Chap. CII.Clematis.Clamberers, or Creepers.Hauing shewed you all my store of herbes bearing fine flowers, let mee now bring to your consideration the rest of those plants, be they Shrubs or Trees, that are cherished in our garden, for the beauty of their flowers chiefly, or for some other beautifull respect: and first I will begin with such as creepe on the ground, without climing, and then such as clime vp by poles, or other things, that are set or grow neere them, fit to make Bowers, and Arbours, or else are like them in forme, in name, or some other such qualitie or propertie.1.Clematis Daphnoides, siue Vinca peruinca simplex minor diuersorum colorum.Single Perwinkle of diuers colours.The smaller Perwinkle which not onely groweth wilde in many places, but is most vsuall in our Gardens, hath diuers creeping branches, trayling or running vpon the ground, shooting out small fibres at the ioynts, as it creepeth, taking thereby hold in the ground, and rooteth in diuers places: at the ioynts of these branches stand two small darke greene shining leaues, somewhat like vnto small Baye leaues, but smaller, and at the ioynts likewise with the leaues, come forth the flowers, one at a ioynt, standing vpon a tender footestalke, being somewhat long and hollow, parted at the brims, sometimes into foure leaues, and sometimes into fiue, the most ordinary sort is of a pale or bleake blew colour, but some are pure white, and some of a darke reddish purple colour: the root is in the body of it, little bigger then a rush, bushing in the ground, and creeping with his branches farre about, taking roote in many places, whereby it quickely possesseth a great compasse; and is therefore most vsually planted vnder hedges, or where it may haue roome to runne.2.Vinca peruinca flore duplici purpureo.Double purple Perwinkle.The double Perwinkle is like vnto the former single kinde, in all things except in the flower, which is of that darke reddish purple colour that is in one of the single kindes; but this hath another row of leaues within the flower, so that the two rowes of leaues causeth it to be called double, but the leaues of these are lesser then the single. I haue heard of one with a double white flower, but I haue not yet seene it.3.Clematis Daphnoides siue Peruinca maior.The greater Perwinkle.This greater Perwinkle is somewhat like the former, but greater, yet his branches creepe not in that manner, but stand more vpright, or lesse creeping at the least: the leaues also hereof stand by couples at the ioynts, but they are broader and larger by the halfe: the flowers are larger, consisting of fiue leaues that are blew, a little deeper then the former blew: this plant is farre tenderer to keepe then the other, and therefore would stand warme, as well as in a moist shadowie place.4.Clematis altera siue vrens flore albo.Burning Clamberer, or Virgins Bower.This Causticke or burning Climer, hath very long and climing tender branches, yet somewhat woody below, which winde about those things that stand neere it, couered with a brownish greene barke, from the ioynts whereof shoote forth many winged leaues, consisting for the most part of fiue single leaues, that is two and two together, and one at the end, which are a little cut in or notched on the edges here andthere, but euery part of them is lesser then the leaues of the next following Climer, without any clasping tendrels to winde about any thing at all: towards the vpper part of the branches, with the said leaues, come forth long stalks, whereon stand many white flowers clustering together, opening the brims into sixe or eight small leaues, spreading like a starre, very sweet of smell, or rather of a strong heady sent, which after turne into flattish and blackish seede, plumed at the head, which plume or feather flyeth away with the winde after it hath stood long, and leaueth the seede naked or bare: the roote is white and thicke, fleshie and tender, or easie to be broken, as my selfe can well testifie, in that desiring to take a sucker from the roote, I could not handle it so tenderly, but that it broke notwithstanding all my care. Master Gerard in hisHerballmaketh mention of one of this kinde with double white flowers, which hee saith he recouered from the seede was sent him from Argentine, that is Strasborough, whereof hee setteth forth the figure with double flowers: but I neuer saw any such with him, neither did I euer heare of any of this kinde with double flowers. Clusius indeed saith, that hee receiued from a friend some seede vnder the name ofClematis flore albo pleno: but he doubteth whether there bee any such: the plants that sprang with him from that seede, were like vnto the vpright kinde calledFlammila Matthioli, orIouis cresta, as he there saith: but assuredly I haue beene informed from some of my especiall friends beyond Sea, that they haue a double whiteClematis, and haue promised to send it; but whether it will be of the climing or vpright sort, I cannot tell vntill I see it: but surely I doe much doubt whether the double will giue any good seede.5.Clematis altera siue peregrina flore rubro.Red Ladies Bower.This Climer hath many limber and weake climing branches like the former, couered with a browne thin outer barke, and greene vnderneath: the leaues stand at the ioynts, consisting but of three leaues or parts, whereof some are notched on one side, and some on both, without any clasping tendrels also, but winding with his branches about any thing standeth next vnto it: the flowers in like manner come from the same ioynts with the leaues, but not so many together as the former vpon long footstalkes, consisting of foure leaues a peece, standing like a crosse, of a darke red colour; the seed is flat and round, and pointed at the end, three or foure or more standing close together vpon one stalk, without any doune vpon them at all, as in the former: the roots are a bundell of brownish yellow strong strings, running down deep into the ground, from a bigge head aboue.6.Clematis peregrina flore purpureo simplici.Single purple Ladies Bower.This Ladies Bower differeth in nothing from the last described, but onely in the colour of the flower, which is of a sad blewish purple colour; so that the one is not possible to be known from the other, vntill they be in flower.7.Clematis peregrina flore purpurea pleno.Double flowred purple Ladies Bower.This doubleClematishath branches and leaues so neere resembling the single kinds, that there can be knowne no difference, vnlesse it be, that this groweth more goale and great, and yeeldeth both more store of branches from the ground, and more spreading aboue: the chiefest marke to distinguish it is the flower, which in this is very thicke and double, consisting of a number of smaller leaues, set close together in order in the middle, the foure outermost leaues that encompasse them, being much broader and larger then any of the inward, but all of a dull or sad blewish purple colour, the points or ends of the leaues seeming a little darker then the middle of them: this beareth no seede that euer I could see, heare of, or learne by any of credit, that haue noursed it a great while; and therefore the tales of false deceitfull gardiners, and others, that diliuer such for truth, to deceiue persons ignorant thereof, must not bee credulously entertained.Clematis peregrina flore carneo pleno.Inthe great booke of the Garden of the Bishop of Eystot(which place is neere vnto Noromberg) in Germany, I reade of aClematisof this former kinde, whose figure is thereto also annexed, with double flowers of an incarnate, or pale purple tending to a blush colour, whereof I haue not heard from any other place.8.Flammula Iouis erecta.Vpright Virgins Bower.This kinde ofClematishath diuers more vpright stalkes then any of the foure last described, sometimes foure or fiue foote high, or more: yet leaning or bending a little, so that it had some neede of sustaining, couered with a brownish barke; from whence come forth on all sides diuers winged leaues, consisting of fiue or seuen leaues, set on both sides of a middle ribbe, whereof one is at the end: the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many branches, bearing many white sweet smelling flowers on them, like in fashion vnto the white Virgins Bower; after which come such like feather topt seede, which remaine and shew themselues, being flat like the other, when the plumes are blowne abroad: the roote spreadeth in the ground from a thicke head, into many long strings, and fasteneth it selfe strongly in the earth; but all the stalkes dye downe euery yeare, and spring afresh in the beginning of the next.9.Clematis cærulea Pannonica.The Hungarian Climer.The stalks of this plant stand vpright, & are foure square, bearing at euery ioynt two leaues, which at the first are closed together, and after they are open, are somewhat like vnto the leaues ofAsclepias, or Swallow-wort: from the tops of the stalks, and sometimes also from the sides by the leaues commeth forth one flower, bending the head downward, consisting of foure leaues, somewhat long & narrow, standing like a crosse, and turning vp their ends a little againe, of a faire blew or skie colour, with a thicke pale yellow short thrumme, made like a head in the middle: after the flower is past, the head turneth into such a like round feather topt ball, as is to be seene in the Trauellers ioy, orViorna(as it is called) that groweth plentifully in Kent, and in other places by the way sides, and in the hedges, wherein is included such like flat seede. These stalkes (like as the last) dye downe to the ground euery yeare, and rise againe in the Spring following, shooting out new branches, and therby encreaseth in the root.10.Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana.The Virginia Climer.Because this braue and too much desired plant doth in some things resemble the former Climers, so that vnto what other family or kindred I might better conioyne it I know not; let me I pray insert it in the end of their Chapter, with this description. It riseth out of the ground (very late in the yeare, about the beginning of May, if it be a plant hath risen from the seed of our owne sowing, and if it be an old one, such as hath been brought to vs from Virginia, not till the end thereof) with a round stalke, not aboue a yard and a halfe high (in any that I haue seene) but in hotter Countries, as some Authors haue set it downe, much higher, bearing one leafe at euery ioynt, which from the ground to the middle thereof hath no claspers, but from thence vpwards hath at the same ioynt with the leafe both a small twining clasper, like vnto a Vine, and a flower also: euery leafe is broad at the stalke thereof, and diuided about the middle on both sides, making it somewhat resemble a Figge leafe, ending in three points, whereof the middlemost is longest: the bud of the flower, before it doe open, is very like vnto the head or seede vessell of the ordinary singleNigella, hauing at the head or top fiue small crooked hornes, which when this bud openeth, are the ends or points of fiue leaues, that are white on the inside, and lay themselues flat, like vnto an Anemone, and are a little hollow like a scoope at the end, with fiue other smaller leaues, and whiter then they lying betweene them, which were hid in the bud before it opened, so that this flower being full blowne open, consisteth of ten white leaues, laide in order round one by another: from the bottome of these leaues on the inside, rise diuers twined threads, which spread and lay themselues all ouer these white leaues, reaching beyond the points of them a little, and are of a reddish peach colour: towards the bottomes likewise of these white leaues there are two red circles, about the breadth of an Oten strawe, one distant from another (and in some flowers there is but one circle seen) which adde a great grace vnto the flower; for the white leaues shew their colour through the peach coloured threads, and these red circles or rings vpon them being also perspicuous, make a tripartite shew of colours most delightfull: the middle part of this flower is hollow, and yellowish; in the bottome whereof riseth vp an vmbone, or round stile, somewhat bigge, of a whitish greene colour, spotted with reddish spots like the stalkes of Dragons, with fiue round threads or chiues, spotted in the like manner, and tipt at the ends with yellow pendents, standing about the middle part of the said vmbone, and from thence rising higher, endeth in three long crooked hornes most vsually (but sometimes in foure, as hath beene obserued in Rome byDʳ.Aldine, that set forth some principall things of Cardinall Farnesius his Garden) spotted like the rest, hauing three round greene buttons at their ends: these flowers are of a comfortable sweete sent, very acceptable, which perish without yeelding fruit with vs, because it flowreth so late: but in the naturall place, and in hot Countries, it beareth a small round whitish fruit, with a crowne at the toppe thereof, wherein is contained (while it is fresh, and before it be ouer dried) a sweet liquor, but when it is dry, the seede within it, which is small, flat, somewhat rough and blacke, will make a ratling noise: the rootes are composed of a number of exceeding long and round yellowish browne strings, spreading farre abroad vnder the ground (I haue seene some rootes that haue beene brought ouer, that were as long as any rootes ofSarsaparilla, and a great deale bigger, which to be handsomely laid into the ground, were faine to be coyled like a cable) and shooting vp in seuerall places a good distance one from another, whereby it may be well encreased.The Iesuites Figure of the Maracoc.The Maracoc.Granadillvs Frvtex Indicvs Christi Passionis Imago.The Place.The first blew Perwinkle groweth in many Woods and Orchards, by the hedge sides in England, and so doth the white here and there, but the other single and double purple are in our Gardens onely. The great Perwinkle groweth in Prouence of France, in Spaine, and Italy, and other hot Countries, where also growe all the twining Clamberers, as well single as double: but both the vpright ones doe growe in Hungary and there abouts. The surpassing delight of all flowers came from Virginia. Wee preserue them all in our Gardens.The Time.The Perwinkles doe flower in March and Aprill. The Climers not vntill the end of Iune, or in Iuly, and sometimes in August. The Virginian somewhat later in August; yet sometimes I haue knowne the flower to shew it selfe in Iuly.Page 395: Candy tufts; Perwinkle; Ladies Bower; Virginian Climber.1Thlaspi Creticum.Candy tufts.2Vinca peruinca flore simplici.Single Perwinkle.3Vinca peruinca flore duplici.Double Perwinkle.4Flammula Matthioli.Vpright Virgins Bower.5Clematis peregrina flore simplici.The single Ladies Bower.6Clematis peregrina flore pleno purpureo.Double flowred Ladies Bower.7Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana.The Virginian Climer.The Names.The first is out of question the firstClematisof Dioscorides, and called ofmanyClematis Daphnoides(but not that plant that is simply calledDaphnoides, for that isLaureola) and is vsually calledVinca pervinca: but it is notChamædaphne, for that is another plant, as shall be shewed in his place; some call itCentunculus: In English wee call it Perwinkle. The other isClematis alteraof Dioscorides, and is called alsoClematis peregrina, whose distinctions are set downe in their titles: In English, Ladies Bower, or Virgins Bower, because they are fit to growe by Arbours, to couer them. The first vpright Clamberer is called, and that rightly of some,Clematis erecta, orsurrecta. Of others,Flammula frutex, andFlammula Iouis, orsurrecta: In English, Vpright Virgins Bower. The next is called by Clusius,Clematis Pannonica cæulea, who thought it to beClimeni species, by the relation of others, at the first, but after entituled it,Clematis: In English, the Hungarian Climer. The last may be called in Latine,Clematis Virginiana: In English, The Virgin or Virginian Climer; of the Virginians,Maracoc: of the Spaniards in the West IndiesGranadillo, because the fruit (as is before said) is in some fashion like a small Pomegranate on the outside; yet the seede within is flattish, round, and blackish. Some superstitious Iesuite would faine make men beleeue, that in the flower of this plant are to be seene all the markes of our Sauiours Passion; and therefore call itFlos Passionis: and to that end haue caused figures to be drawne, and printed, with all the parts proportioned out, as thornes, nailes, speare, whippe, pillar,&c.in it, and all as true as the Sea burnes, which you may well perceiue by the true figure, taken to the life of the plant, compared with the figures set forth by the Iesuites, which I haue placed here likewise for euery one to see: but these bee their aduantagious lies (which with them are tolerable, or rather pious and meritorious) wherewith they vse to instruct their people; but I dare say, God neuer willed his Priests to instruct his people with lyes: for they come from the Diuell, the author of them. But you may say I am beside my Text, and I am in doubt you will thinke, I am in this besides my selfe, and so nothing to be beleeued herein that I say. For, for the most part, it is an inherent errour in all of that side, to beleeue nothing, be it neuer so true, that any of our side shall affirme, that contrarieth the assertions of any of their Fathers, as they call them: but I must referre them to God, and hee knoweth the truth, and will reforme or deforme them in his time. In regard whereof I could not but speake (the occasion being thus offered) against such an erroneous opinion (which euenDʳ.Aldine at Rome,before remembred, disproued, and contraried both the said figures and name) and seek to disproue it, as doth (I say not almost, but I am affraid altogether) leade many to adore the very picture of such things, as are but the fictions of superstitious brains: for the flower it selfe is farre differing from their figure, as both Aldine in theaforesaid booke, andRobinus at Paris in hisTheatrum Floræ, doe set forth; the flowers and leaues being drawne to the life, and there exhibited, which I hope may satisfie all men, that will not be perpetually obstinate and contentious.The Vertues.Costæus saith hee hath often seene, that the leaues of Perwinkle held in the mouth, hath stayed the bleeding at the nose. The French doe vse it to stay the menstruall fluxes. The other are causticke plants, that is, fiery hot, and blistering the skinne; and therefore (as Dioscorides saith) is profitable to take away the scurfe, leprye, or such like deformities of the skin. What property that of Virginia hath, is not knowne to any with vs I thinke, more then that the liquor in the greene fruit is pleasant in taste; but assuredly it cannot be without some speciall properties, if they were knowne.
Chap. CII.Clematis.Clamberers, or Creepers.Hauing shewed you all my store of herbes bearing fine flowers, let mee now bring to your consideration the rest of those plants, be they Shrubs or Trees, that are cherished in our garden, for the beauty of their flowers chiefly, or for some other beautifull respect: and first I will begin with such as creepe on the ground, without climing, and then such as clime vp by poles, or other things, that are set or grow neere them, fit to make Bowers, and Arbours, or else are like them in forme, in name, or some other such qualitie or propertie.1.Clematis Daphnoides, siue Vinca peruinca simplex minor diuersorum colorum.Single Perwinkle of diuers colours.The smaller Perwinkle which not onely groweth wilde in many places, but is most vsuall in our Gardens, hath diuers creeping branches, trayling or running vpon the ground, shooting out small fibres at the ioynts, as it creepeth, taking thereby hold in the ground, and rooteth in diuers places: at the ioynts of these branches stand two small darke greene shining leaues, somewhat like vnto small Baye leaues, but smaller, and at the ioynts likewise with the leaues, come forth the flowers, one at a ioynt, standing vpon a tender footestalke, being somewhat long and hollow, parted at the brims, sometimes into foure leaues, and sometimes into fiue, the most ordinary sort is of a pale or bleake blew colour, but some are pure white, and some of a darke reddish purple colour: the root is in the body of it, little bigger then a rush, bushing in the ground, and creeping with his branches farre about, taking roote in many places, whereby it quickely possesseth a great compasse; and is therefore most vsually planted vnder hedges, or where it may haue roome to runne.2.Vinca peruinca flore duplici purpureo.Double purple Perwinkle.The double Perwinkle is like vnto the former single kinde, in all things except in the flower, which is of that darke reddish purple colour that is in one of the single kindes; but this hath another row of leaues within the flower, so that the two rowes of leaues causeth it to be called double, but the leaues of these are lesser then the single. I haue heard of one with a double white flower, but I haue not yet seene it.3.Clematis Daphnoides siue Peruinca maior.The greater Perwinkle.This greater Perwinkle is somewhat like the former, but greater, yet his branches creepe not in that manner, but stand more vpright, or lesse creeping at the least: the leaues also hereof stand by couples at the ioynts, but they are broader and larger by the halfe: the flowers are larger, consisting of fiue leaues that are blew, a little deeper then the former blew: this plant is farre tenderer to keepe then the other, and therefore would stand warme, as well as in a moist shadowie place.4.Clematis altera siue vrens flore albo.Burning Clamberer, or Virgins Bower.This Causticke or burning Climer, hath very long and climing tender branches, yet somewhat woody below, which winde about those things that stand neere it, couered with a brownish greene barke, from the ioynts whereof shoote forth many winged leaues, consisting for the most part of fiue single leaues, that is two and two together, and one at the end, which are a little cut in or notched on the edges here andthere, but euery part of them is lesser then the leaues of the next following Climer, without any clasping tendrels to winde about any thing at all: towards the vpper part of the branches, with the said leaues, come forth long stalks, whereon stand many white flowers clustering together, opening the brims into sixe or eight small leaues, spreading like a starre, very sweet of smell, or rather of a strong heady sent, which after turne into flattish and blackish seede, plumed at the head, which plume or feather flyeth away with the winde after it hath stood long, and leaueth the seede naked or bare: the roote is white and thicke, fleshie and tender, or easie to be broken, as my selfe can well testifie, in that desiring to take a sucker from the roote, I could not handle it so tenderly, but that it broke notwithstanding all my care. Master Gerard in hisHerballmaketh mention of one of this kinde with double white flowers, which hee saith he recouered from the seede was sent him from Argentine, that is Strasborough, whereof hee setteth forth the figure with double flowers: but I neuer saw any such with him, neither did I euer heare of any of this kinde with double flowers. Clusius indeed saith, that hee receiued from a friend some seede vnder the name ofClematis flore albo pleno: but he doubteth whether there bee any such: the plants that sprang with him from that seede, were like vnto the vpright kinde calledFlammila Matthioli, orIouis cresta, as he there saith: but assuredly I haue beene informed from some of my especiall friends beyond Sea, that they haue a double whiteClematis, and haue promised to send it; but whether it will be of the climing or vpright sort, I cannot tell vntill I see it: but surely I doe much doubt whether the double will giue any good seede.5.Clematis altera siue peregrina flore rubro.Red Ladies Bower.This Climer hath many limber and weake climing branches like the former, couered with a browne thin outer barke, and greene vnderneath: the leaues stand at the ioynts, consisting but of three leaues or parts, whereof some are notched on one side, and some on both, without any clasping tendrels also, but winding with his branches about any thing standeth next vnto it: the flowers in like manner come from the same ioynts with the leaues, but not so many together as the former vpon long footstalkes, consisting of foure leaues a peece, standing like a crosse, of a darke red colour; the seed is flat and round, and pointed at the end, three or foure or more standing close together vpon one stalk, without any doune vpon them at all, as in the former: the roots are a bundell of brownish yellow strong strings, running down deep into the ground, from a bigge head aboue.6.Clematis peregrina flore purpureo simplici.Single purple Ladies Bower.This Ladies Bower differeth in nothing from the last described, but onely in the colour of the flower, which is of a sad blewish purple colour; so that the one is not possible to be known from the other, vntill they be in flower.7.Clematis peregrina flore purpurea pleno.Double flowred purple Ladies Bower.This doubleClematishath branches and leaues so neere resembling the single kinds, that there can be knowne no difference, vnlesse it be, that this groweth more goale and great, and yeeldeth both more store of branches from the ground, and more spreading aboue: the chiefest marke to distinguish it is the flower, which in this is very thicke and double, consisting of a number of smaller leaues, set close together in order in the middle, the foure outermost leaues that encompasse them, being much broader and larger then any of the inward, but all of a dull or sad blewish purple colour, the points or ends of the leaues seeming a little darker then the middle of them: this beareth no seede that euer I could see, heare of, or learne by any of credit, that haue noursed it a great while; and therefore the tales of false deceitfull gardiners, and others, that diliuer such for truth, to deceiue persons ignorant thereof, must not bee credulously entertained.Clematis peregrina flore carneo pleno.Inthe great booke of the Garden of the Bishop of Eystot(which place is neere vnto Noromberg) in Germany, I reade of aClematisof this former kinde, whose figure is thereto also annexed, with double flowers of an incarnate, or pale purple tending to a blush colour, whereof I haue not heard from any other place.8.Flammula Iouis erecta.Vpright Virgins Bower.This kinde ofClematishath diuers more vpright stalkes then any of the foure last described, sometimes foure or fiue foote high, or more: yet leaning or bending a little, so that it had some neede of sustaining, couered with a brownish barke; from whence come forth on all sides diuers winged leaues, consisting of fiue or seuen leaues, set on both sides of a middle ribbe, whereof one is at the end: the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many branches, bearing many white sweet smelling flowers on them, like in fashion vnto the white Virgins Bower; after which come such like feather topt seede, which remaine and shew themselues, being flat like the other, when the plumes are blowne abroad: the roote spreadeth in the ground from a thicke head, into many long strings, and fasteneth it selfe strongly in the earth; but all the stalkes dye downe euery yeare, and spring afresh in the beginning of the next.9.Clematis cærulea Pannonica.The Hungarian Climer.The stalks of this plant stand vpright, & are foure square, bearing at euery ioynt two leaues, which at the first are closed together, and after they are open, are somewhat like vnto the leaues ofAsclepias, or Swallow-wort: from the tops of the stalks, and sometimes also from the sides by the leaues commeth forth one flower, bending the head downward, consisting of foure leaues, somewhat long & narrow, standing like a crosse, and turning vp their ends a little againe, of a faire blew or skie colour, with a thicke pale yellow short thrumme, made like a head in the middle: after the flower is past, the head turneth into such a like round feather topt ball, as is to be seene in the Trauellers ioy, orViorna(as it is called) that groweth plentifully in Kent, and in other places by the way sides, and in the hedges, wherein is included such like flat seede. These stalkes (like as the last) dye downe to the ground euery yeare, and rise againe in the Spring following, shooting out new branches, and therby encreaseth in the root.10.Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana.The Virginia Climer.Because this braue and too much desired plant doth in some things resemble the former Climers, so that vnto what other family or kindred I might better conioyne it I know not; let me I pray insert it in the end of their Chapter, with this description. It riseth out of the ground (very late in the yeare, about the beginning of May, if it be a plant hath risen from the seed of our owne sowing, and if it be an old one, such as hath been brought to vs from Virginia, not till the end thereof) with a round stalke, not aboue a yard and a halfe high (in any that I haue seene) but in hotter Countries, as some Authors haue set it downe, much higher, bearing one leafe at euery ioynt, which from the ground to the middle thereof hath no claspers, but from thence vpwards hath at the same ioynt with the leafe both a small twining clasper, like vnto a Vine, and a flower also: euery leafe is broad at the stalke thereof, and diuided about the middle on both sides, making it somewhat resemble a Figge leafe, ending in three points, whereof the middlemost is longest: the bud of the flower, before it doe open, is very like vnto the head or seede vessell of the ordinary singleNigella, hauing at the head or top fiue small crooked hornes, which when this bud openeth, are the ends or points of fiue leaues, that are white on the inside, and lay themselues flat, like vnto an Anemone, and are a little hollow like a scoope at the end, with fiue other smaller leaues, and whiter then they lying betweene them, which were hid in the bud before it opened, so that this flower being full blowne open, consisteth of ten white leaues, laide in order round one by another: from the bottome of these leaues on the inside, rise diuers twined threads, which spread and lay themselues all ouer these white leaues, reaching beyond the points of them a little, and are of a reddish peach colour: towards the bottomes likewise of these white leaues there are two red circles, about the breadth of an Oten strawe, one distant from another (and in some flowers there is but one circle seen) which adde a great grace vnto the flower; for the white leaues shew their colour through the peach coloured threads, and these red circles or rings vpon them being also perspicuous, make a tripartite shew of colours most delightfull: the middle part of this flower is hollow, and yellowish; in the bottome whereof riseth vp an vmbone, or round stile, somewhat bigge, of a whitish greene colour, spotted with reddish spots like the stalkes of Dragons, with fiue round threads or chiues, spotted in the like manner, and tipt at the ends with yellow pendents, standing about the middle part of the said vmbone, and from thence rising higher, endeth in three long crooked hornes most vsually (but sometimes in foure, as hath beene obserued in Rome byDʳ.Aldine, that set forth some principall things of Cardinall Farnesius his Garden) spotted like the rest, hauing three round greene buttons at their ends: these flowers are of a comfortable sweete sent, very acceptable, which perish without yeelding fruit with vs, because it flowreth so late: but in the naturall place, and in hot Countries, it beareth a small round whitish fruit, with a crowne at the toppe thereof, wherein is contained (while it is fresh, and before it be ouer dried) a sweet liquor, but when it is dry, the seede within it, which is small, flat, somewhat rough and blacke, will make a ratling noise: the rootes are composed of a number of exceeding long and round yellowish browne strings, spreading farre abroad vnder the ground (I haue seene some rootes that haue beene brought ouer, that were as long as any rootes ofSarsaparilla, and a great deale bigger, which to be handsomely laid into the ground, were faine to be coyled like a cable) and shooting vp in seuerall places a good distance one from another, whereby it may be well encreased.The Iesuites Figure of the Maracoc.The Maracoc.Granadillvs Frvtex Indicvs Christi Passionis Imago.The Place.The first blew Perwinkle groweth in many Woods and Orchards, by the hedge sides in England, and so doth the white here and there, but the other single and double purple are in our Gardens onely. The great Perwinkle groweth in Prouence of France, in Spaine, and Italy, and other hot Countries, where also growe all the twining Clamberers, as well single as double: but both the vpright ones doe growe in Hungary and there abouts. The surpassing delight of all flowers came from Virginia. Wee preserue them all in our Gardens.The Time.The Perwinkles doe flower in March and Aprill. The Climers not vntill the end of Iune, or in Iuly, and sometimes in August. The Virginian somewhat later in August; yet sometimes I haue knowne the flower to shew it selfe in Iuly.Page 395: Candy tufts; Perwinkle; Ladies Bower; Virginian Climber.1Thlaspi Creticum.Candy tufts.2Vinca peruinca flore simplici.Single Perwinkle.3Vinca peruinca flore duplici.Double Perwinkle.4Flammula Matthioli.Vpright Virgins Bower.5Clematis peregrina flore simplici.The single Ladies Bower.6Clematis peregrina flore pleno purpureo.Double flowred Ladies Bower.7Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana.The Virginian Climer.The Names.The first is out of question the firstClematisof Dioscorides, and called ofmanyClematis Daphnoides(but not that plant that is simply calledDaphnoides, for that isLaureola) and is vsually calledVinca pervinca: but it is notChamædaphne, for that is another plant, as shall be shewed in his place; some call itCentunculus: In English wee call it Perwinkle. The other isClematis alteraof Dioscorides, and is called alsoClematis peregrina, whose distinctions are set downe in their titles: In English, Ladies Bower, or Virgins Bower, because they are fit to growe by Arbours, to couer them. The first vpright Clamberer is called, and that rightly of some,Clematis erecta, orsurrecta. Of others,Flammula frutex, andFlammula Iouis, orsurrecta: In English, Vpright Virgins Bower. The next is called by Clusius,Clematis Pannonica cæulea, who thought it to beClimeni species, by the relation of others, at the first, but after entituled it,Clematis: In English, the Hungarian Climer. The last may be called in Latine,Clematis Virginiana: In English, The Virgin or Virginian Climer; of the Virginians,Maracoc: of the Spaniards in the West IndiesGranadillo, because the fruit (as is before said) is in some fashion like a small Pomegranate on the outside; yet the seede within is flattish, round, and blackish. Some superstitious Iesuite would faine make men beleeue, that in the flower of this plant are to be seene all the markes of our Sauiours Passion; and therefore call itFlos Passionis: and to that end haue caused figures to be drawne, and printed, with all the parts proportioned out, as thornes, nailes, speare, whippe, pillar,&c.in it, and all as true as the Sea burnes, which you may well perceiue by the true figure, taken to the life of the plant, compared with the figures set forth by the Iesuites, which I haue placed here likewise for euery one to see: but these bee their aduantagious lies (which with them are tolerable, or rather pious and meritorious) wherewith they vse to instruct their people; but I dare say, God neuer willed his Priests to instruct his people with lyes: for they come from the Diuell, the author of them. But you may say I am beside my Text, and I am in doubt you will thinke, I am in this besides my selfe, and so nothing to be beleeued herein that I say. For, for the most part, it is an inherent errour in all of that side, to beleeue nothing, be it neuer so true, that any of our side shall affirme, that contrarieth the assertions of any of their Fathers, as they call them: but I must referre them to God, and hee knoweth the truth, and will reforme or deforme them in his time. In regard whereof I could not but speake (the occasion being thus offered) against such an erroneous opinion (which euenDʳ.Aldine at Rome,before remembred, disproued, and contraried both the said figures and name) and seek to disproue it, as doth (I say not almost, but I am affraid altogether) leade many to adore the very picture of such things, as are but the fictions of superstitious brains: for the flower it selfe is farre differing from their figure, as both Aldine in theaforesaid booke, andRobinus at Paris in hisTheatrum Floræ, doe set forth; the flowers and leaues being drawne to the life, and there exhibited, which I hope may satisfie all men, that will not be perpetually obstinate and contentious.The Vertues.Costæus saith hee hath often seene, that the leaues of Perwinkle held in the mouth, hath stayed the bleeding at the nose. The French doe vse it to stay the menstruall fluxes. The other are causticke plants, that is, fiery hot, and blistering the skinne; and therefore (as Dioscorides saith) is profitable to take away the scurfe, leprye, or such like deformities of the skin. What property that of Virginia hath, is not knowne to any with vs I thinke, more then that the liquor in the greene fruit is pleasant in taste; but assuredly it cannot be without some speciall properties, if they were knowne.
Hauing shewed you all my store of herbes bearing fine flowers, let mee now bring to your consideration the rest of those plants, be they Shrubs or Trees, that are cherished in our garden, for the beauty of their flowers chiefly, or for some other beautifull respect: and first I will begin with such as creepe on the ground, without climing, and then such as clime vp by poles, or other things, that are set or grow neere them, fit to make Bowers, and Arbours, or else are like them in forme, in name, or some other such qualitie or propertie.
The smaller Perwinkle which not onely groweth wilde in many places, but is most vsuall in our Gardens, hath diuers creeping branches, trayling or running vpon the ground, shooting out small fibres at the ioynts, as it creepeth, taking thereby hold in the ground, and rooteth in diuers places: at the ioynts of these branches stand two small darke greene shining leaues, somewhat like vnto small Baye leaues, but smaller, and at the ioynts likewise with the leaues, come forth the flowers, one at a ioynt, standing vpon a tender footestalke, being somewhat long and hollow, parted at the brims, sometimes into foure leaues, and sometimes into fiue, the most ordinary sort is of a pale or bleake blew colour, but some are pure white, and some of a darke reddish purple colour: the root is in the body of it, little bigger then a rush, bushing in the ground, and creeping with his branches farre about, taking roote in many places, whereby it quickely possesseth a great compasse; and is therefore most vsually planted vnder hedges, or where it may haue roome to runne.
The double Perwinkle is like vnto the former single kinde, in all things except in the flower, which is of that darke reddish purple colour that is in one of the single kindes; but this hath another row of leaues within the flower, so that the two rowes of leaues causeth it to be called double, but the leaues of these are lesser then the single. I haue heard of one with a double white flower, but I haue not yet seene it.
This greater Perwinkle is somewhat like the former, but greater, yet his branches creepe not in that manner, but stand more vpright, or lesse creeping at the least: the leaues also hereof stand by couples at the ioynts, but they are broader and larger by the halfe: the flowers are larger, consisting of fiue leaues that are blew, a little deeper then the former blew: this plant is farre tenderer to keepe then the other, and therefore would stand warme, as well as in a moist shadowie place.
This Causticke or burning Climer, hath very long and climing tender branches, yet somewhat woody below, which winde about those things that stand neere it, couered with a brownish greene barke, from the ioynts whereof shoote forth many winged leaues, consisting for the most part of fiue single leaues, that is two and two together, and one at the end, which are a little cut in or notched on the edges here andthere, but euery part of them is lesser then the leaues of the next following Climer, without any clasping tendrels to winde about any thing at all: towards the vpper part of the branches, with the said leaues, come forth long stalks, whereon stand many white flowers clustering together, opening the brims into sixe or eight small leaues, spreading like a starre, very sweet of smell, or rather of a strong heady sent, which after turne into flattish and blackish seede, plumed at the head, which plume or feather flyeth away with the winde after it hath stood long, and leaueth the seede naked or bare: the roote is white and thicke, fleshie and tender, or easie to be broken, as my selfe can well testifie, in that desiring to take a sucker from the roote, I could not handle it so tenderly, but that it broke notwithstanding all my care. Master Gerard in hisHerballmaketh mention of one of this kinde with double white flowers, which hee saith he recouered from the seede was sent him from Argentine, that is Strasborough, whereof hee setteth forth the figure with double flowers: but I neuer saw any such with him, neither did I euer heare of any of this kinde with double flowers. Clusius indeed saith, that hee receiued from a friend some seede vnder the name ofClematis flore albo pleno: but he doubteth whether there bee any such: the plants that sprang with him from that seede, were like vnto the vpright kinde calledFlammila Matthioli, orIouis cresta, as he there saith: but assuredly I haue beene informed from some of my especiall friends beyond Sea, that they haue a double whiteClematis, and haue promised to send it; but whether it will be of the climing or vpright sort, I cannot tell vntill I see it: but surely I doe much doubt whether the double will giue any good seede.
This Climer hath many limber and weake climing branches like the former, couered with a browne thin outer barke, and greene vnderneath: the leaues stand at the ioynts, consisting but of three leaues or parts, whereof some are notched on one side, and some on both, without any clasping tendrels also, but winding with his branches about any thing standeth next vnto it: the flowers in like manner come from the same ioynts with the leaues, but not so many together as the former vpon long footstalkes, consisting of foure leaues a peece, standing like a crosse, of a darke red colour; the seed is flat and round, and pointed at the end, three or foure or more standing close together vpon one stalk, without any doune vpon them at all, as in the former: the roots are a bundell of brownish yellow strong strings, running down deep into the ground, from a bigge head aboue.
This Ladies Bower differeth in nothing from the last described, but onely in the colour of the flower, which is of a sad blewish purple colour; so that the one is not possible to be known from the other, vntill they be in flower.
This doubleClematishath branches and leaues so neere resembling the single kinds, that there can be knowne no difference, vnlesse it be, that this groweth more goale and great, and yeeldeth both more store of branches from the ground, and more spreading aboue: the chiefest marke to distinguish it is the flower, which in this is very thicke and double, consisting of a number of smaller leaues, set close together in order in the middle, the foure outermost leaues that encompasse them, being much broader and larger then any of the inward, but all of a dull or sad blewish purple colour, the points or ends of the leaues seeming a little darker then the middle of them: this beareth no seede that euer I could see, heare of, or learne by any of credit, that haue noursed it a great while; and therefore the tales of false deceitfull gardiners, and others, that diliuer such for truth, to deceiue persons ignorant thereof, must not bee credulously entertained.
Clematis peregrina flore carneo pleno.
Inthe great booke of the Garden of the Bishop of Eystot(which place is neere vnto Noromberg) in Germany, I reade of aClematisof this former kinde, whose figure is thereto also annexed, with double flowers of an incarnate, or pale purple tending to a blush colour, whereof I haue not heard from any other place.
This kinde ofClematishath diuers more vpright stalkes then any of the foure last described, sometimes foure or fiue foote high, or more: yet leaning or bending a little, so that it had some neede of sustaining, couered with a brownish barke; from whence come forth on all sides diuers winged leaues, consisting of fiue or seuen leaues, set on both sides of a middle ribbe, whereof one is at the end: the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many branches, bearing many white sweet smelling flowers on them, like in fashion vnto the white Virgins Bower; after which come such like feather topt seede, which remaine and shew themselues, being flat like the other, when the plumes are blowne abroad: the roote spreadeth in the ground from a thicke head, into many long strings, and fasteneth it selfe strongly in the earth; but all the stalkes dye downe euery yeare, and spring afresh in the beginning of the next.
The stalks of this plant stand vpright, & are foure square, bearing at euery ioynt two leaues, which at the first are closed together, and after they are open, are somewhat like vnto the leaues ofAsclepias, or Swallow-wort: from the tops of the stalks, and sometimes also from the sides by the leaues commeth forth one flower, bending the head downward, consisting of foure leaues, somewhat long & narrow, standing like a crosse, and turning vp their ends a little againe, of a faire blew or skie colour, with a thicke pale yellow short thrumme, made like a head in the middle: after the flower is past, the head turneth into such a like round feather topt ball, as is to be seene in the Trauellers ioy, orViorna(as it is called) that groweth plentifully in Kent, and in other places by the way sides, and in the hedges, wherein is included such like flat seede. These stalkes (like as the last) dye downe to the ground euery yeare, and rise againe in the Spring following, shooting out new branches, and therby encreaseth in the root.
Because this braue and too much desired plant doth in some things resemble the former Climers, so that vnto what other family or kindred I might better conioyne it I know not; let me I pray insert it in the end of their Chapter, with this description. It riseth out of the ground (very late in the yeare, about the beginning of May, if it be a plant hath risen from the seed of our owne sowing, and if it be an old one, such as hath been brought to vs from Virginia, not till the end thereof) with a round stalke, not aboue a yard and a halfe high (in any that I haue seene) but in hotter Countries, as some Authors haue set it downe, much higher, bearing one leafe at euery ioynt, which from the ground to the middle thereof hath no claspers, but from thence vpwards hath at the same ioynt with the leafe both a small twining clasper, like vnto a Vine, and a flower also: euery leafe is broad at the stalke thereof, and diuided about the middle on both sides, making it somewhat resemble a Figge leafe, ending in three points, whereof the middlemost is longest: the bud of the flower, before it doe open, is very like vnto the head or seede vessell of the ordinary singleNigella, hauing at the head or top fiue small crooked hornes, which when this bud openeth, are the ends or points of fiue leaues, that are white on the inside, and lay themselues flat, like vnto an Anemone, and are a little hollow like a scoope at the end, with fiue other smaller leaues, and whiter then they lying betweene them, which were hid in the bud before it opened, so that this flower being full blowne open, consisteth of ten white leaues, laide in order round one by another: from the bottome of these leaues on the inside, rise diuers twined threads, which spread and lay themselues all ouer these white leaues, reaching beyond the points of them a little, and are of a reddish peach colour: towards the bottomes likewise of these white leaues there are two red circles, about the breadth of an Oten strawe, one distant from another (and in some flowers there is but one circle seen) which adde a great grace vnto the flower; for the white leaues shew their colour through the peach coloured threads, and these red circles or rings vpon them being also perspicuous, make a tripartite shew of colours most delightfull: the middle part of this flower is hollow, and yellowish; in the bottome whereof riseth vp an vmbone, or round stile, somewhat bigge, of a whitish greene colour, spotted with reddish spots like the stalkes of Dragons, with fiue round threads or chiues, spotted in the like manner, and tipt at the ends with yellow pendents, standing about the middle part of the said vmbone, and from thence rising higher, endeth in three long crooked hornes most vsually (but sometimes in foure, as hath beene obserued in Rome byDʳ.Aldine, that set forth some principall things of Cardinall Farnesius his Garden) spotted like the rest, hauing three round greene buttons at their ends: these flowers are of a comfortable sweete sent, very acceptable, which perish without yeelding fruit with vs, because it flowreth so late: but in the naturall place, and in hot Countries, it beareth a small round whitish fruit, with a crowne at the toppe thereof, wherein is contained (while it is fresh, and before it be ouer dried) a sweet liquor, but when it is dry, the seede within it, which is small, flat, somewhat rough and blacke, will make a ratling noise: the rootes are composed of a number of exceeding long and round yellowish browne strings, spreading farre abroad vnder the ground (I haue seene some rootes that haue beene brought ouer, that were as long as any rootes ofSarsaparilla, and a great deale bigger, which to be handsomely laid into the ground, were faine to be coyled like a cable) and shooting vp in seuerall places a good distance one from another, whereby it may be well encreased.
The Iesuites Figure of the Maracoc.The Maracoc.Granadillvs Frvtex Indicvs Christi Passionis Imago.
The Iesuites Figure of the Maracoc.
Granadillvs Frvtex Indicvs Christi Passionis Imago.
The Place.The first blew Perwinkle groweth in many Woods and Orchards, by the hedge sides in England, and so doth the white here and there, but the other single and double purple are in our Gardens onely. The great Perwinkle groweth in Prouence of France, in Spaine, and Italy, and other hot Countries, where also growe all the twining Clamberers, as well single as double: but both the vpright ones doe growe in Hungary and there abouts. The surpassing delight of all flowers came from Virginia. Wee preserue them all in our Gardens.
The first blew Perwinkle groweth in many Woods and Orchards, by the hedge sides in England, and so doth the white here and there, but the other single and double purple are in our Gardens onely. The great Perwinkle groweth in Prouence of France, in Spaine, and Italy, and other hot Countries, where also growe all the twining Clamberers, as well single as double: but both the vpright ones doe growe in Hungary and there abouts. The surpassing delight of all flowers came from Virginia. Wee preserue them all in our Gardens.
The Time.The Perwinkles doe flower in March and Aprill. The Climers not vntill the end of Iune, or in Iuly, and sometimes in August. The Virginian somewhat later in August; yet sometimes I haue knowne the flower to shew it selfe in Iuly.
The Perwinkles doe flower in March and Aprill. The Climers not vntill the end of Iune, or in Iuly, and sometimes in August. The Virginian somewhat later in August; yet sometimes I haue knowne the flower to shew it selfe in Iuly.
Page 395: Candy tufts; Perwinkle; Ladies Bower; Virginian Climber.1Thlaspi Creticum.Candy tufts.2Vinca peruinca flore simplici.Single Perwinkle.3Vinca peruinca flore duplici.Double Perwinkle.4Flammula Matthioli.Vpright Virgins Bower.5Clematis peregrina flore simplici.The single Ladies Bower.6Clematis peregrina flore pleno purpureo.Double flowred Ladies Bower.7Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana.The Virginian Climer.
The Names.The first is out of question the firstClematisof Dioscorides, and called ofmanyClematis Daphnoides(but not that plant that is simply calledDaphnoides, for that isLaureola) and is vsually calledVinca pervinca: but it is notChamædaphne, for that is another plant, as shall be shewed in his place; some call itCentunculus: In English wee call it Perwinkle. The other isClematis alteraof Dioscorides, and is called alsoClematis peregrina, whose distinctions are set downe in their titles: In English, Ladies Bower, or Virgins Bower, because they are fit to growe by Arbours, to couer them. The first vpright Clamberer is called, and that rightly of some,Clematis erecta, orsurrecta. Of others,Flammula frutex, andFlammula Iouis, orsurrecta: In English, Vpright Virgins Bower. The next is called by Clusius,Clematis Pannonica cæulea, who thought it to beClimeni species, by the relation of others, at the first, but after entituled it,Clematis: In English, the Hungarian Climer. The last may be called in Latine,Clematis Virginiana: In English, The Virgin or Virginian Climer; of the Virginians,Maracoc: of the Spaniards in the West IndiesGranadillo, because the fruit (as is before said) is in some fashion like a small Pomegranate on the outside; yet the seede within is flattish, round, and blackish. Some superstitious Iesuite would faine make men beleeue, that in the flower of this plant are to be seene all the markes of our Sauiours Passion; and therefore call itFlos Passionis: and to that end haue caused figures to be drawne, and printed, with all the parts proportioned out, as thornes, nailes, speare, whippe, pillar,&c.in it, and all as true as the Sea burnes, which you may well perceiue by the true figure, taken to the life of the plant, compared with the figures set forth by the Iesuites, which I haue placed here likewise for euery one to see: but these bee their aduantagious lies (which with them are tolerable, or rather pious and meritorious) wherewith they vse to instruct their people; but I dare say, God neuer willed his Priests to instruct his people with lyes: for they come from the Diuell, the author of them. But you may say I am beside my Text, and I am in doubt you will thinke, I am in this besides my selfe, and so nothing to be beleeued herein that I say. For, for the most part, it is an inherent errour in all of that side, to beleeue nothing, be it neuer so true, that any of our side shall affirme, that contrarieth the assertions of any of their Fathers, as they call them: but I must referre them to God, and hee knoweth the truth, and will reforme or deforme them in his time. In regard whereof I could not but speake (the occasion being thus offered) against such an erroneous opinion (which euenDʳ.Aldine at Rome,before remembred, disproued, and contraried both the said figures and name) and seek to disproue it, as doth (I say not almost, but I am affraid altogether) leade many to adore the very picture of such things, as are but the fictions of superstitious brains: for the flower it selfe is farre differing from their figure, as both Aldine in theaforesaid booke, andRobinus at Paris in hisTheatrum Floræ, doe set forth; the flowers and leaues being drawne to the life, and there exhibited, which I hope may satisfie all men, that will not be perpetually obstinate and contentious.
The first is out of question the firstClematisof Dioscorides, and called ofmanyClematis Daphnoides(but not that plant that is simply calledDaphnoides, for that isLaureola) and is vsually calledVinca pervinca: but it is notChamædaphne, for that is another plant, as shall be shewed in his place; some call itCentunculus: In English wee call it Perwinkle. The other isClematis alteraof Dioscorides, and is called alsoClematis peregrina, whose distinctions are set downe in their titles: In English, Ladies Bower, or Virgins Bower, because they are fit to growe by Arbours, to couer them. The first vpright Clamberer is called, and that rightly of some,Clematis erecta, orsurrecta. Of others,Flammula frutex, andFlammula Iouis, orsurrecta: In English, Vpright Virgins Bower. The next is called by Clusius,Clematis Pannonica cæulea, who thought it to beClimeni species, by the relation of others, at the first, but after entituled it,Clematis: In English, the Hungarian Climer. The last may be called in Latine,Clematis Virginiana: In English, The Virgin or Virginian Climer; of the Virginians,Maracoc: of the Spaniards in the West IndiesGranadillo, because the fruit (as is before said) is in some fashion like a small Pomegranate on the outside; yet the seede within is flattish, round, and blackish. Some superstitious Iesuite would faine make men beleeue, that in the flower of this plant are to be seene all the markes of our Sauiours Passion; and therefore call itFlos Passionis: and to that end haue caused figures to be drawne, and printed, with all the parts proportioned out, as thornes, nailes, speare, whippe, pillar,&c.in it, and all as true as the Sea burnes, which you may well perceiue by the true figure, taken to the life of the plant, compared with the figures set forth by the Iesuites, which I haue placed here likewise for euery one to see: but these bee their aduantagious lies (which with them are tolerable, or rather pious and meritorious) wherewith they vse to instruct their people; but I dare say, God neuer willed his Priests to instruct his people with lyes: for they come from the Diuell, the author of them. But you may say I am beside my Text, and I am in doubt you will thinke, I am in this besides my selfe, and so nothing to be beleeued herein that I say. For, for the most part, it is an inherent errour in all of that side, to beleeue nothing, be it neuer so true, that any of our side shall affirme, that contrarieth the assertions of any of their Fathers, as they call them: but I must referre them to God, and hee knoweth the truth, and will reforme or deforme them in his time. In regard whereof I could not but speake (the occasion being thus offered) against such an erroneous opinion (which euenDʳ.Aldine at Rome,before remembred, disproued, and contraried both the said figures and name) and seek to disproue it, as doth (I say not almost, but I am affraid altogether) leade many to adore the very picture of such things, as are but the fictions of superstitious brains: for the flower it selfe is farre differing from their figure, as both Aldine in theaforesaid booke, andRobinus at Paris in hisTheatrum Floræ, doe set forth; the flowers and leaues being drawne to the life, and there exhibited, which I hope may satisfie all men, that will not be perpetually obstinate and contentious.
The Vertues.Costæus saith hee hath often seene, that the leaues of Perwinkle held in the mouth, hath stayed the bleeding at the nose. The French doe vse it to stay the menstruall fluxes. The other are causticke plants, that is, fiery hot, and blistering the skinne; and therefore (as Dioscorides saith) is profitable to take away the scurfe, leprye, or such like deformities of the skin. What property that of Virginia hath, is not knowne to any with vs I thinke, more then that the liquor in the greene fruit is pleasant in taste; but assuredly it cannot be without some speciall properties, if they were knowne.
Costæus saith hee hath often seene, that the leaues of Perwinkle held in the mouth, hath stayed the bleeding at the nose. The French doe vse it to stay the menstruall fluxes. The other are causticke plants, that is, fiery hot, and blistering the skinne; and therefore (as Dioscorides saith) is profitable to take away the scurfe, leprye, or such like deformities of the skin. What property that of Virginia hath, is not knowne to any with vs I thinke, more then that the liquor in the greene fruit is pleasant in taste; but assuredly it cannot be without some speciall properties, if they were knowne.