquor iniected into the eyes with a syringe But I list not to be ouer eloquent among Gentlewomen to whom especially my Works are most necessarie The women of our Northerne parts especially about Wales and Cheshire do tunne the herbe Ale-hoof into their Ale but the reason thereof I know not notwithstanding without all controuersie it is most singular against the griefes aforesaid being tunned vp in ale and drunke it also purgeth the head from rhumaticke humors flowing from the braine Hedera terrestris boyled in water
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
so couered may be taken vp at times conuenient and vsed in sallades all the winter as in London and other places is to be seen and then it is called white Endiue whereof Pliny seemeth not to be ignorant speaking to the same purpose in his 20. booke and 8. chapter ¶ The Names These herbes be called by one name in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 notwithstanding for distinctions sake they called the garden Succory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the wilde Succory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pliny nameth the Succory 〈◊〉 and the bitterer Dioscorides calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Intybum syluestre Intybum agreste Intybum 〈◊〉 and Cichorium in shops it is called Cichorea which name is not onely allowed of the later Physitions but also of the Poet Horace in the 31. Ode of his first booke Me pascunt 〈◊〉 Me Cichorea leuesque 〈◊〉 With vs saith Pliny in his 20. booke 8. chapter they haue called Intybum erraticum or wilde Endiue Ambugia others reade Ambubeia and some there be that name it Rostrum porcinum and others as Guilielmus Placentinus and Petrus Crescentius terme it Sponsa 〈◊〉 the Germanes call it 〈◊〉 which is as much to say as the keeper of the waies the Italians Cichorea the Spaniards Almerones the English-men Cicorie and Succory the Bohemians 〈◊〉 Endiue is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Intybum sativum of some Endiuia of Auicen and Serapio Taraxacon of the Italians Scariola which name remaineth in most shops also Seriola as 〈◊〉 they should fitly call it Seris but not so well Serriola with a double r for Serriola is 〈◊〉 sylue tris or wilde lettuce it is called in Spanish Serraya Enuide in English Endiue and Scariole and when it hath been in the earth buried as aforesaid then it is called white Endiue ‡ 5 This was first set forth by Clusius vnder this name Chondrillae genus elegans 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 since by Pona and Bauhine by the title we giue you to wit Cichorium spinosum Honorius Bellus writes that in Candy where as it naturally growes they vulgarly terme it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is 〈◊〉 spina the Pitcher Thorne because the people fetch all their water in stone pots or Pitchers which they 〈◊〉 with this plant to keepe mice and other such things from creeping into them and it growes 〈◊〉 round that it seems by nature to be prouided sor that purpose ‡ ¶ The Nature Endiue and Succorie are cold and drie in the second degree and withall somewhat binding and because they be something bitter they doe also clense and open Garden Endiue is colder and not so drie or clensing and by reason of these qualities they are thought to be excellent medicines for a hot liuer as Galen hath written in his 8. book of the compositions of medicines according to the places affected ¶ The Vertues These herbs when they be greene haue vertue to coole the hot burning of the liuer to helpe the stopping of the gall yellow jaundice lacke of sleepe stopping of vrine and hot burning feauers A syrup made thereof and sugar is very good for the diseases aforesaid The distilled water is good in potions cooling and purging drinkes The distilled water of Endiue Plantaine and roses profiteth against excoriations in the conduit of the yard to be iniected with a syringe whether the hurt came by vncleanenesse or by small stones and grauell issuing forth with the vrine as often hath been seene These herbes eaten in sallades or otherwise especially the white Endiue doth comfort the weake and feeble stomacke and cooleth and refresheth the stomacke ouermuch heated The leaues of Succorie brused are good against inflammation of the eyes being outwardly applied to the grieued place CHAP. 30. Of wilde Succorie 1 Cichorium syluestre Wilde Succorie 2 Cichorium luteum Yellow Succorie ¶ The Kindes IN like manner as there be sundrie sorts of 〈◊〉 and Endiues so is there wilde kindes of either of them ¶ The Description 1 WIlde Succorie hath long leaues somewhat snipt about the edges like the leaues of Sow-thistle with a stalke growing to the height of two cubits which is diuided towards the top into many branches The floures grow at the top blew of colour the root is tough and wooddie with many strings fastned thereto 2 Yellow Succorie hath long and large leaues deepely cut about the edges like those of the Hawkeweed The stalke is branched into sundry arms wheron do grow yellow flours very double resembling the floures of Dandelion or Pisse-abed the which being withered it flieth away in downe with euery blast of winde 3 Intybum 〈◊〉 Wilde Endiue 3 Wilde Endiue hath long smooth leaues slightly snipt about the edges The stalke is brittle and full of milkie juice as is all the rest of the plant the floures grow at the top of a blew or skie colour the root is tough and threddie 4 Medow Endiue or Endiue with broad leaues hath a thicke tough and wooddie root with many strings fastened thereto from which rise vp many broad leaues spread vpon the ground like those of garden Endiue but lesser and somewhat rougher among which rise vp many stalkes immediately from the root 〈◊〉 of them are deuided into sundrie branches whereupon doe grow many floures like those of the former but smaller ¶ The Place These plants doe grow wilde in sundrie places in England vpon wilde and vntilled barren grounds especially in chalkie and stonie places ¶ The Time They floure from the middest to the end of August ¶ The Names ‡ The first of these is Scris Picris of Lobell or Cichorium syluestre or Intybus erratica of Tabernamontanus ‡ Yellow Succorie is not without cause thought to be Hyosiris or as some copies haue it Hyosciris of which Pliny in his 20. booke and 8. chapter writeth Hyosiris saith he is like to Endiue but lesser and rougher it is called of Lobelius Hedypnois the rest of the names set forth in their seueall titles shall be sufficient for this time ¶ The Temperature They agree in temperature with the garden Succorie or Endiue ¶ The Vertues The leaues of these wilde herbes are boiled in pottage or brothes for sicke and feeble persons that haue hot weake and feeble stomackes to strengthen the same They are iudged to haue the same vertues with those of the garden if not of more force in working CHAP. 31. Of Gumme Succorie ¶ The Description 1 GVmme Succorie with blew floures hath a thicke and tough root with some strings annexed thereto full of a milkie iuyce as is all the rest of the plant the floures excepted The leaues are great and long in shape like to those of garden Succorie but deeplier cut or iagged somewhat after the manner of wilde Rocket among which rise tender stalkes very easie to be broken branched toward the top in two or sometimes three branches bearing very pleasant floures of an azure colour or deepe blew which being past the seed flieth away in
pessarie made thereof like a finger and put vp bringeth downe the termes in yong Wenches and such like The seedes of Zazintha beate to powder and giuen in the decreasing of the Moone to the quantitie of a spoonefull taketh away warts and such like excrescence in what part of the body soeuer they be the which medicine a certaine 〈◊〉 of Padua did much vse whereby he gained great sums of mony as reporteth that ancient Physition Ioachimus Camerarius of Noremberg a famous citie in Germanie And Matthiolus affirmes that he hath knowne some helped of warts by once eating the leaues hereof in a Sallade CHAP. 32. Of Dandelion ¶ The Description 1 THe herbe which is commonly called Dandelion doth send forth from the root long leaues deepely cut and gashed in the edges like those of wilde Succorie but smoother vpon euery stalke standeth a floure greater than that of Succorie but double and thicke set together of colour yellow and sweet in smell which is turned into a round downie blowball that is carried away with the winde The root is long slender and full of milkie juice when any part of it is broken as is the Endiue or Succorie but bitterer in taste than Succorie ‡ There are diuers varieties of this plant consisting in the largenesse smallnesse deepenesse or shallownesse of the diuisions of the leafe as also in the smoothnesse and roughnesse thereof ‡ 1 Dens 〈◊〉 Dandelion ‡ 3 Dens Leonis bulbosus Knottie rooted Dandelion 2 There is also another kinde of Succorie which may be referred heereunto whose leaues are long cut like those of broad leafed Succorie the stalkes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vnlike being diuided into branches as those of Dandelion but lesser which also vanisheth into downe when the seed is ripe hauing a long and white root ‡ 3 There is another Dens Lconis or Dandelion which hath many knotty and tuberous roots like those of the Asphodil the leaues are not so deeply cut in as those of the common Dandelion but larger and somewhat more hairy the floures are also larger and of a paler yellow which flie away in such downe as the ordinary ‡ ¶ The Place They are found often in medowes neere vnto water ditches as also in gardens and high waies much troden ¶ The Time They floure most times in the yeere especially if the winter be not extreame cold ¶ The Names These plants belong to the Succory which Theophrastus Pliny call Aphaca or Aphace Leonardus Fuchsius thinketh that Dandelion is Hedypnois Plinij of which he writeth in his 20. booke and eighth chapter affirming it to be a wilde kinde of broad leafed Succorie and that Dandelion is Taraxacon but Taraxacon as Auicen teacheth in his 692. chapter is garden Endiue as Serapio mentioneth in his 143. chapter who citing Paulus for a witnesse concerning the faculties setteth down these words which Paulus writeth of Endiue and Succorie Diuers of the later Physitions do also call it Dens Leonis or Dandelion it is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Pissenlit ou couronne de prestre or Dent de lyon in English Dandelion and of diuers Pisseabed The first is also called of some and in shops Taraxacon Caput monach Rostrum porcinum and Vrinaria The other is Dens 〈◊〉 Monspeliensium of 〈◊〉 and Cichoreum Constant inopolitanum of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Dandelion is like in temperature to Succorie that is to say to wilde Endiue It is cold but it drieth more and doth withall clense and open by reason of the bitternesse which it hath ioyned with it and therefore it is good for those things for which Succory is ‡ Boiled it strengthens the weake stomacke and eaten raw it stops the bellie and helpes the Dysentery especially being boyled with Lentiles The juice drunke is good against the vnuoluntary effusion of seed boyled in vineger it is good against the paine that troubles some in making of water A decoction made of the whole plant helpes the yellow jaundice ‡ CHAP. 20. Of Sow-thistle †1 Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle ‡ 2 Sonchus asperior The more 〈◊〉 Sow-thistle ¶ The Kindes THere be two chiefe kindes of Sow-thistles one tenderer and softer the other more pricking and wilder but of these there be sundry sorts more found by the diligence of the later Writers all which shall be comprehended in this chapter and euery one be distinguished with a seuerall description ¶ The Description 1 THe prickly Sow-thistle hath long broad leaues cut very little in but full of smal prickles round about the edges something hard and sharpe with a rough and hollow stalke the floures stand on the tops of the branches consisting of many small leaues single and yellow of colour and when the seed is ripe it turneth into downe and is carried away with the winde The whole plant is full of a white milky iuyce ‡ 2 There is another kinde of this whose leaues are sometimes prettily deepe cut in like as those of the ordinarie Sow-thistle but the stalkes are commonly higher than those of the last described and the leaues more rough and prickly but in other respects not differing from 〈◊〉 of this kinde It is also sometimes to be found with the leaues lesse diuided ‡ †3 Sonchus Laeuis Hares Lettuce 4 Sonchus laeuis latifolius Broad leaued Sow-thistle 3 The stalke of Hares Lettuce or smooth-Thistle is oftentimes a cub it high edged and hollow of a pale colour and sometimes reddish the leaues be greene broad set round about with deepe cuts or gashes smooth and without prickles The floures stand at the top of the branches yellow of colour which are caried away with the winde when the seed is ripe ‡ This is sometimes found with whitish and with snow-white floures but yet seldome whence our Authour made two kindes more which were the fourth and fifth calling the one The white floured Sowthistle and the other The snow-white Sow-thistle Both these I haue omitted as impertinent and giue you others in their stead ‡ 4 Broad leaued Sow-thistle hath a long thicke and milky root as is all the rest of the Plant with many strings or fibres from the which commeth forth a hollow stalke branched or diuided into sundry sections The leaues be great smooth sharpe pointed and greene of colour the floures be white in shape like the 〈◊〉 ‡ The floures of this are for the most part yellow like as the former ‡ ‡ 5 Wall Sow-thistle hath a fibrous wooddy root from which rises vp a round stalke not crested the leaues are much like to those of the other Sow-thistles broad at the setting on then narrower and after much broader and sharpe pointed so that the end of the leafe much resembles the shape of an iuy leafe these leaues are very tender and of somewhat a whitish colour on the vnder side the top of the stalke is diuided into many small branches which beare little yellow floures that fly away in downe 6 This hath longish narrow
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 ¶
greene colour The root is very slender and single 2 There is another kinde of Herniaria called Mille grana or All-seed that groweth vpright a handfull high with many small and tender branches set with leaues like the former but few in number hauing as it were two smal leaues no more The whole plant seemeth as it were couered ouer with seeds or graines like the seed of Panicke but much lesser ‡ I haue not seen many plants of this but all that euer I yet saw neuer attained to the height of two inches ‡ ¶ The Place 1 It ioyeth in barren and sandy grounds and is likewise found in dankish places that lie wide open to the sunne it doth grow and prosper in my garden exceedingly ‡ 2 I found this in Kent on a Heath not farre from Chiste-hurst being in company with Mr. Bowles and diuers others in Iuly 1630. ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth in May Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Herniaria and Herniola taken from the effect in curing the disease Hernia of diuers Herba Turca and Empetron in French 〈◊〉 in English Rupture woort and Burstwoort ¶ The Temperature and Vertue Rupture woort doth notably drie and throughly closeth vp together and fasteneth It is reported that being drunke it is singular good for Ruptures and that very many that haue been bursten were restored to health by the vse of this herbe also the pouder hereof taken with wine doth make a man to pisse that hath his water stopt it also wasteth away the stones in the kidnies and expelleth them CHAP. 173. Of wilde Time 1 Serpillum vulgre Wilde Time 3 Serpillum majus flore purpurco Great purple wilde Time ¶ The Description 1 BOth Dioscoridcs and Pliny make two kindes of Serpillum that is of creeping or wilde Time whereof the first is our common creeping Time which is sowell knowne that it needeth no description yet this ye shall vnderstand that it beareth floures of a purple colour as euery body knoweth Of which kinde I found another sort with floures as white as snow and haue planted it in my garden where it becommeth an herbe of great beauty 2 This wilde Time that bringeth forth white floures differeth not from the other but only in the colour of the floures whence it may be called Serpillum vulgare flore albo White floured Wilde Time There is another kinde of Serpillum which groweth in gardens in smell and sauour resembling Marjerome It hath leaues like Organy or wilde Marjerome but somewhat whiter putting forth many small stalkes set full of leaues like Rue but longer narrower and harder The floures are of a biting taste and pleasant smell The whole plant groweth vpright whereas the other creepeth along vpon the earth catching hold where it growes spreading it selfe far abroad 3 This great wilde Time creepeth not as the others doe but standeth vpright and bringeth forth little slender branches full of leaues like those of Rue yet narrower longer and harder The flours be of a purple colour and of a twingging biting taste it groweth vpon rocks and is hotter than any of the others 4 This other great one with white floures differeth not from the precedent hauing many knaps or heads of a milke white colour which setteth forth the difference and it may be called Serpillum maius flore albo Great white floured wilde Time 5 This wilde Time creepeth vpon the ground set with many leaues by couples like those of Marjerom but lesser of the same smel the flours are of a reddish color The root is very threddy 6 Wilde Time of Candy is like vnto the other wild Times sauing that his leaues are narrower and longer and more in number at each joint The smell is more aromaticall than any of the others wherein is the difference 7 There is a kinde of wilde Time growing vpon the mountaines of Italy called Serpillum 5 Serpillum folijs amaraci Marjerome Time 6 Serpillum Creticum Wilde Time of Candy ‡ 7 Serpillum citratum Limon Time ‡ 8 Serpillum hirsutum Hoary wilde Time 8 This which is the Serpillum Pannonicum 3. of Clusius runnes or spreds it selfe far vpon the ground For though it haue a hard and wooddy root like as the former kindes yet the branches which lie spred round about here and there take root which in time become as hard and wooddy as the former The leaues and stalkes are like those of the last described but rough and hoarie the floures also are not vnlike those of the common kind The whole plant hath a kinde of resinous smell It floures in Iune with the rest and growes vpon the like mountainous places 〈◊〉 whether with vs in England or no I cannot yet affirme any thing of certaintie ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth vpon barren hills and vntoiled places the second groweth in gardens The white kinde I found at 〈◊〉 in Kent in a barren field belonging to one Mr. William Swan ¶ The Time They floure from May to the end of Sommer ¶ The Names Wild Time is called in Latine Serpillum à serpendo of creeping in high and low-Dutch 〈◊〉 and Wilden Thymus and also 〈◊〉 Urouwen 〈◊〉 in Spanish Serpoll in Italian Serpillo in French Pillolet in English Wilde Time Puliall Mountaine Pella mountaine running Time creeping Time Mother of Time in shops it is called Serpyllum yet some call it Pulegium montanum and it is euery where saith Dodonaeus thought to be the Serpyllum of the Antients Notwithstanding it answereth not so wel to the wilde Times as to Dioscorides his Saxifranga for if it be diligently compared with the description of both the Serpilla and the Saxifranga it shal be found to be little like the wilde Times but very much like the Saxifranga for saith Dioscorides Saxifranga is an herbe like Time growing on rockes where our common wilde Time is ostentimes found Aelianus in his ninth booke of his sundry Histories seemeth to number wilde Time among the floures Dionysius Iunior saith he comming into the city Locris in Italy possessed most of the houses of the city and did strew them with roses wild Time and other such kindes of floures Yet Virgil in the second Eclog of his Bucolicks doth most manifestly testifie that wilde Time is an herbe in these words Thestylis rapido fessis messoribus 〈◊〉 Allia serpillumque herbas contundit olentes Thestilis for mowers tyr'd with parching heate Garlicke wilde Time strong smelling herbes doth beate Out of which place it may be gathered that common wilde time is the true and right Serpillum or wilde Time which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Marcellus an old antient Author among the Frenchmen saith it is called Gilarum as Plinius Valerianus saith it is called of the same Laurio ¶ The Temperature Wilde Time is of temperature hot and dry in the third degree it is of thin and subtill parts 〈◊〉 and much biting ¶ The Vertues It bringeth downe the
desired sicknesse prouoketh vrine applied in bathes and fomentations it procureth sweat being boyled in wine it helpeth the ague it easeth the strangurie it stayeth the hicket it breaketh the stones in the bladder it helpeth the Lethargie frensie and madnesse and stayeth the vomiting of bloud Wilde Time boyled in wine and drunke is good against the wambling and gripings of the bellie ruptures convulsions and inflammations of the liuer It helpeth against the bitings of any venomous beast either taken in drinke or outwardly applied Aetius writeth That Serpillum infused well in Vineger and then sodden and mingled with rose water is a right singular remedie to cure them that haue had a long phrensie or lethargie Galen prescribeth one dram of the iuyce to be giuen in vineger against the vomiting of bloud and helpeth such as are grieued with the spleene CHAP. 174. Of Garden Time ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Time is so well knowne that it needeth no description because there is not any which are ignorant what Thymum durius is I meane our common garden Time 2 The second kinde of Time with broad leaues hath many wooddy branches rising from a threddy root beset with leaues like Myrtus The floures are set in rundles about the stalke like Horehound The whole plant is like the common Time in taste and smell 1 Thymum durius Hard Time 2 Thymum latifolium Great or broad leaued Time 3 Time of Candy is in all respects like vnto common Time but differeth in that that this kinde hath certaine knoppy tufts not much vnlike the spikes or knots of Stoecados but much lesser beset with slender floures of a purple colour The whole plant is of a more gracious smell than any of the other Times and of another kinde of taste as it were sauouring like spice The root is brittle and of a wooddy substance 4 Doubtlesse that kinde of Time whereon Epithymum doth grow and is called for that cause Epithymum and vsed in shops is nothing else than Dodder that growes vpon Time and is all one with ours though Matthiolus makes a controuersie and difference thereof for Pena trauelling ouer the hills in Narbone neere the sea hath seene not onely the garden Time but the wilde Time also loden and garnished with this Epithymum So that by his sight and mine owne knowledge I am assured that it is not another kinde of Time that beareth Epithymum but is common Time for I haue often found the same in England not onely vpon our Time but vpon Sauorie and other herbes also notwithstanding thus much I may coniecture that the clymate of those Countries doth yeeld the same forth in greater aboundance than ours by reason of the intemperance of cold whereunto our countrey is subiect 3 Thymum Creticum Time of Candy 4 Epithymum Graecorum Laced Time ¶ The Place These kindes of Time grow plentifully in England in most gardens euery where except that with broad leaues and Time of Candy which I haue in my garden ¶ The Time They flourish from May vnto September ¶ The Names The first may be called hard Time or common garden Time the second Broad leaued Time the third Time of Candy our English women call it Muske Time the last may be called Dodder Time ¶ The Temperature These kindes of Time are hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Time boyled in water and hony drunken is good against the cough and shortnes of the breath it prouoketh vrine expelleth the secondine or after-birth and the dead childe and dissolues clotted or congealed bloud in the body The same drunke with vineger and salt purgeth flegme and boyled in Mede or Methegline it cleanseth the breast lungs reines and matrix and killeth wormes Made into pouder and taken in the weight of three drams with Mede or honied vineger called Oxymel and a little salt purgeth by stoole tough and clammie flegme sharpe and cholericke humors and all corruption of bloud The same 〈◊〉 in like sort is good against the Sciatica the paine in the side and brest against the winde in the side and belly and is profitable also for such as are fearefull melancholike and troubled in minde It is good to be giuen vnto those that haue the falling sicknesse to smell vnto 〈◊〉 after Galen is of more effectuall operation in physicke than Time being hot and dry in the third degree more mightily cleansing heating drying and opening than Cuscuta 〈◊〉 right good effect to eradicat melancholy or any other humor in the spleen or other disease sprung by occasion of the spleene It helpeth the long continued paines of the head and besides his singular effects about spleneticall matters it helpeth the lepry or any disease of melancholy all quart aine agues and such like griefes proceeding from the spleene Dioscorides saith Epithymum drunke with honied water expelleth by siege flegme and melancholy Of his natiue propertie it relieueth them which be melancholieke swolne in the face and other parts if you pound Epithymum and take the fine pouder thereof in the quantity of foure scruples in the liquour which the Apothecaries call Passum or with Oxymell and salt which taketh away all flatuous humours and ventosities CHAP. 175. Of Sauorie ¶ The Kindes THere be two kindes of Sauorie the one that indureth VVinter and is of long continuance the other an annuall or yearely plant that perisheth at the time when it hath perfected his seed and must be sowne againe the next yeare which we call Sommer Sauorie or Sauorie of a yeare There is likewise another which is a stranger in England called of Lobel Thymbra S. 〈◊〉 denying it to be the right Satureia or Sauorie whether that of Lobel or that we haue in our English gardens be the true winter Sauorie is yet disputable for we thinke that of S. Iulians rocke to be rather a wilde kinde than otherwise ‡ Pena and Lobel do not denie 〈◊〉 affirme it in these words Nullus non fatetur Satureiam veram that is which none can denie to be the true Satureia or Sauorie Vid. 〈◊〉 pag. 182. ‡ 1 Satureia hortensis VVinter Sauorie 2 Satureia hortensis aestiva Sommer Sauorie ¶ The Description 1 WInter Sauorie is a plant resembling Hyssope but lower more tender and brittle it bringeth forth very many branches compassed on euery side with narrow and sharpe pointed leaues longer than those of Time among which grow the floures from the bottome to the top out of small husks of colour white tending to a light purple The root is hard and wooddie as is the rest of the plant 2 Sommer Sauorie groweth vp with a slender brittle stalke of a foot high diuided into little branches the leaues are narrow lesser than those of Hysope like the leaues of winter Sauorie 〈◊〉 thinner set vpon the branches The floures stand hard to the branches of a light purple tending to whitenesse The root is small full of strings and perisheth when it hath perfected his seed 3
or better the leaues are like those of wilde Tyme but longer and of a blacker colour sometimes lightly snipt at the tops of the branches grow floures of a whitish blew colour consisting of foure fiue or else six e little leaues a piece which falling there follow round seede vessels containing a round small and blacke seed It floures in August and growes vpon cold and high mountaines as the Alpes Pona calls this Veronica Alpina minima Serpillifolio and Clusius hath it by the name of Veronica 3. fruticans ‡ 3 Veronica minor Little Fluellen 4 Veronica recta minima The smallest Fluellen ‡ 5 Veronica fruticans Serpillifolia Shrubbie Fluellen 6 Veronica assurgens sive Spicata Tree Fluellen 7 Veronica spicata latifolia Vpright Fluellen ‡ 8 Veronica supina Leaning Fluellen 6 The sixt kinde of Veronica hath many vpright branches a foote high and sometimes more diuiding themselues into sundry other small twigs at the top whereof do grow faire spikie tusts bearing bright and shining blew floures The leaues are somewhat long indented about the edges like a saw the root is compact of many threds or strings ‡ 7 This hath stalkes some cubit high and sometimes more and these not very full of branches yet hauing diuers joints at each whereof do grow forth two leaues two or three inches long and one broad and these leaues are also thicke smooth and shining lightly snipt or 〈◊〉 about the edges and of a very astringent and drying taste and at last somewhat biting At the top of the stalkes grow spokie tufts or blew floures like those of the last mentioned but of somewhat a lighter colour and they begin first to floure or shew themselues below and so go vpwards the seed which is small and blacke is conteyned in flat seed vessels the roote is thicke with many fibres euery yeere thrusting vp new shoots There is a variety of this with the leaues not so blacke and shining but hauing more branches and another which hath a longer spike or tuft of 〈◊〉 Clusius calls this Veronica erectior latifolia ‡ 8 The eighth hauing his stalkes leaning vpon the ground looketh with his face vpright hauing sundry flexible branches set with leaues like vnto wilde Germander by couples one right against another deeply jagged about the edges in respect of the other before mentioned The floures are of a blew colour the root is long with some threds appendant thereto ¶ The Place Veronica groweth vpon bankes borders of fields and grassie mole-hils in sandy grounds and in woods almost euery where The fourth kinde my good friend Mr. Stephen Bredwell practitioner in physicke found and shewed it me in the close next adjoining to the house of Mr. Bele chiefe of the clerkes of her Maiesties Counsell dwelling at Barnes neere London The sixth is a stranger in England but I haue it growing in my garden ¶ The Time These floure from May to September ¶ The Names These plants are comprehended vnder this generall name Veronica and Dodonaeus would haue the first of them to be the Betonica of Paulus Aegineta and Turner and Gesner the third we do call them in English Pauls Betony or Speedwell in Welch it is called Fluellen and the Welch people do attribute great vertues to the same in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say Honor and praise ¶ The Nature These are of a meane temperature betweene heate and drinesse ¶ The Vertues The decoction of Veronica drunke sodereth and healeth all fresh and old wounds clenseth the bloud from all corruption and is good to be drunke for the kidnies and against scuruinesse and foule spredding tetters and consuming and fretting sores the small pox and measels The water of Veronica distilled with wine and re-distilled so often vntill the liquor wax of a reddish colour preuaileth against the old cough the drinesse of the lungs and all vlcers and inflammation of the same CHAP. 198. Of herbe Two pence ¶ The Description 1 HErbe Two pence hath a small and tender root spreding and dispersing it selfe farre within the ground from which rise vp many little tender flexible stalkes trailing vpon the ground set by couples at certaine spaces with smooth greene leaues somewhat round whereof it tooke his name from the bosome of which leaues shoote forth small tender foot-stalkes whereon do grow little yellow floures like those of Cinkefoile or Tormentill 2 There is a kinde of Money woort or herbe Two pence like the other of his kinde in each respect sauing it is altogether lesser wherein they differ ‡ 3 There is another kinde of Money-woort which hath many very slender creeping branches which here and there put forth fibres and take root againe the leaues are small and round standing by couples one against another and out of the bosomes come slender foote-stalkes bearing prety little whitish purple floures consisting of fiue little leaues standing together in manner of a little bell-floure and seldome otherwise the seed is small and conteined in round heads This growes in many wet rotten grounds and vpon bogges I first found it Anno 1626 in the Bishopricke of Durham and in two or three places of Yorkshire and not thinking any had taken notice thereof I drew a figure of it called it Nummularia pusilla flore ex albo purpurascente but since I haue found that Bauhine had formerly set it forth in his Prodromus by the name of Nummularia flore purpurascente It growes also on the bogges vpon the heath neare Burnt wood in Essex it floures in Iuly and August ‡ 1 Nummularia Herbe Two pence ‡ 3 Nummularia flore purpurascente Purple floured Money-woort ¶ The Place It groweth neere vnto ditches and streames and other watery places and is sometimes found in moist woods I found it vpon the banke of the riuer of Thames right against the Queenes pallace of White hall and almost in euery countrey where I haue trauelled ¶ The Time It floureth from May till Summer be well spent ¶ The Names Herbe Two pence is called in Latine 〈◊〉 and Centummorbiae and of diuers Serpentaria It is reported that if serpents be hurt or wounded they do heale themselues with this herbe whereupon came the name Serpentaria it is thought to be called Centummorbia of the wonderfull effect which it hath in curing diseases and it is called Nummularia of the forme of money whereunto the leaues are like in Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Money woort Herbe Two pence and Two penny grasse ¶ The Temperature That this herbe is dry the binding taste thereof doth shew it is also moderate colde ¶ The Vertues The floures and leaues stamped and laid vpon wounds and vlcers doth cure them but it worketh most effectually being stamped and boiled in oile oliue with some rosen wax and turpentine added thereto The iuice drunke in wine is good for the bloudie flix and all other issues in bloud of man or woman the weakenesse and loosenesse of the belly and laske
Pliny and Theophrastus call it 〈◊〉 Gaza translates it Aurelia in English Gold-floure Golden Moth-wort ¶ The Temperature It is saith Galen of power to cut and make thinne ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides teacheth that the tops thereof drunke in wine are good for them that can hardly make water against stingings of Serpents paines of the huckle bones and taken in sweet wine it dissolueth congealed bloud The branches and leaues laid amongst cloathes keepeth them from moths whereupon it hath beene called of some Moth-weed or Mothwort CHAP. 207. Of Golden Floure-Gentle ¶ The Description 1 THis yellow Euerlasting or Floure-Gentle called of the later Herbarists Yellow Stoecas is a plant that hath stalkes of a span long and slender whereupon do grow narrow leaues white and downie as are also the stalks The floures stand on the tops of the stalks consisting of a scattered or disordered scaly tuft of a reasonable good smell of a bright yellow colour which being gathered before they be ripe do keep their colour and beauty a long time without withering as do most of the Cottonweeds or Cudweeds whereof this is a kinde The root is blacke and slender ‡ There is some varietie in the heads of this plant for they are sometimes very large and longish as Camerarius notes in his Epitome of 〈◊〉 otherwhiles they are very compact and round and of the bignesse of the ordinarie 2 This growes to some soot or more high and hath rough downie leaues like the former but broader the floures are longer but of the same yellow colour and long continuance as those of the last described This varies somthing in the bredth and length of the leaues whence Tabernamontanus gaue three figures thereof and therein was followed by our Author as you shall finde more particularly specified at the end of the chapter ‡ 3 About Nemausium and Montpelier there growes another kinde of Chrysocome or as Lobel termes it Stoechas Citrina altera but that as this plant is in all points like so in all points it is lesser and slenderer blacker and not of such beauty as the former growing more neere vnto an ash colour consisting of many small twigs a foot long The root is lesser and hath fewer strings annexed thereto and it is seldome found but in the cliffes and crags among rubbish and on walls of cities This plant is browne without sent or sauor like the other euery branch hath his own bunch of floures comming forth of a scaly or round head but not a number heaped together as in the first kinde It prospereth well in our London Gardens 1 〈◊〉 Citrina siue Amaranthus luteus Golden Stoechas or Goldilockes 2 Amaranthus luteus latifolius Broad leaued Goldilockes 3 Chrysocome capitulis conglobatis Round headed Goldilockes 4 Amaranthus luteus floreoblongo Golden Cudweed 4 There is a kinde hereof beeing a very rare plant and as rare to be found where it naturally groweth which is in the woods among the Scarlet-Okes betweene Sommieres and Mountpellier It is a fine and beautifull plant in shew passing the last described Stoechas Citrina altera but the leaues of this kinde are broad and somewhat hoarie as is all the rest of the whole plant the stalke a foot long and beareth the very floures of Stoechas Citrina altera but bigger and longer and somewhat like the floures of Lactuca agrestis the root is like the former without any manifest smel little knowne hard to finde whose faculties be yet vnknowne 5 Heliochrysos syluectris Wilde Goldylockes 5 This is a wilde kinde which Lobel setteth forth that here may be inserted called Eliochrysos 〈◊〉 The woolly or flockey leafe of this plant resembleth Gnaphalium vulgare but that it is somewhat broader in the middle the floures grow clustering together vpon the tops of the branches of a yellow colour and almost like those of Maudline the roots are blacke and wooddie ¶ The Place The first mentioned growes in Italy and other hot countries and the second growes in rough and grauelly places almost euery where neere vnto the Rhene especially between Spires and Wormes ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Golden floure is called in Latine Coma aurea of his golden locks or beautifull bush and also Tineraria in shops Stoechas citrina Amaranthus luteus 〈◊〉 Tragi of some Linaria aurea but not truely in Greeke Chryscome in Dutch Reynbloemen and Motten cruyt in Italian Amarantho Giallo in English Gold-floure Gods floure Goldilockes and Golden Stoechas ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The floures of Golden Stoechados boiled in wine and drunke expell worms out of the bellie and being boiled in Lee made of strong ashes doth kill lice and nits if they bee bathed therewith The other faculties are refered to the former plants mentioned in the last chapter CHAP. 208. Of Costmarie and Maudelein ¶ The Description 1 COstmary groweth vp with round hard stalkes two foot high bearing long broad leaues finely nicked in the edges of an ouerworn whitish green colour The tuft or bundle is of a golden colour consisting of many little floures like clusters ioyned together in a rundle after the manner of golden Stoechados The root is of a wooddy substance by nature verie durable not without a multitude of little strings hanging thereat The whole plant is of a pleasant smell sauour or taste 2 Maudleine is somewhat like to Costmary whereof it is a kinde in colour smell taste and in the golden floures set vpon the tops of the stalks in round clusters It bringeth forth a number of stalkes slender and round The leaues are narrow long indented and deepely cut about the edges The cluster of floures is lesser than that of Costmarie but of a better smell and yellower colour The roots are long lasting and many 1 Balsamita mas Costmarie 2 Balsamita foemina sive Ageratum Maudelein ‡ 3 Ageratum folijs non serratis Maudelein with vncut leaues 4 Ageratum floribus albis White floured Maudlein ‡ 4 This differeth not from the common Maudelein but in the colour of the floures which are white when as those of the ordinarie sort are yellow ‡ ¶ The Place They grow euery where in gardens and are cherished for their sweet floures and leaues ¶ The Time They bring forth their tufts of yellow floures in the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names Costmarie is called in Latine Balsamita maior or mas of some Costus 〈◊〉 it is also called Mentha Graeca and Saracenica Officinarum of Tragus Alisma of Matthiolus 〈◊〉 Graeca of others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Herbalassulata of some Herba D. Mariae in English Costmarie and Ale-coast in High Dutch Frauwenkraut in low Dutch 〈◊〉 windkraut in French Coq Maudlein is without doubt a kinde of Costmarie called of the Italians Herba Giulia of Valerius Cordus Mentha Corymbifera minor and Eupatorium Mesue It is iudged to be Dioscorides his Ageratum and it is the Costus minor hortensis of Gesner we
as in the Veronica's The root is knotty and fibrous and growes so fast amongst the rockes that it cannot easily be got out It floureth in Iuly 〈◊〉 describes this by the name of Teucrium 6. Pumilum and Pona sets it forth by the name of Veronica petraea semper virens ‡ 5 This Spanish Germander riseth vp oft times to the height of a man in manner of a hedge bush with one stiffe stalke of the bignesse of a mans little finger couered ouer with a whitish bark diuided sometimes into other branches which are alwayes placed by couples one right against another of an ouerworne hoarie colour and vpon them are placed leaues not much vnlike the common Germander the vpper parts whereof are of a grayish hoarie colour and the lower of a deepe greene of a bitter taste and somewhat crooked turning and winding themselues after the manner of a welt The floures come forth from the bosome of the leaues standing vpon small tender foot-stalkes of a white colour without any helmet or hood on their tops hauing in the middle many threddy strings The whole plant keepeth greene all the Winter long 6 Among the rest of the Tree Germanders this is not of least beauty and account hauing many weake and feeble branches trailing vpon the ground of a darke reddish colour hard and wood die at the bottome of which stalks come forth many long broad iagged leaues not vnlike the 〈◊〉 hoary vnderneath and greene aboue of a binding and drying taste The floures grow at the top of the stalkes not vnlike to those of Cistus foemina or Sage-rose and are white of colour consisting of eight or nine leaues in the middle whereof do grow many threddy chiues without smell or sauour which being past there succeedeth a tuft of rough threddy or flocky matter not vnlike to those of the great Auens or Pulsatill the root is wooddy and set with some few hairie strings fastned to the same ¶ The Place These plants do ioy in stony and rough mountaines and dry places and such as lie open to the Sunne and aire and prosper well in gardens and of the second sort I haue receiued one plant for my garden of Mr. Garret Apothecarie ¶ The Time They floure flourish and seed when the other Germanders do ¶ The Names Tree Germander is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 retaining the name of the former Chamaedrys and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the authoritie of Dioscorides and Pliny in Latine 〈◊〉 in English Great Germander vpright Germander and Tree Germander ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their temperature and faculties are referred vnto the garden Germander but they are not of such force and working wherefore they be not much vsed in physicke CHAP. 214. Of Water Germander or Garlicke Germander ¶ The Description 1 SCordium or water Germander hath square hairie stalkes creeping by the ground beset with soft whitish crumpled leaues nickt and snipt round about the edges like a Saw among which grow small purple floures like the floures of dead Nettle The root is small and threddy creeping in the ground very deepely The whole plant being bruised smelleth like Garlicke whereof it tooke that name Scordium ‡ This by reason of goodnesse of soile varieth in the largenesse thereof whence Tabernamont anus and our Author made a bigger and a lesser thereof but I haue omitted the later as superfluous ‡ ¶ The Place Water Germander groweth neere to Oxenford by Ruley on both sides of the water and in a medow by Abington called Nietford by the relation of a learned Gentleman of S. 〈◊〉 in the said towne of Oxenford a diligent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 my very good friend called Mr. Richard Slater Also it groweth in great plenty in the Isle of Elie and in a medow by Harwood in Lancashire and diuers other places 1 Scordium Water Germander ¶ The Time The floures appeare in Iune and Iuly it is best to gather the herbe in August it perisheth not in Winter but onely loseth the stalkes which come vp againe in Sommer the root remaineth fresh all the yeare ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines do keepe that name 〈◊〉 the Apothecaries haue no other name It is called of some Trixago Palustris Quercula and also Mithridatium of Mithridates the finder of it out It tooke the name Scordium from the smel of Garlicke which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the rancknesse of the smell in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 battenig in French Scordion in Italian Chalamandrina palustre in English Scordium Water Germander and Garlicke Germander ¶ The Temperature Water Germander is hot and dry it hath a certaine bitter taste harsh and sharpe as Galen witnesseth ¶ The Vertues Water Germander cleanseth the intrals and likewise old vlcers being mixed with honey according to art it prouoketh vrine and bringeth downe the monethly sickenesse it draweth out of the chest thicke flegme and rotten matter it is good for an old cough paine in the sides which commeth of stopping and cold and for burstings and inward ruptures The decoction made in wine and drunke is good against the bitings of Serpents and deadly poysons and is vsed in antidotes or counterpoysons with good successe It is reported to mitigate the paine of the gout being stamped and applied with a little vineger and water Some affirme that raw flesh being laid among the leaues of Scordium may be preserued a long time from corruption Being drunke with wine it openeth the stoppings of the liuer the milt kidnies bladder and matrix prouoketh vrine helpeth the strangurie that is when a man cannot pisse but by drops and is a most singular cordiall to comfort and make merry the heart The pouder of Scordion taken in the quantitie of two drams in meade or honied water cureth and stoppeth the bloudy flix and comforteth the stomacke Of this Scordium is made a most singular medicine called Diascordium which serueth very notably for all the purposes aforesaid The same medicine made with Scordium is giuen with very good successe vnto children and aged people that haue the small pockes measles or the Purples or any other pestilent sicknesse whatsoeuer euen the plague it selfe giuen before the sicknes haue vniuersally possessed the whole body CHAP. 215. Of Wood Sage or Garlicke Sage ¶ The Description THat which is called Wilde Sage hath stalkes foure square somewhat hairie about which are leaues like those of Sage but shorter broader and softer the floures grow vp all vpon one side of the stalke open and forked as those of dead Nettle but lesser of a pale white colour then grow the seeds foure together in one huske the root is full of strings It is a plant that liueth but a yeare it smelleth of garlicke when it is bruised being a kinde of Garlicke Germander as appeareth by the smell of garlicke wherewith it is possessed Scorodonia siue Saluia agrestis Wood Sage or
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
decoction of Pennie Royall is very good against ventositie windinesse or such like and against the hardnes stopping of the mother being vsed in a bath or stew for the woman to sit ouer CHAP. 222. Of Basill ¶ The Description 1 GArden Basill is of two sorts differing one from another in bignesse The first hath broad thicke and fat leaues of a pleasant sweet smell and of which some one here and there are of a black reddish colour somewhat snipped about the edges not vnlike the leaues of French Mercurie The stalke groweth to the height of halfe a cubite diuiding itself into diuers branches whereupon doe stand small and base floures sometimes whitish and often tending to a darke purple The root is threddie and dieth at the approch of Winter 1 Ocimum 〈◊〉 Great Basill 2 Ocimum medium citratum Citron Basill 3 Ocimum minus Gariophyllatum Bush Basill ‡ 4 Ocimum Indicum Indian Basill 2 The middle Basill is very like vnto the former but it is altogether lesser The whole plant is of a most odoriferous smell not vnlike the smell of a Limon or Citron whereof it tooke his surname 3 Bush Basill or fine Basill is a low and base plant hauing a threddie root from which rise vp many small and tender stalks branched into diuers armes or boughes whereupon are placed many little leaues lesser than those of Pennie Royall The whole plant is of a most pleasing sweete smell ‡ 4 This which some call Ocimum Indicum or rather as Camerarius saith Hispanicum sends vp a stalk a foot or more high foure square and of a purple colour set at each ioint with two leaues and out of their bosomes come little branches the largest leaues are some two inches broad and some three long growing vpon long stalks and deepely cut in about their edges being also thicke fat and iuicie and either of a darke purple colour or else spotted with more or lesse such coloured spots The tops of the branches end in spokie tufts of white floures with purple veines running alongst them The seede is contained in such seed vessels as that of the other Basils and is round blacke and large The plant perishes euery yeare as soone as it hath perfected the seed Clusius calls this Ocimum Indicum ‡ ¶ The Place Basil is sowne in gardens and in earthen pots It commeth vp quickly and loueth little moisture except in the middle of the day otherwise if it be sowne in rainie weather the seed will putrifie and grow into a iellie or slime and come to nothing ¶ The Time Basill floureth in Iune and Iuly and that by little and little whereby it is long a flouring beginning first at the top ¶ The Names Basill is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and more commonly with 〈◊〉 in the first syllable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Ocimum It differeth from Ocymum which some haue called Cereale as we saith Dodonaeus haue shewed in the Historie of Graine The later Graecians haue called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in shops likewise Basilicum and Regium in Spanish Albabaca in French Basilic in English Basill garden Basill the greater Basill Royall the lesser Basill gentle and bush Basill of some Basilicum Gariophyllatum or Cloue Basill ¶ The Temperature Basill as Galen teacheth is hot in the second degree but it hath adioined with it a superfluous moisture by reason whereof he doth not like that it should be taken inwardly but being applied outwardly it is good to digest or distribute and to concoct ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that if Basil be much eaten it dulleth the sight it mollifieth the belly breedeth winde prouoketh vrine drieth vp milke and is of a hard digestion The iuice mixed with fine meale of parched Barly oile of roses and Vineger is good against inflammations and the stinging of venomous beasts The iuice drunke in wine of Chios or strong Sacke is good against head ache The iuice clenseth away the dimmenesse of the eyes and drieth vp the humour that falleth into them The seede drunke is a remedie for melancholicke people for those that are short winded and them that can hardly make water If the same be snift vp in the nose it causeth often neesing also the herbe it selfe doth the same There be that shunne Basill and will not eat thereof because that if it be chewed and laid in the Sun it ingendreth wormes They of Africke do also affirme that they who are stung of the Scorpion and haue eaten of it shall feele no paine at all The Later writers among whom Simeon Zethy is one doe teach that the smell of Basill is good for the heart and for the head That the seede cureth the infirmities of the heart taketh away sorrowfulnesse which commeth of melancholy and maketh a man merry and glad CHAP. 223. Of wilde Basill ¶ The Description 1 THe wilde Basil or Acynos called of Pena Clinopodium vulgarc hath square hairie stems beset with little leaues like vnto the small Basil but much smaller and more hairie sharp pointed and a little snipt towards the end of the leafe with small floures of a purple colour fashioned like vnto the garden Basill The root is full of hairie threds and creepeth along the ground and springeth vp yearely anew of it selfe without sowing ‡ This is the Clinopodium alterum of Matthiolus ‡ 2 This kinde of wilde Basill called amongst the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which by interpretation is Sine semine or Sterilis hath caused sundry opinions and great doubts concerning the words of Plinie and Theophrastus affirming that this herbe hath no floures nor seeds which opinions I am sure of mine owne knowledge to be without reason but to omit controuersies this plant beareth purple floures wharled about square stalkes rough leaues and hairie verie like in shape vnto Basil ‡ The stalkes are some cubite and more high parted into few branches and set at certaine spaces with leaues growing by couples This is the Clinopodium vulgare of Matthiolus and that of Cordus Gesner and others it is the Acinos of Lobel ‡ 3 Scrapio and others haue set forth another wilde Basill vnder the title of Molochia and Lobel after the minde of Iohn Brancion calleth it Corcoros which we haue Englished Fish Basill the seeds whereof the said Brancion receiued from Spaine saying that Corcoros 〈◊〉 hath the leaues of Basil the stalkes are two handfuls high the floures yellow growing close to the stalkes bearing his seed in smal long cods The root is compact and made of an innumerable companie of strings creeping far abroad like running Time ‡ This figure of Lobels which here we giue you is as Camerarius hath obserued vnperfect for it expresses not the long cods wherein the seed is contained neither the two little strings or beards that come forth at the setting on of each leafe to the stalke ‡ 1 Ocymum syluestre Wilde Basill 2 Acynos Stone Basill ‡ 3 Corchoros Fish Basill
inflammation of the Vuula The seed of Nettle stirreth vp lust especially drunke with Cute for as Galen saith it hath in it a certaine windinesse It concocteth and draweth out of the chest raw humors It is good for them that cannot breathe vnlesse they hold their necks vpright and for those that haue the pleurisie and for such as be sick of the inflammation of the lungs if it be taken in a looch or licking medicine and also against the troublesome cough that children haue called the Chin-cough Nicander affirmeth that it is a remedie against the venomous qualitie of Hemlocke Mushroms and Quick-siluer And Apollodoris saith that it is a counterpoyson for Henbane Serpents and Scorpions As Pliny witnesseth the same Author writeth that the oyle of it takes away the stinging which the Nettle it selfe maketh The same grossely powned and drunke in white wine is a most singular medicine against the stone either in the bladder or in the reines as hath beene often proued to the great ease and comfort of those that haue been grieuously tormented with that maladie It expelleth grauell and causeth to make water The leaues of any kinde of Nettle or the seeds do worke the like effect but not with that good speed and so assuredly as the Romane Nettle CHAP. 238. Of Hempe 1 Cannabis mas Male or Steele Hempe ‡ 2 Cannabis foemina Femeline or Female Hempe ¶ The Description 1 HEmpe bringeth forth round stalkes straight hollow fiue or six foot high full of branches when it groweth wilde of it selfe but when it is sowne in fields it hath very few or no branches at all The leaues thereof be hard tough somewhat blacke and if they be bruised they be of a ranke smell made vp of diuers little leaues ioyned together euery particular leafe whereof is narrow long sharpe pointed and nicked in the edges the seeds come forth from the bottomes of the wings and leaues being round somewhat hard full of white substance The roots haue many strings 2 There is another being the female Hempe yet barren and without seed contrarie vnto the nature of that sex which is very like to the other being the male and one must be gathered before the other be ripe else it will wither away and come to no good purpose ¶ The Place Hempe as Columella writeth delighteth to grow in a fat dunged and waterie soile or plaine and moist and deepely digged ¶ The Time Hempe is sowne in March and Aprill the first is ripe in the end of August the other in Iuly ¶ The Names This is named of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also of the Latines Cannabis the Apothecaries keep that name in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 hanff of the Italians Canape of the Spaniards Canamo in French Chanure of the Brabanders Kemp in English Hempe The male is called Charle Hempe and Winter Hempe the female Barren Hempe and Sommer Hempe ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The seed of Hempe as Galen writeth in his bookes of the faculties of simple medicines is hard of digestion hurtfull to the stomacke and head and containeth in it an ill iuyce notwithstanding some do vse to eate the same 〈◊〉 cum alijs tragematis with other junkets It consumeth winde as the said Author saith in his booke of the faculties of medicines and is so great a drier as that it drieth vp the seed if too much be eaten of it Dioscorides saith That the iuyce of the herbe dropped into the eares asswageth the paine thereof proceeding as I take it of obstruction or stopping as Galen addeth The inner substance or pulpe of the seed pressed out in some kinde of liquor is giuen to those that haue the yellow jaundice when the disease first appeares and oftentimes with good successe if the disease come of obstruction without an ague for it openeth the passage of the gall and disperseth and concocteth the choler through the whole body Matthiolus saith that the seed giuen to hens causeth them to lay egges more plentifully CHAP. 239. Of wilde Hempe 1 Cannabis Spuria Wilde Hempe ‡ 2 Cannabis Spuria altera Bastard Hempe ‡ 3 Cannabis Spuria tertia Small Bastard Hempe ¶ The Description 1 THis wilde Hempe called Cannabis Spuria 〈◊〉 Bastard Hempe hath smal slender hoary and hairie stalkes a foot high beset at euery ioynt with two leaues smally indented about the edges somewhat like a Nettle The floures grow in rundles about the stalkes of a purple colour and sometimes also white the root is little and threddy 2 There is likewise another kind of wild Hempe which hath 〈◊〉 stalkes and leaues like the former but the floures are greater gaping wide open like the floures of Lamium or dead Nettle whereof this hath been taken for a kinde but hee that knoweth any thing may easily discerne the sauor of hempe from the smell of dead Nettle The floures are of a cleare and light carnation colour declining to purple 3 There is also another kinde of wilde Hempe like vnto the last before mentioned sauing that it is smaller in each respect and not so hairy The lease is somewhat rounder the root small and threddy the 〈◊〉 is larger being purple or white with a yellow spot in the inside ¶ The Place These kinds of wild or bastard Hempe do grow vpon hills and mountaines and barren hilly grounds especially in earable land as I haue often seene in the corne fields of Kent as about Grauesend 〈◊〉 and in all the tract from thence to Canturbury and in many places about London ¶ The Time These herbes do floure from Iuly to the end of August ¶ The Names It shall suffice what hath been set downe in the titles 〈◊〉 the Latine names in English Wilde Hempe Nettle Hempe and Bastard Hempe ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The temperature and faculties are referred to the 〈◊〉 Hempe notwithstanding they are not vsed in physicke where the other may be had CHAP. 240. Of Water-Hempe ¶ The Description 1 WAter-Hempe or Water-Agrimony is seldome found in 〈◊〉 regions for which cause it is called Eupatorium Cannabinum foemina Septentrionalium and groweth in the cold Northerne countries in moist places and in the midst of ponds slow running riuers and ditches The root continueth long hauing many long and slender strings after the nature of water herbes the stalkes grow a cubit and a halfe high of a darke purple colour with many branches standing by distances one from another The leaues are more indented and lesse hairy than the male kind the floures grow at the top of a browne yellow colour 〈◊〉 with blacke spots like Aster atticus which consisteth of such a substance as is in the midst of the Daisie or the Tansie floure and is set about with small and sharpe leaues such as are about the Rose which causeth the whole floure to resemble 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and it sauoreth like gum Elemni Rosine or Cedar wood when it is burned The seed is long 〈◊〉 Pyrethrum closely thrust together and lightly cleaueth
plant bringeth forth floures of the same fashion but of a snow white colour wherein consisteth the difference ‡ Our Authour out of 〈◊〉 us gaue three figures with as many descriptions of this plant yet made it onely to vary in the colour of the floures being either purple white or red but he did not touch the difference which Tabernamontanus by his figures exprest which was the first had all the leaues whole being only snipt about the edges the lower leaues of the second were most of them whole and those vpon the stalkes deepely cut in or diuided and the third had the leaues both below and aboue all cut in or deepely diuided The figure which we here giue you expresses the first and third varieties and if you please the one may be with white and the other with red or purple floures ‡ ¶ The Place Sawe-woort groweth in woods and shadowie places and sometimes in medowes They grow in Hampsted wood likewise I haue seene it growing in great abundance in the wood adjoining to Islington within halfe a mile from the further end of the towne and in sundry places of Essex and Suffolke ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The later age doe call them Serratula and Serratula tinctoria it differeth as we haue said from Betony which is also called Serratula other names if it haue any we know not it is called in English Sawewoort ‡ Coesalpinus calls it Cerretta and Serretta and Thalius 〈◊〉 or Centaurium maius sylvestre Germanicum ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Serratula is wonderfully commended to be most singular for wounds ruptures burstings and such like and is referred vnto the temperature of Sanicle CHAP. 243. Of Betony ¶ The Description 1 BEtony groweth vp with long leaues and broad of a darke greene colour slightly indented about the edges like a saw The stalke is flender foure square somewhat rough a foote high more or lesse It beareth eared floures of a purplish colour and 〈◊〉 reddish after the floures commeth in place long cornered seed The root consisteth of many strings 1 Betonica Betony 2 Betony with white floures is like the precedent in each respect sauing that the flours of this plant are white and of greater beautie and the others purple or red as aforesaid ¶ The Place Betony loues shadowie woods hedge-rowes and copses the borders of pastures and such like places Betony with white floures is seldome seene I found it in a wood by a village called Hampstead neere vnto a worshipfull Gentlemans house one of the Clerkes of the Queenes counsell called Mr. Wade from whence I brought plants for my garden where they flourish as in their naturall place of growing ¶ The Time They floure and flourish for the most part in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Betony is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Betonica of diuers Vetonica but vnproperly There is likewise another Betonica which Paulus Aegineta described and Galen in his first booke of the gouernment of health sheweth that it is called 〈◊〉 that is to say Betonica Betonie and also Sarxiphagon Dioscorides notwithstanding doth describe another Sarxiphagon ¶ The Temperature Betony is hot and dry in the second degree it hath force to cut as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues Betony is good for them that be subject to the falling sickenesse and for those also that haue ill heads vpon a cold cause It clenseth the lungs and chest it taketh away obstructions or stoppings of the liuer milt and gall it is good against the yellow jaundise It maketh a man to haue a good stomack and appetite to his meate it preuaileth against sower belchings it maketh a man to pisse well it mitigateth paine in the kidnies and bladder it breaketh stones in the kidnies and driueth them forth It is also good for ruptures cramps and convulsions it is a remedie against the bitings of mad dogs and venomous serpents being drunke and also applied to the hurts and is most singular against poyson It is commended against the paine of the Sciatica or ache of the huckle bone There is a Conserue made of the floures and sugar good for many things and especially for the head-ache A dram weight of the root of Betonie dried and taken with meade or honied water procureth vomit and bringeth forth grosse and tough humors as diuers of our age do report The pouder of the dried leaues drunke in wine is good for them that spit or pisse bloud and cureth all inward wounds especially the greene leaues boyled in wine and giuen The pouder taken with meate looseth the belly very gently and helpeth them that haue the falling sicknesse with madnesse and head-ache It is singular against all paines of the head it killeth wormes in the belly helpeth the Ague it cleanseth the mother and hath great vertue to heale the body being hurt within by bruising or such like CHAP. 244. Of Water-Betony ¶ The Description WAter Betony hath great square hollow and brown stalks whereon are set very broad leaues notched about the edges like vnto those of Nettles of a swart greene colour growing for the most part by two and two as it were from one ioynt opposite or standing one right against an other The floures grow at the top of the branches of a darke purple colour in shape like to little helmets The seed is small contained in round bullets or buttons The root is compact of many and infinite strings Betonica aquatica Water Betony ¶ The Place It groweth by brookes and running waters by ditch sides and by the brinks of riuers and is seldome found in dry places ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and August and from that time the seed waxeth ripe ¶ The Names Water Betonie is called in Latine Betonica aquatica some haue thought it Dioscorides his Clymenum others his Galeopsis it is Scrophularia altera of Dodonoeus of Turner Clymenon of some Sesamoides minus but not properly of others Serpentaria in Dutch S. Antonies cruyd in English Water Betonie and by some Browne-wort in Yorke-shire Bishops leaues ¶ The Temperature Water Betony is hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Water Betony are of a scouring or cleansing qualitie and is very good to mundifie foule and stinking vlcers especially the iuyce boyled with honey It is reported if the face be washed with the iuyce thereof it taketh away the rednesse and deformitie of it CHAP. 245. Of Great Figge-wort or Brownewort ¶ The Description 1 THe great Fig-wort springeth vp with stalkes foure square two cubits high of a darke purple colour and hollow within the leaues grow alwayes by couples as it were from one ioynt opposite or standing one right against another broad sharpe pointed snipped round about the edges like the leaues of the greater Nettle but bigger blacker and nothing at all stinging when they be touched the floures in the tops of the 〈◊〉 are of a darke purple colour very like in forme to little
taste of Wormewood and a red floure but ours if my memorie faile me not hath a whitish floure it is a tender plant and must be carefully preserued from the extremitie of Winter I first saw this Sage with Mr. Cannon and by him it was communicated to some others 3 Saluia Indica Indian Sage 4 Saluia Alpina Mountaine Sage ‡ 8 Saluia Cretica 〈◊〉 Apple-bearing Sage of Candy ‡ 8 Saluia Cretica non 〈◊〉 Candy Sage without Apples 8 This which we here giue you hath pretty large leaues and those also very hairy on the vnder side but rough on the vpper side like as the ordinarie Sage The stalkes are rough and hairie foure square below and round at their tops The floures in their growing and shape are like those of the ordinarie but of a whitish purple colour and fading they are each of them succeeded by three or 〈◊〉 seeds which are larger than in other Sages and so fill their seed-vessels that they shew like berries The smell of the whole plant is somewhat more vehement than that of the ordinarie the Jeaues also haue sometimes little eares or appendices as in the smaller or Pig-Sage and in Candy the naturall place of the growth it beares excrescences or Apples if we may so terme them of the bignesse of large 〈◊〉 or Oke-Apples whence Clusius hath giuen you two figures by the same titles as I here present the same to your view Matthiolus Dodonaeus and others also haue made mention hereof ‡ ¶ The Place These kindes of Sage grow not wilde in England I haue them all in my garden most of them are very common ‡ The fine or elegant painted Sage was first found in a countrey garden by Mr. Iohn Tradescant and by him imparted to other louers of plants ‡ ¶ The Time These Sages floure in Iune and Iuly or later they are fitly remoued and planted in March ¶ The Names Sage is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Apothecaries the Italians and the Spaniards keepe the Latine name Saluia in high-Dutch Salben in French Sauge in low-Dutch Sauie in English Sage ¶ The Temperature Sage is manifestly hot and dry in the beginning 〈◊〉 the third degree or in the later end of the second it hath adioyned no little astriction or binding ¶ The Vertues Agrippa and likewise Aetius haue called it the Holy-herbe because women with childe if they be like to come before their time and are troubled with abortments do eate thereof to their great good for it closeth the matrix and maketh them fruitfull it retaineth the birth and giuerh it life and if the woman about the fourth day 〈◊〉 going abroad after her childing shal drink nine ounces of the iuyce of Sage with a 〈◊〉 salt and then vse the companie of her husband she shall without doubt conceiue and bring forth store 〈◊〉 children which are the blessing of God Thus far Agrippa Sage is singular good for the head and braine it quickneth the sences and memory strengthneth the sinewes restoreth health to those that haue the palsie vpon a moist cause takes away shaking or trembling of the members and being put vp into the nosthrils it draweth thin flegme out 〈◊〉 the head It is likewise commended against the spitting of bloud the cough and paines of the sides and bitings of Serpents The iuyce of Sage drunke with honey is good for those that spit and vomit bloud and stoppeth the flux thereof incontinently expelleth winde drieth the dropsie helpeth the palsie strengthneth the sinewes and cleanseth the bloud The leaues sodden in water with Wood-binde leaues Plantaine Rosemary Honey Allome and some white wine make an excellent water to wash the secret parts of man or woman and for cankers or other sorenesse in the mouth especially if you boyle in the same a faire bright shining Sea-cole which maketh it of greater efficacie No man needs to doubt of the wholesomnesse of Sage Ale being brewed as it should be with Sage 〈◊〉 Betony Spikenard Squinanth and Fennell seeds The leaues of red Sage put into a woodden dish wherein is put very quicke coles with some ashes in the bottome of the dish to keepe the same from burning and a little vineger sprinkled vpon the leaues lying vpon the coles and so wrapped in a linnen cloath and holden very hot vnto the side of those that are troubled with a grieuous stitch taketh away the paine presently The same helpeth greatly the extremitie of the pleurisie CHAP. 266. Of French Sage or wooddie Mullein 1 Verbascum Matthioli French Sage ‡ 2 Verbascum angustis Saluiae folijs The lesser French Sage ‡ 3 Phlomos Lychnites Syriaca Syrian Sage-leaued Mullein ¶ The Description 1 WIld Mullein wooddie Mullein Matthiolus his Mullein or French Sage groweth vp like a small wooddie shrub hauing many wooddie branches of a woollie and hoarie colour soft and downie whereupon are placed thicke hoarie leaues of a strong ponticke 〈◊〉 in shape like the leaues of Sage whereupon the vulgar people call it French Sage toward the top of the branches are placed roundles or crownets of yellow gaping floures like those of dead Nettle but much greater The root is thicke tough and of a wooddie substance as is all the rest of the plant †2 There is another sort hereof that is very like the other sauing that the leaues euery other part of this plant hath a most sweet and pleasant smell and the other more strong and offensiue the leaues also are much lesser and narrower somewhat resembling those of the lesser Sage ‡ 3 I thinke it not amisse here to insert this no lesse rare than beautifull plant which differs from the last described in the manner of growing shape of the floures which resemble those of the 〈◊〉 Chalcedonica or None-such but are of a yellow colour The leaues are hairy narrow and sharp pointed the stalkes square and root wooddie Lobel to whom we are beholden for this figure and description calls this Phlomos 〈◊〉 altera Syriaca ‡ ¶ The Place These wilde Mulleins do grow wilde in diuers Prouinces of Spaine and also in 〈◊〉 vpon drie bankes and stony places I haue them both in my garden and many others likewise ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names They are called of the learned men of our time Verbasca Syluestria the first is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Elychnium or after others Elychinium because of the Cottonie substance thereof matches or weeks were made to keep light in lamps Verbascum Lychnitis as Dioscorides himselfe testifieth is named also Thryallis or Rose Campion but the floure of Thryallis is red of colour as Nicander in his Counterpoisons doth shew but the floures of these are yellow therefore they are neither Thryallis nor Lychnitis but Syluestre Verbascum or wilde Mullein as we haue already taught in the Chapter of Rose Campion that Thryallis is Lychnitis satiua or Rose Campion There is
and of a pale colour the root is a finger thicke the 〈◊〉 or inner part thereof is of a wooddie substance dying the hands or whatsoeuer toucheth the same of a bloudie colour or of the colour of saunders 2 The second kinde of Anchusa or Alkanet is of greater beautie and estimation than the first the branches are lesse and more bushie in the toppe it hath also greater plentie of leaues and those more woollie or hairie the stalke groweth to the height of two cubites at the top grow floures of a yellow colour far different from the other the root is more shining of an excellent delicate purplish colour and more full of iuice than the first 3 There is a small kinde of Alkanet whose root is greater and more ful of iuice and substance than the roots of the other kindes in all other respects it is lesse for the leaues are narrower smaller tenderer and in number more very greene like vnto Borage yeelding forth many little tender stalks the floures are lesse than of the small Buglosse and red of colour the seed is of an ashe colour somewhat long and slender hauing the taste of Buglosse 4 There is also another kinde of Alkanet 〈◊〉 is as the others before mentioned a kinde of wilde Buglosse notwithstanding for distinctions sake I haue separated and seuered them This last Anchusa hath narrow leaues much like vnto our common Sommer Sauorie The stalkes are two handfuls high bearing very smal floures and of a blewish or skie colour the root is of a dark brownish red colour dying the hands little or nothing at all and of a wooddie substance ¶ The Time These plants do grow in the fields of Narbone and about Montpellier and many other parts of France I found these plants growing in the Isle of Thanet neere vnto the sea betwixt the house sometime belonging to Sir Henrie Crispe and Margate where I found some in their naturall ripenesse yet scarcely any that were come to that beautifull colour of Alkanet but such as is sold for very good in our Apothecaries shops I found there in great plentie ‡ I doubt whether our Authour found any of these in the place heere set downe for I haue sought it but failed of finding yet if he found any it was onely the first described for I think the other three are strangers ‡ ¶ The Time The Alkanets floure and flourish in the Sommer moneths the roots doe yeeld their bloudie iuice in haruest time as Dioscorides writeth ¶ The Names Alkanet is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also 〈◊〉 of diuers Fucus 〈◊〉 and Onocleia Buglossa Hispanica or Spanish Buglosse in Spanish 〈◊〉 in French Orchanet and in English likewise Orchanet and Alkanet ¶ The Temperature The roots of Alkanet are cold and drie as Galen writeth and binding and because it is bitter it clenseth away cholericke humours the leaues bee not so forceable yet doe they likewise binde and drie ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the root being made vp in a cerote or searecloth with oile is very good for old vlcers that with parched barley meale it is good for the leprey and for tetters and ring-worms That being vsed as a pessarie it bringeth forth the dead birth The decoction being inwardly taken with Mead or honied water cureth the yellow iaundise diseases of the kidneies the spleene and agues It is vsed in ointments for womens paintings and the leaues drunke in wine is good against the laske Diuers of the later Physitions do boile with the root of Alkanet and wine sweet butter such as hath in it no salt at all vntill such time as it becommeth red which they call red butter and giue it not onely to those that haue falne from some high place but also report it to be good to driue forth the measels and small pox if it be drunke in the beginning with hot beere The roots of these are vsed to color sirrups waters gellies such like confections as Turnsole is Iohn of Ardern hath set down a composition called Sanguis Veneris which is most singular in deep punctures or wounds made with thrusts as follows take of oile oliue a pint the root of Alkanet two ounces earth worms purged in number twenty boile them together keep it to the vse aforesaid The Gentlewomen of France do paint their faces with these roots as it is said CHAP. 285. Of Walland Vipers Buglosse ¶ The Description 1 LYcopis Anglica or wilde Buglosse so called for that it doth not grow so commonly elsewhere hath rough and hairie leaues somewhat lesser than the garden Buglosse the floures grow for the most part vpon the side of the slender stalke in fashion hollow like a little bell whereof some be blew and others of a purple colour 2 There is another kinde of Echium that hath rough and hairy leaues likewise much like vnto the former the stalke is rough charged full of little branches which are laden on euery side with diuers small narrow leaues sharp pointed and of a brown colour among which leaues grow floures each floure being composed of one leafe diuided into fiue 〈◊〉 at the top lesse and not so wide open as that of Lycopsis 〈◊〉 of a sad blew or purple colour at the first but when they are open they shew to be of an azure colour long and hollow hauing certaine smal blew threds in the middle the seed is small and black fashioned like the head of a snake or viper the root is long and red without 1 Lycopsis Anglica Wall Buglosse ‡ 2 Echium 〈◊〉 Vipers Buglosse ‡ 3 Echium pullo flore Rough Vipers Buglosse ‡ 4 Echium rubro 〈◊〉 Red floured Vipers Buglosse ‡ 3 This hath a crested very rough and hairy stalke some foot high the leaues are like those of Vipers 〈◊〉 and couered ouer with a soft downinesse and grow disorderly vpon the 〈◊〉 which towards the top is parted into sundry branches which are diuided into diuers foot-stalkes carrying small hollow floures diuided by fiue little gashes at their tops and they are of a darke purple colour and contained in rough cups lying hid vnder the leaues The seed as in other 〈◊〉 of this kinde resembles a Vipers head the root is long as thicke as ones little finger of a dusky colour on the outside and it liues diuers yeares This floures in May and growes in the dry medowes and hilly grounds of Austria Clusius calls it Echium pullo 〈◊〉 4 This other being also of Clusius his description hath long and narrow leaues like those of the common Vipers Buglosse yet a little broader the stalkes rise vp some cubit high firme crested and hairy vpon which grow aboundance of leaues shorter and narrower than those below and amongst these towards the top grow many floures vpon short foot-stalks which twine themselues round like a Scorpions taile these floures are of an elegant red colour and in shape somwhat like those of the common kinde and such
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
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
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
thereof is slimie clammie or gluing the which are to be preferred before the garden Mallow or Hollihocke as Diphilus Siphinus in Athenaeus doth rightly thinke who plainely sheweth that the wilde Mallow is better than that of the garden although some do prefer the Hollihocke whereunto we may not consent neither yet yeeld vnto Galen who is partly of that minde yet standeth he doubtfull for the wilde Mallow without controuersie is fitter to be eaten and more pleasant than those of the garden except the French Mallow which is generally holden the wholsommest and amongst the pot-herbes not the least commended by Hesiod of whose opinion was Horace writing in his second Ode of his Epodon graui Maluae salubres corpori The Mallow saith Galen doth nourish moderately ingendreth grosse bloud keepeth the bodie soluble and looseth the belly that is bound It easily descendeth not onely because it is moist but also by reason it is 〈◊〉 ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Mallowes are good against the stinging of Scorpions Bees Wasps and such like and if a man be first anointed with the leaues stamped with a little oyle he shal not be stung at all Dioscorides saith The decoction of Mallowes with their roots drunken are good against all venome and poyson if it be incontinently taken after the poyson so that it be vomited vp againe The leaues of Mallowes boyled till they be soft and applied do mollifie tumors and hard swellings of the mother if they do withall sit ouer the fume thereof and bathe themselues therewith The decoction vsed in clisters is good against the roughnesse and fretting of the guts bladde and fundament The roots of the Veruaine Mallow do heale the bloudy flix and inward burstings being drunke with wine and water as Dioscorides and Paulus Aegineta testifie CHAP. 353. Of Marsh Mallow ¶ The Description 1 MArsh Mallow is also a certaine kinde of wilde Mallow it hath broad leaues small toward the point soft white and 〈◊〉 or cottoned and sleightly nicked about the edges the stalkes be round and straight three or foure foot high of a whitish gray colour whereon do grow floures like vnto those of the wilde Mallowes yet not red as they are but commonly white or of a very light purple colour out of the white the knop or round button wherein the seeds lie is like that of the first wilde Mallow The root is thicke tough white within and containeth in it a clammy and slimy iuyce †2 This strange kinde of Mallow is holden amongst the best writers to be a kinde of marsh Mallow some excellent Herbarists haue set it downe for Sida Theophrasti wherto it doth not fully answer it hath stalks two cubits high wheron are set without order many broad leaues hoarie and whitish not vnlike those of the other marsh Mallow the floures consist of fiue leaues and are larger than those of the marsh Mallow and of a purple colour tending to rednesse after which there come round bladders of a pale colour in shape like the fruit or seeds of round Aristochia or Birthwort wherein is contained round blacke seed The root is thicke and tough much like that of the common Mallow 1 Althaea Ibiscus Marsh Mallow 2 Althaeapalustris Water Mallow 3 Althaea 〈◊〉 Tree Mallow 4 Althaea frutex Clusij Shrubbed Mallow ‡ 5 Alcea fruticosa cannabina Hempe-leaued Mallow 3 This wilde Mallow is likewise referred vnto the kinds of marsh Mallow called generally by the name of 〈◊〉 which groweth to the form of a smal hedge tree approching 〈◊〉 to the substance or nature of wood than any of the other wherewith the people of Olbia and Narbone in France doe make hedges to seuer or diuide their gardens and vineyards euen as we doe with quicke-sets of priuet or thorne which continueth long the stalke whereof groweth vpright very high comming neere to the Willow in wooddinesse and substance The floures grow alongst the same in fashion and colour of the common wild mallow 4 The shrubby mallow riseth vp like vnto a hedge bush and of a wooddy substance diuiding it selfe into diuers tough and limber branches couered with a barke of the colour of ashes whereupon do grow round pointed leaues somewhat nickt about the edges very soft not vnlike to those of the common marsh mallow and of an ouerworne hoary colour The floures grow at the top of the stalks of a purple colour consisting of siue leaues very like to the common wilde mallow and the seed of the marsh mallow 5 We haue another sort of mallow called of Pena Alcea fruticosior pentaphylla it bringeth forth in my garden many twiggy branches set vpon stiffe stalkes of the bignesse of a mans thumbe growing to the height of ten or twelue foot whereupon are set very many leaues deepely cut euen to the middle rib like vnto the leaues of hempe the floures and seeds are like vnto the common mallow the root is exceeding great thicke and of a wooddy substance ‡ Clusius calls this Alcea fruticosa cannabino folio and it is with good reason thought to be the Cannabis syluestris described by Dioscorides lib. 3. cap. 166. ‡ ¶ The Place The common marsh mallow groweth very plentifully in the marshes both on the Kentish and Essex shore alongst the riuer of Thames about Woolwych Erith Greenhyth Grauesend Tilburie Lee Colchester Harwich and in most salt marshes about London being planted in gardens it prospereth well and continueth long The second groweth in the moist and fenny places of Ferraria betweene Padua in Italy and the riuer Eridanus The others are strangers likewise in England notwithstanding at the impression hereof I haue sowen some seeds of them in my garden expecting the successe ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in Iuly and August the root springeth forth afresh euery yeare in the beginning of March which are then to be gathered or in September ¶ The Names The common marsh mallow is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines retaine the names Althaea and Ibiscus in shops Bismalua and Maluauiscus as though they should say Malua Ibiscus in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian and Spanish 〈◊〉 in French Guimaulue in English marsh mallow moorish mallow and white mallow The rest of the mallowes retaine the names expressed in their seuerall titles ¶ The Temperature Marsh mallow is moderately hot but drier than the other mallowes the roots and seeds hereof are more dry and of thinner parts as Galen writeth and likewise of a digesting softning or mollifying nature ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Marsh Mallow are of the power to digest mitigate paine and to 〈◊〉 They be with good effect mixed with fomentations and pultesses against paines of the sides of the stone and of the bladder in a bath also they serue to take away any manner of paine The decoction of the leaues drunke doth the same which doth not only asswage paine which proceedeth of the
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
the bastard names of Democritus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Pes Gallinaceus Pes 〈◊〉 the Egyptians name it Seselis the country-men of Hetruria 〈◊〉 saluatico in English bastard Parsley and Hennes foot ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Dioscorides saith that bastard Parsley is a pot-herbe which is eaten either raw or boiled and prouoketh vrine Pliny doth reckon it vp also among the pot-herbes Galen addeth that it is preserued in pickle for sallades in winter The seed of bastard Parsley is euidently hot and dry and that in the second degree it prouoketh vrine and bringeth downe the desired sickenesse it dissolueth the stone and driueth it forth It taketh away the stoppings of the liuer spleene and kidnies it cutteth and concocteth raw and flegmaticke humours it comforteth a cold stomack dissolueth winde it quickneth the sight and resresheth the heart if it be taken fasting Matthiolus in his Commentaries vpon Dioscorides the second booke attributeth vnto it many excellent vertues to prouoke venery and bodily lust and erection of the parts CHAP. 404. Of Candy Alexanders ¶ The Description DIoscorides and Pliny haue reckoned Smyrnium among the kindes of Parsley whose iudgements while this plant is young and not growne vp to a stalke may stand with very good reason for that the young leaues next the ground are like to Parsley but somewhat thicker and larger among which riseth vp a stalke a cubit high and somewhat more garnished with round leaues farre different from those next the ground inclosing the stalke about like Thorow wax or Perfoliata which leaues are of a yellow colour and do rather resemble the leaues of Fole-foot than Parsley Smyrnium Creticum Candy Alexander at the top of the stalkes 〈◊〉 grow round spokie tufts of a yellow color after which commeth round and blacke seed like Coleworts of a sharpe and bitter taste like Myrrhe the root is white and thicke contrary to the opinion of Dodonaeus who saith it is blacke without but I speake that which I haue seen and prooued ¶ The Place Smyrnium groweth naturally vpon the hils and mountaines of Candy and in my garden also in great plenty also vpon the mountain Amanus in Cilicia ¶ The Time Smyrnium floureth in Iune and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names This plant is called in Latine Smyrnium in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Cilicia Petroselinum and as Galen testifieth some haue called it Hipposelinum agreste in English Candy Alexanders or Thorow bored Parsley ¶ The Nature Smyrnium is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Smyrnium dissolue wens and hard swellings dry vp 〈◊〉 and excoriations and glew wounds together The seeds are good against the stoppings of the spleene kidnies and bladder Candy Alexanders hath force to digest and wast away hard swellings in other things it is like to garden Parsley and stone Parsley and therefore we vse the seed heereof to prouoke the desired sickenesse and vrine and to helpe those that are stuffed in the lungs as Galen writeth The root is hot so is the herbe and seed which is good to be drunke against the biting of serpents it is a remedy for the cough and profitable for those that cannot take their breath vnlesse they do sit or stand vpright it helpeth those that can hardly make their water the seed is good against the infirmity of the spleene or milt the kidnies and bladder it is likewise a good medicine for those that haue the dropsie as Dioscorides writeth CHAP. 405. Of Parsneps ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of the tame or Garden Parsneps are broad consisting of many small leaues fastened to one middle rib like those of the ash tree the stalke is vpright of the height of a man the floures stand vpon spokie tufts of colour yellow after which commeth the seed flat and round greater than those of Dil the root is white long sweet and good to be eaten 2 The wilde Parsnep is like to that of the Garden in leaues stalke tuft yellow floures flat and round seed but altogether lesser the root is small hard wooddy and not fit to be eaten ¶ The Place The garden Parfnep requireth a fat and loose earth and that that is digged vp deepe 1 Pastinaca latifoliasativa Garden Parsneps 2 Pastinaca latifolia syluestris Wilde Parsneps They floure in Iuly and August and seed the second yeare after they be sowne ¶ The Names The Herbarists of our time do call the garden Parsneps 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Pastinaca and therefore wee haue surnamed it Latifolia or broad leafed that it may differ from the other garden Parsnep with narrow leaues which is truly and properly called Staphylinus that is the garden Carrot Some Physitions doubting and not knowing to what herbe of the Antients it should be referred haue fained the wilde kinde hereof to be Panacis species or a kind of Alheale diuers haue named it Baucia others Branca Leonina but if you diligently marke and confer it with Elaphoboscum of Dioscorides you shal hardly finde any difference at all but the plant called at Montpelier Pabulum Ceruinum in English Harts fodder supposed there to be the true Elaphoboscum differeth much from the true notes thereof Now Baucia as Iacobus Manlius reporteth in Luminari maiore is Dioscorides and the old Writers Pastinaca that is to say Tenuifolia or Carrot but the old writers and especially Dioscorides haue called this wilde Parsnep by the name of Elaphoboscum and wee doe call them Parsneps and Mypes ¶ The Temperature The Parsnep root is moderately hot and more drie than moist ¶ The Vertues The Parsneps nourish more than doe the Turneps or the Carrots and the nourishment is somewhat thicker but not faultie nor bad notwithstanding they be somwhat windy they passe through the bodie neither slowly nor speedily they neither binde nor loose the belly they prouoke vrine and 〈◊〉 of the bodie they be good for the stomacke kidneies bladder and lungs There is a good and pleasant food or bread made of the roots of Parsneps as my friend Mr. Plat hath set forth in his booke of experiments which I haue made no triall of nor meane to do The seed is hotter and drier euen vnto the second degree it mooueth vrine and consumeth winde It is reported saith 〈◊〉 that Deare are preserued from bitings of Serpents by eating of the herbe Elaphoboscum or wilde Parsnep wherupon the seed is giuen with wine against the bitings and stingings of Serpents CHAP. 406. Of Skirrets Sisarum Skirrets ¶ The Description THe leaues of the Skirret do likewise confist of many small leaues sastened to one rib euerie particular one whereof is something 〈◊〉 in the edges but they are lesser greener and smoother than those of the Parsnep The stalks be short and seldome a cubit high the 〈◊〉 in the spoked tufts are white the roots be many in number growing out of one head an hand bredth long most commonly not a finger thick they are
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
like cluster buttons but if they had more diligently pondered Dioscorides his words they would not haue been of this opinion the lesser Sothernwood is Mas the male and is also Plinies champion Sothernwood in Latine Campestre The third as we haue said is likewise the female and is commonly called sweet Sothernwood because it is of a sweeter sent than the rest Dioscorides seemeth to call this kind Siculum Sicilian Sothernwood ¶ The Temperature Sothernwood is hot and dry in the end of the third degree it hath also sorce to distribute and to rarifie ¶ The Vertues The tops floures or seed boyled and stamped raw with water and drunke helpeth them that cannot take their breaths without holding their neckes straight vp and is a remedie for the cramp and for sinewes shrunke and drawne together for the sciatica also and for them that can hardly make water and it is good to bring downe the termes It 〈◊〉 wormes and driueth them out if it be drunke with wine it is a remedie against deadly poysons Also it helpeth against the stinging of scorpions and field spiders but it hurts the stomacke Stamped and mixed with oyle it taketh away the shiuering cold that commeth by the ague fits and it heateth the body if it be anointed therewith before the fits do come If it be pouned with barley 〈◊〉 and laid to pushes it taketh them away It is good for 〈◊〉 of the eyes with the pulpe of a rosted 〈◊〉 or with crummes of bread and applied pultis wise The ashes of burnt Sothernwood with some kinde of oyle that is of thin parts as of Palma Christi Radish 〈◊〉 oyle of 〈◊〉 Marierome or Organie cureth the pilling of the haire off the head and maketh the beard to grow quickly being strewed about the bed or a fume made of it vpon hot embers it driueth away serpents if but a branch be layd vnder the beds head they say it prouoketh venerie The seed of Sothernwood made into pouder or boyled in wine and drunke is good against the difficultie and stopping of vrine it expelleth wasteth consumeth and digesteth all cold humors tough slime and 〈◊〉 which do vsually stop the spleene kidneyes and bladder Sothernwood drunke in wine is good against all venome and poyson The leaues of Sothernwood boyled in water vntill they be soft and stamped with barley meale and barrowes grease vnto the forme of a plaister dissolue and waste all cold tumors and swellings being applied or laid thereto CHAP. 455. Of Oke of Jerusalem and Oke of Cappadocia 1 Botrys Oke of Ierusalem 2 Ambrosia Oke of Cappadocia ¶ The Description 1 OKe of Ierusalem or Botrys hath sundry small stems a foot and a halfe high diuiding themselues into many small branches beset with small leaues deeply cut or iagged very much resembling the leafe of an Oke which hath caused our English women to call it Oke of Ierusalem the vpper side of the leafe is of a deepe greene and somewhat rough and hairy but vnderneath it is of a darke reddish or purple colour the seedie floures grow clustering about the branches like the yong clusters or blowings of the Vine the root is small and threddy the whole herbe is of a pleasant smell and sauour and of a feint yellowish colour and the whole plant dieth when the seed is ripe 2 The fragrant smell that this kind of Ambrosia or Oke of Cappadocia yeeldeth hath moued the Poets to suppose that this herbe was meate and food for the gods Dioscorides saith it groweth three 〈◊〉 high in my garden it groweth to the height of two cubits yeelding many weake crooked and streaked branches diuiding themselues into sundrie other small branches hauing from the middest to the top thereof many mossie yellowish floures not much vnlike common Wormwood standing one before another in good order and the whole plant is as it were couered ouer with bran or a mealy dust the floures do change into small prickly cornered buttons much like vnto Tribulus terrestris wherein is contained blacke round seed not vnpleasant in taste and smell the leaues are in shape like the leaues of Mugwort but thinner and more tender all the whole plant is hoary and yeeldeth a pleasant sauor the whole plant perished with me at the first approch of Winter ¶ The Place These plants are brought vnto vs from beyond the seas especially from Spaine and Italy ¶ The Time They floure in August and the seed is ripe in September ¶ The Names Oke of Ierusalem is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Botrys In Italian Botri in Spanish 〈◊〉 granada in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in French and low-Dutch Pyment in English Oke of Ierusalem and of some Oke of Paradise Oke of Cappadocia is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Ambrofia neither hath it any other knowne name Pliny saith that Ambrosia is a wandering name and is giuen vnto other herbes for Botrys Oke of Ierusalem as we haue written is of diuers also called Ambrosia In English it is called Oke of Cappadocia ¶ The Temperature These plants are hot and dry in the second degree and consist of subtill parts ¶ The Vertues These plants be good to be boyled in wine and ministred vnto such as haue their brests stopt and are short winded and cannot easily draw their breath for they cut and waste grosse humours and tough flegme The leaues are of the same force being made vp 〈◊〉 sugar they commonly call it a conserue It giueth a pleasant taste to flesh that is sodden with it and eaten with the broth It is dried and layd among garments not onely to make them smell sweet but also to preserue them from moths and other vermine which thing it doth also performe CHAP. 456. Of Lauander Cotton Chamaecyparissus Lauander Cotton ¶ The Description LAuander Cotton bringeth forth clustred buttons of a golden colour and of a sweet smell and is often vsed in garlands and decking vp of gardens and houses It hath a wooddy stocke out of which grow forth branches like little boughes slender very many a cubit long set about with little leaues long narrow purled or crumpled on the tops of the branches stand vp floures one alone on euery branch made vp with short threds thrust close together like to the floures of Tansie and to the middle buttons of the floures of Cammomill but yet something broader of colour yellow which be changed into seed of an obseure colour The root is of a wooddy substance The shrub it selfe is white both in branches and leaues and hath a strong sweet smell ‡ There are some varieties of this plant which Matthiolus Lobel and others refer to Abrotanum foemina and so call it and by the same name our Authour gaue the figure thereof in the last chapter saue one though the description did not belong thereto as I haue formerly noted Another sort thereof our Authour following Tabernamontanus and Lobel set forth a little before by the
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
waies and in the borders of fields for they seeme after a sort to ioy in the shade ‡ These grow according to Clusius in sundry parts of Spaine ‡ ¶ The Time They floure especially in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names It is euident enough that they are bastard kindes of Milke Trefoiles and therefore they may be called and plainly termed 〈◊〉 or bastard Milke Trefoiles or 〈◊〉 syluestres that is to say wilde Milke Trefoiles ¶ The Temperature and Vertues What temperature these shrubs are of or what vertues they haue we know not neither haue wee as yet found out by our owne experience any thing and therefore they may be referred to the other Milke-Trefoiles CHAP. 15. Of the venomous Tree Trefoile 1 Dorycnium Monspeliensium The venomous Trefoile of Montpelier 2 Dorycnium Hispanicum The venomous Trefoile of Spain ¶ The Description 1 THe venomous tree Trefoile of Montpelier hath many tough and pliant stalkes two or three cubits high diuided into sundry small twiggie braunches beset with leaues three together placed from ioint to ioint by spaces somewhat hoarie very like vnto the leaues of Cytisus or Rue among which come forth many small mossie white floures tuft fashion in small bundles like Nose-gaies and very like the floures of the Oliue or Oke tree which turne into small roundish bladders as it were made of parchment wherein is contained blacke seed like wilde Lotus but in taste like the wilde tare the whole plant is of an 〈◊〉 smell the root is thicke and of a wooddie substance 2 The Spanish venomous Trefoile hath a wooddie stalke rough and hoary diuided into other small branches whereon do grow leaues like the precedent the floures grow on the tops of the branches whereon do grow leaues like those of the Pease and of a yellow or rather greenish colour wherein it differeth from the precedent ¶ The Place These venomous Trefoiles grow in Narbone on the barren and stonie craggie mountaines at Frontignana and about the sea coasts and are strangers in England ¶ The Time They flourish from May to the end of Iune ¶ The Names Dorycnium or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is that poisonous or venomous plant wherewith in times past they vsed to poison their arrow heads or rather weapons thereby to do the greater hurt vnto those whom they did assaile or pursue whereupon it tooke his name great controuersie hath been among Herbarists what manner of plant Dorycnium should be some saying one thing and some another which controuersies and sundry opinions are very well confuted by the true censure of Rondeletius who hath for a definitiue sentence set downe the plant described for the true Dorycnium and none other which may be called in English Venomous tree Trefoile ‡ These plants do not sufficiently answer to the description of Dioscorides neither can any one say certainly that they are poisonous ‡ ¶ The Temperature Dorycnium is very cold without moistning ¶ The Vertues Venomous Trefoile hath not one good qualitie that I can reade of but it is a pestilent venomous plant as hath been said in the description CHAP. 16. Of the shrub Trefoile called also Makebate Polemonium sive Trifolium fruticans Shrubby Trefoile or yellow Iasmine ¶ The Description THis shrubby plant called 〈◊〉 hath many wooddie twigges growing vnto the height of foure or fiue cubits hauing smal twiggie branches of a darke green colour garnished with small leaues of a deepe greene colour alwaies three ioined together vpon little footstalks like the Cytisus bush or the field Trefoile but smaller the floures be yellow and round diuided into fiue or six parts not much vnlike the yellow Iasmine which hath caused many to call it yellow Iasmine euen vnto this day when the floures be vaded there succeed small round berries as big as a Pease of a black purplish colour when they be ripe which being broken will die or colour the fingers like Elder Berries within these berries are contained a small flat seed like vnto Lentils the root is long and small creeping hither and thither vnder the earth putting forth new springs or shoots in sundry places whereby it wonderfully increaseth ¶ The Place It groweth plentifully in the countrey of Montpellier at New Castle vpon the drie hills and hot banks of the Oliue fields and in the stony fields and wood of Gramuntium it growes in my garden and in other Herbarists gardens in England ¶ The Time It floureth in Sommer the seed is ripe in Autumne the shrub it selfe is 〈◊〉 greene and hath a lasting root ¶ The Names Most do call it Cytisus but we had rather name it Trifolium fruticans for it doth not agree with Cytisus or Milk-Trefoile as in the chapter before it is plaine enough by his description vnlesse it be Cytisus Marcelli or Marcellus his Milke-Trefoile with which peraduenture it might be thought to haue some likenesse 〈◊〉 the floures which are yellow were white or galbineous that is to say blew There be diuers also that take this Trefoile to be Polemonium forasmuch as the leaues hereof seeme to be somewhat like those of common Rue but Polemonium hath not the leafe of common Rue otherwise called Herb-grace but of the other that is to say of S. Iohns Rue it is called in English shrubby Trefoile or Make-bait ¶ The Temperature Polemonium is of temperature dry in the second degree with some Acrimonie or sharpnesse ¶ The Vertues This shrubby plant hath so many singular and excellent vertues contained in it that some haue called it by the name Chiliodunamis that is hauing an hundred properties It is very 〈◊〉 against the stinging of Scorpions and as some write if a man hold it in his hand he cannot be hurt with the biting of any venomous beast Being taken in vineger it is very good for those that are spleneticke and whose spleen or Milt is affected with oppilations or stoppings If the root be taken in wine it helpeth against the bloudy flix it prouoketh vrine being drunke with water scoureth away grauell and easeth the paine and ache called the Sciatica CHAP. 17. Of Broome and Broome Rape 1 Genista Broome 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Orobanche Broome Rape or Orobanch ‡ Orobanche 〈◊〉 flo oblongis Long floured Broome Rape ‡ Orobanche flore maiore Great floured Broome Rape ‡ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Branched Broome Rape ¶ The Description 1 BRoome is a bush or shrubby 〈◊〉 it hath stalkes or rather wooddie branches from which do spring slender twigs cornered greene tough and that be 〈◊〉 bowed many times diuided into small branches about which do grow little leaues of an obscure green colour and braue yellow floures and at the length flat cods which being ripe are blacke as be those of the common Vetch in which do lie flat seeds hard something brownish and lesser than Lentils the root is hard and wooddie sending forth diuers times another plant of the colour of an Oken leafe in shape like vnto the bastard Orchis called Birds nest hauing a root like
same height with the former with such tough and bending branches which are neither so thick nor clad with so rough a barke nor so much spread The leaues also are smaller and not vnlike those of the Larix tree but not so soft nor falling euery yeare as they do The cones are little and slender the kernell small blackish and winged as the rest Clusius found this onely in some few places of the kingdome of Murcia in Spaine wherefore he calls it Pinaster 3. Hispanicus Dodonaeus calls it Pinus maritima minor ‡ ¶ The Place These wilde Pines doe grow vpon the cold mountaines of Liuonia Polonia Noruegia and Russia especially vpon the Island called Holland within the Sownd beyond Denmarke and in the woods by Narua vpon the Liefeland shore and all the tract of the way being a thousand Wersts each Werst containing three quarters of an English mile from Narua vnto Moscouia where I haue seene them grow in infinite numbers ¶ The Time The fruit of these Pine trees is ripe in the end of September out of all these issueth forth a white and sweet smelling Rosine they are also changed into Teda and out of these is boiled through the force of the fire a blacke Pitch the Pitch tree and the Larch tree be also sometimes changed into Teda yet very seldome for Teda is a proper and peculiar infirmitie of the wilde Pine tree A tree is said to be changed into Teda when not onely the heart of it but also the rest of the substance is turned into fatnesse ¶ The Names All these are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Syluestres Pini of Pliny Pinastri Pinaster saith he in his 16. booke 10 chapter is nothing else but Pinus sylvestris or the wild Pine tree of a lesser height and ful of boughes from the middle as the tame Pine tree in the top most of the copies haue falsely of a maruellous height they are far deceiued who thinke that the Pine tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 besides the tame Pine which notwithstanding is so called not of all men but onely of the Arcadians as we haue said before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all men do name the wilde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and therefore Teda or the Torch Pine hereof is said to be in Latine not Picea but Pinea that is not the Pitch-tree but the Pine tree as Ouid doth planly testifie in his Heroicall Epistles Vt vidi vt perij nec not is ignibus arsi Ardet vt admagnos Pinea Teda 〈◊〉 Also in 〈◊〉 4. Illic accendit geminas pro lampade Pinus Hinc Cereris sacris nunc quoque Teda datur The same doth Virgill also signifie in the seuenth of his Aeneid Ipsainter medias flag rantem feruida Pinum Sustinet Where in stead of Flagrantem Pinum 〈◊〉 admonisheth vs to vnderstand Teda Pinea 〈◊〉 also consenteth with them in the marriage song of Iulia and Mallius 〈◊〉 Pineam quate tedam And Prudentius in Hymno Cerei Paschalis Seu Pinus piceam fert alimoniam Moreouer the herbe Peucedanos or Horestrong so named of the likenesse of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is called also in Latine Pinastellum of Pinus the Pine tree all which things do euidently declare that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is called in Latine not Picea but Pinus The first of these wilde kindes may be Idaea Theophrasti or Theophrastus his Pine tree growing on mount Ida if the apple which is shorter were longer for he nameth two kindes of wilde Pines the one of mount Ida and the other the Sea Pine with the round fruit but we hold the contrarie for the fruit or apple of the wilde mountaine Pine is shorter and that of the Sea Pine longer This may more truly be Macedonum mas or the Macedonians male Pine 〈◊〉 they make two sorts of wilde Pines the male and the female and the male more writhed and harder to be wrought vpon and the female more easie but the wood of this is more writhed and not so much in request for workes as the other and therefore it seemeth to be the male This wilde Pine tree is called in high Dutch Hartzbaum and 〈◊〉 Hartzbaum in Gallia Celtica Elvo 〈◊〉 and in Spanish Pino Carax The second wild Pine tree is named commonly of the Italians Tridentinis and Ananiensibus 〈◊〉 and Cirmolo it seemeth to differ nothing at all from the Macedonians wilde female Pine for the wood is easie to be wrought on and serueth for diuers and sundry workes The third they call Mugo this may be named not without cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say Humilis Pinus or Dwarfe Pine yet doth it differ from 〈◊〉 the Herbe called in English Ground Pine The fourth wilde Pine is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Maritima and Marina Pinus in English Sea Pine That which the Latines call Teda is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in high Dutch Kynholtz it may be termed in English Torch-pine Pliny is deceiued in that he supposeth the Torch Pine to bee a tree by it selfe and maketh it the sixth kinde of Cone-tree as likewise he erreth in taking Larix the Larch tree for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Pine Tree And as Dioscorides maketh so little difference as scarse any betweene 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and supposeth them to be both of one kinde so likewise he setteth downe faculties common to them both ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The barke of them both saith he doth binde being beaten and applied it 〈◊〉 Merigals and also shallow vlcers and burnings if it be layed on with Litharge and fine Frankincense With the Cerote of Myrtles it healeth vlcers in tender bodies being beaten with Copperas it staieth tetters and creeping vlcers it draweth away the birth and after birth if it be taken vnder in a fume being drunke it stoppeth the belly and prouoketh vrine Galen hath almost the same things but he saith that the barke of the Pine tree is more temperate than that of the Pitch tree the leaues stamped take away hot swellings and sores that come thereof Being stamped and boyled in vineger they asswage the paine of the teeth if they be washed with this decoction hot the same be also good for those that haue bad liuers being drunke with water or mead Of the same operation is likewise the barke of the pine nuts but Galen affirmeth that the 〈◊〉 or apple although it seeme to be like these is notwithstanding of lesser force insomuch as it cannot effectually performe any of the aforesaid vertues but hath in it a certaine biting qualitie which hurteth The Torch Pine cut into small pieces and boiled in vineger is a remedy likewise against the tooth-ache if the teeth be washed with the decoction Of this there is made a profitable spather or slice to be vsed in making of compound plaisters and pessaries that ease
are also hot but not altogether so drie the gum is hot and dry in the first degree as the Arabians write ¶ The Vertues The fruite of the Iuniper tree doth clense the liuer and kidnies as Galen testifieth it also maketh thin clammie and grosse humors it is vsed in counterpoysons and other wholesome medicines being ouer largely taken it causeth gripings and gnawings in the stomacke and maketh the head hot it neither bindeth nor looseth the belly it prouoketh vrine Dioscorides reporteth that this being drunke is a remedy against the infirmitie of the chest coughes windines gripings and poisons and that the same is good for those that be troubled with cramps burstings and with the disease called the mother It is most certaine that the decoction of these berries is singular good against an old cough and against that with which children are now and then extremely troubled called the Chin cough in which they vse to rise vp raw tough and clammy humors that haue many times bloud mixed with them Diuers in Bohemia do take in stead of other drinke the water wherein those berries haue been steeped who liue in wonderfull good health This is also drunke against poisons and pestilent feuers and it is not vnpleasant in the drinking when the first water is almost spent the vessell is againe filled vp with fresh The smoke of the leaues and wood driueth away serpents and all infection and corruption of the aire which bring the plague or such like contagious diseases the iuice of the leaues is laid on with wine and also drunke against the bitings of the viper The ashes of the burned barke being applied with water take away scurffe and filth of the 〈◊〉 The powder of the wood being inwardly taken is pernicious and deadly as Dioscorides vulgar copies do affirme but the true copies vtterly deny it neither do any of the old writers affirme it The fume and smoke of the gum doth stay flegmaticke humors that distill out of the head and stoppeth the rheume the gum doth stay raw and flegmaticke humors that sticke in the stomacke and guts if it be inwardly taken and also drunke It killeth all maner of wormes in the belly it staieth the menses and hemorrhodes it is commended also against spitting of bloud it dryeth hollow 〈◊〉 and filleth them with flesh if it be 〈◊〉 thereon being mixed with oile of Roses it healeth chops in the hands and feet There is made of this and of oile of Lineseed mixed together a liquor called Vernish which is vsed to beautifie pictures and painted tables with and to make iron glister and to 〈◊〉 it from the rust CHAP. 49. Of the prickly Cedar or Cedar Iuniper ¶ The Kindes THe prickly Cedar tree is like to Iuniper and is called the small or little Cedar for difference from the great and tall Cedar which bringeth Cones and of this there are two kindes as Theophrastus and Pliny do testifie that is to say one of Lycia and another crimson ¶ The Description 1 THe Crimson or prickly Cedar seemeth to be very like to the Iuniper tree in body and boughes which are writhed knotty and parted into very many wings the substance of the wood is red and sweet of smell like that of the Cypresse the tree is couered ouer with a rugged barke the leaues be narrow and sharpe pointed harder than those of Iuniper sharper and more pricking and standing thinner vpon the branches the fruite or berry is sometimes as big as a hasell nut or as Theophrastus saith of the bignesse of Myrtle berries and being ripe it is of a reddish yellow or crimson colour sweet of smell and so pleasant in taste as euen the countrey-men now and than do eate of the same with bread 1 Oxycedrus Phoenicia Crimson prickly Cedar 3 Oxycedrus Lycia Rough Lycian Cedar ‡ 3 Cedrus Lycia altera The other Lycian Cedar ‡ 3 This also hath Cypresse-like leaues not vnlike those of the last described yet somwhat thicker and broader the fruit is also much larger being as big as Hasell nuts and of a red or skarlet colour whence Lobel calleth it Cedrus Phoenicia altera ‡ ¶ The Place The prickely Cedar with the crimson colour commeth vp higher and greater in certaine places of Italy Spaine and Asia and in other Countries for that which grows on mount Garganus in Apulia is much higher and broader than those that grow elsewhere and bringeth forth greater berries of the bignesse of an hasell nut and sweeter as that most diligent writer Bellonius reporteth Carolus Clusius sheweth that the prickely Cedar and the Iuniper tree be of so great a growth in diuers places of Spaine as he hath obserued as that the body of them is as thicke as a man The Lycian Cedar is found in Prouence of France not far from Massilia and groweth in a great part of Greece in Illyricum and Epirum ¶ The Time Both of them are alwaies greene and in Winter also full of fruit by reason that they continually bring forth berries as when the old do fall new 〈◊〉 in their places in the spring grow vp new buds and beginnings of berries in Autumne they wax ripe the second yeare as doe the berries of Iuniper ¶ The Names They are called in Latine Minores and Humiles Cedri little and low Cedars for difference from the tall and great Cedar which beareth Cones The former is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Oxycedrus and Cedrus Punica in English Prickly Cedar and Crimson Cedar Pliny syrnameth it Phoenicea of the crimson colour of the fruit the Spaniards call this also Enebro as Clusius testifieth 〈◊〉 by the same name which they giue to the Iuniper wherein likewise they are thought to imitate diuers of the old Writers who haue not by names distinguished the Iuniper from the Cedar but haue as 〈◊〉 noteth called them Cedros Cedar trees yet with an addition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or prickly Cedar The other with the blunt leafe is named by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Pliny also Lycia Cedrus in Prouince of France 〈◊〉 diuers name this Sabina and vse it in stead of Sauine which they want as the Apothecaries of Epidaurus and in diuers cities of Greece and also in Illyricum and Epirum as Bellonius testifieth Some would haue it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thya but Thya according to 〈◊〉 is like not onely in body leaues and boughes but in fruit also to the Cypresse tree but the fruit of this is nothing like to the Cypresse Cones The fruit of this Cedar is named by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cedris notwithstanding Cedrus as hee himselfe doth also testifie 〈◊〉 nameth it Credula is a certaine little shrub which neuer groweth to a tree The gum or liquor which issueth forth of the prickly Cedar is also called Vernix and is sold in stead thereof ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The little Cedar as Galen writeth is
sommer it sheddeth his old leaues when new are come by meanes whereof it is neuer void of leaues it floureth early in the spring and the fruit is ripe in Autumne Cassia fistula Pudding Pipe tree ¶ The Names This tree was vnknowne to the old writers or so little accounted of as that they haue made no mention of it at all the Arabians were the first that esteemed of it by reason they knew the vse of the pulpe which is found in the Pipes and after them the later Grecians as Actuarius other of his time by whom it was named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say in Latine Casia nigra The fruit thereof saith Actuarius in his fist booke is like a long pipe hauing within it a thicke humour or moisture which is not congealed all alike thorow the pipe but is separated and diuided with many partitions being thin wooddy skins The Apothecaries call it Casia 〈◊〉 and with a double ss Cassia 〈◊〉 it is called in English after the Apothecaries word Cassia fistula and may also be Englished Pudding Pipe because the cod or Pipe is like a pudding but the old Cassia fistula or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke is that sweet and odoriferous barke that is rolled together after the manner of a long and roundpipe now named of the Apothecaries Cassia lignea which is a kinde of Cinamon ¶ The Temperature The pulpe of this pipe which is chiefely in request is moist in the later end of the first degree and little more than temperatly hot The Vertues The pulpe of Casia 〈◊〉 extracted with violet water is a most sweet and pleasant medicine and may be giuen without danger to all weak people of what age and sex soeuer they be yea it may be ministred to women with childe for it gently purgeth cholcricke humours and slimie flegme if it be taken in the weight of an ounce Cassia is good for such as be vexed with hot agues pleurisies iaundice or any other inflammation of the liuer being taken as afore is shewed Cassia is good for the reines and kidneies driueth forth grauell and the stone especially if it bee mingled with the decoction of Parsley and Fennell roots and drunke It purgeth and purifieth the bloud making it more cleane than before breaking therewith the actimonie and sharpnesse of the mixture of bloud and choler together It dissolueth all phlegmons and inflammations of the brest lungs and the rough artery called Trachea arteria easing those parts exceeding well Cassia abateth the vehemencie of thirst in agues or any hot disease whatsoeuer especially if it be taken with the iuice of Intybum Cichoreum or Solanum depured according to Art it abateth also the intemperate heat of the reines if it be receiued with diureticke simples or with the 〈◊〉 on of Licorice onely and will not suffer the stone to grow in such persons as do receiue and vse this medicine The best Cassia for your vse is to be taken out of the most ful most heauy fairest cods or canes and those which do shine without and are full of soft pulpe within that pulpe which is newly taken forth is better than that which is kept in boxes by what Art soeuer Cassia being outwardly applied taketh away the roughnesse of the skin and being laid vpon hot swellings it bringeth them to suppuration Many singular compounded medicines are made with this Cassia which here to recite belongs not to my purpose or history CHAP. 84. Of the Lentiske or Masticke tree ¶ The Description 〈◊〉 The Masticke tree ¶ The Description THe Mastick tree groweth commonly like a shrub without any great body rising vp with many springs and shoots like the Hasell and oftentimes it is of the height and bignesse of a meane tree the boughes thereof are tough and flexible the barke is of a yellowish red colour pliable likewise and hard to be broken there stand vpon one rib for the most part 8 leaues set vpon a middle rib much like to the 〈◊〉 of Licorice but harder of a deepe greene colour and oftentimes somewhat red in the brims as also hauing diuers vains running along of a red colour and somthing strong of smel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be mossie and grow in clusters vpon long 〈◊〉 after them come vp the berries of the 〈◊〉 of Vetches greene at the first afterwards of a purple colour and last of all black fat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a hard black stone within the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of is white of which also is made 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 witnesseth it bringeth forth likewise cods besides the fruit which may be rather 〈◊〉 an excrescence than a cod writhed like a 〈◊〉 in which lieth at the first a liquour and 〈◊〉 when this waxeth stale little liuing things like vnto gnats as in the Turpentine hornes and in the folded leaues of the Elm tree There commeth forth of the Mastick tree a Rosin but dry called Masticke ¶ The Place The Masticke tree groweth in many regions as in Syria Candy Italy Languedocke and in most Prouinces of Spaine but the chiefest is in Chios an Island in Greece in which it is diligently and specially looked vnto and that for the Masticke sake which is there gathered from the husbanded Masticke trees by the inhabitants euery yeare most carefully and is sent from thence into all parts of the world ¶ The Time The floures be in their pride in the spring time and the berries in Autumne the Mastick must be gathered about the time when the Grapes be ¶ The Names This tree is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lentiscus in Italian Lentisque in Spanish 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in English Masticke tree and of some Lentiske tree The Rosin is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lentiscina Resina and likewise 〈◊〉 in shops 〈◊〉 in Italian 〈◊〉 in high and low Dutch and French also Mastic in Spanish 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in English Masticke Clusius writeth that the Spaniards call the oile that is pressed out of the berries 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mata ¶ The Temperature The leaues barke and gum of the Masticke tree are of a meane and temperate heate and are drie in the second degree and somewhat astringent ¶ The Vertues The leaues and barke of the Masticke tree stoppe the laske the bloudy flixe the spitting of bloud the pissing of bloud and all other fluxes of bloud 〈◊〉 are also good against the falling sickenesse the falling downe of the mother and comming forth of the fundament The gum Masticke hath the same vertue if it be relented in wine and giuen to be drunke Masticke chewed in the mouth is good for the stomacke staieth vomiting increaseth 〈◊〉 comforteth the braines staieth the falling downe of the rheumes and watery humors and maketh a sweet breath The same infused in Rose water is excellent to wash the mouth withall to fasten loosete eth and to comfort the iawes The same spred vpon a piece of leather or veluet and
fruit is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Malum Medicum and Malum Citrium and Citromalum Aemilyanus in Athenaeus sheweth that Iuba King of Mauritania hath made mention of the Citron who saith that this Apple is named among them Malum Hespericum Galen denieth it to be called any longer Malum Medicum but Citrium and saith that they who call it Medicum do it to the end that no man should vnderstand what they say the Apothecaries call these apples Citrones in high-Dutch Citrin opffell Citrinaten in low-Dutch Citroenen in Italian Citroni and Cedri in Spanish Cidras in French Citrons in English Citron Apple and Citron The second kinde of Citron is called in Latine Limonium Malum in shops Limones in French Limons in low-Dutch Limonen in English Limon and Lemon The third is named in Latine Malnm anarantium or Anerantium and of some Aurantium of others Aurengium of the yellow colour of gold some would haue them called Arantia of Arantium a towne in Achaia or Arania of a countrey bearing that name in Persia it is termed in Italian Arancio in high-Dutch Pomeranken in low-Dutch Araengie Appelen in French Pommes d'Orenges in Spanish Naransas in English Orenges The fourth is named of diuers Pomum Assyrium or the Citron of Assyria and may be Englished Adams Apple after the Italian name and among the vulgar sort of Italians Lomie of whom it 〈◊〉 also called Pomum Adami or Adams Apple and that came by the opinion of the common rude people who thinke it to be the same Apple which Adam did eate of in Paradise when he transgressed Gods commandment whereupon also the prints of the biting appeare therein as they say but others say that this is not the Apple but that which the Arabians do call Musa or Mosa whereof Auicen cap. 395. maketh mention for diuers of the Iewes take this for that through which by eating Adam offended as Andrew Theuet sheweth ¶ The Temperature and Vertues All these fruits consist of vnlike parts and much differing in facultie The rindes are sweet of smell bitter hot and dry The white pulpe is cold and containeth in it a grosse iuice especially the Citron The inner substance or pap is soure as of the Citrons and Limons cold and dry with thinnesse of parts The seed because it is bitter is hot and dry The rinde of the Pomecitron is good against all poysons for which cause it is put into treacles and such like confections It is good to be eaten against a stinking breath for it maketh the breath sweet and being so taken it comforteth the cold stomacke exceedingly The white sound and hard pulpe is now and then eaten but very hardly concocted and ingendreth a grosse cold and phlegmaticke iuyce but being condite with sugar it is both 〈◊〉 in taste and easie to be digested more nourishing and lesse apt to obstruction and binding or stopping Galen reporteth that the inner iuice of the Pomecitron was not wont to be eaten but it is now vsed for sauce and being often vsed it represseth choler which is in the stomacke and procures appetite it is excellent good also to be giuen in vehement and burning feuers and against all pestilent and venomous or infectious diseases it comforteth the heart cooleth the inward parts cutteth diuideth and maketh thin grosse tough and slimy humors Of this foresaid sharpe iuice there is a syrrup ptepared which is called in shops Syrupus de 〈◊〉 Citri very good against the foresaid infirmities Such a sirrup is also prepared of the sharpe iuice of Limons of the same quality and operation so that in stead of the one the other will serue very well A dozen of Orenges cut in slices and put into a gallon of water adding thereto an ounce of Mercurie sublimate and boiled to the consumption of the halfe cureth the itch and manginesse of the body Men in old time as 〈◊〉 writeth in his fourth booke did not eate Citrons but were contented with the smell and to lay them amongst cloathes to preserue them from Moths As often as need required they vsed them against deadly poysons for which thing they were especially commended euen by Virgils verses which we haue before alledged Athenaeus lib. 3. hath extant a story of some that for certaine notorious offences were condemned to be destroyed of Serpents who were preserued and kept in health and safetie by the eating of Citrons The distilled water of the whole Limons rinde and all drawne out by a glasse Still takes away tetters and blemishes of the skin and maketh the face faire and smooth The same being drunke prouoketh vrine dissolueth the stone breaketh and expelleth it The rinde of Orenges is much like in facultie to that of the Citrons and Limons yet it is so much the more hot as it is more biting and bitter The inner substance or soure pap which is full of iuice is of like facultie or not much inferiour to the facultie of the pap of Citrons or Limons but the sweet pap doth not much coole or drie but doth temperatly heate and moisten being pleasant to the taste it also nourisheth more than doth the soure pap but the same nourishment is thin and little and that which is of a middle tast hauing the smacke of wine is after a middle sort more cold than sweet and lesser cold than soure the sweet and odoriferous floures of orenges be vsed of the perfumers in their sweet smelling ointments Two ounces of the iuice of Limons mixed with the like quantitie of the spirit of wine or the best Aqua vitae but the spirit of wine rectified is much better and drunk at the first approch of the fit of an ague taketh away the shaking presently the medicine seldome faileth at the second time of the taking thereof perfectly to cure the same but neuer at the third time prouided that the 〈◊〉 be couered warme in a bed and caused to sweat There is also distilled out of them in a glasse still a water of a maruellous sweet smell which being inwardly taken in the weight of an ounce and a halfe moueth sweat and healeth the ague The seed of all these doth kill wormes in the belly and driueth them forth it doth also mightily resist poyson and is good for the stinging of scorpious if it be inwardly taken Those which be called Adams Apples are thought to be like in faculties to the soure iuyce especially of the Limons but yet they be not so effectuall CHAP. 104. Of the Cornell tree ¶ The Description THe tame Cornell tree groweth somtime of the height and bignesse of a smal tree with a great number of springs it is couered with a rugged barke the wood or timber is very hard and dry without any great quantity of sap therein the leaues are like vnto the Dog berry leaues crumpled rugged and of an ouerworne colour the floures grow in small bunches before any leaues do appeare of colour yellow and of no
and rheumaticke bodies or for vnhealthie and cold stomackes The common blacke Cherries do strengthen the stomack and are whole somer than the red Cherries the which being dried do stop the laske The distilled water of Cherries is good for those that are troubled with heate and inflammations in their stomackes and preuaileth against the falling sicknesse giuen mixed with wine Many excellent Tarts and other pleasant meats are made with Cherries sugar and other delicat spices whereof to write were to small purpose The gum of the Cherrie tree taken with wine and water is reported to helpe the stone it may do good by making the passages slippery and by tempering alaying the sharpnesse of the humors and in this maner it is a remedy also for an old cough Dioscorides addeth that it maketh one well coloured cleareth the sight and causeth a good appetite to meat CHAP. 131. Of the Mulberrie tree 1 Morus The Mulberrie tree 2 Morus alba The white Mulberrie tree ¶ The Description 1 THe common Mulberie tree is high and ful of boughes the body wherof is many times great the barke rugged that of the root yellow the leaues are broad and sharp pointed something hard and nicked on the edges in stead of floures are blowings or 〈◊〉 which are downie the fruit is long made vp of a number of little graines like vnto a blacke-Berrie but thicker longer and much greater at the first greene and when it is ripe blacke yet is the 〈◊〉 whereof it is full red the root is parted many waies 2 The white Mulberrie tree groweth vntill it be come vnto a great and goodly stature almost as big as the former the leaues are rounder not so sharpe pointed nor so deeply snipt about the edges yet sometimes sinuated or deeply cut in on the sides the fruit is like the former but that it is white and somewhat more tasting like wine ¶ The Place The Mulberry trees grow plentifully in Italy and other hot regions where they doe maintaine great woods and groues of them that there Silke wormes may feed thereon The Mulberry tree is fitly set by the slip it may also be grafted or inoculated into many trees being grafted in a white Poplar it bringeth forth white Mulberies as Beritius in his Geoponickes reporteth These grow in sundry gardens in England ¶ The Time Of all the trees in the Orchard the Mulberry doth last bloome and not before the cold weather is gone in May therefore the old Writers were wont to call it the wisest tree at which time the Silke wormes do seeme to reuiue as hauing then wherewith to seed and nourish them selues which all the winter before do lie like small graines or seeds or rather like the dunging of a flesh 〈◊〉 vpon a glasse or some such thing as knowing their proper time both to performe their duties for which they were created and also when they may haue wherewith to maintaine and preserue their owne bodies vnto their businesse aforesaid The berries are ripe in August and September Hegesander in Athenaeus affirmeth that the Mulberie trees in his time did not bring forth fruit in twentie years together and that so great a plague of the gout then raigned and raged so generally as not onely men but boies wenches eunuchs and women were troubled with that disease ¶ The Names This tree is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Morus in shops Morus Celsi in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 boom in French Meurier in English Mulberry tree The 〈◊〉 is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Morum in shops Morum Celsi in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Moro in French Meure in Spanish 〈◊〉 and Mores in English Mulberry ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Mulberries being gathered before they be ripe are cold and dry almost in the third degree and do mightily binde being dried they are good for the laske and bloudy flix the pouder is vsed in meat and is drunke with wine and water They stay bleedings and also the 〈◊〉 they are good against inflammations or hot swellings of the mouth and iawes and for other inflammations newly beginning The ripe and new gathered Mulberries are likewise cold and be ful of iuice which hath the taste of wine and is something drying and not without a binding qualitie and therefore it is also mixed with medicines for the mouth and such as helpe the hot swellings of the mouth and almonds of the throat for which infirmities it is singular good Of the iuice of the ripe berries is made a confection with sugar called Diamorum that is after the manner of a syrrup which is exceeding good for the vlcers and hot swellings of the tongue throat and almonds or Vuula of the throat or any other malady arising in those parts These Mulberries taken in meat and also before meat do very speedily passe through the belly by reason of the moisture and slipperinesse of their substance and make a passage for other meats as Galen saith They are good to quench thirst they stir vp an appetite to meat they are not hurtfull to the stomacke but they nourish the body very little being taken in the second place or after meat for although they be lesse hurtfull than other like fruits yet are they corrupted and putrified vnlesse they speedily descend The barke of the root is bitter hot and drie and hath a scouring facultie the decoction hereof doth open the stoppings of the 〈◊〉 and spleen it purgeth the belly and driueth forth wormes The same bark being steeped in vineger helpeth the tooth ache of the fame effect is also the decoction of the leaues and barke saith Dioscorides who sheweth that about haruest time there issueth 〈◊〉 of the root a iuice which the next day after is found to be hard and that the same is very good against the tooth-ache that it wasteth away Phyma and purgeth the belly Galen saith that there is in the leaues and first buds of this tree a cerraine middle facultie both to binde and scoure CHAP. 132. Of the Sycomore tree Sycomorus The Sycomore tree ¶ The Description THe Sycomore tree is of no small height being very like to the mulberie tree in bignesse shew as also in leafe the fruit is as great as a Fig and of the same fashion very like in iuice and taste to the wilde Fig but sweeter and without any grains or seeds within which groweth not forth of the tender boughes but out of the body and great old armes very fruitfully this tree hath in it plenty of milkie iuice which so soon as any part is broken or cut doth issue forth ¶ The Place It groweth as Dioscorides writeth very plentifully in Caria and Rhodes and in sundry places of Egypt as at the great Cayre or Alkaire and in places that doe not bring forth much wheat in which it is an helpe and sufficeth in stead of bread
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
Description 1 STitchwort or as Ruellius termeth it Holosteum is of two kindes and hath round tender stalkes full of joints leaning toward the ground at euery ioynt grow two leaues one against another The flowers be white consisting of many small leaues set in the manner of a starre The roots are small jointed and threddy The seed is contained in small heads somewhat long and sharpe at the vpper end and when it is ripe it is very small and browne 2 The second is like the former in shape of leaues and flowers which are set in forme of a starre but the leaues are orderly placed and in good proportion by couples two together being of a whitish colour When the flowers be vaded then follow the seeds which are inclosed in bullets like the seed of flax but not so round The chiues or threds in the middle of the floure are sometimes of a reddish or of a blackish colour ‡ There are more differences of this plant or rather varieties as differing little but in the largenesse of the leaues floures or stalkes ‡ ¶ The place They grow in the borders of fields vpon banke sides and hedges almost euery where ¶ The time They flourish all the Sommer especially in May and Iune Gramen Leucanthemum Stitchwort ¶ The Names Some as Ruellius for one haue thought this to be the plant which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Tota ossea in English All-Bones whereof I see no reason except it be by the figure Antonomia as when we say in English He is an honest man our meaning is that he is a knaue for this is a tender herbe hauing no such bony substance ‡ Dodonaeus questions whether this plant be not Crataeogonon and he calls it Gramen Leucanthemum or White-floured Grasse The qualitie here noted with B. is by Dioscorides giuen to Crataeogonon but it is with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Some say or report so much which phrase of speech hee often vseth when as he writes faculties by heare-say and doubts himselfe of the truth of them ‡ ¶ The nature The seed of Stitchwort as Galen writeth is sharpe and biting to him that 〈◊〉 it and to him that vseth it very like to Mill. ¶ The vertues They are wont to drinke it in Wine with the pwoder of Acornes against the paine in the side stitches and such like Diuers report saith Dioscorides That the Seed of Stitchwort being drunke causeth a woman to bring forth a man childe if after the 〈◊〉 of her Sicknesse before she conceiue she do drinke it fasting thrice in a day halfe a dram at a time in three 〈◊〉 of water many dayes together CHAP. 39. Of Spiderwort ¶ The Description 1 THe obscure description which Dioscorides and Pliny haue set downe for Phalangium hath bred much contention among late Writers This plant Phalangium hath leaues much like Couch Grasse but they are somewhat thicker and fatter and of a more whitish greene colour The stalkes grow to the height of a cubit The top of the stalke is beset with small branches garnished with many little white flowers compact of six little leaues The threds or thrums in the middle are whitish mixed with a faire yellow which being fallen there follow blacke seeds inclosed in small round knobs which be three cornered The roots are many tough and white of colour 2 The second is like the first but that his stalke is not branched as the first and floureth a moneth before the other 3 The third kinde of Spiderwort which Carolus Clusius nameth Asphodelus minor hath a root of many threddy strings from the which immediately rise vp grassie leaues narrow and sharpe pointed among the which come forth diuers naked strait stalkes diuided towards the top into sundry branches garnished on euery side with faire starre-like flowers of colour white with a purple veine diuiding each leafe in the middest they haue also certaine chiues or threds in them The seed followeth inclosed in three square heads like vnto the kindes of Asphodils ‡ 4 This Spiderwort hath a root consisting of many thicke long and white fibers not much vnlike the precedent out of which it sends forth some fiue or six greene and firme leaues somewhat hollowed in the middle and mutually inuoluing each other at the root amongst these there riseth vp a round greene stalke bearing at the top thereof some nine or ten floures more or lesse these consist of six leaues apiece of colour white the three innermost leaues are the broader and more curled and the three outmost are tipt with greene at the tops The whole floure much resembles a white Lilly but much smaller Three square heads containing a dusky and vnequall seed follow after the floure 1 Phalangium Ramosum Branched Spiderwort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spiderwort †3 Phalangium Cretae Candy Spiderwort ‡ 4 Phalangium Antiquorum The true Spiderwort of the Ancients ‡ 5 Phalangium Virginianum Tradescanti Tradescants Virginian Spider-wort 5 This plant in my iudgement cannot be sitlier ranked with any than these last described therefore I haue here giuen him the fifth place as the last commer This plant hath many creeping stringy roots which here and there put vp greene leaues in shape resembling those of the last described amongst these there riseth vp a pretty stiffe stalke jointed and hauing at each joint one leafe incompassing the stalke and out of whose bosome oft times little branches arise now the stalke at the top vsually diuides it selfe into two leaues much after the manner of Cyperus between which there come forth many floures consisting of three pretty large leaues a piece of colour deepe blew with reddish chiues tipt with yellow standing in their middle These fading as vsually they doe the same day they shew themselues there succeed little heads couered with the three little leaues that sustained the floure In these heads there is contained a long blackish seed ¶ The place 1. 2. 3. These grow only in gardens with vs and that very rarely 4 This growes naturally in some places of Sauoy 5 This Virginian is in many of our English gardens as with M. Parkinson M. Tradescant and others ¶ The time 1. 4. 5. These floure in Iune the second about the beginning of May and the third about August ¶ The Names The first is called Phalangium ramosum Branched Spiderwort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spiderwort Cordus calls it Liliago 3 This Clusius calls Asphodelus minor Lobell Phalangium Cretae Candy Spiderwort 4 This is thought to be the Phalangium of the Ancients and that of Matthiolus it is Phalangium Allobrogicum of Clusius Sauoy Spiderwort 5 This by M. Parkinson who first hath in writing giuen the figure and description thereof is aptly termed Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum Soone-fading Spiderwort of Virginia or Tradescants Spiderwort for that M. Iohn Tradescant first procured it from Virginia Bauhine hath described it at the end of his Pinax and very vnfitly termed it
the hardnesse of the spleene and all infirmities of the bloud The root boyled in wine stamped and applied plaisterwise vnto the cods doth wonderfully abate the swelling of the same and helpeth all hardnesse and collections of humors The quantitie of two scruples and an halfe of the root drunke in foure ounces of Muskadel helpeth them that be bruised with grieuous beating or falls The root is with good successe mixed in counterpoysons In our age it is put into Eclegma's that is medicines for the lungs and especially when the lungs and chest are opprest with raw and cold humors ‡ The root of this preserued is very pleasant to the taste and comfortable to the stomacke and heart so that the Turks at Constantinople take it fasting in the morning against the contagion of the corrupt aire And the Tartars haue it in such esteeme that they will not drinke Water which is their vsuall drinke vnlesse they haue first steeped some of this root therein ‡ ¶ The choice The best Acorus as Dioscorides saith is that which is substantiall and well compact white within not rotten full and well smelling Pliny writeth That those which grow in Candia are better than those of Pontus and yet those of Candia worse than those of the Easterne countries or those of England although we haue no great quantitie thereof ¶ The faculties of the true Calamus out of Dioscorides ‡ It being taken in drinke moueth vrine wherefore boyled with the roots of grasse or Smallage seeds it helpeth such as are hydropick nephritick troubled with the strangurie or bruised It moues the Courses either drunke or otherwise applied Also the fume thereof taken by the mouth in a pipe either alone or with dried Turpentine helpes coughs It is boyled also in baths for women and decoctions for Glysters and it enters into plaisters and perfumes for the smells sake ‡ CHAP. 46. Of Corne. THus farre haue I discoursed vpon Grasses Rushes Spartum Flags and Floure deluces my next labour is to set downe for your better instruction the historie of Corne and the kindes thereof vnder the name of Graine which the Latines call Cerialia semina or Bread-corne the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of which wee purpose to discourse There belong to the historie of Graine all such things as be made of Corne as Far Condrus Alica Tragus Amylum Ptisana Polenta Maza 〈◊〉 or Malt Zythum and whatsoeuer are of that sort There be also ioyned vnto them many seeds which Theophrastus in his eighth booke placeth among the graines as Millet Sorgum Panicke Indian wheat and such like Galen in his first booke of the Faculties of nourishments reckoneth vp the diseases of Graine as well those that come of the graine it selfe degenerating or that are changed into some other kinde and made worse through the fault of the weather or of the soile as also such as be cumbersome by growing among them doe likewise fitly succeed the graines And beginning with corne we will first speake of Wheat and describe it in the first place because it is preferred before all other corne 1 Triticum spica mutica White Wheate ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Wheate which Lobelius distinguishing it by the care calleth Spica Mutica is the most principal of all other whose eares are altogether bare or naked without awnes or chaffie beards The stalke riseth from a threddy root compact of many strings joynted or kneed at sundry distances from whence shoot forth grassie blades and leaues like vnto Rie but broader The plant is so well knowne to many and so profitable to all that the meanest and most ignorant need no larger description to know the same by 2 The second kinde of Wheat in root stalkes joints and blades is like the precedent differing onely in care and number of graines whereof this kinde doth abound hauing an eare consisting of many ranks which seemeth to make the eare double or square The root and graine is like the other but not bare and naked but bristled or bearded with many small and sharpe eiles or awnes not vnlike to those of Barley 3 Flat Wheat is like vnto the other kindes of Wheat in leaues stalkes and roots but is bearded and bordered with rough and sharpe ailes wherein consists the difference ‡ I know not what our Author means by this flat Wheat but I conjecture it to be the long rough eared Wheat which hath blewish eares when as it is ripe in other things resembling the ordinary red wheat ‡ 4 The fourth kinde is like the last described and thus differeth from it in that that this kind hath many smal ears comming forth of one great eare the beards hereof be shorter than of the former kind 5 Bright wheate is like the second before described and differeth from it in that that this kind is foure square somewhat bright and shining the other not ‡ I thinke it a very fit thing to adde in this place a rare obseruation of the transmutation of one species into another in plants which though it haue beene obserued of ancient times as by Theophrastus de caus plant lib. 3. cap. 6. whereas amongst others hee mentioneth the change of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spelt into oates and by Virgill in these verses Grandia saepe quibus mandauimus Hordea sulcis 〈◊〉 Lolium steriles dominantur 〈◊〉 That is In furrowes where great Barley we did sow Nothing but Darnel and poore Oats do grow yet none that I haue read haue obserued that two seuerall graines perfect in each respect did grow at any time in one eare the which I saw this yeare 1632 in an eare of white Wheat which was found by my very good Friend Master Iohn Goodyer a man second to none in his industrie and searching of plants nor in his iudgement or knowledge of them This eare of wheat was as large and faire as most are and about the middle thereof grew three or foure perfect Oats in all respects which being hard to be found I held very worthy of setting downe for some reasons not to be insisted vpon in this place ‡ ¶ The place Wheat groweth almost in all the countries of the world that are inhabited and mannured and requireth a fruitfull and fat soile and rather Sunny and dry than watery grounds and shadowie for in a dry ground as Columella reporteth it groweth harder and better compact in a moist and darke soile it degenerateth sometime to be of another kinde 2 Triticum aristis circumvallatum Bearded Wheat or Red-Wheat ¶ The time They are most commonly sowen in the fall of the leafe or Autumne somtime in the Spring ¶ The Names Wheat is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 of the Latines Triticum and the white Wheate Siligo Triticum doth generally signifie 〈◊〉 kinde of Corne which is threshed out of the eares and made clean by fanning or such ordinary meanes The Germans call it 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian
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
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
grow starre-like yellow floures otherwise like the white Asphodill 3 Asphodelus 〈◊〉 rubente Red Asphodill 4 Asphodelus 〈◊〉 Yellow Asphodill ‡ 5 Asphodelus minimus Dwarfe Asphodil ‡ 5 Besides these there is an Asphodill which Clusius for the smalnesse calls Asphodelus minimus The roots thereof are knotty and tuberous resembling those of the formerly described but lesse from these arise fiue or sixe very narrow and long leaues in the middest of which growes vp a stalk of the height of a foot round and without branches bearing at the top thereof a spoke of floures consisting of six white leaues a piece each of which hath a streake running alongst it both on the inside and outside like as the first described It floures in the beginning of Iuly when as the rest are past their floures It loseth the leaues in Winter and gets new ones againe in the beginning of Aprill ‡ ¶ The time and place They floure in May and Iune beginning below and so flouring vpward and they grow naturally in France Italy Spaine and most of them in our London Gardens ¶ The Names Asphodill is called in Latine Asphodelus Albucum 〈◊〉 and Hastula Regia in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Asphodill not Daffodil for Daffodill is Narcissus another plant differing from Asphodill Pliny writeth That the stalke with the floures is called Anthericos and the root that is to say the bulbs Asphodelus Of this Asphodill 〈◊〉 maketh mention in his Works where he saith 〈◊〉 fooles know not how much good there is in the Mallow and in the Asphodill because the roots of Asphodill are good to be eaten Yet Galen doth not beleeue that he meant of this Asphodill but of that bulbed one whereof we will make mention hereafter And he himselfe testifieth that the bulbes thereof are not to be 〈◊〉 without very long seething and therefore it is not like that Hesiod hath commended any such 〈◊〉 he seemeth to vnderstand by the Mallow and the Asphodil such kinde of food as is easily prepared and soone made ready ¶ The nature These kindes of Asphodils be hot and dry almost in the third degree ¶ The vertues After the opinion of Dioscorides and 〈◊〉 the roots of Asphodill eaten prouoke vrine and the termes effectually especially being stamped and strained with wine and drunke One dram thereof taken in wine in manner before rehearsed helpeth the paine in the sides ruptures convulsions and the old cough The roots boiled in dregs of wine cure foule eating vlcers all inflammations of the dugges or 〈◊〉 and easeth the felon being put thereto as a pultesse The iuyce of the root boyled in old sweet Wine together with a little myrrh and saffron maketh an excellent Collyrie profitable for the eyes Galen saith the roots burnt to ashes and mixed with the grease of a ducke helpeth the Alopecia and bringeth haire againe that was fallen by that disease The weight of a dram thereof taken with wine helpeth the drawing together of sinews cramps and burstings The like quantitie taken in broth prouoketh vomit and helpeth those that are bitten with any venomous beasts The iuyce of the root cleanseth and taketh away the white morphew if the face be annointed therewith but first the place must be chafed and wel rubbed with a course linnen cloath CHAP. 71. Of the Kings Speare 1 Asphodelus luteus minor The Kings Speare 2 Asphodelus Lancastriae 〈◊〉 Asphodil ‡ 3 Asphodelus Lancastriae verus The true Lancashire Asphodil ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of the Kings Speare are long narrow and chamfered or furrowed of 〈◊〉 blewish greene colour The stalk is round of a cubit high The floures which grow 〈◊〉 from the middle to the top are very many in shape like to the floures of the other which being past 〈◊〉 come in place thereof little round heads or seed-vessels wherein the seed is contained The roots in like manner are very many long and slender smaller than those of the other yellow sort Vpon the sides whereof grow forth certaine strings by which the plant it selfe is easily encreased and multiplied 2 There is found in these dayes a certaine waterie or marish Asphodill like vnto this last described in stalke and floures without any difference at all It bringeth forth leaues of a beautifull greene somwhat chamfered like to those of the Floure de-luce or corne-flag but narrower not full a span long The stalke is strait a foot high whereupon grow the floures consisting of sixe small leaues in the middle whereof come sorth small yellow chiues or threds The seed is very small contained in long sharpe pointed cods The root is long ioynted and creepeth as grasse doth with many small strings ‡ 3 Besides the last described which our Author I feare mistaking termed Asphodelus Lancastriae there is another water Asphodill which growes in many rotten moorish grounds in this kingdome and in Lancashire is vsed by women to die their haire of a yellowish colour and therefore by them it is termed Maiden-haire if we may beleeue Lobell This plant hath leaues of some two inches and an halfe or three inches long being somewhat broad at the bottome and so sharper towards their ends The stalke seldome attaines to the height of a foot and it is smooth without any leaues thereon the top thereof is adorned with pretty yellow star-like floures wherto succeed longish little cods vsually three yet sometimes foure or fiue square and in these there is contained a small red seed The root consists onely of a few small strings ‡ ¶ The place 1 The small yellow Asphodill groweth not of it selfe wilde in these parts notwithstanding we haue great plenty thereof in our London gardens 2 The Lancashire Asphodill groweth in moist and marish places neere vnto the Towne of Lancaster in the moorish grounds there as also neere vnto Maudsley and Martom two Villages not farre from thence where it was found by a Worshipfull and learned Gentleman a diligent searcher of simples and feruent louer of plants M. Thomas Hesket who brought the plants thereof vnto me for the encrease of my garden I receiued some plants thereof likewise from Master Thomas Edwards Apothecarie in Excester learned and skilfull in his profession as also in the knowledge of plants He found this Asphodill at the foot of a hill in the West part of England called 〈◊〉 hill neere vnto a village of the same name ‡ This Asphodill figured and described out of Dodonaeus and called Asphodelus Lancastriae by our Author growes in an heath some two miles from Bruges in Flanders and diuers other places of the Low-countries but whether it grow in Lancashire or no I can say nothing of certaintie but I am certaine that which I haue described in the third place growes in many places of the West of England and this yeare 1632 my kinde friend M. George Bowles sent mee some plants thereof which I keepe yet growing Lobell also affirmes this to be the Lancashire
Corne-Flag are called of the Italians Monacuccio in English Corne-Flag Corne-Sedge Sword-Flag Corne Gladin in French Glais ¶ The nature The root of Corne-Flag as Galen saith is of force to draw waste or consume away and dry as also of a subtill and digesting qualitie ¶ The vertues The root stamped with the pouder of Frankincense and wine and applied draweth forth splinters and thornes that sticke fast in the flesh Being stamped with the meale of Darnell and honied water doth waste and make subtill hard lumps nodes and swellings being emplaistred Some affirme that the vpper root prouoketh bodily lust and the lower causeth barrennesse The vpper root drunke in water is profitable against that kinde of bursting in children called 〈◊〉 The root of Corne-Flag stamped with hogs grease and wheaten meale hath been found by late Practitioners in physicke and Surgerie to be a certaine and approued remedie against the 〈◊〉 Scrophulae and such like swellings in the throat The cods with the seed dried and beaten into pouder and drunk in Goats milke or Asses milke presently taketh away the paine of the Collicke CHAP. 77. Of Starry Hyacinths and their kindes 1 Hyacinthus stellatus Fuchsij Starry Iacinth ‡ 2 Hyacinthus stellaris albicans The white floured starry Iacinth ¶ The kindes THere be likewise bulbous or Onion rooted plants that do orderly succeed whereof some are to be eaten as Onions Garlicke Leekes and Ciues notwithstanding I am first to entreat of those bulbed roots whose faire and beautifull Floures are receiued for their grace and ornament in gardens and garlands the first are the Hyacinths whereof there is found at this day diuers sorts differing very notably in many points as shall be declared in their seueral descriptions ‡ 3 Hyacinthus stellatus bifolius Two-leaued starry Iacinth 4 Hyacinthus stellatus Lilifolius cum flore semine The Lilly leaued starry Iacinth in floure and seed ‡ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stellaris 〈◊〉 The starry Iacinth of Constantinople ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Iacinth hath three very fat thicke browne leaues hollow like a little trough very brittle of the length of a finger among which shoot vp fat thick brownish stalkes soft and very tender and full of juyce whereupon do grow many small blew Floures consisting of six little leaues spred abroad like a starre The seed is contained in small round bullets which are so ponderous or heauy that they lie trailing vpon the ground The root is bulbous or Onion fashion couered with brownish scales or filmes 2 There is also a white floured one of this kinde 3 There is found another of this kinde which seldome or neuer hath more than two leaues The roots are bulbed like the other The Floures be whitish starre-fashion tending to blewnesse which I receiued of Robinus of Paris ‡ 8 Hyacinthus stellaris Someri Somers starry Iacinth ‡ 9 Hyacinthus stellatus aestivus major The greater starry Summer Iacinth 4 This kinde of Hyacinth hath many broad leaues spread vpon the ground like vnto those of Garden Lilly but shorter The stalkes do rise out of the middest thereof bare naked and very smooth an handfull high at the top whereof do grow small blew floures starre-fashion very like vnto the precedent The root is thicke and full of juyce compact of many scaly cloues of a yellow colour ‡ There are some tenne or eleuen varieties of starry Iacinths besides these two mentioned by our Authour They differ each from other either in the time of flouring some of them flouring in the Spring other some in Sommer in their bignesse or the colours of their floures The leaues of most of them are much like to our ordinarie Iacinth or Hare-bels and lie spread vpon the ground Their floures in shape resemble the last described but are vsually more in number and somewhat larger The colour of most of them are blew or purple one of them excepted which is of an Ash colour and is knowne by the name of Somers his Iacinth I thinke it not amisse to giue you their vsuall names together with some of their figures for so you may easily impose them truly vpon the things themselues whensoeuer you shall see them 5 Hyacinthus stellaris Byzantinus nigra radice flore 〈◊〉 The blew starry Iacinth of Constantinople with the blacke root 6 Hyacinthus stellatus Byzantinus major 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The greater blew starry Iacinth of Constantiple 7 Hyacinthus stellatus Byzantinus alter flore boraginis The other blew starry Iacinth of Constantinonople with Floures somewhat resembling Borage 8 Hyacinthus stellaris aestivus siue exoticus Someri flore cinereo Ash coloured starry Iacinth or Somers Iacinth 9 Hyacinthus stellatus aestivus major The greater starry Sommer Iacinth 10 Hyacinthus stellatus aestivus minor The lesser starry Summer Iacinth 11 Hyacinthus stellaris Poreti flore 〈◊〉 strijs purpureis Porets starry Iacinth with blew Floures hauing purple streakes alongst their middles 12 Hyacinthus 〈◊〉 stellaris flore 〈◊〉 caeruleo The Spanish starry Iacinth with deepe blew floures 13 There is another starry Iacinth more large and beautifull than any of these before mentioned The leaues are broad and not very long spread vpon the ground and in the midst of them there riseth vp a stalke which at the top beareth a great spoke of faire starry floures which first begin to open themselues below and so shew themselues by little and little to the top of the stalke The vsuall sort hereofhath blew or purple floures There is also a sort hereof which hath flesh-coloured floures and another with white Floures This is called Hyacinthus stellatus Peruanus The starry Iacinth of Peru. 10 Hyacinthus stellatus aestivus minor The lesser starry Summer Iacinth 13 Hyacinthus Peruanus Hyacinth of Peru. Those who are studious in varieties of Floures and require larger descriptions of these may haue recourse to the Workes of the learned Carolus 〈◊〉 in Latine or to M. Parkinsons Worke in English where they may haue full satisfaction ‡ ¶ The place The three-first mentioned Plants grow in many places of Germany in woods and mountaines as 〈◊〉 and Gesner do testifie In Bohemia also vpon diuers bankes that are full of Herbes In England we cherish most of these mentioned in this place in our gardens onely for the beauty of their floures ¶ The time The three first begin to floure in the midst of Ianuarie and bring forth their seed in May. The other floures in the Spring ¶ The Names 1 The first of these Hyacinths is called Hyacinthus stellatus or Stellaris Fuchsij of the starre-like Floures Narcissus caeruleus Bockij of some Flos Martius stellatus 3 This by Lobell is thought to be Hyacinthus Bifolius of Theophrastus Tragus calls it Narcissus caeruleus and Fuchsius Hyacinthus caeruleus minor mas Wee may call it in English The small two leaued starrie Iacinth 4 The Lilly Hyacinth is called Hyacinthus Germanicus Liliflorus or Germane Hyacinth taken from the countrey where it naturally groweth wilde ‡ ¶ The
red to white Nor so contented for the Youth receiu'd That grace from Phoebus in the leaues he weau'd The sad impression of his sighs Ai Ai They now in funerall characters display c. ‡ 5 Lilium cruentum secundum caulem bulbulis donatum Red Lilly with bulbes growing alongst the stalke ‡ 6 Lilium purpureum minus The small red Lilly Theocritus also hath made mention of this Hyacinth in Bions Epitaph in the 19. Eidyl which Eidyl by some is attributed to Moschus and made his third The words are these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In English thus Now Iacinth speake thy letters and once more Imprint thy leaues with Ai Ai as before Likewise Virgill hath written hereof in the third Eclog of his Bucolicks Et me Phoebus amat Phoebo sua semper apud me Munerasunt lauri suaue rubens Hyacinthus Phoebus loues me his gifts I alwayes haue The e're greene Laurel and the lacinth braue In like manner also Nemesianus in his second Eclog of his Bucolicks Te sine me misero 〈◊〉 Lilia nigra videntur Pallentesque Rosae nec dulce rubens Hyacinthus At si tu venias candida Lilia fient Purpureaeque Rosae dulce rubens Hyacinthus Without thee Loue the Lillies blacke do seeme The Roses pale and Hyacinths I deeme Not louely red But if thou com'st to me Lillies are white red Rose and Iacinths be The Hyacinths are said to be red which Ouid calleth purple for the red colour is somtimes termed purple Now it is thought this Hyacinthus is called Ferrugineus for that it is red of a rusty iron colour for as the putrifaction of brasse is named Aerugo so the corruption of iron is called Ferrugo which from the reddish colour is stiled also Rubigo And certainly they are not a few that would 〈◊〉 Color ferrugineus to be so called from the rust which they thinke Ferrugo Yet this opinion is not allowed of by all men for some iudge that Color ferrugineus is inclining to a blew for that when the best iron is heated and wrought when as it is cold againe it is of a colour neere vnto blew which from Ferrum or iron is called Ferrugineus These latter ground themselues vpon Virgils authoritie who in the sixth of his Aeneidos describeth Charons ferrugineous barge or boat and presently calleth the same blew His words are these Ipseratem conto subigit velisque ministrat Et ferruginea subuectat corpora Cymba He thrusting with a pole and setting sailes at large Bodies transports in ferrugineous barge And then a little after he addes Coeruleam aduertit puppim ripaeque propinquat He then turnes in his blew Barge and the shore Approches nigh to And Claudius also in his second booke of the carrying away of Proserpina doth not a little confirme their opinions who writeth That the Violets are painted ferrugine dulci with a sweet iron colour Sanguineo splendore rosas vaccinea nigro Induit aulci violas ferrugine pingit He trimmes the Rose with bloudy bright And Prime-tree berries blacke he makes And decks the Violet with a sweet Darke iron colour which it takes But let vs returne to the proper names from which we haue digressed Most of the later Herbarists do call this Plant Hyacinthus Poeticus or the Poets Hyacinth Pausanias in his second booke of his Corinthiackes hath made mention of Hyacinthus called of the Hermonians Comosandalos setting downe the ceremonies done by them on their festiuall dayes in honour of the goddesse Chthonia The Priests saith he and the Magistrates for that yeare being doe leade the troupe of the pompe the women and men follow after the boves solemnly leade forth the goddesse with a stately shew they go in white vestures with garlands on their heads made of a floure which the Inhabitants call Comosandalos which is the blew or sky-coloured Hyacinth hauing the marks and letters of mourning as aforesaid ¶ The Nature The floure of the red Lilly as Galen saith is of a mixt temperature partly of thinne and partly of an earthly essence The root and leaues do dry and cleanse and moderately digest or waste and consume away ¶ The Vertues The leaues of the herbe applied are good against the stinging of Serpents The same boiled and tempered with vineger are good against burnings and heale green wounds and Vlcers The root rosted in the embers and pounded with oyle of Roses cureth burnings and softneth 〈◊〉 of the matrix The same stamped wtth honey cureth the wounded sinewes and members out of ioynt It takes away the morphew wrinkles and deformitie of the face Stamped with Vineger the leaues of Henbane and wheat meale it remoueth hot swellings of the stones the yard and matrix The roots boyled in Wine saith Pliny causeth the cornes of the feet to fall away within 〈◊〉 dayes with remouing the medicine vntill it haue wrought his effect Being drunke in honied water they driue out by siege vnprofitable bloud CHAP. 104. Of Mountaine Lillies ¶ The Description 1 THe great mountaine Lilly hath a cloued bulbe or scaly root like to those of the Red Lilly yellow of colour very small in respect of the greatnesse of the plant From the which riseth vp a stalke sometimes two or three according to the age of the plant whereof the middle stalke commonly turneth from his roundnesse into a flat sorme as those of the white Lilly of Constantinople Vpon these stalkes do grow faire leaues of a blackish greene colour in roundles and spaces as the leaues of Woodroofe not vnlike to the leaues of white Lillie but smaller at the top of the stalkes The floures be in number infinite or at the least hard to be counted very thicke set or thrust together of an ouerworne purple spotted on the inside with many small specks of the colour of rusty iron The whole floure doth turne it selfe backeward at such time as the Sunne hath cast his beames vpon it like vnto the Tulipa or Turkes Cap as the Lilly or Martagon of Constantinople doth from the middle whereof doe come forth tender pointalls with small dangling pendants hanging thereat of the colour the floure is spotted with 1 Lilium montanum majus The great mountaine Lilly 2 Lilium montanum minus Small Mountaine Lilly 2 The small mountaine Lilly is very like vnto the former in root leafe stalke and floures differing in these points The whole plant is lesser the stalke neuer leaueth his round forme and beareth fewer floures ‡ There are two or three more varieties of these plants mentioned by Clusius the one of this lesser kinde with floures on the outside of a flesh colour and on the inside white with blackish spots as also another wholly white without spots The third varietie is like the first but differs in that the floures blow later and smell sweet These plants grow in the woody mountaines of Styria and Hungarie and also in such like places on the North of Francfort vpon the Moene
narrow below butby little and little toward the top wax broad and after that grow to be sharpe pointed in form somewhat neere Ramsons but thicker and more oleous When the leaues be wide opened the floure sheweth it selfe vpon his long weake naked stalke bowing toward the earth-ward which floure consisteth of six very long leaues of a sine delayed purple colour which with the heat of the Sunne openeth it selfe and bendeth his leaues backe againe after the manner of the Cyclamen floure within which there are six purple chiues and a white three forked stile or pestell This floure is of no pleasant smell but commendable for the beauty when the floure is faded there succeedeth a three square huske or head wherein are the seeds which are very like them of Leucoium butbosum praecox but longer slenderer and of a yellow colour The root is long thicker below than aboue set with many white fibres waxing very tender in the vpper part hauing one or more off-sets or young shoots from which the stalke ariseth out of the ground as hath been said bringing forth two leaues and not three or onely one saue when it will not floure 3 The third kinde is in all things like the former saue in the leaues which are narrower and in the colour of the floure which is altogether white or consisting of a colour mixt of purple and white Wherefore sith there is no other difference it shall suffice to haue said thus much for the description ¶ The Place These three plants grow plentifully at the foot of certain hills in the greene and moist grounds of Germanie and Italy in Styria not far from Gratz as also in Modena and Bononia in Italy and likewise in some of the choice gardens of this countrey ¶ The Time They floure in Aprill and sometimes sooner as in the middle of March. 1 Dens caninus Dogs tooth 2 Dens caninus flore albo angustioribus 〈◊〉 White Dogs tooth ¶ The Names This plant is called in Latine Dens caninus and some haue iudged it Satyrium Erythronium Matthiolus calls it Pseudohermodactylus The men of the countrey where it groweth call it 〈◊〉 and the Physitians about Styria call it Dentali The secoud may for distinctions sake be termed Dens caninus flore albo angustioribus folijs that is Dogs tooth with the white floure and narrow leaues ¶ The Nature These are of a very hot temperament windie and of an excrementitious nature as may appeare by the vertues ¶ The Vertues The Women that dwell about the place where these grew and do grow haue with great profit put the dried meale or pouder of it in their childrens pottage against the wormes of the belly Being drunke with Wine it hath been proued maruellously to asswage the Collicke passion It strengthneth and nourisheth the body in great measure and being drunke with water it cureth children of the falling sicknesse CHAP. 110. Of Dogs stones ¶ The Kindes STones or Testicles as Dioscorides saith are of two sorts one named Cynosorchis or Dogs stones the other Orchis Serapias or Serapias his stones But because there be many and sundry other sorts differing one from another I see not how they may be contained vnder these two kinds onely therefore I haue thought good to diuide them as followeth The first kind we haue named Cynosorchis or Dogs stones the second Testiculus Morionis or Fooles stones the third Tragorchis or Goats stones the fourth Orchis Serapias or Serapia's stones the fifth Testiculus odoratus or sweet smelling stones or after Cordus Testiculus Pumilio or Dwarfe stones 1 Cynosorchismaior Great Dogs stones 2 Cynosorchis major altera White Dogs stones ¶ The Description 1 GReat Dogs stones hath foure and sometimes fiue great broad thicke leaues somwhat like those of the garden Lilly but smaller The stalke riseth vp a foot or more in height at the top whereof doth grow a thicke tuft of carnation or horse-flesh coloured floures thick and close thrust together made of many small floures spotted with purple spots in shape like to an open hood or helmet And from the hollow place there hangeth forth a certain ragged chiue or tassell in shape like to the skinne of a Dog or some such other foure footed beast The roots be round like vnto the stones of a Dog or two oliues one hanging somewhat shorter than the other whereof the highest or vppermost is the smaller but fuller and harder The lowermost is the greatest lightest and most wrinkled or shriueled not good for any thing 2 Whitish Dogs stones hath likewise smooth long broad leaues but lesser and narrower than those of the first kinde The stalke is a span long set with fiue or six leaues clasping or embracing the same round about His spikie floure is short thicke 〈◊〉 compact of many small whitish purple coloured floures spotted on the inside with many small purple spots and little lines or streakes The small floures are like an open hood or helmet hauing hanging out of euery one as it were the body of a little man without a head with armes stretched out and thighes stradling abroad after the same manner almost that the little boyes are wont to be pictured hanging out of Saturnes mouth The roots be like the former 3 Spotted Dogs stones bring forth narrow leaues ribbed in some sort like vnto the leaues of narrow Plaintaine or Rib-wort dasht with many blacke streakes and spots The stalke is a cubit and more high at the top whereof doth grow a tuft or eare of violet-coloured floures mixed with a darke purple but in the hollownesse thereof whitish not of the same forme or shape that the others are of but lesser and as it were resembling somewhat the floures of Larkes-spur The roots be like the former 4 Marish Dogs stones haue many thicke blunt leaues next the root thick streaked with lines or nerues like those of Plantaine The floure is of a whitish red or carnation the stalk and roots be like the former 3 Cynosorchis maculata Spotted Dogs stones 4 Cynosorchis palustr is Marish Dogs stones ‡ 5 This hath fiue or six little leaues the stalke is some handfull or better in height set aboutwith somewhat lesse leaues the tuft of floures at the top of the stalke are of a purple colour small with a white lip diuided into foure partitions hanging downe which also is lightly spotted with purple it hath a little spurre hanging downe on the hinder part of each floure The seed is small and contained in such twined heads as in other plants of this kinde The roots are like the former but much lesse ‡ ¶ The Place These kindes of Dogs stones do grow in moist and fertile medowes The marish Dogs stones grow for the most part in moist and waterish woods and also in marish grounds ‡ The 5 growes in many hilly places of Austria and Germanie ‡ ¶ The Time They floure from the beginning of May to the midst of August ¶ The Names The first and second
the top small yellow floures after them doe follow small cods wherein is conteined small reddish seed 1 Barbarea Winter Cresses ¶ The Place It groweth in gardens among pot herbes and very common in the fields neere to pathes and high wayes almost euery where ¶ The Time This herbe is green all winter long it floureth in May and seedeth in Iune ¶ The Names Winter Cresse is called of the Latines Cardamum or Nasturtium Hibernum of some Barbarea and Pseudobunium the Germanes call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in lowe Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It seemeth to be Dioscorides his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say false or bastard 〈◊〉 in English winter Cresses or herbe Saint Barbara ¶ The Nature This herbe is hot and drie in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The seed of winter Cresse causeth one to make water and driueth forth grauell and helpeth the strangurie The iuyce thereof mundifieth corrupt and filthy vlcers being made in forme of an vnguent with waxe oyle and turpentine In winter when salad herbes bee scarce this herbe is thought to be equall with Cresses of the garden or Rocket This herbe helpeth the scuruie being boiled among scuruie grasse called in Latine Cochlearia causing it to worke the more effectually CHAP. 9. Of Mustard ¶ The Description 1 THe tame or garden Mustard hath great rough leaues like to those of the Turnep but rougher and lesser The stalke is round rough and hairie of three cubits high diuided into many branches whereon doe grow small yellow floures and after them long cods slender and rough wherein is contained round seed bigger then Rape seed of colour yellow of taste sharpe and biting the tongue as doth our common field mustard ‡ 2 Our ordinary Mustard hath leaues like Turneps but not so rough the stalkes are smooth and grow sometimes to three foure or siue cubits high they haue many branches and the leaues vpon these branches especially the vppermost are long and narrow and hang downeward on small stalkes the cods are short and lie flat and close to the branches and are somewhat square the seed is reddish or yellow ‡ 3 The other tame Mustard is like to the former in leaues and branched stalkes but lesser and they are more whitish and rough The floures are likewise yellow and the seed browne like the Rape seed which is also not a little sharpe or byting ‡ 4 This which I giue you bere being the Sinapi sativum alterum of Lobel and the Sinapi album of the shops growes but low and it hath rough crooked cods and whitish seeds the stalks 〈◊〉 and leaues are 〈◊〉 like the first described ‡ 5 The wilde Mustard hath leaues like those of shepheards purse but larger and more deeply indented with a stalke growing to the height of two foot bearing at the top small yellow floures made of foure leaues the cods be small and-slender wherein is contained reddish seed much smaller than any of the others but not so sharpe or biting 1 Sinapi sativum Garden Mustard 3 Sinapi sativum alterum Dod. Field Mustard ‡ 4 Sinapi album White Mustard 5 Sinapi syluestre minus Small wilde Mustard ¶ The Place ‡ Our ordinarie Mustard whose description I haue added as also the wilde and small grow wilde in many places of this kingdome and may all three be found on the bankes about the back of Old-street and in the way to Islington ‡ ¶ The Time Mustard may be sowen in the beginning of the Spring the seed is ripe in Iuly or August 〈◊〉 commeth to perfection the same yeare that it is sowen ¶ The Names The Greekes call Mustard 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Athenians called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Sinapi the rude and barbarous Sinapium the Germanes 〈◊〉 the French Seneue and Moustarde the low Dutchmen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Spaniards Mostaza and Mostalla the Bohemians Horcice Pliny calls it Thlaspi whereof doubtlesse it is a kinde and some haue called it Saurion ‡ These kindes of Mustard haue beene so briefely treated of by all Writers that it is hard to giue the right distinctions of them and a matter of more difficultie than is expected in a thing so vulgarly knowne and vsed I will therefore endeauour in a few words to distinguish those kindes of mustard which are vulgarly written of 1 The first is Sinapi primum of Matthiolus and Dodonaeus and Sinapi sativum 〈◊〉 aut Rapifolio of Lobel 2 The second I cannot iustly referre to any of those which are written of by Authours for it hath not a cod like Rape as Pena and Lobel describe it nor a seed bigger than it as Dodonaeus affirmeth yet I suspect and almost dare affirme that it is the same with the former mentioned by them though much differing from their figures and description 3 The third which also I suspect is the same with the fourth is Sinapi alterum of Matthiolus and Sinapi agreste Apij aut potius Laueris folio of Lobel and Sinapi sativum alterum of Dodonaeus 4 The fourth is by Lobel called Sinapi alterum sativum and this is Sinapi album Ofsicinarum as Pena and Lobel affirme Aduers pag. 68. 5 The fifth is Sinapi syluestre of Dodonaeus and Sinapi syluestre minus 〈◊〉 pastoris folio of Lobel It is much like Rocket and therefore Bauhine fitly calls it Sinapi Erucae folio in English it may be called Small wilde Mustard ‡ ¶ The Temperature The seed of Mustard especially that which we chiefely vse doth heat and make thinne and also draweth forth It is hot and dry in the fourth degree according to Galen ¶ The Vertues The seed of Mustard pound with vineger is an excellent sauce good to be eaten with any grosse meates either fish or flesh because it doth helpe digestion warmeth the stomacke and prouoketh appetite It is giuen with good successe in like manner to such as be short winded and are stopped in the breast with tough flegme from the head and braine It appeaseth the tooth-ache being chewed in the mouth They vse to make a gargarisme with honey vineger and mustard seed against the tumours and swellings of the Vuula and the almonds about the throat and root of the tongue Mustard drunke with water and honey prouoketh the termes and vrine The seed of mustard beaten and put into the nosthrils causeth sneesing and 〈◊〉 women sicke of the mother out of their fits It is good against the falling sickenesse and such as haue the Lithargie if it be laid plaister-wise vpon the head after shauing being tempered with figs. It helpeth the Sciatica or ache in the hip or huckle bone it also cureth all manner of paines proceeding of a cold cause It is mixed with good successe with drawing plaisters and with such as waste and consume nodes and hard swellings It helpeth those that haue their haire pulled off it taketh away the blew and blacke marks that come of bruisings ‡ The seed of the white Mustard is
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
grow euery where by High-waies vpon walls made of mud or earth and in stony places ¶ The Time It floureth from May to the end of August the seed is ripe in September ¶ The Names Docke-Cresses are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lampsana and Napium by Dodonoeus Tabernamontanus calleth this Sonchus syluaticus Camerarius affirmes That in Prussia they call it Papillaris ¶ The Nature Docke-Cresses are of nature hot and somewhat abstersiue or cleansing ¶ The Vertues Taken in meate as Galen and Dioscorides affirme it ingendreth euill iuyce and naughtie nourishment ‡ Camerarius affirmeth That it is vsed with good successe in Prussia against vlcerated or sore breasts ‡ CHAP. 17. Of Water-Parsenep and Water-Cresses 1 Sium majus latifolium Great Water Parsenep †Sium majus angustifolium The lesser water Parsenep ‡ 4 Sium alterum Olusatri facie Long leaued water-Cresses ‡ 2 This plant much resembles the last described and 〈◊〉 vp some cubit and a halfe high with many leaues finely snipt about the edges growing vpon one rib and commonly they stand bolt vpright The vmbell consists of little white floures the root is smal and consisteth of many strings ‡ 3 There is another very like this but they thus differ the stalkes and leaues of this later are lesse than those of the precedent and not so many vpon one rib the other growes vpright to some yard or more high this neuer growes vp but alwaies creepes and almost at euerie ioynt puts forth an vmbel of floures 4 To these may be added another whose root consists of aboundance of writhen and small blacke fibres the stalkes are like Hemlock some three cubits high the leaues are long narrow and snipped about the edges growing commonly two or three together the vmbel of floures is commonly of a yellowish greene the seed is like parsley seed but in taste somewhat resembles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Creticus and the rinde of a Citron yet seemes somewhat hotter ‡ 5 Water-Cresse hath many fat and weake hollow branches trailing vpon the grauell and earth where it groweth taking hold in sundry places as it creepeth by meanes whereof the plant spreadeth ouer a great compasse of ground The leaues are likewise compact and winged with many small leaues set vpon a middle rib one against another except the point leafe which stands by it selfe as doth that of the ash if it grow in his naturallplace which is in a grauelly spring The vpper face of the whole plant is of a browne colour and greene vnder the leaues which is a perfect marke to know the physicall kinde from the others The white floures grow alongst the stalkes and are succeeded by cods wherein the seed is contained The root is nothing else but as it were a thrumme or bundle of threds †5 Nasturtium aquaticum siue Crateua Sium Common Water-Cresses ‡ 6 Sium Matthioli 〈◊〉 Italian Water-Cresse 6 There is also another kinde hereof hauing leaues growing many on one stalke snipt about the edges being in shape betweene the garden Cresses and Cuckow-floures the stalke is crested and diuided into many branches the floures white and are succeeded by cods like those of our ordinarie Water-Cresse last described ¶ The Place ‡ 1 The first of these I haue not found growing nor as yet heard of within this kingdome 2 The second I first found in the company of M. Robert Larkin going betweene Redriffe and Deptford in a rotten boggy place on the right hand of the way 3 The third growes almost in euery watery place about London 4 This is more rare and was found by Mr. Goodyer in the ponds about Moore Parke and by M. George Bowles in the ditches about Ellesmere and in diuers ponds in Flint-shire 5 The fifth is as frequent as the third and commonly they grow neere together 6 This Lobel saith he found in Piemont in riuelets amongst the hills I haue not yet heard that it growes with vs. ‡ ¶ The Time They spring and wax greene in Aprill and floure in Iuly The water Cresse to be eaten in sallads sheweth it selfe in March when it is best and floureth in Summer with the rest ¶ The Names ‡ 1 The first of these is Sium maius latifolium of Tabernamontanus 2 This is Sion odoratum Tragi Sium of Matthiolus Dodonaeus and others it is taken to be Sium or Lauer of Dioscorides Lobel calls it also Pastinaca aquatica or water Parsenep 3 This may be called Sium vmbellatum repens Creeping water Parsenep Of this there is a reasonable good figure in the Historia Lugdunensis pag. 1092. vnder the title of Sium verum Matthioli but the description is of that we here giue you in the sixth place 4 This is Sium alterum of Dodonaeus and Sium alterum 〈◊〉 facie of Lobel 5 Many iudge this to be the Sisymbrium alterum or Cardamine of Dioscorides as also the 〈◊〉 of Crateuas and therefore Lobel termes it Sion Crateuae erucae folium It is called by Dodonaeus and vulgarly in shops knowne by the name of Nasturtium aquaticum or water Cresses 6 This is called Sium vulgare by Matthiolus Lobel also termes it 〈◊〉 Malthioli Italorum This was thought by our Countrey-man Doctor Turner to be no other than the second here described of which opinion I must confesse I also was but vpon better consideration of that which Lobel and Bauhine haue written I haue changed my minde ‡ ¶ The Temperature Water-Cresse is euidently hot and dry ¶ The Vertues Water-Cresse being boyled in Wine or Milke and drunke for certaine dayes together is very good against the Scuruy or Scorbute Being chopped or boyled in the broth of flesh and eaten for thirty dayes together at morning noone and night it prouoketh vrine wasts the stone and driueth it forth Taken in the same maner it doth cure yong maidens of the green sicknesse bringeth downe the termes and sendeth into the face their accustomed liuely colour lost by the stopping of their Menstrua CHAP. 18. Of wilde Water-Cresses or Cuckow Floures ¶ The Description 1 THe first of the Cuckow floures hath leaues at his springing vp somwhat round and those that spring afterward grow iagged like the leaues of Greeke Valerian among which riseth vp a stalke a foot long set with the like leaues but smaller and more iagged resembling those of Rocket The floures grow at the top in small bundles white of colour hollow in the middle resembling the white sweet-Iohn after which do come small chaffie husks or seed vessels wherein the seed is contained The root is small and threddy 2 The second sort of Cuckow floures hath small iagged leaues like those of small water Valerian agreeing with the former in stalkes and roots the floures be white ouerdasht or declining toward a light carnation ‡ 3 The leaues and stalks of this are like those of the last described neither are the floures which first shew themselues much vnlike them but when as they begin to faile in their
bended round and laced or as it were wouen one with another looking very beautifully like to Crimson veluet this is seldome to be found with vs but for the beauties sake is kept in the Gardens of Italy whereas the women esteemed it not only for the comelinesse and beautious aspect 1 Atriplex satiua alba White Orach †2 Atriplex satiua 〈◊〉 Purple Orach 3 Atriplex 〈◊〉 siue Polyspermon Wilde Orach or All-seed †4 Atriplex marina Sea Orach ¶ The Place and Time These pleasant floures are sowen in gardens especially for their great beauty They floure in August and continue flourishing till the frost ouertake them at what time they perish But the Floramor would be sowne in a bed of hot horse-dung with some earth strewed thereon in the end of March and ordered as we doe muske Melons and the like ¶ The Names This plant is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it doth not wither and wax old in Latin Amaranthus purpureus in Duch Samatbluomen in Italian Fior velluto in French Passe velours in English floure Gentie purple Veluet floure Floramor and of some floure Velure ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Most attribute to floure Gentle a binding faculty with a cold and dry temperature It is reported they stop all kinds of bleeding which is not manifest by any apparantquality in them except peraduenture by the colour only that the red eares haue for some are of opinion that all red things stanch bleeding in any part of the body because some things as Bole armoniacke sanguis Draconis terra Sigillata and such like of red colour doe stop bloud But Galen lib. 2. 4. de simp. facult plainly sheweth that there can be no certainty gathered from the colours touching the vertues of simple and compound medicines wherefore they are ill persuaded that thinke the floure Gentle to stanch bleeding to stop the laske or bloody flix because of the colour only if they had no other reason to induce them thereto CHAP. 45. Of Orach ¶ The Description 1 THe Garden white Orach hath an high and 〈◊〉 stalke with broad sharpe pointed leaues like those of Blite yet 〈◊〉 and softer The floures are small and yellow growing in clusters the seed round and like a leafe 〈◊〉 with a thin skin or filme and groweth in clusters The root is wooddy and fibrous the leaues and stalkes at the first are of a glittering gray colour and sprinkled as it were with a meale or floure 2 This differs from the former only in that it is of an ouerworne purple colour ‡ 3 This might more fitly haue beene placed amongst the Blites yet finding the figure here though a contrary discription I haue let it inioy the place It hath a white and slender root and it is somewhat like yet lesse then the Blite with narrow leaues somewhat resembling Basill it hath aboundance of small floures which are succeeded by a numerous sort of seeds which are blacke and shining ‡ 4 There is a wilde kinde growing neere the sea which hath pretty broad leaues cut deepely about the edges sharpe pointed and couered ouer with a certaine mealinesse so that the whole plant as well leaues as stalkes and floures looke of an hoary or gray colour The stalks lye spred on the shore or Beach whereas it vsually growes ‡ 5 The common wilde Orach hath leaues vnequally sinuated or cut in somewhat after the manner of an oaken leafe and commonly of an ouerworne grayish colour the floures and seeds are much like those of the garden but much lesse 6 This is like the last described but the leaues are lesser and not so much diuided the seeds grow also in the same manner as those of the precedent 7 This also in the face and manner of growing is like those already described but the leaues are long and narrow sometimes a little notched and from the shape of the leafe Lobell called it Atriplex Syluestris polygoni aut Helxines folio 8 This elegant Orach hath a single and small root putting forth a few fibers the stalkes are some foot high diuided into many branches and lying along vpon the ground and vpon these grow leaues at certaine spaces whitish and vnequally diuided somewhat after the manner of the wilde Orach about the stalke or setting on of the leaues grow as it were little berries somewhat like a little mulberry and when these come to ripenesse they are of an elegant red colour and make a fine shew The seed is small round and ash coloured ‡ ¶ The Place The Garden Oraches grow in most gardens The wilde Oraches grow neere paths 〈◊〉 and ditch sides but most commonly about dung-hils and such fat places Sea Orach I haue 〈◊〉 at Queeneborough as also at Margate in the I le of Thanet and most places about the sea side ‡ The eighth groweth only in some choice gardens I haue seen it diuers times with Mr. Parkinson ‡ ‡ 5 Atriplex syluestris vulgaris Common wilde Orach ‡ 6 Atriplex syluestris altera The other wilde Orach ‡ 7 Atriplex syluestris angustifolia Narrow leaued wilde Orach ‡ 8 Atriplex baccifera Berry-bearing Orach ¶ The Time They floure and seed from Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names Garden Orach is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Atriplex and Aureum Olus in Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Arrouches ou bonnes dames in English Orach and Orage in the Bohemian tongue Leboda Pliny hath made some difference betweene Atriplex and Chrysolachanum as though they differed one from another for of Atriplex he writeth in his twentieth booke and of Chrysolachanum in his twenty eighth booke and eighth chapter where hee writeth thus Chrysolachanum saith he groweth in Pinetum like Lettuce it healeth cut sinewes if it be forthwith applied 3 This wilde Orach hath beene called of Lobel Polyspermon Cassani Bassi or All seed ¶ The Temperature Orach saith Galen is of temperature moist in the second degree and cold in the first ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth That the garden Orach is both moist and cold and that it is eaten boyled as other sallad herbes are and that it softneth and looseth the belly It consumeth away the swellings of the throat whether it be laid on raw or sodden The seed being drunke with meade or honied water is a remedie against the yellow jaundice Galen thinketh that for that cause it hath a clensing qualitie and may open the stoppings of the siuer CHAP. 46. Of Stinking Orach Atriplex olida Stinking Orach ¶ The Description STinking Orach growes flat vpon the ground and is a base and low plant with many weak and feeble branches whereupon doe grow small leaues of a grayish colour sprinkled ouer with a certaine kinde of dusty mealinesse in shape like the leaues of Basill amongst which leaues here and there confusedly be the seeds dispersed as it were nothing but dust or ashes The whole plant is of a most loathsome sauour or
Description PEllitorie of the wall hath round tender stalkes somewhat browne or reddish of colour and somewhat shining the leaues be rough like to the leaues of Mercurie nothing 〈◊〉 about the edges The floures be small growing close to the 〈◊〉 the seed is blacke and very small couered with a rough huske which hangeth fast vpon garments the root is somewhat reddish Parietaria Pellitorie of the wall ¶ The Place It groweth neere to old walls in the moist corners of Churches and stone buildings among rubbish and such like places ¶ The Time It commeth vp in May it seedeth in 〈◊〉 and August 〈◊〉 the root onely continueth and 〈◊〉 to be sound in Winter ¶ The Names It 〈◊〉 commonly called 〈◊〉 or by a 〈◊〉 word 〈◊〉 because it groweth 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 the same cause it is named of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 y. There is also another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some call it 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 which somtimes seed hereon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 because it serueth to scoure glasses pipkins and such like it is called in high 〈◊〉 Tag vnd nacht in Spanish 〈◊〉 del muro in English Pellitorie of the wall in French 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature Pellitorie of the wall as Galen saith hath force to scoure and is something cold and moist ¶ The Vertues Pellitory of the wall boyled and the 〈◊〉 of it drunken helpeth such as are vexed with an old cough the grauell and stone and is good against the difficultie of making water and stopping of the same not onely inwardly but also 〈◊〉 applied vpon the region of the bladder in manner of a fomentation or warme bathing with spunges or double clouts or such like Dioscorides saith That the iuyce tempered with Ceruse or white leade maketh a good ointment against Saint Anthonies fire and the Shingles and mixed with the Cerot of Alcanna or with the male Goats tallow it helpeth the gout in the feet which 〈◊〉 also 〈◊〉 Lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 17. It is applied saith he to paines of the feet with Goats suet and wax of Cyprus where in stead of wax of Cyprus there must be put the 〈◊〉 of Alcanna Dioscorides addeth That the iuyce hereof is a remedy for old 〈◊〉 and taketh away hot swellings of the almonds in the throat if it be vsed in a gargarisine or otherwise applied it mitigateth also the paines of the eares being poured in with oile of Roses mixed therewith It is affirmed That if three ounces of the iuyce be drunke it prouoketh vrine out of hand The leaues tempered with oyle of sweet almonds in manner of a pultesse and laid to the pained parts is a remedie for them that be troabled with the stone and that can hardly make water CHAP. 51. Of French Mercurie ¶ The Kindes THere be two kindes of Mercury reckoned for good and yet both somtimes wilde besides two wilde neuer found in gardens vnlesse they be brought thither ¶ The Description 1 THe male garden Mercurie hath tender stalks full of 〈◊〉 and branches whereupon do grow greene leaues like Pellitorie of the wall but snipt about the edges 〈◊〉 which come forth two hairy bullets round and ioyned together like those of Goose-grasse or Cleuers each containing in it selfe one small round seed the root is tender and 〈◊〉 of white hairy strings 2 The female is like vnto the sormer in leaues stalks and manner of growing differing but in the floures and seed for this kinde hath a greater quantitie of floures and seed growing together like little clusters of grapes of a yellowish colour The seed for the most part is lost before it can be gathered 1 Mercurialis mas Male Mercurie 2 Mercurialis foemina Female Mercurie ¶ The Place French Mercurie is sowen in Kitchen gardens among pot-herbes in Vineyards and in moist shadowie places I found it vnder the dropping of the Bishops house at Rochester from whence I brought a plant or two into my garden since which time I cannot rid my garden from it ¶ The Time They floure and flourish all the Sommer long ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Mercurie his herbe whereupon the Latines call it Mercurialis it is called in Italian Mercorella in English French Mercurie in French Mercuriale Vignoble and Foirelle quia Fluidam laxamue alvum reddit Gallobelgae enim foize foizeus ventris Fluorem vocant ¶ The Temperature Mercury is hot and dry yet not aboue the second degree it hath a cleansing facultie and as Galen writerh a digesting qualitie also ¶ The Vertues It is vsed in our age in clisters and thought very good to clense and scoure away the excrements and other filth contained in the guts It serueth to purge the belly being eaten or otherwise taken voiding out of the belly not only the excrements but also phlegme and choler Dioscorides reporteth that the decoction hereof purgeth waterish humors The leaues stamped with butter and applied to the fundament prouoketh to the stoole and the herbe bruised and made vp in manner of a pessary cleanseth the mother and helpeth conception Costaeus in his booke of the nature of plants saith that the iuyce of Mercurie Hollihocks purslane mixed together and the hands bathed therein defendeth them from burning if they be thrust into boyling leade CHAP. 52. Of Wilde Mercurie ‡ 1 Cynocrambe Dogs Mercury 2 Phyllon arrhenogonon siue 〈◊〉 Male childrens Mercury 3 Phyllon Thelygonon siue Foeminificum Childrens Mercurie the female ¶ The Description 1 DOgs Mercurie is somewhat like vnto the garden Mercury sauing the leaues hereof are greater and the stalke not so tender and yet very 〈◊〉 growing to the height of a cubit without any branches at all with smal yellow floures The seed is like the female Mercurie ‡ It is also found like the male Mercurie as you see them both exprest in the figure and so there is both male female of this Mercury also ‡ 2 Male childrens Mercury hath three or foure stalkes or moe the leaues be somwhat long not much vnlike the leaues of the oliue tree couered ouer with a soft downe or 〈◊〉 gray of colour and the seed also like those of Spurge growing two together being first of an ash-colour but after turne to a blew ‡ 3 This is much in shape like to the last described but the stalkes are weaker and haue more leaues vpon them the 〈◊〉 also are small and mossy and they grow vpon long 〈◊〉 whereas the seeds of the other are 〈◊〉 to very short ones the seed is 〈◊〉 in round little heads being sometimes 〈◊〉 otherwhiles three or more in a cluster ‡ ¶ The Place They grow in woods and copses in the borders of fields and among bushes and hedges 〈◊〉 But the two last described are not in England for any thing that I know ‡ The Dogs Mercurie I haue found in many places about Green-hithe Swaines 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grauesend and South-fleet in Kent in Hampsted wood
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
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
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
and mightily dry but because it is soure it likewise cutteth tough humors The iuyce hereof in Sommer time is a profitable sauce in many meats and pleasant to the taste it cooleth an hot stomacke moueth appetite to meate tempereth the heate of the liuer and openeth the stoppings thereof The leaues are with good successe added to decoctions which are vsed in Agues The leaues of Sorrell taken in good quantitie stamped and strained into some Ale and a posset made thereof cooleth the sicke body quencheth the thirst and allayeth the heate of such as are troubled with a pestilent feuer hot ague or any great inflammation within The leaues sodden and eaten in manner of a Spinach tart or eaten as meate sostneth and loosneth the belly and doth attemper and coole the bloud exceedingly The seed of Sorrell drunke in grosse red wine stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix CHAP. 85. Of Bistort or Snake-weed ¶ The Description 1 THe great Bistort hath long leaues much like Patience but smaller and more wrinkled or crumpled on the vpper side of a darke greene and vnderneath of a blewish greene colour much like Woad The stalke is long smooth and tender hauing at the top a spiked knap or eare set full of small whitish floures declining to carnation The root is all in a lumpe without fashion within of a reddish colour like vnto flesh in taste like the kernell of an Acorne 2 The small Bistort hath leaues about three inches long and of the bredth of a mans naile the vpper side is of a greene colour and vnderneath of an ouerworne greenish colour amongst the which riseth vp a stalke of the height of a spanne full of ioynts or knees bearing at the top such floures as the great Bistort beareth which being fallen the seeds appeare of the bignes of a tare reddish of colour euery seed hauing one small greene leafe fastned thereunto with many such leaues thrust in among the whole bunch of floures and seed The root is tuberous like the other but smaller and not so much crooked 1 Bistorta major Snake-weed 2 Bistorta minor Small Snake-weed 3 Broad leaued Snake-weed hath many large vneuen leaues smooth and very greene among which rise vp small brittle stalkes of two hands high bearing at the top a faire spike of floures like vnto the great Bistort The root is knobby or bunched crookedly turned or wrythed this way and that way whereof it tooke his name Bistorta ‡ It differs from the first onely in that the root is somewhat more twined in and the leaues broader and more crumpled ‡ ¶ The Place 1 The great Bistort groweth in moist and waterie places and in the darke shadowie Woods and is very common in most gardens 2 The small Bistort groweth in great aboundance in Westmerland at Crosby Rauenswaith at the head of a Parke belonging to one Mr. Pickering from whence it hath beene dispersed into many gardens as also sent vnto me from thence for my garden ¶ The Time They floure in May and the seed is ripe in Iune ¶ The Names Bistorta is called in English Snake-weed in some places Oisterloit in Cheshire Passions and Snake-weed and there vsed for an excellent Pot-herbe It is called Bistorta of his wrythed roots and also Colubrina Serpentaria Brittanica Dracontion Plinij Dracunculus Dodonaei and Limonium 〈◊〉 ¶ The Nature Bistort doth coole and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The iuyce of Bistort put into the nose preuaileth much against the Disease called Polypus and the biting of Serpents or any venomous beast being drunke in Wine or the water of Angelica The root boyled in wine and drunke stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix it stayeth also the ouermuch flowing of womens monethly sicknesses The root taken as aforesaid stayeth vomiting and healeth the inflammation and sorenesse of the mouth and throat it likewise fastneth loose teeth being holden in the mouth for a certaine space and at sundry times CHAP. 86. Of Scuruy-Grasse or Spoon-wort ¶ The Description 1 ROund leaued Scuruy-Grasse is a low or base herbe it bringeth forth leaues vpon smal stems or foot-stalks of a meane length comming immediately from the root very many in number of a shining greene colour somewhat broad thicke hollow like a little spoone but of no great depth vneuen or cornered about the edges among which leaues spring vp small stalkes of a spanne high whereon doe grow many little white floures after which commeth the seed small and reddish contained in little round pouches or seed-vessels the roots be small white and threddy The whole plant is of a hot and spicie taste 2 The common Scuruy-grasse or Spoone-wort hath leaues somewhat like a spoone hollow in the middle but altogether vnlike the former the leaues hereof are bluntly toothed about the edges sharpe pointed and somewhat long the stalkes rise vp among the leaues of the length of halfe a foot whereon do grow white floures with some yellownesse in the middle which being past there succeed small seed-vessels like vnto a pouch not vnlike to those of Shepheards purse greene at the first next yellowish and lastly when they be ripe of a browne colour or like a filberd nut The root is small and tender compact of a number of threddy strings very thicke thrust together in manner of a little turfe ¶ The Place The first groweth by the sea side at Hull at Boston and Lynne and in many other places of Lincolnshire neere vnto the sea as in Whaploade and Holbecke Marshes in Holland in the same Country It hath beene found of late growing many miles from the sea side vpon a great hill in Lancashire called Ingleborough hill which may seeme strange vnto those that do not know that it will be content with any soile place or clyme whatsoeuer for proofe whereof my selfe haue sowen the seeds of it in my garden and giuen them vnto others with whom they floure flourish and bring forth their seed as naturally as by the sea side and likewise retaine the same hot spicie taste which proueth that they refuse no culture contrary to many other sea-plants The second which is our common scuruie grasse groweth in diuers places vpon the brimmes of the famous riuer Thames as at Woolwich Erith Greenhithe Grauesend as well on the Essex shore as the Kentish at Portsmouth Bristow and many other places alongst the Western coast but toward the North I haue not heard that any of this kinde hath growne ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth in May. The seed is ripe in Iune 2 Cochlearia rotundifolia Round leafed Scuruie grasse 2 Cochlearia Britannica Common English Scuruie grasse ¶ The Names †We are not ignorant that in low Germany this hath seemed to some of the best learned to be the true Britannica and namely to those next the Ocean in Friesland and Holland The Germanes call it 〈◊〉 that is Cochlearia or Spoonwort by reason of the compassed roundnes and hollownes of the leaues like a spoone
Essex and in other places ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in May and Iune ¶ The Names Matthiolus writeth That the people of Goritia do commonly call these two former plants Serpentaria and Serpentina but vnproperly for that there be other plants which may better be called Serpentina than these two we may cal them in English wild sea Plantaine whereof doubtlesse they are kindes Mouse-taile is called in Latine Cauda muris and Cauda murina in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Myosuros is called of the French-men Queue de souris in English Bloud-strange and Mouse-taile ¶ The Temperature Coronopus is cold and dry much like vnto the Plantaine Mouse-taile is cold and somthing drying with a kinde of astriction or binding qualitie ¶ The Vertues Their faculties in working are referred vnto the Plantaines and Harts-horne CHAP. 101. Of Bucke-horne Plantaines or Harts-horne 1 Cornu Ceruinum Harts-horne 2 Coronopus Ruellij Swines Cresses or Bucks-horne ¶ The Description 1 BVcks-horne or Harts-horne hath long narrow hoary leaues cut on both the sides with three or foure short starts or knags resembling the branches of a harts horne spreading it selfe on the ground like a star from the middle whereof spring vp small round naked hairy stalks at the top whereof do grow little knops or spikie torches like those of the smal Plantaines The root is slender and threddy 2 Ruellius Bucks-horne or Swines Cresses hath many smal and weake stragling branches trailing here and there vpon the ground set with many small cut or iagged leaues somewhat like the former but smaller and nothing at all hairy as is the other The floures grow among the leaues in small rough clusters of an 〈◊〉 greenish colour which being past there come in place little flat pouches broad and rough in which the seed is contained The root is white threddy and in taste like the garden Cresses ¶ The Place They grow in barren plaines and vntilled places and sandy grounds as in Touthill field neere vnto Westminster at Waltham twelue miles from London and vpon Blacke-heath also neere London ¶ The Time They floure and flourish when the Plantaines doe whereof these haue beene taken to be kindes ¶ The Names Bucks-horne is called in Latine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Harts-horne diuers name it Herba stella or 〈◊〉 although there be another herbe so called in low-Dutch Hertzhooren in Spanish Guiabella in French Corne de Cerf It is thought to Dioscorides his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which doth signifie 〈◊〉 pedem a Crowes foot It is called also by certaine bastard names as Harenarea Sanguinaria and of many Herbe Iuy or herbe Eue. ¶ The Temperature Bucks-horne is like in temperature to the common Plantaine in that it bindeth cooleth and drieth ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Buckes-horne boyled in drinke and giuen morning and euening for certaine dayes together helpeth most wonderfully those that haue sore eyes waterie or blasted and most of the griefes that happen vnto the eyes experimented by a learned Physition of Colchester called Master Duke and the like by an excellent Apothecarie of the same Towne called Mr. Buckstone The leaues and roots stamped with Bay salt and tied to the wrests of the armes take away fits of the Ague and it is reported to worke the like effect being hanged about the necke of the Patient in a certaine number as vnto men nine plants roots and all and vnto women and children seuen CHAP. 102. Of Saracens Consound ¶ The Description 1 SAracens Consound hath many long narrow leaues cut or sleightly snipt about the edges among which rise vp faire browne hollow stalkes of the height of foure cubits along which euen from the bottome to the top it is set with long and prety large leaues like them of the Peach tree at the top of the stalkes grow faire starre-like yellow floures which turne into downe and are carried away with the winde The root is very fibrous or threddy ¶ The Place Saracens Consound groweth by a wood as ye ride from great Dunmow in Essex vnto a place called Clare in the said countrey from whence I brought some plants into my garden ‡ I formerly in the twenty fourth Chapter of this second booke told you what plant our Author tooke for Saracens Consound and as I haue been credibly informed kept in his garden for it Now the true Solidago here described and figured was found Anno 1632 by my kinde Friends Mr. George Bowles and Mr. William Coot in Shropshire in Wales in a hedge in the way as one goeth from Dudson in the parish of Cherbery to Guarthlow ‡ ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names Saracens Consound is called in Latine Solidago Saracenica or Saracens Comfrey and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of some Herba fortis in English Saracens Consound or Saracens Wound-wort Solidago Saracenica Saracens Consound ¶ The Nature Saracens Consound is dry in the third degree with some manifest heate ¶ The Vertues Saracens Consound is not inferiour to any of the wound-herbes whatsoeuer being inwardly ministred or outwardly applied in ointments or oyles With it I cured Master Cartwright a Gentleman of Grayes Inne who was grieuously wounded into the lungs and that by Gods permission in short space The leaues boyled in water and drunke doth restraine and stay the wasting of the liuer taketh away the oppilation and stopping of the same and profiteth against the laundice and Feuers of long continuance The decoction of the leaues made in water is excellent against the sorenesse of the throat if it be therewith gargarised it increaseth also the vertue and force of lotion or washing waters appropriate for priuy maimes sore mouthes and such like if it be mixed 〈◊〉 CHAP. 103. Of Golden Rod. ¶ The Description 1 GOlden Rod hath long broad leaues somwhat hoary and sharpe pointed among which rise vp browne stalkes two foot high diuiding themselues toward the top into sundry branches charged or loden with small yellow floures which when they be ripe turne into downe which is carried away with the winde The root is threddy and browne of colour ‡ Lobel makes this with vnsnipt leaues to be that of Arnoldus de villa noua ‡ 2 The second sort of Golden Rod hath small thin leaues broader than those of the first described smooth with some few cuts or nickes about the edges and sharpe pointed of a hot and harsh taste in the throat being chewed which leaues are set vpon a faire reddish stalke It tooke his name from the floures which grow at the top of a gold yellow colour which floures turne into Downe which is carried away with the winde as is the former The root is small compact of many strings or threds ¶ The Place They both grow plentifully in Hampstead Wood neere vnto the gate that leadeth out of the wood vnto a Village called Kentish towne not far from London in a wood by Rayleigh in
containing the seed The root is small and full of fibres ¶ The Place Cow-Basill groweth in my garden but Ephemerum is a stranger as yet in England ¶ The Time They floure in May and Iune 1 Vaccaria Cow-Basill 2 Ephemerum Matthioli Quicke-fading floure ‡ ¶ The Names 1 Cow-Basill is by Cordus called Thamecnemon by some according to Gesner Lychnis Perfoliatarubra Lobel termes it 〈◊〉 syluestris and Vaccaria the last of which names is retained by most late Writers 2 This by Lobel is said to be Ephemerum of Matthiolus yet I thinke Matthiolus his figure which was in this place formerly was but a counterfeit and so also doe Columna and 〈◊〉 iudge of it and Bauhine thinkes this of 〈◊〉 to be some kinde of Lysimachia ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues I finde not any thing extant concerning the Nature and Vertues of Vaccaria or Cow-Basill 〈◊〉 as Dioscorides writeth boyled in wine and the mouth washed with the decoction thereof taketh away the tooth-ache CHAP. 135. Of Sesamoides or Bastard Weld or Woade ¶ The Description 1 THe great Sesamoides hath very long leaues and many slender toward the stalk and broader by degrees toward the end placed confusedly vpon a thicke stiffe stalke on the top whereof grow little foolish or idle white floures which being past there 〈◊〉 small seeds like vnto Canarie seed that birds are fed withall The root is thicke and of a wooddy substance ‡ 2 This lesser 〈◊〉 of Salamanca from a long liuing white hard and prettie thicke root sends vp manv little stalks set thicke with small leaues like those of Line and from the middle to the top of the stalke grow many floures at first of a geeenish purple and then putting forth yellowish threds out of 〈◊〉 midst of which appeare as it were foure greene graines which when the floure is fallen grow into little cods full of a small blackish seed It growes in a stony soile vpon the hills neere Salamanca where it floures in May and shortly after perfects his seed ‡ 1 Sesamoides Salamanticum magnum Great bastard Woade 2 Sesamoides Salamanticum parvum Small Bastard Woade 3 Sesamoides parvum Matthioli Bucks-horne Gum-Succorie ‡ 3 Our Author formerly in the Chapter of Chondrilla spoke in Dodonaeus his words against the making of this plant a Sesamoides for of this plant were the words of Dodonaeus which are these Diuers saith he haue taken the plant with blew floures to be Sesamoides parvum but without any reason for that Sesamoides hath borrowed his name from the likenesse it hath with Sesamum but this herbe is not like to Sesamum in any one point and therefore I thinke it better referred vnto the Gum Succories for the floures haue the form and colour of Gum Succory and it yeeldeth the like milky juyce Our Authour it seemes was either forgetfull or ignorant of what he had said for here hee made it one and described it meerly by the figure and his fancie Now I following his tract haue though vnfitly put it here because there was no historie nor figure of it formerly there but both here though false and vnperfect This plant hath a root somewhat like that of Goats-beard from which arise leaues rough and hairy diuided or cut in on both sides after the manner of Bucks-horne and larger than they The stalke is some foot high diuided into branches which on their tops carry floures of a faire blew colour like those of Succorie which stand in rough scaly heads like those of Knapweed ‡ ¶ The Place These do grow in rough and stony places but are all strangers in England ¶ The Time These floure in May and Iune and shortly after ripen their seed ‡ ¶ The Names ‡ 1 〈◊〉 thinke none of these to be the Sesamoides of the Antients The first is set forth by Clusius vnder the name we here giue you it is the Muscipula altera muscoso flore of Lobel Viscago maior of Camerarius 2 This also Clusius and Lobel haue set forth by the same name as we giue you them 3 Matthiolus Camerarius and others haue set this forth for Sesamoides parvum in the Historia Lugd. it is called Catanance quorundam but most fitly by Dodon Chondrillae species tertia The third kinde of Gum-Succory ‡ ¶ The Temperature Galen affirmeth that the seed containeth in it selfe a bitter qualitie and saith that it heateth breaketh and scoureth ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides affirmeth that the weight of an halfe-penny of the seed drunke with Meade or honied water purgeth flegme and choler by the stoole The same being applied doth waste hard knots and swellings CHAP. 136. Of Dyers Weed Luteola Dyers weed or yellow weed ¶ The Description DYers weed hath long narrow and greenish yellow leaues not much vnlike to woad but a great deale smaller and narrower from among which commeth vp a stalke two cubits high beset with little narrow leaues euen to the top of the stalke come forth small pale yellow floures closely clustering together one aboue another which doe turne into small buttons cut as it were crosse-wise wherein the seed is contained The root is very long and single ¶ The Place Dyers weed groweth of it selfe in moist barren and vntilled places in and about Villages almost euery where ¶ The Names Pliny lib. 33. cap. 5. maketh mention by the way of this herbe and calleth it Lutea Vitruvius in his seuenth booke Lutum it is the Anticarhinum of Tragus Pseudostruthium of Mathiolus Virgill in his Bucolickes Eglog 4. cals it also Lutum in English Welde or Dyers weed ¶ The Time This herbe flourisheth in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Nature It is hot and dry of temperature ‡ ¶ The Vertues The root as also the whole herbe heates and dries in the third degree it cuts attenuates resolueth opens digests Some also commend it against the punctures and bites of venomous creatures not onely outwardly applied to the wound but also taken inwardly in drinke Also it is commended against the infection of the Plague some for these reasons terme it Theriacaria Mat. ‡ CHAP. 137. Of Staues-acre Staphis-agria Staues-acre ¶ The Description STaues-acre hath straight stalkes of a 〈◊〉 colour with leaues clouen or cut into sundry sections almost like the leaues of the wilde Vine The floures do grow vpon short stems fashioned somewhat like vnto our common Monks hood of a perfect blew colour which being past there succeed welted huskes like those of Wolfs-bane wherein is contained triangular brownish rough seed The root is of a wooddy substance and perisheth when it hath perfected his seed ¶ The Place It is with great difficultie preserued in our cold countries albeit in some milde VVinters I haue kept it couered ouer with a little Ferne to defend it from the iniury of the March winde which doth more harme vnto plants that 〈◊〉 forth of hot Countries than doth the greatest frosts ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and the seed is ripe the second yeare of his sowing
¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Herba Pedicularis and Peduncularia as Marcellus reporteth Pliny in his 26 Booke chap. 13. seemeth to name it Vua Taminia of some Pituitaria and Passula montana in shops Staphis-agria in Spanish Yeruapiolente in French Herbe aux poulx in high-Dutch Lens Kraut in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Staues-acre Louse-wort and Louse-pouder ¶ The Temperature The seeds of Staues-acre are extreame hot almost in the fourth degree of a biting and burning qualitie ¶ The Vcrtues Fifteene seeds of Staues-acre taken with honied water will cause one to vomit grosse flegme and slimie matter but with great violence and therefore those that haue taken them ought to walke without staying and to drinke honied water because it bringeth danger of choking and burning the throat as Dioscorides noteth And for this cause they are reiected and not vsed of the physitions either in prouoking vomit or else in mixing them with other inward medicines The seed mingled with oyle or grease driueth away lice from the head beard and all other parts of the body and cureth all scuruy itch and manginesse The same boyled in Vineger and holden in the mouth asswageth the tooth-ache The same chewed in the mouth draweth forth much moisture from the head and cleanseth the braine especially if a little of the root of Pellitorie of Spaine be added thereto The same tempered with vineger is good to be rubbed vpon lousie apparell to destroy and driue away Lice The seeds hereof are perillous to be taken inwardly without good aduice and correction of the same and therefore I aduise the ignorant not to be ouer-bold to meddle with it sith it is so dangerous that many times death ensueth vpon the taking of it CHAP. 138. Of Palma Christi ¶ The Description 1 〈◊〉 Palma Christi or Kik hath a great round hollow stalke fiue cubits high of a browne colour died with a 〈◊〉 purple vpon greene The leaues are great and large parted into sundry sections or diuisions fashioned like the leaues of a fig-tree but greater spred or wide open like the hand of a man and hath toward the top a bunch of floures clustering together like a bunch of grapes whereof the lowest are of a pale yellow colour and wither away without bearing any fruit and the vppermost are reddish bringing forth three cornered huskes which containe seed as big as a kidney beane of the colour and shape of a certaine vermine which haunteth cattell called a Tik 2 This Palma Christi of America growes vp to the height and bignesse of a small tree or hedge shrub of a wooddy substance whose fruit is expressed by the figure being of the bignes of a great beane somewhat long and of a blackish colour rough and scaly 1 Ricinus Palma Christi 2 Ricinus Americanus Palma Christi of America ¶ The Place The first kinde of Ricinus or Palma Christi groweth in my garden and in many other gardens likewise ¶ The Time Ricinus or Kik is sowne in Aprill and the seed is ripe in the end of August ¶ The Name and canse thereof Ricinus whereof mention is made in the fourth chapter and sixt verse of the prophecie of Ionas was called of the Talmudists 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Kik for in the Talmud we reade thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Velo beschemen Kik that is in English And not with the oile of Kik which oile is called in the Arabian tongue Alkerua as Rabbi Samuel the sonne of 〈◊〉 testifieth Moreouer a certaine Rab bine moueth a question saying what is Kik Hereunto 〈◊〉 Lachish maketh answer in Ghemara saying Kik is nothing else but Ionas his Kikaijon And that this is true it appeareth by that name 〈◊〉 which the ancient Greeke Physitions and the Aegiptians vsed which Greeke word commeth of the Hebrew word Kik Hereby it appeareth that the old writers long agoe called this plant by the true and proper name But the old Latine writers knew it by the name Cucurbita which euidently is manifested by an history which Saint Augustine recordeth in his Epistle to Saint Ierome where in effect he writeth thus That name 〈◊〉 is of small moment yet so small a matter caused a great tumult in Africa For on a time a certaine Bishop hauing an occasion to intreat of this which is mentioned in the fourth chapter of Ionas his prophecie in a collation or sermon which he made in his cathedrall church or place of assembly said that this plant was called Cucurbita a Gourde because it encreased vnto so great a quantitie in so short a space or else saith he it is called Hedera Vpon the nouelty and vntruth of this his doctrine the people were greatly offended and thereof suddenly arose a tumult and hurly burly so that the Bishop was inforced to goe to the Iewes to aske their iudgment as touching the name of this plant And when he had receiued of them the true name which was Kikaijon he made his open recantation and confessed his error was iustly accused for a falsifier of the holy scripture ‡ The Greeks called this plant also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. Ricinus by reason of the similitude that the seed hath with that insect to wit a Tik ‡ ¶ The Nature The seed of Palma Christi or rather Kik is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues 〈◊〉 his seed taken inwardly openeth the belly and causeth vomit drawing slimy flegme and choler from the places possessed therewith The broth of the meate supped vp wherin the seed hath been sodden is good for the collicke and the gout and against the paine in the hips called Sciatica it preuaileth also against the jaundise and dropsie The oile that is made or drawne from the seed is called Oleum Cicinum in shops it is called 〈◊〉 de Cherua it heateth and drieth as was said before and is good to anoint and rub all rough hardnesse and scuruinesse gotten by itch This oile as Rabbi Dauid Chimchi writeth is good against extreme coldnesse of the body CHAP. 139. Of Spurge ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Sea Spurge riseth forth of the sands or baich of the sea with sundry reddish stems or stalkes growing vpon one single roote of a wooddy substance and the stalkes are beset with small fat and narrow leaues like vnto the leaues of Flaxe The floures are yellowish and grow out of little dishes or saucers like the common kinde of Spurge After the floures come triangle seeds as in the other Tithymales 2 The second kinde called Helioscopius or Solisequius and in English according to his Greek name Sunne Spurge or time Tithymale of turning or keeping time with the sunne hath sundry reddish stalkes of a foot high the leaues are like vnto Purslane not so great nor thicke but snipt about the edges the floures are yellowish and growing in little platters 3 The third kinde hath thicke fat and slender branches trailing vpon the ground
afresh for certaine yeeres after ¶ The Time It may be sowne in March or Aprill it flourisheth and is greene in Iune and afterwards euen vntill winter ¶ The Names Purslane is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Portulaca in high Dutch Burkelkraut in French Poupier in Italian 〈◊〉 in Spanish Verdolagas in English Purslane and Porcelane ¶ The Temperature Purslane is cold and that in the third degree and moist in the second but wilde Purslane is not so moist ¶ The Vertues Rawe Purslane is much vsed in sallades with oile salt and vineger it cooleth an hot 〈◊〉 and prouoketh appetite but the nourishment which commeth thereof is little bad cold grosse and moist being chewed it is good for teeth that are set on edge or astonied the juice doth the same being held in the mouth and also the distilled water Purslane is likewise commended against wormes in young children and is singular good especially if they be feuerish withall for it both allaies the ouermuch heate and killeth the wormes which thing is done through the saltnes mixed therewith which is not only an enemy to wormes but also to putrifaction The leaues of Purslane either rawe or boiled and eaten as sallades are good for those that haue great heate in their stomackes and inward parts and doe coole and temper the inflamed bloud The same taken in like manner is good for the bladder and kidnies and allaieth the out ragious lust of the body the juice also hath the same vertue The juice of Purslane stoppeth the bloudy fluxe the fluxe of the hemorroides monthly termes spitting of bloud and all other fluxes whatsoeuer The same thrown vp with a mother syringe cureth the inflammations frettings and 〈◊〉 of the matrix and put into the fundament with a clister pipe helpeth the vlcerations and 〈◊〉 the guts The leaues eaten rawe take away the paine of the teeth and fasteneth them and are good for teeth that are set on edge with eating of sharpe or soure things The seed being taken killeth and driueth forth wormes and stoppeth the laske CHAP. 149. Of sea Purslane and of the shrubby Sengreens ¶ The Description 1 SEa Purslane is not a herbe as garden Purslane but a little shrub the stalkes whereof be hard and wooddy the leaues fat full of substance like in forme to common Purslane but much whiter and harder the mossie purple floures stand round about the vpper parts of the stalkes as do almost those of Blyte or of Orach neither is the seed vnlike being broad and flat the root is wooddy long lasting as is also the plant which beareth out the winter with the losse of a few leaues †2 There is another sea Purslane or Halimus or after Dodonaus Portulaca marina which hath leaues like the former but not altogether so white yet are they somewhat longer and narrower not much vnlike the leaues of the Oliue tree The slender branches are not aboue a cubit or cubit and halfe long and commonly lie spred vpon the ground and the floures are of a deepe ouerworne herby colour and after them follow seedes like those of the former but smaller ‡ 3 Our ordinary Halimus or sea Purslane hath small branches some foot or better long lying commonly spred vpon the ground of an ouerworne grayish colour and sometimes purple the leaues are like those of the last mentioned but more fat and thicke yet lesse hoary The floures grow on the tops of the branches of an herby purple colour which is succeeded by small seeds like to that of the second kinde ‡ 4 There is found another wilde sea Purslane whereof I haue thought good to make mention which doth resemble the kindes of Aizoons The first kinde groweth vpright with a trunke like a small tree or shrub hauing many vpright wooddy branches of an ashe colour with many thicke darke greene leaues like the small Stone crop called Vermicularis the floures are of an herby yellowish greene colour the root is very hard and fibrous the whole plant is of a salt tang taste and the juice like that of Kaly 5 There is another kinde like the former and differeth in that this strange plant is greater the leaues more sharpe and narrower and the whole plant more wooddy and commeth neere to the forme of a tree The floures are of a greenish colour ‡ 1 Halimus latifolius Tree Sea Purslane ‡ 2 Halimus angustifolius procumbens Creeping Sea Purslane 3 Halimus vulgaris siue Portulaca marina Common Sea Purslane ‡ 4 Vermicular is frutex minor The lesser shrubby Sengreen ‡ 5 Vermicularis frutex major The greater Tree Stone-crop ¶ The Place ‡ The first and second grow vpon the Sea coasts of Spaine and other hot countries ‡ and the third groweth in the salt marishes neere the sea side as you passe ouer the Kings ferrey vnto the isle of Shepey going to Sherland house belonging sometime vnto the Lord Cheiny and in the yeare 1590 vnto the Worshipfull Sr. Edward Hobby fast by the ditches sides of the same marish it groweth plentifully in the isle of Thanet as you go from Margate to Sandwich and in many other places along the coast The other sorts grow vpon bankes and heapes of sand on the Sea coasts of Zeeland Flanders Holland and in like places in other countries as besides the Isle of Purbecke in England and on Rauen-spurne in Holdernesse as I my selfe haue seene ¶ The Time These flourish and floure especially in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Sea Purslane is called Portulaca Marina In Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is also called in Latine Halimus in Dutch Zee 〈◊〉 in English Sea Purslane The bastard ground Pines are called of some Chamepitys virmiculata in English Sea ground Pine ‡ or more fitly Tree Ston-crop or Pricket or Shrubby Sengreene ‡ ¶ The Temperature Sea Purslane is as Galen saith of vnlike parts but the greater part thereof is hot in a meane with a moisture vnconcocted and somewhat windie ¶ The Vertues The leaues saith Dioscorides are boyled to be eaten a dram weight of the root being drunke with meade or honied water is good against crampes and drawings awrie of sinewes burstings and gnawings of the belly it also causeth Nurses to haue store of milke The leaues be in the Low-countries preserued in salt or pickle as capers are and be serued and eaten at mens tables in stead of them and that without any mislike of taste to which it is pleasant Galen doth also report that the yong and tender buds are wont in Cilicia to be eaten and also laid vp in store for vse ‡ Clusius saith That the learned Portugal Knight Damianus a Goes assured him That the leaues of the first described boyled with bran and so applied mitigate the paines of the Gout proceeding of an hot cause ‡ CHAP. 150. Of Herbe-Iuy or Ground-Pine ¶ The Description 1 THe common kinde of Chamaepitys or Ground-Pine is a small herbe and very tender creeping vpon the
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
chamfered or crested hard and wooddy being for the most part two foot high The leaues are three or foure times bigger than those of S. Iohns wort which be at the first greene afterwards and in the end of Sommet of a dark red colour out of which is pressed a iuyce not like blacke bloud but Claret or Gascoigne wine The floures are yellow and greater than those of S. Peters wort after which riseth vp a little round head or berry first greene afterwards red last of all blacke wherein is contained yellowish red seed The root is hard wooddy and of long continuance ‡ 2 This which Dodonaeus did not vnfitly call Ruta syluestris Hypericoides and which others haue set forth for Androsaemum and our Author the last chapter saue one affirmed to be the true 〈◊〉 though here it seemes he had either altered his minde or forgot what he formerly wrot may fitly stand in competition with the last described which may passe in the first place for the Androsaemum of the Antients for adhuc sub judice lis est I will not here insist vpon the point of controuersie but giue you a description of the plant which is this It sends vp round slender reddish stalkes some two cubits high set with fewer yet bigger leaues than the ordinarie S. Iohns Wort and these also more hairy the floures and seeds are like those of the common S. Iohns wort but somewhat larger It growes in some mountainous and wooddy places and in the Aduersaria it is called Androsaemum excellentius seu magnum and by Dodonaeus as we but now noted Ruta syluestris Hypericoides thinking it to be the Ruta syluestris which is described by Dioscorides lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 48. in the old Greeke edition of Manutius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And in that of Marcellus Virgilius his Interpretation in the chapter and booke but now mentioned but reiected amongst the Notha in the Paris Edition Anno 1549. You may finde the description also in Dodonaeus Pempt primae lib. 3. cap. 25 whither I refer the curious being loath here to insist further vpon it ‡ 1 Clymenon Italorum Tutsan or Parke leaues ‡ 2 Androsaemum Hypericoides Tutsan S. Iohns wort ¶ The Place Tutsan groweth in woods and by hedges especially in Hampsted wood where the Golden rod doth grow in a wood by Railie in Essex and many other places ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and August the seed in the meane time waxeth ripe The leaues becom 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 at that time is very easily pressed forth his winie iuyce ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines also Androsaemon it is likewise called 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 witnesseth They are farre from the truth that take it to be Clymenum and it is needlesse to finde fault with their error It is also called Siciliana and Herba Siciliana in English Tutsan and Parke-leaues ¶ The Temperature The faculties are such as S. Peters wort which doth sufficiently declare it to be hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The seed hereof beaten to pouder and drunke to the weight of two drams doth purge cholericke excrements as Dioscorides writeth and is a singular remedie for the Sciatica prouided that the Patient do drinke water for a day or two after purging The herbe cureth burnings and applied vpon new wounds it stancheth the bloud and healeth them The leaues laid vpon broken shins and scabbed legs healeth them and many other hurts and griefes whereof it tooke his name Tout-saine or Tutsane of healing all things ‡ CHAP. 161. Of Bastard S. Johns wort ‡ 1 Coris Matthioli Matthiolus his bastard S. Iohns wort ‡ 2 Coris coerulea Monspeliaca French bastard S. Iohns wort ‡ THe diligence of these later times hath beene such to finde out the Materia medica of the Antients that there is scarse any plant described by them but by some or other of late there haue been two or more seuerall plants referred thereto and thus it hath happened vnto 〈◊〉 which Dioscorides lib. 3. cap. 174. hath set forth by the name of Coris and presently describes after the kindes of Hypericon and that with these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Some also call this Hypericon to which Matthiolus and others haue fitted a plant which is indeed a kinde of Hypericon as you may perceiue by the figure and description which I giue you in the first place Some as 〈◊〉 referre it to Chamaepytis and indeed by Dioscorides it is placed betweene Androsaemon and Chamaepytis and to this that which is described by Pena and Lobel in the Aduers and by Clusius in his Historie may fitly be referred this I giue you in the second place ¶ The Description 1 THe first hath a wooddy thicke and long lasting root which sendeth vp many branches some foot or more high and it is set at certaine spaces with round leaues like those of the small Glasse-wort or Sea-Spurry but shorter the tops of the stalkes are diuided into 〈◊〉 branches which carry floures like those of S. Iohns wort of a whitish red colour with threds in their middles hauing little yellow pendants It growes in Italy and other hot countries in places not far from the sea side This is thought to be the true Coris by Matthiolus Gesner Lonicerus Lacuna Bellus Pona and others 2 This from a thicke root red on the outside sendeth vp sundry stalkes some but an handfull other some a foot or more long stiffe round purplish set thicke with leaues like those of Heath but thicker more succulent and bitter which so netimes grow orderly and otherwhiles out of order The spikes or heads grow on the tops of the branches consisting of a number of little cups diuided into fiue sharpe points and marked with a blacke spot in each diuision out of these cups comes a floure of a blew purple colour of a most elegant and not fading colour and it is composed of foure little biside leaues whereof the two vppermost are the larger the seed which is round and blackish is contained in seed-vessels hauing points somewhat sharpe or prickly It floures in Aprill and May and is to be found growing in many places of Spaine as also about Mompelier in France whence Pena and Lobel called it Coris Monspeliaca and Clusius Coris quorundam Gallorum Hispanorum ¶ The Temperature These Plants seeme to be hot in the second or third degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith That the seed of Coris drunke moue the courses and vrine are good against the biring of the Spider Phalangium the Sciatica and drunke in Wine against that kinde of Convulsion which the Greekes call Opisthotonos which is when the body is drawne backwards as also against the cold fits in Agues It is also good anointed with oyle against the aforesaid Convulsion ‡ CHAP. 162. Of the great Centorie ¶ The Description 1 THe great Centory bringeth forth round smooth stalkes three cubits high the leaues are long diuided as it were into many parcels
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
them let fresh Lauander and store Of wild Time with strong Sauorie to floure Yet there is another Casia called in shops Casia Lignea as also Casia nigra which is named Casia 〈◊〉 and another a small shrubbie plant extant among the shrubs or hedge bushes which some thinke to be the Casia Poetica mentioned in the precedent verses ¶ The Temperature Lauander is hot and drie and that in the third degree and is of a thin substance consisting of many airie and spirituall parts Therefore it is good to be giuen any way against the cold diseases of the head and especially those which haue their originall or beginning not of abundance of humours but chiefely of a cold quality onely ¶ The Vertues The distilled water of Lauander smelt vnto or the temples and forehead bathed therewith is a refreshing to them that haue the Catalepsie a light Migram to them that haue the falling sicknesse and that vse to swoune much But when there is abundance of humours especially mixt with bloud it is not then to be vsed safely neither is the composition to be taken which is made of distilled wine in which such kinde of herbes floures or seeds and certaine spices are infused or steeped though most men do rashly and at aduenture giue them without making any difference at all For by vsing such hot things that fill and stuffe the head both the disease is made greater and the sicke man also brought into danger especially when letting of bloud or purging haue not gone before Thus much by way of admonition because that euery where some vnlearned Physitions and diuers rash and ouerbold Apothecaries and other foolish women do by and by giue such compositions and others of the like kinde not only to those that haue the Apoplexy but also to those that are taken or haue the Catuche or Catalepsis with a Feuer to whom they can giue nothing worse seeing those things do very much hurt and oftentimes bring death it selfe The floures of Lauander picked from the knaps I meane the blew part and not the huske mixed with Cinamon Nutmegs and Cloues made into pouder and giuen to drinke in the distilled water thereof doth helpe the panting and passion of the heart preuaileth against giddinesse turning or swimming of the braine and members subiect to the palsie Conserue made of the floures with sugar profiteth much against the diseases aforesaid if the quantitie of a beane be taken thereof in the morning fasting It profiteth them much that haue the palsie if they bee washed with the distilled water of the floures or annointed with the oile made of the floures and oile oliue in such manner as oile 〈◊〉 roses is which shall be expressed in the treatise of Roses CHAP. 180. Of French Lauander or Stickeadoue ¶ The Description 1 FRench Lauander hath a bodie like Lauander short and of a wooddie substance but slenderer beset with long narrow leaues of a whitish colour lesser than those of Lauander it hath in the top bushy or spikie heads well compact or thrust together out of the which grow forth small purple floures of a pleasant smell The seede is small and blackish the roote is hard and wooddie 2 This iagged Sticadoue hath many small stiffe stalks of a wooddy substance whereupon do grow iagged leaues in shape like vnto the leaues of Dill but of an hoarie colour on the top of the stalkes do grow spike floures of a blewish colour and like vnto the common Lauander Spike the root is likewise wooddie ‡ This by Clusius who first described it as also by Lobel is called Lavendula multisido folio or Lauander with the diuided leafe the plant more resembling Lauander than Sticadoue ‡ 3 There is also a certaine kind e hereof differing in smalnesse of the leaues onely which are round about the edges nicked or toothed like a saw resembling those of Lauander cotton The root is likewise wooddie ‡ 4 There is also another kinde of Stoechas which differs from the first or ordinarie kind in that the tops of the stalkes are not set with leaues almost close to the head as in the common kinde but are naked and wholly without leaues also at the tops of the spike or floures as it were to recompence their defect below there growe larger and fairer leaues than in the other sorts The other parts of the plant differ not from the common Stoechas ‡ †1 Stoechas sive spica hortulana Sticadoue and Sticados 2 Stoechas multisida Iagged Sticados 3 Stoechas folio serrato Toothed Sticadoue ‡ 4 Stoechas summis cauliculis nudis Naked Sticadoue ¶ The Place These herbes do grow wilde in Spaine in Languedocke in France and the Islands called Stoechades ouer against Massilia we haue them in our gardens and keepe them with great diligence from the iniurie of our cold clymate ¶ The Time They are sowne of seed in the end of Aprill and couered in the Winter from the cold or els set in pots or tubs with earth and carried into houses ¶ The Names The Apothecaries call the floure Stoecados Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Galen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the dipthong in the first syllable in Latine Stoechas in High Dutch Stichas kraut in Spanish Thomani and Cantuesso in English French Lauander Steckado Stickadoue Cassidonie and some simple people imitating the same name do call it Cast me downe ¶ The Temperature French Lauander saith Galen is of temperature compounded of a little cold earthie substance by reason whereof it bindeth it is of force to take away obstructions to extenuate or make thinne to scoure and clense and to strengthen not onely all the entrails but the whole bodie also ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides teacheth that the decoction hereof doth helpe the diseases of the chest and is with good successe mixed with counterpoisons The later Physitions affirme that Stoechas and especially the floures of it are most effectuall against paines of the head and all diseases thereof proceeding of cold causes and therefore they be mixed in all compositions almost which are made against head-ache of long continuance the Apoplexie the falling sicknesse and such like diseases The decoction of the husks and floures drunke openeth the stoppings of the liuer the lungs the milt the mother the bladder and in one word all other inward parts clensing and driuing forth all cuill and corrupthumours and procuring vrine CHAP. 181. Of Flea-wort ¶ The Description 1 PSyllium or the common Flea-wort hath many round and tender branches 〈◊〉 full of long and narrow leaues somewhat hairy The top of the stalkes are garnished with sundrie round chaffie knops beset with small yellow floures which being ripe containe many little shining seeds in proportion colour and bignesse like vnto sleas 2 The second kinde of Psyllium or Flea-wort hath long and tough branches of a wooddy substance like the precedent but longer and harder with leaues resembling the former but much longer and narrower The chaffie tuft which
containeth the seed is like the other but more like the eare of Phalaris which is the eare of Alpisti the Canarie seed which is meate for birds that come from the Islands of Canarie The root hereof lasteth all the Winter and likewise keepeth his greene leaues whereof it tooke this addition of Sempervirens 1 Psyllium siue pulicaris herba Flea-wort 2 Psyllium sempervirens Lobelij Neuer dying Flea-wort ¶ The Place These plants are not growing in our fields of England as they doe in France and Spaine yet I haue them growing in my garden ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Flea-wort is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Pulicaria and Herba Pulicaris in shops Psyllium in English Flea-wort not because it killeth fleas but because the seeds are like fleas of some Flea-bane but vnproperly in Spanish Zargatona in French L'herbe aus pulces in Dutch Duyls vloye-cruyt ¶ The Temperature Galen and Serapio record that the seed of Psyllium which is chiefely vsed in 〈◊〉 is cold in the second degree and temperate in moisture and drinesse ¶ The Vertues The seed of Flea-wort boyled in water or infused and the decoction or infusion drunke purgeth downewards adust and cholericke humors cooleth the heate of the inward parts hot 〈◊〉 burning agues and such like diseases proceeding of heate and quencheth drought and 〈◊〉 The seed stamped and boyled in water to the forme of a plaister and applied taketh away all swellings of the ioynts especially if you boyle the same with vineger and oyle of Roses and apply it as aforesaid The same applied in manner aforesaid vnto any burning heate called S. Anthonies fire or any hot and violent impostume asswageth the same and bringeth it to ripenesse Some hold that the herbe strowed in the chamber where many fleas be will driue them away for which cause it tooke the name Flea-wort but I thinke it is rather because the seed doth resemble a flea so much that it is hard to discerne the one from the other ¶ The Danger Too much Flea-wort seed taken inwardly is very hurtful to mans nature so that I wish you not to follow the minde of Galen and Dioscorides in this point being a medicine rather bringing a maladie than taking away the griefe remembring the old prouerbe A man may buy gold too 〈◊〉 and the hony is too deare that is lickt from thornes ‡ Dioscorides nor Galen mention no vse of this inwardly but on the contrarie 〈◊〉 in his sixth booke which treats wholly of the curing and preuenting of poysons mentions this in the tenth chapter for a poyson and there sets downe the symptomes which it causes and 〈◊〉 you to the foregoing chapter for the remedies ‡ CHAP. 185. Of Gloue Gillofloures 1 Caryophyllus maximus multiplex The great double Carnation 2 Caryophyllus multiplex The double Cloue Gillofloure ¶ The Kindes THere are at this day vnder the name of Caryophyllus comprehended diuers and sundry sorts of plants of such various colours and also seuerall shapes that a great and large volume would not suffice to write of euery one at large in particular considering how insinite they are and 〈◊〉 euery yeare euery clymate and countrey bringeth forth new sorts such as haue not 〈◊〉 bin written of some whereof are called Carnations others Cloue Gillofloures some Sops in wine some Pagiants or Pagion colour Horse-flesh blunket purple white double and single Gillofloures as also a Gillofloure with yellow floures the which a worshipfull Merchant of London Mr. Nicolas 〈◊〉 procured from Poland and gaue me thereof for my garden which before that time was neuer seene nor heard of in these countries Likewise there be sundry sorts of Pinkes comprehended vnder the same title which shall be described in a seuerall chapter There be vnder the name of Gillofloures also those floures which wee call Sweet-Iohns and Sweet-Williams And first of the great Carnation and Cloue Gillefloure ‡ There are very many kindes both of Gillofloures Pinkes and the like which differ very little in their roots leaues seeds or manner of growing though much in the colour shape and magnitude of their floures wherof some are of one colour other some of more and of them some are striped others spotted c. Now I holding it a thing not so fit for me to insist vpon these accidentall differences of plants hauing specifique differences enough to treat of refer such as are addicted to these commendable and harmelesse delights to suruey the late and ost mentioned Worke of my friend Mr. Iohn Parkinson who hath accurately and plentifully treated of these varieties and if they require further satisfaction let them at the time of the yeare repaire to the garden of Mistresse Tuggy the wife of my late deceased friend Mr. Ralph Tuggy in Westminster which in the excellencie and varietie of these delights exceedeth all that I haue seene as also 〈◊〉 himselfe whilest he liued exceeded most if not all of his time in his care industry and skill in raising encreasing and preseruing of these plants and some others whose losse therefore is the more to be lamented by all those that are louers of plants I will onely giue you the figures of some three or foure more whereof one is of the single one which therefore some 〈◊〉 a Pinke though in mine opinion vnfitly for that it is produced by the seed of most of the double ones and is of different colour and shape as they are varying from them onely in the singlenesse of the floures ‡ ‡ Caryophyllus maior minor rubro albo variegati The white Carnation and Pageant ‡ Caryophyllus purpureus profunde laciniatus The blew or deep purple Gillofloure ¶ The Description 1 THe great Carnation Gillow-floure hath a thicke round wooddy root from which riseth vp many strong ioynted stalkes set with long greene leaues by couples on the top of the stalkes do grow very faire floures of an excellent sweet smell and pleasant Carnation colour whereof it tooke his name 2 The Cloue Gillofloure differeth not from the Carnation but in greatnesse as well of the floures as leaues The floure is exceeding well knowne as also the Pinks and other Gillofloures wherefore I will not stand long vpon the description ¶ Caryophyllus simplex maior The single Gillofloure or Pinke ¶ The Place These Gillofloures especially the Carnations are kept in pots from the extremity of our cold Winters The Cloue Gillofloure endureth better the cold and therefore is planted in gardens ¶ The Time They flourish and floure most part of the Sommer ¶ The Names The Cloue Gillofloure is called of the later Herbarists 〈◊〉 flos of the smell of cloues wherewith it is possessed in Italian Garofoli in Spanish Clauel in French Oeilletz in low-Dutch Ginoffelbloemen in Latine of most Ocellus Damascenus Ocellus Barbaricus and Barbarica in English Carnations and Cloue Gillofloures Of some it is called Vetonica and Herba Tunica The which 〈◊〉 Gordonius hath set downe for
word is extant in Dioscorides among the bastard names That with the crimson floure being the male is named Phoenicion and Corallion of this is made the composition or receit called Diacorallion that is vsed against the gout which composition Paulus Aegineta setteth downe in his seuenth booke Among the bastard names it hath beene called Aëtitis Aegitis and Sauritis in English Red Pimpernell and blew Pimpernel ¶ The Temperature Both the sorts of Pimpernell are of a drying facultie without biting and somewhat hot with a certaine drawing quality insomuch that it doth draw forth splinters and things fixed in the flesh as Galen writeth ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writes That they are of power to mitigate paine to cure inflammations or hot swellings to draw out of the body and flesh thornes splinters or shiuers of wood and to helpe the Kings Euill The iuyce purgeth the head 〈◊〉 gargarising or washing the throat therewith it cures the tooth-ache being snist vp into the nosethrils especially into the contrary nosethrill It helpeth those that be dim sighted the iuyce mixed with honey cleanses the vleers of the eye called in Latine 〈◊〉 Moreouer he affirmeth That it is good against the stinging of Vipers and other venomous beasts It preuaileth against the infirmities of the liuer and kidneyes if the iuyce be drunk with wine He addeth further how it is reported That Pimpernel with the blew floure helpeth vp the fundament that is fallen downe and that red Pimpernell applied contrariwise bringeth it downe CHAP. 195. Of Brooke-lime or water Pimpernell ¶ The Description 1 BRooke-lime or Brooklem hath fat thicke stalkes round and parted into diuers branches the leaues be thicke smooth broad and of a deepe greene colour The floures grow vpon small tender foot-stalkes which thrust forth of the bosome of the leaues of a perfect blew colour not vnlike to the floures of land Pimpernell the root is white low creeping with fine strings fastned thereto out of the root spring many other stalkes whereby it greatly encreaseth ‡ There is a lesser varietie of this which our Author set forth in the fourth place differing not from this but onely in that it is lesse in all the parts thereof wherefore I haue omitted the historie and figure to make roome for more conspicuous differences ‡ 2 The great water Pimpernell is like vnto the precedent sauing that this plant hath sharper pointed or larger leaues and the floures are of a more whitish or a paler blew colour wherein 〈◊〉 the difference ‡ There is also a lesser varietie of this whose figure and description our Authour gaue in the next place but because the difference is in nothing but the magnitude I haue made bold to omit it also 3 Now that I haue briefely giuen you the history of the foure formerly described by our Author I will acquaint you with two or three more plants which may fitly be here inserted The first of these Lobel calls Anagallis aquatica tertia and therefore I haue thought fit to giue you it in the same place here It hath a white and fibrous root from which ariseth a round smooth stalke a foot and more high yet I haue sometimes found it not aboue three or foure inches high vpon the stalkes grow leaues round greene and shining standing not by couples but one aboue another on all sides of the stalkes The leaues that 〈◊〉 on the ground are longer than the rest and are in shape somewhat like those of the common Daisie but that they are not snipped about the edges the floures are white consisting of one leafe diuided into fiue parts and they grow at the first as it were in an vmbel but afterwards more spike fashioned It floures in Iune and Iuly and groweth in many waterie places as in the marishes of Dartford in Kent also betweene Sandwich and Sandowne castle and in the ditches on this side Sandwich 〈◊〉 saith That Guillandinus called it sometimes Alisma and otherwhiles Cochlearia and others would haue it to be Samolum of Pliny lib. 25. cap. 11. Baubine himselfe fitly calls it Anagallis aquatica folio rot undo non crenato 1 Anagallis seu Becabunga Brooke-lime 2 Anagallis aquatica maior Great long leaued Brook-lime ‡ 3 Anagallis aquatica rotundifolia Round leaued water Pimpernel 4 I coniecture this figure which we here 〈◊〉 you with the Authors title to be onely the lesser variety of that which our Author describes in the second place but because I haue no certaintie hereof for that Lobel hath giuen vs no description thereof in any of his Latine Workes and also Bauhinus hath distinguished them I am forced to giue you onely the figure thereof not intending to deceiue my reader by giuing descriptions from my fancie and the figure as our Author somtimes made bold to do 5 This which is set forth by most writers for Cepoea and which some may obiect to be more fit to be put next the Purslanes I will here giue you hauing forgot to doe it there and I thinke this place not vnfit because our Author in the Names in this Chapter takes occasion in Dodonoeus his words to make mention thereof It hath a small vnprofitable root sending vp a stalke some soot high diuided into many weake branches which are here and there set with thicke leaues like those of Purslane but much lesse and narrower and sharper pointed the floures which grow in good plenty vpon the tops of the branches are composed of fiue small white leaues whereto 〈◊〉 small heads wherein is contained a seed like that of Orpine This by Matthiolus and others is called Capoea but Clusius doubts that it is not the true Cepoea of the Antients ‡ ‡ 4 Anagallis aquatica quarta Lob. Lobels fourth water Pimpernel ‡ 5 Cepoea Garden Brook-lime ¶ The Place They grow by riuers sides small running brookes and waterie ditches The yellow Pimpernell I found growing in Hampsted wood neere London and in many other woods and copses ¶ The Time They bring forth their floures and seed in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names Water Pimpernel is called Anagallis 〈◊〉 of most 〈◊〉 which is borrowed of the Germane word Bachpunghen in low-Dutch Beeckpunghen in French Berle whereupon some do call it Berula notwithstanding Marcellus reporteth That Berula is that which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or rather Cresses it is thought to be 〈◊〉 that is to say of the garden which Dioscorides writeth to be like vnto Purslane whereunto this Brook-lime doth very well agree But if it be therefore said to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it groweth either onely or for the most part in gardens this Pimpernel or Brook-lime shall not be like vnto it which groweth 〈◊〉 where lesse than in gardens being altogether of his owne nature wilde desiring to grow in waterie places and such as be continually ouerflowne in English the first is called Brooklime and the rest by no particular names but we may call them water Pimpernels or
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
Garlicke Sage ¶ The Place It groweth vpon heaths and barren places it is also found in Woods and neere vnto hedge-rowes and about the borders of fields it somewhat delighteth in a leane soile and yet not altogether barren and dry ¶ The Time It floureth and seedeth in Iune Iuly and August and it is then to be gathered and laid vp ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Saluia 〈◊〉 of diuers also Ambrosia but true 〈◊〉 which is Oke of Cappadocia differs from this Valerius Cordus names it Scordonia or Scorodonia and Scordium alterum 〈◊〉 saith it is called Boscisaluia or Saluia Bosci in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English wilde Sage wood Sage and Garlicke Sage It seemeth to be Theophrastus his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sphacelus which is also taken for the small Sage but not rightly ¶ The Temperature Wilde Sage is of temperature hot and drie yet lesse than common Sage therefore it is hot and dry in the second degree ¶ The Vertues It is commended against burstings dry beatings and against wounds the decoction thereof is giuen to them that fall and are inwardly bruised it also prouoketh vrine Some likewise giue the decoction hereof to drinke with good successe to them that are infected with the French Pox for it causeth sweat drieth vp vlcers digesteth humors wasteth away and consumeth swellings if it be taken thirtie or forty dayes together or put into the decoction of Guiacum in stead of Epithymum and other adiutories belonging to the said decoction CHAP. 216. Of Eye-bright ¶ The Description EVphrasia or Eye-bright is a small low herbe not aboue two handfuls high full of branches couered with little blackish leaues dented or snipt about the edges like a saw the floures are small and white sprinkled and poudered on the inner side with yellow and purple speeks mixed therewith The root is small and hairie Euphrasia Eye-bright ¶ The Place This plant growes in dry medows in green and grassie wayes and pastures standing against the Sunne ¶ The Time Eye-bright beginneth to floure in August and continueth vnto September and must be gathered while it floureth for physicks vse ¶ The Names It is commonly called Euphrasia as also Euphrosyne notwithstanding there is another Euphrosyne viz. Buglosse it is called of some Ocularis Ophthalmica of the effect in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian Spanish and French 〈◊〉 after the Latine name in English Eyebright ¶ The Nature This herbe is hot and dry but yet more hot than dry ¶ The Vertues It is very much commended for the eyes Being taken it selfe alone or any way else it preserues the sight and being feeble and lost it restores the same it is giuen most fitly being beaten into pouder oftentimes a like quantitie of Fennel seed is added thereto and a little mace to the which is put so much sugar as the weight of them all commeth to Eye-bright stamped and layd vpon the eyes or the iuyce thereof mixed with white Wine and dropped into the eyes or the distilled water taketh away the darknesse and dimnesse of the eyes and cleareth the sight Three parts of the pouder of Eye-bright and one part of maces mixed therewith taketh away all hurts from the eyes comforteth the memorie and cleareth the sight if halfe a spoonfull be taken euery morning fasting with a cup of white wine CHAP. 217. Of Marierome ¶ The Description 1 SWeet Marjerome is a low and shrubby plant of a whitish colour and maruellous sweet smell a foot or somewhat more high The stalkes are slender and parted into diuers branches about which grow forth little leaues soft and hoarie the floures grow at the top in scaly or chaffie spiked eares of a white colour like vnto those of Candy Organy The root is compact of many small threds The whole plant and euerie part thereof is of a most pleasant taste and aromaticall smell and perisheth at the first approch of Winter 2 Pot Marierome or Winter Maierome hath many threddy tough roots from which rise immediately diuers small branches whereon are placed such leaues as the precedent but not so hoarie nor yet so sweet of smell bearing at the top of the branches tufts of white floures tending to purple The whole plant is of long continuance and keepeth greene all the Winter whereupon our English women haue called it and that very properly Winter Marierome 1 Mariorana maior Great sweet Marierome 2 Mariorana maior Anglica Pot Marierome 3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Marierome gentle 4 〈◊〉 is likewise a kind of Marierome differing not from the last described sauing in that that this plant hath in his naturall country of Candy and not elsewhere some laces or threds fastned vnto his branches such and after the same manner as those are that doe grow vpon Sauorie wherein is the difference ¶ The Place These plants do grow in Spaine Italy Candy and other Islands thereabout wilde and in the fields from whence wee haue the seeds for the gardens of 〈◊〉 cold countries ¶ The Time They are sowne in May and bring forth their scaly or chaffie huskes or eares in August They are to be watered in the middle of the day when the Sunne shineth hottest euen as Basill should be and not in the euening nor morning as most Plants are ¶ The Names Marierome is called Mariorana and 〈◊〉 and also Marum and Sampsychum of others in high-Dutch Mayoran in Spanish Mayorana Moradux and Almoradux in French Mariolaine in English Sweet Marierome Fine Marierome and Marierome gentle of the best sort Marjerane The pot Marjerome is also called Winter Marjerome Some haue made a doubt whether Maiorana and Sampsychum be all one which doubt as I take it is because that Galen maketh a difference betweene them intreating of them apart and attribureth to either of them their operations But Amaracus Galeni is Parthenium or Feuerfew Dioscorides likewise witnesseth that some do call 〈◊〉 Parthenium and Galen in his booke of the faculties of simple medicines doth in no place make mention of Parthenium but by the name of Amaracus Pliny in his 21 booke chap. 2. witnesseth that Diocles the physition and they of Sicily did call that Amaracus which the Aegyptians and the Syrians did call Sampsychum Virgill in the first booke of his Aencidos sheweth that Amaracus is a shrub bearing floures writing thus Vbi mollis Amaracus illum Floribus dulci aspirans 〈◊〉 vmbra Likewise Catullus in his Epithalamium or mariage song of Iulia and Mallius saith Cinge tempora floribus 〈◊〉 olcmis Amaraci Compasse the temples of the head with floures Of Amarac affording sweete sauours Notwithstanding it may not seeme strange that Majorane is vsed in stead of Sampsychum seeing that in Galens time also Marum was in the mixture of the ointment called Amaracinum vnguentum in the place of Sampsychum as he himselfe witnesseth in his first booke of counterpoisons ¶ The Temperature They are hot and dry in the second degree
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
colour and in shape like those of the common Mint the smell of this comes neere to that of the water Mint This is the Mentastrifolia aquatica hirsuta siue 〈◊〉 3. Dioscoridis of Lobel in the hist Lugd it is called Mentastrum minus spicatum 6 The stalke of this is some cubit and halfe high square and full of pith the leaues are like in shape to those of Cat-Mint but not hoarie but rather greene the tops of the branches are set with roundles of such white floures as those of the Cats-mint the smell of this plant is like to that of the Horse-Mint whence Clusius calls it Mentastrum montanum primum It floures in August and growes in the mountainous places of Austria 7 The same Author hath also set forth another by the name of Mentastrum tuberosa radice It hath roughish stalkes like the former and longish crumpled leaues somewhat snipt about the edges like those of the last described the floures grow in roundles alongst the tops of the branches and are white of colour and like those of Cat-Mint The root of this which as also the leaues is not well exprest in the figure is like a Radish and blackish on the out side sending sorth many succours like to little Turneps and also diuers fibres these succours taken from the maine root will also take root and grow It floures in Iune Clusius receiued the seed of it from Spaine ‡ ¶ The Place They grow in moist and waterie places as in medowes neere vnto ditches that haue water in them and by riuers ¶ The Time They floure when the other Mints do and reuiue in the Spring ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Sisymbrium in high-Dutch Roszmuntz Massermuntz in French Menthe 〈◊〉 in English Water Mint Fish-Mint Brooke-Mint and Horse-mint ¶ The Temperature Water Mint is hot and dry as is the Garden Mint and is of a stronger smell and operation ¶ The Vertues It is commended to haue the like vertues that the garden Mint hath and also to be good against the stinging of Bees and Waspes if the place be rubbed therewith The sauour or smell of the Water-Mint reioyceth the heart of man for which cause they vse to strew it in chambers and places of recreation pleasure and repose and where feasts and banquets are made There is no vse hereof in physicke whilest we haue the garden Mint which is sweeter and more agreeing to the nature of man CHAP. 228. Of Mountaine Mint or Calamint ¶ The Description 1 MOuntaine Calamint is a low herbe seldome aboue a foot high parted into many branches the stalkes are foure square and haue ioynts as it were out of euery one whereof grow forth leaues something round lesser than those of Basill couered with a very thinne hairy downe as are also the stalkes somwhat whitish and of a sweet smell the tops of the branches are gallantly deckt with 〈◊〉 somewhat of a purple colour then groweth the seed which is blacke the roots are full of strings and continue 2 This most excellent kinde of Calamint hath vpright stalkes a cubit high couered ouer with a woolly mossinesse beset with rough leaues like a Nettle somewhat notched about the edges among the leaues come forth blewish or sky-coloured floures the root is wooddy and the whole plant is of a very good smell 3 There is another kinde of Calamint which hath hard square stalks couered in like manner as the other with a certaine hoary or fine cotton The leaues be in shape like Basill but that they are rough and the floures grow in roundles toward the tops of the branches sometimes three or foure vpon a stemme of a purplish colour The root is threddy and long lasting †4 There is a kinde of strong smelling Calamint that hath also square stalks couered with soft cotton and almost creeping by the ground hauing euermore two leaues standing one against another small and soft not much vnlike the leaues of Penny-Royall sauing that they are 〈◊〉 and whiter the floures grow about the stalks like wharles or garlands of a blewish purple colour the root is small and threddy the whole plant hath the smell of Penny-Royal whence it hath the addition of 〈◊〉 odore 1 〈◊〉 montana vulgaris Calamint or Mountaine Mint 2 Calamintha montana praestantior The more excellent Calamint 3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Common Calamint 3 Calamintha odore 〈◊〉 Field Calamint ¶ The Place It delighteth to grow in mountaines and in the shadowy and grauelly sides thereof it is found in many places of Italy and France and in other countries it is brought into gardens where it prospereth maruellous well and very easily soweth it selfe I haue found these plants growing vpon the chalkie grounds and highwayes leading from Grauesend vnto Canturbury in most places or almost euery where ‡ I haue onely obserued the third and fourth to grow wilde with vs in England ‡ ¶ The Time It flourisheth in Sommer and almost all the yeare thorow it bringeth forth floures and seed from Iune to Autumne ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as though you should say Elegans aut vtilis Mentha a gallant or profitable Mint the Latines keepe the name Calamintha Apuleius also nameth it amisse Mentastrum and confoundeth the names one with another the Apothecaries call it Montana Calamintha Calamentum and sometime Calamentum montanum in French Calament in English Mountain Calamint ‡ The fourth is certainly the second Calamint of Dioscorides and the true 〈◊〉 of the Antients ‡ ¶ The Temperature This Calamint which groweth in mountaines is of a feruent taste and biting hot and of a thin substance and dry after a sort in the third degree as Galen saith it digesteth or wasteth away thin humors it cutteth and maketh thicke humors thin ¶ The Vertues Therefore being inwardly taken by it selfe and also with meade or honied water it doth manifestly heate prouoketh sweat and consumeth superfluous humors of the body it taketh away the shiuerings of Agues that come by fits The same also is performed by the sallet oyle in which it is boyled if the body be anointed and well rubbed and chafed therewith The decoction thereof drunke prouoketh vrine bringeth downe the monethly sicknesse and expelleth the childe which also it doth being but onely applied It helpeth those that are bruised such as are troubled with crampes and convulsions and that cannot breathe vnlesse they hold their necks vpright that haue the wheesing of the lungs saith 〈◊〉 and it is a remedie saith 〈◊〉 for a cholericke passion otherwise called the Felony It is good for them that haue the yellow jaundice for that it remoueth the stoppings of the liuer and gall and withall clenseth being taken afore-hand in Wine it keepeth a man from being poysoned being inwardly taken or outwardly applied it cureth them that are bitten of Serpents being burned or strewed it driues serpents away it takes away black
about as those doe of common Horehound but they are yellow and the wharles be narrower the root is wooddy and durable 1 〈◊〉 Wilde Hore-hound 2 Stachys 〈◊〉 Wilde 〈◊〉 Horehound ‡ 3 Stachys spinosa Cretica Thorny Horehound ‡ 4 Stachys Lusitanica Portugall Wilde Horehound ‡ 5 Sideritis Scordioides Germander Ironwoort ‡ 6 Sideritis Alpina Hyssopifolia Hyssop-leaued Iron-wort 2 Besides this there is also another described by Fuchsius the stalkes hereof are thicke foure square now and then two or three foot long the leaues be broad long hoarie nicked in the edges hairie as are also the stalks and much broader than those of the common Horehound the floures in the whorles which compasse the stalke about are of a purple colour the seede is round and blackish the root hard somthing yellow ‡ 3 This thorny Stachys hath leaues before it comes to send forth the stalk like those of the lesser Sage but more white hairie those that grow vpon the stalkes are much narrower the stalks are square some foot high and at the parting of them into branches grow alwaies two leaues one opposit against another the tops of the branches end in long sharpe thornie prickles the floures grow about the toppes of the branches like those of Sage but of somewhat a lighter colour This grows naturally in Candy about a Towne called Larda where Honorius Bellus first obserued it there it is called Guidarothymo or Asses Tyme though it agree with Tyme in nothing but the place of growth Clusius sets it forth by the name of Stachys spinosa 4 Lobel hath giuen vs the figure and first description of this by the name of Stachys Lusitanica It hath creeping and downie stalkes some handfull and halfe high set with little leaues amongst which in rundles grow smal floures like those of the other wilde Horehounds the whole plant is of somewhat a gratefull smell ‡ 5 There is another wilde Horehound of Mountpelier called Sideritis Monspelliaca Scordioides siue Scordij folio being that kind of Sideritis or wilde 〈◊〉 which is like vnto Scordium or water Germander which groweth to the height of a handfull and a halfe with many small branches rising vpright of a wooddie substance hauing the tops and spokie coronets of Hyssop but the leaues do resemble Dioscorides his Scordium saue that they be somewhat lesser stiffer more wrinckled 〈◊〉 curled and hairie than 〈◊〉 or the Iudaicall herb the floures do 〈◊〉 those of the common Sauorie in taste bitter and of an aromaticall smell 6 Mountaine Sideritis beeing also of the kindes of Horehound was first found by Valerandus 〈◊〉 in the mountains of Sauoy resembling very wel the last described but the leaues are much narrower and like those of Hyssope the floures grow in small rough rundlets or tusts pale of 〈◊〉 like Marrubium or Tetrahit the root long and bending of a wooddie substance and purple colour bitter in taste but not vnpleasant whose vertue is yet vnknowne ¶ The Place These herbes are 〈◊〉 they grow in rough and barren places notwithstanding I haue them growing in my garden ‡ My kinde friend Mr. Buckner an Apothecary of London the last yeare being 1632 found the second of these growing wilde in Oxfordshire in the field ioyning to 〈◊〉 Parke a mile from the Towne ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in the Sommer moneths and wither towards winter the root remaineth aliue a certaine time ¶ The Names The former is taken for the right Stachys which is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is knowne in shoppes and euery where we name it in English yellow Horehound and wilde Horehoond ‡ Lobel calls it Stachys Lychnites spuria Flandrorum ‡ The other wilde Horehound seeing it hath no name is to be called Stachys spuria for it is not the right neither is it Sphacelus as most haue suspected of which Theophrastus hath made mention it is called in English purple Horehound bastard wild Horehound Fuchsius his wild Horehound ‡ Fabius Columna proues the second to be the Sideritis Heraclia of Dioscorides and the Antients ‡ ¶ The Temperature These herbes are of a biting and bitter taste and are hot in the third degree according to 〈◊〉 ‡ The Stachys Fuchsij and Sideritides seem to be hot and drie in the first degree ‡ ¶ The Vertues The decoction of the leaues drunk doth draw downe the menses and the secondine as Dioscorides teacheth ‡ 2 This is of singular vse as most of the herbes of this kinde are to keep wounds from inflammation and speedily to heale them vp as also to stay all fluxes and defluctions hauing a drying and moderate astrictiue facultie Aetius and Aegineta commend the vse of it in medicines vsed in the cure of the biting of a mad Dog ‡ ‡ CHAP. 232. Of the Fronwoorts or Alheales ‡ 1 Sideritis vulgaris Ironwoort or Alheale ‡ 2 Sideritis Angustifolia Narrow leaued Alheale ¶ The Kindes ‡ THere are many plants that belong to this kindred of the 〈◊〉 or Ironwoorts and some of them are already treated of though in seuerall places that not verie fitly by our Authour and one of them is also set forth hereafter by the name of Clownes Alheale these that are 〈◊〉 handled and properly belong to this Chapter are first the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being in the fourth place of the 229. Chapter Secondly the Stachys Fuchsij being the first 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 described in the second place of the last chapter Thirdly the 〈◊〉 Scordioides set forth in the fift place and fourthly the Sideritis Alpina Hyssopisolia set forth in the 〈◊〉 place of the last chapter Now besides all these I will in this Chapter giue you the Descriptions 〈◊〉 some others like to them in face and Vertues and all of them may be referred to the first S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dioscorides his description ¶ The Description 1 THis hath square stalkes some cubite high rough and iointed with two leaues at 〈◊〉 ioint which are wrinkled and hairie of an indifferent bignesse snipt about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a strong smell and of a bitterish and somewhat hottish taste almost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ioint grow branches set with lesser leaues the floures which in roundles incompasse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the stalks end in a spike being somewhat hooded whitish well smelling and marked on the 〈◊〉 with sanguine spots The seed is rough and blacke being contained in fiue cornered seed 〈◊〉 The root is hard and wooddie sending forth many stalkes This is the Sideritis 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Cordus 〈◊〉 and others it hath a very great affinitie with the Panax Coloni or Clownes A of our Authour and the difference betweene them certainly is very small ‡ 3 Siderit is procumbens 〈◊〉 Creeping branched Ironwoort ‡ 3 Sideritis procumbens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Not branched Creeping 〈◊〉 ‡ 6 Sideritis latifolia glabra Smooth broad leaued Alheale 3 This hath some branches lying along vpon the ground slender quadrangular hairie which at certain spaces are set with leaues growing by couples almost
but of a darke purple colour The whole plant is very bitter and vngratefull to the taste Lobel calls this Cyanus repens 10 This is like the last described but that the leaues are much smaller or narrower also the scaly heads of this are of a finer white siluer colour and this plant is not possessed with such bitternesse as the former Lobel calls this Cyanus minimus repens ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth in my garden and in the gardens of Herbarists but not wilde that I know of The others grow in corne fields among wheat Rie Barley and other graine it is sowne in gardens which by cunning looking to doth oft times become of other colours and some also double which hath beene touched in their seuerall descriptions ‡ The two last grow wilde about Montpellier in France ‡ ¶ The Time They bring sorth their floures from the beginning of May vnto the end of haruest ¶ The Names The old Herbarists called it 〈◊〉 flos of the blew colour which it naturally hath most of the later sort following the common 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 call it Flos frumentorum for the Germans name it 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Blaueole and Bluet in Italian Fior campese and Bladiseris i. Seris 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 as though it should be called Blaptisecula because it hindereth and annoyeth the Reapers by dulling and turning the edges of their sickles in reaping of corne in English it is called Blew-Bottle Blew-Blow Corne-floure hurt-Sickle ‡ Fabius Columna would haue it to be the Papauer spumeum or Heracleum of the Antients ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The faculties of these floures are not yet sufficiently knowne Sith there is no vse of them in physicke we will leaue the rest that might be said to a further consideration notwithstanding some haue thought the common Blew-Bottle to be of temperature something cold and therefore good against the inflammation of the eyes as some thinke CHAP. 252. Of Goats Beard or Go to bed at noone ¶ The Description 1 GOats-beard or Go to bed at noone hoth hollow stalks smooth and of a whitish green colour whereupon do grow long leaues crested downe the middle with a swelling rib sharpe pointed yeelding a milky iuyce when it is broken in shape like those of Garlick from the bosome of which leaues thrust forth small render stalks set with the like leaues but lesser the floures grow at the top of the stalkes consisting of a number of purple leaues dasht ouer as it were with a little yellow dust set about with nine or ten sharpe pointed greene leaues the whole floure resembles a starre when it is spred abroad for it shutteth it selfe at twelue of the clocke and sheweth not his face open vntill the next dayes Sun doth make it floure anew whereupon it was called Go to bed at noon when these floures be come to their full maturitie and ripenesse they grow into a downy Blow-ball like those of Dandelion which is carried away with the winde The seed is long hauing at the end one piece of that downie matter hanging at it The root is long and single with some few threds thereto anexed which perisheth when it hath perfected his seed yeelding much quantitie of a milky 〈◊〉 when it is cut or broken as doth all the rest of the plant 2 The yellow Goats beard hath the like leaues stalkes root seed and downie blow-balls that the other hath and also yeeldeth the like quantitie of milke insomuch that if the pilling while it is greene be pulled from the stalkes the milky iuyce followeth but when it hath there remained a little while it waxeth yellow The floures hereof are of a gold yellow colour and haue not such long 〈◊〉 leaues to garnish it withall wherein consisteth the difference 1 Tragopogon purpureum Purple Goats-beard 2 Tragopogon 〈◊〉 Yellow Goats-beard 3 There is another small sort of Goats-beard or Go to bed at noone which hath a thicke root full of a milky sap from which rise vp many leaues spred vpon the ground very long narrow thin and like vnto those of grasse but thicker and grosser among which rise vp tender stalkes on the tops whereof do stand faire double yellow floures like the precedent but lesser The whole plant yeeldeth a milkie sap or iuyce as the others do it perisheth like as the other when it hath perfected his seed This may be called Tragopogon minus angustifolium Little narrow leaued Goats-beard ¶ The Place The first growes not wild in England that I could euer see or heare of except in Lancashire vpon the banks of the riuer Chalder neere to my Lady Heskiths house two miles from Whawley it is sowen in gardens for the beauty of the floures almost euery where The others grow in medows and fertil pastures in most places of England It growes plentifully in most of the fields about London as at Islington in the medowes by Redriffe 〈◊〉 and Putney and in diuers other places ¶ The Time They floure and flourish from the beginning of Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names Goats-beard is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Barbahirci and also Coma in high-Dutch Bocxbaert in low-Dutch Josephes 〈◊〉 in French Barbe de 〈◊〉 and Sassify in Italian Sassefrica in Spanish Barba Cabruna in English Goats 〈◊〉 Iosephs floure Star of Ierusalem Noone-tide and Go to bed at noone ¶ The Temperature These herbes are temperate betweene heate and moisture ¶ The Vertues The roots of Goats-beard boyled in wine and drunke asswageth the paine and pricking stitches of the sides The same boyled in water vntill they be tender and buttered as parseneps and carrots are a most pleasant and wholsome meate in delicate taste farre surpassing either Parsenep 〈◊〉 Carrot which meate procures appetite warmeth the stomacke preuaileth greatly in consumptions and strengthneth those that haue been sicke of a long lingring disease CHAP. 253. Of Vipers-Grasse 1 〈◊〉 siue Scorzonera Hispanica Common Vipers Grasse 2 Viperaria humilis Dwarfe Vipers Grasse 3 Viperaria Pannonica Austrian Vipers grasse ‡ 4 Viperaria angustifolia 〈◊〉 Hungary Vipers grasse 5 Viperaria Pannonica angustifolia Narrow leafed Vipers grasse ¶ The Description 1 THe first of the Viper grasses hath long broad leaues fat or ful bodied vneuen about the edges sharpe pointed with a high swolne ribbe downe the middle and of an ouerworne colour tending to the colour of Woade among which riseth vp a stiffe stalke smooth and plaine of two cubits high whereon do grow such leaues as those next the ground The flours stand on the top of the stalkes consisting of many small yellow leaues thicke thrust together very double as are those of Goates beard whereof it is a kinde as are all the rest that 〈◊〉 follow in this present chapter the root is long thicke very brittle continuing many yeeres yeelding great increase of roots blacke without white within and yeelding a milkie juice as 〈◊〉 the leaues also like vnto the
that as he affirmes it will kill dogs now Dodonaeus also seems to incline to his opinion but others and not without good reason deny it as Gesner in his Epistles who made often 〈◊〉 of it vpon himselfe part of his words are set downe hereafter by our Author being translated out of Dodonaeus and some part also 〈◊〉 shall finde added in the end of the vertues and these are other some Plura alia nunc omitto quibus ostendere liquido possem nec Doronicum nostrum 〈◊〉 Aconitum vllo modo esse venenatum homini Canibus autem letiferum essescio non solum si drachmarum 4. sed 〈◊〉 si vnius pondere sumant And before he said quasi non 〈◊〉 multa canibus sint venena quae homini 〈◊〉 sunt vt de asparago fertur Of the same opinion with Gesner is Pena and Lobel who 〈◊〉 p. 290 291. do largely handle this matter exceedingly deride and scoffe at Matthiolus 〈◊〉 his vehement declaiming against the vse thereof Now briefely my opinion is this That the Doronicum here mentioned is not that mentioned and written of by 〈◊〉 and the Arabians neither is it the Aconitum Pardalianches of 〈◊〉 nor of so malignant a qualitie as 〈◊〉 would haue it for I my selfe also haue often eaten of it and that in a pretty quantitie without the 〈◊〉 offence ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues I haue sufficiently spoken of that for which I haue warrant to write both touching their natures and vertues for the matter hath continued so ambiguous and so doubtfull yea and so ful of controuersies that I dare not commit that to the world which I haue read these few lines therefore shall suffice for this present the rest which might be said I referre to the great and learned Doctors and to your owne consideration These herbes are mixed with compound medicines that mitigate the paine of the eyes and by reason of his cold qualitie being fresh and greene it helpeth the inflammation or fierie heate of the eyes It is reported and asfirmed that it killeth Panthers Swine Wolues and all kindes of wilde beasts being giuen them with flesh Theophrastus saith That it killeth Cattell Sheepe Oxen and all foure-footed beasts within the compasse of one day not by taking it inwardly onely but if the herbe or root be tied vnto their priuy parts Yet he writeth further That the root being drunke is a remedie against the stinging of Scorpions which sheweth that this herbe or the root thereof is not deadly to man but to diuers beasts onely which thing also is found out by trial and manifest experience for Conrade Gesner a man in our time singularly learned and a most diligent searcher of many things in a certaine Epistle written to Adolphus Occo sheweth That he himselfe hath oftentimes inwardly taken the root hereof greene dry whole preserued with honey and also beaten to pouder and that euen the very same day in which hee wrote these things hee had drunke with warme water two drams of the roots made into fine pouder neither felt he any hurt thereby and that he oftentimes also had giuen the same to his sicke Patients both by it selfe and also mixed with other things and that very luckily Moreouer the 〈◊〉 in stead of Doronicum doe vse though amisse the roots thereof without any manifest danger That this 〈◊〉 killeth dogs it is very certaine and found out by triall which thing Matthiolus could hardly beleeue but that at length he found it out to be true by a manifest example as he confesseth in his Commentaries ‡ I haue saith Gesner oft with very good successe prescribed it to my Patients both alone as also mixed with other medicines especially in the Vertigo and falling sicknesse sometimes also I mix therewith Gentian the pouder of Misle-toe and 〈◊〉 thus it workes admirable effects in the Epilepsie if the vse thereof be continued for some time ‡ CHAP. 265. Of Sage ¶ The Description 1 THe great Sage is very full of stalkes foure square of a wooddy substance parted into branches about the which grow broad leaues long wrinckled rough whitish verie like to the leaues of wilde Mullein but rougher and not so white like in roughnesse to woollen cloath thread-bare the floures stand forked in the tops of the branches like those of dead Nettle or of Clarie of a purple blew colour in the place of which doth grow little blackish seeds in small huskes The root is hard and wooddy sending forth a number of little strings 2 The lesser Sage is also a shrubby plant spred into branches like to the former but lesser the stalkes hereof are tenderer the leaues be long lesser narrower but not lesse rough to which there do grow in the place wherein they are fixed to the stalke two little leaues standing on either side one right against another somewhat after the manner of 〈◊〉 or little 〈◊〉 the floures are eared blew like those of the former the root also is wooddy both of them are of a certaine strong smell but nothing at all offensiue and that which is the lesser is the better 3 This Indian Sage hath diuers branches of a wooddy substance whereon doe grow small leaues long rough and narrow of an ouerworne colour and of a most sweet and fragrant smell The floures grow alongst the top of the branches of a white colour in forme like the precedent The root is tough and wooddy 1 Saluia maior Great Sage 2 Saluia minor Small Sage 4 The Mountaine Sage hath an vpright stalke smooth and plaine whereupon do grow 〈◊〉 rough and rugged leaues sleightly nicked and vneuenly indented about the edges 〈◊〉 an 〈◊〉 colour sharpe pointed and of a ranke smell the floures grow alongst the top of the stalke 〈◊〉 shape like those of Rosemarie of a whitish red colour The root is likewise wooddy 5 We haue in our gardens a kinde of Sage the leaues whereof are reddish part of those red leaues are striped with white others mixed with white greene and red euen as Nature list to play with such plants This is an elegant varietie and is called Saluia variegata elegans Variegated or painted Sage 6 We haue also another the leaues whereof are for the most part white somewhat mixed with greene often one leafe white and another greene euen as Nature list as we haue said This is not so rare as the former nor neere so beautifull wherefore it may be termed Saluia variegata vulgaris Common painted Sage ‡ 7 There is kept in some of our chiefe gardens a fine Sage which in shape and manner of growing resembles the smaller Sage but in smell and taste hath some affinity with Wormwood whence it may be termed Saluia Absint hites or Wormewood Sage Bauhine onely hath mentioned this and that in the fourth place in his Pinax pag. 237. by the name of Saluiaminor altera and hee addes Haec odore sapore est 〈◊〉 floreque rubente That is This hath the smell and
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
to the long or to the round Birthwoort and sometimes these are found to be small and slender and that is when they were but lately digged vp and gathered for by the little parcels of the roots which are left the young plants bring 〈◊〉 at the beginning tender and branched roots 5 Small Birthwoort is like to the long and round Birthwoort both in stalkes and leaues yet is it lesser and tenderer the leaues thereof are broad and like those of Iuie the floure is long hollow in the vpper part and on the outside blackish the fruit something round like the fruit of round Birthwoort in stead of roots there grow forth a multitude of slender strings ‡ 6 Pistolochia Cretica siue Virginiana Virginian Snake-root ‡ 6 Clusius figures and describes another smal Pistolochia by the name of Pistolochia Cretica to which I thought good to adde the Epithite Virginia also for that the much admired Snakeweed of Virginia seems no otherwise to differ from it than an inhabitant of Candy from one of the Virginians which none I thinke will say to differ in specie I will first giue Clusius his description and then expresse the little varietie that I haue obserued in the plants that were brought from Virginia and grew here with vs it sends forth many slender stalks a foot long more or lesse and these are cornered or indented crested branched tough and bending towards the ground or spred thereon and of a darke green colour vpon which without order grow leaues neruous and like those of the last described yet much sharper pointed and after a sort resembling the shape of those of Smilax aspera but lesse and of a darke and lasting greene colour fastened to longish stalkes out of whose bosomes grow long and hollow crooked floures in shape like those of the long Birthwoort but of a darker red on the outside but somewhat yellowish within and these are also fastened to pretty long stalks and they are succeeded by fruit not-vnlike yet lesse than that of the long BirthwortThis hath abundance of roots like as the former but much smaller and more fibrous and of a stronger smell It floures in Iuly and August Thus Clusius describes his to which that Snakeweed that was brought from Virginia and grew with Mr. Iohn Tradescant at South-Lambeth An. 1632. was agreeable in all points but here and there one of the lower leaues were somwhat broader and rounder pointed than the rest the floure was long red crooked and a little hairie and it did not open the top or shew the inner side which I iudge was by reason of the coldnesse and vnseasonablenesse of the later part of the Sommer when it floured the stalks in the figure should haue been exprest more crooking or indenting for they commonly grow so How hard it is to iudge of plants by one particle or facultie may very well appeare by this herbe I now treat of for some by the similitude the root had with Asarum and a vomiting qualitie which they attributed to it which certainly is no other than accidentall would forthwith pronounce and maintaine it an Asarum some also refer it to other things as to Primroses Vincitoxicum c. Others morewarily named it Serpentaria Virginiana and Radix Virginiana names as it were offering themselues and easily to be fitted and imposed vpon sundry things but yet too generall and therefore not fit any more to be vsed seeing the true and specifick denomination is found ‡ ¶ The Place Pliny sheweth that the Birthwoorts grow in fat and champion places the fieldes of Spaine are full of these three long and round Birthwoorts they are also found in Italie and Narbone or Languedock a countrey in France Petrus Bellonius writeth that he found branched Birthwoort vpon Ida a mountaine in Candie Carolus Clusius faith that he found this same about Hispalis and in many other places of Granado in Spain among bushes and brambles they grow all in my garden ¶ The Time They floure in May Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Birthwoort is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine likewise Aristolochia because it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say good for women newly brought a bed or deliuered with childe in English Birthwort Hartwoort and of some Aristolochia The first is called Aristolochia longa or long Birthwoort of the forme of his root and likewise Aristolochiamas or male Birthwoort the second is thought to be Foemina or female Birthwoort it is called Rotunda Aristolochia or round Birthwoort of diuers also Terrae malum the Apple of the earth yet Cyclaminus is also called Terrae malum or the Apple of the earth ¶ The Temperature All these Birthwoorts are of temperature hot and drie and that in the third degree hauing besides a power to clense ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that a dram weight of long Birthwoort drunke with wine and also applied is good against serpents and deadly things and that being drunke with myrrhe and pepper it expelleth whatsoeuer is left in the matrix after the childe is deliuered the floures also dead children and that being put vp in a pessarie it performeth the same Round Birthwoort serueth for all these things and also for the rest of the other poisons it is likewise auaileable against the stuffing of the lungs the hicket the shakings or shiuerings of agues hardnesse of the milt or 〈◊〉 burstings cramps and couvulsions paines of the sides if it be drunk with water It plucketh out thornes splinters and shiuers and being mixed in plaisters or pultesses it draws forth scales or bones remoueth rottennesse or corruption mundifieth and scoureth foule and filthy vlcers and filleth them vp with new flesh if it be mixed with Ireos and honie Galen saith that branched Birthwoort is of a more sweet and pleasant smell and therefore is vsed in ointments but it is 〈◊〉 in operation than the former ones Birthwoort as Pliny writeth being drunk with water is a most excellent remedie for cramps and convulsions bruises and for such as haue falne from high places It is good for them that are short-winded and are troubled with the falling sicknesse The round Aristolochia doth beautifie clense and fasten the teeth if they be often fretted or rubbed with the pouder thereof ‡ The root of the Virginian Pistolochia which is of a strong and aromaticke sent is a singular much vsed Antidote against the bite of the Rattle-snake or rather Adder or Viper whose bite is very deadly and therfore by the prouidence of the Creator he hath vpon his taile a skinny dry substance parted into cels which containe some loose hard drie bodies that rattle in them as if one should put little stones or pease into a stiffe and very dry bladder that so he may by this noise giue warning of his approch the better to be auoided but if any be bitten they know nor stand in need of no better antidote than this root which they chew and apply
the correction of strong and violent purgers The quantitie of Scammony or of 〈◊〉 it selfe as 〈◊〉 writeth is from fiue graines to ten or twelue it may be kept as the same Author sheweth foure yeeres 〈◊〉 iudgeth it to be after two yeeres little worth it is to be vsed saith he when it is two yeeres old and it is not good before nor after The mixing or otherwise the vse thereof more than is set downe I thinke it not expedient to set forth in the Physicall vertues of Scammony vpon the receipt whereof many times death insueth my reasons are diuers for that the same is very dangerous either if too great a quantitie thereof be taken or if it be giuen without correction or taken at the hands of some runnagate 〈◊〉 monger quacksaluer old women-leaches and such like abusers of Physicke and deceiuers of people The vse of Scammony I commit to the learned vnto whome it especially and onely belongeth who can very carefully and curiously vse the same CHAP. 320. Of Briony or the white Vine ¶ The Kindes There be two kindes of Bryony the one white the other blacke of the white Briony as followeth Bryonia alba White Bryonie ¶ The Description WHite Briony bringeth forth diuers long and slender stalkes with many clasping tendrels like the Vine wherewith it catcheth hold of those things that are next vnto it The leaues are broad fiue cornered and indented like those of the Vine but rougher more hairie and whiter of colour The floures be small and white growing many together The fruite consisteth in little clusters the berries whereof are at the first greene and red when they be ripe The roote is very greate long and thicke growing deepe in the earth of a white yellowish colour extreame bitter and altogether of an vnpleasant taste The Queenes chiefe Surgion Mr. William Godorous a very curious and learned gentleman shewed me a root hereof that waied halfe an hundred weight and of the bignesse of a child of a yeere old ¶ The Place Briony groweth almost euery where among pot-herbes hedge-bushes and such like places ¶ The Time It floureth in May and bringeth forth his grapes in Autumne ¶ The Names Bryony is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Vitis alba or white Vine and it is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is not onely like the Vine in leaues but also for that it bringeth forth his fruite made vp after the likenesse of a little cluster although the berries stand not close together it is called of Pliny Bryonia and Madon of the Arabians Alphesera of Matthaeus Sylvaticus Viticella in the poore mans Treasure Rorastrum of Apuleius Apiastellum vitis Taminia Vitis alga and Vitalba in high Dutch Suchwurtz in low Dutch Brionie in English Bryony white Bryony and tetter Berrie in French Couleuree in Italian Zuccasylvatica in Spanish Nuezablanca ¶ The Temperature White Briony is in all parts hot and dry exceeding the third degree especially of heate with an exceeding great force of clensing and scouring by reason whereof it purgeth and draweth forth not onely cholericke and flegmaticke humours but also watrie ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that the first springs or sproutings being boiled and eaten do purge by siege and vrine Galen saith that all men vse accustomably to eate of it in the spring time and that it is a nourishment wholesome by reason of the binding qualitie that it hath which is to be vnderstood of those of the wilde Vine called in Latine Tamus and not of the sproutings of this plant for the sproutings of the first springs of white Bryony are nothing binding at all but do mightily purge the belly and torment the stomacke Dioscorides also affirmeth that the juice of the root being pressed out in the spring and drunke with meade or honied water purgeth flegme and not onely the juice but also the decoction of the root draweth forth flegme choler and waterish humours and that very strongly and it is withall oftentimes so troublesome to the stomacke as it procureth vomite This kinde of strong purgation is good for those that haue the dropsie the falling sicknesse and the dizzinesse and swimming of the braine and head which hath continued long and is hardly to be remooued yet notwithstanding it is not dayly to be giuen as Dioscorides admonisheth to them that haue the falling sickenesse for it will be troublesome enough to take it now and then and it is as we haue said an exceeding strong medicine purging with violence and very forceable for mans nature The root put vp in manner of a pessary bringeth forth the dead child and afterbirth being boiled for a bath to sit in it worketh the same effect It scoureth the skin and taketh away wrinckles freckles sunne burning blacke marks spots and scars of the face being tempered with the meale of vetches or Tares or of Fenugreeke or boiled in oile till it be consumed it taketh away blacke and blew spots which come of stripes it is good against Whitlowes being stamped with wine and applied it breaketh biles and small apostumes it draweth forth splinters and broken bones if it be stamped and laid thereto The same is also fitly mixed with eating medicines as Dioscorides writeth The fruit is good against scabs and the leprie if it be applied and annointed on as the same Author affirmeth Galen writeth that it is profitable for Tanners to thicken their leather hides with Furthermore an electuary made of the roots and hony or sugar is singular good for them that are short winded troubled with an old cough paine in the sides and for such as are hurt and bursten inwardly for it dissolueth and scatereth abroad congealed and clottered bloud The root stamped with salt is good to be laid vpon filthy vlcers and scabbed legs The fruite is likewise good to the same intent if it be applied in manner aforesaid The root of Bryony and of wake-Robin stamped with some sulphur or brimstone and made vp into a masse or lump and wrapped in a linnen clout taketh away the morphew freckles and spots of the face if it be rubbed with the same being dipped first in vineger CHAP. 321. Of blacke Brionie or the wilde Vine ¶ The Description 1 Bryonia nigra Blacke Bryonie 2 The wilde Blacke Bryonie resembleth the former as well in slender Vinie stalkes as leaues but clasping tendrels hath it none neuerthelesse by reason of the infinite branches and the tendernesse of the same it taketh hold of those things that stand next vnto it although easie to bee loosed contrarie vnto the other of his kinde The berries heereof are blacke of colour when they be ripe The root also is blacke without and within of a pale yellow colour like box ‡ This which is here described is the Bryonia nigra of Dodonaeus But Bauhine calleth it Bryonia Alba and saith it differeth from the common white Bryonie onely in that the root is of a yellowish boxe colour on the
it be thin and white it is apt to prouoke vrine it lesse troubleth the head it is not quickly digested for which cause it is the more to be shunned as Galen saith in his 12. booke of his method That wine which is altogether harsh or rough in tast the lesse ripe it is the neerer it commerh to the qualities of Veriuice made of sower grapes being euidently binding It strengheneth a weake stomacke it is good against the vnkindely lusting or longing of women with child it staieth the laske but it sticketh in the bowels breedeth stoppings in the liuer and milt it slowly descendeth by vrine and something troubleth the head Old wine which is also made sharpe by reason of age is not onely troublesome to the braine but also hurteth the sinewes it is an enemy to the entrailes and maketh the body leane New wine and wine of the first yeere doth easily make the body to swell and ingendreth winde it causeth troublesome dreames especially that which is not throughly refined or thicke or very sweet for such do sooner sticke in the intrailes than others do Other wines that are in a meane in colour substance taste or age as they do decline in vertues and goodnesse from the extreames so also they be free from their faults and discommodities They come neere in faculties to those wines whereunto they be next either in colour taste or substance or else in smell or in age Wine is fittest for those that be of nature cold and dry and also for old men as Galen 〈◊〉 in his fifth booke of the gouernment of health for it heateth all the members of their bodies and purgeth away the watery part of the bloud if their be any The best wines are those that be of a fat substance for those both increase bloud and nourish the body both which commodities they bring to old men especially at such time as they haue no serous humour in their veines and haue need of much nourishment It happeneth that oftentimes there doth abound in their bodies a waterish excrement and then stand they in most need of all of such wines as do prouoke vrine As wine is best for old men so it is worst for children by reason that being drunke it both moisteneth and dryeth ouermuch and also filleth the head with vapours in those who are of a moist and hot complection or whose bodies are in a meane betweene the extreames whom Galen in his booke of the gouernment of health doth persuade that they should not so much as taste of wine for a very long time for neither is it good for them to haue their heads filled nor to be made moist and hot more than is sufficient because they are already of such a heate and moisture as if you should but little increase either qualitie they would forthwith fall into the extreme And seeing that euery excesse is to be 〈◊〉 it is 〈◊〉 most of all to shun this by which not onely the body but also the minde receiueth hurt Wherefore we thinke that wine is not fit for men that be already of full age vnlesse it be moderately taken because is carieth them headlong into fury and lust and troubleth and dulleth the resonable part of the minde ¶ Of the delaying or tempering of Wine IT was an ancient custome and of long continuance in old time for wines to be mixed with water as it is plaine and euident not onely by Hippocrates but also by other old mens writings Wine first began to be mixed with water for health and wholesomenesse sake for as Hippocrates writeth in his booke of ancient Physicke being simply and of it selfe much drunke it maketh a man in some sort weake and feeble which thing Ouid seemeth also to allow of writing thus Vt Venus eneruat vires sic copia vini Et tent at gressus debilitatque pedes As Venery the vigour spends so store of wine Makes man to stagger makes his strength decline Moreouer wine is the sweeter hauing water poured into it as Athenaeus saith Homer likewise commendeth that wine which is well and fitly allaied Philocor us writeth as Athenaeus reporteth that Amphictyon king of Athens was the first that allaied wine as hauing learned the same of Dionysius wherefore he saith that those who in that manner drunke it remained in health that before had their bodies feebled and ouerweakened with pure and vnmixed wine The maner of mingling or tempering of wine was diuers for sometimes to one part of wine there were added two and sometimes three or foure of water or two parts of wine three of water of a lesse delay was that which consisted of equall parts of wine and water The old Comedians did thinke that this lesser mixture was sufficient to make men mad among whom was Mnesitheus whose words be extant in Athenaeus Hippocrates in the seuenth booke of his Aphorismes saith that this manner of tempering of wine and water by equall parts bringeth as it were a light pleasant drunkennesse and that it is a kinde of remedy against disquietnesse yawnings and shiuerings and this mingling belongeth to the strongest wines Such kinde of wines they might be which in times past the Scythians were reported of the old writers to drinke who for this cause do call vnmixed wine the Scythians drinke And they that drinke simple wine say that they will 〈◊〉 or do as the Scythians do as we may reade in the tenth booke of Athenaeus The Scythians as Hippocrates and diuers other of the old writers affirme be people of Germany beyond the floud Danubius which is also called Ister Rhene is a riuer of Scythia and Cyrus hauing passed ouer Ister is reported to haue come into the borders of the Scythians And in this our age all the people of Germany do drinke vnmixed wine which groweth in their owne countrey and likewise other people of the North parts who make no scruple at all to drinke of the strongest wines without any mixture ¶ Of the liquor which is destilled out of wine commonly called Aqua vitae THere is drawne out of Wine a liquor which in Latine is commonly called Aqua vitae or water of life and also Aqua ardens or burning water which as distilled waters are drawne out of herbes and other things is after the same manner distilled out of strong wine that is to say by certaine instruments made for this purpose which are commonly called Limbeckes This kinde of liquor is in colour and substance like vnto waters distilled out of herbes and also resembleth cleere simple water in colour but in facultie it farre differeth It beareth the syrname of life because that it serueth to preserue and prolong the life of man It is called Ardens burning for that it is easily turned into a burning flame for seeing it is not any other thing than the thinnest and strongest part of the wine it being put to the flame of fire is quickly burned This liquor is very hot and of most subtill and
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
in the night time like a candle and that plenty of it is in the night season found out and gathered by the shepheards Theophrastus and Pliny do shew that Peionie is gathered in the night which Aelianus also affirmeth concerning Aglaophotis This Aglaophotis of the earth or Cynospastus is called of Iosephus the writer of the Iewes warre in his seuenth booke 25. chapter Baaras of the place wherein it is found which thing is plaine to him that conferreth those things which Aelianus hath written of Aglaophotis of the earth or Cynospastus with those which Iosephus hath set downe of Baaras for Aelianus saith that Cynospastus is not plucked vp without danger and that it is reported how he that first touched it not knowing the nature thereof perished Therefore a string must be fastned to it in the night and a 〈◊〉 dog tied therto who being allured by the smell of rosted flesh set towards him may plucke it vp by the rootes Iosephus also writeth that Baara doth shine in the euening like the day star and that they who come neere and would plucke it vp can hardly do it except that either a womans vrine or her menses be poured vpon it and that so it may be pluckt vp at the length Moreouer it is set downe by the said Author as also by Pliny and Theophrastus that of necessitie it must 〈◊〉 gathered in the night for if any man shall pluck off the fruit in the day time being seene of the VVood-pecker he is in danger to loose his eies and if he cut the root it is a chance if his fundament fall not out The like fabulous tale hath been set 〈◊〉 of Mandrake the which I haue 〈◊〉 touched in the same chapter But all these things be most vaine and friuolous for the root of Peionie as also the Mandrake may be remoued at any time of the yeare day or houre whatsoeuer But it is no maruell that such kindes of 〈◊〉 and most 〈◊〉 and wicked ceremonies are found in the books of the most antient writers for there were many things in their time verie vainly feined and cogged in for 〈◊〉 sake as by the Egyptians and other counterfeit mates as Pliny doth truly testisie an 〈◊〉 of whom in times past was 〈◊〉 Andreas a Physition who as Galen saith conueied into the art of Physick lies and subtill 〈◊〉 For which cause Galen commanded his Schollers to refraine 〈◊〉 the reading of him and of all such like lying and deceitfull 〈◊〉 It is reported that these herbes tooke the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of that excellent Physition of the same name who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and taught the knowledge of this herbe vnto posteritie ¶ The Temperature The root of Peionie as Galen saith doth gently binde with a kinde of sweetnesse and hath also ioined with it a certaine bitterish sharpnesse it is in temperature not very hot little more than meanly hot but it is drie and of subtill parts ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that the root of the Male Peionie being dried is giuen to women that be not well clensed after their deliuerie being drunke in Mead or honied water to the quantitie of a bean for it scowreth those plants appeaseth the griping throwes and torments of the belly and bringeth downe the desired sicknesse Galen addeth that it is good for those that haue the yellow iaundise and pain in the kidnies and bladder it clenseth the liuer and kidnies that are stopped It is found by sure and 〈◊〉 experience made by Galen that the fresh root tied about the necks of children is an effectuall remedie against the falling sicknesse but vnto those that are growne vp in more yeares the root thereof must also be ministred inwardly It is also giuen saith Pliny against the disease of the minde The root of the male Peionie is preferred in this cure Ten or twelue of the red berries or seeds drunke in wine that is something harsh or sower and red do stay the inordinate flux and are good for the stone in the beginning The blacke graines that is the seed to the number of fifteene taken in wine or mead helpes the strangling and paines of the matrix or mother and is a speciall remedie for those that are troubled in the night with the disease called Ephialtes or night Mare which is as though a heauy burthen were laid vpon them and they oppressed therewith as if they were ouercome by their enemies or ouerprest with some great weight or burthen and they are also good against melancholicke dreames Syrrup made of the floures of Peionie helpeth greatly the falling sicknesse likewise the extraction of the roots doth the same CHAP. 381. Of toothed Violets or Corall woorts 1 Dentaria Bulbifera Toothed Violet 2 Dentaria Coralloideradice sive Dent. Enneaphyllos The Corall toothed Violet 3 Dentaria Heptaphyllos 〈◊〉 The seuen leafed toothed Violet 4 Dentaria Pentaphyllos 〈◊〉 Fiue leafed toothed Violet ‡ 5 Dentaria Pentaphyllos altera The other fiue leaued Corall-wort ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Dentaria called in Latine Dentaria baccifera of Dodonaeus Dentaria prior in English Dogs tooth violet hath a tuberous and knobbie root toothed or as it were kneed like vnto the crags of Corall of an vnpleasant sauor and somewhat sharp in taste from which spring forth certaine small and slender stalkes a foot high which haue leaues verie much cut or iagged like vnto those of Hempe of the forme and fashion of Ashen leaues at the top of the stalkes doe grow small white floures in shape like 〈◊〉 that is Queenes Gillofloures or rather like stocke-Gillofloures of a white yellow colour laid ouer with a light sprinkling of purple among which come forth small knobs growing vpon the stalks among the leaues such as are to be seen vpon the Chimists Martagon which being ripe do fall vpon the ground whereof many other plants are ingendred 2 The second kinde of Dogs-tooth violet bringeth forth small round stalks firm and stiffe a foot high beset with leaues much broader rounder and greener than the former bearing at the top many little floures consisting of foure small leaues of a pale herbie colour which beeing past there succeed long and slender coddes somewhat like the cods of Queenes Gillofloures wherein is contained small blackish seed the root is like the former but not in euery respect much resembling Corall yet white and tuberous notwithstanding 3 The third kinde of Dogs-tooth Violet is called of Clusius Dentaria heptaphyllos that is consisting of seuen leaues fastened vpon one rib sinew or small stem of Lobel with this title Alabastrites altera or Dentaria altera but Cordus calleth it Coralloides altera in English Corall violet it hath stalkes floures and roots like vnto the first of his kinde sauing that the floures are much fairer and white of colour and the roots haue a greater resemblance of Corall than the other 4 The fourth kinde of Dogs-tooth violet called in English Codded violet which Clusius setteth forth
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
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Marathrum and Foeniculum in high Dutch Fenckell in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Finocchio in Spanish Hinoio in French Fenoil in English Fennell and Fenckell ¶ The Nature The seed of Fennel is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The pouder of the seed of Fennell drunke for certaine dayes together fasting preserueth the eye-sight whereof was written this Distichon following Foeniculus Rosa Verbena Chelidonia Ruta Ex his fit aqua quae lumina reddit acuta Of Fennell Roses Veruain Rue and Celandine Is made a water good to cleere the sight of 〈◊〉 The greene leaues of Fenneil eaten or the seed drunken made into a Ptisan do fill womens brests with milke The 〈◊〉 of Fennell drunke easeth the paines of the kidnies causeth one to auoid the stone and prouoketh vrine The roots are as effectuall and not onely good for the intents aforesaid but against the dropsie also being boyled in wine and drunken Fennell seed drunke asswageth the paine of the stomacke and wambling of the same or desire to vomit and breaketh winde The herbe seed and root of Fennell are very good for the Iungs the liuer and the kidneyes for it openeth the obstructions or stoppings of the same and comforteth the inward parts The seed and herbe of sweet Fennell is equall in vertues with Annise seed CHAP. 412. Of Dill. ¶ The Description DIll hath a little stalke of a cubit high round and ioynted whereupon doe grow leaues verie finely cut like to those of Fennell but much smaller the floures be little and yellow standing in a spokie 〈◊〉 or rundle the seed is round flat and thin the whole plant is of a strong smell the root is threddy ¶ The Place It is sowne in gardens and is also sometimes found wilde 〈◊〉 Dill. ¶ The Time It bringeth forth floures and seed in August ¶ The Names Dil is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine likewise Anethum and Anetum in high-Dutch Dyllen in low-Dutch Dille in Italian Anetho in Spanish Eneldo in French Anet in English Dill and Anet ¶ The Temperature Dill as Galen saith is hot in the end of the second degree and dry in the beginning of the same or in the end of the first degree ¶ The Vertues The decoction of the tops of dried Dil and likewise of the seed being drunke 〈◊〉 milke in the brests of nurses allayeth gripings and windinesse prouoketh vrine increaseth seed stayeth the yeox hicket or hicquet as Dioscorides teacheth The seed likewise if it be smelled vnto stayeth the hicket especially if it be boyled in wine but chiefely if it be boyled in Wormewood Wine or Wine and a few branches of Worme-wood and Rose leaues and the stomacke bathed therewith Galen saith that being burnt and layd vpon moist vlcers it cureth them especially those in the secret parts and likewise those sub Praeputio though they be old and of long continuance Common oyle in which Dill is boyled or sunned as we do oyle of Roses doth digest mitigate paine procureth sleepe bringeth raw and vnconcocted humors to perfect digestion and prouoketh bodily lust Dill is of great force or efficacie against the suffocation or strangling of the mother if the woman do receiue the fume thereof being boyled in wine and put vnder a close stoole or hollow seat fit for the purpose CHAP. 413. Of Caruwaies ¶ The Description CAruwaies haue an hollow stalke foure square of two cubits high full of knots or ioynts from which proceed sundry other small branches set full of leaues very finely cut or iagged like vnto those of Carrots or Dill at the top of the stalkes grow spokie white tufts like those of Dill after which commeth the seed sharpe in eating yet of a pleasant taste the root is like that of Parsley often white seldome yellow and in taste like vnto the Carrot ¶ The Place It groweth almost euery where in Germanie and in Bohemia in fat and fruitfull fields and in medowes that are now and then ouer-run with water it groweth also in Caria as Dioscorides sheweth from whence it tooke his name ¶ The Time It floureth and seedeth from May to the end of August Carum siue Careum Caruwaies ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Carum and Careum in shops Carui Simeon Zethy calleth it Carnabadion in high-Dutch Kym and Kymmel in low-Dutch Caruy saet in French du Caruy in Italian Caro in Spanish Carauea and an article being ioyned vnto it Alkarauea in English Caruwaie and the seed is called Caruwaie seed ¶ The Temperature The seed of Caruwaies as Galen saith is hot and dry in the third degree and hath a moderate biting qualitie ¶ The Vertues It consumeth winde it is delightfull to the stomacke and taste it helpeth concoction prouoketh vrine and is mixed with counterpoysons the root may be sodden and eaten as the Parsenep or Carrot is The seeds confected or made with sugar into Comfits are very good for the stomacke they helpe digestion prouoke vrine asswage and dissolue all windinesse to conclude in a word they are answerable to Anise seed in 0-peration and vertues CHAP. 414. Of Annise ¶ The Description 1 THe stalke of Annise is round and hollow diuided into diuers small branches set with leaues next the ground somewhat broad and round those that grow higher are more iagged like those of yong Parsley but whiter on the top of the stalkes do stand spokie rundles or tufts of white floures and afterward seed which hath a pleasant taste as euerie one doth know ‡ 2 This other Annise whose vmbels Clusius had out of England from Master Morgan the Queenes Apothecarie and Iames Garret and which were brought from the Philippines by Mr. Tho. Candish in his voyage when he incompassed the world is thus described by Clusius The vmbels were large no lesse than those of the Archangelica made of diuers thicke stiffe foot-stalks each whereof carried not double seed as the common Annise but more in a round head some inch ouer made of cods set star-fashion six 8 or more of a dusky colour wrinkled diuided into two equall parts and open aboue most of these huskes were empty yet some of them contained one smooth shining ash-coloured seed of the bignesse of that of Orobus the taste and smell was the same with our common Anise seed wherefore they which sent it to Clusius called it Anise yet in the place where it grew it was called Damor for Mr. Candish had the name so written in the China characters after their manner of writing ‡ ¶ The Place It groweth plentifully in Candy Syria Egypt and other countries of the East I haue often sowne it in my garden where it hath brought forth his ripe seed when the yeare hath fallen out to be temperate 1 Anisum Anise ‡ 2 Anisum Indicum 〈◊〉 Starry headed Anise ¶ The Time It is to be sowne in these cold regions in the moneth
obscuritie and darknesse of the same CHAP. 421. Of Burnet 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Garden Burnet 2 Pimpinella syluestris Wilde Burnet ¶ The Kinds Bvrnet of which we will intreat doth differ from Pimpinella which is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Burnets is lesser for the most part 〈◊〉 in gardens notwithstanding it groweth in barren fieldes where it is much smaller the other greater is 〈◊〉 wilde ¶ The Description 1 GArden Bumet hath long leaues made vp together of a great many vpon one stem euery one whereof is something round nicked on the edges somwhat 〈◊〉 among these riseth a stalke that is not altogether without leaues something chamsered vpon the tops whereof grow little round heads or knaps which bring sorth small floures of a 〈◊〉 purple colour and after them cornered seeds which are thrust vp together The root is long the whole plant doth smell something like a Melon or Cucumber 2 Wilde Burnet is greater in all parts it hath wider and bigger leaues than those of the sormer the stalke is longer sometimes two cubits high the knaps are greater of a darke purple colour and the seed is likewise cornered and greater the root longer but this Burnet hath no pleasant smell at all ‡ 3 There is kept in some gardens another of this kinde with very large leaues stalkes and heads for the heads are some inch and halfe long yet but slender considering the 〈◊〉 and the floures as I remember are of a whitish colour in other respects it differs not from the precedent it may fitly be called Pimpinella sanguisorba hortensis maxima Great Garden 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Place The small Pimpinell is commonly planted in gardens notwithstanding it doth grow wilde vpon many barren heaths and pastures The great wilde Burnet groweth as Mr. Lyte saith in dry medowes about Viluord and my selfe haue found it growing vpon the side of a causey which crosseth the one halfe of a field whereof the one part is carable ground and the other part medow lying between Paddington and Lysson 〈◊〉 neere vnto London vpon the high way ¶ The Time They floure 〈◊〉 Iune vnto the end of August ¶ The Names The later herbarists doe call Burnet Pimpinella sanguisorba that it may differ from the other and yet it is called by seuerall names 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Gesner had rather it should be called 〈◊〉 of the smell of Melons or Pompious to which it is like as we haue said of others it is named Pimpinella or Bipennyla of most men Solbastrella in High Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Pimpennelle 〈◊〉 in English Burnet It agreeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say with Dioscorides his second Iron-woort the leafe and especially that of the lesser sort which we haue written to consist of many nicks in the edges of the leaues and this may be the very same which Pliny in his 24 book chapter 17. 〈◊〉 to be named in Persia Sissitiepteris because it made them merry he also calleth the same Protomedia and Casigneta and likewise 〈◊〉 for that it doth 〈◊〉 agree with wine to which also this Pimpinella as we haue said doth giue 〈◊〉 pleasant sent neither is that repugnant that Pliny in another place hath written De Sideritibus of the Iron-woorts for it osten falleth out that he intreateth of one and the selfe same plant in diuers places vnder diuers names which thing then 〈◊〉 sooner when the writers themselues do not well know the plant as that Pliny did not well know Sideritis or Iron-woort it is euen thereby manisest because he setteth not downe his owne opinion hereof but other mens ¶ The Temperature Burnet besides the drying and binding facultie that it hath doth likewise meanly coole and the lesser Burnet hath likewise with all a certaine superficiall sleight and temperate sent which when it is put into the wine it doth leaue behind it this is not in the dry herbe in the iuice nor in the decoction ¶ The Vertues Burnet is a singular good herb for wounds which thing Dioscorides doth attribute to his second Ironwoort and commended of a number it stancheth bleeding and therefore it was named Sanguisorba as well inwardly taken as outwardly applied Either the iuice is giuen or the decoction of the pouder of the drie leaues of the herbe beeing 〈◊〉 it is outwardly applied or else put among other externall medicines It staieth the laske and bloudy flix it is also most effectuall to stop the monthly course The lesser 〈◊〉 is pleasant to be eaten in sallads in which it is thought to make the heart 〈◊〉 and glad as also being put into wine to which it yeeldeth a certaine grace in the drinking The decoction of Pimpinell drunken cureth the bloudy flix the spitting of bloud and all other fluxes of bloud in man or woman The herbe and seed made into pouder and drunke with wine or water wherein iron hath beene quenched doth the like The leaues of Pimpinell are very good to heale wounds and are receiued in drinkes that are made for inward wounds The leaues of Burnet steeped in winc and drunken comfort the heart and make it merry and are good against the trembling and shaking thereof CHAP. 422. Of English Saxifrage ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Saxifrage our English women Physitions haue in great vse and is familiarly knowne vnto them vouchsafing that name vnto it of his vertues against the stone it hath the leaues of Fennel but thicker and broader very like vnto Seseli pratense Monspeliensium which addition Pena hath bestowed vpon this our English Saxifrage among which riseth vp a stalke of a cubit high or more bearing at the top spokie rundles beset with whitish yellow floures the root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thicke blacke without and white within and of a good sauour 1 Saxifraga Anglicana facie Seseli pratensis English Saxifrage ‡ 2 Saxifraga Pannonica Clusq Austrian Saxifrage ‡ 2 Clusius hath set forth another plant not much different from this our common Saxifrage and called it Saxifraga Pannonica which I haue thought fit here to insert the leaus saith he are much 〈◊〉 than those of Hogs-Fennell and somewhat like those of Fumitorie the stalkes are some soot high slender hauing some few small leaues and at the top carrying an vmbel of white floures the root is not much vnlike that of Hogs-Fennel but shorter and more acride it is 〈◊〉 at the top thereof whence the stalkes and leaues come forth it growes vpon some hils in Hungarie and Au stria and floures in Iuly ‡ ¶ The Place Saxifrage groweth in most fields and medowes euery where through out this our kingdome of England ¶ The Time It floureth from the beginning of May to the end of August ¶ The Names Saxifraga Anglicana is called in our mother tongue Stone-breake or English Saxifrage 〈◊〉 and Lobel call it by this name Saxifraga Anglicana for that it groweth more plentifully in England than in any other countrey ¶ The Nature Stone-breake is hot
Their names haue been touched in their titles in as ample manner as hath been set down by any Author ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their temperature and vertues are referred to the garden Cumin notwithstanding I cannot reade in any Author of their vse in Physicke CHAP. 434. Of Flixweed 1 Sophia Chirurgorum Flixweed ¶ The Description 1 FLixweed hath round and hard stalks a cubit a halfe high wheron do grow leaues most finely cut and diuided into in numerable fine iags like those of the sea Wormewood called Seriphium or Absinthium tenuisolium but much finer and smaller drawing neere vnto the smallest leaues of Corianders of an ouerworne greene colour the floures grow alongst the tops of the spriggie branches of a dark yellow colour after which come long cods full of small red seeds the root is long straight and of a wooddie substance 2 The second sort differeth not from the precedent sauing that the leaues of this plant are broader wherein especially consisteth the difference notwithstanding in mine opinion Tabernamontanus found this second fort growing in some fertill place whereby the leaues did grow broader and greater which moued him to make of this a second sort whereas in truth they are both but one and the selfe same plant ¶ The Place This Flixeweede groweth in most places of England almost euery where in the ruins of old buildings by high waies and in filthie obscure base places ¶ The Time It floureth and seedeth from Iune to the end of September ¶ The Names Flixweed is called Thalietrum and of some Thalictrum but vnproperly for Thalictrum belongeth to English Rubarbe the Paracelsians do vaunt and brag very much of an herbe called Sophia adding thereto the surname Paracelsi wherewith they imagine to do wonders whether this be the same plant it is disputable the controuersie not as yet decided neuerthelesse we must be content to accept of this for the true Sophia vntil some disciple or other of his do thew or set 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherewith their master Paracelsus did such great matters in English we call it 〈◊〉 of his facultie against the flix ¶ The Temperature Sophia drieth without any manifest sharpenesse or heate ¶ The Vertues The seed of Sophia or Flixweed drunke with wine or Smithes water stoppeth the bloudy flix the laske and all other issues of bloud The herbe bruised or put into vnguents closeth and healeth vlcers or old sores and wounds as Paracelsus saith and that because it drieth without 〈◊〉 or sharpnesse CHAP. 435. Of the great Celandine or Swallow-woort ¶ The Description 1 THe great Celandine hath a tender brittle stalke round hairie and full of branches each whereof hath diuers knees or knottie ioints set with leaues not vnlike to those of Columbine but tenderer and deeper cut or iagged of a grayish greene vnder and greene on the other side tending to blewnesse the floures do grow at the top of the stalkes of a gold yellow colour in shape like those of the Wall-floure after which come long cods full of bleake or pale seeds the whole plant is of a strong smell nothing pleasant and yeeldeth a thicke iuice of a milkie substance of the colour of Saffron the root is thicke and knobbie with some threds annexed thereto which being broken or bruised yeeldeth a sap or iuice of the colour of gold 1 Chelidoniummaius Great Celandine ‡ 2 Chelidonium majus folio magis dissecto Great Celandine with more cut leaues ‡ 2 This other doth not in forme and magnitude differ from the former but in the leaues which are finelier cut and iagged and somewhat in their shape resemble an Oken lease the floures also are a little iagged or cut about the edges and in these two particulars 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 difference Clusius calls it 〈◊〉 maius lacintato flore and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quernis ‡ ¶ The Place It groweth in vntilled places by common way sides among briers and brambles about old wals and in the shade rather than in the Sun ¶ The Time It is greene all the yeare it floureth from Aprill to a good part of Sommer the coddes are perfected in the meane time ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine 〈◊〉 maius and Hirundinaria maior amongst the Apothecaries 〈◊〉 diuers miscall it by the name Celidonium it is named in Italian 〈◊〉 in Spanish Celiduhenha 〈◊〉 de las golundrinhas in high Dutch Grosz 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 Gouwe in French Esclere or Esclayre and 〈◊〉 in English Celandine or great Celandine Swallow-woort and Tetterwoort It is called Celandine not because it then first springeth at the comming in of the Swallows or dieth when they goe away for as we haue said it may be found all the yeare but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hold opinion that with this herbe the dammes restore sight to their young ones when their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out the which things are vaine and false for Cornelius 〈◊〉 in his sixth booke doth witnesse that when the sight of the eies of diuers young birds be put forth by some outward meanes it will 〈◊〉 a time be restored of it selfe and soonest of all the sight of the Swallow wherupon as the same Author saith that the tale or fable grew how thorow an herbe the dams restore that thing which 〈◊〉 of it selfe the very same doth Aristotle alledge in the sixt booke of the 〈◊〉 of Liuing creatures The eies of Swallowes saith he that are not fledge if a man do pricke them out do grow againe and afterwards do perfectly recouer their sight ¶ The Temperature The great Celandine is manifestly hot and drie and that in the third 〈◊〉 and withall 〈◊〉 and clenseth effectually ¶ The Vertues The iuice of the herbe is good to sharpen the sight for it clenseth and consumeth away slimie things that cleaue about the ball of the eie and hinder the sight and especially being boiled with honie in a brasen vessell as Dioscorides teacheth The root cureth the yellow iaundise which commeth of the stopping of the gall especially when there is no ague adioined with it for it openeth and deliuereth the gall and liuer from stoppings The root being chewed is reported to be good against the tooth-ache The iuice must be drawn forth in the beginning of Sommer and dried in the Sunne saith 〈◊〉 The root of Celandine boiled with Annise-seed in white wine openeth the stoppings of the liuer and cureth the iaundies very safely as hath been often proued The root cut in small pieces is good to be giuen vnto Haukes against sundry diseases whereunto they are subiect as wormes craie and such like ‡ I haue by experience found saith Clusius that the iuice of the great Celandine dropped into small greene wounds of what sort soeuer wonderfully cures them ‡ CHAP. 436. Of Coxcombe or Yellow Rattle ¶ The Description CRista Galli or Crista Gallinacea hath a straight vpright stalke set about with narrow 〈◊〉 snipt round about the edges the floures grow at the top
floures others in the doublenesse thereof and in smell of the seed ¶ The Description 1 THe first kind of Nigella hath weake and brittle stalks of the height of a foot full of branches beset with leaues very much cut or iagged resembling the leaues of Fumiterie but much greener the floures grow at the top of the branches of a whitish blew colour each floure 1 Melanthium Garden Nigella 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Wilde Nigella 3 Melanthium Damascenum Damaske Nigella ‡ 4 Melanthium Damascenum slo pleno Double floured Damaske Nigella 2 The wilde Nigella hath a streaked stalke a foot or more high beset full of grayish leaues very finely 〈◊〉 almost like the leaues of Dil the floures are like the former saue that they are blewer the cods or knops are like the heads or huskes of Columbines wherein is conteined the sweet and pleasant seed like the former 5 Nigella flore albo multiplici Damaske Nigella ‡ 6 Nigella Hispanica flore amplo Great Spanish Nigella 3 The third kinde of Nigella which is both faire and pleasant called Damaske Nigella is very like vnto the wilde Nigella in his small cut and jagged leaues but his stalke is longer the floures are like the former but greater and euery floure hath fiue small greene leaues vnder him as it were to support and beare him vp which floures being gone there succeed and follow knops and seed like the former but without smell or sauour ‡ 4 This in the smalnesse and shape of the leaues and the manner of growing is like to the last described hauing small leaúes growing vnder the floure which is not single as in the last described but double consisting of fiue or more rankes of little blewish leaues which are succeeded by such cornered heads as those of the former hauing in them a blacke seed without any manifest smell ‡ 5 The fifth kinde of Nigella hath many small and slender stalkes set full of slender and thin leaues deepely cut or jagged of a faint yellowish greene colour the floures grow at the top of the stalkes of a whitish colour and exceeding double which being vaded there succeed bowles or knobs full of sweet blacke seed like the former ths root is small and tender ‡ 6 The root of this is slender and yellowish the stalke some cubit high round green 〈◊〉 and toward the top diuided into sundry branches the leaues toward the bottome are somewhat small cut but somewhat larger vpon the stalkes The floure is much larger than any of the former composed of fiue leaues of a light blew aboue and somewhat whitish vnderneath with large veines running about them in the middle stands vp the head encompassed with blackish threds and some 7. or 8. little gaping blewish floures at the 〈◊〉 of them the leaues of the floures decaying the head becomes bigger hauing at the tops thereof 6. 7. or 8. longish twined hornes growing in a star fashion the inside is parted into cels conteyning a yellowish green or else blackish seed It is set forth in the Hortus Eystettensis by the name of Melanthium Hispanicum maius by Mr. Parkinson it is called Nigella Hispanica flore simplici and Bauhine in his Prodromus hath it by the name of Nigella latifolia flore maiore simplici caeruleo It is an annuall plant and floures in Iuly it is sometimes to be found in the gardens of our Florists ‡ ¶ The Place The tame are sowne in gardens the wilde ones do grow of themselues among 〈◊〉 and other graine in diuers countries beyond the seas ¶ The Time The seed must be sowne in Aprill it floureth in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Gith is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Melanthium in shops Nigella and Nigella Romana of diuers Gith and Salusandria and some among the former bastard names 〈◊〉 nigrum in high Dutch Swartzkymmich in low Dutch Narvus seat in Italian Nigella in Spanish Axenuz Alipiure in French Nielle odorante in English Gith and Nigella Romana in Cambridgeshire Bishops woort and also Diuae Catharinae flos Saint Katharines floure ¶ The Temperature The seed of the garden Nigella is hot and dry in the third degree and of thin parts ¶ The Vertues The seed of Nigella Romana drunke with wine is a remedy against the shortnes of breath dissolueth and putteth forth windinesse prouoketh vrine the menses increaseth milke in the brests of nurses if it be drunke moderately otherwise it is not onely hurtfull to them but to any that take thereof too often or in too great a quantity The seed killeth and driueth forth wormes whether it be taken with wine or water or laid to the nauell in manner of a plaister The oile that is drawne forth thereof hath the same property The seed parched or dried at the fire brought into pouder and wrapped in a piece of fine lawne or sarcenet cureth all murs catarrhes rheumes and the pose drieth the braine and restoreth the sence of smelling vnto those which haue lost it being often smelled vnto from day to day and made warme at the fire when it is vsed It takes away freckles scurfs and hard swellings being laid on mixed with vineger To be briefe as Galen saith it is a most excellent remedy where there is need of clensing drying and heating It serueth well among other sweets to put into sweet waters bagges and odoriferous powders CHAP. 444. Of Cockle ¶ The Description COckle is a common and hurtfull weed in our Corne and very well knowne by the name of Cockle which Pena calleth Pseudomelanthium and Nigellastrum by which names Dodonaeus and Fuchsius do also terme it Mutonus calleth it Lolium and Tragus calleth it Lychnoiaes segetum This plant hath straight slender and hairy stems garnished with long hairy and grayish leaues which grow together by couples inclosing the stalke round about the floures are of a purple colour declining to rednesse consisting of fiue small leaues in proportion very like to wilde Campions when the floures be vaded there follow round knobs or heads full of blackish seed like vnto the seed of Nigella but without any smell or sauour at all ¶ The Place and Time The place of his growing and time of his flouring are better knowne then desired ¶ The Names Cockle is called Pseudomelanthium and Nigellastrum wilde or bastard Nigella of 〈◊〉 Lolium of Mouton Lychnoides segetum of Tragus Githago in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Nielle des Bledz in English Cockle field Nigella or wilde Nigella in Italian Githone whereupon most Herbarists being mooued with the likenesse of the word haue thought it to be the true Gith or 〈◊〉 but how farre they are deceiued it is better knowne than needfull to be confuted for it doth not onely differ in leaues from the true Gith but also in other properties and yet it is called Gith or Melanthium and that is of the blackenes of the seed yet not properly but with a certain
it 〈◊〉 vp lower neere to shorter and lesser trees or shrubs yet doth it not fasten it selfe to the trees with any 〈◊〉 or clasping aglets much lesse doth it winde it selfe about 〈◊〉 yet doth it delight to stand neere and close vnto them ¶ The Place The titles and descriptions shew the place of their growing the last Bellonius reporteth to grow in diuers vallies of the mountaine Olympus and not far from Ragusa a citie in Sclauonia ¶ The Time They floure from Aprill to the end of Sommer ¶ The Names Horse-taile is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hippuris in Latine 〈◊〉 and Equinalis of Plinie in his 15. booke 28 chap. Equisetis of the likenesse of a horse haire of some Salix equina in shoppes Cauda equina in high Dutch Schaffthew in low Dutch Peertsteert in Italian Coda di Cauallo in Spanish Coda de mula in French 〈◊〉 de cheual and Caquene in English Horse-taile and Shaue-grasse Shaue-grasse is not without cause named Asprella of his ruggednesse which is not vnknowne to women who scoure their pewter and woodden things of the kitchin therewith which the German women call 〈◊〉 and therefore some of our huswiues do call it Pewterwoort Of some the tenth is called Ephedra Anobasis and Caucon ¶ The Temperature Horse-taile as Galen saith hath a binding facultie with some bitternesse and therefore it doth mightily dry and that without biting ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that Horse-taile being stamped and laied to doth perfectly cure wounds yea though the sinewes be cut in sunder as Galen addeth It is of so great and so singular a vertue in healing of wounds as that it is thought and reported for truth to cure the wounds of the bladder and other bowels and helpeth ruptures or burstings The herbe drunke either with water or wine is an excellent remedy against bleeding at the nose and other fluxes of bloud It staieth the ouermuch flowing of womens floures the bloudy flix and the other fluxes of the belly The iuice of the herbe taken in the same manner can do the like and more effectually Horse-taile with his roots boiled in wine is very profitable for the vlcers of the kidnies bladder the cough and difficultie of breathing CHAP. 459. Of Sea-Cluster or Sea Raison 1 Vuamarina minor Small Sea Grape ¶ The Description 1 SMall Sea Grape is not vnlike to horstaile it bringeth forth slender stalks almost like rushes set with many little ioints such as those are of the Horse-taile and diuided into many wings and branches the tops whereof are sharpe pointed somewhat hard and pricking it is without leaues the floursgrow in clusters out of the ioints with little stems they are small and of a whitish green colour the fruit consisteth of many little pearles like to the vnripe berries of Raspis or Hind-berry when it is ripe it is red with a saffron colour in taste sweet and pleasant the seede or kernell is hard three square sharpe on euery side in taste binding the root is iointed long and creeps aslope the plant it selfe also doth rather lie on the ground than stand vp it groweth all full of small stalkes and branches casting themselues all abroad 2 Carolus Clusius hath set forth another sort of sea Grape far different from the precedent it riseth vp to the height of a man hauing manie branches of a wooddie substance in form like to Spanish Broome without any leaues at all wherupon doe grow clusters of floures vpon slender foot-stalks of a yellowish mossie or herby colour like those of the Cornell tree after which come the fruit like vnto the mulberrie of a reddish colour and sower taste wherein lieth hid one or two seeds like those of Millet blacke without and white within the root is hard tough and wooddie 2 Vuamarina maior Great shrubbie sea Grape 3 Tragos Matthioli Bastard Sea Grape 3 Tragon Matthioli or rather Tragos improbus 〈◊〉 which he vnaduisedly called Tragon is without controuersie nothing else but a kinde of Kali this plant riseth vp out of the ground with stalks seldome a cubite high diuided into sundry other grosse thicke and writhen branches set or armed with many pricking leaues of the colour and shape of 〈◊〉 and somewhat thicke and fleshie among which come forth such prickley burres as are to be seen in Tribulus 〈◊〉 as that it is hard for a man to touch any part thereof without pricking of the hands the floures are of an herbie colour bringing forth flat seed like vnto Kali the 〈◊〉 is slender and 〈◊〉 vnder the turfe of the earth the whole plant is full of clammie iuice not any thing astringent but somewhat saltish and of no singular vertue that is yet knowne wherefore I may conclude that this cannot be Tragos Dioscoridis and the rather for that this Tragon of Matthiolus is an herbe and not a shrub as I haue before spoken in Vuamarina neither beareth it any berries or graines like wheat neither is it pleasant in taste and smell or any thing astringent all which are to be found in the right Tragos before expressed which as Dioscorides saith is without leaues neither is it thorney as Tragus improbus Matthioli is this plant I haue found growing in the Isle of Shepey in the tract leading to the housc of Sir Edward 〈◊〉 called Sherland ¶ The Place It loueth to grow vpon dry banks and sandy places neere to the sea it is found in Languedocke not far from Montpelier and in other places by the sea side and is a stranger in England ¶ The Time When it groweth of it selfe the fruit is ripe in Autumne the plant it selfe remaineth long green for all the cold in Winter ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Vuamarina in French Raisin de Mer of the pearled fruit and the likenesse that it hath with the Raspis berrie which is as it were a Raison or Grape consisting of many little ones it is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but it is not called Tragus or Traganos of a Goat for so signifieth the Greeke word or of his ranke and rammish smell but because it bringeth forth fruit fit to be eaten of the Verbe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth to eat it may be called Scorpion because the sprigs thereof are sharpe pointed like to the Scorpions taile ¶ The Temperature The berries or Raisons and especially the seed that is in them haue a binding quality as we haue said and they are drie in the later end of the second degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that the Raisons of sea Grape do stay the flix and also the whites in women when they much abound CHAP. 460. Of Madder ¶ The Kindes THere is but one kinde of Madder onely which is manured or set for vse but if all those that 〈◊〉 like vnto it in leaues and manner of growing were referred thereto there should be many 〈◊〉 as Goose-grasse soft 〈◊〉 our Ladies Bedstraw Woodroofe and Crosse-woort
side branches change into nerues bearing only the leaues When the leaues are at their full growth you may see in the middest of them at their roots the said scaly folding cluster and as the old leaues with their blacke threddy roots wholly perish they spring vp most yeares you may finde many of the old leaues greene all the Winter especially in warme places This groweth plentifully in the boggy shadowie moores neere Durford Abbey in Sussex and also on the moist shadowie rockes by Mapledurham in Hampshire neere Peters-field and I haue found it often on the dead putrified bodies and stems of old rotten okes in the said moores neere the old plants I haue obserued verie many small yong plants growing which came by the falling of the seed from those dusty scales for I beleeue all herbes haue seeds in themselues to produce their kindes Gen. 1. 11. 12. The three other haue but a twofold diuision the many stalks and the nerues bearing the leaues The roots of them all are blacke fibrous threds like the first their maine stalks grow many thicke and close together at the root as the first doth the difference is in the fashion of their leaues and manner of growing and for distinctions sake I haue thus called them 2 Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis latis densis minutim dentatis The leaues are of a yellowish greene colour on both sides set very thicke and close together on the nerue that you cannot see betweene them with maruellous small nickes by their sides and on their round tops each leafe hath also two rowes of dusty seed scales the figures set forth by Lobel Tabern and Gerard vnder the title of Filix mas do well resemble this Ferne. This growes plentifully in most places in shadowie woods and copses 3 Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis angustis raris profunde dentatis The leaues are of a deepe greene not closely set together on the the nerue but you may far off see betwixt them deeply indented by the sides ending with a point not altogether sharpe each leafe hath also two rowes of dusty seed scales I haue not seene any figure well resembling this plant This groweth also in many places in the shade 4 Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis latis auriculatis spinosis The leaues are of a deeper greene than either of the two last described placed-on the nerue not very close together but that you may plainly see between them each leafe especially those next the stalke hauing on that side farthest off the stalk a large eare or outgrowing ending with a sharp pricke like a haire as doth also the top of the leafe some of the sides of the leaues are also nicked ending with the like pricke or haire Each leafe hath two rowes of dusty seed scales This I take to be Filix mas aculeat a maior Bauhini Neither haue I seene any figure resembling this plant It groweth abundantly on the shadowie moist rockes by Maple-durham neere Peters-field in Hampshire Iohn Goodyer Iuly 4. 1633. ‡ 2 The female Ferne hath neither floures nor seed but one only stalke chamfered something edged hauing a pith within of diuers colours the which being cut aslope there appeareth a certain forme of a spred-Eagle about this stand very many leaues which are winged and like to the leaues of the male Ferne but lesser the root is long and blacke and creepeth in the ground being now and then an inch thicke or somewhat thinner This is also of a strong smell as is the male ¶ The Place Both the Fernes are delighted to grow in barren dry and desart places and as Horace testifieth Neglectis vrenda Filix innascitur agris It comes not vp in manured and dunged places for if it be dunged as Theophrastus lib. 8. cap. 8. reporteth it withereth away The male ioyeth in open and champion places on mountaines and stony grounds as Dioscorides saith ‡ It growes commonly in shadowie places vnder hedges ‡ The female is often found about the borders of fields vnder thornes and in shadowie woods ¶ The Time Both these Fernes wither away in winter in the spring there grow forth new leaues which continue greene all Sommer long ¶ The Names The former is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nicander in his discourse of Treacle nameth it 〈◊〉 in Latine Filix mas in Italian Felce in Spanish Helecho Falguero and Feyto in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 Farne in French Fougere or Feuchiere masle in low-Dutch Uaren Manneken in English male Ferne. The second kinde is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Filix foemina or female Ferne in Latine as Dioscorides noteth among the bastard names Lingna ceruina in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 weiblin and Grosz Farnkraut in low-Dutch Uaren 〈◊〉 in French Fougere femelle in English Brake common Ferne and female Ferne. ¶ The Temperature Both the Fernes are hot bitter and dry and something binding ¶ The Vertues The roots of the male Ferne being taken to the weight of halfe an ounce driueth forth long flat wormes out of the belly as Dioscorides writeth being drunke in Mede or honied water and more effectually if it be giuen with two scruples or two third parts of a dram of Scamonie or of blacke Hellebor they that will vse it saith he must first eate Garlicke After the same manner as Galen addeth it killeth the childe in the mothers wombe The root hereof is reported to be good for them that haue ill spleenes and being stamped with swines grease and applied it is a remedie against the pricking of the reed for proofe hereof Dioscorides saith the 〈◊〉 dieth if the Reed be planted about it and contrariwise that the Reed dieth if it be compassed with Ferne which is vaine to thinke that it hapneth by any antipathie or naturall hatred and not by reason this Ferne prospereth not in moist places nor the Reed in dry The female Ferne is of like operation with the former as Galen saith Dioscorides reports That this bringeth barrennesse especially to women and that it causeth women to be deliuered before their time he addeth that the pouder hereof finely beaten is laid vpon old vlcers and healeth the galled neckes of oxen and other cattell it is also reported that the root of Ferne cast into an hogshead of wine keepeth it from souring The root of the male Ferne sodden in Wine is good against the hardnesse and stopping of the milt and being boyled in water stayeth the laske in yong children if they be set ouer the decoction thereof to ease their bodies by a close stoole CHAP. 466. Of Water-Ferne or Osmund the water-man ¶ The Description WAter Ferne hath a great triangled stalke two cubits high beset vpon each side with large leaues spred abroad like wings and dented or cut like Polypodie these leaues are like the large leaues of the Ash tree for doubtlesse when I first saw them a far off it caused me to wonder thereat thinking that I had
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
afterwards the whole flocke vntill such time as the Shepheard take it forth of her mouth as Plutarch writeth CHAP. 485. Of bastard Sea Hollies ¶ The Description THis Eryngium which Dodonaeus in his last edition calleth Eryngium planum and Pena more fitly and truely Eryngium Alpinum caeruleum hath stalkes a cubite and a halfe high hauing spaces 〈◊〉 euery ioint the lower leaues are greater and broader and notched about the edges but those aboue are lesser compassing or enuironing each ioint star-fashion beset with prickles which are soft and tender not much hurtful to the hands of such as touch them the knobs or heads are also prickley and in colour blew The root is bunchie or knottie like that of Helenium that is Elecampane blacke without and white within and like the Eringes in sweetnesse and taste 2 The second bastard Sea Holly whose picture is set forth in Dodonaeus his last Edition veric gallantly being also a kind of Thistle hath leaues like vnto the former Erynges but broader next the rootes than those which grow next the stalkes somewhat long greenish soft and not prickley but lightly creuised or notched about the edges greater than Quince leaues The stalks grow more than a cubit high on the tops whereof there hang downwards fiue or six knobs or heads in colour and floures like the other hauing three or foure whitish roots of a foot long 1 Eryngium caeruleum Blew Sea Holly 2 Eryngium spurium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bastard Sea Holly 3 Eryngium 〈◊〉 Clusij Dwarfe Sea Holly 4 Eryngium Montanum Mountaine Sea Holly ‡ 5 Eryngium pusillum planum Small smooth Sea Holly 4 The fourth kinde of bastard Sea Holly which 〈◊〉 calleth Eryngium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and is the fourth according to 〈◊〉 his account is like to the Erynges not in 〈◊〉 but in taste this beareth a very small and slender stalke of a meane height whereupon doe grow three or foure leaues seldom fiue made of 〈◊〉 leaues set vpon a midd'e rib narrow long hard and of a darke greene 〈◊〉 dented on both edges of the leafe like a saw the 〈◊〉 is a cubit high iointed or kneed and diuiding it selfe into many branches on the tops whereof are round tufts or vmbels wherin are contained the floures and after they be vaded the seedes which are small somewhat long well smelling and sharpe in taste the 〈◊〉 is white and long not a finger thicke in taste sweet but afterwards somewhat 〈◊〉 and in sent and 〈◊〉 not vnpleasant when the root is dried 〈◊〉 may be crumbled in pieces and therefore quickly 〈◊〉 ‡ 5 This is a low plant presently from the root diuided into sundry branches slender round lying on the ground at each ioint grow leaues without any certain order broad toward their ends and narrower at their setting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about their edges those next the root were some inch broad and two or more long of a yellowish greene colour the stalkes are parted into sundry branches and at each ioint haue little leaues and rough and greene heads with 〈◊〉 floures in them the roots creepe and are somewhat like those of Asparagus This neither Clusius nor Lobel found wilde but it grew in the garden of Iohn 〈◊〉 of Tourney a learned Apothecarie verie skilfull in the knowledge of plants whereupon they both called it Eryngium pusillum planum Moutoni ‡ ¶ The Place These kindes of sea Holly are strangers in England we haue the first and second in our London gardens ¶ The Time They floure and flourish when the Thistles do ¶ The Names These plants be Eryngia spuria or bastard Sea Hollies and are lately obserued and therefore they haue no old names The first may bee called in Latine Eryngium Borussicum or Non spinosum Sea Hollie without prickles The second is called by Matthiolus Eryngium planum or flat Sea Holly others had rather name it Alpinum Eryngium or Sea Holly of the Alpes The third is rightly called Eryngium pumilum little Sea Huluer 〈◊〉 maketh the fourth to be Crithmum quartum or the fourth kinde of Sampier and others as Dodonaeus and Lobel haue made it a kinde of Sea Huluer ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Touching the faculties hereof we haue nothing to set downe seeeing they haue as yet no vse in medicine nor vsed to be eaten But yet that they be hot the very taste doth declare CHAP. 486. Of Star-Thistle ¶ The Description 1 THe Star-Thistle called Carduus stellatus hath many soft frizled leaues deepely cut or gasht altogether without prickles among which riseth vp a stalke diuiding it selfe into many other branches growing two foot high on the tops whereof are small knops or heads like the other Thistles armed round about with many sharpe prickles fashioned like a blasing star which at the beginning are of a purple colour but afterwards of a pale bleak or whitish colour the seed is small flat and round the root is long and browne without 1 Carduus stellatus The Star-Thistle 2 Carduus Solstitialis Saint Barnabies Thistle 2 Saint Barnabies Thistle is another kinde of Star-Thistle notwithstanding it hath prickles no where faue in the head onely and the prickles of it stand forth in manner of a star the stalks are two cubits high parted into diuers branches softer than are those of star-Thistle which stalks haue velmes or thin skins cleauing vnto them all in length by which they seeme to be foure-square the leaues are somewhat long set with deep gashes on the edges the floures are yellow and consist of threds the seed is little the root long and slender ¶ The Place The two first do grow vpon barren places neere vnto cities and townes almost euery where ¶ The Time They floure and flourish especially in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The first is called in Latine Stellaria as also Carduus Stellatus and likewise Carduus Calcitrapa but they are deceiued who take it to be Eryngium or Sea 〈◊〉 or any kinde thereof Matthiolus saith that it is called in Italian Calcatrippa in high Dutch Dallen distel in low Dutch Sterre distell in French 〈◊〉 in English Star-Thistle S. Barnabies Thistle is called in Latine 〈◊〉 spina because it floureth in the Sommer Solstice as Gesner saith or rather because after the Solstice the prickles thereof be sharpest of Guillandinus Eryngium but not properly and Stellaria 〈◊〉 Augerij who with good successe gaue it against the stone dropsies greene sicknesse and quotidian feuers It is called in English as aboue said Saint Barnabies Thistle ¶ The Temperature The Star-Thistle is of a hot nature ¶ The Vertues The seed is commended against the strangurie it is reported to driue forth the stone if it bee drunke with wine Baptista Sardus 〈◊〉 that the distilled water of this Thistle is a remedie for those that are infected with the French Pox and that the vse of this is good for the liuer that it taketh away the stoppings thereof That it clenseth the bloud from corrupt and putrified humours That it
guts The leaues boiled with a little barrowes grease and vsed as a pultis take away hot swellings and inflammations Oxen and other cattell do feed of the herbe and also calues and young lambs The floures are acceptable to Bees Pliny writeth and setteth it downe for certaine that the leaues hereof do tremble and stand right vp against the comming of a storme or tempest The medow Trefoile especially that with the blacke halfe Moon vpon the leafe stamped with a little honie takes away the pin and web in the eies ceaseth the paine and inflammation thereof if it be strained and dropped therein CHAP. 495. Of stinking Trefoile or Treacle Clauer Trifolium bituminosum Treacle Clauer ¶ The Description TReacle Clauer groweth vpright like a shrubbie plant with stalkes of a cubit and a halfe high whereupon do grow next the ground broad leaues 3 ioined together those vpon the stalkes are longer and narrower The stalks are couered ouer with a rough euill coloured hairinesse the leaues are of a dark black greene colour and of a loth some smell like the pitch called Bitumen Iudaicum whereof it took his name the floures grow at the toppe of the stalks of a darke purplish colour tending vnto blewnesse in shape like those of Scabious the seed is broad rough long and sharpe pointed the root is small and tender and cannot indure the coldnesse of our winter but perisheth at the first approch thereof ¶ The Place It groweth naturally saith Hippocrates Hippiatros not Cous in rough places as Ruellius translateth it in Germanie France and England it neuer commeth vp of it selfe but must be sown in gardens as my selfe haue proued diuers times and was constrained to sow it yearely or else it would not come vp neither of his owne sowing or otherwise ¶ The Time It floureth not in my garden vntil the end of August ¶ The Names Nicander calleth this Trefoile 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Trifolium acutum or sharpe pointed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pliny 〈◊〉 odoratum but not properly of others Trifolium Asphaltaeum sive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Stone Pitch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 calleth it Tarsilon and not Handacocha Auicen doth comprehend Dioscorides his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to say Lotus vrbana 〈◊〉 and Aegyptia which Dioscorides confoundeth one with another in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English it is called Clauer gentle Pitch Trefoile stinking Trefoile 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature This Trefoile called 〈◊〉 as Galen saith is hot and drie as 〈◊〉 is and that in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Being drunke it taketh away the pain of the sides which commeth by obstructions or stoppings prouoketh vrine and bringeth downe the desired sicknesse Hippocrates writeth that it doth not onely bring them downe but likewise the birth not onely inwardly taken but also outwardly applied If a woman saith he be not well clensed after her 〈◊〉 bearing giue her this Trefoile to drinke in white wine Dioscorides saith that the seeds and leaues being drunke in water are a remedie for the 〈◊〉 dissicultie of making water the falling sicknesse the dropsie when it first beginneth and for 〈◊〉 that are troubled with the mother the quantity to be taken at once is three drams of the seeds and foure of the leaues The leaues drunke in Oxymel or a syrrup of vineger made with honie is good for those that 〈◊〉 bitten with serpents Some affirme that the decoction of the whole plant root and leaues taketh away paine from those whom serpents haue bitten if they be washed therewith but if any other man hauing anvlcer be washed with that water 〈◊〉 he was bathed that was bitten of the serpent they say that he shall be troubled in the same manner that the stinged partie was Some also giue with wine three leaues or a small quantitie of the seeds in 〈◊〉 agues and in quartaine foure as a sure remedie against the fits The root also is put into antidotes or counterpoisons saith 〈◊〉 but other antient 〈◊〉 do not onely mix the root with them but also the seed as we may see in Galen by a great 〈◊〉 compositions in his 2. booke of Antidotes that is to say in the Treacles of Aelius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Laudoceus Claudius Apollonius Eudemus 〈◊〉 Dorothaeus and Heras The herbe stamped and applied vpon any enuenomed wound or made with poisoned weapon it draweth the poison from the depth most apparantly But if it be applied vpon a wound where there is no venomous matter to work vpon it doth no lesse infect that part than if it had been bitten with some serpent or venomous beast which wonderfull effect it doth not performe in respect of any vitious qualitie that it hath in it selfe but because it doth not finde that venomous matter to work vpon which it naturally draweth as the Load-stone doth iron wherupon it is constrained through his attractiue qualitie to draw and gather together humours from far vnto the place whereby the paine is greatly increased CHAP. 496. Of diuers other Trefoiles ¶ The Description 1 THree leaued grasse of America hath diuers crooked round stalks leaning this way and that way and diuided into diuers branches whereon do grow leaues like those of the medow Trefoile of a black greene colour and of the smel of Pitch Trefoile or Treacle Clauer the floures grow at the top of the branches made vp in a long spiked chassie care of a white colour after which commeth the 〈◊〉 somewhat flat almost like to those of Tares the roots are long strings of a wooddie substance 1 Trifolium Americum Trefoile of America 2 Trifolium Burgundiacum Burgundie Trefoile 3 Trifolium Salmanticum Portingale Trefoile 3 This three leaued grasse of Salmanca a citie as I take it of Portingale differeth not much from our field Trefoile it hath many branches weake and tender trailing vpon the ground of two cubites and a halfe high whereupon doe grow leaues 〈◊〉 together by three vpon a stemme from the bosome whereof thrust forth tender foot-stalkes whereon doe stand most fine floures of a bright red tending vnto purple after which come the seed wrapped in small skinnes of a red colour 4 Trifolium cordatum Heart Trefoile 5 Trifolium siliquosum minus Small codded Trefoile ‡ 6 〈◊〉 ex Codice Caesareo 〈◊〉 Trefoile 5 This kinde of three leaued grasse is a low herb creeping vpon the ground the leaues are like those of the common Trefoile but lesser and of a grayish greene colour the floures are faire and yellow fashioned like those of broome but lesser after come three or soure cods wherein is contained round seed the root is long and reddish ‡ This is the Trifolium 〈◊〉 or Melilotus Coronata of Lobel Lotus pentaphyllos of Gesner ‡ This codded Tresoile is like vnto the last described in euery respect sauing that this plant is altogether ‡ larger hauing stalks a cubite and a halfe high the leaues are also soure times as large two roundish leaues 〈◊〉 by the stalke and three 〈◊〉 ones growing vpon a short foot-stalke comming forth betweene the
two roundish leaues both the stalke and leaues haue a little soft downinesse or hairinesse on 〈◊〉 the floures grow clustering together on the tops of the stalks in shape bignesse and colour like 〈◊〉 of the last described but commonly more in number they are also succeeded by such 〈◊〉 as those of the former 6 The figure which 〈◊〉 hath set forth 〈◊〉 of an old Manuscript in the Emperors Library being there figured for Coronopus seemes to be of the last described or some plant very like thereto though the fiue leaues at each ioint be not 〈◊〉 in such order as they should be yet 〈◊〉 the parts are well exprest 〈◊〉 to the drawing of those times for you 〈◊〉 finde 〈◊〉 antient expressions come so neere as this doth ‡ 7 There is a kinde of Clauer growing about 〈◊〉 in France that hath many twiggie tough branches comming from a wooddy root whereon are set leaues three together 〈◊〉 the maner of the other Trefoiles so new hat long 〈◊〉 and of a hoarie or ouerworne 〈◊〉 colour The floures are yellow and grow at the tops of the branches like those of Broome 7 Lotus 〈◊〉 sive 〈◊〉 Scribonij Largi Hoarie Clauer ‡ 8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 siliqua cornuta Yellow horned 〈◊〉 ‡ This sends vp many branches from one root some 〈◊〉 or more long commonly lying along vpon the ground round flexable and diuided into sundrie branches the leaues stand together by threes and are like those of the true Medica or Burgundie Trefoile but much lesse the floures grow clustering together on the tops of the branches like in shape to those of the 〈◊〉 of a yellow colour and not without smell they are succeeded by such yet narrower crooked coddes as the Burgundy 〈◊〉 hath but the Painter hath not wel expressed them in these cods are contained seeds like those also of that Trefoile and such also is the root which liues long and much increases It growes in Hungarie Austria and Morauia it floures in Iune and 〈◊〉 Clusius calls it Medica flore flavo 〈◊〉 Lens maior repens and Tragus Meliloti maioris species 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith that about Nimes in Narbone it is found with floures either yellow white greene blew purple blacke or mixed of blew and greene and hee calleth it Trifolium syluestre 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Place The seuerall titles of most of these plants set 〈◊〉 their naturall place of growing the rest grow in most fertile fields of England ¶ The Time They floure and flourish most of the sommer moneths ¶ The Names There is not much to be said as touching their names more than hath beene set downe ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The temperature and faculties of these Trefoiles are 〈◊〉 vnto the common 〈◊〉 Trefoiles CHAP. 497. Of the great Trefoiles or winged Clauers ¶ The Description 1 THe great Hares foot being a kinde of 〈◊〉 hath a hard and wooddie root 〈◊〉 of blacke threddie strings from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 diuers tough and feeble 〈◊〉 whereupon do grow leaues set together by threes making the whole plant to resemble those of the Medow Trefoile the floures grow at the top of the stalks composed of a bunch of gray 〈◊〉 among the which soft matter commeth forth small floures of a most bright purple colour 〈◊〉 resembling the floures of the common medow Trefoile but far greater Lobel calls this Lagopus maximus folio facie Trifolij pratensis Dodonaeus Lagopus maior folio Trifolij ‡ 1 Lagopus maximus The great Hares foot Trefoile ‡ 2 Lagopus maior spica 〈◊〉 Great large headed Hares foot ‡ 2 This elegant plant which Tragus hath set forth for Cytisus Lobel by the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 altera folio prinnato and Clusius for his Trifolij maioris 3. altera species hath stalkes some 〈◊〉 and better high whereon grow leaues set together by threes long 〈◊〉 and lightly 〈◊〉 about the edges with elegant nerues or veines running from the middle rib to the sides of the leaues which are most conspicuous in hot Countries and chiefly then when the leafe begins to decay At the tops of the branches in long and large heads grow the floures of an elegant sanguine colour This floures in May and Iune and growes wilde vpon some mountaines of Hungary and Austria I haue seene them both this and the former growing in the gardens of some of our Florists 3 This other great kinde of Hares-foot sends forth one slender yet stiffe stalke whereon grow leaues whose foot-stalkes are large at the setting on encompassing the stalkes the leaues themselues grow by threes long narrow and 〈◊〉 pointed of a grayish colour like those of the common Hares-foot the spike at the top is soft and downy with little reddish floures amongst the whitish hairinesse This growes wilde in Spaine Clusius calls it Lagopus angustifolius Hispanicus maior There is another sort of this descrbed by Lobel and Pena in the Aduers whose leaues are longer and narrower than this the whole plant also is oft times lesser they call it Lagopus altera 〈◊〉 folia ‡ ‡ 3 Lagopus angustifoiius Hispanicus Narrow leafed Spanish Hare 〈◊〉 4 Lagopodium Pes leporis 〈◊〉 Hares-foot Trefoile 4 The small Hares-foot hath a round rough and hairy stalke diuiding it selfe into diuers other branches whereupon do grow small leaues three joined together like those of the small yellow Trefoile the floures grow at the very point of the stalkes consisting of a rough knap or bush of haires or downe like that of Alopecuros or Fox-taile of a whitish colour tending to a light blush with little white floures amongst the downinesse the root is small and hard ¶ The Place The first groweth in the fields of France and Spaine and is a stranger in England yet it groweth in my garden The small Hare-foot groweth among corne especially among Barly and likewise in barren pastures almost euery where ¶ The Time They 〈◊〉 and flourish in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names The great Hare-foot Trefoile is called of Tragus Cytisus of Cordus Trifolium magnum of Lobclius 〈◊〉 maximum and Lagopodium in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English the great Hares-soot The last being the smallest of these kindes of Trefoiles is called Lagopus and 〈◊〉 Leporis in Dutch Hasen pootkens in high Dutch Hasen fusz in French 〈◊〉 de lieure in English Harefoot ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The temperature and faculties are referred vnto the other Trefoiles whereof these are kindes notwithstanding Dioscorides saith that the small Hares-foot doth binde and dry It stoppeth saith he the laske if it be drunke with red wine But it must be giuen to such as are feuerish with water CHAP. 498. Of Water Trefoile or Bucks Beanes Trifolium paludosum Marsh Trefoile ¶ The Description 1 THe great Marsh Trefoile hath thicke fat stalkes weake and tender full of a spungious pith very smooth and of a cubit long whereon do grow leaues like to those of the garden Beane set vpon the stalkes three joined
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
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
planted setteth forth the difference ¶ The Place Pease are set and sown in gardens as also in the 〈◊〉 in all 〈◊〉 of England The tufted Pease are in reasonable plenty in the West part of 〈◊〉 about Sennocke or Seuenock in other places not so 〈◊〉 The wilde Pease do grow in pastures and 〈◊〉 fields in diuers places specially about the field belonging vnto Bishops Hatfield in 〈◊〉 ¶ The Time They be sowne in the Spring time like as be also other pulses which are ripe in Summer they prosper best in warme weather and easily take harme by cold especially when they floure ¶ The Names The great Pease is called in Latine 〈◊〉 Romanum or 〈◊〉 maius in English Roman Pease or the greater Pease also garden Pease of some Branch Pease French Pease and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and other old Writers do call it in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Pisum in low Dutch Roomsche 〈◊〉 in French 〈◊〉 Pois The little Pease is called of the Apothecaries euery where Pisum and 〈◊〉 it is called in English little Pease or the common Pease ¶ The Temperature and Vertnes The Pease as Hippocrates saith is lesse windie than Beans but it passeth sooner through the belly Galen writeth that Peason are in their whole substance like vnto Beanes and be eaten after the same manner that Beans are notwithstanding they differ from them in these two things both because they are not so windie as be the beanes and also for that they haue not a clensing faculty and therefore they do more slowly descend through the belly They haue no effectuall qualitie manifest and are in a meane between those things which are of 〈◊〉 and bad iuice that nourish much and little that be windie and without winde as Galen in his booke of the Faculties of Nourishments hath written of these and of beans CHAP. 511. Of the 〈◊〉 or Garden Ciche ¶ The Description GArden Ciche bringeth forth round stalks branched and somewhat hairy leaning on the one side the leaues are made of many little ones growing vpon one stem or rib and set one right against another of which euery one is small broad and nicked on the edges lesser than the leaues of wilde Germander the floures be smal of colour either white or of a reddish purple after which come vp little short cods puffed vp as it were with winde like little bladders in which doe lie two or at the most three seeds cornered small towards the end with one sharp corner not much vnlike to a Rams head of colour either white or of a reddish blacke purple in which is plainly seen the place where they begin first to sprout The root is slender white and long For as Theophrastus saith the Ciche taketh deepest root of all the Pu ses ¶ The Place It is sowen in Italy Spaine and France euery where in the fields It is sowen in our London 〈◊〉 but not common Cicer sativum Garden Ciche ¶ The Time It is sowne in Aprill being first steeped in water a day before the fruit is ripe in August ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cicer 〈◊〉 or Rams Ciches of the blackish purple colour Cicer nigrum vel 〈◊〉 blacke or red Ciche and the other is named Cand dum 〈◊〉 album 〈◊〉 orwhite Ciche in English Common Cich or Ciches red 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Sheepes Ciche Pease or Sheepes Ciche Peason ¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉 The Ciche as Galen writeth in his booke of the Faculties of nourishments is no lesse 〈◊〉 than the true Bean but it yeeldeth a stronger nourishment than that doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lust and it is thought to ingender seed Some giue the same to stalion borses Moreouer Ciches do scoure more than do the true Beanes insomuch as certaine of them do manifestly diminish or 〈◊〉 away the stones in the Kidneyes those be the blacke and little Ciches called Arutina or 〈◊〉 Ciches but it is better to drinke the broth of them sodden in water Both the Rams Ciches as Dioscorides saith the white and the blacke proucke 〈◊〉 if the decoction therof be made with Rosemary and giuen vnto those that haue either the Dropsie or yellow iaundice but they are hurtfull vnto the bladder and Kidneies that haue vlcers 〈◊〉 them CHAP. 512. Of wilde Ciches ¶ The Kindes THe wilde Ciche is like to the tame saith Dioscorid 〈◊〉 but it differeth in seed the later writers haue set downe two kindes hereof as shall be declared ¶ The Description 1 THe first wilde Cich bringeth forth a great number of stalks branched lying flat on the ground about which be the leaues consisting of many vpon one rib as do those of the garden Ciche but not nicked in the edges more like to the leaues of 〈◊〉 the fioures come forth fastned on small stems which grow close to the stalks of a pale yellow colour and like vnto eares in their places come vp little cods in forme and bignesse of the fruit of garden Ciches black and something hairie in which lieth the seed that is smal hard flat and glittering in taste like that of Kidney Beane the root groweth deepe fastened with many strings 2 There is another kinde of wilde Cich that hath also a great number of stalks lying vpon the ground about which stand soft leaues something hairy and white consisting of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 standing vpon a middle rib the least of which stand neerest to the stem and the greatest at the very too the floures come forth at the bottome of the leaues many together of colour 〈◊〉 after which grow small long huskes soft and hairy in cuery one whereof is a little cod in which lie two seeds like little Cichlings 1 Cicer syluestre The wilde Cich 2 Cicer syluestre 〈◊〉 Broad leafed wilde Cich ¶ The Place These plants are sowne in the parts beyond the seas for to feed their cattell with in winter as we do tares vetches and such other base pulse ¶ The Time The time answereth the Vetch or tare ¶ The Names Thewild Cich hath no other name in Latine but Cicer syluestre the later writers haue not found any name at all ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their temperature and vertues are referred to the garden Cich as Theophrastus 〈◊〉 and Galen saith that the wilde Cich is in all things like vnto that of the garden but in Physicks vse more effectuall by reason it is more hotter and drier and also more biting and bitter CHAP. 513. Of Lentils ¶ The Description 1 THe first Lentil growes vp with slender stalks and leaues which be somwhat hard growing aslope from both sides of the rib or middle stalke narrow and many in number like those of Tares but narrower and lesser the floures be small tending somewhat towards a purple the cods are little and broad the seeds in these are in number three or foure little round plaine and flat the roots are small and threddy 2 The second kinde of Lentill hath small tender and pliant
longer and narrower than those of the wild strong smelling Rue the floures be white composed of fiue white leaues the fruit is three square bigger than that of the planted Rue in which the seed lieth the root is thick long and blaekish this Rue in hot countries hath a maruellous strong smell in cold Countries not so ‡ 6 This which Matthiolus gaue for 〈◊〉 3. and Lobel Clusius and others for Ruta canina hath many twiggy branches some cubit and halfe high whereon grow leaues resembling those of the Papauer Rhaeas or Argemone lesser thicker and of a blackish greene the floures are of a whitish purple colour fashioned somewhat like those of Antirrhinum the seed is small and contained in such vessels as those of Rue or rather those of Blattaria The whole plant is of a strong and vngratefull smell it growes in the hot and dry places about Narbon in France Rauenna and Rome in Italy ‡ ¶ The Place Garden Rue ioyeth in sunny and open places it prospereth in rough and brickie ground and among ashes it cannot in no wise away with dung The wilde are found on mountaines in hot countries as in Cappadocia Galatia and in diuers prouinces of Italy and Spaine and on the hills of Lancashire and Yorke Pliny saith that there is such friendship betweene it and the fig tree that it prospers no where so well as vnder the fig tree The best for physicks vse is that which groweth vnder the fig tree as Dioscorides saith the cause is alledged by Plutarch in the first booke of his Symposiacks or Feasts for he saith it becommeth more sweet and milde in taste by reason it taketh as it were some part of the sweetnes of the fig tree whereby the ouer rancke quality of the Rue is allayd vnlesse it be that the fig tree whilest it draweth nourishment vnto it selfe it likewise draweth away the rancknesse of the Rue ¶ The Time They floure in these cold countries in Iuly and August in other countries sooner ¶ The Names The first which is Hortensis Ruta garden Rue in high-Dutch Rauten in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 the Italians and Apothecaries keepe the Latine name in Spanish Aruda in French Rue de 〈◊〉 in English Rue and Herbe-Grace Wilde Rue is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Peganon in Latine Ruta syluestris or wilde Rue in Galatia and Cappadocia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of diuers Harmala of the Arabians Harmel of the Syrians Besara ¶ The Temperature Rue is hot and dry in the later end of the third degree and wild Rue in the fourth it is of 〈◊〉 and subtill parts it wasts and consumes winde it cutteth and digesteth grosse and tough humors ¶ The Vertues Rue or Herbe-Grace prouokes vrine brings downe the sicknes expels the dead child and after-birth being inwardly taken or the decoction drunke and is good for the mother if but smelled to Plin. lib. 20. ca. 13. saith it opens the matrix and brings it into the right place if the belly all ouer and the share the brest say the old false copies be anointed therewith mixed with hony it is a remedie against the inflammation and swelling of the stones proceeding of long abstinence from venerie called of our English Mountebanks the Colts euill if it be boyled with Barrowes grease Bay leaues and the pouders of Fenugreeke and Linseed be added thereto and applied pultis wise It takes away crudity and rawnesse of humors and also windines and old paines of the stomack Boiled with vineger it easeth paines is good against the stitch of the side and chest and shortnes of breath vpon a cold cause and also against the paine in the ioynts and huckle bones The oile of it serues for the purposes last recited it takes away the collicke and pangs in the 〈◊〉 not only in a clister but also anointed vpon the places affected But if this oile be made of the oile pressed out of Lineseed it will be so much the better and of singular force to take away hard swellings of the spleene or milt It is vsed with good successe against the dropsie called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being applied to the belly in manner of a pultis The herb a little boiled or scalded and kept in pickle as Sampier and eaten quickens the sight The same applied with honey and the iuyce of Fennell is a remedie against dim eyes The iuyce of Rue made hot in the rinde of a pomegranat and dropped into the eares takes away the paine thereof S. Anthonies 〈◊〉 is quenched therewith it killeth the shingles and running vlcers and sores in the heads of yong children if it be tempered with Ceruse or white Lead vineger and oile of roses and made into the forme of 〈◊〉 or Triapharmacon Dioscorides saith that Rue put vp in the nosthrils stayeth bleeding Of whose opinion Pliny also is when notwithstanding it is of power rather to procure bleeding through the sharpe and biting qualitie that it hath The leaues of Rue beaten and drunke with wine are an antidote against poisons as Pliny saith Dioscorides writeth that a twelue penny weight of the seed drunke in wine is a counterpoyson against deadly medicines or the poyson of Wolfs-bane Ixia Mushroms or Tode-stooles the biting of Serpents stinging of Scorpions spiders bees hornets and wasps and it is reported that if a man be anointed with the iuyce of Rue these will not hurt him and that the Serpent is driuen away at the smell thereof when it is burned insomuch that when the Weesell is to fight with the Serpent she armeth her selfe by eating Rue against the might of the Serpent The leaues of Rue eaten with the kernels of wallnuts or figs stamped together and made into a masse or paste is good against all euill aires the pestilence or plague resists poyson and all venom Rue boiled with Dil Fennell seed and some Sugar in a sufficient quantitie of wine swageth the torments and griping paines of the belly the paines in the sides and breast the difficulty of breathing the cough and stopping of the lungs and helpeth such as are declining to a dropsie The iuyce taken with Dill as aforesaid helpeth the cold fits of agues and alters their course it helpeth the inflammation of the fundament and paines of the gut called Rectum intestinum The iuyce of Rue drunke with wine purgeth women after their deliuerance driuing forth the secondine the dead childe and the vnnaturall birth Ruevsed very often either in meate or drinke quencheth and drieth vp the naturall seed of generation and the milke of those that giue sucke The oile wherein Rue hath beene boyled and infused many dayes together in the Sun warmeth and chafeth all cold members if they be anointed therewith also it prouoketh vrine if the region of the bladder be anointed therewith If it be ministred in clisters it expells windinesse and the torsion or gnawing paines of the guts The leaues of garden 〈◊〉 boiled in water and drunke causeth one to make water
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
Spanish Broome without leaues 2 Pseudospartum album Aphyllum The white leafe-lesse Spanish broom 2 This naked broome groweth vp to the height of a man the stalk is rough and void of leaues very greene and pliant which diuideth it selfe into diuers twiggie branches greene and tough like rushes the floures grow all along the stalks like those of broome but of a white colour wherein it differeth from all the rest of his kinde ¶ The Place These grow in the prouinces of Spaine and are in one place higher and more bushie and in an other lower ¶ The Time ‡ The first floures in May and the second in Februarie ‡ ¶ The Names These base Spanish broomes may be referred to the true which is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines vse the same name calling it sometimes Spartum and Spartium in Spanish Retama in English Spanish broome and bastard Spanish broome ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Both the seeds and iuice of the branches of these base broomes wherewith they in Spaine and other hot regions do tie their vines do mightily draw as Galen writeth Diosoorides saith that the seeds and floures being drunke in the quantitie of a dram with Mede or honied water doth cause one to vomit strongly as the Hellebor or neesing pouder doth but yet without ieopardie or danger of life the seed purgeth by stoole The iuyce which is drawne from out of the branches steeped in water being first bruised is a remedie for those that are tormented with the Sciatica and for those that be troubled with the Squincie if a draught thereof be drunke in the morning some vse to steepe the branches in sea water and to giue the same in a clister which purgeth forth bloudy and slimie excrements CHAP. 20. Of Furzes Gorsse Whin or prickley Broome ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of prickly Broome called in our English tongue by sundry names according to the speech of the countrey people where they doe grow in some places Furzes in others Whins Gorsse and of some Prickly Broome Genista spinosa vulgaris Great Furze bush 2 Genista spinosa minor The small Furze bush ¶ The Description 1 THe Furze bush is a plant altogether a Thorne fully armed with most sharpe prickles without any leaues at all except in the spring and those very few and little and quickly falling away it is a bushy shrub often rising vp with many wooddy branches to the height of foure or fiue cubits or higher according to the nature and soile where they grow the greatest and highest that I did euer see do grow about Excester in the West parts of England where the great stalks are dearely bought for the better sort of people and the small thorny spraies for the poorer sort From these thorny branches grow little floures like those of Broome and of a yellow colour which in hot Regions vnder the extreme heate of the Sunne are of a very perfect red colour in the colder countries of the East as Danzicke Brunswicke and Poland there is not any branch hereof growing except some few plants and seeds which my selfe haue sent to Elbing otherwise called Meluin where they are most curiously kept in their fairest gardens as also our common Broome the which I haue sent thither likewise being first desired by diuers earnest letters the cods follow the floures which the Grauer hath omitted as a German who had neuer seen the plant it selfe but framed the figure by heare-say the root is strong tough and wooddy We haue in our barren grounds of the North parts of England another sort of Furze bringing forth the like prickley thornes that the others haue the onely difference consisteth in the colour of the floures for the others bring forth yellow floures and those of this plant are as white as snow 2 To this may be ioyned another kinde of Furze which bringeth forth certaine branches that be some cubit high stiffe and set round about at the first with small winged Lentill-like leaues and little harmelesse prickles which after they haue been a yeare old and the leaues gon be armed onely with most hard sharpe prickles crooking or bending their points downwards The floures hereof are of a pale yellow colour lesser than those of Broome yet of the same forme the cods are small in which do lie little round reddish seeds the root is tough and wooddy 3 Genista Spinosa minor siliqua rotunda Small round codded Furze 4 Genistella aculeata Needle Furze or petty Whin ‡ Of this Clusius reckons vp three varieties the first growing some cubit high with deepe yellow floures the second growes higher and hath paler coloured floures the third groweth to the height of the first the floures also are yellow the branches more prickly and the leaues hairy and the figure I giue you is of this third varietie 3 This seldome exceeds a foot in height and it is on euerie side armed with sharpe prickles which grow not confusedly as in the common sort but keepe a certaine order and still grow forth by couples they are of a lighter greene than those of the common Furze on the tops of each of the branches grow two or three yellow floures like those of the former which are succeeded by little round rough hairy cods of the bignesse of Tares This floures in March and groweth in the way between Burdeaux and Bayone in France and vpon the Pyrenean mountaines Clusius makes it his Scorpius 2. or second sort of Furze Lobel calls it Genista spartium spinosum alterum ‡ 4 This small kinde of Furze growing vpon Hampstead heath neere London and in diuers other barren grounds where in manner nothing else wil grow hath many weake and flexible branches of a wooddy substance whereon do grow little leaues like those of Tyme among which are set in number infinite most sharpe prickles hurting like needles whereof it tooke his name The floures grow on the tops of the branches like those of Broome and of a pale yellow colour The root is tough and wooddy ‡ 5 This plant saith Clusius is wholly new and elegant some span high diuided into many branches some spred vpon the ground others standing vpright hauing plentifull store of greene prickles the floures in shape are like those of Broome but lesse and of a blewish purple colour standing in rough hairy whitish cups two or three floures commonly growing neere together sometimes whilest it floures it sendeth forth little leaues but not very often and they are few and like those of the second described and quickly fall away so that the whole plant seemes nothing but prickles or like a hedge-hog when she folds vp her selfe the root is wooddy and large for the proportion of the plant It growes in the kingdome of Valentia in Spaine where the Spaniards call it Erizo that is the Hedge-hog and thence Clusius also termed it Erinacea It floureth in Aprill ‡ 5 Genista spinosa humilis Dwarfe
or low Furze 6 Genista 〈◊〉 minor siue Nepa Theophr Scorpion Furzes 6 The smallest of all the Furzes is that of the Antients called Nepa or Scorpion Furze as the word Nepa seemeth to import it is a stranger in England it hath beene touched of the Antients in name onely which fault they haue beene all and euerie of them to be complained of being so briefe that nothing can be gathered from their description and therefore I refer what might hereof be said to a further consideration ‡ This hath a thicke wooddy blacke root some halfe foot long from whence arise many slender branches some foot high which are set with many stiffe and sharpe prickles growing somewhat after the maner of the wilde prickly Sperage the yong plants haue little leaues like those of Tragacanth the old ones none the floures are smal and come forth at the bottome of the prickles and they are succeeded by broad cods wherein the seed is contained It growes in diuers places of France and Spaine and is thought to be the Scorpius of Theophrastus which 〈◊〉 translates Nepa ‡ ¶ The Place The common sort hereof are very well knowne to grow in pastures and fields in most places of England The rest are likewise well knowne to those that curiously obserue the difference ¶ The Time They floure from the beginning of May to the end of September ¶ The Names Furze is commonly called Genista spinosa in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Furze Furzen bushes Whinne Gorsse and Thorne-Broome This thorny Broome is taken for Theophrastus his Scorpius which Gaza nameth Nepa the name Scorpius in Pliny is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say signifying many things and common to certaine Plants for besides this Scorpius of which he hath made mention lib. 25. cap. 5. setting downe Theophrastus his words where he maketh Aconitum Thelyphonon to be Scorpius lib. 23. cap. 10. and likewise other plants vnder the same title but vnproperly ¶ The Temperature and Vertues There is nothing written in Theophrastus concerning the faculties of Scorpius spinosus or Furze Pliny seemeth to attribute vnto it the same vertues that 〈◊〉 hath notwithstanding the later Writers do agree that it is hot and dry of complexion the seeds are vsed in medicines against the stone and staying of the laske CHAP. 21. Of Cammocke Furze Rest-Harrow or Petty Whinne ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Rest-Harrow which some haue inserted among the smooth Broomes others among those with prickles whereof some haue purple floures and likewise ful of prickles others white floures and sharpe thornes some also purple floures others white and also yellow and euery of them void of prickles 1 Anonis siue Resta Bouis Cammocke or Rest-Harrow 3 Anonis non 〈◊〉 Purple Rest-Harrow without prickles ¶ The Description 1 CAmmocke or ground Furze riseth vp with stalkes a cubit high and often higher set with diuers ioynted branches tough pliable and full of hard sharpe thornes among which do grow leaues in forme like those of S. Iohns wort or rather of the Lentill of a deep green colour from the bosome of which thorns and leaues come forth the 〈◊〉 like those of Peason of a purple colour after which do come the cods in which do lie flat seed the root is long and runneth far abroad very tough and hard to be torne in pieces with the plough 〈◊〉 that the oxen can hardly passe forward but are constrained to stand still whereupon it was called Rest-Plough or Rest-Harrow 4 Anonis siue Spinalutea Yellow Rest-Yarrow 2 We haue in our London pastures and likewise in other places one of the Rest-Harrowes not differing from the precedent in stalkes leaues or prickles the onely difference is that this plant bringeth forth white floures and the others not so whence we may call it Anonis flore albo Cammocke with white floures 3 Rest-Harrow without thornes hath a tough hoary rough stalke diuided into other rough branches whereon are set without order long leaues sharpe pointed sleightly cut about the edges of an hoary colour and somewhat hairy from the bosome whereof commeth forth purple Pease-like floures of a reasonable good smell the root is verie tough long and wooddy 4 The yellow floured Cammock is a 〈◊〉 in these parts it is only found in the cold Easterne countries for ought that I can learne it differs not from the last described sauing that the floures hereof are of a darke yellow colour wherein it differeth from all the other of his kinde ¶ The Place These grow in 〈◊〉 grounds in fertile pastures and in the borders of fields in a fat fruitful and long lasting soile it is sooner found than desired of husbandmen because the tough and wooddie roots are combersome vnto them for that they stay the plough and make the oxen stand ¶ The Time They send forth new shoots in May they be ful growne in Autumne and then those that of nature are prickly be fullest of sharpe thornes they floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Cammocke is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and likewise in Latine Anonis and Ononis Of Herbarists commonly Aresta Bouis and Remora aratri because it maketh the Oxen whilest they be in plowing to rest or stand still it is also called Acutella of the stiffe and sharpe thorns which prick those that passe by in French Areste beuf and Boucrande Crateuas nameth it Aegipyrus in high-Dutch Stalkraut in low-Dutch Prangwortele in Italian Bonaga in Spanish Gattilhos in French Arreste beuf Beuf Bouerande in 〈◊〉 Cammocke Rest-Harrow Petty Whinne and ground Furze ¶ The Temperature The root of Cammocke is hot in the third degree as Galen saith it cutteth also and maketh thinne ¶ The Vertues The barke of the root drunke with Wine prouoketh vrine breaketh the stone and driueth it sorth The root boyled in water and vineger allayeth the paine of the teeth if the mouth be often washed therewith hot Pliny reporteth that being boyled in Oxymel or the syrrup made with honey and vineger till the one halfe be wasted it is giuen to those that haue the falling sicknesse 〈◊〉 reporteth that he knew a man cured of a rupture by taking of the pouder of this root for many moneths together The tender sprigs or crops of this shrub before the thornes come forth are preserued in pickle and be very pleasant sauce to be eaten with meat as sallad as a Dioscorides teacheth CHAP. 22. Of Goose-berrie or Fea-berry Bush. ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of the Goose-berries some greater others lesse some round others long and some of a red colour the figure of one shall serue for the rest ‡ I will not much insist vpon diuersities of fruits because my kinde friend Mr. Iohn Parkinson hath sufficiently in his late Worke discoursed vpon that subiect onely because I iudge many will be desirous to know their names and where to get them I will briefely name the chiefe varieties
little leaues almost like those of the third described yet somewhat longer commonly growing foure yet sometimes fiue together of an astringent taste the little floures grow on the top of the branches longish hollow and of a light purple colour comming out of foure little leaues almost of the same colour when these are ripe and dryed they containe a blackish and small seed the root is hard wooddy and runnes diuers waies the weake branches also that lie vpon the ground now and then take root againe Clusius found this growing plentifully in diuers mountanous places of Germany where it floured in Iune and Iuly 15 The weake stalkes of this are some foot high which are set with many small greene leaues growing commonly together by threes the tops of the branches are deckt with little hollow and longish floures diuided at their ends into foure parts of a flesh colour together 〈◊〉 the foure little leaues out of which they grow hauing eight blackish little threds in them with a purplish pointall in the middle The seed is blacke and small the root wooddy as in other plants of this kinde Clusius found this in some mountanous woods of Austria where it floured in Aprill and May. ‡ ¶ The Place Heath groweth vpon dry mountaines which are hungry and barren as vpon Hampsteed Heath neere London where all the sorts do grow except that with the white floures and that which beareth berries ‡ There are not aboue three or foure sorts that I could euer obserue to grow there ‡ Heath with the white floures groweth vpon the downes neere vnto Grauesend Heath which beareth berries groweth in the North parts of England namely at a place called Crosby Rauenswaith and in Crag close also in the same countrey from whence I haue receiued the red berries by the gift of a learned Gentleman called Mr. Iames Thwaites ¶ The Time These kindes or sorts of Heath do for the most part 〈◊〉 all the Sommer euen vntill the last of September ¶ The Names Heath is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Erica diuers do falsly name it Myrica in high and low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Erica in Spanish Breso Quirro in French Bruyre in English Heath Hather and Linge ¶ The Temperature Heath hath as Galen saith a digesting facultie consuming by vapors the floures and leaues are to be vsed ¶ The Vertues The tender tops and floures saith Dioscorides are good to be laid vpon the bitings and stingings of any venomous beast of these floures the Bees do gather bad hony The barke and leaues of Heath may be vsed for and in the same causes that Tamariske is vsed CHAP. 53. Of Heath of Ierico 1 Rosa Hiericontea maior The Heath Rose of Ierico ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Heath which of the later writers hath been called by the name Rosa Hiericontea the coiner spoiled the name in the mint for of all plants that haue bin written of there is not any more vnlike vnto the Rose or any kinde thereof than this plant what moued them thereto I know not but thus much of my owne knowledge it hath neither shape nature nor facultie agreeing with any Rose the which doubtlesse is a kinde of Heath as the barren soile and that among Heath doth euidently shew as also the Heathie matter wherewith the whole plant is possessed agreeing with the kindes of Heath in very notable points It riseth vp out of the ground of the height of four inches or an hand breadth compact or made of sundry hard stickes which are the stalkes clasping or shutting it selfe together into a round forme intricately weauing it selfe one sticke ouerthwart another like a little net vpon which wooddy stickes do grow leaus not vnlike to those of the Oliue tree which maketh the whole plant of a round forme and hollow within among the leaues on the inside grow small mossie floures of a whitish herbie colour which 2 Rosa Hiericontea siccata The Heath Rose of Ierico dried 2 The second figure setteth forth the dried plant as it is brought vnto vs from beyond the seas which being set into a dish of warme water for halfe an houre openeth it selfe in forme as when it did grow and taken forth vntill it be drie returneth shut vp againe as before ¶ The Place It groweth in the barren grounds of France and other hot regions among the Heath and such like plants it is a stranger in England yet dried we haue them in great plenty ‡ I haue not read nor heard that this grows wilde in France but Bellonius saith it growes in Arabia deserta 〈◊〉 saith it easily grew and flourished many yeares in his garden at Basill ‡ ¶ The Time The seed being sowne in our cold climate is sowne in Aprill it perisheth when it is sprung vp and bringeth neither floures nor seed ¶ The Names This kinde of Heath is called Rosa 〈◊〉 or de Hiericho the Rose of Ierico of some the Rose of Ierusalem and also Rosa 〈◊〉 in English the Heath Rose ¶ The Temperature and Vertues There is not any of the antient nor later writers that haue set downe any certaintie of this plant as touching the temperature and faculties but onely a bare picture with a slender description CHAP. 54. Of the Chaste Tree 1 Vitex sive Agnus 〈◊〉 The Chaste tree ‡ 2 Vitex latiore 〈◊〉 folio Chaste tree with cut leaues ¶ The Description 1 VItex or the Cháste tree groweth after the manner of a bushie shrub or hedge tree hauing many twiggie branches very pliant and easie to be bent without breaking like to the willow the leaues are for the most part diuided into fiue or seuen sections or diuisions much like the leaues of Hemp whereof each part is long and narrow very like vnto the willow leafe but smaller the floures do grow at the vppermost parts of the branches like vnto spikie eares clustering together about the branches of a light purple or blew colour and very sweet smel the fruit is small and round like vnto the graines or cornes of pepper ‡ 2 Lobel mentions another varietie hereof that differs from the former onely in that it hath broader leaues and these also snipt about the edges ‡ ¶ The Place Vitex groweth naturally in Italy and other hot regions by water courses and running streames I haue it growing in my garden ¶ The Time Vitex beginneth to recouer his last leaues in May and the floures come forth in August ¶ The Names †The Grecians call this shrub 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Agnos i. 〈◊〉 Chaste because saith Pliny in his 24. booke 9. Chapter the Athenian Matrons in their feast called Thesmophoria dedicated to the honour of Ceres desirous to keepe themselues chaste doe lay the leaues in their beds vnder them the Latines name it Vitex and of diuers it is termed as wee finde among the bastard and counterfeit names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the likenesse it hath with the leaues of the Laurell or Bay tree in Latine likewise Daphnoides the later Latinists for the same cause name it Laureola as though they should say Minor Laurus or little Laurell it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 notwithstanding there is another Chamaedaphne and another Peplion This shrub is commonly called in English Spurge Laurell of diuers Laurell or Lowry So ne say that the Italians name the berries hereof Piper montanum or Mountaine Pepper as also the berries of Dutch Mezereon others affirme them to bee called in High Dutch also Zeilant It may be 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 for it is much like to a Mirtle in leafe it is also a branched plant tough and pliable hauing a deep root without smell with a blacke fruit ¶ The Temperature It is like in temperature and facultie to the Germane Spurge Oliue throughout the whole substance biting and extreme hot ¶ The Vertues The drie or greene leaues of Spurge Laurell saith Dioscorides purgeth by siege flegmaticke humors it procureth vomite and bringeth downe the menses and being chewed it draweth water out of the head It likewise causeth neezing moreouer fifteene graines of the seed thereof drunke are a purgation CHAP. 66. Of Rose Bay or Oleander ¶ The Description 1 ROse Bay is a small shrub of a gallant shew like the Bay tree bearing leaues thicker greater longer and rougher than the leaues of the Almond tree the floures be of a faire red colour diuided into fiue leaues not much vnlike a little Rose the cod or fruit is long like 〈◊〉 or Vincetoxicum and full of such white downe among which the seed lieth hidden the root is long smooth and wooddie 2 The second kinde of Rose bay is like the first differeth in that that this plant hath white floures but in other respects it is very like 1 Nerium sive Oleander The Rose Bay 2 Nerium flore albo The Rose Bay with white floures ¶ The Place These grow in Italy and other hot regions by riuers and the Sea side I haue them growing in my garden ¶ The Time In my garden they floure in Iuly and August the cods be ripe afterwards ¶ The Names This plant is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Nicander 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine likewise Nerion and also Rhododendron and Rhododaphne that is to say Rosea arbor and 〈◊〉 Laurus in shops Oleander in Italian Oleandro in Spanish Adelfa Eloendro and Alendro in French Rosagine in English Rose tree Rose Bay Rose Bay tree and Oleander ¶ The Temperature and Vertues This tree being outwardly applied as Galen saith hath a digesting facultie but if it be inwardly taken it is deadly and poisonsome not only to men but also to most kindes of beasts The floures and leaues kill dogs asses mules and very many of other foure footed beasts but if men drinke them in wine they are a remedy against the bitings of Serpents and the rather if Rue be added The weaker sort of cattell as sheep and goats if they drinke the water wherein the leaues haue been steeped are sure to die CHAP. 67. Of dwarfe Rose Bay ¶ The Description DWarfe Nerium or Rose Bay hath leaues which for the most part are alwaies green rough and small of a pale yellow colour like Box far lesser than Oleander the whole plant is of a shrubbie stature leaning this way and that way as not able to stand vpright without helpe his branches are couered and set full of small floures of a shining scarlet or crimson colour growing vpon 1 Chamaerhododendros Alpigena Dwarfe Rose Bay the hils as ye go from Trent to Verona which in Iune and Iuly are as it were couered with a scarlet coloured carpet of an odoriferous sauor and delectable aspect which being 〈◊〉 there commeth seed and faire berries like Asparagus ¶ The Place The place and time are expressed in the description ¶ The Names This may be called in English Dwarfe Rose Bay of the Alps. I find not any thing extant of the vertues so that I am constrained to leaue the rest vnto your owne discretion CHAP. 68. Of the Bay or Laurell tree ¶ The Description Laurus The Bay tree 1 THe Bay or Laurell tree commeth oftentimes to the height of a tree of a mean bignesse it is full of boughes couered with a greene barke the leaues thereof are long broad hard of colour greene sweetly smelling and in taste somwhat bitter the floures alongst the boughes and leaues are of a greene colour the berries are more long than round and be couered with a black rind or pill the kernell within is clouen into two parts like that of the Peach and Almond and other such of a browne yellowish colour sweet of smell in taste somewhat bitter with a little sharpe or biting qualitie 2 There is also a certaine other kinde hereof more like to a shrub sending forth out of the roots many offsprings which notwithstanding groweth not so high as the former and the barkes of the boughes be somewhat red the leaues be also tenderer and not so hard in other things 〈◊〉 vnlike These two Bay trees Dioscorides was not ignorant of for he saith that the one is narrow leafed and the other broader leafed or rather harder leafed which is more like ¶ The Place The Laurell or bay tree groweth naturally in Spaine and such hot regions we plant and set it in gardens defending it from cold at the beginning of March especially I haue not seene any one tree thereof growing in Denmarke Sweuia Poland Liuonia or Russia or in any of those cold countries where I haue trauelled ¶ The Time The Bay tree groweth greene winter and Sommer it floureth in the Spring and the black fruit is ripe in October ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Laurus in Italian Lauro in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch Laurus boome in French Laurier in Spanish Laurel Lorel and Loureiro in English Laurell or Bay tree The fruit is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lauri baccae in high Dutch Looerbeeren in low Dutch Bakeleer in Spanish Vayas in English Bay berries The Poets faine that it tooke his name of Daphne Lado his daughter with whom Apollo fell in loue ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Berries and leaues of the Bay tree saith Galen are hot and very drie and yet the berries more than the leaues The barke is not biting and hot but more bitter and it hath also a certaine astrictiue or binding qualitie Bay Berries with Hony or Cute are good in a licking medicine saith Dioscorides against the 〈◊〉 or Consumption of the lungs 〈◊〉 of breathing and all kinde of fluxes or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the chest 〈◊〉 Berries taken in 〈◊〉 are good against the bitings and stingings of any venomous beast and against all venome and poison they clense away the morphew the
common to many trees but we will briefely first intreat of Mali properly called Apple trees whose stocke or kindred is so infinite that we haue thought it not amisse to vse the same order or method with Apples that wee haue done with peares that is to giue them seuerall titles in Latine and English and one generall description for the whole ¶ The Description THe Apple tree hath a body or truncke commonly of a meane bignesse not very high hauing long armes or branches and the same disordered the barke somewhat plaine and not 〈◊〉 rugged the leaues bee also broad more long than round and finely nicked in the edges The floures are whitish tending vnto a blush colour The fruit or Apples doe differ in greatnesse forme colour and taste some couered with a red skinne others yellow or greene varying infinitely according to the soyle and climate some very great some little and many of a middle sort some are sweet of taste or something soure most be of a middle taste betweene sweet and soure the which to distinguish I thinke it impossible notwithstanding I heare of one that intendeth to write a peculiar volume of Apples and the vse of them yet when he hath done what hee can 〈◊〉 hee hath done nothing touching their seuerall kindes to distinguish them This that hath beene said shall suffice 〈◊〉 our Historie ‡ Our Author gaue foure figures more out of 〈◊〉 with these titles 3. 〈◊〉 reginale the Queening or Queene of Apples 5 Platomela sive Pyra aestiua The Sommer Pearemaine 6 〈◊〉 sive Pyra hyemalia the Winter Pearemaine 1 Malus Carbonaria The Pome Water tree 2 Malus Carbonaria longo fructu The Bakers ditch Apple tree ¶ The Place The tame and graffed Apple trees are planted and set in gardens and orchards made for that purpose they delight to grow in good and fertile grounds Kent doth abound with apples of most sorts But I haue seene in the pastures and hedge-rows about the grounds of a worshipful gentleman dwelling two miles from Hereford called Master Roger Bodnome so many trees of all sorts that the seruants drinke sor the most part no other drinke but that which is made of Apples The quantity is such that by the report of the Gentleman himselfe the Parson hath for tithe many hogsheads of Syder The hogs are fed with the fallings of them which are so many that they make choise of those Apples they do eat who will not taste of any but of the best An example doubtles to be followed of Gentlemen that haue land 〈◊〉 liuing but enuie saith the poore wil break down our hedges and we shall haue the least part of the fruit but sorward in the name of God graffe set plant and nourish vp trees in euery corner of your grounds the labour is small the cost is nothing the commoditie is great vour selues shall haue plenty the poore shall haue somewhat in time of want to relieue their necessitie and God shall reward your good mindes and diligence ¶ The Time They bloom about the end of Aprill or in the beginning of May. The forward apples be ripe about the Calends of Iuly others in September ¶ The Names The Apple tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Malus and 〈◊〉 in high Dutch Opffelbaum in low Dutch Appelboom in French 〈◊〉 in English Apple-tree The Grecians name the fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Malum or Pomum in high Dutch Opfell in low Dutch Appel in French and Spanish Mansanas in English Apple ¶ The Temperature All Apples be of temperature cold and moist and haue ioined with them a certaine excrementall or superfluous moisture but as they be not all of like coldnesse so neither haue they like quantitie of superfluous moisture They are soonest rotten that haue greatest store of moisture and they may be longer kept in which there is lesse store for the abundance of excrementall moisture is the cause why they rot Sweet Apples are not so cold and moist which being rosted or boyled or otherwise kept retaine or keepe the soundnesse of their pulpe They yeeld more nourishment and not so moist a nourishment as do the other Apples and doe not so easily passe through the belly Soure Apples are colder and also moister the substance or pulpe of these when they be boiled doth run abroad and retaineth not his soundnesse they yeeld a lesser nourishment and the same raw and cold They do easily and speedily passe through the belly and therefore they do mollifie the belly especially being taken before meat Harsh or Austere Apples being vnripe are cold they ingender grosse bloud and great store of winde and often bring the Collicke Those Apples which be of a middle taste containe in them oftentimes two or three sorts of tasts and yet do they retaine the faculties of the other ¶ The Vertues Rosted Apples are alwaies better than the raw the harm whereof is both mended by the fire and may also be corrected by adding vnto them seeds or spices Apples be good for an hot stomacke those that are austere or somewhat harsh doe strengthen a weake and feeble stomacke proceeding of heat Apples are also good for all inflammations or hot swellings but especially for such as are in their beginning if the same be outwardly applied The iuice of Apples which be sweet and of a middle taste is mixed in compositions of diuers medicines and also for the tempering of melancholy humours and likewise to mend the qualities of medicines that are dry as are Serapium expomis Regis Saporis Confectio Alkermes and such like compositions There is likewise made an ointment with the pulpe of Apples and Swines grease and Rose water which is vsed to beautifie the face and to take away the roughnesse of the skin which is called in shops Pomatum of the Apples whereof it is made The pulpe of the rosted apples in number foure or fiue according to the greatnesse of the Apples especially of the Pome-water mixed in a wine quart of faire water laboured together vntill it come to be as apples and Ale which wee call Lambes Wooll and the whole quart drunke last at night within the space of an houre doth in one night cure those that pisse by droppes with great anguish and dolour the strangurie and all other diseases proceeding of the difficultie of making water but in twise taking it it neuer faileth in any oftentimes there happeneth with the foresaid diseases the Gonorrhaea or running of the Raines which it likewise healeth in those persons but not generally in all which my selfe haue often proued and gained thereby both crownes and credit The leaues of the tree do coole and binde and be also counted good for inflammations in the beginning Apples cut in pieces and distilled with a quantitie of Camphere and butter-milke take away the markes and scarres gotten by the small pockes being washed therewith when they grow vnto their state and ripenesse prouided that you
most places of England especially about Namptwich in Cheshire in the Weilds of Kent in Suffex and diuers other places ¶ The Time The wild Ash floures in May and the berries are ripe in September ¶ The Names The Latines call this tree Ornus and oftentimes Syluestris Fraxinus or wilde Ash and it is also Fraxini species or a kinde of Ash for the Grecians as not only Pliny writeth but also Theophrastus hath made two kindes of Ash the one high and tall the other lower the high and tall one is Fraxinis vulgaris or the common Ash and the lower Ornus which also is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 Fraxinus mountaine Ash as the other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or field Ash which is also named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or as Gaza translateth it Bubula Fraxinus but more truly Magna Fraxinus or great Ash for the syllable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a signe of bignesse this Ornus or great Ash is named in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 of diuers 〈◊〉 in French Fresne sauuage in English Wilde Ash Quicken tree Quick-beame tree and Wicken tree Matthiolus makes this to be Sorbus syluestris or wilde Seruice tree ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Touching the faculties of the leaues barke or berries as there is nothing found among the old so is there nothing noted among the later writers but Pliny seemeth to make this wilde Ash like in faculties to the common Ash for lib. 16. cap. 13. where he writes of both the Ashes hee saith that the common Ash is Crispa and the mountaine Ash Spissa and sorthwith he addeth this The Grecians write that the leaues of them do kill cattell and yet hurt not those that chew their cud which the old writers haue noted of the Yew tree and not of the Ash tree Pliny was deceiued by the ncerenesse of the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the Yew tree and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Ash tree so that hee hath falsly attributed that deadly facultie to the Ash tree which doth belong to the Yew tree The leaues of the wilde Ash tree boiled in wine are good against the paine in the sides and the stopping of the liuer and asswage the bellies of those that haue the tympanie and dropsie Benedictus Curtius Symphoryanus is deceiued in the historie of Ornus when he thinketh out of Virgils Georgicks that Ornus hath the floure of the Peare tree for out of Virgils verses no such thing at all can be gathered for he in intreateth not of the forms of trees but of the graffing of diuers into others vnlike and differing in nature as of the graffing of the Nut tree into the Strawberry tree the Apple into the Plane tree the Beech into the Chestnut tree the Peare into the wilde Ash or 〈◊〉 beame tree the Oke into the Elme tree and in this respect hee writeth that the Plane tree bringeth forth an Apple the Beech tree a Chestnut the wilde Ash tree bringeth forth the white floure of the Peare tree as is most manifest out of Virgils owne words after this manner in the second booke of his Georgicks Inseritur vero ex foetu nucis Arbutas horrida Et steriles Platani malos gessere valentes Castaneae Fagos Ornus incanuit albo Flore Pyri glandémque sues fregere sub Vlmis The Tree-Strawb'ry on Walnuts stocke doth grow And barren Planes faire Apples oft haue borne Chestnuts Beech-Mast the Quicken tree doth shew The Peares white floure and 〈◊〉 oft times th' Acorn Haue gathered vnder Elmes CHAP. 111. Of Coriars Sumuch 1 Rhus Coriaria Coriar Sumach 2 Rhus Myrtifolia Wil de or Myrtle Sumach ¶ The Description 1 〈◊〉 Sumach groweth vp vnto the height of a hedge tree after the manner of the Flder tree bigger than Dioscorides reporteth it to be or others who affirme that Rhus groweth two cubits high whose errors are the greater but this Rhus is so like to the Seruice tree in shape and manner of grow ing that it is hard to know one from the other but that the leaues are soft and hairy hauing a red sinew or rib thorow the midst of the leafe the floures grow with the leaues vpon long stems clustering together like cats taile or the catkins of the nut tree but greater and of a whitish green colour after which come clusters of round berries growing in bunches like grapes 2 Pliny his Sumach or the Sumach of Plinies description groweth like a small hedge tree hauing many slender twiggie branches garnished with little leaues like Myrtus or rather like the leaues of the Iuiube tree among which come forth slender mossie floures of no great account or value which bring forth small seeds inclosed within a cornered case or huske fashioned like a spoon the trunke or body of both these kindes of Sumach being wounded with some iron Instrument yeeldeth a gum or liquour ¶ The Place Sumach groweth as Dioscorides saith in stony places it is found in diuers mountaines woods in Spaine and in many places on the mount Apennine in Italy and also neere vnto Pontus Archigenes in Galen in the 8. book of medicines according to the places affected sheweth that it groweth in Syria making choice of that of Syria ¶ The Time The floures of Sumach come forth in Iuly the seed with the berries are ripe in Autumne ¶ The Names This is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rhus saith Pliny hath no Latine name yet Gaza after the signification of the Greeke word faineth a name calling it Fluida the Arabians name it Sumach the Italians Sumacho the Spaniards Sumagre in low Dutch by contracting of the word they cal it 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 in English Sumach Coriars Sumach and Leather Sumach the leaues of the shrub be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Rhus coriaria or Rhoe The seed is named Eruthros and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Rhus Culinaria and Rhus obsoniorum in English Meat Sumach and Sauce Sumach ¶ The Temperature The fruit leaues and seed hereof do very much binde they also coole and drie drie they are in the third degree and cold in the second as Galen teacheth ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Sumach boyled in wine and drunken do stop the laske the inordinate course of womens sicknesses and all other 〈◊〉 issues of bloud The seed of Sumach eaten in sauces with meat stoppeth all manner of fluxes of the belly the bloudy flix and all other issues especially the white issues of women The decoction of the leaues maketh haires blacke and is put into stooles to fume vpward into the bodies of those that haue the Dysenterie and is to be giuen them also to drinke The leaues made into an ointment or plaister with hony and vineger staith the spreading nature of Gangraenes and Pterygia The drie leaues sodden in water vntill the decoction be as thicke as hony yeeld forth a certaine oilinesse which performeth all the effects of Licium
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
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
countries to packe vp glasses with to keepe them from breaking 9 Of this Tribe are diuers other plants but I will onely giue you the history of two more which I first obserued the last yeare going in company with diuers London Apothecaries to finde Simples as farre as Margate in the Island of Tenet and whose figures not before extant that I know of I first gaue in my Iournall or enumeration of such plants as we there and in other places found The first of these by reason of his various growth is by Bauhine in his Prodromus distinguished into two and described in the second and third places The third he calls Fucus longissimo latissimo crassoque folio and this is marked with the figure 1. The second he calls Fucus arboreus polyschides and this you may see marked with the figure 2. This sea Weed as I haue said hath a various face for sometimes from a fibrous root which commonly groweth to a pibble stone or fastened to a rocke it sendeth forth a round stalke seldome so thicke as ones little finger and about some halfe foot in length at the top whereof growes out a single leafe sometimes an ell long and then it is about the bredth of ones hand and it ends in a sharpe point so that it very well resembles a two edged sword Sometimes from the same root come forth two such fashioned leaues but then commonly they are lesser Otherwhiles at the top of the stalke it diuides it selfe into eight nine ten twelue more or fewer parts and that iust at the top of the stalke and these neuer come to that length that the single leaues do Now this I iudge to be the Fucus polyschides of Bauhine That these two are not seuerall kindes I am certaine for I haue marked both these varieties from one and the same root as you may see them here exprest in the figure At Margate where they grow they call them sea Girdles and that name well befits the single one and the diuided one they may call Sea Hangers for if you do hang the tops downewards they doe reasonable well resemble the old fashioned sword-hangers Thus much for their shape now for their colour which is not the same in all for some are more greene and these can scarce be dried other-some are whitish and these do quickly dry and then both in colour and substance are so like parchment that such as know them not would at the first view take them to be nothing else This is of a glutinous substance and a little saltish taste and diuers haue told me they are good meate being boiled tender and so eaten with butter vineger and pepper ‡ 7 Quercus marina quaria Iagged Sea Wracke ‡ 8 Alga Grasse Wracke 10 This which I giue you in the tenth place is not figured or described by any that as yet I haue met with wherefore I gaue the figure and description in the forementioned Iournall which I will here repeate This is a very succulent and fungous plant of the thicknesse of ones thumbe it is of a darke yellowish colour and buncheth forth on euerie side with many vnequall tuberosities or knots whereupon Mr. Thomas Hickes being in our companie did fitly name it Sea ragged Staffe We did not obserue it growing but found one or two plants thereof some foot long apiece ‡ 9 Facus phasganoides polyschides Sea Girdle and Hangers ‡ 10 Fucus spongiosus nodosus Sea ragged Staffe ‡ 11 Conferua Hairy Riuerweed 11 In some slow running waters is to be found this long greene hairy weed which is thought to be the Conferua of Pliny it is made vp onely of long hairy greene threds thicke thrummed together without any particular shape or fashion but only following the current of the streame ‡ ¶ The Place It groweth vpon the bodies of old Okes Beech and other wilde trees in darke thick woods it is oftentimes found growing vpon rocks and also in other shadowie places ¶ The Time and Names It flourisheth especially in the Sommer moneths It taketh his name Pulmonaria of the likenesse of the forme which it hath with lungs or lights called in Latine 〈◊〉 of some Lichen it is called in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Herbe à Poulmon in English Lung-wort and wood Liuerwort ¶ The Temperature This seemeth to be cold and dry ¶ The Vertues It is reported that shepheards and certaine horseleeches do with good successe giue the pouder hereof with salt vnto their sheepe and other cattell which be troubled with the cough and be broken winded Lungwoort is much commended of the learned Physitions of our time against the diseases of the lungs especially for the inflammations and vlcers of the same being brought into pouder and drunke with water It is likewise commended for bloudy and greene wounds and for vlcers in the secret parts and also to stay the reds Moreouer it stoppeth the bloudy flix and other flixes and scourings either vpwards or downewards especially if they proceed of choler it stayeth vomiting as men say and it also stoppeth the belly Oister greene fried with egges and made into a tansie eaten is a singular remedy for to streng then the weaknesse of the backe CHAP. 165. Of Sea Mosse or Coralline ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Mosse growing as well within the bowels of the sea as vpon the rocks distinguished vnder sundry titles 1 Muscus marinus sive Corallina alba White Coralline or sea Mosse †2 Muscus marinus albidus White sea Mosse 3 Corallina Anglica English Coralline ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Sea Mosse hath many small stalkes finely couered or set ouer with small leaues very much cut or iagged euen like the leaues of Dill but hard and of a stonie substance 2 The second is much like vnto the former yet not stony but more finely cut and growing more vpright branching it selfe into many diuisions at the top growing very thicke together and in great quantitie out of a piece of stone which is fashioned like an hat or small stonie head wherby it is fastened vnto the rocks 3 This third kinde of sea mosse is very well knowne in shops by the name Corallina it yeeldeth forth a great number of shoots in shap much like vnto Corall being full of small branches dispersed here and there diuersly varying his colour according to the place where it is found beeing in some places red in othersome yellow and of an herby colour in some gray or of an ash colour and in othersome very white 4 The fourth kinde of Sea Mosse is somewhat like the former but smaller and not so plentiful where it groweth prospering alwaies vpon shels as of Oysters Muscles and Scallops as also vpon rolling stones in the bottome of the water which haue tumbled downe from the high cliffes and rocks notwithstanding the old prouerbe that rolling stones neuer gather Mosse 4 Corallina minima The smallest Coralline 5 Muscus Corallinus sive
it much resembleth white Corall but that it is neither so thicke hard nor smooth but is rough and bends easily without breaking which Corall will not do 〈◊〉 calls this Corallina alba it growes in the Mediteranian sea and vpon the Coasts of Spaine 6 This in all respects is like the last described the colour excepted which is a darke red and therefore better resembles the red Corall Clusius refers both these to the Quercus marina mentioned by Theophr 〈◊〉 Hist. plant lib. 7. cap. 4. ‡ 7 There is found growing vpon the rockes neere vnto the sea a certaine matter wrought together of the fome or froth of the sea which we call spunges after the Latine name which may very fitly be inserted among the sea Mosses whereof to write at large would greatly increase our volume and little profit the reader considering we hasten to an end and also that the vse is so well knowne vnto all therefore these few lines may serue vntill a further consideration or a second Edition ‡ Spunges are not like the Alcyonium that is an accidentall matter wrought together of the froth of the sea as our Author affirmes but rather of a nobler nature than plants for they are said to haue sence and to contract themselues at the approach of ones hand that comes to cut them vp or for feare of any other harme-threatning object and therefore by most writers they are referred to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which some render Plantanimalia that is such as are neither absolute plants nor liuing creatures but participate of both they grow of diuers shapes and colours vpon the Rockes in the Mediterranian as also in the Archipelago or Aegean sea 8 Clusius obserued one yet adhering to the stone whereon it grew which in shape resembled a funnell but in substance was like another Spunge 9 There is also to be found vpon our English coast a small kinde of spunge cast vp by the sea and this is also of different shapes and colour for the shape it is alwaies diuided into sundry branches but that after a different manner and the colour is oft times brownish and 〈◊〉 gray or white Lobel makes it Conferuae marinae genus ‡ ¶ The Place The place of their growing is sufficiently spoken of in their seuerall descriptions ¶ The Time The time answereth the other kindes of sea Mosses ¶ The Names Corallium rubrum is called in English red Corrall Corallium 〈◊〉 blacke Corrall Corallium album white Corrall ¶ The Temperature Corrall bindeth and meanely cooleth it clenseth the scars and spots of the eies and is very effectuall against the issues of bloud and caseth the difficultie of making water ¶ The Vertues Corrall drunke in wine or water preserueth from the spleene and some hang it about the neckes of such as haue the falling sickenesse and it is giuen in drinke for the same purpose It is a soueraigne remedy to drie to stop and stay all issues of bloud whatsoeuer in man or woman and the dysentery Burned Corrall drieth more than when it is vnburned and being giuen to drinke in water it helpeth the gripings of the belly and the griefes of the stone in the bladder Corrall drunke in wine prouoketh sleepe but if the patient haue an ague then it is with better successe ministred in water for the Corrall cooleth and the water moistneth the body by reason whereof it restraineth the burning heate in agues and represseth the vapours that hinder sleepe CHAP. 167. Of Mushrumes or Toadstooles ¶ The Kindes SOme Mushrumes grow forth of the earth other vpon the bodies of old trees which differ altogether in kindes Many wantons that dwell neere the sea and haue fish at will are very desirous for change of diet to feed vpon the birds of the mountaines and such as dwell vpon the hills or champion grounds do longe after sea fish many that haue plenty of both do hunger after the earthie excrescences called Mushrumes whereof some are very venomous and full of poison others not so noisome and neither of them very wholesome meate wherefore for the auoiding of the venomous qualitie of the one and that the other which is lesse venomous may be discerned from it I haue thought good to set forth their pictures with their names and places of growth ‡ Because the booke is already grown too voluminous I will only giue you the figures of such as my Author hath here mentioned with some few others but not trouble you with any more history yet distinguish betweene such as are eatable and those that be poysonous 〈◊〉 at least not to be eaten for the first figured amongst the poysonous ones is that we call Iewes-eare which hath nopoysonous facultie in it Clusius all whose figures I could haue here giuen you hath written a peculiar tract of these bastard plants or excrescences where such as desire it may finde them susficiently discoursed of ‡ 1 Fungi vulgatissimi esculenti Common Mushrums to be 〈◊〉 ¶ The Description 1 GRound Mushrums grow vp in one night standing vpon a thicke and round stalke like vnto a broad hat or buckler of a very white colour vntil it begin to wither at what time it loseth his faire white declining to yellownesse the lower side is somewhat hollow set or decked with fine gutters drawne along from the middle centre to the circumference or round edge of the brim 2 All Mushroms are without pith rib or veine they differ not a little in bignesse and colour some are great and like a broad brimmed hat others smaller about the bignesse of a siluer coine called a doller most of them are red vnderneath some more 〈◊〉 lesse others little or nothing red at all the vpper side which beareth out is either pale or whitish or else of an ill fauored colour like ashes they commonly call it Ash colour or else it seemeth to be somewhat yellow There is another kinde of Mushrums called Fungi parui lethales galericulati in English deadly Mushrums which are fashioned like vnto an hood and are most venomous and full of poison There is a kinde of Mushrum called Fungus 〈◊〉 laethalis that is also a deadly Mushrum fashioned like a little buckler There is another kinde of Mushrum which is also most venomous and full of poison bearing also the shape of a buckler being called Fungus venenatus Clyptiformis in English the stinking venomous Mushrom 2 Fungi tethales aut saltem non esculenti Poyson Mushrums or at the least such as are not vulgarly 〈◊〉 The Mushrums or Toodstooles which grow vpon the trunkes or bodies of old trees very much resembling Auricula Iudae that is Iewes eare do in continuance of time grow vnto the substance of wood which the Foulers do call Touchwood and are for the most halfe circuled or halfe round whose vpper part is somewhat plaine and sometime a little hollow but the lower part is plaited or pursed together This kinde of Mushrum the Grecians do call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
trees grow in some few gardens of Egypt whither they haue bin brought out of Arabia and Ethiopia This plant hath this strange qualitie that the leaues alwaies follow the Sun and when it sets they all contract themselues and open out themselues againe at the rising thereof and there is obserued to be such force in this motion that they closely shut vp and hold their cods if any be on the tree and then at the rising of the Sun they forgoe them againe But I haue obserued this folding vp of the leaues to be common to diuers other Egyptian plants as Acatia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Sesban Thus much 〈◊〉 of Alpinus The figure I here giue in the first place out of Lobel is of a plant some six moneths old arisen of a seed and such by sowing of seeds I haue seene growing in the garden of my deceased friend Mr. Tuggy but they still died at the first approch of Winter The other figure expresses the cods and some of the seeds apart taken forth of the cods now the cods are neuer brought whole to vs but the vtter rindes are taken off and the strings or nerues that runne alongst the cods the pulpe and seeds in it are close thrust together and so are brought to vs in pots and such like vessels ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The fruit or pulpe of Tamarindes is cold and dry in the third degree it is of good vse in cholericke diseases as burning Feuers Tertians and the like it is a lenitiue and very gently purging medicine and therefore vsed to be put into medicines seruing to that purpose They vse saith Alpinus the leaues of Tamarindes to kill wormes in young children and also their infusion or decoction to loosen the belly the leaues are acide and not vnpleasant vnto the taste The Arabians preserue the small and yet greene cods of this tree as also the ripe ones either with sugar or the honey boiled out of the fruit of the Carob tree they also mix the pulpe with sugar which trauellers carry with them in their iournies through the desart places of 〈◊〉 wherewith they being dry or ouerheated may quench their thirst coole and refresh themselues and also euacuate many hot humors by stoole In pestilent and all other burning putrid feuers they drinke the water with sugar wherein a good quantitie of Tamarinds haue been infused for it is a drinke very pleasant to such as are thirsty by reason of too much heate for it powerfully cooles and quenches thirst They are also vsed in all putrid feuers caused by cholericke and adust humors and also against the hot distempers and inflammations of the liuer and reines and withall against the Gonorrhaea Some also commend them against obstructions the dropsie iaundice and the hot distempers of the Spleene they conduce also to the cure of the itch scab leprosie tetters and all such vlcerations of the skin which proceed of adust humors They are not good for such as haue cold stomacks vnlesse their coldnesse be corrected by putting to them Mace Anise seeds Squinanth or such like CHAP. 17. Of the Mamoera the Male and Female ¶ The Description THe historie of these two trees together with the figures I here giue you are in the Curae Posteriores of Clusius from whence I will take as much as concernes their history and briefely here giue it you That of the Poet saith he is most true Non omnis fert omnia tellus for I thinke there is no prouince to be found which produces not some peculiar plant not growing in other regions as they can testifie who haue trauelled ouer forrein countries especially if they haue applied themselues to the obseruation of plants Amongst such I thinke I may reckon that honest and courteous man Iohn Van Vfele who returning out of that part of America called Brasile shewed me in the yeare 1607. a booke wherein he in liuely colours had exprest some plants and liuing creatures for as he told me when he purposed to trauell he learned to paint that so he might expresse in colours for his memorie and delight after he was returned home such singularities as he should 〈◊〉 abroad Now amongst those which hee in that booke had expressed I obserued two very singular and of a strange nature whose figures without any difficultie he bestowed vpon me as also the following historie These two trees whose figures you see here exprest are of the same kinde and differ only in sex for the one of them to wit the male is barren and only carries floures without any fruit but the female onely fruit and that without floure yet they say they are so louing and of such a nature that if they be set far asunder and the female haue not a male neere her shee becomes barren and beares no fruit of which nature they also say the Palme is Now the bole or trunke of that tree which beares the fruit is about two foot thicke and it groweth some nine foot high before it begin to beare fruit but when it hath acquired a iust magnitude then shall you see the vpper part of the tree laden with fruit and that it will be as it were thicke girt about therewith for some nine foot high more the fruit is round and globe-fashioned of the shape and magnitude of a small gourd hauing when it is ripe a yellowish pulpe which the inhabitants vse to eate to loosen their bellies this fruit contains many kernels of the bignes of a smal pease blacke and shining of novse that he could learne but which were cast away as vnnecessary the leaues come forth amongst the fruit growing vpon long foot-stalkes and they in shape much resemble the Plane tree or great Maple Mamoera mas The male Dug tree Mamoera 〈◊〉 The female Dug tree What name the Brasilians giue it he could not tell but of the Portugals that dwelt there it was called Mamoera and the fruit Mamaon of the similitude I thinke they haue with dugs which by the Spaniards are called 〈◊〉 and Tetas There is no difference in the forme of the trunke or leaues of the male and female but the male only carries floures hanging downe clustering together vpon long stalks like to the floures of Elder but of a whitish yellow colour and these vnprofitable as they affirme Both these trees grow in that part of America wherein is scituate the famous Bay called by the Portugals Baya de todos los 〈◊〉 lying about thirteene degrees distant from the Equator towards the Antarticke pole CHAP. 18. Of the Cloue-Berry Tree ¶ The Description I Must also abstract the historie of this out of the Works of the learned and diligent Clusius who sets it forth in his Exoticks lib. 1. cap. 17. in the next chapter after Cloues Amomum quorundam fortè Garyophyllon Plinij The Cloue-berry tree I receiued the same fruit some yeares before but without the stalks and with this question propounded by him which sent it An Amomum And
conceiued in ones minde more easily than by a naked description Let the Studious thanke Pona for the knowledge hereof Thus much Clusius 2 In the 28 chapter of the first booke I gaue the figure of Zodoarie out of Clusius hauing not at that time this figure of Lobel which presents to your view both the long and the round with the manner how they grow together being not seuerall roots but parts of one and the same CHAP. 30. Of Rose-wood Aspalathus albicans torulo citreo White Rose-wood Aspalathus rubens Reddish Rose-wood ¶ The Description BOth these as also some other woods are referred to the Aspalathus described by Dioscorides l. 1. c. 19. But the later of these I take to be the better of the two sorts there mentioned The first of them is whitish without hauing a yellowish or citrine coloured round in the middle the taste is hottish and smell somewhat like that of a white-Rose The other hath also a small ring of white next the thicke and rugged barke and the inner wood is of a reddish colour very dense sollid and firme as also indifferent heauy the smell of this is also like that of a Rose whence they vulgarly call it Lignum Rhodium Rose-wood rather than from Rhodes the place where the later of them is said to grow ¶ The Faculties out of Dioscorides It hath a heating facultie with astriction whence the decoction thereof made in wine is conuenient to wash the vlcers of the mouth and the eating vlcers of the priuities and such vnclean sores as the Ozaena a stinking vlcer in the nose so called Put vp in a pessarie it drawes forth the childe the decoction thereof stayes the loosenesse of the belly and drunke it helpes the casting vp of bloud the difficultie of making water and windinesse AT the end of this Appendix I haue thought good to giue you diuers descriptions of Plants which I receiued from my often mentioned friend Mr. Goodyer which also were omitted in their fitting places partly through haste and partly for that I receiued some of them after the printing of those chapters wherein of right they should haue been inserted They are most of them of rare and not written of plants wherefore more gratefull to the curious Hicracium stellatum Boelij THis plant is in round hairy straked branched stalks and long rough blunt indented leaues like to Hieracium 〈◊〉 but scarce a foot high the floures are also yellow three times smaller which past there succeed long crooked slender sharpe pointed cods or huskes neere an inch long spreading abroad star-fashion wherein a long seed is contained this hath no heads or woolly down like any of the rest but onely the said crooked coddes which doe at the first spread abroad The root is small threddie full of milkie iuice as is also the whole plant and it perisheth when the seed is ripe Hieracium medio nigrum flore maiore Boelij This hath at the first spreading vpon the ground many long narrow green smooth leaues bluntly indented about the edges like those of Hieracium falcatum but smaller amongst which rise vp three foure or more small smooth straked round stalks diuided into other branches which grow longer than the stalks themselues leaning or trayling neere the ground the floures grow on the tops of the stalks but one together composed of many pale yellow leaues the middle of each floure being of a blackish purple colour Hieracium medio nigrum flore minore Boelij This is altogether like the last before described in stalkes and leaues the floures are also of a blackish purple in the middle but they are three times smaller Hieracium lanosum There groweth from one root three foure or more round vpright soft cottonie stalks of a reasonable bignesse two foot high diuided into many branches especially neere the top whereon groweth at each diuision one broad sharpe pointed leafe diuided into corners and very much crumpled and also very soft cottonie and woolly as is the whole plant the floures are small double of a pale yellow colour very like those of 〈◊〉 repens growing clustering very many together at the tops of the stalkes and branches forth of small round soft cottonie heads these foure plants grew from seed which I receiued from Mr. Coys 1620. and I made these descriptions by the Plants the 22. of August 1621. Blitum spinosum est Beta Cretica semine aculeato Baubini Matth. pag. 371. This sendeth forth from one root many round greene strailing ioynted small branches about a foot long the leaues are of a light greene colour and grow at euery ioint one somewhat like the leaues of great Sorrell but they are round topped without barbes or eares below or any manifest taste or smell very like the leaues of Beets but much smaller the floures grow clustering together about the ioints and at the tops of the branches small and greenish each floure containing fiue or six very small blunt topped leaues and a few dustie chiues in the middle which past there commeth great prickly shriuelled seed growing euen close to the root and vpwards on the ioints each seed hauing three sharpe prickes at the top growing side-waies which indeed may be more properly called the huske which huske in the in-side is of a darke reddish colour and containeth one seed in forme like the seed of Flos Adonis round at the lower end and cornered towards the top and sharp pointed couered ouer with a darke yellowish skin which skin pulled away the kernell appeareth yellow on the outside and exceeding white within and will with a light touch fall into very small pouder like 〈◊〉 Geranij Baeticae species Boelij This hath at the beginning many broad leaues indented about the edges somwhat diuided like those of Geranium Creticum but of a lighter greene colour and smaller amongst which grow vp many round hairy kneed trailing branches diuided into many other branches bearing leaues like the former but smaller and no more diuided The floures are smal like those of Geranum 〈◊〉 but of a deeper reddish colour each floure hauing fiue small round topped leaues after followeth small long hairie seed growing at the lower end of a sharpe pointed beak like that of Geranium Moschatum the whole plant perisheth when the seed is ripe Boelius a Low-countrey-man gathered the seeds hereof in Baetica a part of Spaine and imparted them to Mr. William Coys a man very skilfull in the knowledge of Simples who hath gotten plants thereof and of infinite other strange herbes and friendly gaue me seeds hereof and of many other Anno 1620. Antirrhinum minus flore Linariae luteum inscriptum This hath at the first many very small round smooth branches from one root trayling on the ground about foure or fiue inches long set with many small greene short sharp pointed leaues like those of Serpillum but that these are longer smooth and three or foure growing opposite one against another amongst which rise vp fiue or six sometimes
a Turnep or Rape whereupon it is called Rapum 〈◊〉 or Broom Rape 2 This is a certaine bulbed plant growing vnto the roots of broome big below and 〈◊〉 aboue couered with blackish scales and of a yelowish pulpe within from which doth rise a stalke a span long hauing whitish floures about the top like almost to those of Dead Nettle after which grow forth long thicke and round husks in which are contained very many seeds and good for nothing the whole plant is of the colour of the Oken leafe 3 Genista Hispanica Spanish Broome 5 Chamaegenista Anglica English Dwarfe Broome 6 〈◊〉 Pannonica Dwarfe broome of Hungarie ‡ Of this Orobanche or Broome Rape there are some varieties obserued and set forth by Lobel and Clusius the first of these varieties hath longer and smaller floures than the ordinarie The second hath larger floures and those of a blewish colour and is sometimes found among corne The third is parted towards the top into sundry branches the floures of this are either blew purplish or else white and it willingly growes among hempe ‡ 3 The Spanish Broome hath likewise wooddy stems from whence grow vp slender pliant twigs which be bare and naked without leaues or at the least hauing but few small leaues set here and there far distant one from another with yellow floures not much vnlike the floures of common Broome but greater which turne into small long cods wherein is conteined browne and flat seed the roote is tough and wooddy 4 Small leafed or thin leafed Broome hath many tough pliant shoots rising out of the ground which grow into hard and tough stalks which are diuided into diuers twiggy branches whereon doe grow very small thin leaues of a whitish colour whereupon some haue called it Genista alba white Broome the floures grow at the top of the stalkes in shape like those of the common Broom but of a white colour wherein it specially differeth from the other Broomes 5 English Dwarfe Broome 〈◊〉 many twiggy branches very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 or cornered leaning toward the ground 〈◊〉 do grow leaues set without 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 two together and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or foure growing fast together like 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 common 〈◊〉 greene on the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 taste among which 〈◊〉 come forth yellow floures like 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of little or no smell at all after which appeare small 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is contained small seed the root is tough and wooddy ‡ Bauhine iudges these two last 〈◊〉 to be onely varieties of the common Broome to 〈◊〉 opinion I do much 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I haue let our Authrs description stand 〈◊〉 with the figure 〈◊〉 this later which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the greatest difference ‡ 6 The Dw arfe Broome of Hungary hath stalkes and yellow floures like those of the last described the leaues hereof are different they are longer and more in number the whole plant is altogether greater wherein especially consisteth the difference ¶ The Place The common Broome groweth almost euery where in dry pastures and low woods The Broome Rape is not to be found but where Broome doth grow it groweth in a Broome field at the foot of Shooters hill next to London vpon Hampstead Heath and in diuers 〈◊〉 places Spanish Broome groweth in diuers kingdomes of Spaine and Italy we haue it in our London gardens The White Broome groweth likewise in Spaine and other hot regions it is a stranger in England of this Titus Calphurnius makes mention in his second Eclog of his Bucolicks writing thus Cernis vt eccepater quas tradidit Ornite vaccae Molle sub hirsuta latus explicuere genista See father how the Kine stretch out their tender side Vnder the hairy broome that growes in fields so wide ¶ The Time Broome floureth in the end of Aprill or May and then the young buds of the floures are to be gathered and laid in pickle or salt which afterwards being washed or boyled are vsed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Capers be and be eaten with no lesse delight the cods and seeds be ripe in August the Rape appeareth and is seene especially in the moneth of Iune The Spanish Broome doth floure sooner and is longer in flouring ¶ The Names This shrub is called in Latine Genista oras some would haue it Genesta in Italian Genestra in Spanish likewise 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 in high Dutch Pfrimmen in low Dutch Brem in French Genest in English Broome ‡ The Spanish Broome by most writers is iudged to be the Spartum of Dioscorides ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The twigs floures and seeds of Broome are hot and dry in the second degree they are also of a thin essence and are of force to clense and open and especially the seed which is dryer and not so full of superfluous moisture The decoction of the twigs and tops of Broome doth clense and open the liuer milt and kidnies It driueth away by the stoole watery humours and therefore it is wholesome for them that haue the dropsie especially being made with wine but better for the other infirmities with water The seed also is commended for the same purposes There is also made of the ashes of the stalkes and branches dryed and burnt a lie with thin white wine as Rhenish wine which is highly commended of diuers for the greene sickenesse and dropsie and this doth mightily expell and driue forth thin and watery humors together with the vrine and that by the bladder but withall it doth by reason of his sharpe quality many times hurt and fret the intrailes Mesue saith that there is in the floures and branches a cutting moisture but full of excrements and therefore it causeth vomit and that the plant doth in all his parts trouble cut attenuate and violently purgeth by vomit and stoole flegme and raw humours out of the ioints But these things are not written of Broome but of Spartum which purgeth by vomit after the manner of Hellebor as both Dioscorides and Pliny do testifie Mesue also addeth that Broome doth breake the stone of the kidnies and bladder and 〈◊〉 not the matter whereof the stone is made to lie long or to become a stone The young buds or little floures preferued in pickle and eaten as a sallad stir vp an appetite to meate and open the stoppings of the liuer and milt The same being fully blowne stamped and mixed with swines grease do ease the paine of the gout And Mesue writeth that this tempered with honie of Roses or with an egge doth consume away the Kings-euill The Rape of the Broom or Broome Rape being boyled in wine is commended against the pains of the kidnies and bladder prouoketh vrine breaketh the stone and expelleth it The iuice pressed forth of Broom rape healeth green wounds and clenseth old and filthy vlcers the later Physitions do affirme that it is also good for old venomous and malicious vlcers That worthy Prince of famous 〈◊〉 Henry 8. King of England was woont