The SecondVOYAGE.
I have heard of a certain Merchant in the west ofEngland, who after many great losses, walking upon the Sea-bank in a calm Sun-shining day; observing the smoothness of the Sea, coming in with a chequered or dimpled wave: Ah (quoth he) thou flattering Element, many a time hast thou inticed me to throw my self and my fortunes into thy Arms; but thou hast hitherto proved treacherous; thinking to find thee a Mother of encrease, I have found thee to be the Mother of mischief and wickedness; yea the Father of prodigies; therefore, being now secure, I will trust thee no more: But mark this mans resolution a while after,periculum maris spes lucri superat. So fared it with me, that having escaped the dangers of one Voyage, must needs put on a resolution for a second, wherein I plowed many a churlish billow [p. 34.] with little or no advantage, but rather to my loss and detriment. In the setting down, whereof I purpose not to insist in a methodical way, but according to my quality, in a plain and brief relation as I have done already; for I perceive, if I used all the Art that possibly I could, it would be difficult to please all, for all mens eyes, ears, faith, judgement, are not of a size. There be a sort of stagnant stinking spirits, who, like flyes, lye sucking at thebotches of carnal pleasures, and never travelled so much Sea, as is betweenHeth-ferry, andLyon-Key; yet notwithstanding, (sitting in the Chair of the scornful over their whists and draughts of intoxication) will desperately censure the relations of the greatest Travellers. It was a goodprovisoof a learned man, never to report wonders, for in so doing, of the greatest he will be sure not to be believed, but laughed at, which certainly bewraies their ignorance and want of discretion. Of Fools and Madmen then I shall take no care, I will not invite these in the least to honour me with a glance from their supercilious eyes; but rather advise them to keep their inspection for their fine-tongu’d Romances, and playes. This homely piece, I protest ingenuously, is prepared for such only who well know how to make use of their [p. 35.] charitable constructions towards works of this nature, to whom I submit my self in all my faculties, and proceed in my second voyage.
Anno 1663.Maythe Three and twentieth, I went down toGravesend, it beingSaturdayI lay ashore tillMondaythe fifth, about 11 a clock at night, I went aboard theSocietybelonging toBostonin theMassachusetsa Colony ofEnglishinNew-England, of 200 and 20 Tun, carrying 16 Iron Guns most unserviceable, man’d with 33 sailers, and 77 passengers, men, women and children.
The Six and twentieth day, about 6 of the clock in the morning we weighed Anchor, and fell down with the tide three or four miles belowGravesend.
The Seven and twentieth in the afternoon, we weighed Anchor and came into theHopebeforeDeal-Castle, herewe were wind bound till
The 30 day, we set sail out of theDowns, beingSaturdayabout 9 of the clock in the morning, about 4 of the clock in the afternoon we came up withBeachybyW.atNore.
The One and thirtieth at 4 of the clock in the morning we came up with the Isle ofWight, at 4 of the clock in the afternoon [p. 36.] we hadPortlandN. N. W. of us, 6 leagues off, the wind being then atN. W. by N.at 5 of the clock we came toDartmouth, the windW. S. W.
Junethe first day, beingMondayabout 4 of the clockPlimouthwas about 9 leagues off, our courseW. S. W.the Start bore North distant about 6 leagues from whence our reckonings began; the wind nowE. N. E.a fair gale.
The second day theLizardboreN. N. W.in the latitude 51. 300 leagues fromCape-CodinNew England, our courseW.and byS.One of our passengers now dyed of a Consumption.
The Fifth day we steeredS. W.observed and found the ship in latitude 47 degrees, and 44 minutes.
The Tenth day observed and found the ship in latitude 49 degrees, and 24 minutes.
The Five and twentieth day, about 3 of the clock in the morning we discovered land, about 6 of the clockFlowers, so called from abundance of flowers, andCorvofrom a multitude ofCrowes; two of theAzoresor western Islands, in theAtlantique Oceannot above 250 leagues fromLisbonboreN. W.of us some 3 leagues off, we steered awayW.byW.observed and foundFlowersto be in the Southern part in latitude 39 [p. 37.] degrees 13 minuts, we descryed a Village and a small Church or Chappel seated in a pleasant valley to the Easter-side ofthe Island, the whole Island is rockie and mountanious about 8 miles in compass, stored with Corn, Wine and Goats, and inhabited by outlaw’dPortingals, the Town they callSanta Cruz.Corvois not far from this, I supposed two or three leagues, a meer mountain, and very high and steep on all sides, cloathed with tall wood on the very top, uninhabited, but theFlowreanshere keep some number of Goats.
The Seven and twentieth day, 30 leagues to the westward of these Islands we met with a small Vessel stoln fromJamaico, but 10 men in her, and those of several nations,English,French,Scotch,Dutchalmost famish’d, having been out as they told us, by reason of calms, three moneths, bound forHolland.
Julythe sixth, calm now for two or three dayes, our men went out to swim, some hoisted theShallopout and took divers Turtles, there being an infinite number of them all over the Sea as far as we could ken, and a man may ken at Sea in a clear Air 20 miles, they floated upon the top of the water being a sleep, and driving gently upon them with theShallop, of a sudden [p. 38.] they took hold of their hinder legs and lifted them into the boat, if they be not very nimble they awake and presently dive under water; when they were brought aboard they sob’d and wept exceedingly, continuing to do so till the next day that we killed them, by chopping off their heads, and having taken off their shells (that on their back being fairest, is called a Gally patch) we opened the body and took out three hearts in one case, and (which was more strange) we perceived motion in the hearts ten hours after they were taken out. I have observed inEnglandin myyouthful dayes the like in the heart of aPike, and the heart of aFrog, which will leap and skip as nimbly as theFrogused to do when it was alive from whom it was taken. Likewise the heart of aPigwill stir after it is exenterated. Being at a friends house inCambridg-shire, the Cook-maid making ready to slaughter aPig, she put the hinder parts between her legs as the usual manner is, and taking the snout in her left hand with a long knife she stuck thePigand cut the small end of the heart almost in two, letting it bleed as long as any bloud came forth, then throwing of it into a Kettle of boyling water, thePigswom twice round about the kettle, when taking of it out to [p. 39.] the dresser she rub’d it with powderedRozenand stript off the hair, and as she was cutting off the hinder pettito, thePiglifts up his head with open mouth, as if it would have bitten: well, the belly was cut up, and the entrails drawn out, and the heart laid upon the board, which notwithstanding the wound it received had motion in it, above four hours after; there were several of the Family by, with my self, and we could not otherwayes conclude but that thePigwas bewitched; but this by the way. Of the Sea Turtles there be five sorts, first the Trunck-turtle which is biggest, Secondly, the Loggerhead-turtle. Thirdly, the Hawkbill-turtle, which with its bill will bite horribly. Fourthly, the Green-turtle which is best for food, it is affirmed that the feeding upon this Turtle for a twelve moneth, forbearing all other kind of food will cure absolutely Consumptions, and the great pox; They are a very delicate food, and their Eggs are very wholesome and restorative, it is anAmphibiousCreature going ashore, the male throws the female on her back when he couples withher, which is termed cooting, their Eggs grown to perfection the female goes ashore again and making a hole in the Sand, there layes her Eggs which are numerous, I have seen a peck [p. 40.] of Eggs taken out of one Turtle; when they have laid they cover the hole again with sand, and return to the Sea never looking after her Eggs, which hatching in the sand and coming to some strength break out and repair to the Sea. Having fill’d our bellies with Turtles and Bonito’s, calledSpanishDolphins excellently well cooked both of them, the wind blowing fair,
The Eighth day we spread our sails and went on our voyage, after a while we met with abundance of Sea-weeds called Gulf-weed coming out of the Bay ofMexico, and firr-trees floating on the Sea, observed and found the Ship to be in 39 degrees and 49 minuts.
The Fifteenth day we took a young Sharke about three foot long, which being drest and dished by a young Merchant a passenger happened to be very good fish, having very white flesh in flakes like Codd but delicately curl’d, the back-bone which is perfectly round, joynted with short joynts, the space between not above a quarter of an inch thick, separated they make fine Table-men, being wrought on both sides with curious works.
The One and twentieth thick hasie weather.
The Five and twentieth we met with a [p. 41.]Plimouthman come from St.MalloesinFrance, 10 weeks out, laden with cloath, fruit, and honey, bound forBostoninNew-England.
The Six and twentieth we had sight of land.
The Seven and twentieth we Anchored atNantascot, in the afternoon I went aboard of aKetch, with someother of our passengers, in hope to get toBostonthat night; but the Master of theKetchwould not consent.
The Eight and twentieth beingTuesday, in the morning about 5 of the clock he lent us hisShallopand three of his men, who brought us to the western end of the town where we landed, and having gratified the men, we repaired to an Ordinary (for so they call their Taverns there) where we were provided with a liberal cup of burnt Madera-wine, and store of plum-cake, about ten of the clock I went about my Affairs.
Before I pursue my Voyage to an end, I shall give you to understand what CountrieNew-Englandis.New-Englandis that part ofAmerica, which together withVirginia,Mary land, andNova-scotiawere by theIndianscalled (by one name)Wingadacoa, after the discovery by SirWalter[p. 42.]Rawleighthey were namedVirginia, and so remained untill KingJamesdivided the Countrey into Provinces.New-Englandthen is all that tract of land that lyes between the Northerly latitudes of 40 and 46, that is fromDe-la-ware-BaytoNew-found-land, some will have it to be in latitude from 41 to 45. in KingJame’sLetters Patents to the Council ofPlimouthinDevonshirefrom 40 to 48 of the same latitude, it is judged to be an Island, surrounded on the North with the spacious River ofCanada, on the South withMaheganorHudsonsRiver, having their rise, as it is thought, from two great lakes not far off one another, the Sea lyes East and South from the land, and is very deep, some say that the depth of the Sea being measured with line and plummet, seldom exceeds two or three miles, except in some places near theSwevian-shores, and aboutPontus, observed byPliny. SirFrancis Drakethrew out 7 Hogsheads of line nearPorto-belloand found no bottom, but whether this be true or no, or that they were deceived by the Currants carrying away their lead and line, this is certainly true, that there is more Sea in the Western than the EasternHemisphere, on the shore in more places than one at spring-tides, that is at the full or new of the moon, [p. 43.] the Sea riseth 18 foot perpendicular, the reason of this great flow of waters I refer to the learned, onely by the way I shall acquaint you with two reasons for the ebbing and flowing of the Sea; the one delivered in Common conference, the other in a Sermon atBostonin theMassachusets-Bayby an eminent man; The first was,that God and his spirit moving upon the waters caused the motion; the other,that the spirit of the waters gathered the waters together; as the spirit of Christ gathered souls.
The shore is Rockie, with high cliffs, having a multitude of considerable Harbours; many of which are capacious enough for a Navy of 500 sail, one of a thousand, the Countrie within Rockie and mountanious, full of tall wood, one stately mountain there is surmounting the rest, about four score mile from the Sea: The description of it you have in my rarities ofNew-England, between the mountains are many ample rich and pregnant valleys as ever eye beheld, beset on each side with variety of goodly Trees, the grass man-high unmowed, uneaten and uselesly withering; within these valleys are spacious lakes or ponds well stored with Fish and Beavers; the original of all the great Rivers in the Countrie, of which there are many with lesser [p. 44.] streams (wherein are an infinite of fish) manifesting the goodness of the soil which is black,red-clay, gravel, sand, loom, and very deep in some places, as in the valleys and swamps, which are low grounds and bottoms infinitely thick set with Trees and Bushes of all sorts for the most part, others having no other shrub or Tree growing, but spruse, under the shades whereof you may freely walk two or three mile together; being goodly large Trees, and convenient for masts and sail-yards. The whole Countrie produceth springs in abundance replenished with excellent waters, having all the properties ascribed to the best in the world.
Swift is’t in pace, light poiz’d, to look in clear,And quick in boiling (which esteemed were)Such qualities, as rightly understoodWithouten these no water could be good.
Swift is’t in pace, light poiz’d, to look in clear,And quick in boiling (which esteemed were)Such qualities, as rightly understoodWithouten these no water could be good.
Swift is’t in pace, light poiz’d, to look in clear,
And quick in boiling (which esteemed were)
Such qualities, as rightly understood
Withouten these no water could be good.
One Spring there is, atBlack-pointin the Province ofMain,coming out of muddy clay that will colour a spade, as if hatcht with silver, it is purgative and cures scabs and Itch, &c.
Isa. 45. 3.
The mountains and Rocky Hills are richly furnished with mines of Lead, Silver, [p. 45.] Copper, Tin, and divers sorts of minerals, branching out even to their summits, where in small Crannies you may meet with threds of perfect silver; yet have theEnglishno maw to open any of them, whether out of ignorance or fear of bringing a forraign Enemy upon them, or (like the dog in the manger) to keep their Soveraign from partaking of the benefits, who certainly may claim an interest in them as his due, being eminently a gift proceeding from divine bounty to him; no person can pretend interest in Gold, Silver, or Copper by the law of Nations,but the Soveraign Prince; but the subjects of our King have a right to mines discovered in their own Lands and inheritances; So as that every tenth Tun of such Oar is to be paid to the proprietors of such lands, and not to the state, if it be not a mine-Royal: if it prove to be a mine-Royal, every fifth Tun of all such Oar as shall hold Gold or Silver worth refining, is to be rendered to the King.The learned Judges of our Kingdom have long since concluded, that although the Gold or Silver conteined in the base mettals of a mine in the land of a Subject, be of less value than the baser mettal; yet if the Gold or Silver do countervail the charge of refining it, or be more worth than the base mettal spent[p. 46.]in refining it, that then it is a mine-Royal, and as well the base mettal as the Gold and Silver in it belongs by prerogative to the Crown.
The stones in the Countrey are for the mostmettle-stone, free-stone, pebble, slate, none that will run to lime, of which they have great want, of the slate you may make Tables easie to be split to the thickness of an inch, or thicker if you please, and long enough for a dozen men to sit at. Pretious stones there are too, but if you desire to know further of them, see the Rarities ofNew-England; onely let me add this observation by the way, that Crystal set in the Sun taketh fire, and setteth dry Tow or brown Paper on fire held to it. There is likewise a sort of glittering sand, which is altogether as good as the glassie powder brought from theIndiesto dry up Ink on paper newly written. The climate is reasonably temperate, hotter in Summer, and colder in Winter than with us, agrees with our Constitutions better thanhotter Climates, these are limbecks to our bodies, forraign heat will extractthe inward and adventitious heat consume the natural, so much more heat any man receives outwardly from the heat of the Sun, so much more wants he the same inwardly, which is one reason why [p. 47.] they are able to receive more and larger draughts of Brandy, & the like strong spirits than inEnglandwithout offence.Cold is less tolerable than heat, this a friend to nature, that an enemy. Many are of opinion that the greatest enemies of life, consisting of heat and moisture, is cold and dryness; the extremity of cold is more easie to be endured than extremity of heat; the violent sharpness of winter, than the fiery raging of Summer. To conclude, they are both bad, too much heat brings a hot Feaver, too much cold diminisheth the flesh, withers the face, hollowes the eyes, quencheth natural heat, peeleth the hair, and procureth baldness.
Astronomers have taken special knowledge of the number of 1024 of the principal apparent noted Stars of all the rest, besides the 7 Planets, and the 12 Signs, and it is agreed upon that there are more Stars under the Northern-pole, than under the Southern, the number of Stars under both poles are innumerable to us; but not to the Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth, who calleth them all by their names.Isai.40.Levate in excelsum oculos vestros & videte quis creavit hæc? quis educit in numero militiam eorum & omnia suis nominibus vocat?InJanuary1668. two Suns appeared and two Moons. The year before was published the Suns prerogative, vindicated by [p. 48.]Alexander Nowela young studient atHarvard-Colledgein theMassachusetsColony, which was as followeth.
Mathematicians have that priviledge, above other Philosophers,that their foundations are so founded upon, and proved by demonstration, that reasonvolens nolensmust approve of them, when they are once viewed by the eye of the intellect,ipso factoit grants aprobatum est;if upon those foundations he raises famous Architectures, which are inseparably joynted in, and joyned to their ground-works, yet are not their Elements of such vast extensions, as to have their dimensions adequated with the machine of theprimum mobile,and so include the Fabrick of created beings; but there are sphears above the sphear of their Activity, and Orbs placed above the reach of their Instruments, which willnon-plusthe most acute inquisitors, at least in reference to an accurate scrutiny: hence dissentions about Celestial bodies, whether the planets have any natural light, has been a question, proving that they borrow their light from the Sun: he being the primitive, they derivatives; he theAugmentum primum,theyOrta,who though they have light inse,yet notex se.This assertion is not expugned byGeocentrickswho produce sense and Antiquity to support their suppositions; nor oppugned byHeliocentricks, [p. 49.]who deduce theirHypothesisfrom reason, and new observations: for,quicquid in ambitu alicujus circuli actu diffusum, comprehenditur, id in centro ejusdem continetur potentia collectum.Should I put the question to the vote, questionless the major part of modern Astronomers would carry it affirmatively; but a testimony beingInartificialis Argumentum,I shall found my position upon a more ArtificialBasis.As for the multiplication of Eclipses which some fear, it’s needless, for the extent of theConeof the earths shaddow(à Centro terræ)being250 Semidiameters,it cannot reachMars; VenusandMercurynever oppose the Sun. It has beenobserved by the help ofOptick Tubes,thatVenushas divers faces, according to her diverse position to the Sun. Some affirm the same ofMercury,but he’s not so liable to observation, being seldom clear of the radiancy of the Sun. The superior Planets being above the Sun, turn the same side to the Sun, as they do to us.VenusandMarsare more lucid in theirParhelion,than in theirAphelion.TheTelescopemay convince us of this truth;Evincit enim crassa, opaca & dissimilium plane partium corpora, planctas esse.Lastly God made the Sun and Moon, the two greater lights (though not the greater lucid bodies) that the Moons light is adventitious, followes from her invisibilitie[p. 50.]in a central Eclipse: hence the other planets are destitute of native light;nam à majore ad minus valet consequentia negativé.
In the year 1664. a Star or Comet appeared inNew-EnglandinDecemberin theSouth-East, rising constantly about one of the clock in the morning, carrying the tail lower and lower till it came into theWest, and then bare it directly before it; the Star it self was of a duskish red, the tail of the colour ofvia lactea, or the milkie way. A fortnight after it appeared again rising higher near theNadiror point over our heads, of the same form and colour; of which hear the former Scholar.
Comets (say Naturalists) proceed from natural causes, but they oft proceed preternatural effects. That they have been Antecedents to strange consequents is an universal truth, and proved by particulars, viz.That which hung overHierusalembefore its extirpation byVespatian,that vertical toGermany,before those bloudy Wars&c.So that experience Attests, and reason Assents, that they have served for sad Prologues to Tragical Epilogues. For the futurepreludiums to what events they’l prove, may be proved by consequence, if they han’t suffered a privation of their powerful Energie. Dr.Wardto salve Contests, distinguishes between Cometæidæ, which are[p. 51.]Sublunary exhalations, and Cometæ, which are heavenly bodies, coevous with the Stars; the cause of the inequality of whose motion, is their Apoge and Periges. Concerning the height of the late Comets Orb, because of the deficiency of Instruments, here’spars deficiens.As for its motionDecember 10.’twas about the middle ofVirgo. Jan. 24. 26 deg. Aries.Some observe that Comets commonly follow a Conjunction of the superiour planets. Astronomers attribute much to the predominancy of that planet which rules it, which they judge by the Colour; a dull leaden colour, claimsSaturnfor his Lord; bright, Jupiter;Red, Mars;Golden, Sol;Yellow, Venus;variable, Mercury;pale, Luna.Also to the Aspects it receives from other planets, the sign it is in, and the house of the Heavens in which it first was. Hence some may judge a scheam of the Heavens necessary, but unless Calculated for its certain rise (which is uncertain) it’s adjudged by the judicious, superfluous. Some put much trust or virtue in the tail, terming it the Ignomon, &c.But that is probable of all, which has been observed of some, that it’s alwayes opposite to the Sun; hence when the Sun is at the Meridian of the Antipodes it turns, &c.WhichRegiomontobserved of that in1475.andKeckermanof that in1607. Longomontanusobserves of that in1618.that its first[p. 52.]appearance was vertical toGermanyand wentNorthward,so its effect began there, and made the like progress: it’s rational, that as a cause, it should operate most powerfully on those in whose Zenith it is, as themeridional Altitude; nor is it irrational, that as a sign, it should presage somewhat to all those, in whose Horizon it appears; for in reason,Relata se mutuo inferunt,hencesignuminferssignatum,and the signifier implies a signified. Diverse desire to be certified of the event; but he is wise that knowes it. Some presume prophetically to specificate from generals truths; others desperately deny generals and all; of all whom it’s a truth,Incidunt in Scyllam, &c.NobleTichoconcludes, (with whom I conclude) that it’s not rational particularly to determine the sequel; for should any, it would be only in a contingent Axiom, and proceed from fancie; therefore of no necessary consequence, and would produce only opinion.
A friend of mine shewed me a small Treatise written and printed in theMassachusets-Bay byB. D. Intituled An Astronomical description of the late Comet, or Blazing-Star, as it appeared inNew-Englandin the Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, and the beginning of the Twelfth moneth, 1664.printed atCambridgebySamuel Green 1665. An ingenious piece, but because I could not perswade [p. 53.] my friend to part with it, I took out some short notes being straitned in time, which are as followes.
Comets are distinguished in respect of their figure, according to the divers aspects of the Sun, intoBarbate,Caudate, andCrinite. 1. When the stream like a beard goes before the body. 2. When the stream followes the body. 3. When the stream goes right up into the Heavens.
A Comet is said to be Vertical to any people, when the body of the Comet passeth over their heads.
The light of the Comet alters and varies according to the diverse Aspects of the Sun enlightning it.
Some took notice of it in the beginning ofNovember.
InAnno Dom.1668.Julythe Fifteenth happened an Eclipse of the moon from 9 of the clock at night, till after 11, digits 9, and 35 minutes.
InNovemberfollowing appeared a Star between the horns of the Moon in the midst.
InAnno Dom.1669. about the middle ofJuneat 4 of the clock in the afternoon, appeared a Rain-bow reverst, and at night about 10 of the clock we had aLunarRain-bow.
[p. 54.] TheIndiansso far as I could perceive have but little knowledge of the Stars and Planets, observing the Sun and Moon only, the dividers of time into dayes and years: they being nearer to the Equinoctial-line by 10 degrees, have their dayes and nights more equally divided, being in Summer two hours shorter, in Winter two hours longer than they are inEngland. The 11 ofJunethe Sun riseth at 4 and 26 minutes, and setteth at 7 & 34 minutes: inDecember, the 13 the shortest day, the Sun riseth at 7 and 35 minutes, and setteth at 4 and 27 minutes.
Mid-Marchtheir Spring begins, inAprilthey have Rain and Thunder; So again atMichaelmas, about which season they have either beforeMichaelmasor after outrageous storms of Wind and Rain. It’s observable that there is no part of the World, which hath not some certain times of out-rageous storms. We have upon our Coast inEnglandaMichaelmasflaw, that seldom fails: in theWest-IndiesinAugustandSeptemberthe forcibleNorth-wind, which though some callTuffinsorHurricaneswe must distinguish, for a rightHurricaneis (as I have saidbefore) an impetuous wind that goes about the Compass in the space of 24 hours, in such a storm the LordWilloughby[p. 55.] ofParhamGovernour of theBarbadoeswas cast away, going with a fleet to recover St.Christophersfrom theFrench,Anno Dom.1666.July. Cold weather begins with the middle ofNovember, the winter’s perpetually freezing, insomuch that their Rivers and salt-Bayes are frozen over and passable for Men, Horse, Oxen and Carts:Æquore cum gelido zephyrus fere xenia Cymbo. TheNorth-westwind is the sharpest wind in the Countrie. InEnglandmost of the cold winds and weathers come from the Sea, and those seats that are nearest the Sea-coasts inEnglandare accounted unwholsome, but not so inNew-England, for in the extremity of winter theNorth-EastandSouth-wind coming from the Sea produceth warm weather, only theNorth-West-wind coming over land from the white mountains (which are alwayes (except inAugust) covered with snow) is the cause of extream cold weather, alwayes accompanied with deep snowes and bitter frosts, the snow for the most part four and six foot deep, which melting on the superficies with the heat of the Sun, (for the most part shining out clearly every day) and freezing again in the night makes a crust upon the snow sufficient to bear a man walking with snow-shoos upon it. And at this [p. 56.] season theIndiansgo forth on hunting of Dear and Moose, twenty, thirty, forty miles up into the Countrie. Their Summer is hot and dry proper for theirIndianWheat; which thrives best in a hot and dry season, the skie for the most part Summer and Winter very clear and serene; if they see a little black cloud in theNorth-West, no bigger than a man may cover with his Hat,they expect a following storm, the cloud in short time spreading round about the Horizon accompanied with violent gusts of wind, rain, and many times lightning and terrible thunder. In all Countries they have observations how the weather will fall out, and these rules following are observable inNew-England. If the Moon look bright and fair, look for fair weather, also the appearing of one Rainbow after a storm, is a known sign of fair weather; if mists come down from the Hills, or descend from the Heavens, and settle in the valleys, they promise fair hot weather; mists in the Evening shew a fair hot day on the morrow: the like when mists rise from waters in the Evening. The obscuring of the smaller Stars is a certain sign of Tempests approaching; the oft changing of the wind is also a fore-runner of a storm; the resounding of the Sea from the shore, and murmuring of [p. 57.] the winds in the woods without apparent wind, sheweth wind to follow: shooting of the Stars (as they call it) is an usual sign of wind from that quarter the Star came from. So look whether the resounding of the Sea upon the shore be on theEastorWestside of the dwelling, out of that quarter will the wind proceed the next day. The redness of the sky in the morning, is a token of winds, or rain or both: if the Circles that appear about the Sun be red and broken, they portend wind; if thick and dark, wind, snow and rain; the like may be said of the Circles about the moon. If two rain-bowes appear, they are a sign of rain; If the Sun or Moon look pale, look for rain: if a dark cloud be at Sun-rising, in which the Sun soon after is hid, it will dissolve it, and rain will follow;nebula ascendens indicat imbres, nebula descendens serenitatem. If the Sun seemgreater in theEast, than in theWestabout Sun-setting, and that there appears a black cloud, you may expect rain that night, or the day following.
Serò rubens Cælum cras indicat esse serenum,Sed si manè rubet venturos indicat Imbres.
Serò rubens Cælum cras indicat esse serenum,Sed si manè rubet venturos indicat Imbres.
Serò rubens Cælum cras indicat esse serenum,
Sed si manè rubet venturos indicat Imbres.
[p. 58.] To conclude; if the white hills look clear and conspicuous, it is a sign of fair weather; if black and cloudy, of rain; if yellow, it is a certain sign of snow shortly to ensue.
InAnno Dom.1667.March, appeared a sign in the Heavens in the form of a Sphear, pointing directly to theWest: and in the year following on the third day ofAprilbeingFriday, there was a terrible Earthquake, before that a very great one in 1638. and another in 58 and in 1662/3.January26, 27, & 28. (which was the year before I came thither) there were Earthquakes 6 or 7 times in the space of three dayes. Earthquakes are frequent in the Countrie; some suppose that the white mountains were first raised by Earthquakes, they are hollow as may be guessed by the resounding of the rain upon the level on the top. TheIndianstold us of a River whose course was not only stopt by an Earthquake in 1668. (as near as I can remember) but the whole River swallowed up. And I have heard it reported from credible persons, that (whilst I was there in the Countrie) there happened a terrible Earthquake amongst theFrench, rending a huge Rock asunder even to the center, wherein was a vast hollow of an immeasurable depth, out of which came many infernal Spirits. I shall [p. 59.] conclude this discourse of Earthquakes,with that which came from the Pen of our Royal Martyr KingCharlesthe First;A storm at Sea wants not its terrour, but an Earthquake, shaking the very foundation of all, the World hath nothing more of horrour.And now I come to the plants of the Countrie.
The plants inNew-Englandfor the variety, number, beauty, and vertues, may stand in Competition with the plants of any Countrey in Europe.Johnsonhath added toGerard’sHerbal 300. andParkinsonmentioneth many more; had they been inNew-Englandthey might have found 1000 at least never heard of nor seen by anyEnglishmanbefore: ’Tis true, the Countrie hath noBonerets, orTartarlambs, no glittering colouredTuleps; but here you have theAmerican Mary-Gold, theEarth-nutbearing a princely Flower, the beautiful leavedPirola, the honiedColibry, &c. They are generally of (somewhat) a more masculine vertue, than any of the same species inEngland, but not in so terrible a degree, as to be mischievous or ineffectual to ourEnglishbodies.It is affirmed by some that no forraign Drugg or Simple can be so proper to Englishmen as their own, for the quantity ofOpiumwhich Turks do safely take will kill four Englishmen, and that which will[p. 60.]salve their wounds within a day, will not recure an Englishman in three.To which I answer that it is custom that brings theTurksto the familiar use ofOpium. You may have heard of aTaylorinKent, who being afflicted with want of sleep ventured uponOpium, taking at first a grain, and increasing of it till it came to an ounce, which quantitie he took as familiarly as aTurk, without any harm, more than that he could not sleep without it. TheEnglishinNew-Englandtake whiteHellebore, which operates as fairly with them, as with theIndians, who steeping of it in water sometime, give it to young lads gathered together a purpose to drink, if it come up they force them to drink again their vomit, (which they save in a Birchen-dish) till it stayes with them, & he that gets the victory of it is made Captain of the other lads for that year. There is a plant likewise, called for want of a nameClownes wound wortby theEnglish, though it be not the same, that will heal a green wound in 24 hours, if a wise man have the ordering of it. Thus much for the general, I shall now begin to discover unto you the plants more particularly, and I shall first begin with Trees, and of them, first with such as are called in Scripture Trees of God, that is great [p. 61.] Trees, that grow of themselves without planting. Psal. 104. 16, 17.Satiantur arbores Jehovæ,cedri Libani quas plantavit; (ubi aviculæ nidificent)abietes domicilia ciconiæ. The Herons take great delight to sit basking upon the tops of these Trees. And I shall not be over large in any, having written of them in my Treatise of the rarities ofNew-England, to which I refer you.
TheOakeI have given you an account of, and the kinds; I shall add the ordering of RedOakefor Wainscot. When they have cut it down and clear’d it from the branches, they pitch the body of the Tree in a muddy place in a River, with the head downward for some time, afterwards they draw it out, and when it is seasoned sufficiently, they saw it into boards for Wainscot, and it will branch out into curious works.
There is an admirable rare Creature in shape like aBuck, with Horns, of a gummy substance, which I haveoften found in the fall of the leaf upon the ground amongst the withered leaves; a living Creature I cannot call it; having only the sign of a mouth and eyes: seldom or never shall you meet with any of them whole, but the head and horns, or the hinder parts, broken off from the rest; theIndianscall them TreeBucks, and have a superstitious saying (for I believe [p. 62.] they never see any of them living) that if they can see a Tree-Buckwalking upon the branches of anOakewhen they go out in a morning to hunt, they shall have good luck that day. What they are good for I know not, but certainly there is some more than ordinary vertue in them. It is true that nothing in nature is superfluous, and we have the Scripture to back it, that God created nothing in vain. The like Creatures theyhave at theBarbadoeswhich they callNegroesheads, found in the Sands, about two inches long, with forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, chin, and part of the neck, they are alwayes found loose in the Sands without any root, it is as black as Jet, but whence it comes they know not. I have read likewise, that in theCanariesorFortunate-Islands,there is found a certain Creature, which Boys bring home from the mountains as oft as they would, and named themTudesquels,or littleGermans:for they were dry’d dead Carcases, almost three footed, which any boy did easily carry in one of the palms of his hand, and they were of an humane shape; but the whole dead Carcase was clearly like unto Parchment, and their bones were flexible, as it were gristles: against the Sun, also, their bowels and intestines were seen. Surely (saith my Authour) the destroyed race of thePigmieswas there. There is [p. 63.] also many times found upon the leaves of theOakea Creature likeaFrog, being as thin as a leaf, and transparent, as yellow as Gold, with little fiery red eyes, theEnglishcall them Tree-frogs or Tree-toads (but of Tree-toads I shall have occasion to speak in another place) they are said to be venemous, but may be safely used, being admirable to stop womens over-flowing courses hung about their necks in a Taffetie bag.
CaptainSmithwrites that inNew-Englandthere growes a certain berry calledKermes,worth10shillings a pound, and had been formerly sold for30or40shillings a pound, which may yearly be gathered in good quantity.I have sought for this berry, he speaks of, as a man should seek for a needle in a bottle of Hay, but could never light upon it; unless that kind ofSolomon-sealcalled by theEnglishTreacle-berry be it.Gerardour famous Herbalistwrites that they grow upon a little Tree calledScarlet-Oake,the leaves have one sharp prickle at the end of it; it beareth smallAcorns:But the grain or berry growes out of the woody branches, like an excrescence of the substance of theOake-Apple,and of the bigness of Pease, at first white, when ripe of anAsh-colour,which ingenders little Maggots, which when it begins[p. 64.]to have wings are put into a bag and boulted up and down till dead, and then made up into lumps, the Maggot as most do deem isCutchenele;So thatChermesisCutchenele:the berries dye scarlet. Mr.George Sandsin his Travels saith (much to the same purpose) that scarlet dye growes like a blister on the leaf of the HolyOake,a little shrub, yet producingAcorns,being gathered they rub out of it a certain red dust, that converteth after a while into worms, which they kill with Wine, when they begin to quicken. See farther concerningTreacle-berries andCutchinelein the rarities ofNew-England.
The Pine-Tree challengeth the next place, and that sort which is called Board-pine is the principal, it is a stately large Tree, very tall, and sometimes two or three fadom about: of the body theEnglishmake largeCanowsof 20 foot long, and two foot and a half over, hollowing of them with an Adds, and shaping of the outside like a Boat. Some conceive that the wood calledGopherin Scripture, of whichNoahmade the Ark, was no other than Pine,Gen.6. 14. The bark thereof is good for Ulcers in tender persons that refuse sharp medicines. The inner bark of young board-pine cut small and stampt and boiled in a Gallon of water is a very soveraign medicine for burn [p. 65.] or scald, washing the sore with some of the decoction, and then laying on the bark stampt very soft: or for frozen limbs, to take out the fire and to heal them, take the bark of Board-pine-Tree, cut it small and stamp it and boil it in a gallon of water to Gelly, wash the sore with the liquor, stamp the bark again till it be very soft and bind it on. The Turpentine is excellent to heal wounds and cuts, and hath all the properties ofVeniceTurpentine, the Rosen is as good as Frankincense, and the powder of the dryed leaves generateth flesh; the distilled water of the green Cones taketh away wrinkles in the face being laid on with Cloths.
The Firr-tree is a large Tree too, but seldom so big as the Pine, the bark is smooth, with knobs or blisters, in which lyeth clear liquid Turpentine very good to be put into salves and oyntments, the leaves or Cones boiled in Beer are good for the Scurvie, the young buds are excellentto put into Epithemes for Warts and Corns, the Rosen is altogether as good as Frankincense; out of this Tree the Poleakers draw Pitch and Tarr; the manner I shall give you, for that it may (with many other things contained in this Treatise) be beneficial to my Countrymen, either there already seated, or that [p. 66.] may happen to go thither hereafter. Out of the fattest wood changed into Torch-wood, which is a disease in that Tree, they draw Tarr, first a place must be paved with stone or the like, a little higher in the middle, about which there must be made gutters, into which the liquor falls, then out from them other gutters are to be drawn, by which it may be received, then is it put into barrels. The place thus prepared, the cloven wood must be set upright, then must it be covered with a great number of firr and pitch bowes; and on every part all about with much lome and sods of earth, and great heed must be taken, lest there be any cleft or chink remaining, only a hole left in the top of the furnace, through which the fire may be put in, and the flame and smoak to pass out: when the fire burneth, the Pitch or Tarr runneth forth first thin and then thicker; of which when it is boiled is made Pitch: the powder of dried Pitch is used to generate flesh in wounds and sores. The knots of this Tree and fat-pine are used by theEnglishinstead of Candles, and it will burn a long time, but it makes the people pale.
The Spruce-tree I have given you an account of in myNew-Englandrarities. In the North-east ofScotlandupon the banks [p. 67.] ofLough-argick, there hath been formerly of these Trees 28 handful about at the Root, and their bodies mounted to 90 foot of height, bearing at thelength 20 inches diameter. AtPascatawaythere is now a Spruce-tree brought down to the water-side by our Mass-men of an incredible bigness, and so long that no Skipper durst ever yet adventure to ship it, but there it lyes and Rots.
The Hemlock-tree is a kind of spruce or pine; the bark boiled and stampt till it be very soft is excellent for to heal wounds, and so is the Turpentine thereof, and the Turpentine that issueth from the Cones of the Larch-tree, (which comes nearest of any to the right Turpentine) is singularly good to heal wounds, and to draw out the malice (or Thorn, asHelmontphrases it) of any Ach, rubbing the place therewith, and strowing upon it the powder ofSage-leaves.
The white Cedar is a stately Tree, and is taken by some to beTamarisk, this Tree theEnglishsaw into boards to floor their Rooms, for which purpose it is excellent, long lasting, and wears very smooth and white; likewise they make shingles to cover their houses with instead of tyle, it will never warp. This Tree, the Oak and the [p. 68.] Larch-tree are best for building. Groundsels made of Larch-tree will never rot, and the longer it lyes the harder it growes, that you may almost drive a nail into a bar of Iron as easily as into that. Oh, that my Countreymen might obtain that blessing with their buildings, whichEsayprophesied to theJewesin the 65 Chapter and 22 verse.Non ædificabunt & alius inhabitabit, non plantabunt & alius comedet: sed ut sunt dies Arboris, dies erunt populi mei, & opus manuum suarum deterent electi mei.
The Sassafras-tree is no great Tree, I have met with some as big as my middle, the rind is tawny and upon thata thin colour of Ashes, the inner part is white, of an excellent smell like Fennel, of a sweet tast with some bitterness; the leaves are like Fig-leaves of a dark green. A decoction of the Roots and bark thereof sweetned with Sugar, and drunk in the morning fasting will open the body and procure a stool or two, it is good for the Scurvie taken some time together, and laying upon the legs the green leaves of whiteHellebore. They give it to Cows that have newly calved to make them cast their Cleanings. This Tree growes not beyondBlack-pointEastward: it is observed, that there is no province but produces Trees and plants not growing in other Regions.
[p. 69.]Non omnis fert omnia tellus.
The Walnut which is divers, some bearing square nuts, others like ours, but smaller: there is likewise black Walnut of precious use for Tables, Cabinets and the like. The Walnut-tree is the toughest wood in the Countrie, and therefore made use of for Hoops and Bowes, there being no Yew there growing; InEnglandthey made their Bowes usually of Witch Hasel, Ash, Yew, the best of outlandish Elm, but theIndiansmake theirs of Walnut.
The Line-tree with long nuts, the other kind I could never find: the wood of this Tree, Laurel, Rhamnus, Holly and Ivy are accounted for woods that cause fire by attrition; Laurel and Ivy are not growing inNew-England: theIndianswill rub two sear’d sticks of any sort of wood, and kindle a fire with them presently.
The Maple-tree, on the boughs of this Tree I have often found a jellied substance likeJewes-Ears, which I found upon tryal to be as good for sore throats&c.
The Birch-tree is of two kinds, ordinary Birch, and black Birch, many of these Trees are stript of their bark by theIndians, who make of it their Canows, Kettles, [p. 70.] and Birchen-dishes: there is an excrescence growing out of the body of the Tree called spunck, or dead mens Caps, it growes at the Roots of Ash, or Beech, or Elm; but the best is that which growes upon the black Birch, this boiled and beaten, and then dried in an Oven maketh excellent Touch-wood, and Balls to play with.
Alder, of which wood there is abundance in the wet swamps: the bark thereof with the yolke of an Egg is good for a strain; anIndianbruising of his knee, chew’d the bark of Alder fasting and laid it to, which quickly helped him. The wives of our West-Countrey English make a drink with the seeds of Alder, giving it to their Children troubled with theAlloes. I have talk’d with many of them, but could never apprehend what disease it should be they so name, these Trees are called by some Sullinges.
TheIndianstell of a Tree that growes far up in the land, that is as big as an Oake, that will cure the falling-sickness infallibly, what part thereof they use, Bark, Wood, leaves or fruit, I could never learn; they promised often to bring of it to me, but did not. I have seen a stately Tree growing here and there in valleys, not like to any Trees in Europe, having a smooth bark of [p. 71.] a dark brown colour, the leaves like great Maple, inEnglandcalled Sycamor, but larger, it may be this is the Tree they brag of.
Thus much concerning Trees, now I shall present to your view the Shrubs; and first of the Sumach Shrub,which as I have told you inNew-Englandsrarities, differeth from all the kinds set down in ourEnglishHerbals; the root dyeth wool or cloth reddish, the decoction of the leaves in wine drunk, is good for all Fluxes of the belly in man or woman, the whites,&c.For galled places stamp the leaves with honey, and apply it, nothing so soon healeth a wound in the head as Sumach stampt and applyed once in three dayes, the powder strewed in stayeth the bleeding of wounds: The seed of Sumach pounded and mixt with honey, healeth the Hemorrhoids, the gum put into a hollow tooth asswageth the pain, the bark or berries in the fall of the leaf, is as good as galls to make Ink of.
Elder inNew-Englandis shrubbie, & dies once in two years: there is a sort of dwarf-Elder that growes by the Sea-side that hath a red pith, the berries of both are smaller thanEnglish-Elder, not round but corner’d, neither of them smell so strong as ours.
Juniper growes for the most part by the Sea-side, it bears abundance of skie-coloured [p. 72.] berries fed upon by Partridges, and hath a woodie root, which induceth me to believe that the plant mention’d in Job 30. 4.Qui decerpebant herbas é salsilagine cum stirpibus: etiam radices Juniperorum cibo erant illis, was ourIndianplantCassava. They write thatJuniper-coals preserve fire longest of any, keeping fire a whole year without supply, yet theIndiannever burns of it.
Sweet fern, see the rarities ofNew England, the tops and nucaments of sweet fern boiled in water or milk and drunk helpeth all manner of Fluxes, being boiled in water it makes an excellent liquor for Inck.
Current-bushes are of two kinds red and black, theblack currents which are larger than the red smell like cats piss, yet are reasonable pleasant in eating.
The Gooseberry-bush, the berry of which is called Grosers or thorn Grapes, grow all over the Countrie, the berry is but small, of a red or purple colour when ripe.
There is a small shrub which is very common, growing sometimes to the height of Elder, bearing a berry like in shape to the fruit of the white thorn, of a pale yellow colour at first, then red, when it is ripe of a deep purple, of a delicate Aromatical tast, somewhat stiptick: to conclude, [p. 73.] alwayes observe this rule in taking or refusing unknown fruit: if you find them eaten of the fowl or beast, you may boldly venture to eat of them, otherwise do not touch them.
Maze, otherwise calledTurkie-wheat, or ratherIndian-wheat, because it came first from thence; the leaves boiled and drunk helpeth pain in the back; of the stalks when they are green you may makeBeverage, as they do withCalamels, or Sugar-canes. The raw Corn chewed ripens felons or Cats hairs, or you may lay Samp to it: TheIndiansbefore it be thorow ripe eat of it parched. Certainly the parched corn thatAbigailbrought toDavidwas of this kind of grain, 1 Sam. 25. 18.The Jewes manner was (as it is delivered to us by a learned Divine) first to parch their Corn, then they fryed it, and lastly they boiled it to a paste, and then tempered it with water, Cheese-Curds, Honey and Eggs, this they carried drye with them to the Camp, and so wet the Cakes in Wine or milk; such was the pulse too ofAfrica.
French-beans, or ratherAmerican-beans, the Herbalists call them kidney-beans from their shape and effects, forthey strengthen the kidneys; they are variegated much, some being bigger a great deal than others; some [p. 74.] white, black, red, yellow, blew, spotted; besides yourBonivisandCalavancesand the kidney-bean, that is proper toRonoake, but these are brought into the Countrie, the other are natural to the climate. So theMexicopompion which is flat and deeply camphered, the flesh laid to, asswageth pain of the eyes. The water-mellon is proper to the Countrie, the flesh of it is of a flesh colour, a rare cooler of Feavers, and excellent against the stone.Pomum spinosumandpalma-Christitoo growes not here, unless planted, brought fromPeru; the later is thought to be the plant, that shaded Jonahthe Prophet, Jonas 4. 6.Paraverat enimJehovaDeus ricinum qui ascenderet supraJonam,ut esset umbra super caput ejus ereptura eum à malo ipsius; lætabaturqueJonasde ricino illo lætitia magna.Ricinum, that ispalma Christi, called alsocucurbita, and therefore translated a Gourd.
Tobacco, orTabaccaso called fromTabacoorTabago, one of theCaribbe-Islands about 50Englishmiles fromTrinidad. The right name, according toMonardus, ispicielte, as others willpetum,nicotianfromNicot, a Portingal, to whom it was presented for a raritie inAnno Dom.1559. by one that brought it fromFlorida. Great contest there is about the time when it was first [p. 75.] brought intoEngland, some will have SirJohn Hawkinsthe first, others SirFrancis Drake’sMariners; others again say that one Mr.Laneimployed by SirWalter Rawleighbrought it first into England; all conclude that SirWalter Rawleighbrought it first in use.It is observed that no one kind of forraign Commodity yieldeth greater advantageto the publick than Tobacco, it is generally made the complement of our entertainment, and hath made more slaves thanMahomet. There is three sorts of it Marchantable, the first horse Tobacco, having a broad long leaf piked at the end; the second round pointed Tobacco; third sweet scented Tobacco. These are made up into Cane, leaf or ball; there is little of it planted inNew-England, neither have they learned the right way of curing of it. It is sowen inAprilupon a bed of rich mould sifted, they make a bed about three yards long, or more according to the ground they intend to plant, and a yard and a half over; this they tread down hard, then they sow their seed upon it as thick as may be, and sift fine earth upon it, then tread it down again as hard as possible they can, when it hath gotten four or six leaves, they remove it into the planting ground; when it begins to bud towards flowring, they crop off the [p. 76.] top, for the Flower drawes away the strength of the leaf. For the rest I refer you to the Planter, being not willing to discover their mysteries. TheIndiansinNew-Englanduse a small round leafed Tobacco, called by them, or the Fishermen Poke.It is odious to theEnglish.The vertues of Tobacco are these, it helps digestion, the Gout, the Tooth-ach, prevents infection by scents, it heats the cold, and cools them that sweat, feedeth the hungry, spent spirits restoreth, purgeth the stomach, killeth nits and lice; the juice of the green leaf healeth green wounds, although poysoned; the Syrup for many diseases, the smoak for the Phthisick, cough of the lungs, distillations of Rheume, and all diseases of a cold and moist cause, good for all bodies cold and moist taken upon an emptie stomach, taken upon a full stomach it precipitatesdigestion, immoderately taken it dryeth the body, enflameth the bloud, hurteth the brain, weakens the eyes and the sinews.
WhiteHelleboreis used for the Scurvie by theEnglish. A friend of mine gave them first a purge, then conserve of Bear-berries, then fumed their leggs with vinegar, sprinkled upon a piece of mill-stone made hot, and applied to the sores whiteHelleboreleaves; drink made ofOrpineandsorrelwere given likewise with it, and [p. 77.] Sea-scurvie-grass. To kill lice, boil the roots ofHelleborein milk, and anoint the hair of the head therewith or other places.
Mandrake, is a very rare plant, theIndiansknow it not, it is found in the woods aboutPascataway, they do in plain terms stink, thereforeReubensFlowers that he brought home were notMandrakes, Gen. 30. 14, 15, 16.They are rendered in the LatineAmabiles flores,the same word say our Divines is used inCanticles, 7. 4.Amabiles istos flores edentes odorem, & secundum ostia nostra omnes pretiosos fructus, recentes simulac veteres, dilecte mi, repono tibi.So that the right translation is, Reubenbrought home amiable and sweet smelling Flowers; this in theCanticles (say they)expounding the other.
Calamus Aromaticus, or the sweet smelling reed, it Flowers inJuly; seeNew-Englandsrarities.
Sarsaparillaor roughbind-weed (as some describe it) the leaves and whole bind set with thorns, of this there is store growing upon the banks of Ponds. See the rarities ofNew-England. The leaves of theSarsaparillathere described pounded with Hogs grease and boiled to an unguent, is excellent in the curing of wounds.
Live for ever, it is a kind ofCud-weed, [p. 78.] flourisheth all summer long till cold weather comes in, it growes now plentifully in ourEnglishGardens, it is good for cough of the lungs, and to cleanse the breast taken as you do Tobacco; and for pain in the head the decoction, or the juice strained and drunk in Bear, Wine, or Aqua vitæ, killeth worms. The Fishermen when they want Tobacco take this herb being cut and dryed.
Lysimachusor Loose-strife: there are several kinds, but the most noted is the yellowLysimachusofVirginia, the root is longish and white, as thick as ones thumb, the stalkes of an overworn colour, and a little hairie, the middle vein of the leaf whitish, the Flower yellow and like Primroses, and therefore called Tree-primrose, growes upon seedie vessels,&c.The first year it growes not up to a stalke, but sends up many large leaves handsomely lying one upon another, Rose fashion, Flowers inJune, the seed is ripe inAugust, this as I have said is taken by theEnglishfor Scabious.
St.John’swort, it preserveth Cheese made up in it, at Sea.
Spurge or Wolfes milch there are several sorts.
Avens, or herb-bennet; you have an account of it inNew-Englandsrarities, but one [p. 79.] thing more I shall add, that you may plainly perceive a more masculine quality in the plants growing inNew-England. A neighbour of mine in Hay-time, having overheat himself, and melted his grease, with striving to outmowe another man, fell dangerously sick, not being able to turn himself in his bed, his stomach gon, and his heart fainting ever and anon; to whom I administered the decoction ofAvens-Roots and leaves in water and wine, sweetning it withSyrup of Clove-Gilliflowers, in one weeks time it recovered him, so that he was able to perform his daily work, being a poor planter or husbandman as we call them.
Red-Lilly growes all over the Countrey amongst the bushes. Mr.JohnsonuponGerardtakes the Tulip to be the Lilly of the field mentioned by our Saviour, Matth. 6. 28, 29.Ac de vestitu quid soliciti estis? discite quomodo lilia agrorum augescant: non fatigantur, neque nent, sed dico vobis, ne Solomonem quidem cum universa gloria sic amictum fuisse ut unum ex istis.Solomonin all his Royalty was not like one of them. His reasons are, first from the shape, like a lilly; The second, because those places where our Saviour was conversant they grow wild in the fields. Third, the infinite variety of the[p. 80.]colours. The fourth and last reason, the wondrous beautie and mixture of these Flowers.
Water-lillys; the black roots dryed and pulverized, are wondrous effectual in the stopping of all manner of fluxes of the belly, drunk with wine or water.
Herba-paris, one berry, herb true love, or four-leaved night-shade, the leaves are good to be laid upon hot tumours.
Umbilicus veneris, orNew-Englanddaisie, it is good for hot humours,Erisipelas, St.Anthonie’sfire, all inflammations.
Glass-wort, a little quantity of this plant you may take for the Dropsie, but be very careful that you take not too much, for it worketh impetuously.
Water-plantane, called inNew-Englandwater Suck-leaves, and Scurvie-leaves, you must lay them whole to the leggs to draw out water between the skin and the flesh.
Rosa-solis, Sun-dew, moor-grass, this plant I have seen more of, than ever I saw in my whole life before inEngland, a man may gather upon some marish-grounds an incredible quantity in a short time; towards the middle ofJuneit is in its season, for then its spear is shot out to its length, of which they take hold and pull the whole plant up by the roots from the moss with ease.
[p. 81.]Amber-greese I take to be a Mushroom, see the rarities ofNew-England. Monarduswriteth thatAmber-greese riseth out of a certain clammy and bituminous earth under the Seas, and by the Sea-side, the billows casting up part of it a land, and fish devour the rest; Some say it is the seed of a Whale, others, that it springeth from fountains as pitch doth, which fishes swallow down; the air congealeth it.And sometimes it is found in the crevises and corners of Rocks.
Fuss-balls,Mullipuffescalled by the Fishermen Wolves-farts, are to be found plentifully, and those bigger by much than any I have seen inEngland.
Coralinethere is infinite store of it cast upon the shore, and another plant that is more spinie, of a Red colour, and as hard as Corral.Coralinelaid to the gout easeth the pain.
Sea-Oake or wreach, or Sea-weed, the black pouches of Oar-weed dryed and pulverized, and drunk with White-wine, is an excellent remedy for the stone.
I will finish this part of my relation concerning plants, with an admirable plant for the curing and taking away of Corns, which many times sore troubleth the Traveller: it is not above a handful high; the little branches are woodie, the leaves like [p. 82.] the leaves of Box, butbroader and much thicker, hard and of a deep grass-green colour; this bruised or champt in the mouth and laid upon the Corn will take it away clean in one night. And observe allIndianTrees and plants, their Roots are but of small depth, and so they must be set.
Of Beasts of the earth there be scarce 120 several kinds, and not much more of the Fowls of the Air, is the opinion of some Naturalists; there are not many kinds of Beasts inNew-England, they may be divided into Beasts of the Chase of the stinking foot, asRoes,Foxes,Jaccals,Wolves,Wild-cats,Raccons,Porcupines,Squncks,Musquashes,Squirrels,Sables, andMattrises; and Beasts of the Chase of the sweet foot,Buck, RedDear, Rain-Dear,Elke,Marouse,Maccarib,Bear,Beaver,Otter,Marten,Hare.
TheRoea kind of Deer, and the fleetest Beast upon earth is here to be found, and is good venison, but not over fat.
TheFox, the male is called a dog-fox, the female a bitch-fox, they go a clicketing the beginning of the spring, and bring forth their Cubs inMayandJune. There are two or three kinds of them; one a great yellowFox, another grey, who will climb up into Trees; the blackFoxis of much esteem.FoxesandWolvesare usually hunted [p. 83.] inEnglandfromHoly-Roodday, till theAnnunciation. InNew-Englandthey make best sport in the depth of winter; they lay a sledg-load of Cods-heads on the other side of a paled fence when the moon shines, and about nine or ten of the clock theFoxescome to it, sometimes two or three, or half a dozen, and more; these they shoot, and by that time they have cased them, therewill be as many; So they continue shooting and killing ofFoxesas long as the moon shineth; I have known half a score kill’d in one night. Their pisles are bonie like a doggs, their fat liquified and put into the ears easeth the pain, their tails or bushes are very fair ones and of good use, but their skins are so thin (yet thick set with deep furr) that they will hardly hold the dressing.
Jaccalsthere be abundance, which is a Creature much like aFox, but smaller, they are very frequent inPalæstina, or theHoly-land.
TheWolfseeketh his mate and goes a clicketing at the same season withFoxes, and bring forth their whelps as they do, but their kennels are under thick bushes by great Trees in remote places by the swamps, he is to be hunted as theFoxfromHoly-roodday till theAnnunciation. But there [p. 84.] they have a quicker way to destroy them. SeeNew-Englandsrarities. They commonly go in routs, a rout ofWolvesis 12 or more, sometimes by couples. In 1664. we found aWolfasleep in a small dry swamp under an Oake, a great mastiff which we had with us seized upon him, and held him till we had put a rope about his neck, by which we brought him home, and tying of him to a stake we bated him with smaller Doggs, and had excellent sport; but his hinder legg being broken, they knockt out his brains. Sometime before this we had an excellent course after a singleWolfupon the hard sands by the Sea-side at low water for a mile or two, at last we lost our doggs, it being (as theLancashirepeople phrase it) twi-light, that is almost dark, and went beyond them, for a mastiff-bitch had seized upon theWolfbeing gotten into the Sea, and there held him, till one went inand led him out, the bitch keeping her hold till they had tyed his leggs, and so carried him home like a Calf upon a staff between two men; being brought into the house they unbound him and set him upon his leggs, he not offering in the least to bite, or so much as to shew his teeth, but clapping his stern betwixt his leggs, and leering towards the door would willingly have had his liberty, [p. 85.] but they served him as they did the other, knockt his brains out, for our doggs were not then in a condition to bate him; their eyes shine by night as a Lanthorn: the Fangs of aWolfhung about childrens necks keep them from frighting, and are very good to rub their gums with when they are breeding of Teeth, the gall of aWolfis Soveraign for swelling of the sinews; the fiants or dung of aWolfdrunk with white-wine helpeth theCollick.
TheWild-cat,Lusernorluceret, or Ounce as some call it, is not inferiour to Lamb, their grease is very soveraign for lameness upon taking cold.
TheRacoonorRattoonis of two sorts, grayRattoons, and blackRattoons, their grease is soveraign for wounds with bruises, aches, streins, bruises; and to anoint after broken bones and dislocations.
TheSqunckis almost as big as aRacoon, perfect black and white or pye-bald, with a bush-tail like aFox, an offensive Carion; the Urine of this Creature is of so strong a scent, that if it light upon any thing, there is no abiding of it, it will make a man smell, though he were ofAlexanderscomplexion; and so sharp that if he do but whisk his bush which he pisseth upon in the face of a dogg hunting of him, and that [p. 86.] any of it light in his eyes it will make him almost mad with the smart thereof.
TheMusquashesis a small Beast that lives in shallow ponds, where they build them houses of earth and sticks in shape like mole-hills, and feed uponCalamus Aromaticus: inMaythey scent very strong of Muske; their furr is of no great esteem; their stones wrapt up in Cotten-wool will continue a long time, and are good to lay amongst cloths to give them a grateful smell.
TheSquirril, of which there are three sorts, the mouse-squirril, the gray squirril, and the flying squirril, called by theIndianAssapanick. The mouse-squirril is hardly so big as a Rat, streak’d on both sides with black and red streaks, they are mischievous vermine destroying abundance of Corn both in the field and in the house, where they will gnaw holes into Chests, and tear clothes both linnen and wollen, and are notable nut-gathers inAugust; when hasel and filbert nuts are ripe you may see upon every Nut-tree as many mouse-squirrils as leaves; So that the nuts are gone in a trice, which they convey to their Drays or Nests. The gray squirril is pretty large, almost as big as a Conie, and are very good meat: in some parts of the Countrie there are many of them. The flying squirril is so called, [p. 87.] because (his skin being loose and large) he spreads it on both sides like wings when he passeth from one Tree to another at great distance. I cannot call it flying nor leaping, for it is both.
TheMattriseis a Creature whose head and fore-parts is shaped somewhat like a Lyons, not altogether so big as a house-cat, they are innumerable up in the Countrey, and are esteemed good furr.