Chapter VI: Front Matter (6)

Thus Gentlewomen for your delights, (for these pleasures are the delights of leasure, which hath bred your loue & liking to them, and although you are herein predominant, yet cannot they be barred from your beloued, who I doubt not, wil share with you in the delight as much as is fit) haue I taken this paines, to set downe, and bring to your knowledge such rules of art, as my small skill hath enabled mee withall concerning this subiect, which of all other, seemed fittest in this manner to be enlarged, both for the varietie of matter, and excellency of beautie herein, and also that these rules set forth together in one place, might saue many repetitions in other places, so that for the planting and ordering of all other bulbous rootes, and the sowing the seedes of them, you may haue recourse vnto these rules, (_tanquam ad normam & examen_) which may serue in generall for all other, little diuersitie of particulars needing exception.

The Place.

The greater Tulipas haue first beene sent vs from
Constantinople, and other parts of Turkie, where it is said
they grow naturally wilde in the Fields, Woods, and Mountaines;
as Thracia, Macedonia, Pontus about the Euxine Sea, Cappadocia,
Bithynia, and about Tripolis and Aleppo in Syria also: the
lesser haue come from other seuerall places, as their names doe
decipher it out vnto vs; as Armenia, Persia, Candye, Portugall,
Spaine, Italy, and France. They are all now made denizens
in our Gardens, where they yeeld vs more delight, and more
encrease for their proportion, by reason of the culture, then
they did vnto their owne naturals.

The Time.

These doe flower some earlier, some later, for three whole
moneths together at the least, therein adorning out a Garden
most gloriously, in that being but one kinde of flower, it is
so full of variety, as no other (except the Daffodils, which
yet are not comparable, in that they yield not that alluring
pleasant variety) doe the like besides. Some of the _Præcoces_
haue beene in flower with vs, (for I speake not of their owne
naturall places, where the Winters are milder, and the Spring,
earlier then ours) in the moneth of Ianuary, when the Winter
before hath beene milde, but many in February, and all the
_Præcoces_, from the beginning to the end of March, if the
yeare be kindly: at what time the _Medias_ doe begin, and abide
all Aprill, and part of May, when the _Serotines_ flower and
fade; but this, as I said, if the yeare be kindly, or else each
kinde will be a moneth later. The seede is ripe in Iune and
Iuly, according to their early or late flowring.

The Names.

There haue beene diuers opinions among our moderne Writers, by
what name this plant was knowne to the ancient Authors. Some
would haue it be _Cosmosandatos_, of the Ancient. Dodonæus
referreth it to πυπῶν of Theophrastus, in his seuenth Booke
and thirteenth Chapter: but thereof he is so briefe, that
besides the bare name, wee cannot finde him to make any further
relation of forme, or quality. And Bauhinus, vpon Matthiolus
Commentaries of Dioscorides, and in his Pinax also, followeth
his opinion. Camerarius in his Hortus Medicus is of opinion,
it may be referred to the Helychrysum of Crateua. Gesner, as I
thinke, first of all, and after him Lobel, Camerarius, Clusius
and many others, referre it to the Satyrium of Dioscorides:
and surely this opinion is the most probable for many reasons.
First, for that this plant doth grow very frequent in many
places of Greece, and the lesser Asia, which were no doubt
sufficiently knowne both to Theophrastus, and Dioscorides,
and was accounted among bulbous rootes, although by sundry
names. And secondly, as Dioscorides setteth forth his Satyrium,
so this most commonly beareth three leaues vpon a stalke
(although sometimes with vs it hath foure or fiue) like vnto
a Lilly, whereof some are often seen to be both red, in the
first springing, and also vpon the decaying, especially in a
dry time, and in a dry ground: the flower likewise of some
is white, and like a Lilly; the roote is round, and as white
within as the white of an egge, couered with a browne coate,
hauing a sweetish, but not vnpleasant taste, as any man without
danger many try. This description doth so liuely set forth
this plant, that I thinke wee shall not neede to be any longer
in doubt, where to finde Dioscorides his Satyrium Triphyllum,
seeing wee haue such plenty growing with vs. And thirdly, there
is no doubt, but that it hath the same qualities, as you shall
hereafter heare further. And lastly, that plant likewise that
beareth a red flower, may very well agree with his Erythronium;
for the descriptions in Dioscorides are both alike, as are
their qualities, the greatest doubt may be in the seede, which
yet may agree vnto Lin or Flaxe as fitly, or rather more then
many other plants doe, in many of his comparisons, which yet
wee receiue for currant. For the seede of Tulipas are flat,
hard, and shining as the seede of _Linum_ or Flaxe, although
of another colour, and bigger, as Dioscorides himselfe setteth
it downe. But if there should be a mistaking in the writing
of λὶνου for κρὶνου or λεῖριου in the Greeke Text, as the
slippe is both easie and likely, it were then out of all
question the same: for the seede is very like vnto the seede
of Lillies, as any man may easily discerne that know them,
or will compare them. It is generally called by all the late
Writers, _Tulipa_, which is deriued from the name _Tulpan_,
whereby the Turkes of _Dalmatia_ doe entitle their head
Tyres, or Caps; and this flower being blowne, laide open, and
inuerted, doth very well resemble them. We haue receiued the
early kinde from Constantinople, by the name of _Cafa lale_,
and the other by the name of _Cauala lale_. Lobel and others
doe call it _Lilio-narcissus_, because it doth resemble a Lilly
in the leafe, flower, and seede, and a Daffodil in the roote.
We call it in English the Turkes Cap, but most vsually Tulipa,
as most other Christian Countries that delight therein doe.
Daleschampius calleth it Oulada.

The Vertues.

Dioscorides writeth, that his first Satyrium is profitable for
them that haue a convulsion in their necke, (which wee call a
cricke in the necke) if it be drunke in harsh (which we call
red) wine.

That the roots of Tulipas are nourishing, there is no doubt,
the pleasant, or at least the no vnpleasant taste, may hereunto
perswade; for diuers haue had them sent by their friends from
beyond Sea, and mistaking them to bee Onions, haue vsed them as
Onions in their pottage or broth, and neuer found any cause of
mislike, or any sense of euill quality produced by them, but
accounted them sweete Onions.

Further, I haue made tryall of them my selfe in this manner. I
haue preserued the rootes of these Tulipas in Sugar, as I haue
done the rootes of Eringus, Orchis, or any other such like, and
haue found them to be almost as pleasant as the Eringus rootes,
being firme and sound, fit to be presented to the curious; but
for force of Venereous quality, I cannot say, either from my
selfe, not hauing eaten many, or from any other, on whom I haue
bestowed them: but surely, if there be any speciall propertie
in the rootes of Orchis, or some other tending to that purpose,
I thinke this may as well haue it as they. It should seeme,
that Dioscorides doth attribute a great Venereous faculty to
the seede, whereof I know not any hath made any especiall
experiment with vs as yet.

CHAP. IX.

_Narcissus._ The Daffodill.

There hath beene great confusion among many of our moderne Writers of plants, in not distinguishing the manifold varieties of Daffodils; for euery one almost, without consideration of kinde or forme, or other speciall note, giueth names so diuersly one from another, that if any one shall receiue from seuerall places the Catalogues of their names (as I haue had many) as they set them down, and compare the one Catalogue with the other, he shall scarce haue three names in a dozen to agree together, one calling that by one name, which another calleth by another, that very few can tell what they meane. And this their confusion, in not distinguishing the name of _Narcissus_ from _Pseudonarcissus_, is of all other in this kinde the greatest and grossest errour. To auoide therefore that gulfe, whereof I complaine that so manie haue bin endrenched; and to reduce the Daffodils into such a methodicall order, that euery one may know, to what _Classis_ or forme any one doth appertaine, I will first diuide them into two principall or primary kindes: that is, into _Narcissos_, true Daffodils, and _Pseudonarcissos_, bastard Daffodils: which distinction I hold to be most necessarie to be set downe first of all, that euery one may be named without confusion vnder his owne primary kind, and then to let the other parts of the subdiuision follow, as is proper to them, and fittest to expresse them. Now to cause you to vnderstand the difference betweene a true Daffodill and a false, is this; it consisteth onely in the flower, (when as in all other parts they cannot bee distinguished) and chiefly in the middle cup or chalice; for that we doe in a manner onely account those to bee _Pseudonarcissos_, bastard Daffodils, whose middle cup is altogether as long, and sometime a little longer then the outter leaues that doe encompasse it, so that it seemeth rather like a trunke or long nose, then a cup or chalice, such as almost all the _Narcissi_, or true Daffodils haue; I say almost, because I know that some of them haue their middle cup so small, that we rather call it a crowne then a cup; and againe, some of them haue them so long, that they may seem to be of the number of the _Pseudonyms_, or bastard Daffodils: but yet may easily be knowne from them, in that, although the cup of some of the true Daffodils be great, yet it is wider open at the brim of edge, and not so long and narrow all alike as the bastard kindes are; and this is the chiefe and onely way to know how to seuer these kindes, which rule holdeth certaine in all, except that kinde which is called _Narcissus Iuncifolius reflexo flore_, whose cup is narrow, and as long as the leaues that turne vp againe.

Secondly, I will subdiuide each of these again apart by themselues, into foure sorts; and first the _Narcissos_, or true Daffodils into

_Latifolios_, broad leafed Daffodils.

_Angustifolios_, narrow leafed Daffodils.

_Iuncifolios_, Rushe Daffodils, and

_Marinos_, Sea Daffodils.

These sorts againe doe comprehend vnder them some other diuisions, whereby they may the better be distinguished, and yet still bee referred to one of those foure former sorts: as

_Monanthos_, that is, Daffodils that beare but one flower, or two at the most vpon a stalke, and

_Polyanthos_, those that beare many flowers together vpon a stalke: as also

_Simplici flore_, those that beare single flowers, and

_Multiplici flore_, or _flore pleno_, that is, haue double flowers.

_Vernales_, those that flower in the Spring, and among them some that are earlier; and therefore called

_Præcoces_, early flowring Daffodils, and

_Autumnales_, those that flower in Autumne onely.

And lastly, with the _Pseudonarcissos_, or bastard Daffodils, I will keepe the same order, to distinguish them likewise into their foure seuerall sorts; and as with the true Daffodils, so with these false, describe vnder euery sort: first, those that beare single flowers, whether one or many vpon a stalke; and then those that beare double flowers, one or many also. As for the distinctions of _maior_ and _minor_, greater and lesser, and of _maximus_ and _minimus_, greatest and least, they doe not onely belong to these Daffodils; and therefore must be vsed as occasion permitteth, but vnto all other sort of plants. To begin therefore, I thinke fittest with that stately Daffodill, which for his excellency carrieth the name of None such.

1. _Narcissus latifolius omnium maximus, amplo calice flauo, siue Nompareille._ The great None such Daffodill, or Incomparable Daffodill.

This _Narcissus Nompareille_ hath three or foure long and broad leaues, of a grayish greene colour, among which riseth vp a stalke two foote high at the least, at the toppe whereof, out of a thinne skinnie huske, as all Daffodils haue, commeth forth one large single flower, and no more vsually, consisting of sixe very pale yellow large leaues, almost round at the point, with a large cuppe in the middle, somewhat yellower then the leaues, the bottome whereof next vnto the stalke is narrow and round, rising wider to the mouth, which is very large and open, and vneuenly cut in or indented about the edges. The cup doth very well resemble the chalice, that in former dayes with vs, and beyond the Seas is still vsed to hold the Sacramentall Wine, that is with a narrower bottome, and a wide mouth. After the flower is past, sometimes there commeth (for it doth not often) a round greene head, and blacke round seede therein, like vnto other Daffodils, but greater. The roote is great, as other Daffodils that beare large flowers, and is couered ouer with a brownish coate or skinne. The flower hath little or no sent at all.

[Sidenote: _Flore geminato._]

This doth sometimes bring forth a flower with ten or twelue leaues, and a cup much larger, as if it would be two, euen as the flower seemeth.

2. _Narcissus omnium maximus flore & calice flauo._ The great yellow Incomparable Daffodill.

This other kinde differeth neither in forme, nor bignesse of leafe or flower from the former, but in the colour of the circling leaues of the flower, which are of the same yellow colour with the cup.

[Sidenote: _Flore geminato._]

This doth sometimes degenerate and grow luxurious also, bringing forth two flowers vpon a stalke, each distinct from other, and sometimes two flowers thrust together, as if they were but one, although it be but seldome; for it is not a peculiar kinde that is constant, yearly abiding in the same forme.

3. _Narcissus maximus griseus calice flauo._ The gray Peerlesse Daffodill.

This Peerlesse Daffodill well deserueth his place among these kindes, for that it doth much resemble them, and peraduenture is but a difference raised from the seede of the former, it is so like in leafe and flower, but that the leaues seeme to be somewhat greater, and the sixe outer leaues of the flower to be of a glistering whitish gray colour, and the cup yellow, as the former, but larger.

4. _Narcissus latifolius flauo flore amplo calice, siue Mattenesse._ The lesser yellow Nompareille, or the Lady Mattenesses Daffodill.

The leaues of this Daffodill, are somewhat like vnto the leaues of the first kind, but not altogether so long or broad: the stalke likewise riseth not vp fully so high, and beareth one flower like the former, but lesser, and both the cuppe and the leaues are of one colour, that is, of a pale yellow, yet more yellow then in the former: the cup of this also is lesser, and a little differing; for it is neither fully so small in the bottome, nor so large at the edges, nor so crumpled at the brimmes, so that all these differences doe plainly shew it to be another kinde, quite from the former.

The Place.

The places of none of these are certainly knowne to vs where
they grow naturally, but we haue them onely in our Gardens, and
haue beene sent, and procured from diuers places.

The Time.

They flower sometimes in the end of March, but chiefly in
Aprill.

The Names.

The first and second haue been sent vs by the name of _Narcisse
Nompareille_, as it is called in French; and in Latine,
_Narcissus omnium maximus amplo calice flauo_, and _Narcissus
Incomparabilis_, that is, the Incomparable Daffodill, or the
greatest Daffodill of all other, with a large yellow cuppe:
but assuredly, although this Daffodill doth exceed many other,
both in length and bignesse, yet the great Spanish bastard
Daffodill, which shall be spoken of hereafter, is in my
perswasion oftentimes a farre higher and larger flower; and
therefore this name was giuen but relatiuely, we may call it
in English, The great None such Daffodill, or the Incomparable
Daffodill, or the great Peerlesse Daffodill, or the Nompareille
Daffodill, which you will: for they all doe answer either the
French or the Latine name; and because this name _Nompareille_
is growne currant by custome, I know not well how to alter it.
The third kinde may passe with the title giuen it, without
controule. The last is very well knowne beyond the Seas,
especially in the Low Countries, and those parts, by the Lady
Mattenesse Daffodill, because Clusius receiued it from her. We
may call it in English, for the correspondency with the former,
The lesser yellow Nompareille, or Peerlesse Daffodill, or the
Lady Mattenesse Daffodill, which you will.

_Narcissus Indicus flore rubro, dictus Iacobæus._ The Indian Daffodill with a red flower.

This Indian Daffodill is so differing, both in forme, not hauing a cuppe, and in colour being red, from the whole Family of the Daffodils (except the next that followeth, and the Autumne Daffodils) that some might justly question the fitnesse of his place here. But because as all the plants, whether bulbous or other, that come from the Indies, either East or West (although they differ very notably, from those that grow in these parts of the world) must in a generall suruey and muster be ranked euery one, as neere as the surueiours wit will direct him, vnder some other growing with vs, that is of neerest likenesse; Euen so vntill some other can direct his place more fitly, I shall require you to accept of him in this, with this description that followeth, which I must tell you also, is more by relation then knowledge, or sight of the plant it selfe. This Daffodill hath diuers broad leaues, somewhat like vnto the common or ordinary white Daffodill, of a grayish greene colour; from the sides whereof, as also from the middle of them, rise vp sometimes two stalkes together, but most vsually one after another (for very often it flowreth twice in a Summer) and often also but one stalke alone, which is of a faint reddish colour, about a foote high or more, at the toppe whereof, out of a deepe red skinne or huske, commeth forth one flower bending downwards, consisting of sixe long leaues without any cup in the middle, of an excellent red colour, tending to a crimson; three of these leaues that turne vpwards, are somewhat larger then those three that hang downewards, hauing sixe threads or chiues in the middle, tipt with yellow pendents, and a three forked stile longer then the rest, and turning vp the end thereof againe: the roote is round and bigge, of a brownish colour on the outside, and white within. This is set forth by Aldinus, Cardinall Farnesius his Physitian, that at Rome it rose vp with stalks of flowers before any leaues appeared.

The Place, Time, and Names.

This naturally groweth in the West Indies, from whence it was
brought into Spaine, where it bore both in Iune and Iuly, and
by the Indians in their tongue named AZCAL XOCHITL, and hath
beene sent from Spaine, vnto diuers louers of plants, into
seuerall parts of Christendome, but haue not thriued long in
these transalpine colde Countries, so far as I can heare.

_Narcissus Trapezunticus flore luteo præcocissimus._ The early Daffodill of Trebizond.

Because this Daffodill is so like in flower vnto the former, although differing in colour, I thought it the fittest place to ioyne it the next thereunto. This early Daffodill hath three or foure short very greene leaues, so like vnto the leaues of the Autumne Daffodill, that many may easily bee deceiued in mistaking one for another, the difference consisting chiefly in this, that the leaues of this are not so broad or so long, nor rise vp in Autumne: in the midst of these leaues riseth vp a short green stalke, an handfull high, or not much higher vsually, (I speake of it as it hath often flowred with mee, whether the cause be the coldnesse of the time wherein it flowreth, or the nature of the plant, or of our climate, I am in some doubt; but I doe well remember, that the stalkes of some plants, that haue flowred later with me then the first, haue by the greater strength, and comfort of the Sunne, risen a good deale higher then the first) bearing at the top, out of a whitish thinne skinne stripped with greene, one flower a little bending downewards, consisting of sixe leaues, laid open almost in the same manner with the former Indian Daffodill, whereof some doe a little turne vp their points againe, of a faire pale yellow colour, hauing sixe white chiues within it, tipt with yellow pendents, and a longer pointell: the roote is not very great, but blackish on the outside, so like vnto the Autumne Daffodill, but that it is yellow vnder the first or outermost coate, that one may easily mistake one for another.

The Place.

It was sent vs from Constantinople among other rootes, but
as wee may ghesse by the name, it should come thither from
Trapezunte or Trebizond.

The Time.

It flowreth sometimes in December, if the former part of the
Winter haue been milde; but most vsually about the end of
Ianuary, or else in Februarie the beginning or the end.

The Names.

Wee doe vsually call it from the Turkish name, _Narcissus
Trapezunticus_, and some also call it _Narcissus vernus
præcox_, as Clusius doth, in English, The early Daffodill of
Trebizond.

1 _Narcissus Nonpareille._ The incomparable Daffodill.
2 _Narcissus Mattenesse._ The lesser yellow Nompareille
Daffodill.
3 _Narcissus Iacobæus flore rubro._ The red Indian Daffodill.
4 _Narcissus Trapezunticus._ The early Daffodill of Trabesond.
5 _Narcissus Montanus albus apophysibus præditus._ The white winged
Daffodill.
6 _Narcissus Montanus, siue Nompareille totus albus._ The white
Nompareille, or Peerlesse Daffodill.
7 _Narcissus albus oblongo calice._ The white Daffodill with a long
cup.
]

_Narcissus Montanus albus apophysibus præditus._ The white Mountaine Daffodill with eares, or The white winged Daffodill.

This Mountaine Daffodill riseth vp with three or four broad leaues, somewhat long, of a whitish greene colour, among which riseth vp a stalke a foote and a halfe high, whereon standeth one large flower, and sometimes two, consisting of sixe white leaues a peece, not very broad, and without any shew of yellownesse in them, three whereof haue vsually each of them on the back part, at the bottome vpon the one side of them, and not on both, a little small white peece of a leafe like an eare, the other three hauing none at all: the cup is almost as large, or not much lesse then the small Nompareille, small at the bottome, and very large, open at the brimme, of a faire yellow colour, and sometimes the edges or brimmes of the cup will haue a deeper yellow colour about it, like as if it were discoloured with Saffron: the flower is verie sweete, the roote is great and white, couered with a pale coate or skinne, not verie blacke, and is not very apt to encrease, seldome giuing of-sets; neither haue I euer gathered seede thereof, because it passeth away without bearing any with me.

_Narcissus Montanus, siue Nompareille totus albus amplo calice._ The white Nompareille Daffodill.

This white Nompareille Daffodill, is in roote and leafe very like vnto the former mountain or winged Daffodill, but that they are a little larger: the stalke from among the leaues riseth vp not much higher then it, bearing at the top one large flower, composed of sixe long white leaues, each whereof is as it were folded halfe way together, in the middle whereof standeth forth a large white cup, broader at the mouth or brims then at the bottome, very like vnto the lesser Nompareille Daffodill before remembred, which hath caused it to be so entituled: the sent whereof is no lesse sweete then the former.

The Place.

The naturall places of these Daffodils are not certainly knowne
to vs; but by the names they carry, they should seeme to bee
bred in the Mountaines.

The Time.

These flower not so early as many other kindes doe, but rather
are to bee accounted among the late flowring Daffodils; for
they shew not their flowers vntill the beginning of May, or the
latter end of Aprill, with the soonest.

The Names.

The names set downe ouer the heads of either of them be such,
whereby they are knowne to vs; yet some doe call the first
_Narcissus auriculatus_, that is to say, The Daffodill with
eares: and the other, _Narcissus Nompareille totus albus_, that
is to say, The white Nompareille, or Peerlesse Daffodill.

1. _Narcissus albus oblongo calice luteo præcox minor._ The small early white Daffodill with a long cup.

The leaues of this early Daffodill are broad, very greene, and not whitish as others, three or foure standing together, about a foote long or better, among which riseth vp a greene stalke, not full so high as the leaues, bearing one flower at the toppe thereof of a reasonable bignesse, but not so great as the later kindes that follow are, consisting of six whitish leaues, but not perfect white, hauing a show of a Creame colour appearing in them; in the middle is a long round yellow cup, about halfe an inch long or better. The smell of this flower is reasonable sweete, the roote is of a reasonable bignesse, yet lesser then the rootes of the later kindes.

2. _Narcissus pallidus oblongo calice flauo præcox._ The early Strawe coloured Daffodill with a long cup.

The leaues of this Daffodill are as greene as the former, but much narrower; and the leaues of the flower are more enclining to yellow, but yet very pale, as if it were a light strawe colour, and seeme to bee a little more narrow and pointed then the former: the cup of this, is as long and yellow as the precedent. The smell whereof is very like the former, yet neither of them being so sweete as those that follow.

3. _Narcissus albus oblongo calice luteo serotinus maier._ The great late flowring white Daffodill with a long cup.

This later flowring Daffodill hath his leaues somewhat narrow & long, of a grayish or whitish greene colour, among which the stalke riseth vp a foote and a halfe high, bearing one flower at the toppe, made of six white leaues, hauing the cup in the middle thereof as long as the former, and of a deepe yellow: the edges of this cuppe are sometimes plaine, and sometimes a little crumpled; they are often also circled at the brimmes with a Saffron colour, and often also without it, the smell whereof is very pleasant, and not heady: the roote hereof is reasonable bigge, and couered ouer rather with a pale then blackish skinne. This flower doth sometimes alter his forme into eight leaues, which being narrow and long, seeme like a white starre, compassing a yellow trunke.

4. _Narcissus totus pallidus oblongo calice serotinus minor._ The late pale coloured Daffodill with a long cup.

There is another of this kinde, whose flowers is wholly of a pale white, or yellowish colour, differing neither in leafe nor roote from the former.

5. _Narcissus pallidus oblongo calice flauo serotinus._ The Strawe coloured late flowring Daffodill with a long yellow cup.

The chiefe difference of this Daffodill from the former, consisteth in the colour of the cup, which is a more yellow colour, and a little larger then the former, and the brimmes or edges of the cup of a deeper yellow, or Saffron colour. The smell of this is no lesse sweete then in the former.

6. _Narcissus albus oblongo calice flauo serotinus, duobus floribus in caule._ The late white Daffodill with a long cup, and two flowers on a stalke.

This Daffodill is surely a kinde of it selfe, although it be so like the former, abiding constant in his forme and manner of flowring, vsually bearing without missing two flowers vpon a stalke, very like vnto the former great white kinde, that one cannot know any greater matter of difference betweene them, then that it beareth two flowers on a stalke: the cuppes whereof are seldome touched with any shew of Saffron colour on them at the brimmes or edges, as some of the former haue.

The Place.

All these Daffodils doe grow on the Pyrenæan mountaines, and
haue been sought out, and brought into these parts, by those
curious or couetous searchers of these delights, that haue made
vs partakers of them.

The Time.

The former kindes flower earlier by a fortnight then the later,
the one in the later end of March, and the other not vntill the
middle of Aprill.

The Names.

Their names are giuen to euery one of them in their seuerall
titles, as fitly as may best agree with their natures; and
therefore I shall not neede to speake any further of them.

_Narcissus medioluteus vulgaris._ The common white Daffodill called Primrose Peerlesse.

This Daffodill is so common in euery Country Garden almost through England, that I doubt I shall but spend my time in vaine, to describe that which is so well knowne, yet for their sakes that know it not, I will set downe the description of it in this manner. It hath long limber and broad leaues, of a grayish greene colour, among which riseth vp a stalke, bearing at the toppe out of a skinnie huske sometimes but one flower, but most commonly two flowers, and seldome three or more, but larger for the most part, then any that beare many flowers vpon a stalke, of a pale whitish Creame colour, tending somewhat neare vnto the colour of a pale Primrose (which hath caused our Countrey Gentlewomen, I thinke, to entitle it Primrose Peerlesse) with a small round flat Crowne, rather then a cup in the middle, of a pale yellow colour, with some pale chiues standing therein, being of a sweete, but stuffing sent: the roote is reasonable great, and encreasing more then a better plant.

_Narcissus mediocroceus serotinus._ The late flowring white Daffodill.

This Daffodill hath much smaller leaues, and shorter then the last, the stalke also riseth not so high by much, and beareth but one flower thereon, of a pure white colour, made of six small leaues, and somewhat narrow, standing seuerally one from another, and not so close together as the former, but appearing like a starre: the cup is small and round, of a pale yellow colour, but saffrony about the brims, hauing six small pale chiues in the middle, the smell whereof is much sweeter then in the former.

The Place.

The first is thought to grow naturally in England, but I could
neuer heare of his naturall place. I am sure it is plentifull
enough in all Country Gardens, so that wee scarce giue it place
in our more curious parkes. The second liueth only with them
that delight in varieties.

The Time.

The first Daffodill flowreth in the middle time, being neither
of the earliest, nor of the latest; but about the middle, or
end of April. The other flowreth with the latest in May.

The Names.

I shall not neede to trouble you with further repetitions of
names, they hauing been set downe in their titles, which are
proper to them.

1 _Narcissus vulgaris medio luteus._ The common White Daffodill, or
Primrose Peerlesse.
2 _Narcissus medio purpureus maximus._ The great white purple ringed
Daffodill.
3 _Narcissus medio purpureus præcox._ The early purple ringed
Daffodill.
4 _Narcissus medio purpureus stellatus._ The starry purple ringed
Daffodill.
5 _Narcissus Persicus._ The Persian Daffodill.
6 _Narcissus Autumnalis minor._ The lesser Winter Daffodill.
7 _Narcissus Autumnalis maior._ The greater Winter Daffodill.
]

1. _Narcissus medio purpureus præcox._ The early purple ringed Daffodill.

This early Daffodill hath many long grayish greene leaues, somewhat narrower and stiffer than the former common white Daffodill, among which riseth vp a long naked hollow stalke (as all other Daffodils haue) bearing at the toppe one flower, and seldome two, made of sixe long white leaues, standing close together about the stalke; the cup is yellow, and so flat, that it might rather bee called a crowne: for it standeth very close to the middle, and very open at the brimmes, circled with a reddish or purple coloured ring, hauing certaine chiues in the middle of it also. The smell hereof is very sweete, exceeding many other.

2. _Narcissus medio purpureus serotinus._ The late purple ringed Daffodill.

The leaues of this Daffodill are alwayes broader then the former early one, and some are very neare twice as broad: the flower is very like the former, being large, and his leaues standing close one to the side of another; the ring likewise that compasseth the yellow coronet, is sometimes of a paler reddish purple, and sometimes as deep a red as the former: so that it differeth not in any other materiall point, then that it flowreth not vntill the other is past and gone. The sent of this is like the former, the roote hereof is greater, as well as the leafe and flower.

3. _Narcissus medio purpureus maximus._ The great white purple ringed Daffodill.

There is another kinde, whose flower (as well as leaues and rootes) is larger then any other of this kinde, which only maketh it a distinct sort from the other: it flowreth also with the later sort of these purple ringed Daffodils.

4. _Narcissus medio purpureus stellaris._ The starry purple ringed Daffodill.

This Daffodill hath his leaues a little narrower and greener then the former sorts, the flower also of this hath his sixe white leaues not so broad, but narrower, and seeming longer then they, not closing together, but standing apart one from another, making it seem like a white starre: it hath also a yellow coronet in the middle, circled about with purple, like the former. This doth smell nothing so sweete as the first but yet hath a good sent.

The Place.

The first, third, and fourth of these Daffodils, haue always
beene sent vs from Constantinople among other bulbous rootes,
so that wee know no further of their naturall places.

The second groweth in many places of Europe, both in Germany,
France, and Italy, as Clusius hath noted.

The Time.

The first flowreth very early in March, euen with the first
Daffodils. The second, third, and fourth, about a moneth after.

The Names.

The early and starre Daffodils, haue been sent vs by the
Turkish name of _Deuebohini_, and _Serincade_. But their names,
they haue receiued since, to bee endenizond with vs, are set
downe in their seuerall titles.

_Narcissus Persicus._ The Persian Daffodill.

This Persian Daffodill differeth from all other kindes of Daffodils in his manner of growing, for it neuer hath leaues and flowers at one time together, wherein it is like vnto a Colchicum, yet in roote and leafe it is a Daffodill. The roote is a little blackish on the outside, somewhat like the roote of the Autumne Daffodill, from whence riseth vp a naked foote stalke, bearing one pale yellow flower, breaking through a thinne skinne, which first enclosed it, composed of six leaues, the three outermost being a little larger then the rest, in the middle of the flower there are six small chiues, and a longer pointell. The whole flower is of an vnpleasant sent. After the flower is past, come vp the leaues, sometimes before Winter, but most vsually after the deepe of Winter is past with vs, in the beginning of the yeare, which are broad, long, and of a pale greene colour, like the leaues of other Daffodils, but not greene as the Autumne Daffodill is, and besides they doe a little twine themselues, as some of the Pancratium, or bastard Sea Daffodils doe.

_Narcissus Autumnalis maior._ The greater Autumne or Winter Daffodill.

The greater Autumne Daffodill riseth vp with three or foure faire broad and short leaues at the first, but afterwards grow longer, of a very deepe or darke greene colour, in the middle of which riseth vp a short, stiffe, rounded footestalke, bearing one faire yellow flower on the head thereof (inclosed at the first in a thinne skinne, or huske) and consisteth of six leaues as the former, with certaine chiues in the middle, as all or most other Daffodils haue, which passeth away without shew of any seed, or head for seed, although vnder the head there is a little greene knot, which peraduenture would beare seede, if our sharpe Winters did not hinder it. The roote is great and round, couered ouer with a blackish skinne or coate.

_Narcissus Autumnalis minor._ The lesser Autumne or Winter Daffodill.

Clusius setteth downe, that the manner of the flowring of this lesser Daffodill, is more like vnto the Persian Daffodill, then vnto the former greater Autumne kind; but I doe fine that it doth in the same sort, as the greater kinde, rise vp with his leaues first, and the flowers a while after: the flower of this is lesser, and a little paler then the flower of the greater kinde, but consisting in like sort of six leaues, narrow and sharpe pointed; the greene leaues also are almost of as deepe a green colour, as the greater kinde, but smaller and narrower, and a little hollow in the middle. The roote is also alike, but lesser, and couered with a blackish skinne as the former. This hath sometimes borne blacke round seede in three square heads.

The Place.

The Persian Daffodill hath beene sent sometimes, but very
seldome, among other roots from Constantinople, and it is
probable by the name whereby it was sent, that it should
naturally grow in Persia.

The other two haue likewise beene sent from Constantinople, and
as it is thought, grow in Thracia, or thereabouts.

The Time.

They all doe flower much about one time, that is, about the end
of September, and in October.

The Names.

The first hath been sent by the name of _Serincade Persiana_,
and thereupon is called _Narcissus Persicus_, The Persian
Daffodill.

The other two haue been thought by diuers to be Colchica, and
so haue they called them, vpon no other ground, but that their
flower is in forme and time somewhat like Colchicum, when as
if they had marked them better, they might plainly discerne,
that in all other things they did resemble Daffodils; but now
the names of _Colchicum luteum maius, & minus_, is quite
lost, time hauing worne them out, and they are called by most
Herbarists now adayes, _Narcissus Autumnalis maior & minor_,
The greater and the lesser Autumne Daffodill.

Thus farre haue I proceeded with those Daffodils, that hauing broad leaues, beare but one single flower, or two at the most vpon a stalke: And now to proceed with the rest, that haue broad leaues, and beare single flowers, but many vpon a stalke.

_Narcissus Africanus aureus maior._ The great yellow Daffodill of Africa.

This braue and stately Daffodill hath many very long and broad leaues, of a better green colour, then many others that are grayish, among which appeareth a stalke, not rising to the height of the leaues, bearing at the toppe out of a skinnie hose many faire, goodly, and large flowers, to the number of ten or twelue, if the roote bee well growne, and stand in a warme place, euery one being larger then any of the French, Spanish, or Turkie Daffodils, that beare many single flowers vpon a stalke, and commeth neere vnto the bignesse of the English Daffodill, called Primrose Peerlesse, before described, or that French kinde hereafter described, that beareth the largest flowers, many vpon a stalke (which some would make to bee a kinde of English Daffodill, but bearing more flowers) and of a faire shining yellow colour, hauing large, round, and open cups or boules, yellower then the outer leaues; and is of so exceeding sweete a sent, that it doth rather offend the senses by the aboundance thereof: the roote is great, and couered with a blackish browne coate or skinne.

_Narcissus Africanus aureus minor._ The lesser Barbary Daffodill.

This lesser kinde is very neere the same with the former, but that it lacketh somewhat of his statlinesse of height, largenesse of flower and cup (being a paler yellow) and beauty of colour, for it beareth neither of these equall vnto the former, but is in them all inferiour. And thus by this priuatiue, you may vnderstand his positive, and that shall be sufficient at this time.

_Narcissus Byzantinus totus luteus._ The yellow Turkie Daffodill.

Whereas the last described, came short of the beauty of the former, so this lacketh of that beauty is in the last; for this, although it haue very long leaues, and a high stalke, yet the flowers are neither so many, as not being aboue foure or fiue, nor so large, being not much greater then the ordinary French Daffodill hereafter described, nor the colour so faire, but much paler, and the cup also smaller; and herein consisteth the chiefest differences betweene this, and both the other, but that the sent of this is also weaker.

The Place.

The first and the second grow in Barbary, about Argiers, and
Fez, as by the relation of them, that haue brought them into
these parts, wee haue been enformed.

The last hath been often brought from Constantinople among
other varieties of Daffodils, but from whence they receiued
them, I could neuer learne.

The Time.

These Daffodils do flower very early, euen with the first sort
of Daffodils, I meane after they haue been accustomed vnto our
climate: for oftentimes vpon their first bringing ouer, they
flower in Ianuary or February, especially if they be preserued
from the frosts, and kept in any warme place; for they are very
tender, and will soone perish, being left abroad.

The Names.

The first is called by diuers in French, _Narcisse d’ Algiers_
and in many places of the Low Countries, _Narcissen van Heck_,
or _Narcissus Heckius_; by diuers others _Narcissus Africanus
aureus maior_, we may call it in English, The great African
Daffodill, or the great Barbary Daffodill, or the great yellow
Daffodill of Argiers, which you please.

The second hath no other variation of name, then a diminutiue
of the former, as is set downe in the title.

The third is no doubt the same, that Clusius setteth downe
in the twelfth Chapter of his second Booke of the History of
more rare plants, and maketh the fourth sort, which came from
Constantinople, and may also be the same, which he maketh his
fifth, which (as he saith) he receiued from Doctour _Simor
Touar_ of Seuill in Spaine. Wee call it, from the place from
whence we receiued it, _Narcissus Byzantinus_, with the
addition of _totus luteus_, to put a difference from other
sorts that come from thence also: in English, The yellow single
Daffodill of Turkie.

_Narcissus Sulphureus maior._ The greater Lemon coloured Daffodill.

The greater of these Daffodils, beareth three or foure greene and very long leaues, a foote and a halfe long at the least, among which riseth vp a round, yet crested stalke, not so high as the leaues, bearing fiue or sixe single flowers thereon, euery one of them being greater then the ordinary French or Italian Daffodils, with many flowers vpon a stalke; of a faint, but yet pleasant yellow colour at the first, which after they haue been in flower a fortnight or thereabouts, change into a deeper, or more sullen yellow colour: the cup in the middle is likewise larger, then in those formerly named, and of a deeper yellow colour then the outer leaues, hauing onely three chiues within it. The smell is very pleasant.

_Narcissus Sulphureus minor._ The lesser Lemon coloured Daffodill.

This lesser Daffodill hath broader and shorter leaues then the former, of the colour of other Daffodils, and not greene like the former: the stalke of this riseth vp higher then the leaues, bearing foure or fiue flowers vpon shorter footestalkes, and no bigger then the French Daffodill, of a pale yellow, which most doe call a Brimstone colour, the cup or rather crowne in the middle, is small, and broad open, of a little deeper yellow, hauing many chiues within it, and is as it were sprinkled ouer with a kinde of mealinesse. The smell of this is not full so pleasant as the former.

The Place.

Both these haue been gathered on the Pyrenæan Mountaines, and
both likewise haue been sent out of Italy.

The Time.

They both flower in the middle time of the Daffodils flowring,
that is, in Aprill.

The Name.

They haue their Latine names expressed in their titles and so
are their English also, if you please so to let them passe; or
else according to the Latine, you may call them, The greater
and the lesser Brimstone coloured Daffodils; some haue called
them _Narcissus Italicus_, but the Italians themselues haue
sent them by the name of _Narcisso Solfarigno_.

_Narcissus totus albus polyanthos._ The milke white Daffodill many vpon a stalke.

The leaues of this Daffodill are of a meane size, both for length and breadth, yet somewhat greener then in the ordinary sorts, that haue some whitenesse in them: the flowers are many vpon the stalke, as small for the most part, as any of these kindes that beare many together, being wholly of a milke, or rather snow white colour, both the cuppe, which is small, and the outer leaues that compasse it; after which come small heads, wherein is contained round blacke seede, as all other Daffodils doe, although some greater, and others lesser, according to the proportion of the plants: the roote is couered ouer with a blackish skinne or coate; the smell is very sweete.

There are two other sorts more of this kinde, the differences whereof are, that the one hath his leaues somewhat broader, and the flowers greater then the former: And the other smaller leaues and flowers also, whose cups being small, are neuer seene fully open, but as it were halfe closed at the brimmes.

_Narcissus latifolius totus albus, mediocri calice reflexus._ The milke white Daffodill with the great cup.

There is yet another sort of these milke white Daffodils, whose leaues are as broad as any of the former, and whose cup in the middle of the flower, is somewhat larger then in any of the lesser sorts, and lesser then in the greater kinde: but the leaues of the flowers doe a little turne themselues vpwards, which maketh a chiefe difference.

The Place.

These Daffodils grow in Spaine, from whence I receiued many
that flourished a while, but perished by some fierce cold
Winters: they likewise grow in France, from whence many also
haue been brought vnto vs. They haue likewise been sent from
Constantinople to vs, among other kindes of Daffodils.

The Time.

They that come from Constantinople, for the most part doe
flower earlier then the other, euen after they are accustomed
to our ayre. Some of them flower notwithstanding in the end of
March, the rest in Aprill.

The Names.

They are vsually called _Narcissus totus albus polyanthos_,
adding thereunto the differences of _maior_, _medius_, and
_minor_, that is, The milke white Daffodill, the greater, the
middle, and the lesser; for so some doe distinguish them. The
last, for distinction, hath his name in his title sufficient to
expresse him.

1. _Narcissus Narbonensis, siue medio luteus præcox._ The early French Daffodill.

The leaues of this Daffodill, spring vp out of the ground a moneth or two sometimes before the other of this kinde, that follow; being also shorter and narrower: the stalke likewise is not very high, bearing diuers flowers at the top, breaking through a thinne skinne, as is vsuall with all the Daffodils, euery one whereof is small, consisting of six white leaues, and small yellow cup in the middle, which is of a prettie small sent, nothing so strong as many others: the roote is great and round, and seldome parteth into of-sets, euen as all the other that follow, bearing many single flowers, doe.

1 _Narcissus Africanus aureus maior._ The great yellow Daffodill
of Africa.
2 _Narcissus Africanus luteus minor._ The lesser yellow Daffodill
of Africa.
3 _Narcissus Narbonensis medio luteus._ The French Daffodill.
4 _Narcissus Pisanus, vel totus albus._ The Italian Daffodill, or the
all white Daffodill.
5 _Narcissus Mussart._ Mussart his Daffodill.
6 _Narcissus Anglicus polyanthos._ The great English Daffodill.
]

2. _Narcissus Narbonensis vulgaris._ The ordinary French Daffodill.

This Daffodill hath long and broad greene leaues, a little hollowish in the middle, and edged on both sides; the stalke is a foote and a halfe high, bearing at the toppe diuers flowers, somewhat larger then the former, consisting of six white leaues, somewhat round; the cup is yellow in the middle, small and round, like vnto an Acorne cuppe, or a little fuller in the middle: this is the forme of that sort which was first brought vnto vs: But since there is found out some, whose cup is shorter, others flatter, some of a paler, others of a deeper yellow colour, and some that haue their cuppe longer then the rest. The rootes of them all are couered with a blackish skin or coate.

3. _Narcissus Narbonensis maior amplo flore._ The French Daffodill with great flowers.

The leaues of this Daffodill are somewhat like vnto the last, but not so broad, yet full as long, and spring sooner out of the ground, yet not so early as the first of these kindes: the stalke hereof is flatter, and riseth higher, bearing foure or fiue flowers, much larger then any of this kinde; for euery one of them doth equall the English Daffodill, before described, but whiter then it, and the yellow cup larger, and more open then in any of the rest. The roote of this is not so great, or round, as the former, but is more plentifull in of-sets, then any other of these French, or Italian kindes.

4. _Narcissus Pisanus._ The Italian Daffodill.

This Italian Daffodill hath his leaues as large, or larger then the second French Daffodill, and his stalke somewhat higher, bearing many white flowers, very like vnto the common French Daffodill, but somewhat larger also; and the yellow cup in the middle likewise is larger, and rounder, then is vsually seen in any of the French kinds, except the last with the greatest flowers.

5. _Narcissus mediocroceus polyanthos._ The French Daffodill with Saffron coloured cups.

This French Daffodill hath diuers leaues of a grayish greene colour, not so broad or long as the last recited Daffodill, but comming neerer vnto the second French kinde, the flowers likewise are white, and many vpon a stalke, like thereunto, but the yellow cup is somewhat large, and circled with a Saffron like brimme or edge, which maketh the chiefest difference.

6. _Narcissus mediocroceus alter, dictus Mussart._ Mussart his Daffodill.

The affinity between this & the last, (for it is not the same to be expressed vnder one title) hath made me ioyne it next vnto it, yet because it hath a notable difference, it deserueth a place by himselfe. The leaues are large and long, and the flowers, being white, are larger also then in any other, except the greatest, but the cup hereof is small and short, rather seeming a coronet then a cup, of a deepe Saffron colour all about the brimmes or edges.

7. _Narcissus Anglicus polyanthos._ The great English Daffodill.

This Daffodill hath his leaues not much broader or longer, then the French kinde with great flowers, before described, the stalke with flowers riseth not fully so high as it, bearing many flowers thereon, not altogether so white, yet whiter then the former English Daffodill, called Primrose Peerlesse, but nothing so large, and with short, broad, and almost round leaues, standing close one vnto another: the yellow cup in the middle is bowle fashion, being somewhat deeper then in any of the former kinds, but not much greater: the smell hereof is very sweete and pleasant.

8. _Narcissus Narbonensis, siue medio luteus serotinus maior._ The greater late flowring French Daffodill.

The roote as well as the leaues of this Daffodill, are greater, larger, broader, and longer then in any other of the former French, or Italian kindes; the stalke is as high as any of them, bearing at the toppe fiue or sixe white flowers, standing open spread like a starre, and not close together, euery one whereof is large, and round pointed, the cup is yellow, small and short, yet not lying flat to the flower, but a little standing out with some threads in the middle, as all the former Daffodils haue. This is not so sweete as the earlier kindes.

9. _Narcissus medioluteus alter serotinus calice breui._ The lesser late flowring French Daffodill.