Chapter XV: Part IV: Chap. I (1)

_Of the FIGURES of_ Seeds.

THE _Figures_ of _Seeds_, or rather of their outward _Covers_, are made suitable, Partly to their _Collocation_ in the _Uterus_, as the _End_. So those of _Mallow_, standing like a Coronet round the _Stalk_, are of a wedged _Figure_; whereby their sharp Edges do all meet together in one _Centre_. Partly, to the various distribution of the _Vessels_ or _Fibers_, as one _Cause_: by which the _Measures_ and _Surface_ of _Seeds_, as well as of the _Leaves_ of _Plants_, are diversified. And partly, to the Nature of the _Saline_ and other _Principles_ regent in a _Plant_, as another principal _Cause_. And therefore the more _stony_, _brittle_, or full of _Salt_ the _Covers_ of any _Seeds_ are, they are generally more _angular_, and their _Figure_, whether _angular_ or not, more constantly observed. So the _Tartareous Stone_ of a _Plum_, is not only more _angular_, but also more regular than the Husk of the Kernel of a _Pear_ or _Apple_.

2. §. For all Stones are measured by several _Circles_, whose _Diametres_ hold a certain proportion to the Length of the _Stone_; in the same manner as hath been shewed in the description of the _Leaf_. ♦ _P. 1. Ch. 3._ ♦ So the _Stone_ of the _Pease-Cod-Plum_, is measured by two _Circles_. That of the _Turkey-Plum_ with Four. ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ That of the _Aprecok-Plum_, with Two repeated oppositely; being perfectly _Rhomboid_. To which, those also of the _Wheat-Plum_, _Damasceen_, and some others, allude. And some are measured by four _Circles_, and one repeated.

3. §. The _Figures_, not only of the larger sort of _Seeds_, but even of the smallest, have much and elegant variety. We will take the pleasure of comparing these which follow.

4. §. And first of all, some are perfectly _Spherick_, and with an even _Surface_; ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ as that of little _Century_. That of _Spergula_ is also _Spherick_; but hath a knobed _Surface_, and is encompassed with a _Membraneous Rimm_, like the _Horizon_ of a Globe. That of little _Celandine_ is Circular, but compressed like a _Cheese_.

5. §. Others are _Nephroideous_, or as it were _Hemispherick_. Of which _Figure_, and hereunto approaching, there are a greater number than of any other; as that which agrees with the more frequent _Shape_ and _Fold_ of the _Lobes_ and _Radicle_ of the _Seed_, as shall be seen. Yet with some difference, as to their _Shape_ and _Surface_. So, that of _Lychnis Sylvestris_ is figur’d just like the kidney of a _Cat_; and hath a knobed _Surface_. ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ That of _Poppey_ comes near it in _Shape_; but hath a _Surface_ exactly like that part of the _Paunch_ of a _Sheep_, called the _Hony-Coome_. That of great _Celandine_, is a little more oblong; and so, like the Kidney, not of a _Cat_, but of a _Sheep_: chequered with parallel _Rings_ and other short _Lines_ placed alternately betwixt them.

6. §. Where, by the way, we may see, as well by the _Seed_, as by the other _Parts_, of how different kinds, the Great and Little _Celandine_, notwithstanding their Names, are to be esteemed.

7. §. The _Seed_ also of _Ben_ or _spatling Poppey_ is somewhat like a _Kidney_: ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ but hath its Circumference raised up into a double _Ridge_: to which several small _Ridges_ do in some sort also radiate from one _Centre_ _sc._ the _Base_ of the _Seed_.

♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ 8. §. The _Seed_ of _Chickweed_, is partly like a _Kidney_, and partly like a little _Retort_. As also that of _Pentaphyl. fragiferum_. But the former is rough cast with small pieces having as it were feet on each side, like little _Insects_. With which, the _Seed_ of _Leuchanthemum_ (which may be called, the _Giant-Chickweed_) doth much agree. The latter, hath several _Fibrous Ridges_, resembling the _Fibres_ in the _Auricles_ of the _Heart_; or running from the nose to the Circumference, somewhat like the _Azymuth Lines_ on a _Quadrant_.

♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ 9. §. Some are _Oval_; as that of the little _Bell_, and rough cast with _Fibres_ almost parallel and produced by the Length of the _Seed_. In which latter respect, the _Seeds_ also of _Trachelium_ and some other like _Plants_, are agreeable. That of _Brooklime_, is also _Oval_, but encompassed with a thick _Rimm_, narrowing all the way to the _Base_ of the _Seed_.

10. §. The _Seed_ of _Dovesfoot_ hath an _oval Cone_, and a flat _Base_. Its _Surface_ favous, like that of _Poppy_, _Toad-flax_, and some other _Seeds_. ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ That of _Sedum minus æstivum luteum_, is in a manner the _Figure_ of the former inverted, being flat, not at the _Base_, but on the _Top_. And whereas that rises with a blunt _Angle_, this hath only a _Ridg_, raised above the _Surface_ of the _Seed_.

11. §. The _Seeds_ of divers sorts of _Grass_, are more _Conick_, as particularly of that, which for the likeness its _Seed_ hath to a _Barly Corn_, may be called _Barley-Grass_. And I little doubt, but that among the several sorts of _Grass_, ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ there are some which answer to all the kinds of _Esculent Grains_, as _Oat-Grass_, _Rice-Grass_, _Wheat-Grass_, _Rye-Grass_. And accordingly, that they may be more profitably sown in one Ground, than in another; and used with distinction, for the higher, or more wholsome feeding of Cattle. A _Rush_, though it seems an imperfect _Plant_, yet besides its _Flower_, hath also a plentiful brood of _Seeds_ of a _Conick Figure_.

12. §. Some _Seeds_ are _Cylindrick_, as that of St. _Johns-wort_, as also of _Tutsan_, and some other like _Plants_, with some little diversity in the _Shape_ or _Surface_ of the _Seed_. ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ That of _Vervain_, is in a manner, half a _Cylinder_: the true _Seed_ lying in the _Covers_, like a Child, in a Cradle without an head.

13. §. Others are rather _Conico-Cylindrick_, as that of _Jacobæa_; ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ having a Coronet on the top, and several furrows by the Length round about. Answerable to which, is that of _Erygerum_; in _Shape_ not unlike to a _Rowling-pin_.

14. §. Some are _Plani-Conick_, as that of _Nettle_, which is shaped somewhat like the end of a _Speer_. That of _Eye-bright_ is more _Eliptick_; with several _Ridges_ running by the Length; and joyned together with short pieces transversly, as in the looping of _Lace_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ That of _Wormwood_ not very unlike a little flat _Essence-Glass_: in which, the _Fibres_ are produced by the Length, as the _Ridges_ are in _Eye-bright_. And so in _Yarrow_, which is also encompassed with a _Membraneous Rimm_. That of _Dandelyon_, is _Plani-Conick_ towards the _Base_. And so those of _Lettice_, _Sonchus_, and some others. To which, those also of _Hieraceum_, _Tragopogon_, _Scorzonera_, &c. with respect to their _Surface_, do all allude.

15. §. And some are _Conico-Triangular_. Of which, that of _Sorrel_ is _Conick_ at both ends; the sides equal; and upon every _Angle_, hath a narrow and sharp _Rimm_. As also that of _Anagallis_; but the _Sides_ are _Spheri-conick_, and so the ends are blunt. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ They are also pounced with many little round _Cavities_. But have no _Rimm_ upon the _Angles_.

16. §. The _Seed_ of _Nigella_ is _Triangular_, and _Conick_ only at the _Top_. On every _Angle_, hath a narrow _Rimm_; the three _Sides_ equal, and _Spheri-conick_; surrounded with seven or eight _Ridges_ by the girth, joyned together in some places with others transversly. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ That of _Arsmart_, is also _Triangular_ and _Conick_ at the _Top_. But one of the _Sides_ is almost equal to the other two; which stand low. That of _Knot-Grass_ hath three _Sides_, one less than another; being as 5, 3, and 2, or thereabout.

17. §. The next (which I take to be the _Seed_ of a sort of _Bugloss_) is very oddly _figured_. The _Base_, _oval_; the _Top_, _conick_; the _Back_, swelling and round as an _Egg_; ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ the _Belly_ also swelling, but rising up into an obtuse _Angle_ highest in the midle, somewhat like a _Breastpiece_ of _Armour_: and is encompassed with a _Rimm_ sloaped upward.

18. §. That of _Moldavian Bawm_, is _Triangular_, and _Conick_ only at the _Base_. The place where it is fastned, shaped like the Beard of a Dart. Two of the _Sides_ are _Plani-conick_, the Third _Spheri-conick_, ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ and near as big as both the other two. The _Head_ flat, with a _Rimm_ erected upon each _Side_, so as to make a _Spherical Triangle_. Approaching to this, are those of _Sage_, _Horehound_, _Clary_, &c.

19. §. That also of _Bellis Tanaceti folio_, hath two _Sides Planiconick_, and a third _Sphericonick_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ The two first have several _Ridges_ running to the _Base_. Which is not perfectly _conick_, but a little dilated into two obtuse _Angles_. The _Head Triangular_, with one _Side_ convex, the other Two straight, a little hollowd, and having a small pinacle in the _Center_.

20. §. That of _Stæchas Arabica_, as the former, saving, that the _Head_ is _oval_, and the _Base_ sloaped into a little _Triangle_. That of _Wartwort_ or _Sun-Spurge_, hath a very complex _Figure_. The _Belly_ consisteth of two _Planiconick_ Sides, as the former; the Back, _Sphericonick_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ The whole _Seed_, in a manner, _Conick-oval_. Yet the _Base_ and _Head_ both flat. In the midle of the former, a Peg by which the _Seed_ is fastned; and of the latter, a poynted _Knob_. The midle of the _Belly-Sides_, hollowed, so as to make a flat _Rimm_ of equal _Bredth_; and the hollows filled up with _Bladders_ like those in all the _Parenchymus Parts_ of a _Plant_.

21. §. Lastly, there are some _Seeds_ which are square. Whereof some are straight, as that of _Fox-glove_; ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ which hath also an even _Surface_: And that of _Blattaria_, in which there are several little hollows in even Rows. And so in _Brounwort_.

22. §. And some _Convex_, as that of _Chrysanthemum Americ_. ’Tis _Quadrati-conick_, or square and sharp at the _Base_, and big at the _Head_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ The _Sides_ all plain; and a thin _Rimm_ erected upon every _Angle_. As also on the four _Sides_ of the _Head_, which is flat, with a little _Pinacle_ in the midle.

23. §. The _Seed_ also of _Tansey_, is a _Conick_ and bended square not with the _Angle_ forward, as the former, but the _Side_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ And in the place of every _Rimm_, hath a round _Ridge_. Somewhat like to this, are those of _Febrifuga_, _Mayweed_, and some others. Thus far of the _Figures_ of _Seeds_.

CHAP. II.

_Of the NUMBER and MOTIONS of_ Seeds.

NATURE hath secured the _Propagation_ of _Plants_ several ways, but chiefly by the _Seed_: for the _Production_ of which, the _Root_, _Leaves_, _Flower_, and _Fruit_, do all officiate, as hath been shewed. And according as the _Plant_, or the _Seed_ it bears, is more liable to be destroyed, Provision is made for _Propagation_, either by a greater number of _Seeds_, or other ways. So the _Seeds_ of _Strawberry_, being gathered, or eaten by _Vermin_, with the _Fruit_; the _Plant_ is therefore easily propagated by _Trunk-Roots_. So _Poppy_, being an annual _Plant_, is highly prolifick: for instance, the _White Poppy_; which commonly bears about four mature _Heads_, in each of which, there are at least ten _Partitions_, on both sides whereof, the _Seeds_ grow; and upon ¼ᵗʰ part of one side, about 100 _Seeds_; that is, 800 on one _Partition_: which being multiplied by 10 (the number of _Partitions_) makes 8000; and 8000 again by 4 (the number of _Heads_) makes 32000 _Seeds_, the yearly product of that _Plant_.

2. §. So in _Typha major_, the _Seeds_ being blow’n off and sow’n (as the Eggs of many _Fishes_ spawn’d) with great hazard, they are strangely numerous. For as they stand altogether upon the _Spike_, they make a _Cylinder_ at least six Inches long, and near ⅝ᵗʰˢ of an Inch in Diametre, or an Inch and ¾ about. Now 9 of these _Seeds_, set side to side, as they stand on the _Spike_, make but ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch; so that 72 make a line of an Inch in Length. But because upon the _Spike_, the _Hairs_ belonging to the _Seeds_ come between them; we will abate 10, and count but 62. To which ¾ᵗʰˢ of 62, that is (without the Fraction) 46 being added, makes 108 for the Circuit of the _Cylinder_. And the _Cylinder_ being six Inches long, there are six times 62, that is, 372, for a Line the length of the _Cylinder_. Which number being multiplied by 108, produceth 40176 the number of _Seeds_ which stand upon one _Stalk_; and so, upon three _Stalks_, which one _Plant_ commonly bears, there are in one year, above a hundred and twenty Thousand _Seeds_.

3. §. SO SOON as the _Seed_ is ripe, Nature taketh several _Methods_ for its being duly sow’n: not only in the opening of the _Uterus_, as in some Instances[69] hath already been seen; but also in the make of the _Seed_ it self. For _First_, the _Seeds_ of many _Plants_, which affect a peculiar _Soil_ or _Seat_, as of _Arum_, _Poppy_, &c. are heavy and small enough, without further care, to fall directly down into the Ground: and so to grow in the same place where themselves had their _Birth_.

[69] _P. 3. Ch. 5. Tab. 70, & 71._

4. §. But if they are so large and light, as to be exposed to the wind, they are often furnished with one or more _Hooks_; To stay them from straying over far from their proper place, till by the fall of _Leavs_ or otherwise, they are safely lodged. So the _Seeds_ of _Avens_ have one single _Hook_, those of _Agrimony_ and _Goose-grass_, many; ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ both the former, loving a _Bank_ for warmth, the latter, a _Hedge_ for its support.

5. §. On the contrary, many _Seeds_ are furnished with _Wings_ or _Feathers_. Partly, with the help of the Wind to carry them, when they are ripe, from off the _Plant_, as those of _Ash_, _Maple_, _Orach_, &c. lest staying thereon too long, they should either be corrupted, or miss their season. And partly, to enable them to make their flight, more or less, abroad: that so they may not, by falling together, come up too thick; and that if one should miss a good _Soyl_ or _Bed_, another may hit. So the _Kernels_ of _Pine_ have wings not unlike to those of some _Insects_; yet very short, in respect of the weight of the _Seed_; ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ whereby they flye not in the _Aer_, but like domestick _Fowls_, only flutter upon the Ground. But those of _Typha_, _Dandelion_ and most of the _Pappous_ kind, with many more, have very long and numerous _Feathers_, by which they are wafted every way, and to any distance necessary for the aforesaid purposes.

6. §. Again, there are some _Seeds_, which are scattered not by flying abroad, but by being either _Spurted_, or _Slung_ away. The first are those of _Woodsorrel_; which having a running _Root_, Nature sees it fit to sow the _Seeds_ at some distance. The doing of which is effected by a white thick and sturdy _Cover_ of a _Tendinous_ or _Springy Nature_, in which the _Seed_ lies within the _Case_. ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ This _Cover_, so soon as it begins to drye, bursts open on one side, in an instant, and is violently turned inside outward, as you would turn the _Gizard_ of a _Fowl_; and so smartly throws off the _Seed_.

7. §. The _Seeds_ of _Harts-tongue_, and of all that _Tribe_, are _Slung_ or _Shot_ away. The doing of which is performed by the curious contrivance of the _Seed-Case_; as in _Codded Arsmart_, and some other like _Plants_. Only there, the _Spring_ moves and curles up inward; but here it moves outward. I shall describe it, as well as the _Weather_ (which when I observed it was cloudy) would permit. Every _Seed-Case_, as it appears through a good _Glass_, ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ stands upon a _Pedicle_ from ½ an Inch to an Inch or more in Length; at the bottom about as thick again as a _Horse-hair_, and a little thicker at the _Top_, on which stands the _Case_, of a _Silver Colour_; about the bigness of a _Cherry-Stone_, of a _Spherick Figure_, and girded about with a sturdy _Tendon_ or _Spring_, of the _Colour_ of _Gold_: the whole _Machine_ looking not much unlike a little _Padlock_. The _Surface_ of the _Spring_ resembles a fine _Screw_, or some of the _Aer-Vessels_ in the _Wood_ of a _Plant_. So soon as by the _Innate Aer_ of the _Plant_, or otherwise, this _Spring_ is become stark enough, it suddenly breaks the _Case_ into two halfs, like two little _Cups_, and so slings the _Seed_.

8. §. These _Cases_ grow in oblique _Furrows_ or _Trenches_ on the back side the _Leaf_, from ¼ of an Inch to an Inch in Length, and about ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch broad. ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ In one of these _Trenches_ an Inch long are more than 300 of the _Cases_ above described; and allowing but 10 _Seeds_ to every _Case_, above 3000 _Seeds_. Which being multiplied by the number of _Furrows_ in one _Leaf_, with allowance for the lesser _Furrows_; and that summ by the number of _Leaves_ commonly growing upon one _Root_, comes to above Ten Hundred Thousand _Seeds_, the annual product of this _Plant_. The _Seed_ is of a _Tawny Colour_, through a good _Glass_ about 1/12ᵗʰ of an Inch long, flat, and somewhat oval. Of these, ten Thousand are not so big as a white _Pepper Corn_.

CHAP. III.

_Of the several COVERS of_ Seeds, _and of the VITELLUM._

THE next step of _Natures Managery_, relates chiefly to the Growth of the _Seed_ when it is sow’n. For which purpose, the outer _Covers_ are somewhere furnished with _Apertures_ sufficient for the reception of _Alimental Moysture_ from the _Ground_; and _Divisions_, for the _shooting forth_ of the young _Root_ into it. As in the _Seed_ of a _Gourd_, at the _Bottom_; in a _Bean_, on the _Side_; and in a _Chestnut_, at the _Top_: ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ in which places the _Radicle_ or young _Root_ always lies and puts forth, in the said several _Seeds_. And the _Seed_ of _Palma Christi_; ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ which falls to the Ground not only in the usual _Covers_, but also in the _Seed-Case_, for the more plentiful admission of _Aliment_, hath a double _Aperture_. Not much unlike to this, is that found sometimes in larger parcels of _Euphorbium_; for which _Cause_, I suspect it to be the _Gumm_ of a _Plant_ of the _Tithymal_ kind.

2. §. If the _Cover_ of the _Seed_ be stony and very hard, it is also distinguished into several _Pieces_; whereby they easily cleave asunder without much resistance to the eruption of the _Root_. So the _Shell_ of a _Hazel-nut_ easily cleavs on the edg; and the cleft begins best at the poynt, where the _Root_ stands and shoots forth. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ The _Shell_ of some _Walnuts_ cleavs into three _Parts_; and the _Stone_ of the _Bellerick Myrobalan_ into five: that so, being very thick and hard, if one piece should not yield, another may not fail to do it. And the _Covers_ or _Husks_ of some sorts of _Grain_, as of _Millet_, are only folded or laped one over another, the better to give way to their tender _Sprouts_.

3. §. Besides the _Kernels_ of _Plums_ and some other _Fruits_, there are very many _Seeds_, even of the smaller sort, which have also stony _Covers_; as of _Carthamum_, _Myagrum monospermon_, _Beet_, _Borage_, _Lithosperme_, _Amaranthus_, _Violet_, &c. Sometimes, for the reception of the harsher and less matured _Principles_ from the _Seed_, in its _Generation_, as in _Borage_. Commonly, to keep it warmer before and after its sow’n. For which purpose, the outer _Covers_ of some _Seeds_, are as it were Lined with _Fur_: in that of _Great Maple_, Short; of _Gossipium_, Long. And if the _Seed_ requires a longer stay under ground, the hardness of the _Cover_ serves to stint the _Aliment_; lest too much, should either rot it, or cause it to germinate, before its proper season, or full time for a more _Masculine_ Growth.

4. §. On the contrary, many _Seeds_, as those of _Clary_, _Garden-Cress_, and others of that _Tribe_, have their upper _Covers_ faced with a _Mucilage_: which being easily receptive of any _Moysture_ in the Ground, gradually swells, till it lies like a _Gelly_ round about the _Seed_. Either for a more plentiful supply of _Aliment_; or at least, to soften the _Covers_, the better to accelerate the Growth of the _Seed_.

5. §. The process of Nature in the several steps of the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_, hath formerly been explained.[70]

[70] _B. 1. Ch. 1._

6. §. THE COVERS of all, or at least the far greater number of _Seeds_, are Three; some way or other derived from the _Pith_: as shall hereafter be seen. And sometimes, Four: even those of ston’d _Fruits_, have Three, besides the _Stone_. In that of _Gossipium_, there are Two _Coats_ under that lined with the _Cotton_. The _Seeds_ of _Cucumer_, _Goats-beard_, _Broom_, _Scabious_, _Lettice_, &c. although so small, have plainly Three _Coats_. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But in some of these, and many more, there are only Two distinctly visible, except in the State of _Generation_.

7. §. In the Upper _Coat_, the _Seed-Vessels_ are disseminated. The Second, is first a meer _Pulp_; but afterwards shrinks up and sticks close to the upper. The Third or Inmost is more dense; and if it be thin, for the most part, transparent; whereby the _Seed_ seems sometimes to be naked while it lies therein; as in _Almonds_, _Cucumers_, and the like. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ For this sticks not to the midle _Coat_, as that doth to the outer; but commonly, remains entire, after those are stripp’d off, being as it were, the _Smock_ of the _Seed_.

8. §. In _Melissa_ and some other small _Seeds_, it comes finely off upon soaking in warm Water or on the _Tongue_. In _Fenugreek_, ’tis soft, and of an _Amber-Colour_; and being moystened, looks almost like fine _Glew_. But commonly, ’tis a pretty tough _Membrane_, and often with some thickness, as in _Plums_, _Borage_, _Scabious_. Yet always extream thin at the _Tip_ of the _Radicle_; the more easily to break and yield to it, as the _Secundine_ to the _Fœtus_, when it first shoots into the Ground. And sometimes, as in the _Seeds_ of an _Orange_, it hath at one end, the resemblance of a _Placenta_. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But of this, and the two upper _Coats_, I shall give a further Description in the last _Chapter_.

9. §. AS ALL _Seeds_ are _ex Ovo_; so there are many with thin _Covers_, as of _Orach_, _Spinage_, _Beet_, and the rest of that _Tribe_, &c. which besides the _Albumen_ or clear _Liquor_ out of which they are bred; have also, a _Vitellum_, or a _Body_ thereunto _Analogous_: being neither part of the _Seed_, nor part of the _Covers_, but distinct from them both. With respect to the _Bulk_ of the _Seed_, very large, as white as _Starch_, and pretty friable, like good _Rice_ or _Barley_: ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ of a roundish _Figure_, and grooved on the _Girth_, so as to have a double _Edge_; Whereby the _Seed_, which is long and slender, lies round it, as a _Sack_ of _Corn_ upon a _Pack-Saddle_ or a _Rope_ upon a _Pully-wheel_. Upon my first notice hereof, it seemed to answer to a _Placenta_. But upon further consideration, the _Analogy_ doth not hold betwixt them. For the _Placenta_ lies without the _Membranes_ in which the _Fœtus_ is conteined: whereas this body lies within the _Covers_ contiguous to the _Seed_, and so becomes its first and finest _Aliment_, as the _Yelk_ doth to the _Chick_. For which purpose, as in the _Generation_ of the _Seed_, it is a pure _Milky Chyle_; So in its _Vegetation_, it is converted into the like again.

10. §. The same Body for Sustenance is observable in the _Seeds_ of _Rhapontick_, _Dock_, _Sorrel_, and the rest of that kindred, with this difference; ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ That whereas in _Orach_, &c. the _Seed_ only lies upon it; here, the main _Body_ or _Lobes_ of the _Seed_ are immersed therein, the _Radicle_ standing naked or above it. So that the said _Lobes_, and therein the _Seminal-Root_ are beded herein, as in a _Tub_ of _Meal_ or a little pot of pure refin’d _Mould_, necessary for the first _Vegetation_ of the _Radicle_.

11. §. BY THESE midle _Steps_, _Nature_ proceeds from the _Thiner Covers_ of _Seeds_; or those, which after the _Generation_ of the _Seed_ is finished, shrink up; to the _Bulky Kind_, or those which keep their _Bulk_ after they are dry. Wherein, not only the _Lobes_, as in _Dock_, but the whole _Seed_ is immediately lodged. Different in _Substance_, _Shape_ and _Bulk_; but always many times biger than the true _Seed_ within it: for which it is commonly mistaken; but is no more the _Seed_, than is the _Stone_ of a _Plum_, the _Kernel_.

12. §. In the _Barbado Nut_, ’tis _White_, _Soft_, _Conick-oval_, and taking all its _Dimensions_, 8 or 10 times bigger than the _Seed_ within it. In _Ashen Keys_, ’tis of a sad _Colour_, _hard_, yet somewhat _Oyly_, _Oval_ and _flat_, and of the same _Bigness_ as in the _Barbado Nut_, with respect to the _Seed_. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ In the _Fruit_ commonly called _Nux Vomica Officinarum_, ’tis of the _Colour_ and _Hardness_ of a _Cows-Horne_; and makes almost the whole _Body_ of the _Fruit_, being about 14 or 15 times the _Bulk_ of the _Seed_. ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ In _Goosgrass_ or _Cliver_ ’tis of the like _Horny Substance_, but shaped somewhat like a _Bonet_ with the _Rimm_ tuckt in. And so in a _Coffee-Berry_; but rowled or foulded up into a kind of _Oval Figure_, with a _Notch_ or _Rima_ through the Length, where the two _Ends_ meet. With other diversities which will best be understood, when I come presently to the _Description_ of the _Seed_ herein contained.

13. §. With respect to the use of this _Cover_, it is observable, that where there is a _Stone_ or _Shell_ over it, as in the _Barbado Nut_, it is _soft_; but where there is none, as in _Nux Vomica_, _Ash_, &c. ’tis hard; and so it self instead of a _Stone_. As also, That it becomes _hard_, only by the proper Nature of its _Parenchyma_, and the exquisite _smallness_ of the _Bladders_ of which it consists. Whereas a _Stone_, is also hardened by the _Lees_ or _Tartar_ of the _Sap_ which sinks into it, and thereby _petrifies_ it[71] as hath been said. So that whereas a _Stone_, as it lies in the _Ground_, only cleavs in certain Places, but continues hard: This _Cover_, like some _Horns_, upon the due accession of _Moisture_, doth gradually become _soft_. Whereby, as while it is _hard_, it performs the Office of a _Stone_, in guarding the _Seed_ til the proper _Season_ for its _Growth_: So afterwards when it is _soft_, it answers, as in _Orach_ or _Dock_,[72] to a _Vitellum_, from whence the _Seed_ receiveth its first and purest _Aliment_.

[71] _P. 3. Ch. 3._

[72] _Ch. 3. §. 8, 9._

CHAP. IV.

_Of the FOETUS or true SEED: and first of the
RADICLE and LOBES._

HAVING discoursed of the _Covers_, I come next to the _Seed_ or _Fœtus_ it self. Of the _Shape_ and _Posture_ whereof, I shall give some _Examples_, first, among those with the thinner sort of _Covers_; and then, of those with the _Bulky_ one: where I shall speak only of the _Lobes_, or _Main Body_, and the _Radicle_. Next, I shall describe the several sorts of _Nodes_ or _Buds_ of _Seeds_. And lastly, the several Parts, of which the _Lobes_, _Radicle_, and _Buds_ are compounded.

2. §. Among _Seeds_ with the _Thinner Covers_, are those of all sorts of _Corn_ and _Grass_. Of a different make, from that of most other _Seeds_: The _Main Body_ being not divided into _Lobes_, but one entire Piece, doubled in the form of a Pair of _Lips_. And whereas commonly, the whole _Seed_ is very _Soft_ and _Oyly_; here, only those two minute _Parts_, which become the _Root_ and _Stalk_, are so: The _Main Body_ being of a different Substance; when the _Corn_ is ripe, _hard_ and _friable_; but when it is sown, easily _colliquable_ into a kind of _Milk_ or _Chyle_, so that, in some respects, it hath a near _Analogy_ to a _Vitellum_. For as that is gradually melted into a sort of _Chyle_, and by the _Branches_ of the _Ductus Intestinalis_ carryed into the _Bowels_ of the _Chick_: So is this, into a like _Substance_, and by the _Branches_ of the _Seminal Root_ (formerly describ’d) conveyed to those _Parts_, which become the future Plant. ♦ _B. 1. Ch. 1._ ♦

3. §. Of Relation to this Kind, the _Seeds_ of _Dates_, and of some other like _Plants_, may be esteem’d. For that which is commonly called the _Stone_, seems indeed to be the _Main Body_ of the _Seed_, doubled or folded up in the same manner as in _Corn_. To which that _Part_ which becomes the _Plant_, is annexed. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But whereas in _Corn_, ’tis placed at the Bottom of the _Main Body_; here it lies in a small round _Cavity_ in the middle of the _Back_. The _Stone_, or _Main Body_, where this Part grows to it, is not so hard, as more remote from it: and is therefore probably in some part dissolved, by lying in the _Ground_, as in _Corn_.

4. §. But for the most part, the _Main Body_ is divided, as hath been said, into two _Lobes_; and those in Substance _Homogeneous_ to the other _Part_ or _Parts_, plainly distinguished in most _Kernels_ and other large _Seeds_; ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ and not difficultly in many lesser ones, as in that of _Viola Lunaris_, _Scabious_, _Doves-Foot_, &c. if slipped out of their _Covers_ before they are full ripe.

5. §. In _Hounds-Tongue_, they are of a circular figure, and very large in Proportion to the _Radicle_. In _Cucumer_, oblong, with some visible _Branches_ of the _Seminal Root_; and the _Radicle_ somewhat bigger. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But in _Scorzonera_, very long, like the Leggs of a Pair of _Compasses_: and the two first, or _dissimilar Leavs_ of the _Plant_ into which they are converted, are of the same _Shape_. Of these and many more, the _Radicle_ is short and pointed; and lies in one straight Line with the _Lobes_.

6. §. In _Viola Lunaria_, they are very large; and the _Branches_ of the _Seminal Root_, fairly apparent, so as to resemble a Pair of _Leavs_. The _Radicle_ pretty long, equally thick from end to end, and couched down upon the two _Lobes_, ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ each of them having a little _Shoulder_ for it to lie upon. In _Woad_, where it hath the like _Posture_ and _Shape_, as also in _Chamælina_, _Eruca_, and many others, it is very _Bulky_, being bigger than both the _Lobes_ put together.

7. §. Of this Part, I think it may be observed, That commonly those _Seeds_, wherein it is very small with respect to the _Lobes_, produce a _Perennial_ Plant: And so, _vice versa_, where it is very large, an _Annual_ one. In the latter, the _Seminal Virtue_ being more vigorous, and so tending more hastily to the Business of _Generation_, followed with the _Death_ of the Plant.

8. §. IN THE former _Seeds_, the _Lobes_ lie flat one against another. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But in _Garden-Radish_, they are folded up, so as to receive the _Radicle_ into their _Bosome_: as when a _Chicken_ tucks his Head under his Wing.

9. §. In _Holyoak_, the _Lobes_ are plated upwards, and re-plated down again. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ Being most agreeably composed to the _Shape_ of the _Covers_, as those are to their _Posture_ on the Plant. In _Maple_, they are plated one over another, and so rouled up.

10. §. In the _Cotton-Seed_, which consisteth almost wholly of two very broad and thin _Lobes_ or _Leaves_, the _Folds_ are yet more numerous; ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ all curiously reduced to an exact and solid _Oval_.

11. §. It happens now and then, that instead of two, there are three _Lobes_, as in the _Kernels_ of _Plums_, _Apples_, and other _Fruits_, and the smaller sorts of _Seeds_, will spring up sometimes with more than two _dissimilar Leaves_, originally the _Lobes_ of the _Seed_. These are observed by some, more frequently to produce a double _Flower_, which may be, because the _Seminal Virtue_ in such _Seeds_, is increased by a third Part.

12. §. IN many _Seeds_, the _Radicle_ is of one and the same _Colour_ from end to end. But in others, as in the _Lupine_, it is observable, That the upper and greater half, is _White_; the Lower to the _Point_, hath a kind of _Horny Gloss_, and seems to be of a somewhat different make. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ Whereby it comes to pass, that after the _Radicle_ is shot forth a little way, only this lower half descends and becomes the _Root_: The upper half is produced or raised above ground, as a _Pillar_ upon which the _Lobes_, or _dissimilar Leaves_ are erected.

13. §. This _Seed_, on the out side of each _Lobe_, and near the _Radicle_, hath a very small and round _Node_, like a _Navel_; whereof, in the first Book: the whole _Seed_ looking not much unlike a _Pidgeons Head_; ♦ _Ch. 7._ ♦ the _Radicle_ resembling the _Bill_, and the _Navel_ the _Eye_.

14. §. IN the _Seed_ of _Garden-Orach_, ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ both the _Radicle_ and _Lobes_ are very long and slender, and lie almost in a compleat Circle round about the _Vitellum_ before describ’d. The _Lobes_ of _Rhapontick_ are shaped like the _Bitt_ of a _Spade_; ♦ _Ch. 3._ ♦ and the _Radicle_ stands erected above them like the _Handle_.

15. §. OF SEEDS also with the _Bulky Cover_, there are many not divided into _Lobes_; being in a manner, all one _Piece_; as all of the _Bulbous-Kind_. In some of which, though the inmost _Cover_ be thin; yet compared either with the other _Covers_, or with the _Seed_ it self, it may very well be accounted of the _Bulky Kind_.

16. §. In _Flag_, it is above twenty times bigger than the _Seed_ within it. Consisting of _Bladders_ all _Radiated_ towards the _Seat_ of the _Seed_. The _Seed_ it self is shaped somewhat like a _Penknife_. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ The lower Part which becomes the _Bulb_, as the _Haft_, is thick, and cometh near to a _Cylindrick_ Figure, and the end, round. The upper Part which becomes the first years _Leaf_, as the _Blade_, is rather flat, double edged, and pointed, and the Point a little bent. The _Fibers_ and _Bladders_ of which it consists, are all disposed into Parallel Lines running by the length. In _Lily_, where this _Cover_ is thinner and more _Transparent_, without being cut, but only held up against the Light, the _Seed_ may be seen within it.

17. §. BUT THE greater number of _Seeds_ also with the _Bulky Cover_, are divided into two _Lobes_; which, for the most part, resemble a pair of little _Leavs_. In the _Purging Nut_ of _Angola_, the _Shell_ being taken off, the upper _Covers_ (dry’d and shrunk up) seem to be but one. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ In these, the _Spermatick Vessels_ are Branched. Under these, lies the Thick and Inmost _Cover_; which being cut down the middle, exhibits the true _Seed_: Consisting of a couple of fair _Leavs_, Veined, and as white as _Milk_, joyned together with the _Radicle_ at their _Base_; and let into a Hollow, made in the _Cover_, of an answerable shape. The like is observable in the _Barbado-Nut_, _Ricinus Americanus_, and some other _Indian Fruits_; with some little difference in the Shape of the _Root_ and _Leavs_.

18. §. IN the foregoing _Fruits_, the _Bulky Cover_ is very soft. But in the _Nux Vomica Officinarum_, ’tis near as hard as a _Date-Stone_. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ In this, besides the hollow made for the reception of the _Seed_, or the two _Leavs_ and _Root_; the _Sides_ are separated or distinct almost to the _Edge_ of the _Cover_ round about, especially towards the _Root_: So that it may not unaptly be compared to a little _Pouch_ with the _Sides_ clapt together.

19. §. IN this and the _Nuts_ above mentioned,the _Seeds_ are all very large. But in some other _Plants_, they are extream small, so as to be hardly visible without a _Glass_; ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ as in _Staphisagria_, _Peony_, &c. In _Staphisagria_, the _Thick_ or _Inmost Cover_, is commonly a _Spherical Triangle_, _conick_ towards the _Base_. At the poynt of which, there is a little _Cavity_, in which the _Seed_, about as big as a small pins head, is lodged. The _Root_ whereof is a little poynted, and the two _Lobes_ rounded at the _Top_.

20. §. In _Peony_, the same _Cover_ is _Soft_, _White_, and of an _Oval Figure_; ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ the part used in _Medicine_. Usually thought to be the _Seed_ it self. But is near two hundred times biger than the true _Seed_, which is almost invisible. It lies in a little _Cavity_ near the bottom of the _Cover_; with a thick and blunt _Root_, and two poynted _Lobes_ or _Leavs_.

21. §. IN the _Coffee-Berry_, the _Seed_ lies in the _Inner_ or _Cartilaginous Cover_ (formerly described) ♦ _Ch. 3._ ♦ where one would not expect to find it, _sc._ near the _Top_ or _Surface_ of the _Back_. ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ The _Lobes_ of the _Seed_ are veined like two very minute _Leaves_, and joyned to a long _Root_ like a _Stalk_. The end of which comes just to the bottom of the _Cover_, ready for its _exit_ into the _Ground_.

22. §. In _Goosgrass_, where the _Inner Cover_ is also _Cartilaginous_ or _Horney_, ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ the _Seed_ is postured in much a like manner, and looks just like a couple of poynted _Leavs_ with a very long _Stalk_.

23. §. THE _Seed_ of _Stramonium_, is also inclosed in a _Bulky Cover_. Which being soaked in warm water, and very warily cut about the edges, with a _Rasor_, the _Seed_ may be taken out of it entire. ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ Shaped like that of _Orach_, but much longer. For the _Reception_ whereof, the _Cover_ is formed with a hollow, which runs round about it near the _Edge_; where in the _Seed_ lies like a little winding _Snake_.

CHAP. V.

_Of the BUDS of_ Seeds. _And of the PARTS, of
which these, the_ Radicle, _and_ Lobes _are compounded._

FROM between the two _Lobes_, rises up the _Stalk_ of the _Plant_. The original whereof, either to the naked _Eye_, or by a good _Glass_, is always visible in the _Seed_.

2. §. In many _Plants_, _Nature_ sees fit only to lay the foundation hereof in a small round _Node_; where upon the _Leavs_, in the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_, are superstructed: as in _Viola Lunaria_, and others.

3. §. But in the greater number of _Seeds_, is formed a true _Bud_, consisting of perfect _Leavs_; different from those, which grow upon the _Stalk_, only in _Bigness_; and so far in _Shape_, as the same _Parts_ of an Animal _Fœtus_, in its several ages in the _Womb_. In many _Seeds_, as well small as great, and as well of _Herbs_ as _Trees_, it is very apparent. But oftentimes lyeth so deep between the _Lobes_ as to be almost undiscernable, as in _Maple_.

4. §. The _Leaves_ of the _Bud_, in different _Plants_, are of a different _Number_; in some, Two; in others, Four, Six, and sometimes more. In the _Bay-Berry_, they are only two; very small, but thick or fat, and finely veined. In the _Seed_ of _Carduus Benedictus_, ♦ _Tab. 78._ ♦ they are also Two; almost invisible; broad at the _Bottom_, poynted at the _Top_, thick or fat, yet plated inward, and postured a little distant one from the other; for the two next to rise up between them. The like may be seen in _Carthamum_; and so, I suppose, in all the _Carduus Kind_.

5. §. In some _Herbs_, although the _Bud_ consisteth but of two perfect _Leaves_, yet they are very conspicuous. ♦ _Tab. 78._ ♦ Not only in larger _Seeds_, as in the _Phaseolus_ or _French Bean_; but in those which are small, as in the _Seed_ of _Hemp_. In this, the two _Leaves_ are both plated, and so set _Edge_ to _Edge_, with mutual _Undulations_. Of that Length, as to be extended beyond a third part of the _Lobes_.

6. §. In the _Seed_ of _Sena_, the _Bud_ consisteth of Four _Leaves_; ♦ _Tab. 78._ ♦ of which, the greater pair is the outer, and guards the less. Shaped not much unlike those in the _Seed_ of _Carduus_; but are a little more visible.

7. §. In the _Bud_ of an _Almond_, we may easily count six, or eight _Leaves_, and sometimes more; the Inermost being laid bare by a dexterous _Separation_ of the Outer. ♦ _Tab. 78._ ♦ These are by much the greatest, doubled Inward, and so laped one over another; whereby they embosome all the rest, as a _Hen_ spreads her _Wings_ over her _Chickens_. The like is observable in many other large _Kernels_, as also in the _Garden Bean_, and some other _Plants_. With respect to which, I have taken leave[73] to call this _Part_ the _Plume_.

[73] _B. 1. Ch. 1._

8. §. THE LOBES of the _Seed_, and so likewise the _Radicle_ and _Bud_ consist of a _Skin_, _Parenchyma_, and _Branched Vessels_: all which I have formerly described.[74] I shall now add the following _Remarques_.

[74] _B. 1. Ch. 1._

♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ 9. §. And first of the _Skin_, which in some _Seeds_, as the _French-Bean_ may easily be separated from the _Parenchyma_: especially if the _Bean_ be soaked in water for some days; for then it will slip off, like the _Skin_ in any part of ones _Body_ where it is blistered. ’Tis woven into _Bladders_, as the _Parenchyma_; but into smaller ones, and upon the _Lobes_ of a _Garden Bean_, all radiated towards the _Center_. With these _Bladders_, there are also mixed a sort of _Lignous Fibres_, incomparably small, which give a _Toughness_ to the _Skin_, and by which the _Bladders_ are directed into _Rays_.

10. §. The _Bladders_ of the _Parenchyma_, as is said, are much larger than those of the _Skin_, especially in the _Lobes_. In those of a _Garden Bean_, somewhat oval, about ⅛ of an Inch Diametre by their _Bredth_, ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ and directed towards the _Branches_ of the _Seminal Root_. In the _Radicle_, they are twenty times smaller, than in the _Lobes_: and so in the _Plume_.

11. §. Throughout the _Parenchyma_ run the _Branched Vessels_, ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ which in the _Lobes_ make the _Seminal Root_; in the _Radicle_ and _Plume_, the _Wood_ of the _Root_ and _Stalk_. In all of them, distributed as hath been[75] formerly shewed.

[75] _B. 1. Ch. 1._

12. §. I shall here further note, That the utmost divisions are no where extended to the Circumference of the _Lobes_, ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ but are all inosculated together at a considerable distance from it, as in the _Leaves_ of some _Plants_.

13. §. In the _Lobes_ they all meet in one solid _Nerve_. But in the _Radicle_, are dilated into a hollow _Trunk_, filled up with a _Pith_; composed of _Bladders_ somewhat bigger than those which make, as it were, the _Barque_ of the _Radicle_. ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ In the _Radicle_ of a _French Bean_, the _Pith_ is very conspicuous.

14. §. The _Vessels_ are of two kinds, as in the other _Parts_ of a _Plant_; for _Sap_, and for _Aer_. Not running collateral, as _Arteries_ and _Veins_; but the latter every where sheathed in the former. From the _Aer-Vessels_ it is, that if a _Bean_ be steeped in water, and then the _Radicle_ cut transversly and pressed, it will yield _Bubles_ as well as _Liquor_. ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ These _Vessels_ are admirably small, yet through a very good _Glass_ become visible.

15. §. The _Liquor_ conteined in the _Seed_, when full ripe is chiefly _Oyl_; generally, found in a greater proportion here, than in any other part of a _Plant_. Being as the _Pickle_, in which the _Seminal Virtues_, _i. e._ the more _volatile_ and _active Principles_ of the _Seed_, are immersed for their _Preservation_: and to curb them from too great a _Luxuriance_ in the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_.

CHAP. VI.

_Of the GENERATION of the SEED._

AS I made choice of a _Garden-Bean_, to shew the manner of the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_: so I shall take an _Aprecock_, as very apt and convenient, to observe and represent the _Method_ which _Nature_ taketh in its _Generation_.

2. §. In order to do this, the first thing that is to be done, is to make a fit _Uterus_. Both to keep the _Membranes_ of the _Fœtus_ warm, and succulent, till it be formed: and to preserve and secure the _Fœtus_ it self afterwards, till it comes to be born into the _Ground_.

3. §. For this purpose, the _Pulp_ and _Stone_ of the _Fruit_ are both necessary; but primarily the _Stone_: the _Meat_ or _Pulp_ being no otherwise necessary, but because the _Stone_ cannot be made without it; the petrifying of that _Parenchyma_ which is the _Ground_ of the _Stone_, being effected, by the sinking or the _Tartar_ from the _Pulp_ thereinto.

4. §. And that, at the first, the _Ground_ of the _Stone_, is a distinct, but soft _Parenchyma_; is evident in the cuting of a young _Aprecock_. Of which, also a slice cut off, with a _Rasor_, and viewed through a good _Glass_, sheweth it to be composed of _Bladders_, as the _Pulp_ it self. ♦ _Tab. 82._ ♦ Only, whereas many of those of the _Pulp_ are large, now about as big as a white _Pepper-Corn_: these are no bigger than a _Mustard-Seed_. But as the _Parenchyma_ hardens into a _Stone_, these _Bladders_ are all gradually filled up, and disappear.

5. §. This _Parenchyma_ is derived immediately from the _Pith_, as the _Pulp_ is from the _Barque_; and makes the far greater part of the _Stone_. ’Tis covered all over within, with a very thin _Lining_; derived, not from the _Pith_ but the _Parenchyma_ which covers the _Seed-Branch_, upon its first entrance within the hollow of the _Stone_. This _Lining_ is of a close substance; yet composed of _Bladders_, exquisitely small and hardly visible. By which means, it soon becomes a very hard and dry _Body_; ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ and is hereby fitted, both to promote the induration of the rest of the _Stone_; and the seasonable drying, and so, the shrinking up, of the _Covers_ of the _Seed_, to make room for its _Growth_.

6. §. The _Stone_ being made hard and dry; it could never be so sufficiently softned by lying under ground, but that, it would keep the _Seed_ a perpetual prisoner, unless it were also made pretty easily to cleave in two. For which purpose, the _Skin_ of the _Fruit_ doth observably conduce. ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ For in a _Slice_ of a young _Aprecock_ cut transversly with a very sharp knife, it may be seen, especially with the help of a _Glass_, to be doubled inward from the two _Lips_ of the _Fruit_, and so to be continued, not only through the _Pulp_, but also through the _Stone_ it self, into the hollow of the same, where it meets, and is united with the _Lining_ thereof. Whereby, as it further helps to the drying and hardning of the _Stone_; so also renders it cleavable in that part, where it runs through it. And therefore, whereas towards the _Stalk_, it goes no farther than to the _Seed-Branch_, and so but half way through the _Stone_: towards the _Top_ of the _Fruit_, where the _Radicle_ stands, and where the _Stone_ begins to cleave, it runs quite through it.

7. §. _Nature_ having thus provided a convenient _Uterus_, She next taketh care about the _Membranes_ of the _Fœtus_. These are _Three_ apparently distinct, and in many respects different one from another.

8. §. The outer _Membrane_ is derived from the _Parenchyma_ which surrounds the _Seed-Branch_; which, upon its entry into the hollow of the _Stone_, is expanded, as it were, into two _Bladders_, one within another; ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ whereof, one becomes the _Lining_ of the _Stone_; the other, this outer _Membrane_: as is best seen by cuting a young _Aprecock_, when it is about half an Inch long, down through the midle, or from the _Seat_ of the _Flower_ to the _Stalk_, between the two _Lips_.

9. §. This outer _Membrane_, at this age, hath a good full and frim _Body_, about 1/12ᵗʰ of an Inch thick, or through an ordinary _Glass_, half an Inch, where it is thickest, as at the _Sides_ and the greater end: the _Poynt_ being thinner, for the more easy eruption of the _Radicle_ into the _Earth_. ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ Composed of _Bladders_, through an ordinary _Glass_, about as big, as a _Colewort-Seed_.

10. §. Throughout this _Membrane_, the _Vessels_ conteined in the _Seed-Branch_ are distributed. Beginning a little below the smaller end of the _Coat_ or _Membrane_, they thence fetch their circuit both ways round about, just beneath the _Surface_ of the _Membrane_, and at last, meet in the midle of the greater end, where they are all inosculated, so as to make a kind of _umbilical Node_. ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ From whence they strike deeper into it, and at last, into the midle _Membrane_, in which they presently become invisible. By these _Vessels_, the _Sap_ is brought and spewed into the midle _Membrane_. So that the outer _Membrane_ seemeth, in some respects, to be answerable to the _Placenta_ in _Animals_.

11. §. The midle _Membrane_, is derived from the bottome of the Outer. From whence especially, but also round about, the _Bladders_ hereof (all angular) are more and more amplified towards the _Centre_; most of them being at least two hundred times biger, than those of the Outer _Membrane_: ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ whereby it looks, through a _Glass_, not unlike a _Coome_ full of _Hony_; or in regard of their great transparency, like a company of little _Crystal Pans_ full of a pure _Lympha_.

12. §. This Midle _Membrane_, is properly so called, from the state and condition it hath, upon the _Augmentation_ of the _Seed_, at which time, it obteins the nature of an _Involucrum_. But originally, it is every where entire, without any _Hollow_, filling up the _Cavity_ of the Outer _Membrane_, like a soft and delicate _Pulp_. After a short time, there appears in it a small _Ductus_ or _Chanel_; which runs from the bottom to the top, like an _Axis_, through the midle of it. ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ At first, no wider than to receive the _Hair_ of a _Mans Head_; not visible, except in a slice hereof cut transversly, and viewed in a _Glass_. Being grown a little wider, it may be seen, if the _Membrane_ be dexterously cut by the length. At which time, it is also dilated into two _Oval Cavities_, one at each end: which are as two little _Cisterns_, whereinto a most pure _Lympha_ continually owzeth, and is therein reserved for the nourishment of the _Seed_; and through the _Chanel_ which runs between the _Cisterns_ is emptied out of one _Cistern_ into another, according as the _Seed_ or the Inmost _Membrane_ hath need of it; _i. e._ as the _Weather_ and other Circumstances do more or less accelerate their _Growth_, and so render the _Lympha_ useful to them.

13. §. A few days after this, the Innermost _Membrane_ begins to appear; growing, like a soft _Node_ or _Bud_, out of the upper _Cistern_; to the lower end of which it is joyned by a short and tender _Stalk_, ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ from whence it is produced into a _Conick-oval Figure_, answerable to that of the _Cistern_.

14. §. This _Membrane_, though soft and full of _Sap_, yet being compared with the midlemost, is a close and compact _Body_, composed of _Bladders_ above 300 times smaller than they are in that. Whereby, as the _Seed_ is so well guarded, as not to be supplyed with any part of the _Lympha_, but the purest: so neither with any more of this, than will suffice, without the danger of making an _Inundation_ out of so great a _Lake_.