Chapter II: Part 2

A black _Wolfs_ Skin is worth a _Beaver_ Skin among the _Indians_, being highly esteemed for helping old Aches in old people, worn as a Coat; they are not mankind, as in _Ireland_ and other Countries, but do much harm by destroying of our _English_ Cattle.

_The Ounce._[51]

The _Ounce_ or _Wild Cat_, is about the bigness of two lusty Ram Cats, preys upon Deer and our _English_ Poultrey: I once found six whole Ducks in the belly of one I killed by a Pond side: Their flesh roasted is as good as Lamb, and as white.

_For Aches and shrunk Sinews._

Their Grease is soveraign for all manner of Aches and shrunk Sinews: Their Skins are accounted good Fur, but somewhat course.

{17} _The Raccoon._[52]

The _Raccoon_ liveth in hollow trees, and is about the size of a _Gib Cat_; they feed upon Mass, and do infest our _Indian_ Corn very much; they will be exceeding fat in Autumn; their flesh is somewhat dark, but good food roasted.

_For Bruises and Aches._

Their Fat is excellent for bruises and Aches. Their Skins are esteemed a good deep Fur; but yet as the _Wild Cats_ somewhat coarse.

_The Porcupine._

The _Porcupine_, in some parts of the Countrey Eastward towards the _French_, are as big as an ordinary Mungrel Cur; a very angry Creature, and dangerous, shooting a whole shower of Quills with a rowse at their enemies, which are of that nature, that wherever they stick in the flesh, they will work through in a short time, if not prevented by pulling of them out. The _Indians_ make use of their Quills, which are hardly a handful long, to adorn {18} the edges of their birchen dishes, and weave (dying some of them red, others yellow and blew) curious bags or pouches, in works like _Turkie-work_.[53]

_The Beaver, Canis Ponticus, Amphybious._[54]

The _Beaver_, whose old ones are as big as an _Otter_, or rather bigger, a Creature of a rare instinct, as may apparently be seen in their artificial Dam-heads to raise the water in the Ponds where they keep, and their houses having three stories, which would be too large to discourse.[54] They have all of them four Cods hanging outwardly between their hinder legs, two of them are soft or oyly, and two solid or hard; the _Indians_ say they are _Hermaphrodites_.

_For Wind in the Stomach._

Their solid Cods are much used in Physick: Our _Englishwomen_ in this Country use the powder grated, as much as will lye upon a shilling in a draught of _Fiol_ Wine, for Wind in the Stomach and Belly, and venture many times in such cases to give it to Women with Child: Their Tails are flat, and covered with Scales without hair, {19} which being flead off, and the Tail boiled, proves exceeding good meat, being all Fat, and as sweet as Marrow.

_The Moose-Deer._[55]

The _Moose Deer_, which is a very goodly Creature, some of them twelve foot high, with exceeding fair Horns with broad Palms, some of them two fathom from the tip of one Horn to the other; they commonly have three _Fawns_ at a time, their flesh is not dry like Deers flesh, but moist and lushious somewhat like Horse flesh (as they judge that have tasted of both) but very wholsome. The flesh of their _Fawns_ is an incomparable dish, beyond the flesh of an Asses Foal so highly esteemed by the _Romans_, or that of young Spaniel Puppies so much cried up in our days in _France_ and _England_.

_Moose Horns better for Physick Use than Harts Horns._

Their Horns are far better (in my opinion) for Physick than the Horns of other Deer, as being of a stronger nature: As for their Claws, which both _Englishmen_ and _French_ make use of for _Elk_, I cannot {20} approve so to be from the Effects, having had some trial of it; besides, all that write of the _Elk_ describe him with a tuft of hair on the left Leg behind, a little above the pastern joynt on the outside of the Leg, not unlike the tuft (as I conceive) that groweth upon the breast of a _Turkie Cock_, which I could never yet see upon the Leg of a _Moose_, and I have seen some number of them.

_For Children breeding Teeth._

The _Indian Webbes_ make use of the broad Teeth of the _Fawns_ to hang about their Childrens Neck when they are breeding of their Teeth. The Tongue of a grown _Moose_, dried in the smoak after the _Indian_ manner, is a dish for a _Sagamor_.

_The Maccarib._[56]

The _Maccarib_, _Caribo_, or _Pohano_, a kind of Deer, as big as a Stag, round hooved, smooth hair’d and soft as silk; their Horns grow backwards a long their backs to their rumps, and turn again a handful beyond their Nose, having another Horn in the middle of their Forehead, about half a yard long, very straight, but {21} wreathed like an _Unicorns_ Horn, of a brown jettie colour, and very smooth: The Creature is no where to be found, but upon Cape _Sable_ in the _French_ Quarters, and there too very rarely, they being not numerous; some few of their Skins and their streight Horns are (but very sparingly) brought to the _English_.

_The Fox._[57]

The _Fox_, which differeth not much from ours, but are somewhat less; a black _Fox_ Skin heretofore was wont to be valued at fifty and sixty pound, but now you may have them for twenty shillings; indeed there is not any in _New-England_ that are perfectly black, but silver hair’d, that is sprinkled with grey hairs.

_The Jaccal._[58]

The _Jaccal_, is a Creature that hunts the _Lions_ prey, a shrew’d sign that there are _Lions_ upon the Continent; there are those that are yet living in the Countrey, that do constantly affirm, that about six or seven and thirty years since an _Indian_ {22} shot a young _Lion_,[59] sleeping upon the body of an Oak blown up by the roots, with an Arrow, not far from Cape _Anne_, and sold the Skin to the _English_. But to say something of the _Jaccal_, they are ordinarily less than _Foxes_, of the colour of a gray Rabbet, and do not scent nothing near so strong as a _Fox_; some of the _Indians_ will eat of them: Their Grease is good for all that _Fox_ Grease is good for, but weaker; they are very numerous.

_The Hare._[60]

The _Hare_ in _New-England_ is no bigger than our _English_ Rabbets, of the same colour, but withall having yellow and black strokes down the ribs; in Winter they are milk white, and as the Spring approacheth they come to their colour; when the Snow lies upon the ground they are very bitter with feeding upon the bark of Spruce, and the like.[61]

{23} Thirdly, Of Fishes.[62]

_Pliny_ and _Isadore_ write there are not above 144 Kinds of Fishes, but to my knowledge there are nearer 300: I suppose _America_ was not known to _Pliny_ and _Isadore_.

_A Catalogue of Fish, that is, of those that are to be seen between
the English Coast and_ America, _and those proper to the Countrey_.

_Alderling._

_Alize_, _Alewife_, because great-bellied; _Olafle_, _Oldwife_, _Allow_.[63]

_Anchova_ or _Sea Minnow_.

_Aleport._

_Albicore._[64]

_Barble._

_Barracha._

_Barracoutha_, a fish peculiar to the _West-Indies_.[65]

_Barsticle._

_Basse._[66]

_Sea Bishop_, proper to the _Norway_ Seas.

{24} _River Bleak_ or _Bley_, a _River Swallow_.

_Sea Bleak_ or _Bley_, or _Sea Camelion_.

_Blew Fish_ or _Hound Fish_, two kinds, _speckled Hound Fish_, and _Blew Hound Fish_ called _Horse Fish_.[67]

_Bonito_ or _Dozado_, or _Spanish Dolphin_.[68]

_River Bream._

_Sea Bream._[69]

_Cud Bream._

_Bullhead_ or _Indian Muscle_.

_River Bulls._

_Burfish._

_Burret._

_Cackarel_ or _Laxe_.

_Calemarie_ or _Sea Clerk_.

_Catfish._[70]

_Carp._

_Chare_, a _Fish_ proper to the River _Wimander_ in _Lancashire_.

_Sea Chough._

_Chub or Chevin._

_Cony Fish._

_Clam_ or _Clamp_.[71]

_Sea Cob._

_Cockes_, or _Coccles_, or _Coquil_.[72]

_Cook Fish._

_Rock Cod._

_Sea Cod_ or _Sea Whiting_.[73]

{25} _Crab_, divers kinds, as the _Sea Crab_, _Boatfish_, _River Crab_, _Sea Lion_, _&c._

_Sea Cucumber._

_Cunger_ or _Sea Eel_.

_Cunner_ or _Sea Roach_.

_Cur._

_Currier_, _Post_, or _Lacquey_ of the Sea.

_Crampfish_ or _Torpedo_.

_Cuttle_, or _Sleeves_, or _Sea Angler_.

_Clupea_, the _Tunnies_ enemy.

_Sea Cornet._

_Cornuta_ or _Horned Fish_.

_Dace_, _Dare_, or _Dart_.

_Sea Dart_, _Javelins_.

_Dog-fish_ or _Tubarone_.

_Dolphin._

_Dorce._

_Dorrie_, _Goldfish_.

_Golden-eye_, _Gilt-pole_, or _Godline_, _Yellow-heads_.

_Sea Dragon_ or _Sea Spider_, _Quaviner_.

_Drum_, a Fish frequent in the _West Indies_.

_Sea Emperour_ or _Sword Fish_.

_Eel_, of which divers kinds.[74]

_Sea Elephant_, the Leather of this Fish will never rot, excellent for Thongs.

_Ears_ of the Sea.

_Flayl-fish._

{26} _Flownder_ or _Flook_, the young ones are called _Dabs_.

_Sea Flownder_ or _Flowre_.

_Sea Fox._

_Frogfish._

_Frostfish._[75]

_Frutola_, a broad plain Fish with a Tail like a half Moon.

_Sea Flea._

_Gallyfish._

_Grandpiss_[76] or _Herring Hog_, this, as all Fish of extraordinary size, are accounted Regal Fishes.

_Grayling._

_Greedigut._

_Groundling._

_Gudgin._

_Gulf._

_Sea Grape._

_Gull._

_Gurnard._

_Hake._

_Haccle_ or _Sticklebacks_.

_Haddock._

_Horse Foot_ or _Asses Hoof_.

_Herring._

_Hallibut_ or _Sea Pheasant_. Some will have the _Turbut_ all one, others distinguish {27} them, calling the young Fish of the first _Buttis_, and of the other _Birt_. There is no question to be made of it but that they are distinct kinds of Fish.[77]

_Sea Hare._[78]

_Sea Hawk._

_Hartfish._

_Sea Hermit._

_Henfish._

_Sea Hind._

_Hornbeak_, _Sea Ruff_ and _Reeves_.

_Sea Horseman._

_Hog_ or _Flying Fish_.

_Sea Kite_ or _Flying Swallow_.

_Lampret_ or _Lamprel_.

_Lampreys_ or _Lamprones_.[79]

_Limpin._

_Ling_, _Sea Beef_; the smaller sort is called _Cusk_.

_Sea Lanthorn._

_Sea Liver._

_Lobster._[80]

_Sea Lizard._

_Sea Locusts._

_Lump_, _Poddle_, or _Sea Owl_.

_Lanter._

_Lux_, peculiar to the river _Rhyne_.

_Sea Lights._

{28} _Luna_, a very small Fish, but exceeding beautiful, broad-bodied and blewish of colour; when it swims, the Fins make a Circle like the Moon.

_Maycril._

_Maid._

_Manatee._

_Mola_, a Fish like a lump of Flesh, taken in the _Venetian_ Sea.

_Millers Thumb_, _Mulcet_ or _Pollard_.

_Molefish._

_Minnow_, called likewise a _Pink_; the same name is given to young _Salmon_; it is called also a _Witlin_.

_Monkefish._[81]

_Morse_, _River_ or _Sea Horse_,[82] fresh water _Mullet_.

_Sea Mullet_, _Botargo_ or _Petargo_ is made of their Spawn.

_Muscle_, divers kinds.[83]

_Navelfish._

_Nunfish._

_Needlefish._

_Sea Nettle._

_Oyster._[84]

_Occulata._

_Perch_ or _River Partridge_.

_Pollack._

{29} _Piper_ or _Gavefish_.

_Periwig._

_Periwincle_ or _Sea Snail_ or _Whelk_.

_Pike_, or _Fresh-water Wolf_, or _River Wolf_, _Luce_ and _Lucerne_, which is an overgrown _Pike_.

_Pilchard_, when they are dried as _Red Herrings_ they are called _Fumadoes_.

_Pilot Fish._

_Plaice_ or _Sea Sparrow_.

_Polipe_ or _Pour-Contrel_.

_Porpuise_ or _Porpiss_, _Molebut_, _Sea Hog_, _Sus Marinus_, _Tursion_.

_Priest Fish_ or _Sea Priest_.

_Prawn_ or _Crangone_.

_Punger._

_Patella._

_Powt_, the _Feathered Fish_, or _Fork Fish_.

_River Powt._

_Pursefish_, or _Indian Reversus_, like an _Eel_; having a Skin on the hinder part of her Head, like a Purse, with strings, which will open and shut.

_Parratfish._

_Purplefish._

_Porgee._

_Remora_, or _Suck Stone_, or _Stop Ship_.

_Sea Raven._

{30} _Roch_ or _Roach_.

_Rochet_ or _Rouget_.

_Ruff_ or _Pope_.

_Sea Ram._

_Salmon._[85]

_Sailfish._

_Scallope_ or _Venus Coccle_.

_Scate_, or _Ray_, or _Gristlefish_; of which divers kinds; as _sharp snowted Ray_, _Rock Ray_, _&c._

_Shad._[86]

_Shallow._

_Sharpling._

_Spurling._

_Sculpin._

_Sheepshead._[87]

_Soles_, or _Tonguefish_, or _Sea Capon_, or _Sea Partridge_.

_Seal_, or _Soil_, or _Zeal_.[88]

_Sea Calf_, and (as some will have it) _Molebut_.

_Sheathfish._[89]

_Sea Scales._

_Sturgeon_; of the Roe of this Fish they make _Caviare_, or _Cavialtie_.[90]

_Shark_ or _Bunch_, several kinds.[91]

_Smelt._

_Snaccot._

{31} _Shrimp._

_Spyfish._

_Spitefish._

_Sprat._

_Spungefish._

_Squill._

_Squid._[92]

_Sunfish._

_Starfish._[93]

_Swordfish._

_Tench._

_Thornback_ or _Neptunes Beard_.

_Thunnie_, they cut the Fish in pieces like shingles and powder it, and this they call _Melandria_.

_Sea Toad._

_Tortoise_, _Torteise_, _Tortuga_, _Tortisse_, _Turcle_ or _Turtle_, of divers kinds.[94]

_Trout._[95]

_Turbut._[96]

_Sea Tun._

_Sea Tree._

_Uraniscopus._

_Ulatise_ or _Sawfish_, having a Saw in his Forehead three foot long, and very sharp.

_Umber._

_Sea Urchin._

{32} _Sea Unicorn_ or _Sea Mononeros_.

_Whale_, many kinds.[97]

_Whiting_ or _Merling_, the young ones are called _Weerlings_ and _Mops_.

_Whore._[98]

_Yardfish_, _Asses Prick_ or _Shamefish_.

_The Sturgeon._

The _Sturgeon_, of whose Sounds is made Isinglass, a kind of Glew much used in Physick: This Fish is here in great plenty, and in some Rivers so numerous, that it is hazardous for Canoes and the like small Vessels to pass to and again, as in _Pechipscut_ River to the Eastward.

_The Cod._

The _Cod_, which is a staple Commodity in the Country.

_To stop Fluxes of Blood._

In the Head of this Fish is found a Stone, or rather a Bone, which being pulveriz’d and drank in any convenient liquor, will stop Womens overflowing Courses notably: Likewise,

{33} _For the Stone._

There is a Stone found in their Bellies, in a Bladder against their Navel, which being pulveriz’d and drank in White-wine Posset or Ale, is present Remedy for the Stone.

_To heal a green Cut._

About their Fins you may find a kind of Lowse, which healeth a green Cut in short time.

_To restore them that have melted their Grease._

Their Livers and Sounds eaten, is a good Medicine for to restore them that have melted their Grease.

_The Dogfish._

The _Dogfish_, a ravenous Fish.

_For the Toothach._

Upon whose Back grows a Thorn two or three Inches long, that helps the Toothach, scarifying the Gums therewith.

Their Skins are good to cover Boxes and Instrument Cases.

{34} _The Stingray._

The _Stingray_, a large Fish, of a rough Skin, good to cover Boxes and Hafts of Knives, and Rapier sticks.

_The Tortous._

The _Turtle_ or _Tortous_, of which there are three kinds: 1. The land _Turtle_; they are found in dry sandy Banks, under old Houses, and never go into the water.

_For the Ptisick, Consumption, and Morbus Gallicus._

They are good for the Ptisick and Consumptions, and some say the _Morbus Gallicus_.

2. The River _Turtle_, which are venomous and stink.

3. The _Turtle_ that lives in Lakes and is called in _Virginia_ a _Terrapine_.

_The Soile._

The _Soile_ or _Sea Calf_, a Creature that brings forth her young ones upon dry land, but at other times keeps in the Sea preying upon Fish.

{35} _For Scalds and Burns, and for the Mother._

The Oyl of it is much used by the _Indians_, who eat of it with their Fish, and anoint their limbs therewith, and their Wounds and Sores: It is very good for Scalds and Burns; and the fume of it, being cast upon Coals, will bring Women out of the Mother Fits. The Hair upon the young ones is white, and as soft as silk; their Skins, with the Hair on, are good to make Gloves for the Winter.

_The Sperma Ceti Whale._

The _Sperma Ceti Whale_ differeth from the _Whales_ that yield us Whale-bones, for the first hath great and long Teeth, the other is nothing but Bones with Tassels hanging from their Jaws, with which they suck in their prey.

_What Sperma Ceti is._

It is not long since a _Sperma Ceti Whale_ or two were cast upon the shore, not far from _Boston_ in the _Massachusetts Bay_, which being cut into small pieces and boiled in Cauldrons, yielded plenty of Oyl; the Oyl put up into Hogsheads, and flow’d into Cellars for some time, Candies at the {36} bottom, it may be one quarter; then the Oyl is drawn off, and the Candied Stuff put up into convenient Vessels is sold for _Sperma Ceti_, and is right _Sperma Ceti_.

_For Bruises and Aches._

The Oyl that was drawn off Candies again and again, if well ordered; and is admirable for Bruises and Aches.

_What Ambergreece is._

Now you must understand this _Whale_ feeds upon _Ambergreece_, as is apparent, finding it in the _Whales_ Maw in great quantity, but altered and excrementitious: I conceive that _Ambergreece_ is no other than a kind of Mushroom growing at the bottom of some Seas; I was once shewed (by a Mariner) a piece of _Ambergreece_ having a root to it like that of the land Mushroom, which the _Whale_ breaking up, some scape his devouring Paunch, and is afterwards cast upon shore.

_The Coccle._[99]

A kind of _Coccle_, of whose Shell the _Indians_ make their Beads called _Wompampeag_ and _Mohaicks_, the first are white, the other blew, both _Orient_, and beau{37}tified with a purple Vein. The white Beads are very good to stanch Blood.

_The Scarlet Muscle._

The _Scarlet Muscle_, at _Paschatawey_ a Plantation about fifty leagues by Sea Eastward from _Boston_, in a small _Cove_ called _Bakers Cove_ there is found this kind of _Muscle_ which hath a purple Vein, which being prickt with a Needle yieldeth a perfect purple or scarlet juice, dying Linnen so that no washing will wear it out, but keeps its lustre many years: We mark our Handkerchiefs and Shirts with it.[100]

_Fish of greatest Esteem in the West Indies._

The _Indians_ of _Peru_ esteem of three Fishes more than any other, _viz._ the _Sea Torteise_, the _Tubaron_, and the _Manate_,[101] or _Sea Cow_; but in _New-England_ the _Indians_ have in greatest request, the _Bass_, the _Sturgeon_, the _Salmon_, the _Lamprey_, the _Eel_, the _Frost-fish_, the _Lobster_ and the _Clam_.

{38} Fourthly, Of Serpents, and Insects.[102]

_The Pond Frog._[103]

The Pond _Frog_, which chirp in the Spring like _Sparows_, and croke like Toads in Autumn: Some of these when they set upon their breech are a Foot high; the _Indians_ will tell you, that up in the Country there are Pond _Frogs_ as big as a Child of a year old.

_For Burns, Scalds, and Inflammations._

They are of a glistering brass colour, and very fat, which is excellent for Burns and Scaldings, to take out the Fire, and heal them, leaving no Scar; and is also very good to take away any Inflammation.

_The Rattle Snake._[104]

The _Rattle Snake_, who poysons with a Vapour that comes thorough two crooked Fangs in their Mouth; the hollow of these Fangs are as black as Ink: The _Indians_, when weary with travelling, will {39} take them up with their bare hands, laying hold with one hand behind their Head, with the other taking hold of their Tail, and, with their teeth tear off the Skin of their backs, and feed upon them alive; which they say refresheth them.

_For frozen Limbs, Aches, and Bruises._

They have Leafs of Fat in their Bellies, which is excellent to annoint frozen Limbs, and for Aches and Bruises wondrous soveraign. Their Hearts swallowed fresh, is a good Antidote against their Venome, and their Liver (the Gall taken out) bruised and applied to their Bitings is a present Remedy.

Of Insects.[105]

_A Bug._

There is a certain kind of _Bug_ like a _Beetle_, but of a glittering brass colour, with four strong Tinsel Wings; their Bodies are full of Corruption or white Matter like a Maggot; being dead, and kept awhile, they will stench odiously; they beat the _Humming Birds_ from the Flowers.

{40} _The Wasp._

The _Wasps_ in this Countrey are pied, black and white, breed in Hives made like a great Pine Apple, their entrance is at the lower end, the whole Hive is of an Ash Colour, but of what matter its made no man knows; wax it is not, neither will it melt nor fry, but will take fire suddenly like Tinder: this they fasten to a Bow, or build it round about a low Bush, a Foot from the ground.

_The flying Gloworm._

The flying _Gloworm_, flying in dark Summer Nights like sparks of Fire in great number; they are common likewise, in _Palestina_.

{41} Fifthly, Of Plants.

_AND_

1. _Of such Plants as are common with us in_ ENGLAND.

_Hedghog-grass._[106]

_Mattweed._[107]

_Cats-tail._[108]

_Stichwort_, commonly taken here by ignorant People for _Eyebright_; it blows in _June_.[109]

_Blew Flower-de-luce_; the roots are not knobby, but long and streight, and very white, with a multitude of strings.[110]

_To provoke Vomit and for Bruises._

It is excellent for to provoke Vomiting, and for Bruises on the Feet or Face. They Flower in _June_, and grow upon dry sandy Hills as well as in low wet Grounds.

_Yellow bastard Daffodill_; it flowereth in _May_, the green leaves are spotted with black spots.[111]

_Dogstones_, a kind of _Satyrion_, whereof there are several kinds groweth in our Salt Marshes.[112]

{42} _To procure Love._

I once took notice of a wanton Womans compounding the solid Roots of this Plant with Wine, for an Amorous Cup; which wrought the desired effect.

_Watercresses._[113]

_Red Lillies_ grow all over the Country innumerably amongst the small Bushes, and flower in _June_.[114]

_Wild Sorrel._[115]

_Adders Tongue_ comes not up till _June_; I have found it upon dry hilly grounds, in places where the water hath stood all Winter, in _August_, and did then make Oyntment of the Herb new gathered; the fairest Leaves grow amongst short _Hawthorn_ Bushes, that are plentifully growing in such hollow places.[116]

_One Blade._[117]

_Lilly Convallie_, with the yellow Flowers grows upon rocky banks by the Sea.[118]

_Water Plantane_, here called _Water suck-leaves_.[119]

_For Burns and Scalds, and to draw Water out of swell’d Legs._

It is much used for Burns and Scalds, and to draw water out of swell’d Legs. _Bears_ feed much upon this Plant, so do the _Moose Deer_.

{43} _Sea Plantane_, three kinds.[120]

_Small-water Archer._[121]

_Autumn Bell Flower._[122]

_White Hellibore_, which is the first Plant that springs up in this Country, and the first that withers; it grows in deep black Mould and Wet, in such abundance, that you may in a small compass gather whole Cart-loads of it.[123]

_Wounds and Aches Cured by the_ Indians. _For the Tooth-ach. For Herpes milliares._

The _Indians_ Cure their Wounds with it, annointing the Wound first with Raccoons greese, or Wild-Cats greese, and strewing upon it the powder of the Roots; and for Aches they scarifie the grieved part, and annoint it with one of the foresaid Oyls, then strew upon it the powder: The powder of the Root put into a hollow Tooth, is good for the Tooth-ach: The Root sliced thin and boyled in Vineager, is very good against _Herpes Milliaris_.

_Arsmart_, both kinds.[124]

_Spurge Time_, it grows upon dry sandy Sea Banks, and is very like to _Rupter-wort_, it is full of Milk.[125]

_Rupter-wort_, with the white flower.[126]

Jagged _Rose-penny-wort_.[127]

{44} _Soda bariglia_, or _massacote_, the Ashes of _Soda_, of which they make Glasses.

_Glass-wort_, here called _Berrelia_, it grows abundantly in Salt Marshes.[128]

_St._ John_’s-Wort_.[129]

_St._ Peter_’s-Wort_.[130]

_Speed-well Chick-weed._[131]

_Male fluellin_, or _Speed-well_.[132]

_Upright Peniroyal._[133]

_Wild-Mint._[134]

_Cat-Mint._[135]

_Egrimony._[136]

The lesser _Clot-Bur_.[137]

_Water Lilly_, with yellow Flowers, the _Indians_ Eat the Roots, which are long a boiling, they tast like the Liver of a Sheep, the _Moose Deer_ feed much upon them, at which time the _Indians_ kill them, when their heads are under water.[138]

_Dragons_, their leaves differ from all the kinds with us, they come up in _June_.[139]

_Violets_ of three kinds, the White Violet which is sweet, but not so strong as our Blew Violets; Blew Violets without sent, and a Reddish Violet without sent; they do not blow till _June_.[140]

{45} _For swell’d Legs._

_Wood-bine_, good for hot swellings of the Legs, fomenting with the decoction, and applying the _Feces_ in the form of a _Cataplasme_.[141]

_Salomons-Seal_, of which there is three kinds; the first common in _England_, the second, _Virginia Salomons-Seal_, and the third, differing from both, is called _Treacle Berries_, having the perfect tast of Treacle when they are ripe; and will keep good along while; certainly a very wholsome Berry, and medicinable.[142]

_Doves-Foot._[143]

_Herb Robert._[143]

_Knobby Cranes Bill._[143]

_For Agues._

_Ravens-Claw_, which flowers in _May_, and is admirable for Agues.[143]

_Cinkfoil._[144]

_Tormentile._[144]

_Avens_, with the leaf of _Mountane-Avens_, the flower and root of _English Avens_.[145]

_Strawberries._[146]

_Wild Angelica_, _majoris_ and _minoris_.[147]

_Alexanders_, which grow upon Rocks by the Sea shore.[148]

{46} _Yarrow_, with the white Flower.[149]

_Columbines_, of a flesh colour, growing upon Rocks.[150]

_Oak of Hierusalem._[151]

_Achariston is an excellent Medicine for stopping of the Lungs upon Cold, Ptisick_, &c.

_Oak of Cappadocia_, both much of a nature, but Oak of _Hierusalem_ is stronger in operation; excellent for stuffing of the Lungs upon Colds, shortness of Wind, and the Ptisick; maladies that the Natives are often troubled with: I helped several of the _Indians_ with a Drink made of two Gallons of _Molosses wort_, (for in that part of the Country where I abode, we made our Beer of Molosses, Water, Bran, chips of _Sassafras_ Root, and a little Wormwood, well boiled,) into which I put of Oak of _Hierusalem_, Cat-mint, Sowthistle, of each one handful, of _Enula Campana_ Root one Ounce, Liquorice scrap’d brused and cut in pieces, one Ounce, Sassafras Root cut into thin chips, one Ounce, Anny-seed and sweet Fennel-seed, of each one Spoonful bruised; boil these in a close Pot, upon a soft Fire to the consumption of one Gallon, then take it off, and strein it gently; you may if you will {47} boil the streined liquor with Sugar to a Syrup, then when it is Cold, put it up into Glass Bottles, and take thereof three or four spoonfuls at a time, letting it run down your throat as leasurely as possibly you can; do thus in the morning, in the Afternoon, and at Night going to Bed.

_Goose-Grass_, or _Clivers_.[152]

_Fearn._[153]

_Brakes._[153]

_Wood sorrel_, with the yellow flower.[154]

_Elm._[155]

_Line Tree_, both kinds.[156]

_A way to draw out Oyl of Akrons, or the like_, &c.

_Maple_; of the Ashes of this Tree the _Indians_ make a lye, with which they force out Oyl from Oak Akorns that is highly esteemed by the _Indians_.[157]

_Dew-Grass._[158]

_Earth-Nut_, which are of divers kinds, one bearing very beautiful Flowers.[159]

_Fuss-Balls_, very large.[160]

_Mushrooms_, some long and no bigger than ones finger, others jagged flat, round, none like our great Mushrooms in _England_, of these some are of a Scarlet colour, others a deep Yellow, _&c._[160]

{48} Blew flowered _Pimpernel_.[161]

Noble _Liver-wort_, one sort with white flowers, the other with blew.[162]

_Black-Berry._[163]

_Dew-Berry._

_Rasp-Berry_, here called _Mul-berry_.

_Goose-Berries_, of a deep red Colour.[164]

_Haw-thorn_, the Haws being as big as Services, and very good to eat, and not so astringent as the Haws in _England_.[165]

_Toad flax._[166]

_Pellamount_, or Mountain time.[167]

_Mouse-ear Minor._[168]

_The making of Oyl of Akrons. To strengthen weak Members. For Scall’d-heads._

There is _Oak_ of three kinds, white, red and black, the white is excellent to make Canoes of, Shallopes, Ships, and other Vessels for the Sea, and for Claw-board, and Pipe-staves, the black is good to make Waynscot of; and out of the white Oak Acorns, (which is the Acorn Bears delight to feed upon): The Natives draw an Oyl, taking the rottenest Maple Wood, which being burnt to ashes, they make a strong Lye therewith, wherein they boyl their white Oak-Acorns until the Oyl swim on the top in great quantity; this {49} they fleet off, and put into bladders to annoint their naked Limbs, which corrobarates them exceedingly; they eat it likewise with their Meat, it is an excellent clear and sweet Oyl: Of the Moss that grows at the roots of the white Oak the _Indesses_ make a strong decoction, with which they help their _Papouses_ or young Childrens scall’d Heads.[169]

_Juniper_, which _Cardanus_ saith is Cedar in hot Countries, and Juniper in cold Countries; it is hear very dwarfish and shrubby, growing for the most part by the Sea side.[170]

_Willow._[171]

_Spurge Lawrel_, called here _Poyson berry_, it kills the _English_ Cattle if they chance to feed upon it, especially Calves.[172]

_Gaul_, or noble Mirtle.[173]

_Elder._[174]

_Dwarf Elder._[175]

_For a Cut with a Bruse._

_Alder_; An _Indian_ Bruising and Cutting of his Knee with a fall, used no other remedy, than Alder Bark, chewed fasting, and laid to it, which did soon heal it.[176]

_To take Fire out of a Burn._

The decoction is also excellent to take {50} the Fire out of a Burn or Scalld.

_For Wounds and Cuts._

For Wounds and Cuts make a strong decoction of Bark of Alder, pour of it into the Wound, and drink thereof.

_Hasel._[177]

_For sore Mouths, falling of the Pallat._

_Filberd_, both with hairy husks upon the Nuts, and setting hollow from the Nut, and fill’d with a kind of water of an astringent taste; it is very good for sore Mouths, and falling of the Pallat, as is the whole green Nut before it comes to Kernel, burnt and pulverized. The Kernels are seldom without maggots in them.[177]

_Walnut_; the Nuts differ much from ours in _Europe_, they being smooth, much like a Nutmeg in shape, and not much bigger; some three cornered, all of them but thinly replenished with Kernels.[178]

{51} _Chestnuts_; very sweet in taste, and may be (as they usually are) eaten raw; the _Indians_ sell them to the _English_ for twelve pence the bushel.[179]

_Beech._[180]

_Ash._[181]

_Quick-beam_, or _Wild-Ash_.[182]

_Coals of Birch pulverized and wrought with the white of an Egg to
a Salve, is a gallant Remedy for dry scurfy Sores upon the Shins;
and for Bruised Wounds and Cuts._

_Birch_, white and black; the bark of Birch is used by the _Indians_ for bruised Wounds and Cuts, boyled very tender, and stampt betwixt two stones to a Plaister, and the decoction thereof poured into the Wound; And also to fetch the Fire out of Burns and Scalds.[183]

_Poplar_, but differing in leaf.[184]

_Plumb Tree_, several kinds, bearing some long, round, white, yellow, red, and black Plums; all differing in their Fruit from those in _England_.[185]

_Wild Purcelane._[186]

_Wood-wax_, wherewith they dye many pretty Colours.[187]

Red and black _Currans_.[188]

{52} _For the Gout, or any Ach._

_Spunck_, an excrescence growing out of black Birch, the _Indians_ use it for Touchwood; and therewith they help the _Sciatica_, or Gout of the Hip, or any great Ach, burning the Patient with it in two or three places upon the Thigh, and upon certain Veins.[189]

2. _Of such Plants as are proper to the Country._

_To ripen any Impostume or Swelling. For sore Mouths. The New-Englands standing Dish._

_Indian_ Wheat, of which there is three sorts, yellow, red, and blew; the blew is commonly Ripe before the other a Month: Five or Six Grains of _Indian_ Wheat hath produced in one year 600. It is hotter than our Wheat and clammy; excellent in _Cataplasms_ to ripen any Swelling or impostume. The decoction of the blew Corn, is good to wash sore Mouths with: It is light of digestion, and the _English_ make a kind of Loblolly of it {53} to eat with Milk, which they call _Sampe_; they beat it in a Morter, and sift the flower out of it: the remainder they call _Homminey_, which they put into a Pot of two or three Gallons, with Water, and boyl it upon a gentle Fire till it be like a Hasty Pudden; they put of this into Milk, and so eat it. Their Bread also they make of the _Homminey_ so boiled, and mix their Flower with it, cast it into a deep Bason in which they form the Loaf, and then turn it out upon the Peel, and presently put it into the Oven before it spreads abroad; the Flower makes excellent Puddens.[190]

_Bastard Calamus Aromaticus_, agrees with the description, but is not barren; they flower in _July_, and grow in wet places, as about the brinks of Ponds.[191]

_To keep the Feet warm._

The _English_ make use of the Leaves to keep their Feet warm. There is a little Beast called a _Muskquash_, that liveth in small Houses in the Ponds, like Mole Hills, that feed upon these Plants. Their Cods sent as sweet and as strong as Musk, and will last along time handsomly wrap’d up in Cotton wool; they are very good to lay amongst Cloaths. _May_ is the best {54} time to kill them, for then their Cods sent strongest.

_Wild-Leekes_, which the _Indians_ use much to eat with their fish.[192]

A Plant like _Knavers-Mustard_, called _New-England_ Mustard.[193]

_Mountain-Lillies_, bearing many yellow Flowers, turning up their Leaves like the _Martigon_, or _Turks_ Cap, spotted with small spots as deep as Safforn, they Flower in _July_.[194]

_One Berry_, or Herb _True Love_. See the Figure.[195]

_Tobacco_, there is not much of it Planted in _New-England_. The _Indians_ make use of a small kind with short round leaves called _Pooke_.[196]

_For Burns and Scalds._

With a strong decoction of Tobacco they Cure Burns and Scalds, boiling it in Water from a Quart to a Pint, then wash the Sore therewith, and strew on the powder of dryed Tobacco.

_Hollow Leaved Lavender_, is a Plant that grows in salt Marshes overgrown with Moss, with one straight stalk about the bigness of an Oat straw, better than a Cubit high; upon the top standeth one {55} fantastical Flower, the Leaves grow close from the root, in shape like a Tankard, hollow, tough, and alwayes full of Water, the Root is made up of many small strings, growing only in the Moss, and not in the Earth, the whole Plant comes to its perfection in _August_, and then it has Leaves, Stalks, and Flowers as red as blood, excepting the Flower which hath some yellow admixt. I wonder where the knowledge of this Plant hath slept all this while, _i.e._ above Forty Years.[197]

_For all manner of Fluxes._

It is excellent for all manner of Fluxes.

_Live for ever_, a kind of _Cud-weed_.[198]

_Tree Primerose_, taken by the Ignorant for _Scabious_.[199]

_A Solar Plant, as some will have it._

_Maiden Hair_, or _Cappellus veneris verus_, which ordinarily is half a Yard in height. The _Apothecaries_ for shame now will substitute _Wall-Rue_ no more for _Maiden Hair_, since it grows in abundance in _New-England_, from whence they may have good store.[200]

_Pirola_, Two kinds. See the Figures, both of them excellent Wound Herbs.[201]

_Homer’s Molley._[202]

{56} _Lysimachus_ or _Loose Strife_, it grows in dry grounds in the open Sun four foot high, Flowers from the middle of the Plant to the top, the Flowers purple, standing upon a small sheath or cod, which when it is ripe breaks and puts forth a white silken doun, the stalk is red, and as big as ones Finger.[203]

_Marygold of Peru_, of which there are two kinds, one bearing black seeds, the other black and white streak’d, this beareth the fairest flowers, commonly but one upon the very top of the stalk.[204]

_Treacle-Berries._ See before _Salomons Seal_.

_Oak of Hierusalem._ See before.

_Oak of Cappadocea._ See before.

_Earth-Nuts_, differing much from those in _England_, one sort of them bears a most beautiful Flower.[205]

_For the Scurvy and Dropsie._

_Sea-Tears_, they grow upon the Sea banks in abundance, they are good for the Scurvy and Dropsie, boiled and eaten as a Sallade, and the broth drunk with it.[206]

_Indian Beans, better for Physick use than other Beans._

_Indian Beans_, falsly called _French beans_, are better for Physick and Chyrurgery {57} than our Garden Beans. _Probatum est_.[207]

_Squashes_, but more truly _Squontersquashes_, a kind of Mellon, or rather Gourd, for they oftentimes degenerate into Gourds; some of these are green, some yellow, some longish like a Gourd, others round like an Apple, all of them pleasant food boyled and buttered, and season’d with Spice; but the yellow _Squash_ called an Apple _Squash_, because like an Apple, and about the bigness of a Pome-water is the best kind;[208] they are much eaten by the _Indians_ and the _English_, yet they breed the small white Worms (which Physitians call _Ascarides_,) in the long Gut that vex the Fundament with a perpetual itching, and a desire to go to stool.

_Water-Mellon_, it is a large Fruit, but nothing near so big as a Pompion, colour, smoother, and of a sad Grass green rounder or more rightly _Sap-green_; with some yellowness admixt when ripe; the seeds are black, the flesh or pulpe exceeding juicy.[209]

_For heat and thirst in Feavers._

It is often given to those sick of Feavers, and other hot Diseases with good success.

{58} _New-England Daysie_, or _Primrose_, is the second kind of _Navel Wort_ in _Johnson_ upon _Gerard_; it flowers in _May_, and grows amongst Moss upon hilly Grounds and Rocks that are shady.[210]

_For Burns and Scalds._

It is very good for Burns and Scalds.

_An Achariston, or Medicine deserving thanks._

An _Indian_ whose Thumb was swell’d, and very much inflamed, and full of pain, increasing and creeping along to the wrist, with little black spots under the Thumb against the Nail; I Cured it with this _Umbellicus veneris_ Root and all, the Yolk of an Egg, and Wheat flower, _f. Cataplasme_.

_Briony of Peru_, (we call it though it grown hear) or rather _Scammony_; some take it for _Mechoacan_: The green Juice is absolutely Poyson; yet the Root when dry may safely be given to strong Bodies.[211]

_Red_ and _Black Currence_. See before.

_Wild Damask Roses_, single, but very large and sweet, but stiptick.[212]

_Sweet Fern_,[213] the Roots run one within another like a Net, being very long and spreading abroad under the upper crust of {59} the Earth, sweet in taste, but withal astringent, much hunted after by our Swine: The _Scotchmen_ that are in _New-England_ have told me that it grows in _Scotland_.

_For Fluxes._

The People boyl the tender tops in _Molosses_ Beer, and in Possets for Fluxes, for which it is excellent.

_Sarsaparilia_, a Plant not yet sufficiently known by the _English_: Some say it is a kind of _Bind Weed_; we have, in _New-England_ two Plants, that go under the name of _Sarsaparilia_: the one not above a foot in height without Thorns, the other having the same Leaf, but is a shrub as high as a _Goose Berry Bush_, and full of sharp Thorns; this I esteem as the right, by the shape and savour of the Roots, but rather by the effects answerable to that we have from other parts of the World; It groweth upon dry Sandy banks by the Sea side, and upon the banks of Rivers, so far as the Salt water flowes; and within Land up in the Country, as some have reported.[214]

_Bill Berries_, two kinds, Black and Sky Coloured, which is more frequent.[215]

{60} _To cool the heat of Feavers, and quench Thirst._

They are very good to allay the burning heat of Feavers, and hot Agues, either in Syrup or Conserve.

_A most excellent Summer Dish._

They usually eat of them put into a Bason, with Milk, and sweetned a little more with Sugar and Spice, or for cold Stomachs, in Sack. The _Indians_ dry them in the Sun, and sell them to the _English_ by the _Bushell_, who make use of them instead of Currence, putting of them into Puddens, both boyled and baked, and into Water Gruel.

_Knot Berry_, or _Clowde Berry_, seldom ripe.[216]

_Sumach_, differing from all that I did ever see in the Herbalists; our _English_ Cattle devour it most abominably, leaving neither Leaf nor Branch, yet it sprouts again next Spring.[217]

_For Colds._

The _English_ use to boyl it in Beer, and drink it for Colds; and so do the _Indians_, from whom the _English_ had the Medicine.

_Wild Cherry_, they grow in clusters like {61} Grapes, of the same bigness, blackish, red when ripe, and of a harsh taste.[218]

_For Fluxes._

They are also good for Fluxes.

Transplanted and manured, they grow exceeding fair.

_Board Pine_, is a very large Tree two or three Fathom about.[219]

_For Wounds._

It yields a very soveraign Turpentine for the Curing of desperate Wounds.

_For Stabbs._

The _Indians_ make use of the _Moss_ boiled in Spring Water, for Stabbs, pouring in the Liquor, and applying the boiled Moss well stamp’d or beaten betwixt two stones.

_For Burning and Scalding._

And for Burning and Scalding, they first take out the fire with a strong decoction of Alder Bark, then they lay upon it a Playster of the bark of _Board Pine_ first boyled tender, and beat to a Playster betwixt two stones.

_To take Fire out of a Burn._

One _Christopher Luxe_, a Fisher-man, having burnt his Knee Pan, was healed {62} again by an _Indian Webb_, or Wife, (for so they call those Women that have Husbands;) She first made a strong decoction of Alder bark, with which she took out the Fire by Imbrocation, or letting of it drop upon the Sore, which would smoak notably with it; then she Playstered it with the Bark of _Board Pine_, or _Hemlock Tree_, boyled soft and stampt betwixt two stones, till it was as thin as brown Paper, and of the same Colour, she annointed the Playster with _Soyles Oyl_, and the Sore likewise, then she laid it on warm, and sometimes she made use of the bark of the _Larch Tree_.

_To eat out proud Flesh in a Sore._

And to eat out the proud Flesh, they take a kind of _Earth Nut_ boyled and stamped, and last of all, they apply to the Sore the Roots of _Water Lillies_ boiled and stamped betwixt two stones, to a Playster.

_For Stitches._

The _Firr Tree_, or _Pitch Tree_,[220] the Tar that is made of all sorts of _Pitch Wood_ is an excellent thing to take away those desperate Stitches of the Sides, which perpetually afflicteth those poor People that are {63} stricken with the _Plague of the Back_.

_Note_, You must make a large Toast, or Cake slit and dip it in the Tar, and bind it warm to the Side.

_The most common Diseases in New England._

The _Black Pox_, the _Spotted Feaver_, the _Griping of the Guts_, the _Dropsie_, and the _Sciatica_, are the killing Diseases in _New-England_.

The _Larch Tree_, which is the only Tree of all the Pines, that sheds his Leaves before Winter; The other remaining Green all the Year: This is the Tree from which we gather that useful purging excrense, _Agarick_.[221]

_For Wounds and Cuts._

The Leaves and Gum are both very good to heal Wounds and Cuts.

_For Wounds with Bruises._

I cured once a desperate Bruise with a Cut upon the Knee Pan, with an Ungent made with the Leaves of the _Larch Tree_, and Hogs Grease, but the Gum is best.

_Spruce_ is a goodly Tree, of which they make Masts for Ships, and Sail Yards: It is generally conceived by those that have {64} skill in Building of Ships, that here is absolutely the best Trees in the World, many of them being three Fathom about, and of great length.[222]

_An Achariston for the Scurvy._

The tops of Green _Spruce_ Boughs boiled in _Bear_, and drunk, is assuredly one of the best Remedies for the Scurvy, restoring the Infected party in a short time; they also make a Lotion of some of the decoction, adding Hony and Allum.

_Hemlock Tree_, a kind of _Spruce_, the bark of this Tree serves to dye Tawny; the Fishers Tan their Sails and Nets with it.[223]

_To break Sore or Swelling._

The _Indians_ break and heal their Swellings and Sores with it, boyling the inner Bark of young _Hemlock_ very well, then knocking of it betwixt two stones to a Playster, and annointing or soaking it in Soyls Oyl, they apply it to the Sore: It will break a Sore Swelling speedily.

_One Berry_, _Herba Paris_, or _True Love_.[224]

_Sassafras_, or _Ague Tree_.[225]

{65} _For heat in Feavers._

The Chips of the Root boyled in Beer is excellent to allay the hot rage of Feavers, being drunk.

_For Bruises and dry Blowes._

The Leaves of the same Tree are very good made into an Oyntment, for Bruises and dry Blows. The Bark of the Root we use instead of Cinamon; and it is Sold at the _Barbadoes_ for two Shillings the Pound.

And why may not this be the Bark the Jesuits Powder was made of, that was so Famous not long since in _England_, for Agues?

_Cran Berry_, or _Bear Berry_, because Bears use much to feed upon them, is a small trayling Plant that grows in Salt Marshes that are over-grown with Moss; the tender Branches (which are reddish) run out in great length, lying flat on the ground, where at distances, they take Root, over-spreading sometimes half a score Acres, sometimes in small patches of about a Rood or the like; the Leaves are like Box, but greener, thick and glittering; the Blossoms are very like the Flowers of {66} our _English Night Shade_, after which succeed the Berries, hanging by long small foot stalks, no bigger than a hair; at first they are of a pale yellow Colour, afterwards red, and as big as a Cherry; some perfectly round, others Oval, all of them hollow, of a sower astringent taste; they are ripe in _August_ and _September_.[226]

_For the Scurvy._

They are excellent against the Scurvy.

_For the heat in Feavers._

They are also good to allay the fervour of hot Diseases.

The _Indians_ and _English_ use them much, boyling them with Sugar for Sauce to eat with their Meat; and it is a delicate Sauce, especially for roasted Mutton: Some make Tarts with them as with Goose Berries.

_Vine_, much differing in the Fruit, all of them very fleshy, some reasonably pleasant; others have a taste of Gun Powder, and these grow in Swamps, and low wet Grounds.[227]

{67} 3. _Of such Plants as are proper to the Country, and have no Name._

(1.)

_Pirola_, or _Winter Green_, that kind which grows with us in _England_ is common in _New-England_,[228] but there is another plant which I judge to be a kind of _Pirola_, and proper to this Country, a very beautiful Plant; The shape of the Leaf and the just bigness of it you may see in the Figure.

The Ground whereof is a Sap Green, embroydered (as it were) with many pale yellow Ribs, the whole Plant in shape is {68} like _Semper vivum_, but far less, being not above a handful high, with one slender stalk, adorned with small pale yellow Flowers like the other _Pirola_. It groweth not every where, but in some certain small spots overgrown with Moss, close by swamps and shady; they are green both Summer and Winter.[229]

_For Wounds._

They are excellent Wound Herbs, but this I judge to be the better by far. _Probatum est._

(2.)

This Plant was brought to me by a neighbour, who (wandering in the Woods to find out his strayed Cattle,) lost himself {69} for two Dayes, being as he ghessed eight or ten Miles from the Sea-side. The Root was pretty thick and black, having a number of small black strings growing from it, the stalks of the Leaves about a handful long, the Leaves were round and as big as a Silver five Shilling piece, of a sap or dark green Colour, with a line or ribb as black as Jeat round the Circumference, from whence came black lines or ribs at equal distance, all of them meeting in a black spot in the Center.[230] If I had staid longer in the Country, I should have purposely made a Journey into those Parts where it was gathered, to discover if possible, the Stalk and Flower; but now I shall refer it to those that are younger, and better able to undergo the pains and trouble of finding it out; for I understood by the Natives, that it is not common, that is, every where to be found, no more then the embroydered _Pirola_, which also is a most elegant Plant, and which I did endeavour to bring over, but it perished at Sea.

_For Wounds._

_Clownes all heal_, of _New-England_, is another Wound Herb not Inferiour to {70} ours, but rather beyond it: Some of our _English_ practitioners take it for _Vervene_, and use it for the same, wherein they are grosly mistaken.

The Leaf is like a Nettle Leaf, but narrower and longer; the stalk about the bigness of a Nettle stalk, Champhered and hollow, and of a dusky red Colour; the Flowers are blew, small, and many, growing in spoky tufts at the top, and are not hooded, but having only four round Leaves, after which followeth an infinite of small longish light brown Seed; the Roots are knotty and matted together with an infinite number of small white strings; the whole Plant is commonly two Cubits high, bitter in taste, with a Rosenie favour.[231]

{71}

(3.)

This Plant is one of the first that springs up after White _Hellibore_, in the like wet and black grounds, commonly by _Hellibore_, with a sheath or Hood like Dragons, but the pestle is of another shape, that is, having a round Purple Ball on the top of it, beset (as it were) with Burs; the hood shoots forth immediately from the Root, before any Leaf appears, having a Green {72} sprig growing fast by it, like the smaller _Horse Tayl_, about the latter end of _April_ the Hood and Sprig wither away, and there comes forth in the room a Bud, like the Bud of the _Walnut Tree_, but bigger; the top of it is of a pale Green Colour, covered with brown skins like an Onion, white underneath the Leaves, which spread in time out of the Bud, grow from the root with a stalk a Foot long, and are as big as the great _Bur Dock_ Leaves, and of the colour; the Roots are many, and of the bigness of the steel of a Tobacco Pipe, and very white; the whole Plant sents as strong as a Fox; it continues till _August_.[232]

{73}

{74} (4.)

This Plant the _Humming Bird_ feedeth upon, it groweth likewise in wet grounds, and is not at its full growth till _July_, and then it is two Cubits high and better, the Leaves are thin, and of a pale green Colour, some of them as big as a Nettle Leaf, it spreads into many Branches, knotty at the setting on, and of a purple Colour, and garnished on the top with many hollow dangling Flowers of a bright yellow Colour, speckled with a deeper yellow as it were shadowed, the Stalkes are as hollow as a Kix, and so are the Roots, which are transparent, very tender, and full of a yellowish juice.[233]

_For Bruises and Aches upon stroaks._

The _Indians_ make use of it for Aches, being bruised between two stones, and laid to cold, but made (after the _English_ manner) into an unguent with Hogs Grease, there is not a more soveraign remedy for bruises of what kind soever; and for Aches upon Stroaks.

In _August_, 1670. in a Swamp amongst _Alders_, I found a fort of Tree _Sow Thistle_, the Stalks of some two or three Inches, {75} about, as hollow as a Kix and very brittle, the Leaves were smooth, and in shape like _Sonchus lævis_, i.e. _Hares Lettice_, but longer, some about a Foot, these grow at a distance one from another, almost to the top, where it begins to put forth Flowers between the Leaves and the Stalk, the top of the stalk runs out into a spike, beset about with Flowers like Sow Thistle, of a blew or azure colour: I brought home one of the Plants which was between twelve and thirteen Foot in length, I wondered at it the more for that so large and tall a Plant should grow from so small a Root, consisting of slender white strings little bigger than Bents, and not many of them, and none above a Finger long, spreading under the upper crust of the Earth; the whole Plant is full of Milk, and of a strong favour.[234]

{76}

{77}

(5.)

This Plant I found in a gloomy dry Wood under an Oak, 1670. the _18th_ of _August_, afterwards I found it in open Champain grounds, but yet somewhat scarce: The Root is about the bigness of a _French_ Walnut, the Bark thereof is brown, and rugged, within of a yellowish Colour, from whence ariseth a slender stalk, no bigger than an Oat straw, about two Cubits in height, somewhat better than a handful above the Root shooteth out one Leaf of a Grass Green colour, and an Inch or two above that, another Leaf, and so four or five at a greater distance one from another, till they come within a handful of the top, where upon slender foot stalks grow the Flowers four or five, more or fewer, clustering together in pale long green husks milk white, consisting of ten small Leaves, snipt a little on the edges with purple hair threads in the midst; the whole Plant is of a brakish tast: When it is at its full growth the stalks are as red as Blood.[235]

{78}

{79} (6.)