Chapter XVIII: Front Matter (18)

This pretty plant riseth vp out of the ground with vpright, hard, round, small stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, or not two foote high at the highest, diuided into three branches for the most part, each branch whereof is againe diuided for the most part into three other branches, and each of them beare three leaues (seldome either more or lesse) set together, yet each vpon his owne foote-stalke, each leafe being broad, round, and pointed at the end, somewhat hard or dry in feeling, hayrie, or as it were prickly about the edges, but very tenderly, without harme, of a light greene colour on the vpperside, and a little whiter vnderneath: from the middle of the stemme or stalke of leaues doth likewise come forth another long stalke, not much higher then those with the leaues on them, diuided into other branches, each whereof hath likewise three flowers, each vpon his owne footestalke, consisting of eight small leaues a peece, yet seeming to be but of foure leaues spread or layd open flat, for that the foure vppermost, which are the smaller and being yellow, doe lye so close on the foure vndermost, which are a little broader and red, that they shew as if they were yellow flowers with red edges, hauing yellow threds tipt with greene, standing in the middle of the flowers: the vnderside of the lower leaues are of a pale yellowish red, striped with white lines: after the flowers are past, there come small long pods, wherin are contained flat reddish seede: the rootes are small, reddish and hard, spreading, branching and enterlacing themselues very much, and is fit to be placed on some shady side of a garden: the whole plant is rather of a strong then any good sent, yet is cherished for the pleasant varietie of the flowers.

The Place.

Cæsalpinus saith it groweth on the mountaines of Liguria, that
is nigh vnto Ligorne, in the Florentine Dominion. Camerarius
saith, nigh vnto Vicenza in Italie. Bauhinus on the Euganian
hils, nigh vnto Padoa, and in Romania in shadowie wet grounds.

The Time.

It flowreth from Iune vntill the end of Iuly, and to the middle
of August, if it stand, as I said it is fittest, in a shadowie
place.

The Names.

It is of most Writers accepted for the true _Epimedium_ of
Dioscorides, though he saith it is without flower or seede,
being therein eyther mistaken, or mis-informed, as he was also
in _Dictamnus_ of Candy, and diuers other plants. From the
triple triplicitie of the standing of the stalkes and leaues,
and quadriplicitie of the flowers, it might receiue another
name in English then is already imposed vpon it: but lest I
might be thought to be singular or full of noueltie, let it
passe with the name Barrenwort, as it is in the title.

The Vertues.

It is thought of diuers to agree in the propertie of causing
barrennesse, as the ancients doe record of _Epimedium_.

CHAP. LIIII.

_Papauer satiuum._ Garden Poppies.

Of Poppies there are a great many sorts, both wilde and tame, but because our Garden doth entertaine none, but those of beautie and respect, I wil onely giue you here a few double ones, and leaue the rest to a general suruey.

1 _Viola Martia simplex._ Single March Violets.
2 _Viola Martia multiplex._ Double March Violets.
3 _Viola flammea siue tricolor._ Ordinary garden Pansies or Harts
ease.
4 _Viola flammea lutea magna._ Great yellow Pansies.
5 _Viola tricolor duplex._ Double Pansies or Harts eases.
6 _Epimedium._ Barrenwort.
7 _Papauer sativum flore pleno._ Double garden Poppies.
8 _Papauer sativum flore pleno laciniata._ Double feathered Poppies.
9 _Nigella Hispanica flore amplo._ Spanish Nigella or Fenell flower.
10 _Nigella multiplex cærulea._ Double blew Nigella or Fenell flower.
11 _Nigella duplex flore albo._ Double white Nigella.
12 _Ptarmica flore pleno._ Double wilde Pelletory.
]

1. _Papauer multiplex album._ Double white Poppies.

The double white Poppy hath diuers broade, and long whitish greene leaues, giuing milke (as all the rest of the plant aboue ground doth, wheresoeuer it is broken) very much rent or torne in on the sides, and notched or indented besides, compassing at the bottome of them a hard round brittle whitish greene stalke, branched towards the toppe, bearing one faire large great flower on the head of euery branch, which before it breaketh out, is contained within a thin skinne, and being blowne open is very thick of leaues, and double, somewhat iagged at the ends, and of a white colour, in the middle whereof standeth a round head or bowle, with a striped crowne on the heade of it, very like a starre, compassed about with some threds, wherein when it is ripe, is contained small, round, white seede, disposed into seuerall cels: the roote is hard wooddy, and long, perishing euery yeare, and must bee new sowne euery Spring, if they doe not spring of their own sowing, which if it doe, the flowers are seldome so faire and double as they that are sowne in the Spring: the whole plant is of a strong heady smell.

2. _Papauer multiplex rubescens._ Double red or blush Poppies.

This other kind of double Poppy differeth not in any other thing from the former, but only in the colour of the flowers, which are of a bright red, tending to a blush colour, parted, paned or striped in many places with white, and exceedingly more iagged then the former, almost like a feather at the ends, the bottomes of all the leaues being white: the seede hereof is white as the former, which is not so in any other Poppie, that beareth not a full white flower.

3. _Papauer multiplex nigrum siue purpureum._ Double purple or murry Poppies.

This kinde varyeth both in flowers and seede, although neyther in leaues or any other thing from the first: the flowers are thicke and double, and some what iagged at the ends, in some more, in some lesse, eyther red or blush, or purplish red, more or lesse, or of a sad murrey or tawney, with browne, or blacke, or tawny bottomes: the seede is eyther of a grayish blew colour, or in others more blackish.

4. _Papauer Rhæas flore multiplici._ The double red field Poppie.

This double Poppie is like the wilde or fielde Poppie, which is well knowne to all to haue longer, narrower, and more iagged greene leaues then the former, the stalkes more hairy, and the flower of a deepe yellowish red colour, knowne to all. Now this differeth in nothing from it, but in the doublenesse of the flower, which is very thicke and double, but not so large as the former. This riseth of seede in the like manner as they doe, and so to bee preserued.

The Place.

From what place they haue beene first gathered naturally I
cannot assure you, but we haue had them often and long time
in our gardens, being sent from Italie and other places. The
double wilde kindes came from Constantinople, which whether it
groweth neere vnto it or further off, we cannot tell as yet.

The Time.

They flower in the beginning or middle of Iune at the furthest,
the seede is ripe within a small while after.

The Names.

The generall knowne name to all, is _Papauer_, Poppie: the
seuerall distinctions are according to their colours. Yet our
English Gentlewomen in some places, call it by a by-name, Ione
siluer pinne: _subauditur_, Faire without and fowle within.

The Vertues.

It is not vnknowne, I suppose to any, that Poppie procureth
sleepe, for which cause it is wholly and onely vsed as I
thinke: but the water of the wilde Poppies, besides that
it is of great vse in Pleurisies, and Rheumatick, or thinne
Distillations, is found by daily experience, to bee a
soueraigne remedy against surfeits; yet some doe attribute this
propertie to the water of the wilde Poppies.

CHAP. LV.

_Nigella._ The Fenell flower, or Nigella.

Among the many sorts of Nigella, both wilde and tame, both single and double, I will onely set downe three sorts, to be noursed vp in this garden, referring the rest to a Physicke garden, or a generall Historie, which may comprehend all.

1. _Nigella Hispanica flore simplici._ The great Spanish Nigella.

Spanish Nigella riseth vp with diuers greene leaues, so finely cut, and into so many parts, that they are finer then Fenell, and diuided somewhat like the leaues of Larkes heeles, among which rise vp stalkes, with many such like leaues vpon them, branched into three or foure parts, at the toppe of each whereof standeth one faire large flower, like vnto other single Nigella’s, consisting of fiue or six leaues sometimes, of a bleake blew, or of a purplish blew colour, with a greene head in the middle, compassed about with seuen or eight small blewish greene flowers, or peeces of flowers rather, made like gaping hoodes, with euery of them a yellowish line thwart or crosse the middle of them, with some threds also standing by them: after the flower is past the head groweth greater, hauing sixe, seuen or eight hornes as it were at the toppe, greater and longer, and standing closer together then any other Nigella, spreading very like a starre, or the crowne of the Poppy head, but larger and longer, each whereof being folded together, openeth a little when the head is ripe, which is greater aboue, and smaller below, and not so round as the others are, containing within them small yellowish greene seede, or not so blacke as the other sorts: the rootes are small and yellow, perishing euery yeare as the others likewise doe.

2. _Nigella Damascena flore multiplici._ Double blew Nigella, or The Fenell flower.

The double Nigella is in leaues, stalkes and rootes, very like vnto the former Nigella, so that the one can very hardly bee discerned from the other before this rise vp to flower, except it be that the leaues hereof are not fully so large as they: the flower consisteth of three or foure rowes of leaues, layde one vpon another, of a pale blew colour, with a greene round head compassed with diuers short threads in the middle, and hauing fiue or sixe such small greene Fenell-like leaues vnder the flower, to beare it vp (as it were) below, which adde a greater grace to the flowers, which at the first sheweth sometimes white, but changeth quickely after: the horned heads hereof are like vnto the heads of the other wilde kinde, which are somewhat rounder and greater, hauing within: them blacke vneuen seedes, but without any sent.

3. _Nigella Citrina flore albo multiplici._ Double white Nigella.

This double white Nigella hath such like leaues as the last hath, but somewhat larger, of a yellower greene colour, and not so finely cut and iagged: the flowers are somewhat lesse, and lesser double then the former, and in colour white, hauing no greene leaues vnder the flower, as the former hath, the head whereof in the middle is very like the head of the last double kinde, but not great, wherein is contained black seede for the most part, and sweete like the Romane Nigella, which only is sweet besides this: yet sometimes it is not so blacke, but a little more white or yellowish: the roote is yellow, and perisheth as the others euery yeare.

The Place.

All these, and the rest be found wilde in diuers Countreyes, as
France, Spaine, Italie, &c. but wee onely cherish them in our
Gardens for our delight.

The Time.

They flower in the end of Iune, and in Iuly, or thereabouts.

The Names.

They are called _Melanthium_, _Gith_, and _Nigella_, and of
some _Flos Diuæ Catherinæ_. We may either call them _Nigella_
according to the Latine name, or the Fenell flower, as some
doe, because the double blew Nigella hath small Fenell-like
leaues bearing vp the flower, as I shewed before in the
description.

The Vertues.

These Nigella’s are nothing so hot in qualitie as the single
Romane kind is, as may well be knowne by the smell of the seede
thereof, and therefore are not fit to be vsed in the steed of
it, as many ignorant persons vse to doe: for the single Romane
seede is vsed to helpe paines, and cold distillations in the
head, and to dry vp the rheume. Pena saith, that the pressed
oyle of the seede as well taken inwardly as vsed outwardly
is an excellent remedy for the hardnesse and swelling of the
spleene.

CHAP. LVI.

_Ptarmica siluestris flore pleno._ Double wilde Pelletory.

The double wilde Pelletorie hath straight and slender stalkes, beset with long and narrow leaues, snipt round about the edges, in all points like vnto the single wilde kinde, that groweth common with vs almost euery where: on the toppes of the stalkes stand foure or fiue, or more white flowers, one aboue another, with a greene leafe at the bottome of the footestalke of euery one of them, beeing small, thicke, and very double, with a little yellowishnesse in the middle of euery flower, like both for forme and colour vnto the flower of the double Featherfew, but smaller: the rootes are many long strings, running here and there in the ground: this hath no smell at all, but is delightsome only for the double white flowers.

The Place.

It is only cherished in some few Gardens, for it is very rare.

The Time.

It flowreth in the end of Iune or thereabouts.

The Names.

It is called of most _Ptarmica_, or _Sternutamentoria_, of his
qualitie to prouoke neesing: and some _Pyrethrum_, of the hot
biting taste. We vsually call it double wilde Pelletorie, and
some Sneesewort, but _Elleborus albus_ is vsually so called,
and I would not two things should be called by one name, for
the mistaking and mis-using of them.

The Vertues.

The properties hereof, no doubt, may well bee referred to the
single kinde, beeing of the same qualitie, yet as I take it, a
little more milde and temperate.

CHAP. LVII.

_Parthenium flore pleno._ Double Featherfew.

Featherfew that beareth double flowers is so like vnto the single kinde, that the one cannot be discerned from the other, vntill it come to flower, bearing broad, pale or fresh greene leaues, much cut in on the sides: the stalkes haue such like leaues on them as grow below, from the toppes whereof come forth many double white flowers, like vnto the flowers of the former wilde Pelletory, but larger, and like also vnto the flowers of the double Camomill: the sent whereof is as strong as of the single.

The Place.

We haue this kinde only in Gardens, and as it is thought by
others, is peculiar only to our owne Countrey.

The Time.

It flowreth in the end of May, and in Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

It is called diuersly by diuers: Some thinke it to be
_Parthenium_ of Dioscorides, but not of Galen; for his
_Parthenium_ is a sweet herbe, and is thought to bee
_Amaracus_, that is Marierome: others call it _Matricaria_; and
some _Amarella_. Gaza translateth it _Muraleum, Theoph. lib. 7.
cap. 7_. It is generally in these parts of our Country called
Double Feaverfew, or Featherfew.

The Vertues.

It is answerable to all the properties of the single kinde
which is vsed for womens diseases, to procure their monthly
courses chiefly. It is held to bee a speciall remedy to helpe
those that haue taken _Opium_ too liberally. In Italy some
vse to eate the single kinde among other greene herbes, as
Camerarius saith, but especially fryed with egges, and so it
wholly loseth his strong and bitter taste.

CHAP. LVIII.

_Chamæmælum._ Camomill.

Ovr ordinary Camomill is well knowne to all, to haue many smal trayling branches, set with very fine small leaues, bushing and spreading thicke ouer the ground, taking roote still as it spreadeth: the toppes of the branches haue white flowers, with yellow thrummes in the middle, very like vnto the Featherfew, before described, but somewhat greater, not so hard, but more soft and gentle in handling, and the whole herbe to be of a very sweet sent.

1. _Chamæmælum nudum._ Naked Camomill.

We haue another sort of Camomill in some Gardens, but very rare, like vnto the former, but that it is whiter, finer, and smaller, and raiseth it selfe vp a little higher, and beareth naked flowers; that is, without that border of white leaues that is in the former, and consisteth onely of a yellow round thrummie head, smelling almost as sweete as the former.

2. _Chamæmælum flore pleno._ Double flowred Camomill.

The double Camomill groweth with his leaues vpon the ground, as the other single kinde doth, but of a little fresher greene colour, and larger withall: the stalkes with the flowers on them, doe raise themselues vp a little higher then the ordinary, and bearing one or two flowers vpon a stalk, which are composed of many white leaues set together in diuers rowes, which make a fine double flower, with a little yellow spot in the middle for the most part of euery one, and are much larger then any single kinde, smelling better, and more pleasing then the ordinary: this doth creepe vpon the ground as the other, but is more tender to be kept in the Winter. Yet if you saue the flowers hereof (and so will the double Featherfew also) when they haue stood long, and ready to fade, and keepe them dry vntill the Spring, and then breaking them or pulling them to peeces, sowe them, there will spring vp from them Camomill, and also Featherfew, that will againe beare double flowers.

The Place.

Our ordinary Camomill groweth wilde in many places of our
Country, and as well neare London as in other places. The
others are onely found in our Gardens, where they are
cherished. Bauhinus saith, that the double flowred Camomill is
found wilde about Orleance in France.

The Time.

The double kinde is vsually in flower in Iune, before the
ordinary kinde, and most commonly past before it flowreth,
which is not vntill Iuly or August. The naked Camomill flowreth
betweene them both, or later.

The Names.

Camomill is called _Anthemis_, _Leucanthemis_, and
_Leucanthemum_, of the whitenesse of the flowers; and
_Chamæmælum_ of the corrupted Italian name _Camomilla_.
Some call the naked Camomill, _Chrysanthemum odoratum_. The
double Camomill is called by some _Chamæmælum Romanum flore
multiplici_.

The Vertues.

Camomill is put to diuers and sundry vses, both for pleasure
and profit, both for inward and outward diseases, both for the
sicke and the sound, in bathings to comfort and strengthen
the sound, and to ease paines in the diseased, as also in
many other formes applyed outwardly. The flowers boyled in
Posset drinke prouoke sweat, and helpe to expell colds, aches,
and other griefes. A Syrupe made of the iuice of the double
Camomill, with the flowers and white wine, as Bauhinus saith,
is vsed by some against the Iaundise and Dropsie, caused by the
euill disposition of the splene.

1 _Parthenium flore pleno._ Double Featherfew.
2 _Chamæmælum nudum._ Naked Camomill.
3 _Chamæmælum flore pleno._ Double Camomill.
4 _Pyrethrum officinarum._ Pelletory of Spaine.
5 _Flos Adonis flore rubro & flore lutea._ Adonis flower both red &
yellow.
6 _Helleborus niger ferulaceus siue Buphthalmum._ The great Oxe eye
or the great yellow Anemone.
7 _Buphthalmum vulgare._ The common yellow Oxe eye.
]

CHAP. LIX.

_Pyrethrum officinarum._ Pelletory of Spaine.

I must needes adioyne vnto the Camomils this fine and tender plant, for some neare resemblance it hath with them in face, though not in quality. It is a small and lowe plant, bearing many fine greene leaues vpon his slender branches, which leane or lye down vpon the ground, diuided into many parts, yet somewhat larger and broader then Camomill, the stalkes whereof are bigger, and more iuicie then it: the flowers that stand at the toppes of the stalkes are single, but much larger then any Camomill flower, hauing a pale or border of many leaues, white on the vpperside, and reddish vnderneath, set about the yellow middle thrumme; but not standing so close together ioyning at the bottome, as the Camomill flowers doe, but more seuered one from another: it beareth small whitish seede, which is hardly found and discerned from the chaffe: the roote is long, and growing downe right, of the bignesse of a mans finger or thumbe in our Countrey, but not half so great where it groweth naturally, with some fibres and branches from the sides thereof, of a very hot, sharpe, and biting taste, drawing much water into the mouth, after it hath been chewed a while: the plant with vs is very tender, and will hardly or not at all endure the hardnesse and extremities of our Winters, vnlesse it be very carefully preserued.

The Place.

It groweth in Spaine wilde in many places, and in other hot
Countries, where it may feele no frosts to cause it perish.

The Time.

It flowreth so late with vs, that it is not vntill August, that
oftentimes we cannot gather ripe seedes from it, before it
perish.

The Names.

The name _Pyrethrum_ (taken from πὺρ, that is, _ignis_, fire)
is giuen to this plant, because of the heate thereof, and
that the roote is somewhat like in shew, but specially in
property vnto the true _Pyrethrum_ of Dioscorides, which is an
vmbelliferous plant, whose rootes are greater, and more feruent
a great deale, and haue a hayrie bush or toppe as _Meum_, and
many other vmbelliferous plants haue. It is also called in
Latin, _Salinaris_, of the effect in drawing much moisture into
the mouth, to be spit out. We doe vsually call it Pelletory of
Spaine.

The Vertues.

It is in a manner wholly spent to draw rheume from the teeth,
by chewing it in the mouth, thereby to ease the tooth-ach, and
likewise from the head, in the paines thereof.

CHAP. LX.

_Flos Adonis flore rubro._ Red Adonis flower.

Adonis flower may well be accounted a kinde of Camomill, although it hath some especiall differences, hauing many long branches of leaues lying vpon the ground, and some rising vp with the stalke, so finely cut and iagged, that they much resemble the leaues of Mayweed, or of the former _Nigella_: at the top of the stalkes, which rise a foote high or better, stand small red flowers, consisting of six or eight round leaues, hauing a greene head in the middle, set about with many blackish threads, without any smell at all: after the flowers are past, there grow vp heads with many roundish white seedes at the toppes of them, set close together, very like vnto the heads of seede of the great Oxe eye, set downe in the next Chapter, but smaller: the rootes are small and thready, perishing euery yeare, but rising of his owne seede againe, many times before Winter, which will abide vntill the next yeare.

[Sidenote: _Flore luteo._]

Yellow Adonis flower is like vnto the red, but that the flower is somewhat larger, and of a faire yellow colour.

The Place.

The first groweth wilde in the corn fields in many places of
our own country, as well as in others, and is brought into
Gardens for the beauties sake of the flower. The yellow is a
stranger, but noursed in our Gardens with other rarities.

The Time.

They flower in May or Iune, as the yeare falleth out to be
early or late: the seed is soone ripe after, and will quickly
fall away, if it be not gathered.

The Names.

Some haue taken the red kinde to be a kinde of Anemone; other
to be _Eranthemum_ of Dioscorides: the most vsuall name now
with vs is _Flos Adonis_, and _Flos Adonidis_: In English,
where it groweth wilde, they call it red Maythes, as they
call the Mayweede, white Maythes; and some of our English
Gentlewomen call it Rosarubie: we vsually call it Adonis flower.

The Vertues.

It hath been certainly tryed by experience, that the seed of
red Adonis flower drunke in wine, is good to ease the paines of
the Collicke and Stone.

CHAP. LXI.

_Buphthalmum._ Oxe eye.

Vnder the name _Buphthalmum_, or Oxe eye, are comprehended two or three seueral plants, each differing from other, both in face and property, yet because they all beare one generall name, I thinke fittest to comprise them all in one Chapter, and first of that which in leafe & seed commeth nearest to the Adonis flower.

1. _Buphthalmum maius siue Helleborus niger ferulaceus._ Great Oxe eye, or the yellow Anemone.

This great Oxe eye is a beautifull plant, hauing many branches of greene leaues leaning or lying vpon the ground for the most part, yet some standing vpright, which are as fine, but shorter then Fenell; some of them ending in a small tuft of green leaues, and some hauing at the toppes of them one large flower a peece, somewhat reddish or brownish on the outside, while they are in bud, and a while after, and being open, shew themselues to consist of twelue or fourteene long leaues, of a faire shining yellow colour, set in order round about a greene head, with yellow thrums in the middle, laying themselues open in the sunne, or a faire day, but else remaining close: after the flower is past, the head growing greater, sheweth it selfe compact of many round whitish seede, very like vnto the head of seede of the Adonis flower last described, but much greater: the rootes are many long blackish fibres or strings, set together at the head, very like vnto the rootes of the lesser blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote, but somewhat harder, stiffer, or more brittle, and seeming without moisture in them, which abide and encrease euery yeare.

2. _Buphthalmum minus, seu Anthemis flore luteo._ Small Oxe eye.

This plant might seeme to be referred to the Camomils, but that it is not sweete, or to the Corne-Marigolds, but that the stalkes and leaues are not edible: it is therefore put vnder the Oxe eyes, and so we will describe it; hauing many weake branches lying vpon the ground, beset with winged leaues, very finely cut and iagged, somewhat like vnto Mayweede, but a little larger; the flowers are like vnto the Corne Marigold, and larger then any Camomill, being wholly yellow, as well the pale or border of leaues, as the middle thrummes: the rootes are somewhat tough and long.

3. _Buphthalmum vulgare._ Common Oxe eye.

This Oxe eye riseth vp with hard round stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, hauing many winged leaues vpon them, made of diuers long and something broad leaues, snipt about the edges, set together somewhat like vnto Tansie, but smaller, and not so much winged: the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes, of a full yellow colour, both the outer leaues and the middle thrum, and not altogether so large as the last: the rootes of this kinde perish euery yeare, and require a new sowing againe.

The Place.

The first groweth in diuers places of Austria, Bohemia, and
those parts, it hath beene likewise brought out of Spaine.
The second in Prouence, a country in France. The last in
diuers places, as well of Austria as Morauia, and about Mentz
and Norimberg, as Clusius setteth downe. We haue them in our
Gardens, but the first is of the greatest respect and beauty.

The Time.

The first flowreth betimes, oftentimes in March, or at the
furthest in Aprill; the seede is ripe in May, and must be
quickly gathered, lest it bee lost. The other two flower not
vntill Iune.

The Names.

The first is called _Buphthalmum_ of Dodonæus,
_Pseudohelleborus_ of Matthiolus, _Helleborus niger ferulaceus
Theophrasti_ by Lobel, of some others _Elleborus niger verus_,
vsing it for the true blacke Ellebor, but it is much differing,
as well in face as properties. Of others _Sesamoides minus_.
Some haue thought it to be a yellow Anemone, that haue looked
on it without further iudgement, and by that name is most
vsually knowne to most of our English Gentlewomen that know it.
But it may most fitly be called a _Buphthalmum_, as Dodonæus
doth, and _Hispanicum_ or _Austriacum_, for distinctions sake.
We doe most vsually call it _Helleborus niger ferulaceus_, as
Lobel doth: Bauhinus calleth it _Helleborus niger tenuifolius
Buphthalmi flore_. The second is called _Buphthalmum
Narbonense_: In English, The French, or lesser Oxe eye, as the
first is called, The great Oxe eye. The last, The common Oxe
eye.

The Vertues.

The first hath been vsed in diuers places for the true blacke
Ellebor, but now is sufficiently knowne to haue been an errour;
but what Physicall property hath, other then Matthiolus hath
expressed, to be vsed as Setterwort for cattell, when they
rowell them, to put or draw the rootes hereof through the hole
they make in the dewe lappe, or other places, for their coughes
or other diseases, I know not, or haue heard or read of any.
The others likewise haue little or no vse in Physicke now a
dayes that I know.

CHAP. LXII.

_Chrysanthemum._ Corne Marigold.

Although the sorts of Corne Marigolds, which are many, are fitter for another then this worke, and for a Catholicke Garden of Simples, then this of Pleasure and Delight for faire Flowers; yet giue me leaue to bring in a couple: the one for a corner or by-place, the other for your choisest, or vnder a defenced wall, in regard of his statelinesse.

1. _Chrysanthemum Creticum._ Corne Marigold of Candy.

This faire Corne Marigold hath for the most part one vpright stalke, two foote high, whereon are set many winged leaues, at euery ioynt one, diuided and cut into diuers parts, and they againe parted into seuerall peeces or leaues: the flowers growe at the toppes of the stalkes, rising out of a scaly head, composed of ten or twelue large leaues, of a faire, but pale yellow colour, and more pale almost white at the bottome of the leaues, round about the yellow thrumme in the middle, being both larger and sweeter then any of the other Corne Marigolds: the seede is whitish and chaffie: the roote perisheth euery yeare.

2. _Chrysanthemum Perüuianum, siue Flos Solis._ The golden flower of Peru, or the Flower of the Sunne.

This goodly and stately plant, wherewith euery one is now a dayes familiar, being of many sorts, both higher and lower (with one stalke, without branches, or with many branches, with a blacke, or with a white seede, yet differing not in forme of leaues or flowers one from another, but in the greatnesse or smalnesse) riseth vp at the first like vnto a Pompion with two leaues, and after two, or foure more leaues are come forth, it riseth vp into a great stalke, bearing the leaues on it at seuerall distances on all sides thereof, one aboue another vnto the very toppe, being sometimes, and in some places, seuen, eight, or ten foote high, which leaues standing out from the stemme or stalke vpon their seuerall great ribbed foote-stalkes, are very large, broad belowe, and pointed at the end, round, hard, rough, of a sad greene colour, and bending downewards: at the toppe of the stalke standeth one great, large, and broad flower, bowing downe the head vnto the Sunne, and breaking forth from a great head, made of scaly greene leaues, like vnto a great single Marigold, hauing a border of manie long yellow leaues, set about a great round yellow thrumme, as it were in the middle, which are very like vnto short heads of flowers, vnder euery one whereof there is a seede, larger then any seede of the Thistles, yet somewhat like, and lesser, and rounder then any Gourd seede, set in so close and curious a manner, that when the seede is taken out, the head with the hollow places or cels thereof seemeth very like vnto an hony combe; which seede is in some plants very blacke, in the hotter countries, or very white, and great, or large, but with vs is neither so large, blacke, or white; but sometimes blackish or grayish. Some sort riseth not vp halfe the height that others doe, and some againe beare but one stemme or stalke, with a flower at the toppe thereof; and others two or three, or more small branches, with euery one his flower at the end; and some so full of branches from the very ground almost, that I haue accounted threescore branches round about the middle stalke of one plant, the lowest neare two yards long, others aboue them a yard and a halfe, or a yard long, with euery one his flower thereon; but all smaller then those that beare but one or two flowers, and lesser also for the most part then the flower on the middle stalke it selfe. The whole plant, and euery part thereof aboue ground hath a strong resinous sent of Turpentine, and the heads and middle parts of the flowers doe oftentimes (and sometimes the ioynts of the stalke where the leaues stand) sweat out a most fine thin & cleare Rossin or Turpentine, but in small quantity, and as it were in drops, in the heate and dry time of the year, so like both in colour, smell, and taste vnto cleare Venice Turpentine, that it cannot be knowne from it: the roote is strongly fastened in the ground by some greater roots branching out, and a number of small strings, which growe not deepe, but keepe vnder the vpper crust of the earth, and desireth much moisture, yet dyeth euery yeare with the first frosts, and must be new sowne in the beginning of the Spring.

The Place.

Their places are set downe in their titles, the one to come out
of Candy, the other out of Peru, a Prouince in the West Indies.

The Time.

The first flowreth in Iune, the other later, as not vntill
August, and sometimes so late, that the early frosts taking it,
neuer suffer it to come to ripeness.

The Names.

The first hath his name in his title. The second, besides the
names set downe, is called of some _Planta maxima_, _Flos
maximus_, _Sol Indianus_, but the most vsuall with vs is, _Flos
Solis_: In English, The Sunne Flower, or Flower of the Sunne.

The Vertues.

There is no vse of either in Physicke with vs, but that
sometimes the heads of the Sunne Flower are dressed, and eaten
as Hartichokes are, and a accounted of some to be good meate,
but they are too strong for my taste.

CHAP. LXIII.

_Calendula._ Marigolds.

Some haue reckoned vp many sorts of Marigolds, I had rather make but two, the single and the double; for doubtlesse, those that be most double, rise from the best seede, which are the middlemost of the great double, and some would be lesse double, whose seede is greater then the rest, according to the ground where it groweth; as also those that be of a paler colour, doe come of the seed of the yellower sort.

1 _Chrysanthemum Creticum._ Corne Marigolds of Candy.
2 _Flos Solis._ The Flower of the Sunne.
3 _Calendula._ Marigolds.
4 _Aster Atticus siue Italorum._ The Purple Marigold.
5 _Pilosella maior._ Golden Mouse-eare.
6 _Scorsonera Hispanica._ Spanish Vipers grasse.
7 _Tragopogon._ Goates beard, or goe to bed at noone.
]

1. _Calendula maxima._ The great Garden Marigold.

Garden Marigold hath round greene stalkes, branching out from the ground into many parts, whereon are set long flat greene leaues, broader and rounder at the point then any where else, and smaller also at the setting to of the stalke, where it compasseth it about: the flowers are sometimes very thicke and double (breaking out of a scaly clammy greene head) composed of many rowes of leaues, set so close together one within another, that no middle thrume can bee seene, and sometimes lesse double, hauing a small browne spot of a thrume in the middle: and sometimes but of two or three rowes of leaues, with a large browne thrume in the middle; euery one whereof is somewhat broader at the point, and nicked into two or three corners, of an excellent faire deepe gold yellow colour in some, and paler in others, and of a pretty strong and resinous sweete sent: after the flowers are past, there succeede heads of crooked seede, turning inward, the outermost biggest, and the innermost least: the roote is white, and spreadeth in the ground, and in some places will abide after the seeding, but for the most part perisheth, and riseth againe of his owne seede. Sometimes this Marigold doth degenerate, and beareth many small flowers vpon short stalkes, compassing the middle flower: but this happeneth but seldome, and therefore accounted but _lusus naturæ_, a play of nature, which she worketh in diuers other plants besides.

2. _Calendula simplex._ The single Marigold.

There is no difference betweene this and the former, but that the flowers are single, consisting of one rowe of leaues, of the same colour; eyther paler or deeper yellow, standing about a great browne thrumme in the middle: the seed likewise is alike, but for the most part greater then in the double kindes.

The Place.

Our Gardens are the chiefe places for the double flowers to
grow in; for we know not of any other naturall place: but the
single kinde hath beene found wilde in Spaine, from whence I
receiued seede, gathered by Guillaume Boel, in his time a very
curious, and cunning searcher of simples.

The Time.

They flower all the Summer long, and sometimes euen in winter,
if it be milde, and chiefly at the beginning of those monethes,
as it is thought.

The Names.

They are called _Caltha_ of diuers, and taken to be that
_Caltha_, whereof both Virgil and Columella haue written.
Others doe call them _Calendula_, of the Kalendes, that is the
first day of the monthes, wherein they are thought chiefly to
flower; and thereupon the Italians call them _Fiori di ogni
mese_, that is, The Flowers of euery moneth: We cal them in
English generally, eyther Golds, or Marigolds.

The Vertues.

The herbe and flowers are of great vse with vs among other
pot-herbes, and the flowers eyther greene or dryed, are often
vsed in possets, broths, and drinkes, as a comforter of the
heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential
quality, gathered neere thereunto. The Syrupe and Conserue made
of the fresh flowers are vsed for the same purposes to good
effect.

CHAP. LXIIII.

_Aster._ Starre-wort.

Dioscorides and other of the ancient Writers, haue set forth but one kinde of Starre-wort, which they call _Aster Atticus_, of the place no doubt, where the greatest plentie was found, which was the Countrey of Athens: the later Writers haue found out many other plants which they referre to this kinde, calling them by the same name. It is not my purpose to entreate of them all, neyther doth this garden fitly agree with them; I shall therefore select out one or two from the rest, and giue the knowledge of them, leauing the rest to their proper place.

1. _Aster Atticus flore luteo._ Yellow Starre-wort.

This Starre-wort riseth vp with two or three rough hairy stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, with long, rough or hairie, brownish, darke greene leaues on them, diuided into two or three branches: at the toppe of euery one whereof standeth a flat scaly head, compared vnderneath with fiue or sixe long, browne, rough greene leaues, standing like a Starre, the flower it selfe standing in the middle thereof, made as a border of narrow, long, pale yellow leaues, set with a brownish yellow thrume: the roote dyeth euery yeare, hauing giuen his flower.

2. _Aster Atticus Italorum flore purpureo._ Purple Italian Starre-wort.

This Italian Starre-wort hath many wooddy, round brittle stalkes, rising from the roote, somewhat higher then the former, sometimes standing vpright, and otherwhiles leaning downewards, whereon are set many somewhat hard, and rough long leaues, round pointed, without order vp to the toppe, where it is diuided into seuerall branches, whereon stand the flowers, made like vnto a single Marigold, with a border of blewish purple leaues, set about a browne middle thrume, the heads sustaining the flowers are composed of diuers scaly greene leaues, as is to be seene in the Knapweedes or Matfelons, which after the flowers are past yeelde a certaine downe, wherein lye small blacke and flat seedes, somewhat like vnto Lettice seede, which are carried away with the winde: the roote is composed of many white strings, which perisheth not as the former, but abideth, and springeth afresh euery yeare.

The Place.

The first is found in Spaine, as Clusius, and in France,
as Lobel say. The other hath beene found in many places in
Germany, and Austria: in Italie also, and other places; we haue
it plentifully in our Gardens.

The Time.

The first flowreth in Summer. And the other not vntill August
or September.

The Names.

The first is called _Aster Atticus flore luteo_, _Bubonium_,
_&_ _Inguinalis_, and of many is taken to be the true _Aster
Atticus_ of Dioscorides: yet Matthiolus thinketh not so, for
diuers good reasons, which hee setteth downe in the Chapter
of _Aster Atticus_, as any man may vnderstand, if they will
but reade the place, which is too long to bee inserted here.
The other is thought by Matthiolus, to bee the truer _Aster
Atticus_, (vnto whom I must also consent) and constantly also
affirmed to be the _Amellus Virgilij_, as may be seene in
the same place: but it is usually called at this day, _Aster
Italorum flore cæruleo_ or _purpureo_. Their English names are
sufficiently expressed in their titles, yet some call the last,
The purple Marigold, because it is so like vnto one in form.

The Vertues.

They are held, if they bee the right, to bee good for the
biting of a mad dogge, the greene herbe being beaten with old
hogs grease, and applyed; as also for swolne throats: It is
likewise vsed for botches that happen in the groine, as the
name doth import.

CHAP. LXV.

_Pilosella maior._ Golden Mouse-eare.

Some resemblance that the flowers of this plant hath with the former Golds, maketh me to insert it in this place, although I know it agreeth not in any other part, yet for the pleasant aspect thereof, it must bee in this my garden, whose description is as followeth: It hath many broade greene leaues spread vpon the ground, spotted with pale spots, yet more conspicuous at sometimes then at other; somewhat hairy both on the vpper and vnderside, in the middle of these leaues rise vp one, two or more blackish hairy stalkes, two foote high at the least, bare or naked vp to the top, where it beareth an vmbell, or short tuft of flowers, set close together vpon short stalkes, of the forme or fashion of the Haukeweedes, or common Mouse-eare, but somewhat smaller, of a deep gold yellow, or orenge tawney colour, with some yellow threds in the middle, of little or no sent at all: after the flowers are past, the heads carry small, short, blacke seede, with a light downie matter on them, ready to bee carried away with the winde, as many other plants are, when they be ripe: the rootes spread vnder ground, and shoote vp in diuers other places, whereby it much encreaseth, especially if it be set in any moist or shadowie place.

The Place.

It groweth in the shadowie woods of France, by Lions, and
Mompelier, as Lobell testifieth: we keepe it in our gardens,
and rather in a shadowie then sunnie place.

The Time.

It flowreth in Somer, and sometimes againe in September.

The Names.

It is called by Lobell, _Pulmonaria Gallorum Hieratij
facie_: and the Herbarists of France take it to be the true
_Pulmonaria_ of Tragus. Others call it _Hieratium flore aureo_.
Pelleterius _Hieratium Indicum_. Some _Pilosella_, or _Auricula
muris maior flore aureo_. And some _Chondrilla flore aureo_.
Dalechamptus would haue it to bee _Corchorus_, but farre
vnfitly. The fittest English name we can giue it, is Golden
Mouse-eare, which may endure vntill a fitter bee imposed on it:
for the name of Grim the Collier, whereby it is called of many,
is both idle and foolish.

The Vertues.

The French according to the name vse it for the defects of the
lunges, but with what good successe I know not.

CHAP. LXVI.

_Scorsonera._ Vipers grasse.

Although there be foure or fiue sorts of _Scorsonera_, yet I shall here desire you to be content with the knowledge only of a couple.

1. _Scorsonera Hispanica maior._ The greater Spanish Vipers grasse.

This Spanish Vipers grasse hath diuers long, and somewhat broad leaues, hard and crumpled on the edges, and sometimes vneuenly cut in or indented also, of a blewish greene colour: among which riseth vp one stalke, and no more for the most part, two foote high or thereabouts, hauing here and there some narrower long leaues thereon then those below: the toppe of the stalke brancheth it selfe forth into other parts, euery one bearing a long scaly head, from out of the toppe whereof riseth a faire large double flower, of a pale yellow colour, much like vnto the flower of yellow Goates beard, but a little lesser, which being past, the seede succeedeth, being long, whitish and rough, inclosed with much downe, and among them many other long smooth seedes, which are limber and idle, and are carryed away at the will of the winde: the roote is long, thicke and round, brittle and blacke, with a certaine roughnesse on the outside: but very white within, yeelding a milkie liquor being broken, as euery other part of the plant doth besides, yet the roote more then any other part, and abideth many yeares without perishing.

2. _Scorsonera Pannonica purpurea._ Purple flowred Vipers grasse.

This purple flowred Vipers grasse hath long and narrow leaues, of the same blewish greene colour with the former: the stalke riseth vp a foote and a halfe high, with a few such like leaues, but shorter thereon, breaking at the toppe into two or three parts, bearing on each of them one flower, fashioned like the former, and standing in the like scaly knoppe or head, but of a blewish purple colour, not fully so large, of the sweetest sent of any of this kinde, comming neerest vnto the smell of a delicate perfume.

The Place.

The first is of Spaine. The other of Hungarie and Austrich:
which now furnish our gardens.

The Time.

They flower in the beginning of May: the seede is soone ripe
after, and then perishing downe to the roote for that yeare,
springeth afresh before Winter againe.

The Names.

They are called after the Spanish name _Scorsonera_, which is
in Latine _Viperaria_, of some _Viperina_, and _Serpentina_:
Wee call them in English Vipers grasse, or _Scorsonera_.

The Vertues.

Manardus as I thinke first wrote hereof, and saith that it hath
been found to cure them that are bitten of a Viper, or other
such like venemous Creature. The rootes hereof being preserued
with sugar, as I haue done often, doe eate almost as delicate
as the Eringus roote, and no doubt is good to comfort and
strengthen the heart, and vitall spirits. Some that haue vsed
the preserued roote haue found it effectuall to expelling winde
out of the stomacke, and to helpe swounings and faintnesse of
the heart.

CHAP. LXVII.

_Tragopogon._ Goates beard.

I must in this place set downe but two sorts of Goates beards; the one blew or ash-colour, the other red or purple, and leaue the other kindes: some to bee spoken of in the Kitchin Garden, and others in a Physicall Garden.

1. _Tragopogon flore cæruleo._ Blew Goates beard.

All the Goates beards haue long, narrow, and somewhat hollow whitish greene leaues, with a white line downe the middle of euery one on the vpperside: the stalke riseth vp greater and stronger then the Vipers grasse, bearing at the toppe a great long head or huske, composed of nine or ten long narrow leaues, the sharpe points or ends whereof rise vp aboue the flower in the middle, which is thicke and double, somewhat broad and large spread, of a blewish ash-colour, with some whitish threads among them, shutting or closing it selfe within the greene huske euery day, that it abideth blowing, vntill about noone, and opening not it selfe againe vntill the next morning: the head or huske, after the flower is past, and the seede neare ripe, openeth it selfe; the long leaues thereof, which closed not before now, falling downe round about the stalke, and shewing the seede, standing at the first close together, and the doune at the toppe of them: but after they haue stood a while, it spreadeth it selfe round, and is ready to be carried away with the winde, if it be not gathered: the seede it selfe is long, round, and rough, like the seede of the Vipers grasse, but greater and blacker: the roote is long, and not very great, but perisheth as soone as it hath borne seede, and springeth of the fallen seede, that yeare remaining greene all Winter, and flowring the next yeare following: the whole yeeldeth milke as the former, but somewhat more bitter and binding.

2. _Tragopogon purpureum._ Purple Goates beard.

There is little difference in this kind from the former, but that it is a little larger, both in the leafe, and head that beareth the seed: the flowers also are a little larger, and spread more, of a darke reddish purple colour, with some yellow dust as it were cast vpon it, especially about the ends: the roote perisheth in the like manner as the other.

The Place.

Both these haue been sent vs from the parts beyond the Seas, I
haue had them from Italy, where no doubt they grow naturally
wilde, as the yellow doth with vs: they are kept in our Gardens
for their pleasant flowers.

The Time.

They flower in May and Iune: the seede is ripe in Iuly.

The Names.

Their generall name is after the Greeke word _Tragopogon_,
which is in Latine, _Barbahirci_: In English, Goates beard;
the head of seede when it is readie to bee carried away with
the winde, causing that name for the resemblance: and because
the flower doth euery day close it selfe at noone (as I said
before) and openeth not againe vntill the next Sunne, some haue
fitly called it, Goe to bed at noone.

The Vertues.

The rootes of these kindes are a little more bitter and more
binding also then the yellow kinde expressed in the Kitchin
Garden; and therefore fitter for medicine then for meate, but
yet is vsed as the yellow kinde is, which is more fit for meate
then medicine. The distilled water is good to wash old sores
and wounds.

CHAP. LXVIII.

_Flos Africanus._ The French Marigold.

Of the French or African Marigolds there are three kindes as principall, and of each of them both with single and double flowers: of these, some diuersity is obserued in the colour of the flowers, as well as in the forme or largenesse, so that as you may here see, I haue expressed eight differences, and Fabius Columna nine or ten, in regard hee maketh a diuersity of the paler and deeper yellow colour: and although the lesser kinde, because of its euill sent, is held dangerous, yet for the beauty of the flower it findeth roome in Gardens.

1. _Flos Africanus maior siue maximus multiplex._ The great double French Marigold.

This goodly double flower, which is the grace and glory of a Garden in the time of his beauty, riseth vp with a straight and hard round greene stalke, hauing some crests or edges all along the stalke, beset with long winged leaues, euery one whereof is like vnto the leafe of an Ash, being composed of many long and narrow leaues, snipt about the edges, standing by couples one against another, with an odde one at the end, of a darke or full greene colour: the stalke riseth to be three or foure foote high, and diuideth it selfe from the middle thereof into many branches, set with such like leaues to the toppes of them, euery one bearing one great double flower, of a gold yellow colour aboue, and paler vnderneath, yet some are of a pale yellow, and some betweene both, and all these rising from one and the same seede: the flower, before it be blowne open, hath all the leaues hollow; but when it is full blowne open, it spreadeth it selfe larger then any Prouince Rose, or equall vnto it at the least, if it be in good earth, and riseth out of a long greene huske, striped or furrowed, wherein after the flower is past, (which standeth in his full beauty a moneth, and oftentimes more, and being gathered, may be preserued in his full beauty for two moneths after, if it be set in water) standeth the seede, set thicke and close together vpright, which is blacke, somewhat flat and long: the roote is full of small strings, whereby it strongly comprehendeth in the ground: the flower of this, as well as the single, is of the very smell of new waxe, or of an honie combe, and not of that poisonfull sent of the smaller kindes.