Chapter XIV: Front Matter (14)

Wee haue another also, whose flower is of a deepe Orenge tawny crimson colour, neare vnto the colour of the outer leaues, of the lesser French Marigold, and not differing from the former in any thing else.

4. _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno suauerubente._ The greater double blush Anemone.

There is small difference to be discerned, either in the roote or leaues of this from the former double Scarlet Anemone, sauing that the leaues hereof are a little broader, and seeme to bee of a little fresher greene colour: the flower of this is as large almost, and as double as the former, and the inner leaues likewise almost as large as they, being of a whitish or flesh colour at the first opening of them, but afterwards become of a most liuely blush colour; the bottomes of the leaues abiding of a deeper blush, and with long standing, the tops of the leaues will turne almost wholly white againe.

5. _Anemone tenuifolia flore albo pleno._ The double white Anemone.

This double white Anemone differeth little from the former blush Anemone, but in that it is smaller in all the parts thereof, and also that the flower hereof being wholly of a pure white colour, without any shew of blush therein, hath the middle thrummes much smaller and shorter then it, and not rising vp so high, but seeme as if they were chipped off euen at the toppes.

6. _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno albicante._ The lesser double blush Anemone.

This small double blush Anemone differeth very little from the double white last recited, but onely in the colour of the flower: for they are both much about the bignesse one of another, the middle thrums likewise being as small and short, and as euen aboue, onely the flower at the first opening is almost white, but afterwards the outer leaues haue a more shew of blush in them, and the middle part a little deeper then they.

7. _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno purpureo violaceo._ The double purple Anemone.

This double purple Anemone is also of the same kindred with the first double red or Scarlet Anemone for the form or doublenesse of the flower, consisting but of six or seuen leaues at the most in this our Country, although in the hotter it hath ten or twelue, or more as large leaues for the outer border, and as large small leaues for the inner middle also, and almost as double, but of a deepe purple tending toward a Violet colour, the outer leaues being not so deepe as the inner: the roote and leafe commeth neare vnto the single purple Anemone before described, but that the roote spreadeth not so small and so much.

8. _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno purpureo cæruleo._ The double blew Anemone.

This Anemone differeth not in any thing from the former double purple, but onely that the flower is paler, and more tending to a blew colour.

9. _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno roseo._ The double Rose coloured Anemone.

The double Rose coloured Anemone differeth also in nothing from the former double purple, but onely in the flower, which is somewhat smaller, and not so thicke and double, and that it is of a reddish colour, neare vnto the colour of a pale red Rose, or of a deepe coloured Damaske.

10. _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno carneo viuacissimo._ The double Carnation Anemone.

This Anemone, both in roote, leafe, and flower, commeth nearest vnto the former double white Anemone, for the largenesse and doublenesse of the flower, and in the smalnesse of the middle thrums, and euennesse at the toppes of them, being not so large and great a flower as the double purple, either in the inner or outer leaues, but yet is very faire, thicke and double, and of a most liuely Carnation silke colour, very deepe, both the outer leaues and middle thrums also so bright, that it doth as it were amaze, and yet delight the minde of the beholder, but by long standing in the Sun, waxe a little paler, and so passe away as all the most beautifull flowers doe.

1 _Anemone tenuifolia simplex purpurea._ The single purple Anemone
with thin cut leaues.
2 _Anemone tenuifolia simplex alba pura._ The single pure white
Anemone.
3 _Anemone tenuifolia simplex chermesina._ The single bright Crimson
Anemone.
4 _Anemone tenuifolia simplex sanguinea._ The single bloud red
Anemone.
5 _Anemone tenuifolia simplex facie florum pomi._ The single Apple
bloome Anemone.
6 _Anemone tenuifolia simplex purpurascens._ The single purplish
blush Anemone.
7 _Anemone tenuifolia simplex alba vnguibus carneis._ The single
white Anemone with blush bottomes.
8 _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno coccineo._ The double red or
ordinary Scarlet Anemone.
9 _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno rubrofusca coma Amarantina._
The double purple Veluet Anemone.
10 _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno purpura violaceo._ The double
blewish purple Anemone.
11 _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno incarnedini coloris sericei
vivacissimi._ The double Carnation Anemone, or of a liuely
Carnation silke colour.
]

11. _Anemone tenuifolia flore rubrofusco pleno coma Amarantina._ The double purple Veluet Anemone.

This double Veluet Anemone is in all things like the last described Carnation Anemone, but somewhat larger, the difference consisteth in the colour of the flower, which in this is of a deep or sad crimson red colour for the outer leaues and of a deep purple Veluet colour in the middle thrums, resembling the colour of the lesser _Amaranthus purpureus_, or Purple flower gentle hereafter described, whereof it tooke the name, which middle thrums are as fine and small, and as euen at the toppes as the white or last Carnation Anemones.

12. _Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno tricolor._ The double purple Veluet Anemone of three colours.

This double Anemone also is very like the last described Anemone, but that in the middle of the purple thrums, there thrusteth forth a tuft of threads or leaues of a more light crimson colour.

And thus much for the kindes of Anemones or Windflowers, so farre forth as haue hitherto come to our knowledge; yet I doubt not, but that more varieties haue beene elsewhere collected, and will be also in our Countrey daily and yearly obserued by diuers, that raise them vp from sowing the seede, wherein lyeth a pretty art, not yet familiarly knowne to our Nation, although it be very frequent in the Lowe-Countries, where their industry hath bred and nourished vp such diuersities and varieties, that they haue valued some Anemones at such high rates, as most would wonder at, and none of our Nation would purchase, as I thinke. And I doubt not, if wee would be as curious as they, but that both our ayre and soyle would produce as great variety, as euer hath been seene in the Lowe-Countries; which to procure, if any of our Nation will take so much paines in sowing the seedes of Anemones, as diuers haue done of Tulipas: I will set them downe the best directions for that purpose that I haue learned, or could by much search and tryall attaine vnto; yet I must let them vnderstand thus much also, that there is not so great variety of double flowers raised from the seede of the thin leafed Anemones, as from the broad leafed ones.

First therefore (as I said before) concerning Tulipas, there is some speciall choice to be made of such flowers, whose seed is fittest to be taken. Of the _Latifolias_, the double Orenge tawney seede being sowne, yeeldeth pretty varieties, but the purples, and reds, or crimsons, either _Latifolias_ or _Tenuifolias_, yeeld small variety, but such as draw nearest to their originall, although some be a little deeper or lighter then others. But the light colours be they which are the chiefe for choice, as white, ash-colour, blush or carnation, light orenge, simple or party coloured, single or double, if they beare seede, which must bee carefully gathered, and that not before it bee thorough ripe, which you shall know by the head; for when the seede with the wollinesse beginneth to rise a little of it selfe at the lower end, it must bee then quickly gathered, lest the winde carry it all away. After it is thus carefully gathered, it must be laid to dry for a weeke or more, which then being gently rubbed with a little dry sand or earth, will cause the seede to be somewhat better separated, although not thoroughly from the woollinesse or downe that compasseth it.

Within a moneth at the most after the seede is thus gathered and prepared, it must be sowne; for by that meanes you shall gaine a yeare in the growing, ouer that you should doe if you sowed it in the next Spring.

If there remaine any woollinesse in the seede, pull it in sunder as well as you can, and then sowe your seede reasonable thin, and not too thicke, vpon a plaine smooth bed of fine earth, or rather in pots or tubbes, and after the sowing, sift or gently straw ouer them some fine good fresh mould, about one fingers thicknesse at the most for the first time: And about a moneth after their first springing vp, sift or straw ouer them in like manner another fingers thicknesse of fine earth, and in the meane time if the weather proue dry, you must water them gently and often, but not to ouerglut them with moisture; and thus doing, you shall haue them spring vp before Winter, and grow pretty strong, able to abide the sharpe Winter in their nonage, in vsing some little care to couer them loosely with some fearne, or furse, or beane hame, or straw, or any such, which yet must not lye close vpon them, nor too farre from them neither.

The next Spring after the sowing, if you will, but it is better if you stay vntill August, you may then remoue them, and set them in order by rowes, with sufficient distance one from another, where they may abide, vntill you see what manner of flower each plant will beare, which you may dispose of according to your minde.

Many of them being thus ordered (if your mould be fine, loose, and fresh, not stonie, clayish, or from a middin) will beare flowers the second yeare after the sowing, and most or all of them the third yeare, if the place where you sowe them, be not annoyed with the smoake of Brewers, Dyers, or Maultkils, which if it be, then will they neuer thriue well.

Thus much haue I thought good to set downe, to incite some of our owne Nation to be industrious; and to helpe them forward, haue giuen such rules of directions, that I doubt not, but they will vpon the tryall and view of the variety, proceede as well in the sowing of Anemones as of Tulipas.

I cannot (Gentlewomen) withold one other secret from you, which is to informe you how you may so order Anemones, that after all others ordinarily are past, you may haue them in flower for two or three moneths longer then are to be seene with any other, that vseth not this course I direct you.

The ordinary time to plant Anemones, is most commonly in August, which will beare flower some peraduenture before Winter, but most vsually in February, March, and Aprill, few or none of them abiding vntill May; but it you will keepe some roots out of the ground vnplanted, vntill February, March, and Aprill, and plant some at one time, and some at another, you shall haue them beare flower according to their planting, those that shall be planted in February, will flower about the middle or end of May, and so the rest accordingly after that manner: And thus may you haue the pleasure of these plants out of their naturall seasons, which is not permitted to be enioyed in any other that I know, Nature being not so prone to bee furthered by art in other things as in this. Yet regard, that in keeping your Anemone rootes out of the ground for this purpose, you neither keep them too dry, nor yet too moist, for sprouting or rotting; and in planting them, that you set them not in too open a sunny place, but where they may be somewhat shadowed.

The Place.

I shall not need to spend much time in relating the seuerall
places of these Anemones, but onely to declare that the
most of them that haue not beene raised from seed, haue
come from Constantinople to vs; yet the first broad leafed
or yellow Anemone, was first found in Portugall, and from
thence brought into these parts. And the first purple Starre
Anemone in Germanie, yet was the same sent among others from
Constantinople also. And the first thin cut leafed Anemone
came first out of Italy, although many of that sort haue come
likewise from Constantinople. And so haue the double red or
Scarlet Anemones, and the great double blush, which I first
had by the gift of Mʳ. Humfrey Packington of Worcestershire
Esquire, at Haruington.

The Time.

The times of their flowring are sufficiently expressed in the
descriptions, or in the rules for planting.

The Names.

The Turkish names whereby the great double broad leafed kindes
haue beene sent vnto vs, were _Giul Catamer_, and _Giul Catamer
lale_; And _Binizade_, _Binizante_, and _Galipoli lale_ for
the thinne cut leafed Anemones. All Authors haue called them
_Anemones_, and are the true _Herbæ venti_. Wee call them in
English eyther Anemones, after the Greeke name, or Windflowers,
after the Latine.

The Vertues.

There is little vse of these in Physicke in our dayes, eyther
for inward or outward diseases; onely the leaues are vsed in
the Ointment called _Marciatum_, which is composed of many
other hot herbes, and is vsed in cold griefes, to warme and
comfort the parts. The roote, by reason of the sharpenesse, is
apt to drawe downe rheume, if it be tasted or chewed in the
mouth.

CHAP. XXVI.

_Aconitum._ Wolfebane.

There be diuers sorts of Wolfebanes which are not fit for this booke, but are reserued for a generall History or Garden of Simples, yet among them there are some, that notwithstanding their euill quality, may for the beauty of their flowers take vp a roome in this Garden, of whom I meane to entreate in this place: And first of the Winter Wolfesbane, which for the beauty, as well as the earlinesse of his flowers, being the first of all other, that shew themselues after Christmas, deserueth a prime place; and therefore for the likenesse of the rootes vnto the Anemones, I ioyne it next vnto them.

1. _Aconitum Hyemale._ The Winters Wolfesbane.

This little plant thrusteth vp diuers leaues out of the ground, in the deepe of Winter oftentimes, if there be any milde weather in Ianuary, but most commonly after the deepe frosts, bearing vp many times the snow vpon the heads of the leaues, which like vnto the Anemone, doe euery leafe rise from the roote vpon seuerall short foote-stalkes, not aboue foure fingers high, some hauing flowers in the middle of them, (which come vp first most vsually) and some none, which leaues stand as it were round, the stalke rising vp vnder the middle of the leafe, deeply cut in and gashed to the middle stalke almost, of a very faire deepe greene colour, in the middle whereof, close vnto the leafe, standeth a small yellow flower, made of six leaues, very like a Crowfoote, with yellow threads in the middle: after the flower is fallen, there rise vp diuers small hornes or cods set together, wherein are contained whitish yellow round seede. The roote is tuberous, so like both for shape and colour vnto the rootes of Anemones, that they will easily deceiue one not well experienced, but that it is browner and smooth without, and yellow within, if it be broken.

2. _Aconitum flore albido, siue Aconitum luteum Ponticum._ The whitish yellow Wolfesbane.

This Wolfesbane shooteth not out of the ground vntill the Spring be well begun, and then it sendeth forth great broad greene leaues, deeply cut in about the edges, not much vnlike the leaues of the great wilde Crowfoote, but much greater; from among which leaues riseth vp a strong stiffe stalke, three foote high, hauing here and there leaues set vpon it, like vnto the lowest, but smaller; the toppe of the stalke is diuided into three or foure branches, whereon are set diuers pale yellow flowers, which turne at the last to be almost white, in fashion like almost vnto the flowers of the Helmet flower, but much smaller, and not gaping so wide open: after the flowers are past come vp diuers short poddes, wherein is contained blacke seede: the roote is made of a number of darke browne strings, which spread and fasten themselues strongly in the ground.

3. _Napellus verus flore cæruleo._ Blew Helmet flower or Monkes hood.

The Helmet flower hath diuers leaues of a fresh greene colour on the vpperside, and grayish vnderneath, much spread abroad and cut into many slits and notches, more then any of the Wolfebanes; the stalke riseth vp two or three foot high, beset to the top with the like leaues, but smaller: the toppe is sometimes diuided into two or three branches, but more vsually without, whereon stand many large flowers one aboue another, in forme very like vnto a Hood or open Helmet, being composed of fiue leaues, the vppermost of which and the greatest, is hollow, like vnto an Helmet or Headpeece, two other small leaues are at the sides of the Helmet, closing it like cheekes, and come somewhat vnder, and two other which are the smallest hang down like labels, or as if a close Helmet were opened, and some peeces hung by, of a perfect or faire blew colour, (but grow darker, hauing stood long) which causeth it be so nourished vp in Gardens, that their flowers, as was vsuall in former times, and yet is in many Countrey places, may be laid among greene herbes in windowes and roomes for the Summer time: but although their beauty may be entertained for the vses aforesaid, yet beware they come not neare your tongue or lippes, lest they tell you to your cost, they are not so good as they seeme to be: in the middest of the flower, when it is open and gapeth wide, are seene certaine small threads like beards, standing about a middle head, which when the flower is past, groweth into three or foure, or more small blackish pods, containing in them blacke seede: the rootes are brownish on the outside, and white within, somewhat bigge and round aboue, and small downewards, somewhat like vnto a small short Carrot roote, sometimes two being ioyned at the head together. But the name _Napellus_ anciently giuen vnto it, doth shew they referred the forme of the roote vnto a small Turnep.

_Anthora._ The wholsome Helmet flower, or counterpoison Monkes hood.

This wholsome plant I thought good to insert, not onely for the forme of the flower, but also for the excellent properties thereof, as you shall haue them related hereafter. The rootes hereof are small and tuberous, round and somewhat long, ending for the most part in a long fibre, and with some other small threads from the head downeward: from the head whereof riseth vp diuers greene leaues, euery one seuerally vpon a stalke, very much diuided, as finely almost as the leaues of Larkes heeles or spurres: among which riseth vp a hard round stalke, a foote high and better, with some such leaues thereon as grow belowe, at the toppe whereof stand many small yellowish flowers, formed very like vnto the former whitish Wolfesbane, bearing many blacke seedes in pods afterwards in the like manner.

Many more sorts of varieties of these kindes there are, but these onely, as the most specious, are noursed vp in Florists Gardens for pleasure; the other are kept by such as are Catholicke obseruers of all natures store.

The Place.

All these grow naturally on Mountaines, in many shadowie places
of the Alpes, in Germany, and elsewhere.

The Time.

The first flowreth (as is said) in Ianuary, and February, and
sometimes vntill March be well spent, and the seede soone ripe
after.

The other three flower not vntill Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

The first is vsually called _Aconitum hyemale Belgarum_.
Lobelius, calleth it _Bulbosus vnifolius Batrachoides_,
_Aconitum Elleboraceum_, and _Ranunculus Monophyllos_, and some
by other names. Most Herbarists call it _Aconitum hyemale_,
and we in English thereafter, Winters Wolfesbane; and of some,
Yellow Aconite.

The second is called by most Writers, _Aconitum luteum
Ponticum_: Some also _Lupicida_, _Luparia_ and _Canicida_, of
the effect in killing Wolues and Dogs: And some, because the
flower is more white then yellow, doe call it _Aconitum flore
albido_, we call it in English, The whitish yellow Aconite,
or Wolfesbane, but some after the Latine name, The yellow
Wolfesbane.

The third is called generally _Napellus_, and _Verus_, because
it is the true _Napellus_ of the ancient Writers, which they so
termed from the forme of a Turnep, called _Napus_ in Latine.

The fourth is called _Aconitum Salutiferum_, _Napellus Moysis_,
_Antora_ and _Anthora, quasi Antithora_, that is, the remedy
against the poisonfull herbe _Thora_, in English according to
the title, eyther wholsome Helmet flower, or counterpoison
Monkes hood.

The Vertues.

Although the first three sorts of plants be very poisonfull
and deadly, yet there may bee very good vse made of them for
sore eyes (being carefully applyed, yet not to all sorts of
sore eyes neither without discretion) if the distilled water be
dropped therein.

The rootes of the counterpoison Monkes hood are effectuall not
onely against the poison of the poisonfull Helmet flower, and
all others of that kinde, but also against the poison of all
venemous beasts, the plague or pestilence, and other infectious
diseases, which raise spots, pockes, or markes in the outward
skinne, by expelling the poison from within, and defending
the heart as a most soueraigne Cordiall. It it vsed also with
good successe against the wormes of the belly, and against the
paines of the Wind collick.

CHAP. XXVII.

_Ranunculus._ The Crowfoote.

Next vnto the Aconites, of right are to follow the _Ranunculi_ or Crowfeete, for the nearenesse both of forme, of leaues, and nature of the plants, although lesse hurtfull, yet all of them for the most part being sharpe and exulcerating, and not without some danger, if any would be too bold with them. The whole Family of the _Ranunculi_ is of a very large extent, and I am constrained within the limits of a Garden of Pleasure; I must therefore select out onely such as are fit for this purpose, and set them here downe for your knowledge, leauing the rest for that other generall worke, which time may perfect and bring to light, if the couetous mindes of some that should be most affected towards it, doe not hinder it: or if the helpe of generous spirits would forward it.

1. _Ranunculus montanus albus humilior._ The lowe white mountaine Crowfoot.

This lowe Crowfoote hath three or foure broad and thicke leaues, almost round, yet a little cut in and notched about the edges, of a fine greene and shining colour on the vpperside, and not so green vnderneath, among which riseth a small short stalke, bearing one snow white flower on the toppe, made of fiue round pointed leaues, with diuers yellow threads in the middle, standing about a greene head, which in time groweth to be full of seede, in forme like vnto a small greene Strawberry: the roote is composed of many white strings.

[Sidenote: _Duplici flore._]

There is another of this lowe kinde, whose leaues are somewhat more deeply cut in on the edges, and the flower larger, and sometimes a little double, as it were with two rowes of leaues, in other things not differing from the former.

2. _Ranunculus montanus albus maior vel elatior._ The great single white mountaine Crowfoote.

The leaues of this Crowfoote are large and greene, cut into three, and sometimes into fiue speciall diuisions, and each of them besides cut or notched about the edges, somewhat resembling the leaues of the Globe Crowfoote, but larger: the stalke is two foote and a halfe high, hauing three small leaues set at the ioynt of the stalke, where it brancheth out into flowers, which stand foure or fiue together vpon long foote-stalkes, made of fiue white leaues a peece, very sweete, and somewhat larger then the next white Crowfoote, with some yellow threads in the middle compassing a greene head, which bringeth seede like vnto other wilde Crowfeete: the roote hath many long thicke whitish strings, comming from a thicke head.

3. _Ranunculus montanus albus minor._ The lesser single white Crowfoote.

This Crowefoote hath faire large spread leaues, cut into fiue diuisions, and somewhat notched about the edges, greene on the vpperside, and paler vnderneath, hauing many veines running through the leaues: the stalke of this riseth not so high as the former, although this be reasonable tall, as being neare two foote high, spread into many branches, bearing such like white flowers, as in the former, but smaller: the seede of this is like the former, and so are the rootes likewise.

4. _Ranunculus albus flore pleno._ The double white Crowfoote.

The double white Crowfoote is of the same kinde with the last single white Crowfoote, hauing such like leaues in all respects: the onely difference is in the flowers, which in this are very thicke and double. Some doe make mention of two sorts of double white Crowfeete, one somewhat lower then another, and the lower likewise bearing more store of flowers, and more double then the higher: but I confesse, I haue neuer seene but one sort of double, which is the same here expressed, not growing very high, and reasonably well stored with flowers.

5. _Ranunculus præcox Rutæfolio siue Coriandrifolio._ The early Coriander leafed Crowfoote.

This Crowfoote hath three or foure very greene leaues, cut and diuided into many small peeces, like vnto the wing of leaues of Rue, or rather like the lower leaues of the Coriander (for they well resemble either of them) euery of them standing vpon a long purplish stalke, at the toppe whereof groweth the flower alone, being composed or made of twelue small white leaues, broad pointed, and a little endented at the ends, somewhat purplish on the outside, and white on the inside, sustained by diuers small greene leaues, which are in stead of a cup or huske: in the middle of the flower are many small white threads, tipt with yellow pendents, standing about a small greene head, which after groweth to bee full of seedes like a Strawberry, which knobs giue small blackish seede: the roote is white and fibrous.

6. _Ranunculus Thalictrifolio maior._ The great colombine leafed Crowfoot.

The lower leaues of this Crowfoote haue long stalkes, and are very like vnto the smaller leaues of Colombines, or the great Spanish _Thalictrum_, which hath his leaues very like vnto a Colombine, foure or fiue rising from the roote: the stalke riseth about a foote and a halfe high, somewhat reddish, beset here and there with the like leaues, at the toppe whereof stand diuers small white flowers, made of fiue leaues a peece, with some pale white threads in the middle: the seede is round and reddish, contained in small huskes or hornes: the roote is made of a bush or tuft of white strings.

7. _Ranunculus Thalictrifolio minor Asphodeli radice._ The small white Colombine leafed Crowfoote.

This small Crowfoote hath three or foure winged leaues spread vpon the ground, standing vpon long stalkes, and consisting of many small leaues set together, spreading from the middle ribbe, euery leafe somewhat resembling both in shape and colour the smallest and youngest leaues of Colombines: the flowers are white, standing at the toppe of the stalkes, made of fiue round leaues: the root hath three or foure thick, short, and round yellowish clogs hanging at the head, like vnto the Asphodill roote. The great Herball of Lyons, that goeth vnder the name of _Daleschampius_, saith, that Dʳ. Myconus found it in Spaine, and sent it vnder the name of Oenanthe; and therefore Ioannes Molineus who is thought to haue composed that booke, set it among the vmbelliferous plants, because the Oenanthes beare vmbels of flowers and seede, and haue tuberous or cloggy rootes; but with what iudgement, let others say, when they haue compared the vmbels of flowers and seede of the Oenanthes, with the flowers and seede of this plant, and whether I haue not more properly placed it among the _Ranunculi_ or Crowfeete, and giuen it a denomination agreeable to his forme.

8. _Ranunculus Globosus._ The Globe Crowfoot.

This Crowfoote (which in the Northerne countries of England where it groweth plentifully, is called Locker goulons) hath many faire, broad, darke greene leaues next the ground, cut into fiue, sixe, or seuen diuisions, and iagged besides at the edges; among which riseth vp a stalke, whereon are set such like leaues as are belowe, but smaller, diuided toward the toppe into some branches, on the which stand seuerall large yellow flowers, alwayes folded inward, or as a close flower neuer blowing open, as other flowers doe, consisting of eleuen leaues for the most part, set or placed in three rowes, with many yellow threads in the middle, standing about a greene rough head, which in time groweth to be small knops, wherein are contained blacke seede: the roote is composed of many blackish strings.

9. _Ranunculus pratensis flore multiplici._ The double yellow field Crowfoot.

There is little or no difference in the leaues of this double Crowfoot, from those of the single kindes that growe in euery medowe, being large and diuided into foure or fiue parts, and indented about the edges, but they are somewhat smaller, and of a fresher greene: the flowers stand on many branches, much diuided or separated, being not very great, but very thicke and double: the roote runneth and creepeth vnder ground like as the single doth.

10. _Ranunculus Anglicus maximus multiplex._ The Garden double yellow Crowfoot or Batchelours buttons.

This great double Crowfoote, which is common in euery Garden through England, hath many great blackish greene leaues, iagged and cut into three diuisions, each to the middle ribbe: the stalkes haue some smaller leaues on them, and those next vnder the branches long and narrow: the flowers are of a greenish yellow colour, very thicke and double of leaues, in the middle whereof riseth vp a small stalke, bearing another double flower, like to the other, but smaller: the roote is round, like vnto a small white Turnep, with diuers other fibres annexed vnto it.

1 _Aconitum Hyemale._ Winter Wolfesbane.
2 _Aconitum flore albido siue luteum Ponticum._ The whitish yellow
Wolfesbane.
3 _Napellus verus._ Blew Helmets or Monkes hood.
4 _Anthora._ The counterpoison Monkes hood.
5 _Ranunculus humilis albus simplex._ The single white low Crowfoot.
6 _Ranunculus humilis albus duplici flore._ The double lowe white
Crowfoot.
7 _Ranunculus Coriandrifolio._ The early Coriander leafed Crowfoot.
8 _Ranunculus montanus elatior albus._ The great single white
mountain Crowfoot.
9 _Ranunculus montanus albus flore pleno._ The double white mountain
Crowfoot.
10 _Ranunculus Thalictrifolio minor._ The lesser Colombine leafed
Crowfoot.
11 _Ranunculus globosus._ The globe Crowfoot.
]

11. _Ranunculus Gramineus._ Grasse leafed Crowfoot

The leaues of this Crowfoote are long and narrow, somewhat like vnto Grasse, or rather like the leaues of single Gilloflowers or Pinckes, being small and sharpe pointed, a little hollow, and of a whitish greene colour; among these leaues rise vp diuers slender stalkes, bearing one small flower at the toppe of each, consisting of fiue yellow leaues, with some threads in the middle: the roote is composed of many thicke, long, round white strings.

There is another of this kinde that beareth flowers with two rowes of leaues, as if it were double, differing in nothing else.

12. _Ranunculus Lusitanicus Autumnalis._ The Portugall Autumne Crowfoot.

This Autumne Crowfoote hath diuers broad round leaues lying on the ground, set vpon short foote-stalkes, of a faire greene colour aboue, and grayish vnderneath, snipt all about the edges, hauing many veines in them, and sometimes swelling as with blisters or bladders on them; from among which rise vp two or three slender and hairy stalkes, bearing but one small yellow flower a peece, consisting of fiue and sometimes of six leaues, and sometimes of seuen or eight, hauing a few threads in the middle, set about a small greene head, like vnto many of the former Crowfeete, which bringeth small blacke seede: the roote is made of many thicke short white strings, which seeme to be grumous or kernelly rootes, but that they are somewhat smaller, and longer then any other of that kinde.

13. _Ranunculus Creticus latifolius._ The broad leafed Candy Crowfoot.

This Crowfoote of Candy, hath the greatest and broadest leaues of all the sorts of Crowfeete, being almost round, and without any great diuisions, but onely a few notches about the edges here and there, as large or larger sometimes then the palme of a mans hand; among which riseth vp the stalke, not very high when it doth first flower, but afterwards, as the other flowers doe open themselues, the stalke groweth to be a foote and a halfe high, or thereabouts, hauing some leaues on it, deeply cut in or diuided, and bearing many faire yellow flowers, consisting of fiue leaues a peece, being somewhat whitish in the middle, when the flower hath stood blowne a little time: the roote is composed of a number of small kernelly knobs, or long graines, set thicke together. This flowreth very early, being vsually in flower before the end of March, and oftentimes about the middle thereof.

14. _Ranunculus Creticus albus._ The white Candy Crowfoote.

The leaues of this Crowfoote are very like vnto the leaues of the red Crowfoote of Tripoli or Asia, hereafter set downe, being somewhat broad and indented about the edges, some of the leaues being also cut in or gashed, thereby making it as it were three diuisions, of a pale greene colour, with many white spots in them: the stalke riseth vp a foote high, with some leaues on it, more diuided then the lower, and diuided at the toppe into two and sometimes into three branches, each of them bearing a faire snow white flower, somewhat large, included at the first in a brownish huske or cup of leaues, which afterwards stand vnder the flowers, consisting of fiue white large round pointed leaues, in the middle whereof is set many blackish purple thrums, compassing a small long greene head, composed of many scales or chaffie whitish huskes, when they are ripe, which are the seede, but vnprofitable in all that euer I could obserue: the rootes are many small graines or kernels, set together as in the former, and much about the same colour, that is, of a darke or duskie grayish colour, but much smaller.

[Sidenote: _Alba purpureis oris & venis._]

There is another of this kinde, whose flowers haue purple edges, and sometimes some veines of the same purple in the leaues of the flowers, not differing in any other thing from the former.

[Sidenote: _Alba oris rubris._]

And another, whose edges of the flowers are of a bright red colour.

1 _Ranunculus gramineus flore simplici & duplici._ The single and
the double grasse Crowfoot.
2 _Ranunculus Lusitanicus Autumnalis._ The Portugall Autumne
Crowfoot.
3 _Ranunculus Creticus latifolius._ The broad leafed Candy Crowfoot.
4 _Ranunculus Anglicus maximus multiplex._ The double English
Crowfoot.
5 _Ranunculus pratensis flore multiplici._ The double yellow field
Crowfoot.
6 _Ranunculus Creticus albus._ The white Candy Crowfoot.
7 _Ranunculus Asiaticus flore albo vel pallido vario._ The white or
the straw coloured Crowfoot with red tops or edges.
8 _Ranunculus Tripolitanus flore rubro simplici._ The single red
Crowfoot of Tripoli.
9 _Ranunculus Asiaticus flore rubro amplo._ The large single red
Crowfoot of Asia.
10 _Ranunculus Asiaticus flore rubro pleno._ The double red Crowfoot
of Asia.
11 _Caltha palustris flore pleno._ Double Marsh Marigold or
Batchelours buttons.
]

15. _Ranunculus Creticus flore argenteo._ The Argentine, or cloth of siluer Crowfoot.

The greene leaues of this Crowfoote are as small and thinne, cut in or diuided on the edges, as the last two sorts; the stalke riseth vp somewhat higher, and diuided into some branches, bearing at the toppe of euery of them one flower, somewhat smaller then the former, composed of six, seuen, and sometimes of eight small round pointed leaues, of a whitish yellow blush colour on the inside wholly, except sometimes a little stript about the edges: but the outside of euery leafe is finely stript with crimson stripes, very thicke, somewhat like vnto a Gilloflower: in the middle riseth vp a small blacke head, compassed about with blackish blew threads or thrums, which head is as vnfruitfull for seede in our Countrey as the former. This flower hath no such greene leaues vnder it, or to enclose it before it be blowne open as the former: the rootes are in all things like the former.

16. _Ranunculus Asiaticus siue Tripolitanus flore rubro._ The single red Crowfoote of Asia or Tripoli.

The lower leaues of this red Crowfoote are alwayes whole without diuisions, being onely somewhat deeply indented about the edges, but the other that rise after them are more cut in, sometimes into three, and sometimes into fiue diuisions, and notched also about the edges: the stalke riseth higher then any of the former, and hath on it two or three smaller leaues, more cut in and diuided then those belowe: at the toppe whereof standeth one large flower, made of fiue leaues, euery one being narrower at the bottome then at the toppe, and not standing close and round one to another, but with a certaine distance betweene, of a duskie yellowish red colour on the outside, and of a deepe red on the inside, the middle being set with many thrums of a darke purple colour: the head for seede is long, and scaly or chaffie, and idle in like manner as the rest: the roote is made of many graines or small kernels set together, and closing at the head, but spreading it selfe, if it like the ground, vnder the vpper crust of the earth into many rootes, encreasing from long strings, that runne from the middle of the small head of graines, as well as at the head it selfe.

17. _Ranunculus Asiaticus flore amplo rubro._ The large single red Crowfoot of Asia.

There hath come to vs out of Turkie, together with the former, among many other rootes, vnder the same title, a differing sort of this Crowfoote, whose leaues weare broader, and much goaler; the flower also larger, and the leaues thereof broader, sometimes eight in a flower, standing round and close one to another, which maketh the fairer shew: in all other things it is like the former.

18. _Ranunculus Asiaticus flore rubro vario simplici._ The red stript single Crowfoote of Asia.

This party coloured Crowfoote differeth not eyther in roote or leafe from the former, the chiefest difference is in the flower, which being red, somewhat like the former, hath yet some yellow stripes or veines through euery leafe, sometimes but little, and sometimes so much, that it seemeth to bee party coloured red and yellow: this sort is very tender; for we haue twice had it, and yet perished with vs.

19. _Ranunculus Asiaticus flore luteo vario simplici._ The yellow stript single Crowfoote of Asia.

There is little difference in the roote of this Crowfoote from the last described, but the leaues are much different, being very much diuided, and the flower is large, of a fine pale greenish yellow colour, consisting of six and seuen, and sometimes of eight or nine round leaues; the toppes whereof haue reddish spots, and the edges sometimes also, with such purplish thrums in the middle that the other haue. None of these former Crowfeete with kernelly rootes, haue euer beene found to haue giuen so good seed in England, as that being sowne, any of them would spring vp; for hereof tryall hath been often made, but all they haue lost their labour, that haue bestowed their paines therein, as farre as I know.

20. _Ranunculus Asiaticus flore rubro pleno._ The double red Crowfoote of Asia.

The double red Crowfoote hath his rootes and leaues so like vnto the single red kinde, that none can perceiue any difference, or know the one from the other, vntill the budde of the flower doe appeare, which after it is any thing forward, may be perceiued to be greater and fuller then the budde of the single kinde. This kinde beareth most vsually but one faire large double flower on the toppe of the stalke, composed of many leaues, set close together in three or foure rowes, of an excellent crimson colour, declining to Scarlet, the outter leaues being larger then the inner; and instead of thrummes, hath many small leaues set together: it hath likewise six small narrow greene leaues on the backside of the flower, where the stalke is fastened to the flower.

[Sidenote: _Prolifero flore._]

There is of this double kinde another sort, whose flower is of the same colour with the former, but out of the middle of the flower ariseth another double flower, but smaller.

The Place.

These plants grow naturally in diuers Countries; some in
France, and Germany, and some in England, some in Spaine,
Portugall, and Italy, and some haue been sent out of Turkie
from Constantinople, and some from other parts, their titles
for the most part descrying their Countries.

The Time.

Some of them flower early, as is set downe in their
descriptions, or titles. The others in Aprill and May. The
white Candy Crowfoote, and the other single and double sorts
of Asia, about the same time, or somewhat later, and one in
Autumne, as it is set downe.

The Names.

The names that are giuen seuerally to them may well serue
this worke, that thereby they may bee distinguished one from
another: For to set downe any further controuersie of names,
how fitly or vnfitly they haue beene called, and how variably
by diuers former Writers, is fitter for a generall History,
vnto which I leaue what may be said, both concerning these
and the rest: Onely this I would giue you to vnderstand, that
the Turkie kindes haue been sent to vs vnder the names of
_Terobolos_ for the single, and _Terobolos Catamer lale_ for
the double, and yet oftentimes, those that haue been sent for
double, haue proued single, so little fidelity is to bee found
among them.

The Vertues.

All or most of these plants are very sharpe and exulcerating,
yet the care and industry of diuers learned men haue found many
good effects in many of them. For the rootes and leaues both of
the wilde kindes, and of some of these of the Garden, stamped
and applyed to the wrists, haue driuen away the fits in Feuers.
The roote likewise of the double English kinde is applyed for
pestilent sores, to helpe to breake them, by drawing the venome
to the place. They helpe likewise to take away scarres and
markes in diuers places of the body.

CHAP. XXVIII.

_Caltha palustris flore pleno._ Double Marsh Marigold.

As an appendix to the Crowfeete, I must needes adde this plant, yet seuerally by it selfe, because both it and his single kinde are by most adioyned thereunto, for the neare resemblance both in shape and sharpnesse of quality. The single kinde I leaue to the Ditch sides, and moist grounds about them, as the fittest places for it, and onely bring the double kinde into my Garden, as fittest for his goodly proportion and beauty to be entertained, and haue place therein.

The double Marsh Marigold hath many broad and round greene leaues, a little endented about the edges, like vnto the single kinde, but not altogether so large, especially in a Garden where it standeth not very moist: the stalkes are weake, round, hollow, and greene, diuided into three or foure branches at the toppe, with leaues at the seuerall ioynts, whereon stand very double flowers, of a gold yellow colour: the fiue outer leaues being larger then any of the rest that are encompassed by them, which fall away after they haue stood blowne a great while (for it endureth in flower a moneth or more, especially if it stand in a shadowie place) without bearing any seed: the rootes are composed of many thicke, long, and round whitish strings, which runne downe deep into the ground, and there are fastened very strongly.

The Place.

This plant groweth naturally in diuers Marshes, and moist
grounds in Germany, yet in some more double then in others; it
hath long agoe beene cherished in our Gardens.

The Time.

It flowreth in Aprill or May, as the yeare proueth earlier or
later: all his leaues doe in a manner quite perish in Winter,
and spring anew in the end of February, or thereabouts.

The Names.

There is great controuersie among the learned about the single
kinde, but thereof I shall not neede to speake in this place;
if God permit I may in a fitter. This is called generally in
Latine, _Caltha palustris multiplex_, or _flore pleno_. And
wee in English (after the Latine, which take _Caltha_ to be
that which wee vsually call _Calendula_, a Marigold) The double
Marsh Marigold.

The Vertues.

The roote hereof is sharpe, comming neare vnto the quality of
the Crowfeete, but for any speciall property, I haue not heard
or found any.

CHAP. XXIX.

_Hepatica nobilis siue trifolia._ Noble Liuerwort.

Next vnto the Crowfeete are to follow the Hepaticas, because of the likenesse with them, seeming to be small Crowfeete in all their parts, but of another and more wholsome kinde. Their diuersity among themselues consisteth chiefly in the colour of the flowers, all of them being single, except one which is very thicke and double.

1. _Hepatica flore cæruleo simplici maior._ The great single blew Hepatica or noble Liuerwort.

The flowers of this Hepatica doe spring vp, blow open, and sometimes shed and fall away, before any leaues appeare or spread open. The rootes are composed of a bush of blackish things, from the seuerall heads or buttons whereof, after the flowers are risen and blowne, arise many fresh greene leaues, each seuerally standing vpon his foot-stalke, folded together, and somewhat browne and hairy at their first comming, which after are broad, and diuided at the edges into three parts: the flowers likewise stand euery one vpon his owne seuerall foote-stalke, of the same height with the leaues for the most part, which is about foure or fiue fingers breadth high, made of six leaues most vsually, but sometimes it will haue seuen or eight, of a faire blew colour, with many white chiues or threads in the middle, standing about a middle green head or vmbone, which after the flower is fallen groweth greater, and sheweth many small graines or seede set close together (with three small greene leaues compassing them vnderneath, as they did the flower at the bottome) very like the head of seed of manie Crowfeete.

2. _Hepatica minor flore pallido cæruleo._ The small blew Hepatica.

The leaues of this Hepatica are smaller by the halfe then the former, and grow more aboundantly, or bushing thicke together: the flowers (when it sheweth them, for I haue had the plant halfe a score yeares, and yet neuer saw it beare flower aboue once or twice) are of a pale or bleake blew colour, not so large as the flowers of the former.

3. _Hepatica flore purpureo._ Purple Hepatica or noble Liuerwort.

This Hepatica is in all things like vnto the first, but onely the flowers are of a deeper blew tending to a Violet purple: and therefore I shall not neede to reiterate the former description.

4. _Hepatica flore albo minor._ The lesser white Hepatica.

The flowers of this Hepatica are wholly white, of the bignesse of the red or purple, and the leaues somewhat smaller, and of a little whiter of paler greene colour, else in all other things agreeing with the former.

5. _Hepatica alba magno flore._ The great white Hepatica.

There is no other difference herein from the last, but that the flower being as white, is as large as the next.

6. _Hepatica albida siue argentea._ Ash-coloured of Argentine Hepatica.

Both the leaues and the flowers of this Hepatica are larger then any of the former, except the last: the flowers hereof at the first opening seeme to bee of a blush ash-colour, which doe so abide three or foure dayes, decaying still vntill it turne almost white, hauing yet still a shew of that blush ash-colour in them, till the very last.

7. _Hepatica alba straminibus rubris._ White Hepatica with red threads.

There is no difference between this Hepatica and the first white one, sauing that the threads in the middle of the flower, being white, as in the former, are tipt at the ends with a pale reddish colour, which adde a great beauty to the flowers.

8. _Hepatica flore rubro._ Red Hepatica or noble Liuerwort.

The leaues of this Hepatica are of a little browner red colour, both at their first comming vp, and afterwards, especially in the middle of the leafe more then any of the former: the flowers are in forme like vnto the rest, but of a bright blush, or pale red colour, very pleasant to behold, with white threads or chiues in the middle of them.

9. _Hepatica flore purpureo multiplici siue pleno._ The double purple Hepatica.

The double Hepatica is in all things like vnto the single purple kinde, sauing onely that the leaues are larger, and stand vpon longer foote-stalkes, and that the flowers are small buttons, but very thicke of leaues, and as double as a flower can be, like vnto the double white Crowfoote before described, but not so bigge, of a deepe blew or purple colour, without any threads or head in the middle, which fall away without giuing any seede.

10. _Hepatica flore cæruleo pleno._ The double blew Hepatica.

In the colour of this flower, consisteth the chiefest difference from the last, except one may say it is a little lesse in the bignesse of the flower, but not in doublenesse of leaues.

The Place.

All these plants with single flowers grow naturally in the
Woods, and shadowie Mountaines of Germany in many places, and
some of them in Italy also. The double kinde likewise hath been
sent from Alphonsus Pantius out of Italy, as Clusius reporteth,
and was also found in the Woods, neare the Castle of Starnbeg
in Austria, the Lady Heusenstains possession, as the same
Clusius reporteth also.

The Time.

These plants doe flower very early, and are of the first
flowers that shew themselues presently after the deepe frosts
in Ianuary, so that next vnto the Winter Wolfesbane, these
making their pride appeare in Winter, are the more welcome
early guests. The double kinde flowreth not altogether so
early, but sheweth his flower, and abideth when the others are
past.

The Names.

They haue obtained diuers names; some calling them _Hepatica_,
_Hepatica nobilis_, _Hepaticum trifolium_, _Trifolium
nobile_, _Trifolium aureum_, and some _Trinitas_, and _Herba
Trinitatis_. In English you may call them either Hepatica,
after the Latine name, as most doe, or Noble Liuerwort, which
you please.

The Vertues.

These are thought to coole and strengthen the liuer, the name
importing as much; but I neuer saw any great vse of them by any
the Physitians of our London Colledge, or effect by them that
haue vsed them in Physicke in our Country.

1 _Hepatica flore albo amplo simplici._ The large white Hepatica.
2 _Hepatica flore rubro simplici._ The red Hepatica.
3 _Hepatica flore purpureo pleno._ The double purple Hepatica.
4 _Geranium tuberosum._ Knobbed Cranes bill.
5 _Geranium Batrachoides flore albo vel cæruleo._ The blew or white
Crowfoote Cranes bill.
6 _Geranium Hematodes._ The red Rose Cranes bill.
7 _Geranium Romanum striatum._ The variable stript Cranes bill.
8 _Geranium Creticum._ Candy Cranes bill.
]

CHAP. XXX.

_Geranium._ Storkes bill or Cranes bill.

As was said before concerning the Crowfeet, of their large extent and restraint, the like may be said of the Storkes bils or Cranes bils; for euen of these as of them, I must for this worke set forth the descriptions but of a few, and leaue the rest to a generall worke.

1. _Geranium tuberosum vel bulbosum._ Bulbous or knobbed Cranes bill.