Chapter XXII: Front Matter (22)

This small Bindeweede hath small long leaues, somewhat broader then the next that followeth, and not so broad as the common small Bindeweede (that groweth euery where wilde on the bankes of fields abroad) set vpon the small trayling branches, which growe aboue two or three foote high: from the middle of these branches, and so vnto the toppes of them, come forth the flowers at the ioynts with the leaues, folded together at the first into fiue plaites, which open into so many corners, of a most excellent faire skie coloured blew (so pleasant to behold, that often it amazeth the spectator) with white bottomes, and yellowish in the middle, which turne into small round white heads, wherein are contained small blackish cornered seede, somewhat like the former, but smaller: the roote is small and threddy, perishing as the former euery yeare: this neuer windeth it selfe about any thing, but leaneth by reason of the weaknesse of the branches, and dyeth euery yeare after seede time, and not to be sowne againe vntill the next Spring.

5. _Convolvulus purpureus Spicæfolius._ Lauander leafed Bindeweede.

This small purple Bindeweede, where it naturally groweth, is rather a plague then a pleasure, to whatsoeuer groweth with it in the fields; yet the beauty of the flower hath caused it to be receiued into Gardens, bearing longer and smaller leaues then the last, and such like small Bell-flowers, but of a sad purple colour: the roote is liuing, as the common kinds are, and springeth againe where it hath been once sowne, without feare of perishing.

The Place.

The first two greater kindes haue beene sent vs out of Italy,
but whether they had them from the East Indies, or from some
of the Easterne Countries on this side, wee know not: but
they thriue reasonable well in our Country, if the yeare be
any thing kindly. The next came out of America, as his name
testifieth. The lesser blew kinde groweth naturally in many
places both of Spaine and Portugall (from whence I first
receiued seedes from Guillaume Boel, heretofore remembred.) The
last groweth wilde in the fields, about Dunmowe in Essex, and
in many other places of our owne Countrey likewise.

The Time.

The three first greater kindes flower not vntill the end of
August, or thereabouts, and the seede ripeneth in September,
if the colds and frosts come not on too speedily. The lesser
kindes flower in Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

The first is called of some _Campana Lazura_, as the Italians
doe call it, or _Campana cærulea_, of others _Convolvulus
cæruleus maior_, _siue Indicus_, and _Flos noctis_. Of some
_Nil Auicennæ_. The second, is called _Convolvulus trifolius_,
or _hederaceus_, for the distinction of the leaues. In English
wee call them eyther Great blew Bell flowers, or more vsually,
Great blew Bindeweedes. That of America is diuersly called by
diuers. It is called _Quamoclit_ of the Indians, and by that
name it was sent to Ioachinus Camerarius out of Italy, where
it is so called still, as Fabius Columna setteth it downe, and
as my selfe also can witnesse it, from thence being so sent
vnto mee: but Andræas Cæsalpinus calleth it, _Iasminum folio
Millefolij_, supposing it to be a Iasmine. Camerarius saith, it
may not vnfitly be called _Convolvulus tenuifolius_, accounting
it a kinde of Bindeweede. Columna entituleth it _Convolvulus
pennatus exoticus rarior_, and saith it cannot bee referred
to any other kinde of plant then to the Bindeweede. Hee that
published the _Curæ posteriores_ of Clusius, giueth it the
name of _Iasminum Americanum_, which I would doe also, if I
thought it might belong to that Family; but seeing the face
and forme of the plant better agreeing with the Bindeweedes or
Bell-flowers, I haue (as you see) inserted it among them, and
giuen it that name may bee most fit for it, especially because
it is but an annuall plant. The lesser kindes haue their names
sufficiently expressed in their titles.

The Vertues.

We know of no vse these haue in Physicke with vs, although
if the first be _Nil_ of Auicen, both he and Serapio say it
purgeth strongly.

CHAP. LXXXVIII.

_Stramonium._ Thorne-Apple.

Vnto the Bell-flowers, I must adioyne three other plants, in the three seuerall Chapters following, for some affinity of the flowers: and first of the Thorne-Apples, whereof there are two especiall kindes, that is, a greater and a lesser, and of each some diuersity, as shall be set downe.

1. _Stramonium maius album._ The great white flowred Thorne-Apple.

The greater Thorne-Apple hath a great, strong, round greene stalke, as high as any man, if it be planted in good ground, and of the bignesse of a mans wrest almost at the bottome, spreading out at the toppe into many branches, whereon stand many very large and broad darke greene leaues, cut in very deeply on the edges, and hauing manie points or corners therein: the flowers come forth at the ioynts, betweene two branches towards the toppe of them, being very large, long, and wide open, ending in fiue points or corners, longer and larger then any other Bell-flowers whatsoeuer: after the flowers are past, come the fruit, which are thorny long heads, more prickly and greene then the lesser kindes, which being ripe openeth it selfe into three or foure parts, hauing a number of flat blackish seede within them: the roote is aboundant in fibres, whereby it strongly taketh hold in the ground, but perisheth with the first frosts; yet the seede that is shed when the fruit is ripe, commeth vp the next yeare.

2. _Stramonium maius purpureum._ The great purple flowred Thorne-Apple.

This purple Thorne-Apple is in largenesse of leaues, thicknesse and height of stalke, greatnesse and forme of flowers and fruit, euery way equall and correspondent vnto the former, the chiefe differences be these: the stalke is of a darke purple colour; the leaues are of a darker greene, somewhat purplish, and the flowers are of light purple or pale Doue colour, enclining to white, and whiter at the bottome.

3. _Stramonium minus seu Nux Metel flore albo._ The smaller Thorne-Apple with a white flower.

The smaller Thorne-Apple riseth vp with one round stalke, of the bignesse of a mans finger, and neuer much aboue two foote high with vs, bearing a few large, broad, smooth leaues thereon, without any branches at all, which are vneuenly rent or torne about the edges, with many ribs, and smaller veines running through them, yet lesser by much then the greater kinde: at the ioynts where the leaues stand, come forth long and large white flowers, with broad or wide open brims, folded together before their opening, as the other former Bell-flowers or Bindeweedes, but hauing their fiue corners more pointed or horned then either they, or the former Thorne-Apples: after the flowers are past, succeed small fruit, rounder and harder, set with harder, but blunt prickes then the former, wherein is contained brownish yellow flat seede, sticking to the inward pulpe; the roote is not very great, but full of strings, and quickly perisheth with the first frosts.

1 _Convolvulus maior cæruleus._ The greater blew Bindweed or
Bell flower.
2 _Convolvulus trifolius seu hederaceus._ The great purple
Bindeweed.
3 _Convolvulus minor cæruleus Hispanicus._ The Spanish small blew
Bindweed.
4 _Stramonium maius seu Pomum spinosum._ The great Thorne-Apple.
5 _Datura seu Stramonium minus._ The small Thorne-Apple.
6 _Stramonium flore duplici._ The double flowred Thorne-Apple.
7 _Stramonium flore geminato._ Double Thorne-Apple one out of
another.
8 _Tabacco latifolium._ Broad-leafed Tabacco.
9 _Mirabilia Peruana._ The Meruaile of the world.
]

4. _Stramonium minus flore geminato purpurante._ The small double flowred purple Thorne-Apple.

In the flower of this plant, consisteth the chiefest difference from the former, which is as large as the last, pointed into more hornes or corners, and beareth two flowers, standing in one huske, one of them rising out from the middle of the other, like vnto those kindes of Cowslips and Oxelips, called double, or Hose in hose, before described, which are of a pale purplish colour on the outside, and almost white within: the fruit is round like the last, and beareth such like seede, so that vntill it bee in flower, their difference can hardly bee discerned: this is more tender then the last, although euen it is so tender, that it seldome beareth ripe seede with vs.

[Sidenote: _Flore duplici._]

Sometimes (for I think it is not another kind) the flower will haue as it were double rowes of leaues, close set together, and not consisting of two, rising so distinctly one aboue another.

The Place.

All these kindes haue been brought or sent vs out of Turkie
and Egypt; but Garcias, and Christopherus Acosta, with others,
affirme that they grow in the East Indies. The lesser kindes
are very rare with vs, because they seldome come to maturity;
and therefore we are still to seeke of new seede to sowe. The
greater kindes are plentifull enough in our Gardens, and will
well abide, and giue ripe fruit.

The Time.

The smaller kindes flower later then the greater; and therefore
their fruit are the sooner spoyled with the cold ayres, dewes,
and frosts, that come at the latter end of the yeare: but the
greater kinds neuer misse lightly to ripen.

The Names.

Both the greater and smaller kindes are generally called
_Stramonium_, _Stramonia_, _Pomum spinosum_, and _Datura_.
Bauhinus vpon Matthiolus his Comentaries on Dioscorides,
calleth it _Solanum fætidum spinosum_. Some learned men haue
referred it to _Nux Metel_, of the Arabian Authors. Wee call
them generally, in English, Thorne-Apples, and distinguish them
by their titles of greater and letter, single and double.

The Vertues.

The East Indian lasciuious women performe strange acts with
the seed (of the smaller kinde, as I suppose, or it may be of
either) giuing it their husbands to drinke. The whole plant,
but especially the seed, is of a very cold and soporiferous
quality, procuring sleep and distraction of senses. A few of
the seeds steeped and giuen in drinke, will cause them that
take it to seem starke drunke or dead drunke, which fit will
within a few houres weare away, and they recouer their senses
againe, as a drunken man raysed after sleep from his wine.
It may therefore (in my opinion) be of safe and good vse to
one, that is to haue a legge or an arme cut off, or to be cut
for the stone, or some other such like cure to be performed,
to take away the sense of paine for the time of doing it;
otherwise I hold it not fit to be vsed without great caution.
But the greene leaues of the greater kindes (as also the
lesser, but that with vs they are not so plentifull) are by
tryed experience, found to be excellent good for any scalded or
burned part, as also to take away any hot inflammations, being
made vp into a salue or ointment with suet, waxe, and rossin,
&c. or with _Axungia_, that is, Hogs larde.

CHAP. LXXXIX.

_Tabacco._ Indian Henbane, or Tabacco.

There hath beene formerly but three kindes of Tabacco knowne vnto vs, two of them called Indian, and the third English Tabacco. In these later yeares, we haue had in our gardens about London (before the suppressing of the planting) three or foure other sorts at the least, and all of the Indian kinde, hauing some especiall difference, eyther in leafe, or flower, or both: And in regard the flowers of some of these carry a pretty shew, I shall only entreate of them, and not of the English kind.

_Tabacco latifolium._ Broade leafed Tabacco.

The great Indian Tabacco hath many very large, long, thicke, fat and faire greene leaues, standing foreright for the most part, and compassing the stalkes at the bottome of them, being somewhat pointed at the end: the stalke is greene and round, sixe or seuen foote high at sometimes, and in some places, in others not past three or foure foote high, diuided towards the toppe into many branches, with leaues at euery ioynt, and at the toppes of the branches many flowers, the bottomes hereof are long and hollow, and the toppes plaited or folded before they are open, but being open, are diuided sometimes into foure, or more vsually into fiue corners, somewhat like vnto other of the Bell-flowers, but lying a little flatter open, of a light carnation colour. The seede is very small and browne, contained in round heads, that are clammy while they are greene, and pointed at the end: the roote is great, whitish, and woody at the head, dispersing many long branches, and small fibres vnder the ground, whereby it is strongly fastened, but perisheth with our violent frosts in the winter, if it be left abroad in the garden, but if it be housed, or safely prouided for against the frostes, the rootes will liue, and spring afresh the next yeare.

There is of this kinde another sort, whose leaues are as large and long as the former, but thicker, and of a more dead greene colour, hanging downe to the ground-ward, and scarce any standing forth-right, as the former, vnlesse they bee very young: the flowers of this kinde are almost whole, without any great shew of corners at the brims or edges, in all other things there is no difference.

There is another, whose large and thicke flat leaues doe compasse the stalke at the bottome, and are as it were folded together one side vnto another: the flowers are of a deeper blush, or carnation colour, and with longer points and corners then in any of the former; and in these two things consisteth the difference from the others, and is called Verines Tabacco.

Another hath his leaues not so large and long as the first, and these haue short footestalkes, whereon they stand, and doe not compasse the stalke as the other doe: the flower hereof is like the first, but smaller, and of a little paler colour.

_Tabacco angustifolium._ Narrow leafed Tabacco.

This kinde of Tabacco hath somewhat lower, and smaller stalkes, then any of the former: the leaues hereof are smaller and narrower, and not altogether so thicke, but more pointed, and euery one standing vpon a footstalke, an inch and a halfe long at the least: the flowers hereof stand thicker together, vpon the small branches, somewhat larger, of a deeper blush colour, and more eminent corners then in any the former; the seed and roots are alike, and perish in like manner, vnlesse it be brought into a cellar, or other such couert, to defend it from the extremitie of the Winter.

The Place.

America or the West Indies is the place where all these kindes
doe grow naturally, some in one place, and some in another, as
in Peru, Trinidado, Hispaniola, and almost in euery Iland and
Countrey of the continent thereof: with vs they are cherished
in gardens, as well for the medicinable qualities, as for the
beauty of the flowers.

The Time.

It flowreth in August, seldome before, and the seede is ripe
quickly after. If it once sowe it selfe in a Garden, it will
giue next year after young plants: but for the most part they
will spring vp late, and therefore they that would haue them
more early, haue sowen the seede vpon a bed of dung, and
transplanted them afterwards.

The Names.

This plant hath gotten many names. The Indians call it in some
places _Petum_, in others, _Picielt_, and _Perebecenuc_, as
Ouiedus and others doe relate. The Spaniards in the Indies
first called it _Tabacco_, of an Iland where plenty of it
grew. It hath in Christendome receiued diuers other names,
as _Nicotiana_, of one Nicot a French man, who seeing it
in Portugall, sent it to the French Queene, from whom it
receiued the name of _Herba Regina_. Lobel calleth it _Sancta
herba_, & _Sanasancta Indorum_. Some haue adiudged it to be
an _Hioscyamus_, and therefore call it _Peruvianus_. The most
vsuall name wherby we call it in English, is Tabacco.

The Vertues.

The herbe is, out of question, an excellent helpe and remedy
for diuers diseases, if it were rightly ordered and applyed,
but the continuall abuse thereof in so many, doth almost
abolish all good vse in any. Notwithstanding if men would apply
their wits to the finding out of the vertues, I make no doubt
but many strange cures would bee performed by it, both inward
and outward. For outward application, a Salue made hereof (as
is before recited of the Thorne apple leaues) cureth vlcers,
and wounds of hard curation: And for inward helpes, a Syrupe
made of the iuice and sugar, or honey, procureth a gentle
vomit (but the dryed leafe infused in wine much more) and is
effectuall in astmaticall diseases, if it bee carefully giuen.
And likewise cleanseth cankers and fistulaes admirably, as hath
beene found by late experience. The ashes of Tabacco is often
vsed, and with good successe, for cuts in the hands, or other
places, and for other small greene wounds.

CHAP. XC.

_Mirabilia Peruviana._ The Meruaile of Peru.

This plant yeeldeth in our Gardens fiue or sixe seuerall varieties of beautifull flowers, as pure white, pure yellow, pure red, white and red spotted, and red and yellow spotted. But besides these, I haue had some other sorts, among which was one, of a pale purple or peach colour: all which, comming vnto mee out of Spaine with many other, seedes in an vnkindly yeare (an early winter following a cold summer) perished with mee; yet I plainely might discerne by their leaues, and manner of growing, to be diuers from them that we now haue and keepe. I shall need therefore (because the chiefest difference consisteth almost in the flowers) to giue only one description of the plant, and therein shew the varieties as is before declared.

_Admirabilis._ The Meruaile of the World.

The stalke of this meruellous plant is great and thick, bigger then any mans thumbe, bunched out or swelling at euery ioynt, in some the stalkes will bee of a faire greene colour, and those will bring white, or white and red flowers: in others they will bee reddish; and more at the ioynts, and those giue red flowers; and in some of a darker greene colour, which giue yellow flowers; the stalkes and ioynts of those that will giue red and yellow flowers spotted, are somewhat brownish, but not so red as those that giue wholly red flowers: vpon these stalkes that spread into many branches, doe grow at the ioynts vpon seuerall footestalkes, faire greene leaues, broad at the stalke, and pointed at the end: at the ioynts likewise toward the vpper part of the branches, at the foote of the leaues, come forth seuerall flowers vpon short footestalkes, euery one being small, long and hollow from the bottome to the brimme, which is broade spread open, and round, and consist but of one leafe without diuision, like vnto a Bell flower, but not cornered at all: which flowers, as I said, are of diuers colours, and diuersly marked and spotted, some being wholly white, without any spot in them for the most part, through all the flowers of the plant; so likewise some being yellow, and some wholly red; some plants againe being mixed and spotted, so variably either white and red, or purple, (except here and there some may chance to be wholly white, or red or purple among the rest) or red and yellow through the whole plant, (except as before some may chance in this kinde to be eyther wholly red, or wholly yellow) that you shall hardly finde two or three flowers in a hundred, that will bee alike spotted and marked, without some diuersitie, and so likewise euery day, as long as they blow, which is vntill the winters, or rather autumnes cold blastes do stay their willing pronenesse to flower: And I haue often also obserued, that one side of a plant will giue fairer varieties then another, which is most commonly the Easterne, as the more temperate and shadowie side. All these flowers doe open for the most part, in the euening, or in the night time, and so stand blowne open, vntill the next mornings sun beginne to grow warme vpon them, which then close themselues together, all the brims of the flowers shrinking into the middle of the long necke, much like vnto the blew Bindeweede, which in a manner doth so close vp at the sunnes warme heate: or else if the day be temperate and milde, without much sunne shining vpon them, the flowers will not close vp for the most part of that day, or vntill toward night: after the flowers are past, come seuerall seedes, that is, but one at a place as the flowers stood before, of the bignesse (sometimes) of pease, but not so round, standing within the greene huskes, wherein the flowers stood before, being a little flat at the toppe, like a crowne or head, and round where it is fastened in the cup, of a blacke colour when it is ripe, but else greene all the while it groweth on the stalke, and being ripe is soone shaken downe with the wind, or any other light shaking: the roote is long and round, greater at the head, and smaller downwards to the end, like vnto a Reddish, spreading into two or three, or more branches, blackish on the outside and whitish within. These rootes I haue often preserued by art a winter, two or three (for they will perish if they be left out in the garden, vnlesse it be vnder a house side) because many times, the yeare not falling out kindely, the plants giue not ripe seede, and so we should be to seeke both of seede to sow, and of rootes to set, if this or the like art to keep them, were not vsed; which is in this manner: Within a while after the first frosts haue taken the plants, that the leaues wither and fall, digge vp the rootes whole, and lay them in a dry place for three or foure dayes, that the superfluous moysture on the outside, may be spent and dryed, which done, wrap them vp seuerally in two or three browne papers, and lay them by in a boxe, chest or tub, in some conuenient place of the house all the winter time, where no winde or moist ayre may come vnto them; and thus you shall haue these rootes to spring a fresh the next yeare, if you plant them in the beginning of March, as I haue sufficiently tryed. But some haue tryed to put them vp into a barrell or firkin of sand, or ashes, which is also good if the sand and ashes be thorough dry, but if it bee anything moist, or if they giue againe in the winter, as it is vsuall, they haue found the moisture of the rootes, or of the sand, or both, to putrefie the rootes, that they haue beene nothing worth, when they haue taken them forth. Take this note also for the sowing of your seede, that if you would haue variable flowers, and not all of one colour, you must choose out such flowers as be variable while they grow, that you may haue the seede of them: for if the flowers bee of one entire colour, you shall haue for the most part from those seedes, plants that will bring flowers all of that colour, whether it be white, red or yellow.

The Place.

These plants grow naturally in the West Indies, where there is
a perpetuall summer, or at the least no cold frosty winters,
from whence the seede hath been sent into these parts of
Europe, and are dispersed into euery garden almost of note.

The Time.

These plants flower from the end of Iuly sometimes, or August,
vntill the frosts, and cold ayres of the euenings in October,
pull them down, and in the meane time the seed is ripe.

The Names.

Wee haue not receiued the seedes of this plant vnder any other
name, then _Mirabilia Peruvians_, or _Admirabilis planta_. In
English wee call them, The meruaile of Peru, or the meruaile
of the world: yet some Authors haue called it _Gelseminum_,
or _Iasminum rubrum_, _&_ _Indicum_: and Bauhinus _Solanum
Mexicanum flore magno_.

The Vertues.

We haue not knowne any vse hereof in Physicke.

CHAP. XCI.

_Malua._ Mallowes.

Of the kindred of Mallowes there are a great number, some of the gardens, others wilde, some with single flowers, others with double, some with whole leaues, others with cut or diuided: to entreate of them all is not my purpose, nor the scope of this worke, but onely of such whose flowers, hauing beautie and respect, are fit to furnish this garden, as ornaments thereunto. And first of those single kindes, whose flowers come neerest vnto the fashion of the former Bell-flowers, and after to the double ones, which for their brauery, are entertained euery where into euery Countrey womans garden.

1. _Malua Hispanica flore carneo amplo._ The Spanish blush Mallow.

The Spanish Mallow is in forme and manner of growing, very like vnto our common fielde Mallow, hauing vpright stalkes two or three foote high, spread into diuers branches, and from the bottome to the toppe, beset with round leaues, like vnto our Mallowes, but somewhat smaller, rounder, and lesse diuided, yet larger below then aboue: the flowers are plentifully growing vpon the small branches, folding or writhing their leaues one about another before they bee blowne, and being open consist of fiue leaues, with a long forked clapper therein, of the same colour with the flower: the chiefest difference from the common consisteth in this, that the leaues of these flowers are longer, and more wide open at the brimmes (almost like a Bell flower) and of a faire blush or light carnation colour, closing at night, and opening all the day: after the flowers are past, there come such like round heads, with small blacke seede, like vnto the common kinde, but somewhat smaller: the roote is small and long, and perisheth euery yeare.

1 _Malua Hispanica flore carneo amplo._ The Spanish Mallow.
2 _Alcea Veneta._ The Venice Mallow.
3 _Alcea Americana._ Thorney Mallow.
4 _Alcea Ægyptia._ The Mallow of Egypt.
5 _Althea frutex._ The shrubbe Mallow.
6 _Malua hortensis simplex._ Single Hollihockes.
7 _Malua rosea multiplex._ Double Hollihockes.
]

2. _Alcea vulgaris flore carneo._ Vervaine Mallow with blush flowers.

There is a Mallow that hath long stalkes, and flowers like vnto the common wilde Mallow, and of the same deepe colour with it, so that you can hardly know it from the ordinary kinde, which is found growing wilde together with it, but onely by the leafe, which is as round and as large as the former, but cut into many fine diuisions, euen to the stalke that vpholdeth it, that it seemeth to consist onely of ragges, or peeces of leaues: Of this kinde I take a plante for this garden, growing in all respects like vnto it, but differing onely in the colour of the flowers, which are of the same blush or light carnation colour, or not much differing from the former Spanish kinde, with some veines therein of a deeper colour: the root hereof liueth, as the root of the common wilde kinde doth.

3. _Alcea peregrina siue vesicaria._ Venice Mallow, or Good night at noone.

The Venice Mallow hath long and weake stalkes, most vsually lying or leaning vpon the ground, hauing here and there vpon them long leaues and somewhat broad, cut in or gashed very deepely on both edges, that it seemeth as if they were diuers leaues set together, euery one standing on a long footestalke: at the ioynts of these stalkes, where the leaues are set, come forth seuerall flowers, standing vpon long footstalkes, which are somewhat larger then any of the former flowers, consisting of fiue leaues, small at the bottome, and wide at the brimmes, of a whitish colour tending to a blush, and sometimes all white, with spots at the bottomes of the leaues on the inside, of a very deepe purple or murrey colour, which addeth a great grace to the flower, and hauing also a long pestle or clapper in the middle, as yellow as gold: these flowers are so quickly faded and gone, that you shall hardly see any of them blowne open, vnlesse it bee betimes in the morning before the Sunne doe grow warme vpon them, for as soone as it feeleth the Sunnes warme heate, it closeth vp and neuer openeth againe, so that you shall very seldome see a flower blowne open in the day time, after nine a clocke in the morning: after these flowers are past, there rise vp in their places thinne, round, shining or transparent bladders, pointed at the toppe, and ribbed down all along, wherein are contained small, round, blackish seede: the roote is long and small, and perisheth euery yeare.

4. _Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea._ Cinquefoile Mallow.

The stalkes of this Mallow are very long, hard or wooddy, more then of any of the other Mallowes: at the lower part whereof, and vp to the middle, stand diuers leaues vpon long footestalkes, parted or diuided into fiue parts or leaues, and dented about the edges; but vpwards from the middle to the toppe, the leaues haue but three diuisions: among these leaues stand large wide open flowers, of the colour of the common Mallow: the seede is smaller then in any other Mallow, but the rootes are great and long, spreading in the ground like vnto the rootes of Marsh Mallowes, and springeth vp afresh euery yeare from the roote.

5. _Sabdarifa seu Alcea Americana._ Thorney Mallowe.

This Thorney Mallowe hath greene leaues next vnto the ground, that are almost round, but pointed at the end, and dented very much about the edges; the other leaues that growe vpon the stalke are diuided into three parts, like vnto a trefoile, and some of them into fiue diuisions, all of them dented about the edges: the stalke is reddish, with some harmelesse prickles in sundry places thereon, and riseth vp three or foure foote high in a good ground, a fit place, and a kindly yeare, bearing plenty of flowers vpon the stalkes, one at the foote of euery leafe, the toppe it selfe ending in a long spike, as it were of buddes and leaues together: the flowers are of a very pale yellow, tending to a white colour, spotted in the bottome of each of the fiue leaues, with a deepe purple spot, broad at the lower part, and ending in a point about the middle of the leafe, which are quickly fading, and not abiding aboue one day, with a long pestle in the middle diuided at the toppe: after the flower is past, commeth vp a short prickly podde, set within a small greene huske or cup that bore the flower, wherein is contained whitish, or rather brownish yellow seede, flat and somewhat round, like vnto the seedes of Hollyhocke: the roote is stringie, and quickly perisheth; for it will hardly endure in our cold Country to giue flowers, much lesse seede, vnlesse (as I said before) it happen in a kindly yeare, and be well planted and tended.

6. _Bamia seu Alcea Ægyptia._ The Mallow of Egypt.

This Mallow is also as tender to nourse vp as the last, hauing the lower leaues broad like a Marsh Mallow, and of a fresh greene colour; but those that growe vpon the stalke, and vp to the toppe, are diuided into fiue parts or points, but are not cut in to the middle ribbe, like the former Thorney Mallow, yet dented about the edges like vnto them: the flowers growe at the setting to of the leaues, like vnto a Mallow for forme, but of a whitish colour; after which come long fiue square pointed pods, with hard shels, wherein are contained round blackish gray seede, as bigge as a Vetch or bigger: the roote perisheth quickly with vs, euen with the first frosts.

7. _Althæa frutex flore albo vel purpureo._ Shrubbe Mallow with a white or purple flower.

There are diuers sorts of shrubbe Mallowes, whereof some that haue their stemmes or stalkes lesse wooddy, dye downe to the ground euery yeare, and others that abide alwayes, are more wooddy: Of the former sorts I intend not to speake, referring them to a fitter place; and of the other, I will onely giue you the knowledge of one or two in this place, although I doe acknowledge their fitted place had been to be among the shrubbes; but because they are Mallowes, I pray let them passe with the rest of their kindred, and their descriptions in this manner: These wooddy kindes of shrub Mallowes haue somewhat large, long, and diuided leaues, of a whitish greene colour, soft also, and as it were woolly in handling, set dispersedly on the whitish hard or wooddy stalkes: their flowers are large, like vnto a single Rose or Hollyhocke, in the one being white with purple spots in the bottome; in the other either of a deepe red colour, or else of a paler purple, with a deeper bottome, and with veines running in euery leafe: they are somewhat tender, and would not be suffered to be vncouered in the Winter time, or yet abroad in the Garden, but kept in a large pot or tubbe, in the house or in a warme cellar, if you would haue them to thriue.

8. _Malua hortensis rosea simplex & multiplex diuersorum colorum._ Hollihockes single and double of seuerall colours.

I shall not neede to make many descriptions of Hollihockes, in regard the greatest difference consisteth in the flowers, which are in some single, in some double, in some of one colour, and in others of other colours: for the lowest leaues of Hollihockes are all round, and somewhat large, with many corners, but not cut in or diuided, soft in handling; but those that growe vp higher are much more diuided into many corners: the stalkes sometimes growe like a tree, at the least higher then any man, with diuers such diuided leaues on them, and flowers from the middle to the toppe, where they stand as it were a long spike of leaues and buds for flowers together: the flowers are of diuers colours, both single and double, as pure white, and pale blush, almost like a white, and more blush, fresh and liuely, of a Rose colour, Scarlet, and a deeper red like a crimson, and of a darke red like blacke bloud; these are the most especiall colours both of single and double flowers that I haue seene: the single flowers consist of fiue broad and round leaues, standing round like vnto single Roses, with a middle long stile, and some chiues aboue them: the double flowers are like vnto double Roses, very thicke, so that no stile or vmbone is seene in the middle, and the outermost rowe of leaues in the flowers are largest, the innermost being smaller and thicke set together: after the flowers are past, there come vp as well in the double as single, flat round heads, like flat cakes, round about the bottomes whereof growe flat whitish seede: the roote is long and great at the head, white and tough, like the roote of the common Mallowes, but greater, and will reasonably well abide the Winter.

The Place.

The first groweth wilde in Spaine. The second in our owne
Countrey. The third is thought to growe in Italy and Venice;
but Lobel denieth it, saying, that it is there onely in
Gardens, and is more plentifull in these parts then with them.
The fourth Clusius saith he found in many places of Germany.
The fifth is supposed to be first brought out of the West
Indies, but an Arabicke name being giuen it, maketh me somewhat
doubtfull how to beleeue it. The sixth groweth in Egypt, where
it is of great vse, as Prosper Alpinus hath let downe in his
Booke of Egyptian plants. The seuenth groweth in some parts
both of Spaine and France. The last is not found but in Gardens
euery where.

The Time.

The first, second, third, fourth, and last, doe flower from
Iune vntill the end of Iuly and August. The rest flower very
late, many times not vntill September or October.

The Names.

The first and second haue their names sufficiently expressed in
their titles. The third is diuersly called, as _Malua horaria_,
_Alcea versicaria_, _Alcea Veneta_, _Alcea Peregrina_, and of
Matthiolus, _Hypecoum_. The most vsuall English name is Venice
Mallow. The fourth is called _Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea_,
and _Cannabinifolio_, or _Pentaphyllifolio_: In English,
Cinquefoile Mallow. The fifth hath been sent vnder the name of
_Sabdarifa_, and _Sabdariffa_, and (as I said) is thought to be
brought from America, and therefore it beareth the name of that
Country. The sixth is called in Egypt, _Bamia_, or _Bammia_,
and by that name sent with the addition _del Cayro_ vnto it:
In English, Egyptian Mallow, or Mallow of Egypt. The seuenth
is called _Althæa frutex_, and of some _Althæa arborea_: In
English, Shrubbe Mallow, because his stemme is wooddie, and
abideth as shrubbes and trees doe. The eight and last is called
_Malua hortensis_, _Malua Rosea_, and of some _Rosa vltra
marina_: In English, of some Hockes, and vsually Hollihockes.

The Vertues.

All sorts of Mallowes, by reason of their viscous or slimie
quality, doe helpe to make the body soluble, being vsed
inwardly, and thereby helpe also to ease the paines of the
stone and grauell, causing them to be the more easily voided:
being outwardly applyed, they mollifie hard tumours, and helpe
to ease paines in diuers parts of the body; yet those that
are of most vse, are most common. The rest are but taken vpon
credit.

CHAP. XCII.

_Amaranthus._ Flower-gentle.

We haue foure or fiue sorts of Flower-gentle to trimme vp this our Garden withall, which doe differ very notably one from another, as shall be declared in their seuerall descriptions; some of which are very tender, and must be carefully regarded, and all little enough to cause them beare seede with vs, or else wee shall bee to seeke euery yeare: others are hardy enough, and will hardly be lost out of the Garden.

1. _Amaranthus purpureus minor._ The small purple Flower-gentle.

This gallant purple Veluet flower, or Flower-gentle, hath a crested stalke two foote high or more, purplish at the bottome, but greene to the toppe, whereout groweth many small branches, the leaues on the stalkes and branches are somewhat broad at the bottome, and sharpe pointed, of a full greene colour, and often somewhat reddish withall, like in forme vnto the leaues of Blites (whereof this and the rest are accounted _species_, or sorts) or small Beetes: the flowers are long, spikie, soft, and gentle tufts of haires, many as it were growing together, broad at the bottome, and small vp at the toppe, pyramis or steeple-fashion, of so excellent a shining deepe purple colour, tending to a murrey, that in the most excellent coloured Veluet, cannot be seene a more orient colour, (and I thinke from this respect, the French call it _Passe velours_, that is to say, passing Veluet in colour) without any smell at all, which being bruised giueth the same excellent purple colour on paper, and being gathered in his full strength and beauty, will abide a great time (if it be kept out of the winde and sunne in a dry place) in the same grace and colour: among these tufts lye the seede scattered, which is small, very blacke, and shining: the rootes are a few threddy strings, which quickly perish, as the whole plant doth, at the first approach of Winter weather.

2. _Amaranthus Coccineus._ Scarlet Flower-gentle.

The leaues of this Flower-gentle are longer, and somewhat narrower then the former; the stalke groweth somewhat higher, bearing his long tufts at seuerall leaues, as also at the toppe of the stalkes, many being set together, but separate one from another, and each bowing or bending downe his head, like vnto a Feather, such as is worn in our Gallants and Gentlewomens heads, of an excellent bloudy Scarlet colour: the seede is blacke, like vnto the former: the roote perisheth quicklier, because it is more tender.

3. _Amaranthus tricolor._ Spotted or variable Flower-gentle.

The chiefest beauty of this plant consisteth in the leaues, and not in the flowers; for they are small tufts growing along the stalke, which is nothing so high as the former, especially with vs, and at the ioynts with the leaues: the leaues hereof are of the same fashion that the former are, and pointed also; but euery leafe is to be seene parted into greene, red, and yellow, very orient and fresh (especially if it come to his full perfection, which is in hot and dry weather) diuided not all alike, but in some leaues, where the red or yellow is, there will be greene, and so varying, that it is very pleasant to behold: the seede hereof is blacke and shining, not to bee knowne from the former.

4. _Amaranthus Carnea spica._ Carnation Flower-gentle.

There is another more rare then all the rest, whose leaues are somewhat longer, and narrower then the first, and like vnto the second kinde: the spikes are short, many set together, like branches full of heads or eares of corne, euery one whereof hath some long haires sticking out from them, of a deep blush, tending to a carnation colour.

5. _Amaranthus purpureus maior paniculis sparsis._ Great Floramour, or purple Flower-gentle.

The great Floramour hath one thicke, tall, crested, browne red stalke, fiue or six foote high, from whence spring many great broad leaues, like vnto the former for the forme, but much larger & redder for the most part, especially the lowest, which brancheth forth into diuers parts, & from between these leaues, & the stalks or branches, as also at the tops of them, stand long, spikie, round, & somewhat flat tufts, of a more reddish purple colour then the first, and diuided also into seuerall parts, wherin when they are full ripe, are to be seen an innumerable company of white seed, standing out among the short thrums, and do then easily fall away with a little touching; euery one of these white seed hath as it were an hole halfe bored through therin: the root is a great bush of strings, spreading in the ground, whereby it is strongly fastened, yet perisheth euery yeare, after it hath giuen his seede.

The Place.

All these plants growe in the Easterne Countries, as Persia,
Syria, Arabia, &c. except the greatest, which hath been brought
out of the West Indies, where it is much vsed, especially the
seede: they are all, noursed vp with much care in our Gardens,
and yet in a backward or cold yeare they will not thriue, for
that they desire much heate: but the greatest doth alwayes giue
ripe seede euery yeare.

The Time.

They beare their gallant tufts or spikes for the most part in
August, and some not vntill September.

The Names.

The name _Amaranthus_ is giuen to all these plants, taken
from the Greeke word ἀμαραντίνος, _non marcescens_, or _non
senescens_, that is, neuer waxing old, and is often also
imposed on other plants, who haue the same property, that
is, that their flowers being gathered in a fit season, will
retaine their natiue colour a long time, as shall be shewed
in the Chapter following. Diuers do thinke the first to be
_Phlox_, or _Flamma_ of Theophrastus. The third is called
_Gelosia_, or _Celosia_ of Tragus. Spigelius in his _Isagoges_
saith, it is generally taken to be _Sophonia_, whereof Plinie
maketh mention; and Lobel, to bee the Persians _Theombroton_
of Plinie. The Italians, from whom I had it (by the meanes of
Mʳ. Doctor Iohn More, as I haue had many other rare simples)
call it, _Blito di tre colori_, A three coloured Blite. The
fifth, which is the greatest, hath been sent from the West
Indies by the name of _Quinüa_, as Clusius reporteth. The name
Flower-gentle in English, and _Floramour_, which is the French,
of _Flos amoris_, and _Passe velours_, as is before said,
or Veluet flower, according to the Italian, _Flor veluto_,
are equally giuen to all these plants, with their seuerall
distinctions, as they are expressed in their titles.

The Vertues.

Diuers suppose the flowers of these plants doe helpe to stay
the fluxe of bloud in man or woman, because that other things
that are red or purple doe performe the same. But Galen
disproueth that opinion very notably, _in lib. 2. & 4. de
simpl. medicament. facultatibus_.

CHAP. XCIII.

_Helichrysum, siue Amaranthus luteus._ Golden Flower-gentle, Goldilockes, or Gold-flower.

The propinquity of property (as I before said) hath caused the affinity in name, and so in neighbourhood in these plants, wherein there are some diuersity; and although they differ from them before in many notable points, yet they all agree with themselues in the golden, or siluer heads or tufts they beare; and therefore I haue comprised them in one Chapter, and will begin with that which commeth nearest vnto the _Helichrysum_ of Dioscorides, or _Aurelia_ (as Gaza translateth it) of Theophrastus.

1 _Amaranthus purpureus maior._ The great purple Flower gentle.
2 _Amaranthus purpureus minor._ The lesser purple Flower gentle.
3 _Amaranthus tricolor._ Variable Flower gentle.
4 _Amaranthus Coccineus._ Scarlet Flower gentle.
5 _Amaranthus carnea spica._ Carnation Flower gentle.
6 _Chrysocome._ Golden Cassidonie.
7 _Heliochrysum Creticum._ Candy Goldilockes.
8 _Gnaphalium Americanum._ Liuelong or Life euerlasting.
9 _Gnaphalium montanum._ Cats foote.
10 _Gnaphalium roseum._ The Cotton Rose.
]

1. _Helichrysum._ The Golden flower of life.

This first Golden tuft riseth vp with many hard, round, white stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, whereon at certaine distances stand many fine cut leaues, or rather one leafe cut into many small fine parts, almost as small as Fenell, but grayish, like vnto the Cud-weedes or Cotton-weedes (whereof certainly these are speciall kindes) at the toppes of the stalkes stand many round flowers, of a pale gold colour, in an vmbell close together, yet euery flower vpon his owne stalke, and all of an euen height, which will keepe the colour, being gathered, and kept dry for a long time after, and are of a hot and quicke sent: the roote is small and wooddy, spreading vnder the vpper crust of the earth, and liueth long in his owne naturall place, but very hardly endureth the cold of our Winters, vnlesse they be milde, or it be well defended.

2. _Helichrysum Creticum._ Candy Goldilockes.

Candy Goldilockes hath two or three small slender white branches, set here and there very scatteringly, with small, long, and narrow hoary leaues, hauing yellow heads of flowers at the tops made into vmbels or tufts, not so round and euen as the former, but longwise one aboue another, the heads being made as it were of scales, loosly, and not so closely set together, as in the next following, which when they are full ripe, doe passe into doune, and are blowne away with the winde, hauing a small reddish seede at the end; but will abide a long time, as the other in his beauty, being gathered in time, as the rest will doe.

3. _Helichrysum Orientale siue Amaranthus luteus._ Golden Flower-gentle.

This most beautifull plant is very like vnto the former Candy Goldilockes last described, but growing vp higher, with many more branches, and more hoary, white, and woolly, hauing also long and narrow white leaues, but somewhat broader, and thicker set on the branches: the tufts of flowers or vmbels likewise doe consist of longer and larger heads, more scaly, and closer compact together, of an excellent pale gold yellow colour, and shining, with some yellow threads or thrummes in the middle: the roote dyeth not euery yeare, but liueth long, especially in the South and East Countries, where no colds or frosts are felt; but will require extraordinary care and keeping, and yet scarce sufficient to preserue it in these cold Countries.

4. _Chrysocome siue Stæchas Citrina._ Golden tufts or Golden Cassidony.

This Golden flower is somewhat like the former of these two last described, hauing hoary stalkes and leaues, standing confusedly on them, being long, and narrower then any of the former: the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many parts, each bearing a small long yellow head or flower at the toppe, with some yellow thrummes in them, which heads being many, are diffusedly set together, like a loose or sparsed vmbell, keeping their colour long before they wither, and when they are ripe, haue thinne small reddish seede, like Mariorome seede, but smaller; the roote is small and blacke: the whole plant, as well leaues and flowers, as rootes, are of a strong sharpe sent, yet pleasant.

5. _Argyrocome siue Gnaphalium Americanum._ Liue long or Life euerlasting.

This siluer tuft or Indian Cotton weede, hath many white heads of leafes at their first springing out of the ground, couered with a hoary woollinesse like cotton, which rising into hard, thicke round stalkes, containe still the same hoarinesse vpon them, as also vpon the long and narrow leaues which are set thereon, especially on the vnder side, for the vpper sides are of a darke shining greene colour: the stalkes are diuided at the toppe into many small branches, each whereof haue many scaly tufted heads set together, couered ouer with cotton before their opening, and then diffeuering one from another, abiding very white on the outside, when they are fully growne, but with a small yellow thrume in the midde of euery flower, which in time turne into yellow doune, apt to be blowne away with euery winde: the roots are long and black on the outside, creeping vnder ground very much.

6. _Gnaphalium montanum flore albo & flore purpureo._ White and purple Cats foote.

This small Cudweede or Cottonweede, hath many small white woolly leaues growing from the roote, which is composed of a few small blackish threds, and lying vpon the ground somewhat like vnto the leaues of a small Mouse eare, but smaller; from among which riseth vp a small stalke of halfe a foote high or thereabouts, beset here and there with some few leaues, at the top whereof commeth forth a tuft of small flowers, set close together, in some of a pure white, in others of a purple or reddish colour, in some of a pale red or blush, and in others of a white and purple mixt together, which for the beauty is much commended and desired, but will hardly abide to be kept in Gardens, so vnwilling they are to leaue their naturall abiding.

7. _Gnaphalium Roseum._ The Cotton Rose.

This little rose Cotton weede hath many such like woolly leaues, growing as the former from the roote vpon small short branches, not full an hand breadth high, in fashion somewhat like vnto Daysie leaues, but lesser, and round pointed: at the toppe of euery stalke or branch, standeth one flower, composed of two rowes of small white leaues, layd open like a Starre or a Rose, as it beareth the name, hauing a round head in the middle made of many yellow threds or thrumes, which falling away, there riseth vp a small round head, full of small seedes: the root is small, long and threddy.

The Place.

The foure first plants doe grow naturally in many of the hot
Countries of Europe, as Spaine, Italie, and Prouince in France;
as also in Candy, Barbary, and other places, and must be
carefully kept with vs in the winter time. The Liue long was
brought out of the West Indies, and groweth plentifully in our
gardens. The two last doe grow as well in the colder Countries
of Germany, as in France and other places.

The Time.

They all flower in the end of September, if they will shew out
their beauty at all with vs, for sometimes it is so late, that
they haue no faire colour at all, especially the foure first
sorts.

The Names.

Variable and many are the names that seuerall Writers do
call these foure first sorts of plants, as _Helichrysum_,
_Heliochrysum_, or _Elichrysum_, _Eliochrysum_, _Chrysocome_,
_Coma aurea_, _Amaranthus luteus_, _Stoechas Citrina_, and
_Aurelia_, with others, needlesse here to be recited: it is
sufficient for this worke, to giue you knowledge that their
names are sufficient as they are expressed in their titles:
The fift is called _Gnaphalium_ by Carolus Clusius, from the
likenesse of the vmbels or tufts of heads, though greater and
white: for as I said before, the Cotton weedes are of kindred
with the golden tufts: It hath been called by our English
Gentlewomen, Liue long, and Life euerlasting, because of the
durabilitie of the flowers in their beautie. The two last are
called _Gnaphalium_, according to their titles; and in English
they may passe vnder those names are set downe with them.

The Vertues.