{Conclusion}
Thus haue I led you through all my Garden of Pleasure, and shewed you all the varieties of nature noursed therein, pointing vnto them, and describing them one after another. And how lastly (according to the vse of our old ancient Fathers) I bring you to rest on the Grasse, which yet shall not be without some delight, and that not the least of all the rest.
Chap. CXXXIII.
Gramina. Grasses.
There are among an infinite number (as I may so say) of Grasses, a few onely which I thinke fit to be planted in this Garden, both for the rarity of them, and also for your delight, and the excellent beauty that is in them aboue many other plants. One of them hath long agoe bin respected, and cherished in the country gardens of many Gentlewomen, and others. The others are knowne but vnto a few.
1. Gramen striatum. Painted Grasse or Ladies laces.
This kinde of Grasse hath many stiffe, hard, round stalkes, full of ioynts, whereon are set at euery ioynt one long leafe, somewhat broad at the bottome, where it compasseth the stalke, and smaller to the end, where it is sharpe pointed, hard or rough in handling, and striped all the length of the leafe with white streakes or lines, that they seeme party coloured laces of white and greene: the tops of the stalkes are furnished with long spikie tufts, like vnto the tufts of Couch Grasse: the rootes are small, white, and threddy, like the rootes of other Grasses.
2. Gramen Plumarium minus. The lesser Feather-Grasse.
This lesser Feather-Grasse hath many small, round, and very long leaues or blades, growing in tufts, much finer and smaller then any other Grasse that I know, being almost like vnto haires, and of a fresh greene colour in Summer, but changing into gray, like old hay in Winter, being indeede all dead, and neuer reuiuing; yet hardly to be plucked away vntill the Spring, and then other greene leaues or rushes rise vp by them, and in their stead, and are aboue a foote in length: from the middle of these tufts come forth rounder and bigger rushes, which are the stalkes, and which haue a chaffie round eare about the middle thereof, which when it is full growne, is somewhat higher then the toppes of the leaues or rushes, opening it selfe (being before close) at the top, and shewing forth three or foure long ayles or beards, one aboue another, which bend themselues a little downewards (if they stand ouer long before they are gathered, and will fall off, and be blowne away with the winde) being so finely feathered on both sides, all the length of the beard, and of a pale or grayish colour, that no feather in the taile of the Bird of Paradise can be finer, or to be compared with them, hauing sticking at the end of euery one of them, within the eare, a small, long, whitish, round, hard, and very sharpe pointed graine, like vnto an oaten graine, that part of the stalke of the feather that is next vnder it, and aboue the seede for some two or three inches, being stiffe and hard, and twining or curling it selfe, if it be suffered to stand too long, or to fall away, otherwise being straight as the feather it selfe: the roote is composed of many long, hard, small threddy strings, which runne deepe and far, and will not willingly be remoued, in that it gaineth strength euery yeare by standing.
3. Gramen Plumarium maius. The greater Feather-Grasse.
The greater Feather-Grasse is like vnto the lesser, but that both the leaues and the feathers, are greater, and nothing so fine, grosser also, and of lesse beauty and respect, though whiter then it; and therefore is not so much regarded: for I haue knowne, that many Gentlewomen haue vsed the former lesser kinde, being tyed in tufts, to set them in stead of feathers about their beds, where they haue lyen after childe-bearing, and at other times also, when as they haue been much admired of the Ladies and Gentles that haue come to visit them.
The Place.
The first of these Grasses, as Lobel saith, groweth naturally in the woods and hils of Sauoy. It hath long agoe beene receiued into our English gardens. The second, as Clusius saith, in Austria, from whence also (as I take it) the greater came, and are both in the gardens of those, that are curious obseruers of these delights.
The Time.
The first is in its pride for the leaues all the Spring and Summer, yeelding his bush in Iune. The other giue their feather-like sprigs in Iuly and August, and quickly (as I said) are shed, if they be not carefully gathered.
The Names.
The first is called by Lobel Gramen sulcatum, or striatum album; of others Gramen pictum. The French call it Aiguellettes d’armes, of the fashion that their Ensignes, Pennons, or Streamers vsed in wars were of, that is, like vnto a party coloured curtaine. In English vsually Ladies laces, and Painted Grasse. The first of the other two is called Gramen plumarium or plumosum, and minus is added for the distinction of it. Clusius calleth it Spartum Austriacum, of the likenesse and place where he found it. The last is, called Gramen plumarium, or plumosum maius, The greater Feather-Grasse.
The Vertues.
These kindes of Grasses are not in any time or place that I doe heare of applyed to any Physicall vse; and therefore of them I will say no more: but here I will end the prime part of this worke.
THE ORDERING
OF THE KITCHEN
GARDEN.
Chap. I.
The situation of a Kitchen Garden, or Garden of Herbes, and what sort of manure is fittest to helpe the decaying of the soyle therof.
Hauing giuen you the best rules and instructions that I can for your flower Garden, and all the flowers that are fit to furnish it, I now proceede to your herbe garden, which is not of the least respect belonging to any mans house, nor vtterly to bee neglected for the many vtilities are to be had from it, both for the Masters profit and pleasure, and the meynies content and nourishment: all which if I should here set down, I had a large field to wander in, and matter sufficient to entreat of, but this worke permitteth not that libertie: and I thinke there are but few but eyther know it already, or conceiue it sufficiently in their minds. Passing therefore no further in such discourses, I come to the matter in hand, which is to shew you where the fittest place is for an herbe garden. As before I shewed you that the beautie of any worthy house is much the more commended for the pleasant situation of the garden of flowers, or of pleasure, to be in the sight and full prospect of all the chiefe and choisest roomes of the house; so contrariwise, your herbe garden should bee on the one or other side of the house, and those best and choyse roomes: for the many different sents that arise from the herbes, as Cabbages, Onions, &c. are scarce well pleasing to perfume the lodgings of any house; and the many ouertures and breaches as it were of many of the beds thereof, which must necessarily bee, are also as little pleasant to the sight. But for priuate mens houses, who must like their habitations as they fall vnto them, and cannot haue time or meanes to alter them, they must make a vertue of necessity, and conuert their places to their best aduantage, by making their profit their chiefest pleasure, and making one place serue for all vses. The choyce of ground for this Garden, is (as I said before) where it is fat, fertill and good, there needeth the lesse labour and cost; and contrariwise, where it is cold, wet, dry or barren, there must bee the more helpes still added to keepe it in heart. For this Garden by reason of the much and continuall stirring therein, the herbes and rootes drawing out the substance of the fertilitie thereof more aboundantly then in the former, must be continually holpen with soyle, or else few things of goodnesse or worth will come forward therein. The stable soyle of horses is best and most proper for any colde grounds, for being the hottest, it will cause any the seedes for this Garden to prosper well, and be more forward then in any other ground that is not so holpen. The stable soyle of Cattell is of a colder and moister nature, and is therefore more proper for the hot sandy or grauelly grounds, and although it bee longer before it bee brought to mould then that of horses, yet it will outlast it more then twice so long. Let euery one therefore take according to the nature of the ground such helpes as are most fit and conuenient, as I haue here and before shewed. But I doe here ingenuously confesse my opinion of these forcings and helpings of ground, that howsoeuer it doth much good to some particular things, which because they delight in heate, and cannot be brought to perfection without it in this our Countrey, which is colder then their naturall from whence they are brought, must therefore haue artificiall helpes to forward them; yet for many other things the compost doth much alter and abate the naturall vigour, and quickenesse of taste, that is perceiued in them that grow in a naturall fat or sandy soile that is not so holpen.
Chap. II.
The forme of a Garden of herbes for necessary vses, with the ordering thereof.
As our former Garden of pleasure is wholly formable in euery part with squares, trayles, and knots, and to bee still maintained in their due forme and beautie: so on the contrary side this Garden cannot long conserue any forme, for that euery part thereof is subiect to mutation and alteration. For although it is conuenient that many herbes doe grow by themselues on beds, cast out into some proportion fit for them, as Tyme, Hissope, Sage, &c. yet many others may bee sowen together on a plot of ground of that largenesse that may serue euery mans particular vse as he shall haue occasion to employ it, as Reddish, Lettice and Onions, which after they are growne vp together may be drawne vp and taken away, as there is occasion to spend them: but Carrots or Parsneps being sowen with others must bee suffered to grow last, because they require a longer time before they be fit to be taken vp. Other herbes require some large compasse of ground whereon they may grow of themselues without any other herbes growing among them, as Artichokes, Cowcumbers, Melons, Pompions. And some will doe so with their Cabbages also, but the best and most frugall way now vsed, is to plant them round about the border of your plot or ground whereon you plant Cowcumbers, Pompions, or other things, in that by this meanes so much ground will be well saued, and the other things be no whit hindered thereby, which else a great deale of ground must be employed for them apart. So that by this that I haue here said, you may perceiue the forme of this Garden is for the most part, to bee still out of forme and order, in that the continuall taking vp of the herbes and rootes that are sowen and planted, causeth the beds or parts of this Garden to lye broken, dismembered, and out of the order that at the first it was put into. Remember herewithall that (as I said before) this Garden requireth the continuall helpe of soyle to be brought into it, in that the plenty of these manner of herbes and rootes doe so much waste the fertilitie and fatnesse of the ground, that without continuall refreshing it would quickly become so poore and barren, that it would not yeelde the worth of the seede. The ordinary time to soyle a Garden, is to bring in manure or dung before Christmas, and eyther bury at some small depth, not too deepe, or else to lay it vpon the ground that the winter frostes may pierce it, and then turne it shallow into the ground to sow your seeds in the Spring.
Chap. III.
How to order diuers Garden herbes, both for their sowing, spending, and gathering of the seede.
Ovr chiefest and greatest Gardiners now adaies, doe so prouide for themselues euery yeare, that from their owne grounds they gather the seede of many herbes that they sowe againe: for hauing gained the best kind of diuers herbes, they will be still furnished with the same, and be not to seeke euery yeare for new that oftentimes will not yeelde them halfe the profit that their choyce seede will: I say of many herbes, but not of all; for the best of them all hath not ground sufficient for all sorts, nor will our climate bring some to that perfection that other forraine doth, and therefore the seede of some things are continually brought from beyond Sea vnto vs. And againe although our chiefe Gardiners doe still prouide their owne seede of diuers things from their owne ground, because as I said it is of the best kinde, yet you must vnderstand also, that good store of the same sortes of seeds are brought from beyond the Seas, for that which is gathered in this Land is not sufficient to serue euery mans vse in the whole Kingdome by many parts; yet still it is true, that our English seede of many things is better then any that commeth from beyond the Seas: as for example, Reddish, Lettice, Carrots, Parsneps, Turneps, Cabbages, and Leekes, of all which I intend to write in this place; for these are by them so husbanded, that they doe not sow their owne grounds with any other seede of these sorts but their owne: which that you may know the manner how to doe, I will here set it downe, that euery one may haue the best directions if they will follow them. Of Reddish there are two sorts, one more early then the other: they vse therefore to sow their early Reddish first, that they may haue the earliest profit of them, which is more worth in one fortnight, then in a moneth after. And to effect this they haue some artificiall helps also; which are these: They vse to digge vp a large plot of ground where they intend to sow their seede a little before or after Christmas, casting it into high bankes or ridges fiue or sixe foote asunder, which they suffer to lye and take all the extreame frosts in Ianuary to mellow the earth, and when the frostes are past, they then beginne to bring into it good store of fresh stable dung, which they laye neyther too deepe nor too thicke, and couer it with the mould a hand breadth thicknesse aboue the dung, which doth giue such a warmth and comfort to whatsoeuer is sowen thereon, that it forceth it forward much sooner then any other way can doe: And to preuent both the frostes, and the cold bitter windes which often spoyle their seede new sprung vp, they vse to set great high and large mattes made of reedes, tyed together, and fastened vnto strong stakes, thrust into the ground to keepe them vp from falling, or being blowne down with the winde; which mattes they place on the North and East side to breake the force of these winds, and are so sure and safe a defence, that a bricke wall cannot better defend anything vnder it, then this fence will. In this manner they doe euery yeare to bring forward their seede to gaine the more by them, and they that will haue Reddish early, must take the same course. The other sort of Reddish for the most part is sowen in Februarie, a fortnight after the other at the least, and likewise euery moneth after vnto September, that they may haue young continually. For the blacke Reddish, although many in many places doe sowe it in the same time, and in the same manner that the ordinary is sowen, yet the nature thereof is to runne vp to seede more speedily then the other, if it haue so rich ground to grow vpon, and therefore the best time to sow it is in August, that so it may abide all winter, therein is the chiefest time for the spending thereof, and to keepe it vntill the beginning of the next yeare from running vp to seed: the gathering whereof, as also of the other sort, is all after one manner, that is, to be pulled vp when the pods change whitish, and then hanged vpon bushes, pales, or such other thing, vntill they bee thorough dry, and then beaten or thrashed out vpon a smooth plancher, or vpon clothes, as euery ones store is, and their conueniencie. Lettice is sowen oftentimes with the early Reddish, in the same manner before said, that they may haue Lettice likewise as early as the time of the year will permit them, which they pull vp where they grow too thicke, spending them first, and so taking vp from time to time, vntill they stand two foote in sunder one from another, and beginne to spindle and shoote vp for seede. In this is vsed some arte to make the plants strong to giue the better seede without danger of rotting or spoyling with the wet, which often happeneth to those about whom this caution is not obserued: Before your Lettice is shot vp, marke out the choysest and strongest plantes which are fittest to grow for seede, and from those when they are a foote high, strippe away with your hand the leaues that grow lowest vpon the stalke next the ground, which might rot, spoyle or hinder them from bearing so good seede; which when it is neere to be ripe, the stalkes must be cut off about the middle, and layde vpon mats or clothes in the Sunne, that it may there fully ripen and be gathered; for it would be blowne away with the winde if it should be suffered to abide on the stalkes long. Parsneps must be sowen on a deep trenched mellow ground, otherwise they may run to seede the first yeare, which then are nothing worth: or else the rootes will be small staruelings and short, and runne into many spires or branches, whereby they will not bee of halfe the worth. Some vse to sow them in August and September, that so they may bee well growne to serue to spend in Lent following, but their best time is in February, that the Summers growth may make them the fairer and greater. When they runne vp to seede you shall take the principall or middle heades, for those carry the Master seede, which is the best, and will produce the fairest rootes againe. You shall hardly haue all the seede ripe at one instant, for vsually the chiefest heads will be fallen before the other are ripe: you must therefore still looke them ouer, and cut them as they ripen. Carrots are vsually sowen in March and Aprill, and if it chance that some of them doe runne vp for seede the same year, they are to be weeded out, for neyther the seed nor roots of them are good: You must likewise pull them vp when they are too thicke, if you will haue them grow fair, or for seed, that they may grow at the least three or foure foot in sunder: the stalkes of Carrots are limber, and fall downe to the ground; they must therefore be sustained by poles layde acrosse on stalkes thrust into the ground, and tyed to the poles and stalkes to keepe them vp from rotting or spoyling vpon the ground: the seed hereof is not all ripe at once, but must be tended and gathered as it ripeneth, and layd to dry in some dry chamber or floore, and then beaten out with a stick, and winnowed from the refuse. Turneps are sowne by themselues vpon a good ground in the end of Iuly, and beginning of August, to haue their rootes best to spend in winter; for it often happeneth that those seedes of Turneps that are sowen in the Spring, runne vp to seede the same yeare, and then it is not accounted good. Many doe vse to sow Turneps on those grounds from whence the same yeare they haue taken off Reddish and Lettice, to make the greater profit of the ground, by hauing two crops of increase in one yeare. The stalkes of Turneps will bend downe to the ground, as Carrots doe, but yet must not be bound or ordered in that manner, but suffered to grow without staking or binding, so as they grow of some good distance in sunder: when the seede beginneth to grow ripe, be very carefull to preserue it from the birds, which will be most busie to deuour them. You shall vnderstand likewise that many doe account the best way to haue the fairest and most principall seede from all these fore-recited herbes, that after they are sowen and risen to a reasonable growth, they be transplanted into fresh ground. Cabbages also are not only sowen for the vse of their heads to spend for meat, but to gather their seede likewise, which howsoeuer some haue endeauoured to doe, yet few haue gained good seede, because our sharpe hard frostes in winter haue spoyled and rotted their stockes they preserued for the purpose; but others haue found out a better and a more sure way, which is, to take vp your stocks that are fittest to be preserued, and bring them into the house, and there wrap them eyther in clothes, or other things to defend them from the cold, and hang them vp in a dry place, vntill the beginning of March following, then planting them in the ground, and a little defend them at the first with straw cast ouer them from the cold nights, thereby you may be sure to haue perfect good seede, if your kinde be of the best: Sowe your seed in the moneths of February or March, and transplant them in May where they may stand to grow for your vse, but be carefull to kill the wormes or Caterpillers that else will deuoure all your leaues, and be carefull also that none of the leaues bee broken in the planting, or otherwise rubbed, for that oftentimes hindereth the well closing of them. Leekes are for the most part wholly noursed vp from the seede that is here gathered; and because there is not so much store of them either sowne or spent, as there is of Onions by the twentieth part, we are still the more carefull to be prouided from our owne labours; yet there be diuers Gardiners in this Kingdome, that doe gather some small quantity of Onion seede also for their owne or their priuate friends spending. The sowing of them both is much about one time and manner, yet most vsually Leeks are sowne later then Onions, and both before the end of March at the furthest; yet some sowe Onions from the end of Iuly to the beginning of September, for their Winter prouision. Those that are sowne in the Spring, are to be taken vp and transplanted on a fresh bed prepared for the purpose, or else they will hardly abide a Winter; but hauing taken roote before Winter, they will beare good seede in the Summer following: You must stake both your Leekes and your Onion beds, and with poles laid a crosse, binde your lopple headed stalkes vnto them, on high as well as belowe, or else the winde and their owne weight will beare them downe to the ground, and spoile your seede. You must thinne them, that is, pull vp continually after they are first sprung vp those that growe too thicke, as you doe with all the other herbes before spoken of, that they may haue the more roome to thriue. Of all these herbes and rootes before spoken of, you must take the likeliest and fairest to keepe for your seede; for if you should not take the best, what hope of good seede can you expect? The time for the spending of these herbes and rootes, not particularly mentioned, is vntill they begin to runne vp for seede, or vntill they are to be transplanted for seede, or else vntill Winter, while they are good, as euery one shall see cause.
Chap. IIII.
How to order Artichokes, Melons, Cowcumbers, and Pompions.
There are certaine other herbes to be spoken of, which are wholly noursed vp for their fruit sake, of whom I shall not need to say much, being they are so frequent in euery place. Artichokes being planted of faire and large slips, taken from the roote in September and October (yet not too late) will most of them beare fruit the next yeare, so that they be planted in well dunged ground, and the earth raised vp like vnto an Anthill round about each roote, to defend them the better from the extreame frosts in Winter. Others plant slips in March and Aprill, or sooner, but although some of them will beare fruit the same yeare, yet all will not. And indeede many doe rather choose to plant in the spring then in the fall, for that oftentimes an extreame hard Winter following the new setting of slips, when they haue not taken sufficient heart and roote in the ground, doth vtterly pierce and perish them, when as they that are set in the Spring haue the whole Summers growth, to make them strong before they feele any sharpe frosts, which by that time they are the better able to beare. Muske Melons haue beene begun to bee noursed vp but of late dayes in this Land, wherein although many haue tryed and endeauoured to bring them to perfection, yet few haue attained vnto it: but those rules and orders which the best and skilfullest haue vsed, I will here set downe, that who so will, may haue as good and ripe Melons as any other in this Land. The first thing you are to looke vnto, is to prouide you a peece of ground fit for the purpose, which is either a sloping or sheluing banke, lying open and opposite to the South Sunne, or some other fit place not sheluing, and this ground also you must so prepare, that all the art you can vse about it to make it rich is little enough; and therefore you must raise it with meere stable soyle, thorough rotten & well turned vp, that it may be at the least three foote deepe thereof, which you must cast also into high beds or balkes, with deepe trenches or furrowes betweene, so as the ridges may be at the least a foot and a halfe higher then the furrowes; for otherwise it is not possible to haue good Melons growe ripe. The choise of your seede also is another thing of especiall regard, and the best is held to be Spanish, and not French, which hauing once gained, be sure to haue still of the same while they last good, that you may haue the seede of your owne ripe Melons from them that haue eaten them, or saue some of the best your selfe for the purpose. I say while they last good; for many are of opinion, that no seede of Muske Melons gathered in England, will endure good to sowe againe here aboue the third yeare, but still they must be renewed from whence you had your choisest before. Then hauing prepared a hot bed of dung in Aprill, set your seedes therein to raise them vp, and couer them, and order them with as great care or greater then Cowcumbers, &c. are vsed, that when they are ready, they may be transplanted vpon the beds or balkes of that ground you had before prepared for them, and set them at the least two yards in sunder, euery one as it were in a hole, with a circle of dung about them, which vpon the setting being watered with water that hath stood in the Sunne a day or two, and so as often as neede is to water, couer them with strawe (some vse great hollow glasses like vnto bell heads) or some such other things, to defend them both from the cold euenings or dayes, and the heate of the Sunne, while they are young and new planted. There are some that take vpon them great skill, that mislike of the raising vp of Melons, as they doe also of Cowcumbers, on a hot bed of horse dung, but will put two or three seedes in a place in the very ground where they shall stand and growe, and thinke without that former manner of forcing them forwards, that this their manner of planting will bring them on fast and sure enough, in that they will plucke away some of the worst and weakest, if too many rise vp together in a place; but let them know for certaine, that howsoeuer for Cowcumbers their purpose and order may doe reasonable well, where the ground is rich and good, and where they striue not to haue them so early, as they that vse the other way, for Muske Melons, which are a more tender fruit, requiring greater care and trouble in the noursing, and greater and stronger heate for the ripening, they must in our cold climate haue all the art vsed vnto them that may be, to bring them on the more early, and haue the more comfort of the Sunne to ripen them kindly, or else they will not bee worth the labour and ground. After you haue planted them as aforesaid, some of good skill doe aduise, that you be carefull in any dry season, to giue them water twice or thrice euery weeke while they are young, but more afterward when they are more growne, and that in the morning especially, yea and when the fruit is growne somewhat great, to water the fruit it selfe with a watering pot in the heate of the day, is of so good effect, that it ripeneth them much faster, and will giue them the better taste and smell, as they say. To take likewise the fruit, and gather it at the full time of his ripenesse is no small art; for if it be gathered before his due time to be presently eaten, it will be hard and greene, and not eate kindly; and likewise if it be suffered too long, the whole goodnesse will be lost: You shall therefore know, that it is full time to gather them to spend presently, when they begin to looke a little yellowish on the outside, and doe smell full and strong; but if you be to send them farre off, or keepe them long vpon any occasion, you shall then gather them so much the earlier, that according to the time of the carriage and spending, they may ripen in the lying, being kept dry, and couered with woollen clothes: When you cut one to eate, you shall know it to be ripe and good, if the seede and pulpe about them in the middle be very waterish, and will easily be separated from the meate, and likewise if the meate looke yellow, and be mellow, and not hard or greene, and taste full and pleasant, and not waterish: The vsuall manner to eate them is with pepper and salt, being pared and sliced, and to drowne them in wine, for feare of doing more harme. Cowcumbers and Pompions, after they are noursed vp in the bed of hot dung, are to be seuerally transplanted, each of them on a large plot of ground, a good distance in sunder: but the Pompions more, because their branches take vp a great deale more ground, & besides, will require a great deale more watering, because the fruit is greater. And thus haue you the ordering of those fruits which are of much esteeme, especially the two former, with all the better sort of persons; and the third kinde is not wholly refused of any, although it serueth most vsually for the meaner and poorer sort of people, after the first early ripe are spent.
Chap. V.
The ordering of diuers sorts of herbes for the pot, for meate, and for the table.
Tyme, Sauory, and Hyssope, are vsually sowne in the Spring on beds by themselues, euerie one a part; but they that make a gaine by selling to others the young rootes, to set the knots or borders of Gardens, doe for the most part sowe them in Iuly and August, that so being sprung vp before Winter, they will be the fitter to be taken vp in the Spring following, to serue any mans vse that would haue them. Sage, Lauender, and Rosemary, are altogether set in the Spring, by slipping the old stalkes, and taking the youngest and likeliest of them, thrusting them either twined or otherwise halfe a foote deepe into the ground, and well watered vpon the setting; if any seasonable weather doe follow, there is no doubt of their well thriuing: the hot Sunne and piercing drying Windes are the greatest hinderances to them; and therefore I doe aduise none to set too soone in the Spring, nor yet in Autumne, as many doe practise: for I could neuer see such come to good, for the extremity of the Winter comming vpon them so soone after their setting, will not suffer their young shootes to abide, not hauing taken sufficient strength in the ground, to maintain themselues against such violence, which doth often pierce the strongest plants. Marierome and Bassill are sowne in the Spring, yet not too early; for they are tender plants, and doe not spring vntill the weather bee somewhat warme: but Bassill would bee sowne dry, and not haue any water of two or three daies after the sowing, else the seede will turne to a gelly in the ground. Some vse to sowe the seed of Rosemary, but it seldome abideth the first Winter, because the young plants being small, and not of sufficient strength, cannot abide the sharpnesse of some Winters, notwithstanding the couering of them, which killeth many old plants; but the vsuall way is to slippe and set, and so they thriue well. Many doe vse to sowe all or the most sorts of Pot-herbes together on one plot of ground, that they neede not to goe farre to gather all the sorts they would vse. There are many sorts of them well knowne vnto all, yet few or none doe vse all sorts, but as euery one liketh; some vse those that others refuse, and some esteem those not to bee wholesome and of a good rellish, which others make no scruple of. The names of them are as followeth, and a short relation of their sowing or planting.
Rosemary, Tyme, and Sauorie are spoken of before, and Onions, and Leekes.
Mints are to bee set with their rootes in some by-place, for that their rootes doe creepe so farre vnder ground, that they quickly fill vp the places neare adioyning, if they be not puld vp.
Clarie is to be sowne, and seedeth and dyeth the next yeare, the herbe is strong, and therefore a little thereof is sufficient.
Nep is sowne, and dyeth often after seeding, few doe vse it, and that but a little at a time: both it and Clarie are more vsed in Tansies then in Broths.
Costmarie is to be set of rootes, the leaues are vsed with some in their Broths, but with more in their Ale.
Pot Marierome is set of rootes, being separated in sunder.
Penniroyall is to be set of the small heads that haue rootes, it creepeth and spreadeth quickly.
Allisanders are to be sowne of seede, the tops of the rootes with the greene leaues are vsed in Lent especially.
Parsley is a common herbe, and is sowne of seede, it seedeth the next yeare and dyeth: the rootes are more vsed in broths then the leaues, and the leaues almost with all sorts of meates.
Fennell is sowne of seede, and abideth many yeares yeelding seede; the rootes also are vsed in broths, and the leaues more seldome, yet serue to trimme vp many fish meates.
Borage is sowne of seede, and dyeth the next yeare after, yet once being suffered to seede in a Garden, will still come of it owne shedding.
Buglosse commeth of seede, but abideth many yeares after it hath giuen seede, if it stand not in the coldest place of the Garden.
Marigolds are sowne of seede, and may be after transplanted, they abide two or three yeares, if they be not set in too cold a place: the leaues and flowers are both vsed.
Langedebeefe is sowne of seede, which shedding it selfe will hardly be destroyed in a Garden.
Arrach is to be sowne of seede, this likewise will rise euery yeare of it owne seed, if it be suffered to shed it selfe.
Beetes are sowne of seede, and abideth some yeares after, still giuing seede.
Blites are vsed but in some places, for there is a generall opinion held of them, that they are naught for the eyes: they are sowne euery yeare of seede.
Bloodwort once sowne abideth many yeares, if the extremity of the frosts kill it not, and seedeth plentifully.
Patience is of the same nature, and vsed in the same manner.
French Mallowes are to be sowne of seede, and will come of it owne sowing, if it be suffered to shed it selfe.
Ciues are planted onely by parting the rootes; for it neuer giueth any seede at all.
Garlicke is ordered in the same manner, by parting and planting the rootes euerie yeare.
These be all the sorts are vsed with vs for that purpose, whereas I said before, none vseth all, but euery one will vse those they like best: and so much shall suffice for pot-herbes.
Chap. VI.
The manner and ordering of many sorts of herbes and rootes for Sallets.
If I should set downe all the sorts of herbes that are vsually gathered for Sallets, I should not onely speake of Garden herbes, but of many herbes, &c. that growe wilde in the fields, or else be but weedes in a Garden; for the vsuall manner with many, is to take the young buds and leaues of euery thing almost that groweth, as well in the Garden as in the Fields, and put them all together, that the taste of the one may amend the rellish of the other: But I will only shew you those that are sown or planted in gardens for that purpose. Asparagus is a principall & delectable Sallet herbe, whose young shootes when they are a good handfull high aboue the ground, are cut an inch within the ground, which being boyled, are eaten with a little vinegar and butter, as a Sallet of great delight. Their ordering with the best Gardiners is on this wise: When you haue prouided seede of the best kinde, you must sowe it either before Christmas, as most doe, or before the end of February; the later you sowe, the later and the more hardly will they spring: after they are growne vp, they are to be transplanted in Autumne on a bed well trenched in with dung; for else they will not bee worth your labour, and set about a foote distance in sunder, and looke that the more carefull you are in the replanting of them, the better they will thriue, and the sooner growe great: after fiue or six yeares standing they vsually doe decay; and therefore they that striue to haue continually faire and great heads, doe from seede raise vp young for their store. You must likewise see that you cut not your heads or young shoote too nigh, or too much, that is, to take away too many heads from a roote, but to leaue a sufficient number vncut, otherwise it will kill the heart of your rootes the sooner, causing them to dye, or to giue very small heads or shootes; for you may well consider with your selfe, that if the roote haue not head enough left it aboue the ground to shoote greene this yeare, it will not, nor cannot prosper vnder ground to giue encrease the next yeare. The ordering of Lettice I haue spoken of before, and shall not neede here to repeate what hath beene already said, but referre you thereunto for the sowing, planting, &c. onely I will here shew you the manner of ordering them for Sallets. There are some sorts of Lettice that growe very great, and close their heads, which are called Cabbage Lettice, both ordinary and extraordinary, and there are other sorts of great Lettice that are open, and close not, or cabbage not at all, which yet are of an excellent kinde, if they be vsed after that especiall manner is fit for them, which is, That when they are planted (for after they are sowne, they must be transplanted) of a reasonable distance in sunder, and growne to be of some bignesse, euery one of them must bee tyed together with bast or thread toward the toppes of the leaues, that by this meanes all the inner leaues may growe whitish, which then are to be cut vp and vsed: for the keeping of the leaues close doth make them taste delicately, and to bee very tender. And these sorts of Lettice for the most part are spent after Summer is past, when other Lettice are not to be had. Lambes Lettice or Corne Sallet is an herbe, which abiding all Winter, is the first Sallet herbe of the yeare that is vsed before any ordinarie Lettice is ready; it is therefore vsually sowne in August, when the seede thereof is ripe. Purslane is a Summer Sallet herbe, and is to be sowne in the Spring, yet somewhat late, because it is tender, and ioyeth in warmth; and therefore diuers haue sowne it vpon those beddes of dung, whereon they noursed vp their Cowcumbers, &c. after they are taken away, which being well and often watered, hath yeelded Sallet vntill the end of the yeare. Spinach is sowne in the Spring, of all for the most part that vse it, but yet if it be sowne in Summer it will abide greene all the Winter, and then seedeth quickly: it is a Sallet that hath little or no taste at all therein, like as Lettice and Purslane, and therefore Cookes know how to make many a good dish of meate with it, by putting Sugar and Spice thereto. Coleworts are of diuers kinds, and although some of them are wholly spent among the poorer sort of people, yet some kindes of them may be dressed and ordered as may delight a curious palate, which is, that being boyled tender, the middle ribs are taken cold, and laid in dishes, and vinegar and oyle poured thereon, and so eaten. Coleflowers are to be had in this Countrey but very seldome, for that it is harde to meete with good seede: it must bee sowne on beds of dung to force it forward, or else it would perish with the frost before it had giuen his head of flowers, and transplanted into verie good and rich ground, lest you lose the benefit of your labours. Endiue is of two sorts, the ordinary, and another that hath the edges of the leaues curld or crumpled; it is to be whited, to make it the more dainty Sallet, which is vsually done in this manner: After they are grown to some reasonable greatnesse (but in any case before they shoote forth a stalke in the midst for seede) they are to be taken vp, and the rootes being cut away, lay them to dry or wither for three or foure houres, and then bury them in sand, so as none of them lye one vpon another, or if you can, one to touch another, which by this meanes will change whitish, and thereby become verie tender, and is a Sallet both for Autumne and Winter. Succorie is vsed by some in the same manner, but because it is more bitter then Endiue, it is not so generally vsed, or rather vsed but of a verie few: and whereas Endiue will seede the same yeare it is sowne, and then dye, Succorie abideth manie yeares, the bitternesse thereof causing it to be more Physicall to open obstructions; and therefore the flowers pickled vp, as diuers other flowers are vsed to be now adaies, make a delicate Sallet at all times when there is occasion to vse them. Of red Beetes, the rootes are onely vsed both boyled and eaten cold with vinegar and oyle, and is also vsed to trimme vp or garnish forth manie sorts of dishes of meate: the seede of the best kinde will not abide good with vs aboue three yeares, but will degenerate and growe worse; and therefore those that delight therein must be curious, to be prouided from beyond Sea, that they may haue such as will giue delight. Sorrell is an herbe so common, and the vse so well knowne, both for sawce, and to season broths and meates for the sound as well as sicke persons, that I shall not neede to say anie more thereof. Cheruill is a Sallet herbe of much vse, both with French and Dutch, who doe much more delight in herbes of stronger taste then the English doe: it is sowne early, and vsed but a while, because it quickly runneth vp to seede. Sweete Cheruill,or as some call it, Sweete Cis, is so like in taste vnto Anise seede, that it much delighteth the taste among other herbes in a Sallet: the seede is long, thicke, blacke, and cornered, and must be sowne in the end of Autumne, that it may lye in the ground all the Winter, and then it will shoote out in the Spring, or else if it be sowne in the Spring, it will not spring vp that yeare vntill the next: the leaues (as I said before) are vsed among other herbes: the rootes likewise are not onely cordiall, but also held to be preseruatiue against the Plague, either greene, dryed, or preserued with sugar. Rampion rootes are a kinde of Sallet with a great many, being boyled tender, and eaten cold with vinegar and pepper. Cresses is an herbe of easie and quick growth, and while it is young eaten eyther alone, or with parsley and other herbes: it is of a strong taste to them that are not accustomed thereunto, but it is much vsed of strangers. Rocket is of the same nature and qualitie, but somewhat stronger in taste: they are both sowen in the Spring, and rise, seede and dye the same yeare. Tarragon is an herbe of as strong a taste as eyther Rocket or Cresses, it abideth and dyeth not euery yeare, nor yet giueth ripe seede (as far as euer could bee found with vs) any yeare, but maketh sufficient increase within the ground, spreading his roots all abroad a great way off. Mustard is a common sawce both with fish and flesh, and the seede thereof (and no part of the plant besides) is well knowne how to be vsed being grownded, as euery one I thinke knoweth. The rootes of horse Radish likewise beeing grownd like Mustard, is vsed both of strangers and our owne nation, as sawce for fish. Tansie is of great vse, almost with all manner of persons in the Spring of the yeare: it is more vsually planted of the rootes then otherwise; for in that the rootes spread far and neere they may be easily taken away, without any hurt to the rest of the rootes. Burnet, although it be more vsed in wine in the Summer time then any way else, yet it is likewise made a sallet herbe with many, to amend the harm or weak rellish of some other herbs. Skirrets are better to be sowen of the seed then planted from the roots, and will come on more speedily, and be fairer rootes: they are as often eaten cold as a Sallet, being boyled and the pith taken out, as stewed with butter and eaten warme. Let not Parsley and Fenell be forgotten among your other Sallet herbes, whereof I haue spoken before, and therefore need say no more of them. The flowers of Marigolds pickt cleane from the heads, and pickled vp against winter, make an excellent Sallet when no flowers are to be had in a garden. Cloue Gilloflowers likewise preserued or pickled vp in the same manner (which is stratum super stratum, a lay of flowers, and then strawed ouer with fine dry and poudered Sugar, and so lay after lay strawed ouer, vntill the pot bee full you meane to keepe them in, and after filled vp or couered ouer with vinegar) make a Sallet now adayes in the highest esteeme with Gentles and Ladies of the greatest note: the planting and ordering of them both is spoken of seuerally in their proper places. Goates bearde that groweth in Gardens only, as well as that which groweth wilde in Medowes, &c. bearing a yellow flower, are vsed as a Sallet, the rootes beeing boyled and pared are eaten cold with vinegar, oyle and pepper; or else stewed with butter and eaten warme as Skirrets, Parsneps &c. And thus haue you here set downe all those most vsuall Sallets are vsed in this Kingdome: I say the most vsuall, or that are noursed vp in Gardens; for I know there are some other wilde herbes and rootes, as Dandelion &c. but they are vsed onely of strangers, and of those whose curiositie searcheth out the whole worke of nature to satisfie their desires.
Chap. VII.
Of diuers Physicall herbes fit to be planted in Gardens, to serue for the especiall vses of a familie.
Hauing thus shewed you all the herbes that are most vsually planted in Kitchen Gardens for ordinary vses, let mee also adde a few other that are also noursed vp by many in their Gardens, to preserue health, and helpe to cure such small diseases as are often within the compasse of the Gentlewomens skils, who, to helpe their owne family, and their poore neighbours that are farre remote from Physitians and Chirurgions, take much paines both to doe good vnto them, and to plant those herbes that are conducing to their desires. And although I doe recite some that are mentioned in other places, yet I thought it meete to remember them altogether in one place. Angelica, the garden kinde, is so good an herbe, that there is no part thereof but is of much vse, and all cordiall and preseruatiue from infectious or contagious diseases, whether you will distill the water of the herbe, or preserue or candie the rootes or the greene stalkes, or vse the seede in pouder or in distillations, or decoctions with other things: it is sowen of seede, and will abide vntill it giue seede, and then dyeth. Rue or Herbe grace is a strong herbe, yet vsed inwardly against the plague as an Antidote with Figs and Wall-nuts, and helpeth much against windy bodies: outwardly it is vsed to bee layde to the wrestes of the hands, to driue away agues: it is more vsually planted of slips then raised from seede, and abideth long if sharpe frostes kill it not. Dragons being distilled are held to be good to expell any euill thing from the heart: they are altogether planted of the rootes. Setwall, Valerian, or Capons tayle, the herbe often, but the roote much better, is vsed to prouoke sweating, thereby to expell euill vapours that might annoy the heart: it is only planted of the rootes when they are taken vp, and the young replanted. Asarabacca, the leaues are often vsed to procure vomiting being stamped, and the strained iuice to a little quantitie, put into a draught of ale and drunke, thereby to ease the stomacke of many euill and grosse humours that there lye and offend it; diuers also take the leaues and rootes a little boyled in wine, with a little spice added thereunto, to expell both tertian and quartan agues: the rootes of our English growing is more auaileable for these purposes then any outlandish: it is planted by the roote; for I could neuer see it spring of seede. Masterwort commeth somewhat neere in propertie vnto Angelica, and besides very effectuall to disperse winde in the bodie, whether of the colicke or otherwise; as also very profitable to comfort in all cold causes: it yeeldeth seede, but yet is more vsually planted from the rootes being parted. Balme is a cordiall herbe both in smell and taste, and is wholly vsed for those purposes, that is, to comfort the heart being distilled into water either simple or compound, or the herbe dryed and vsed: it is set of the rootes being parted, because it giueth no seede that euer I could obserue. Camomill is a common herbe well knowne, and is planted of the rootes in alleyes, in walkes, and on bankes to sit on, for that the more it is troden on, and pressed downe in dry weather, the closer it groweth, and the better it will thriue: the vse thereof is very much, both to warme and comfort, and to ease paines being applyed outwardly after many fashions: the decoction also of the flowers prouoketh sweat, and they are much vsed against agues. Featherfew is an herbe of greater vse for women then for men, to dissolue flatulent or windy humours, which causeth the paines of the mother: some vse to take the iuice thereof in drinke for agues: it is as well sowen of the seede as planted of the rootes. Costmary is vsed among those herbes that are put into ale to cause it haue a good rellish, and to be somewhat physicall in the moneth of May, and doth helpe to prouoke vrine: it is set of the rootes being parted. Maudlin is held to be a principall good herbe to open and cleanse the liuer, and for that purpose is vsed many wayes, as in ale, in tansies, and in broths &c. the seed also is vsed, and so is the herbe also sometimes, to kill the wormes in children: it is sowen of the seede, and planted also of the separated rootes. Cassidonie is a small kinde of Lauender, but differing both in forme and qualitie: it is much vsed for the head to ease paines thereof, as also put among other things to purge melancholicke diseases: it is sowen of seede, and abideth not a winter vnlesse it bee well defended, and yet hardly giueth ripe seede againe with vs. Smallage is a great opening herbe, and much more then eyther Parsley or Fenell, and the rootes of them all are often vsed together in medicines: it is sowen of seede, and will not bee wanting in a Garden if once you suffer it to sow it selfe. Cardus Benedictus, or the Blessed Thistle, is much vsed in the time of any infection or plague, as also to expell any euill symptome from the heart at all other times. It is vsed likewise to be boyled in posset drink, & giuen to them that haue an ague, to help to cure it by sweating or otherwise. It is vsually sowen of seed, and dyeth when it hath giuen seed. Winter Cherries are likewise nursed vp in diuers gardens, for that their propertie is to giue helpe to them that are troubled eyther with the stopping or heate or their vrine: the herbe and berries are often distilled, but the berries alone are more often vsed: after it is once planted in a garden it will runne vnder ground, & abide well enough. Celondine is held to bee good for the iaundise, it is much vsed for to cleere dim eyes, eyther the iuice or the water dropped into them: it is sowen of seede, and being once brought into a garden, will hardly be weeded out; the seede that sheddeth will so sow it selfe, and therefore some corner in a garden is the fittest place for it. Tabacco is of two sorts, and both vsed to be planted in Gardens, yet the English kinde (as it is called) is more to be found in our Countrey Gardens then the Indian sort: the leaues of both sorts indifferently, that is, of eyther of which is next at hand, being stamped and boyled eyther by it selfe, or with other herbes in oyle or hogs suet, doe make an excellent salue for greene wounds, and also to clense old vlcers or sores; the iuice of the greene leaues drunke in ale, or a dryed leafe steeped in wine or ale for a night, and the wine or ale drunke in the morning, prouoketh to cast, but the dryed leafe much stronger then the greene: they are sowen of seede, but the Indian kinde is more tender, and will not abide a winter with vs abroade. Spurge that vsually groweth in Gardens, is a violent purger, and therefore it is needfull to be very carefull how it is vsed: the seede is more ordinarily vsed then any other part of the plant, which purgeth by vomiting in some, and both vpwards and downwards in many; the iuice of the herbe, but especially the milke thereof, is vsed to kill wartes: it is sowen of seede, and when it doth once shed it selfe, it will still continue springing of the fallen seede. Bearefoote is sowen of seed, and will hardly abide transplanting vnlesse it bee while it is young; yet abideth diuers yeares, if it stand not in too cold a place. This I speake of the greater kinde; for the lower small wilde kinde (which is the most ordinary in this land) will neuer decay: the leaues are sometimes vsed greene, but most vsually dryed and poudered, and giuen in drinke to them that haue the wormes: it purgeth melancholy, but especially the roots. In many Countries of this Land, and elsewhere, they vse to thrust the stalk of the great kinde through the eare or dewlap of Kine and Cattell, to cure them of many diseases. Salomons Seale, or (as some call it) Ladder to heauen, although it doth grow wilde in many places of this Land, yet is planted in Gardens: it is accounted an excellent wound herbe to consolidate, and binde, insomuch that many vse it with good successe to cure ruptures, and to slay both the white and the red fluxe in women: it is planted altogether of the rootes, for I could neuer finde it spring from the seede, it is so strong. Comfry likewise is found growing wilde in many places by ditch sides, and in moist places, and therefore requireth some moist places of the garden: it is wholly vsed for knitting, binding, and consolidating fluxes and wounds, to be applyed either inwardly or outwardly: The rootes are stronger for those purposes then any other parts of the plant. Licoris is much vsed now adaies to bee planted in great quantitie, euen to fill many acres of ground, whereof riseth a great deale of profit to those that know how to order it, and haue fit grounds for it to thriue in; for euery ground will not be aduantagious: It will require a very rich, deepe and mellow ground, eyther naturall or artificiall; but for a priuate house where a small quantitie will serue, there needeth not so much curiositie: it is vsually planted of the top heads, when the lower rootes (which are the Licoris that is vsed) and the runners are cut from them. Some vse to make an ordinary drinke or beuerage of Licoris, boyled in water as our vsuall ale or beere is with malt, which fermented with barme in the same manner, and tunned vp, serueth in stead thereof, as I am credibly informed: It is otherwise in a manner wholly spent for colds, coughes and rheumes, to expectorate flegme, but vsed in diuers formes, as in iuice, in decoctions, syrrups, roules, trochisces, and the greene or dryed roote of it selfe.
And these are the most ordinary Physicall herbes that are vsed to be planted in gardens for the vse of any Country familie, that is (as I said before) farre remote from Physitians or Chirurgions abidings, that they may vse as occasion serueth for themselues or their neighbours, and by a little care and paines in the applying may doe a great deale of good, and sometimes to them that haue not wherewith to spend on themselues, much lesse on Physitians or Chirurgions, or if they haue, may oftentimes receiue lesse good at their hands then at others that are taught by experience in their owne families, to be the more able to giue helpe to others.
THE
KITCHEN
GARDEN.
THE SECOND PART,
Containing as well all sorts of herbes, as rootes and fruits, that are vsually planted in Gardens, to serue for the vse of the Table whether of the poore or rich of our Countrey: but herein I intend not to bring any fruite bearing trees, shrubbes, or bushes; for I reserue them for my Orchard, wherin they shal be set forth. So that in these three parts, I suppose the exquisite ornament of any worthy house is consummate for the exteriour bounds, the benefit of their riches extending also to the furnishing of the most worthy inward parts thereof: but because many take pleasure in the sight and knowledge of other herbes that are Physicall, and much more in their properties and vertues, if vnto these three I should adde a Physicke Garden, or Garden of Simples, there would be a quadripartite complement, of whatsoeuer arte or nature, necessitie or delight could affect: which to effect (as many my friends haue, intreated it at my hands) will require more paines and time then all this worke together: yet to satisfie their desires and all others herein, that would bee enformed in the truth, and reformed of the many errours and slips set forth and published heretofore of plants by diuers, I shall (God assisting and granting life) labour to performe, that it may shew it selfe to the light in due conueniencie, if these bee well and gratefully accepted. And because I ended with some sweete herbes in the former part, I will in this part beginne with the rest, which I reserued for this place, as fitter for the pot and kitchen then for the hand or bosome, and so descend to other herbes that are for meat or sallets: and after them to those rootes that are to be eaten, as meate or as sallets: and lastly the fruits that grow neere, or vpon the ground, or not much aboue it; as the Artichoke, &c. in which I make a shorter description then I did in the former, rather endeauouring to shew what they are, and whereunto they are vsed, then the whole varietie or any exact declaration: which methode, although in some sort it may bee fitting for this purpose, yet it is not for an history or herball: I shall therefore require their good acceptance for whose sake I doe it, not doubting, but that I, or others, if they write againe of this subiect, may polish and amende what formerly hath beene eyther mis set, or not so thoroughly expressed, besides some additions of new conceits; seeing I treade out a new path, and therefore those that follow may the easilier see the Meanders, and so goe on in a direct line.
Chap. I.
Maiorana latifolia, siue maior Anglica. Winter, or pot Marierome.
Winter Marierome is a small bushie herbe like vnto sweete Marierome, being parted or diuided into many branches, whereon doe grow broader and greener leaues, set by couples, with some small leaues likewise at the seuerall ioynts all along the branches: at the tops whereof grow a number of small purplish white flowers set together in a tuft, which turne into small and round seed, bigger then sweet Marierome seede: the whole plant is of a small and fine sent, but much inferiour to the other, and is nothing so bitter as the sweete Marierome, and thereby both the fitter and more willingly vsed for meates: the roote is white and threddy, and perisheth not as the former, but abideth many yeares.
The Vse of winter Marierome.
The vse of this Marierome is more frequent in our Land then in others, being put among other pot-herbes and farsing (or faseting herbes as they are called) and may to good profit bee applyed in inward as well as outward griefes for to comfort the parts, although weaker in effect then sweete Marieromes.
Chap. II
Thymum vulgatius siue durius. Ordinary Garden Tyme.
The ordinary Garden Tyme is a small low wooddy plant with brittle branches, and small hard greene leaues, as euery one knoweth, hauing small white purplish flowers, standing round about the tops of the stalkes: the seed is small and browne, darker then Marierome seed: the root is woody, and abideth well diuers Winters.
Thymum latifolium. Masticke Tyme.
This Tyme hath neyther so wooddy branches, nor so hard leaues, but groweth lower, more spreading, and with somewhat broader leaues; the flowers are of a purplish white colour, standing in roundles round about the stalkes, at the ioynts with leaues at them likewise. This Tyme endureth better and longer then the former, and by spreading it selfe more then the former, is the more apt to bee propagated by slipping, because it hath beene seldome seene to giue seede: It is not so quicke in sent or taste as the former, but is fitter to set any border or knot in a garden, and is for the most part wholly employed to such vses.
The Vse of Tyme.
To set downe all the particular vses whereunto Tyme is applyed, were to weary both the Writer and Reader; I will but only note out a few: for besides the physicall vses to many purposes, for the head, stomacke, splene, &c. there is no herbe almost of more vse, in the houses both of high and low, rich and poore, both, for inward and outward occasions; outwardly for bathings among other hot herbes, and among other sweete herbes for strewings: inwardly in most sorts of broths, with Rosmary, as also with other faseting (or rather farsing) herbes, and to make sawce for diuers sorts both fish and flesh, as to stuffe the belly of a Goose to bee rosted, and after put into the sawce, and the pouder with breade to strew on meate when it is rosted, and so likewise on rosted or fryed fish. It is held by diuers to bee a speedy remedy against the sting of a Bee, being bruised and layd thereon.
| 1 | Maiorana maior Anglica. Pot Marierome. |
| 2 | Thymum vulgatius. Garden Tyme. |
| 3 | Satureia. Sauorie. |
| 4 | Hyssopus. Hyssope. |
| 5 | Pulegium. Penniroyall. |
| 6 | Saluia maior. Common Sage. |
| 7 | Saluia minor primata. Sage of vertue. |
Chap. III.
Satureia siue Thymbra. Sauorie.
There are two sorts of Sauory, the one called Summer, and the other Winter Sauorie: The Summer Sauory is a small tender herbe, growing not aboue a foote and a halfe high, or thereabouts, rising vp with diuers brittle branches, slenderly or sparsedly set with small long leaues, soft in handling, at euery ioynt a couple, one against another, of a pleasant strong and quicke sent and taste: the flowers are small and purplish, growing at the toppes of the stalkes, with two small long leaues at the ioynts vnder them: the seede is small, and of a darke colour, bigger then Tyme seede by the halfe: the roote is wooddy, and hath many strings, perishing euery yeare wholly, and must bee new sowen againe, if any will haue it.
The Winter Sauorie is a small low bushie herbe, very like vnto Hyssope, but not aboue a foote high, with diuers small hard branches, and hard darke green leaues thereon, thicker set together then the former by much, and as thicke as common Hyssope, sometimes with foure leaues or more at a ioynt, of a reasonable strong sent, yet not so strong or quicke as the former: the flowers are of a pale purplish colour, set at seuerall distances at the toppes of the stalkes, with leaues at the ioynts also with them, like the former: the roote is woody, with diuers small strings thereat, and abideth all the winter with his greene leaues: it is more vsually encreased by slipping or diuiding the roote, and new setting it seuerally againe in the Spring, then by sowing the seed.
The Vse of Sauorie.
The Summer Sauorie is vsed in other Countryes much more then with vs in their ordinary diets, as condiment or sawce to their meates, sometimes of it selfe, and sometimes with other herbes, and sometimes strewed or layde vpon the dishes as we doe Parsley, as also with beanes and pease, rise and wheate; and sometimes the dryed herbe boyled among pease to make pottage.
The Winter Sauorie is one of the (farsing) faseting herbes as they call them, and so is the Summer Sauorie also sometimes. This is vsed also in the same manner that the Summer Sauorie is, set downe before, and to the same purposes: as also to put into puddings, sawsages, and such like kindes of meates. Some doe vse the pouder of the herbe dryed (as I sayd before of Tyme) to mixe with grated bread, to breade their meate, be it fish or flesh, to giue it the quicker rellish. They are both effectuall to expell winde.
Chap. IIII.
Hyssopus. Hyssope.
Garden Hyssope is so well knowne to all that haue beene in a Garden, that I shall but actum agere, to bestow any time thereon, being a small bushie plant, not rising aboue two foote high, with many branches, woody below, and tender aboue, whereon are set at certaine distances, sundry small, long and narrow greene leaues: at the toppe of euery stalke stand blewish purple gaping flowers, one aboue another in a long spike or eare: after which followeth the seede, which is small and blackish: the rootes are composed of many threddy strings; the whole plant is of a strong sweet sent.
The Vse of Hyssope.
Hyssope is much vsed in Ptisans and other drinkes, to help to expectorate flegme. It is many Countrey peoples medicine for a cut or greene wound, being bruised with sugar and applyed. I finde it is also much commended against the falling sickenesse, especially being made into pils after the manner before rehearsed. It is accounted a speciall remedy against the sting or biting of an Adder, if the place be rubbed with Hyssope, bruised and mixed with honey, salt and cummin seede. A decoction thereof with oyle, and annointed, taketh away the itching and tingling of the head, and vermine also breeding therein. An oyle made of the herbe and flowers, being annointed, doth comfort benummed sinewes and ioynts.
Chap. V.
Pulegium. Pennyroyall.
Pennyroyall also is an herbe so well knowne, that I shall not neede to spend much time in the description of it: hauing many weake round stalkes, diuided into sundry branches, rather leaning or lying vpon the ground then standing vpright, whereon are set at seuerall ioynts, small roundish darke greene leaues: the flowers are purplish that grow in gardens, yet some that grow wilde are white, or more white then purple, set in roundles about the tops of the branches; the stalkes shoote forth small fibres or rootes at the ioynts, as it lyeth vpon the ground, thereby fastening it selfe therein, and quickly increaseth, and ouer-runneth any ground, especially in the shade or any moist place, and is replanted by breaking the sprouted stalkes, and so quickely groweth.
Other sorts of Pennyroyall are fit for the Physicke Garden, or Garden of Simples.
The Vse of Pennyroyall.
It is very good and wholesome for the lunges, to expell cold thin flegme, and afterwards to warme and dry it vp: and is also of the like propertie as Mintes, to comfort the stomacke, and stay vomiting. It is also vsed in womens baths and washings: and in mens also to comfort the sinewes. It is yet to this day, as it hath beene in former times, vsed to bee put into puddings, and such like meates of all sorts, and therefore in diuers places they know it by no other name then Pudding-grasse.
The former age of our great Grandfathers, had all these hot herbes in much and familiar vse, both for their meates and medicines, and therewith preserued themselues in long life and much health: but this delicate age of ours, which is not pleased with any thing almost, be it meat or medicine, that is not pleasant to the palate, doth wholly refuse these almost, and therefore cannot be partaker of the benefit or them.
Chap. VI.
Salvia. Sage.
There are two especiall kindes of Sage noursed vp in our Gardens, for our ordinary vse, whereof I intend to write in this place, leauing the rest to his fitter place. Our ordinary Sage is reckoned to bee of two sorts, white and red, both of them bearing many foure square wooddy stalkes, in some whiter, in others redder, as the leaues are also, standing by couples at the ioynts, being long, rough, and wrinkled, of a strong sweete sent: at the tops of the stalkes come forth the flowers, set at certaine spaces one aboue another, which are long and gaping, like vnto the flowers of Clary, or dead Nettles, but of a blewish purple colour; after which come small round seede in the huske that bore the flower: the roote is wooddy, with diuers strings at it: It is more vsually planted of the slips, pricked in the Spring time into the ground, then of the seed.
Saluia minor siue pinnata. Small Sage or Sage of vertue.
The lesser Sage is in all things like vnto the former white Sage, but that his branches are long and slender, and the leaues much smaller, hauing for the most part at the bottome of each side of the leafe a peece of a leafe, which maketh it shew like finns or eares: the flowers also are of a blewish purple colour, but lesser. Of this kinde there is one that beareth white flowers.
The Vse of Sage.
Sage is much vsed of many in the moneth of May fasting, with butter and Parsley, and is held of most much to conduce to the health of mans body.
It is also much vsed among other good herbes to bee tund vp with Ale, which thereupon is termed Sage Ale, whereof many barrels full are made, and drunke in the said moneth chiefly for the purpose afore recited: and also for teeming women, to helpe them the better forward in their childebearing, if there be feare of abortion or miscarrying.
It is also vsed to be boyled among other herbes, to make Gargles or waters to wash sore mouths and throates: As also among other herbes, that serue as bathings, to wash mens legs or bodies in the Summer time, to comfort nature, and warme and strengthen aged cold sinewes, and lengthen the strength of the younger.
The Kitchen vse is either to boyle it with a Calues head, and being minced, to be put with the braines, vinegar and pepper, to serue as an ordinary sawce thereunto: Or being beaten and iuyced (rather then minced as mannie doe) is put to a rosted Pigges braines, with Currans for sawce thereunto. It is in small quantity (in regard of the strong taste thereof) put among other fasting herbes, to serue as sawce for peeces of Veale, when they are farsed or stuffed therewith, and rosted, which they call Olliues.
For all the purposes aforesaid, the small Sage is accounted to be of the more force and vertue.
Chap. VII.
Horminum sativum. Garden Clary.
There is but one sort of Garden Clary, though many wilde, which hath foure square stalks, with broad rough wrinkled whitish leaues, somewhat vneuenly cut in on the edges, and of a strong sweete sent, growing some next the ground, & some by couples vpon the stalkes: the flowers growe at certaine distances, with two small leaues at the ioynts vnder them, somewhat like vnto the flowers of Sage, but lesser, and of a very whitish or bleake blew colour: the seede is of a blackish browne colour, somewhat flat, and not so round as the wilde: the rootes spread not farre, and perish euery yeare that they beare flowers and seede. It is altogether to bee sowne of seed in the Spring time, yet sometimes it will rise of it owne sowing.
The Vse of Clary.
The most frequent and common vse of Clary, is for men or women that haue weake backes, to helpe to comfort and strengthen the raines, being made into Tansies and eaten, or otherwise. The seede is vsed of some to be put into the corner of the eye, if any mote or other thing haue happened into it: but assuredly although this may peraduenture doe some good, yet the seede of the wilde will doe much more. The leaues taken dry, and dipped into a batter made of the yolkes of egges, flower, and a little milke, and then fryed with butter vntill they be crispe, serue for a dish of meate accepted with manie, vnpleasant to none.
Chap. VIII.
Nepeta. Nep.
Although those that are Herbarists do know three sorts of Nep, a greater & two lesser, yet because the lesser are not vsuall, but in the Gardens of those that delight in natures varieties, I do not here shew you them. That which is vsuall (and called of manie Cat Mint) beareth square stalkes, but not so great as Clarie, hauing two leaues at euery ioynt, somewhat like vnto Balme or Speare Mintes, but whiter, softer, and longer, and nicked about the edges, of a strong sent, but nothing so strong as Clary: the flowers growe at the toppes of the stalkes, as it were in long spikes or heads, somewhat close together, yet compassing the stalkes at certaine ioynts, of a whitish colour, for forme and bignesse like vnto Balme, or somewhat bigger: the rootes are composed of a number of strings, which dye not, but keepe greene leaues vpon them all the Winter, and shoote anew in the Spring. It is propagated both by the seede, and by slipping the rootes.
The Vse of Nep.
Nep is much vsed of women either in baths or drinkes to procure their feminine courses: as also with Clarie, being fryed into Tansies, to strengthen their backes. It is much commended of some, if the iuyce thereof be drunke with wine, to helpe those that are bruised by some fall, or other accident. A decoction of Nep is auaileable to cure the scabbe in the head, or other places of the body.
Chap. IX.
Melissa. Baulme.
The Garden Baulme which is of common knowne vse, hath diuers square blackish greene stalkes, and round, hard, darke, greene pointed leaues, growing thereon by couples, a little notched about the edges, of a pleasant sweete sent, drawing nearest to the sent of a Lemon or Citron; and therefore of some called Citrago: the flowers growe about the toppes of the stalkes at certaine distances, being small and gaping, of a pale carnation colour, almost white: the rootes fasten themselues strongly in the ground, and endure many yeares, and is encreased by diuiding the rootes; for the leaues dye downe to the ground euery yeare, leauing no shew of leafe or stalke in the Winter.
The Vse of Baulme.
Baulme is often vsed among other hot and sweete herbes, to make baths and washings for mens bodies or legges, in the Summer time, to warme and comfort the veines and sinewes, to very good purpose and effect, and hath in former ages beene of much more vse then now adaies. It is also vsed by diuers to be stilled, being steeped in Ale, to make a Baulme water, after the manner they haue beene taught, which they keepe by them, to vse in the stead of Aqua vitæ, when they haue any occasion for their owne or their neighbours Families, in suddaine qualmes or passions of the heart: but if they had a little better direction (for this is somewhat too rude) it would doe them more good that take it: For the herbe without all question is an excellent helpe to comfort the heart, as the very smell may induce any so to beleeue. It is also good to heale greene wounds, being made into salues: and I verily thinke, that our forefathers hearing of the healing and comfortable properties of the true naturall Baulme, and finding this herbe to be so effectuall, gaue it the name of Baulme, in imitation of his properties and vertues. It is also an herbe wherein Bees doe much delight, as hath beene found by experience of those that haue kept great store; if the Hiues bee rubbed on the inside with some thereof, and as they thinke it draweth others by the smell thereof to resort thither. Plinie saith, it is a present remedy against the stinging of Bees.
Chap. X.
Mentha. Mintes.
There are diuers sorts of Mints, both of the garden, and wilde, of the woods, mountaines, and standing pooles or waters: but I will onely in this place bring to your remembrance two or three sorts of the most vsuall that are kept in gardens, for the vses whereunto they are proper.
Red Mint or browne Mint hath square brownish stalkes, with somewhat long and round pointed leaues, nicked about the edges, of a darke greene colour, set by couples at euery ioynt, and of a reasonable good sent: the flowers of this kinde are reddish, standing about the toppes of the stalkes at distances: the rootes runne creeping in the ground, and as the rest, will hardly be cleared out of a garden, being once therein, in that the smallest peece thereof will growe and encrease apace.
Speare Mint hath a square greene stalke, with longer and greener leaues then the former, set by couples, of a better and more comfortable sent, and therefore of much more vse then any other: the flowers hereof growe in long eares or spikes, of a pale red or blush colour: the roots creepe in the ground like the other.
Party coloured or white Mint hath square greene stalkes and leaues, somewhat larger then Speare Mint, and more nicked in the edges, whereof many are parted, halfe white and halfe greene, and some more white then greene, or more green then white, as nature listeth: the flowers stand in long heads close set together, of a blush colour: the rootes creepe as the rest doe.
| 1 | Horminum sativum. Garden Clary. |
| 2 | Nepeta. Nep. |
| 3 | Melissa. Baulme. |
| 4 | Mentha satiua. Garden Mintes. |
| 5 | Balsamita mas, seu Costus hortorum. Costmary. |
| 6 | Ageratum. Maudeline. |
The Vse of Mintes.
Mintes are oftentimes vsed in baths, with Baulme and other herbes, as a helpe to comfort and strengthen the nerues and sinewes.
It is much vsed either outwardly applyed, or inwardly drunke, to strengthen and comfort weake stomackes, that are much giuen to casting: as also for feminine fluxes. It is boyled in milke for those whose stomackes are apt to cause it to curdle. And applyed with salt, is a good helpe for the biting of a mad dogge.
It is vsed to be boyled with Mackarell, and other fish.
Being dryed, is often and much vsed with Penniroyall, to bee put into puddings: as also among pease that are boyled for pottage.
Where Dockes are not ready at hand, they vse to bruise Mintes, and lay them vpon any place that is stung with Bees, Waspes, or such like, and that to good purpose.
Chap. XI.
Balsamita mas & fæmina, seu Costus hortorum maior & minor. Costmary and Maudeline.
Costmary or Alecoast is a sweet herbe, bearing many broad and long pale green leaues, snipped about the edges, euery one vpon a long foote-stalke; among which rise vp many round greene stalkes, with such like leaues on them, but lesser vp to the toppe, where it spreadeth it selfe into three or foure branches, euery one bearing an vmbell or tuft of gold yellow flowers, somewhat like vnto Tansie flowers, but lesser, which turne into small heads, containing small flat long seede: the roote is somewhat hard and stringy, and being diuided, is replanted in the Spring of the yeare for increase.
Maudeline hath somewhat long and narrow leaues, snipt about the edges: the stalks are two foot high, bearing many yellow flowers on the tops of the branches, in an vmbell or tuft like vnto Tansie: the whole herbe is sweete, and somewhat bitter, and is replanted by slipping.
The Vse of Costmary and Maudeline.
Costmary is of especiall vse in the Spring of the yeare, among other such like herbes, to make Sage Ale, and thereupon I thinke it tooke the name of Alecoast.
It is also vsed to be put among other sweete herbes, to make sweete washing water, whereof there is great store spent.
The leaues haue an especiall vertue to comfort both the stomack and heart, and to warme and dry a moist braine. The seede is much vsed in the Country, to be giuen to children for the wormes, in the stead of wormseed, and so is the seede of Maudeline also.
Maudeline is much vsed with Costmary and other sweet herbes, to make sweete washing water: the flowers also are tyed vp with small bundels of Lauender toppes, these being put in the middle of them, to lye, vpon the toppes of beds, presses, &c. for the sweete sent and sauour it casteth. It is generally accounted of our Apothecaries to be the true Eupatorium of Auicen, and the true Ageratum of Dioscorides; but Dodonæus seemeth to contradict both.
Chap. XII.
Tanacetum vulgare & crispum. Tansie.
Ovr Garden Tansie hath many hard greene leaues, or rather wings of leaues; for they are many small ones, set one against another all along a middle ribbe or stalke, and snipt about the edges: in some the leaues stand closer and thicker, and somewhat crumpled, which hath caused it to be called double or curld Tansie, in others thinner and more sparsedly: It riseth vp with many hard stalks, whereon growe at the tops vpon the seuerall small branches gold yellow flowers like buttons, which being gathered in their prime, will hold the colour fresh a long time: the seede is small, and as it were chaffie: the roote creepeth vnder ground, and shooteth vp againe in diuers places: the whole herbe, both leaues and flowers, are of a sharpe, strong, bitter smell and taste, but yet pleasant, and well to be endured.
The Vse of Tansie.
The leaues of Tansie are vsed while they are young, either shred small with other herbes, or else the iuyce of it and other herbes fit for the purpose, beaten with egges, and fryed into cakes (in Lent and the Spring of the yeare) which are vsually called Tansies, and are often eaten, being taken to be very good for the stomack, to helpe to digest from thence bad humours that cleaue thereunto: As also for weak raines and kidneyes, when the vrine passeth away by drops: This is thought to be of more vse for men then for women. The seed is much commended against all sorts of wormes in children.
Chap. XIII.
Pimpinella siue Sanguisorba. Burnet.
Burnet hath many winged leaues lying vpon, the ground, made of many small, round, yet pointed greene leaues, finely nicked on the edges, one set against another all along a middle ribbe, and one at the end thereof; from among which rise vp diuers round, and sometimes crested browne stalkes, with some few such like leaues on them as growe belowe, but smaller: at the toppes of the stalkes growe small browne heads or knaps, which shoote forth small purplish flowers, turning into long and brownish, but a little cornered seede: the roote groweth downe deepe, being small and brownish: the whole plant is of a stipticke or binding taste or quality, but of a fine quicke sent, almost like Baulme.
The Vse of Burnet.
The greatest vse that Burnet is commonly put vnto, is to put a few leaues into a cup with Claret wine, which is presently to be drunke, and giueth a pleasant quicke taste thereunto, very delightfull to the palate, and is accounted a helpe to make the heart merrie. It is sometimes also while it is young, put among other Sallet herbes, to giue a finer rellish thereunto. It is also vsed in vulnerary drinkes, and to stay fluxes and bleedings, for which purposes it is much commended. It hath beene also much commended in contagious and pestilentiall agues.
Chap. XIIII.
Hippolapathum sativum, siue Rhabarbarum Monachorum. Monkes Rubarbe or Patience.
Garden Patience is a kinde of Docke in all the parts thereof, but that it is larger and taller then many others, with large and long greene leaues, a great, strong, and high stalke, with reddish or purplish flowers, and three square seede, like as all other Dockes haue: the roote is great and yellow, not hauing any shew of flesh coloured veines therein, no more then the other kinde with great round thin leaues, commonly called Hippolapathum rotundifolium, Bastard Rubarbe, or Monkes Rubarbe, the properties of both which are of very weake effect: but I haue a kinde of round leafed Dock growing in my Garden, which was sent me from beyond Sea by a worthy Gentleman, Mʳ. Dʳ. Matth. Lister, one of the Kings Physitians, with this title, Rhaponticum verum, and first grew with me, before it was euer seen or known elsewhere in England, wᶜʰ by proof I haue found to be so like vnto the true Rubarbe, or the Rha of Pontus, both for forme and colour, that I dare say it is the very true Rubarbe, our climate only making it lesse strong in working, lesse heauy, and lesse bitter in taste: For this hath great and thicke rootes, as diuersly discoloured with flesh coloured veines as the true Rubarbe, as I haue to shew to any that are desirous to see and know it; and also other smaller sprayes or branches of rootes, spreading from the maine great roote, which smaller branches may well be compared to the Rhaponticum which the Merchants haue brought vs, which we haue seene to be longer and slenderer then Rubarbe, but of the very same colour: this beareth so goodly large leaues, that it is a great beauty in a garden to behold them: for I haue measured the stalke of the leafe at the bottome next the roote to bee of the bignesse of any mans thumbe; and from the roote to the leafe it selfe, to bee two foote in length, and sometimes more; and likewise the leafe it selfe, from the lower end where it is ioyned to the stalke, to the end or point thereof, to bee also two foote in length, and sometimes more; and also in the broadest part of the leafe, to be two foote or more ouer in breadth: it beareth whitish flowers, contrary to all other Dockes, and three square brownish seede as other Dockes doe, but bigger, and therefore assuredly it is a Docke, and the true Rubarbe of the Arabians, or at the least the true Rhaponticum of the Ancients. The figure of the whole plant I haue caused to be cut, with a dryed roote as it grew in my garden by it selfe, and haue inserted it here, both because Matthiolus giueth a false figure of the true Rubarbe, and that this hath not been expressed and set forth by any before.
The Vse of Patience, and of the Rubarbe.
The leaues of Patience are often, and of many vsed for a pot-herbe, and seldome to any other purpose: the roote is often vsed in Diet-beere, or ale, or in other drinkes made by decoction, to helpe to purge the liuer, and clense the blood. The other Rubarbe or Rhaponticum, whereof I make mention, and giue you here the figure, I haue tryed, and found by experience to purge gently, without that astriction that is in the true Rubarbe is brought vs from the East Indies, or China, and is also lesse bitter in taste; whereby I coniecture it may bee vsed in hot and feauerish bodies more effectually, because it doth not binde after the purging, as the East India Rubarbe doth: but this must bee giuen in double quantitie to the other, and then no doubt it will doe as well: The leaues haue a fine acide taste: A syrrupe therefore made with the iuice and sugar, cannot but be very effectuall in deiected appetites, and hot fits of agues; as also to helpe to open obstructions of the liuer, as diuers haue often tryed, and found auaileable by experience.
Chap. XV.
Lapathum sanguineum. Blood-wort.
Among the sorts of pot-herbes Bloode-worte hath alwayes beene accounted a principall one, although I doe not see any great reason therein, especially seeing there is a greater efficacie of binding in this Docke, then in any of the other: but as common vse hath receiued it, so I here set it downe. Blood-worte is one of the sorts of Dockes, and hath long leaues like vnto the smaller yellow Dock, but striped with red veines, and ouer-shadowed with red vpon the greene leafe, that it seemeth almost wholly red sometimes: the stalke is reddish, bearing such like leaues, but smaller vp to the toppe, where it is diuided into diuers small branches, whereon grow purplish flowers, and three square darke red seede, like vnto others: the roots are not great, but somewhat long, and very red, abiding many yeares, yet sometimes spoiled with the extremitie of winter.
| 1 | Tanacetum. Tansie. |
| 2 | Pimpinella. Burnet. |
| 3 | Rhaponticum verum seu potius Rhabarbarum verum. True Raponticke or rather true Rubarbe. |
| 4 | Lapathum sativum seu Patientiæ. Monkes Rubarbe or Patience. |
| 5 | Lapathum sanguineum. Bloudwort. |
| 6 | Acetosa. Sorrell. |
The Vse of Blood-worte.
The whole and onely vse of the herbe almost, serueth for the pot, among other herbes, and, as I said before, is accounted a most especiall one for that purpose. The seede therof is much commended for any fluxe in man or woman, to be inwardly taken, and so no doubt is the roote, being of a stipticke qualitie.
Chap. XVI.
Oxalis siue Acetosa. Sorrell.
Sorrell must needes bee reckoned with the Dockes, for that it is so like vnto them in all things, and is of many called the sower Docke. Of Sorrels there are many sorts, but I shall not trouble you with any other in this place, then the common Garden Sorrell, which is most knowne, and of greatest vse with vs; which hath tender greene long leaues full of iuice, broade, and bicorned as it were, next vnto the stalke, like as Arrach, Spinach, and our English Mercurie haue, of a sharpe sower taste: the stalkes are slender, bearing purplish long heads, wherein lye three square shining browne seede, like, but lesser then the other: the root is smaller then any of the other Dockes, but browne, and full of strings, and abideth without decaying, hauing greene leaues all the winter, except in the very extremitie thereof, which often taketh away all or most of his leaues.
The Vse of Sorrell.
Sorrell is much vsed in sawces, both for the whole, and the sicke, cooling the hot liuers, and stomackes of the sicke, and procuring vnto them an appetite vnto meate, when their spirits are almost spent with the violence of their furious or fierie fits; and is also of a pleasant relish for the whole, in quickning vp a dull stomacke that is ouer-loaden with euery daies plenty of dishes. It is diuers waies dressed by Cooks, to please their Masters stomacks.
Chap. XVII.
Buglossum luteum, siue Lingua Bouis. Langdebeefe.
Vnto this place may well bee referred our ordinary Borage and Buglosse, set forth in the [former Booke], in regard of the properties whereunto they are much employed, that is, to serue the pot among other herbes, as is sufficiently knowne vnto all. And yet I confesse, that this herbe (although it bee called Buglossum luteum, as if it were a kind of Buglosse) hath no correspondency with Buglosse or Borage in any part, sauing only a little in the leafe; & our Borage or Buglosse might more fitly, according to the Greeke name, bee called Oxe tongue or Langdebeefe; and this might in my iudgement more aptly be referred to the kinds of Hieratium Hawkeweed, whereunto it neerest approacheth: but as it is commonly receiued, so take it in this place, vntill it come to receiue the place is proper for it. It hath diuers broad and long darke green leaues, lying vpon the ground, very rough in handling, full of small haires or prickes, ready to enter into the hands of any that handle it; among which riseth vp a round greene hairy or prickly stalk, bearing at the toppe, among a few small green leaues, diuers small yellow flowers in rough heads, which turne into doune, containing within them browne yellowish small long seedes, somewhat like vnto the seede of Hawkeweede: the roote is wooddy, which perisheth quickly after it hath borne seed; but is tender while it is young.
| 1 | Lingua bouis siue Buglossum luteum. Langdebeefe. |
| 2 | Atriplex siue Olus aureum. Arrach. |
| 3 | Blitum. Blites. |
| 4 | Beta. Beetes. |
| 5 | Hipposelinum siue Olus atrum. Allisanders. |
| 6 | Selinum dulce. Sweete Parsley. |
The Vse of Langdebeefe.
The leaues are onely vsed in all places that I know, or euer could learne, for an herbe for the pot among others, and is thought to bee good to loosen the belly.
Chap. XVIII.
Atriplex siue Olus Aureum. Arrach.
There be diuers kindes of Arrach, or Orach, as some doe call them; some of the Garden, whereof I meane to entreate in this place; others wilde of the Fieldes, &c. and others of the Sea, which are not to bee spoken of in this worke, but referred to a generall historie. The white garden Arrach, or Orach, hath diuers leaues, standing vpon their seuerall footestalkes, broade at the bottome, ending in two points like an arrow, with two feathers at the head, and small pointed at the end of the leafe, of a whitish yellow greene colour, and as it were strewed ouer with flower or meale, especially while they are young: the stalke like wise is mealy, bearing many branches with small yellow flowers on them, which turne into small leafie seeds: the roote groweth somewhat deepe in the ground, with many small threds fastened thereto: it quickly springeth vp of the seede, groweth great, and fadeth away as soon as it hath borne seede.
The purple Arrach is in all things like vnto the white, sauing onely in the colour of the leafe, stalke, seede, &c. which are all of a mealy dusty purplish colour.
The Vse of Arrach.
Arrach is cold and moist, and of a lubricke or slippery qualitie, whereby it quickely passeth through the stomacke and belly, and maketh it soluble, and is of many vsed for that purpose, being boyled and buttered, or put among other herbes into the pot to make pottage.
There are many dishes of meate made with them while they are young, for being almost without sauour of themselues, they are the more conuertible into what rellish any one will make them with Sugar, Spice &c.
Chap. XIX.
Blitum. Blites.
There be diuers sorts of Blites, some whereof I haue entreated in the former part of this worke, vnder the titled Amaranthus, Flower gentle: others that are noursed vp in Gardens, I will set forth in this place, which are onely two, that haue come to my knowledge, that is, the white and the red, and are of a qualitie as neere vnto Arrach as vnto Beetes, participating of both, and therefore I haue placed them betwixt them. The white Blite hath leaues somewhat like vnto Beetes, but smaller, rounder, and of a whitish greene colour, euery one standing vpon a small long footestalke: the stalke riseth vp two or three foote high, with many such like leaues thereon: the flowers grow at the top in long round tufts or clusters, wherein are contained small round seede: the roote is very full of threds or strings.
The red Blite is in all things like the white, but that his leaues and tufted heades are exceeding red at the first, and after turne more purplish.
The Vse of Blites.
Blites are vsed as Arrach, eyther boyled of it selfe or stewed, which they call Loblolly, or among other herbes to bee put into the pot; and yet some doe vtterly refuse it, because in diuers it prouoketh castings. It is altogether insipide or without taste, but yet by reason of the moist slipperie qualitie it hath, it helpeth to loosen the belly. The vnsauorinesse whereof hath in many Countries growne into a prouerbe, or by-word, to call dull, slow, or lazie persons by that name: They are accounted more hurtfull to the stomacke, and so to the head and eyes, then other herbes, and therefore they are the lesse vsed.
Chap. XX.
Beta. Beetes.
There are many diuersities of Beetes, some growing naturally in our own Country, others brought from beyond Sea; whereof some are white, some greene, some yellow, some red: the leaues of some are of vse only, and the root not vsed: others the roote is only vsed, and not the leaues: and some againe, both roote and leafe. The ancient Authors, as by their workes appeare, knew but two sorts, the white and the blacke Beete, whereof the white is sufficiently known, and was of them termed Sicula, of the later Physitians, Sicla, because it was thought first to be brought from Sicilie: the blacke abideth some controuersie; some thinking that our common greene Beete, because it is of a darke greene colour, was that they called the blacke Beete; others that our small red Beete, which is of a darke red colour, was their black Beete, which in my opinion is the more likely: But to come to the matter in hand, and giue you the descriptions of them which are in vse with vs, and leaue controuersies to such a worke as is fit for them, wherein all such matters may be discussed at large.
The common white Beete hath many great leaues next the ground (in some hot Countries growing to be three foote long, and very broade, in our Countrey they are very large, but nothing neere that proportion) of a whitish greene colour; the stalke is great, strong, and ribbed or crested, bearing great store of leaues vpon it vp to the very toppe almost: the flowers grow in very long tufts, small at the ends, and turning down their heads, which are small pale greenish yellow burres, giuing cornered prickly seede: the roote is great, long and hard, when it hath giuen seede, of no vse at all, but abideth a former winter with his leaues vpon it, as all other sorts following doe.
The common red Beet differeth not from the white Beete, but only that it is not so great, and both the leaues and rootes are somewhat red: the leaues bee in some more red then in others, which haue but red veines or strakes in them, in some also of a fresh red, in others very darke red: the roote hereof is red, spongy, and not vsed to bee eaten.
The common greene Beete is also like vnto the white Beete, but of a darke greene colour. This hath beene found neere the salt Marshes by Rochester, in the foote-way going from the Lady Levesons house thither, by a worthy, diligent and painefull obseruer and preseruer both of plants and all other natures varieties, often remembred before in this worke, called Iohn Tradescante, who there finding it, gaue me the knowledge thereof, and I haue vpon his report set it here down in this manner:
The Romane red Beete, called Beta raposa, is both for leafe and roote the most excellent Beete of all others: his rootes bee as great as the greatest Carrot, exceeding red both within and without, very sweete and good, fit to bee eaten: this Beete groweth higher then the last red Beete, whose rootes are not vsed to bee eaten: the leaues likewise are better of taste, and of as red a colour as the former red Beete: the roote is sometimes short like a Turnep, whereof it took the name of Rapa or raposa; and sometimes as I said before, like a Carrot and long: the seede is all one with the lesser red Beete.
The Italian Beete is of much respect, whose faire greene leaues are very large and great, with great white ribbes and veines therein: the stalke in the Summer time, when it is growen vp to any height, is six square in shew, and yellowish withall, as the heades with seede vpon them seeme likewise.
The great red Beete that Master Lete a Merchant of London gaue vnto Master Gerrard, as he setteth it downe in his Herball, seemeth to bee the red kinde of the last remembred Beete, whose great ribbes as he saith, are as great as the middle ribbe of the Cabbage leafe, and as good to bee eaten, whose stalke rose with him to the height of eight cubits, and bore plenty of seede.
The Vse of Beetes.
Beetes, both white, greene and red, are put into the pot among other herbes, to make pottage, as is commonly known vnto all, and are also boyled whole, both in France vsually with most of their boyled meates, and in our Countrey, with diuers that delight in eating of herbes.
The Italian Beete, and so likewise the last red Beete with great ribbes, are boyled, and the ribbes eaten in sallets with oyle, vinegar and pepper, and is accounted a rare kinde of sallet, and very delicate.
The roote of the common red Beete with some, but more especially the Romane red Beete, is of much vse among Cookes to trimme or set out their dishes of meate, being cut out into diuers formes and fashions, and is grown of late dayes into a great custome of seruice, both for fish and flesh.
The rootes of the Romane red Beete being boyled, are eaten of diuers while they are hot with a little oyle and vinegar, and is accounted a delicate sallet for the winter; and being cold they are so vsed and eaten likewise.
The leaues are much vsed to mollifie and open the belly, being vsed in the decoction of Glisters. The roote of the white kinde scraped, and made vp with a little honey and salt, rubbed on and layd on the belly, prouoketh to the stoole. The vse of eating Beetes is likewise held to bee helpefull to spleneticke persons.
Chap. XXI.
Hipposelinum, siue Olus atrum. Alisanders.
Alisanders hath beene in former times thought to be the true Macedonian Parsley, and in that errour many doe yet continue: but this place giueth not leaue to discusse that doubt: but I must here only shew you, what it is, and to what vse it is put ordinarily for the Kitchen. The leaues of Alisanders are winged or cut into many parts, somewhat resembling Smallage, but greater, broader, and more cut in about the edges: the stalkes are round and great, two foote high or better, bearing diuers leaues on them, and at the toppe spokie roundles of white flowers on seuerall small branches, which turne into blacke seede, somewhat cornered or crested, of an aromaticall bitter taste; the roote is blacke without, and white within, and abideth well the first year of the sowing, perishing after it hath borne seed.
The Vse of Alisanders.
The tops of the rootes, with the lower part of the stalkes of Alisanders, are vsed in Lent especially, and Spring of the yeare, to make broth, which although it be a little bitter, yet it is both wholsome and pleasing to a great many, by reason of the aromaticall or spicie taste, warming and comforting the stomack, and helping it digest the many waterish and flegmaticke meates are in those times much eaten. The rootes also either rawe or boyled are often eaten with oyle and vinegar. The seede is more vsed physically then the roote, or any other part, and is effectuall to prouoke plenty of vrine in them that pisse by drops, or haue the Strangury: It helpeth womens courses, and warmeth their benummed bodies or members, that haue endured fierce cold daies and nights, being boyled and drunke.
Chap. XXII.
Selinum dulce. Sweete Parsley or sweete Smallage.
This kinde of sweete Parsley or Smallage, which soeuer you please to call it, for it resembleth Smallage as well in the largenesse of the leaues, as in the taste, yet sweeter and pleasanter, is (as I take it) in this like vnto sweete Fennell (that hath his sweetnesse from his naturall soyle and clymate; for howsoeuer it bee reasonable sweete the first yeare it is sowne with vs, yet it quickly doth degenerate, and becommeth no better then our ordinarie Fennell afterwards). The first yeare it is sowne and planted with vs (and the first that euer I saw, was in a Venetian Ambassadours Garden in the Spittle yard, neare Bishops gate streete) is so sweete and pleasant, especially while it is young, as if Sugar had beene mingled with it: but after it is growne vp high and large, it hath a stronger taste of Smalladge, and so likewise much more the next yeare; that it groweth from the seed was gathered here: the leaues are many, spreading farre about the roote, broader and of a fresher greene colour then our ordinary Smalladge, and vpon longer stalkes: the seed is as plentifull as Parsley, being small and very like vnto it, but darker of colour.
The Vse of sweete Parsley.
The Venetians vse to prepare it for meate many waies, both the herbe and the roote eaten rawe, as many other herbes and rootes are, or boyled or fryed to be eaten with meate, or the dryed herbe poudered and strewed vpon meate; but most vsually either whited, and so eaten rawe with pepper and oyle, as a dainty Sallet of it selfe, or a little boyled or stewed: the taste of the herbe being a little warming, but the seede much more, helpeth cold windy stomackes to digest their meate, and to expell winde.
Chap. XXIII.
Petrosolinum & Apium. Parsley and Smalledge.
We haue three sorts of Parsley in our Gardens, and but one of Smalladge: Our common Parsley, Curld Parsley, and Virginia Parsley; which last, although it be but of late knowne, yet it is now almost growne common, and of as good vse as the other with diuers. Our common Parsley is so well knowne, that it is almost needlesse to describe it, hauing diuers fresh greene leaues, three alwaies placed together on a stalke, and snipt about the edges, and three stalkes of leaues for the most part growing together: the stalkes growe three or foure foote high or better, bearing spikie heads of white flowers, which turne into small seede, somewhat sharpe and hot in taste: the roote is long and white.
Curld Parsley hath his leaues curled or crumpled on the edges, and therein is the onely difference from the former.
Virginia Parley is in his leafe altogether like vnto common Parsley for the forme, consisting of three leaues set together, but that the leaues are as large as Smallage leaues, but of a pale or whitish greene colour, and of the same taste of our common Parsley: the seede hereof is as the leaues, twice if not thrice as bigge as the ordinary Parsley, and perisheth when it hath giuen seede, abiding vsually the first yeare of the sowing.
Smallage is in forme somewhat like vnto Parsley, but greater and greener, and lesse pleasant, or rather more bitter in taste: the seede is smaller, and the root more stringy.
The Vse of Parsley.
Parsley is much vsed in all sorts of meates, both boyled, roasted, stewed, &c. and being greene it serueth to lay vpon sundry meates, as also to draw meate withall. It is also shred and stopped into poudered beefe, as also into legges of Mutton, with a little beefe suet among it, &c.
The rootes are often vsed to be put into broth, to helpe to open obstructions of the liuer, reines, and other parts, helping much to procure vrine.
The rootes likewise boyled or stewed with a legge of Mutton, stopped with Parsley as aforesaid, is very good meate, and of very good rellish, as I haue proued by the taste; but the rootes must bee young, and of the first yeares growth, and they will haue their operation to cause vrine.
The seed also is vsed for the same cause, when any are troubled with the stone, or grauell, to open the passages of vrine.
Although Smallage groweth in many places wilde in moist grounds, yet it is also much planted in Gardens, and although his euill taste and sauour doth cause it not to be accepted into meates as Parsley, yet it is not without many speciall good properties, both for outward and inward diseases, to helpe to open obstructions, and prouoke vrine. The iuyce cleanseth vlcers; and the leaues boyled with Hogs grease, healeth felons on the ioynts of the fingers.
Chap. XXIIII.
Fœniculum. Fenell.
There are three sorts of Fenell, whereof two are sweete. The one of them is the ordinary sweete Fenell, whose seedes are larger and yellower then the common, and which (as I said before in the [Chapter of sweete Parsley]) doth soone degenerate in this our Country into the common. The other sweete Fenell is not much knowne, and called Cardus Fenell by those that sent it out of Italy, whose leaues are more thicke and bushie then any of the other. Our common Fenell, whereof there is greene and red, hath many faire and large spread leaues, finely cut and diuided into many small, long, greene, or reddish leaues, yet the thicker tufted the branches be, the shorter are the leaues: the stalkes are round, with diuers ioynts and leaues at them, growing fiue or six foot high, bearing at the top many spoakie rundels of yellow flowers; the Common, I meane, doth turne into a darke grayish flat seede, and the Sweete into larger and yellower: the roote is great, long, and white, and endureth diuers yeares.
The Vse of Fenell.
Fenell is of great vse to trimme vp, and strowe vpon fish, as also to boyle or put among fish of diuers sorts, Cowcumbers pickled, and other fruits, &c. The rootes are vsed with Parsley rootes, to be boyled in broths and drinkes to open obstructions. The seed is of much vse with other things to expell winde. The seede also is much vsed to be put into Pippin pies, and diuers other such baked fruits, as also into bread, to giue it the better rellish. The sweete Cardus Fenell being sent by Sir Henry Wotton to Iohn Tradescante, had likewise a large direction with it how to dresse it; for they vse to white it after it hath been transplanted for their vses, which by reason of the sweetnesse by nature, and the tendernesse by art, causeth it to be the more delightfull to the taste, especially with them that are accustomed to feede on greene herbes.
| 1 | Petrofolinum. Parsley. |
| 2 | Apium. Smallage. |
| 3 | Fœniculum. Fenell. |
| 4 | Anethum. Dill. |
| 5 | Myrrhis siue Cerefolium magnum. Sweete Cheruill. |
| 6 | Cerefolium vulgare. Common Cheruill. |
Chap. XXV.
Anethum. Dill.
Dill doth much growe wilde, but because in many places it cannot be had, it is therefore sowne in Gardens for the vses whereunto it serueth. It is a smaller herbe then Fenell, but very like, hauing fine cut leaues, not so large, but shorter, smaller, and of a stronger and quicker taste: the stalke is smaller also, and with few ioynts and leaues on them, bearing spoakie tufts of yellow flowers, which turne into thinne, small, and flat seedes: the roote perisheth euery yeare, and riseth againe for the most part of it owne sowing.
The Vse of Dill.
The leaues of Dill are much vsed in some places with Fish, as they doe Fenell; but because it is so strong many doe refuse it.
It is also put among pickled Cowcumbers, wherewith it doth very well agree, giuing vnto the cold fruit a pretty spicie taste or rellish.
It being stronger then Fenell, is of the more force to expell winde in the body. Some vse to eate the seed to stay the Hickocke.
Chap. XXVI.
Myrrhis siue Cerefolium maius & vulgare. Sweet Cheruill and ordinary Cheruill.
The great or sweete Cheruill (which of some is called Sweete Cicely) hath diuers great and faire spread winged leaues, consisting of many leaues set together, deeply cut in the edges, and euery one also dented about, very like, and resembling the leaues of Hemlockes, but of so pleasant a taste, that one would verily thinke, he chewed the leaues or seedes of Aniseedes in his mouth: The stalke is reasonable great, and somewhat cornered or crested about three or foure foote high, at the toppe whereof stand many white spoakie tufts of flowers, which change into browne long cornered great seede, two alwaies ioyned together: the roote is great, blackish on the outside, and white within, with diuers fibres annexed vnto it, and perisheth not, but abideth many yeares, and is of a sweete, pleasant, and spicie hot taste, delightfull vnto many.
The common Cheruill is a small herbe, with slender leaues, finely cut into long peeces, at the first of a pale yellowish greene colour, but when the stalke is growne vp to seede, both stalkes and leaues become of a darke red colour: the flowers are white, standing vpon scattered or thin spread tufts, which turne into small, long, round, and sharpe pointed seedes, of a brownish blacke colour: the roote is small, with diuers long slender white strings, and perisheth euery yeare.
The Uses of these Cheruils.
The common Cheruill is much vsed of the French and Dutch people, to bee boyled or stewed in a pipkin, eyther by it selfe, or with other herbes, whereof they make a Loblolly, and so eate it. It is vsed as a pot-herbe with vs.
Sweete Cheruill, gathered while it is young, and put among other herbes for a sallet, addeth a meruellous good rellish to all the rest. Some commend the greene seedes diced and put in a sallet of herbes, and eaten with vinegar and oyle, to comfort the cold stomacke of the aged. The roots are vsed by diuers, being boyled, and after eaten with oyle and vinegar, as an excellent sallet for the same purpose. The preserued or candid rootes are of singular good vse to warme and comfort a cold flegmaticke stomack, and is thought to be a good preseruatiue in the time of the plague.
Chap. XXVII.
Malua Crispa. French Mallowes.
The curld or French Mallow groweth vp with an vpright greene round stalke, as high vsually as any man, whereon from all sides grow forth round whitish greene leaues, curld or crumpled about the edges, like a ruffe, else very like vnto an ordinary great Mallow leafe: the flowers grow both vpon the stalke, and on the other branches that spring from them, being small and white; after which come small cases with blacke seede like the other Mallowes: the roote perisheth when it hath borne seede, but abideth vsually the first yeare, and the second runneth vp to flower and seede.
The Vse of French Mallowes.
It is much vsed as a pot-herbe, especially when there is cause to moue the belly downward, which by his slippery qualitie it doth helpe forward. It hath beene in times past, and so is to this day in some places, vsed to be boyled or stewed, eyther by it selfe with butter, or with other herbes, and so eaten.
Chap. XXVIII.
Imtubum. Succorie and Endiue.
I put both Succorie and Endiue into one chapter and description, because they are both of one kindred; and although they differ a little the one from the other, yet they agree both in this, that they are eaten eyther greene or whited, of many.
Endiue, the smooth as well as the curld, beareth a longer and a larger leafe then Succorie, and abideth but one yeare, quickely running vp to stalke and seede, and then perisheth: whereas Succorie abideth many years, and hath long and narrower leaues, somewhat more cut in, or torne on the edges: both of them haue blew flowers, and the seede of the smooth or ordinary Endiue is so like vnto the Succorie, that it is very hard to distinguish them asunder by sight; but the curld Endiue giueth blackish and flat seede, very like vnto blacke Lettice seede: the rootes of the Endiue perish, but the Succorie abideth.
The Vse of Succory and Endiue.
Although Succorie bee somewhat more bitter in taste then the Endiues, yet it is oftentimes, and of many eaten greene, but more vsually being buried a while in sand, that it may grow white, which causeth it to lose both some part of the bitternesse, as also to bee the more tender in the eating; and Horace sheweth it to be vsed in his time, in the 32. Ode of his first Book, where he saith,
Me pascunt Oliuæ, me Cithorea leuesqe Maluæ.
Endiue being whited in the same, or any other manner, is much vsed in winter, as a sallet herbe with great delight; but the curld Endiue is both farre the fairer, and the tenderer for that purpose.
Chap. XXIX.
Spinachia, siue Olus Hispanicum. Spinach.
Spinach or Spinage is of three sorts (yet some doe reckon of foure, accounting that herbe that beareth no seede to be a sort of it selfe, when it is but an accident of nature, as it falleth out in Hempe, Mercury, and diuers other herbes) two that bear prickly seed, the one much greater then the other: the third that beareth a smooth seede, which is more daintie, and noursed vp but in few Gardens: The common Spinach which is the lesser of the two prickly sorts, hath long greene leaues, broad at the stalke, and rent, or torne as it were into foure corners, and sharpe pointed at the ends: it quickly runneth vp to stalke, if it be sowen in the Spring time; but else, if at the end of Summer, it will abide all the winter green, and then suddenly in the very beginning of the Spring, runne vp to stalke, bearing many leaues both below and at the toppe, where there doth appeare many smal greenish flowers in clusters, and after them prickly seede: The other greater sort that hath prickly seede, is in all things like the former but larger both in stalke, leafe and seede. The smooth Spinach hath broader, and a little rounder pointed leaues then the first, especially the lower leaues; for those that grow vpwards vpon the stalke, are more pointed, and as it were three square, of as darke a greene colour as the former: at the seuerall ioynts of the stalkes and branches, stand clustering many small greenish flowers, which turne into clusters of round whitish seede, without any prickles at all vpon them: the roote is long, white and small, like vnto the other, with many fibres at it: If it be often cut, it will grow the thicker, or else spindle vp very thinly, and with but few leaues vpon the stalke.
The Vse of Spinage.
Spinage is an herbe fit for sallets, and for diuers other purposes for the table only; for it is not knowne to bee vsed physically at all. Many English that haue learned it of the Dutch people, doe stew the herbe in a pot or pipkin, without any other moisture then it owne, and after the moisture is a little pressed from it, they put butter, and a little spice vnto it, and make therewith a dish that many delight to eate of. It is vsed likewise to be made into Tartes, and many other varieties of dishes, as Gentlewomen and their Cookes can better tell than my selfe; vnto whom I leaue the further ordering of these herbes, and all other fruits and rootes of this Garden: For I intend only to giue you the knowledge of them, with some briefe notes for their vse, and no more.
| 1 | Malua crispa. French Mallowes. |
| 2 | Endiuia. Endiue. |
| 3 | Cichorium. Succory. |
| 4 | Spinachia. Spinach. |
| 5 | Lactuca crispa. Curld Lettice. |
| 6 | Lactuca patula. An open Lettice. |
| 7 | Lactuca capitata vulgaris. Ordinary cabbage Lettice. |
| 8 | Lactuca capitata Romana. The great Romane cabbage Lettice. |
| 9 | Lactuca agueno. Corne Sallet or Lambes Lettice. |
Chap. XXX.
Lactuca. Lettice.
There are so many sorts, and so great diuersitie of Lettice, that I doubt I shall scarce be beleeued of a great many. For I doe in this Chapter reckon vp into you eleauen or twelue differing sorts; some of little vse, others of more, being more common and vulgar; and some that are of excellent vse and seruice, which are more rare, and require more knowledge and care for the ordering of them, as also for their time of spending, as some in the spring, some in summer, others in autumne, and some being whited for the winter. For all these sorts I shall not neede many descriptions, but only shew you which doe cabbage, and which are loose, which of them are great or small, white, greene or red, and which of them beare white seeds, and which of them blacke. And lastly I haue thought good to adde another Sallet herbe, which because it is called Lambes Lettice of many, or Corne Sallet of others, is put in only to fill vp a number in this Chapter, and that I must speake of it, and not that I thinke it to be any of the kindes of Lettice.
All sorts of Lettice, after a while that they haue closed themselues, if they bee of the Cabbage kindes, or otherwise being loose, and neuer closing, send forth from among the middle of their leaues a round stalke (in some greater, in others lesser, according to their kinde) full of leaues like vnto the lower, branching at the toppe into sundry parts, whereon grow diuers small star-like flowers, of a pale yellowish colour; after which come seede, eyther white or blackish, as the plant yeeldeth, whereat hangeth some small peece of a cottony doune, wherewith the whole head is stored, and is carried away with the winde, if it be not gathered in time: the roote is somewhat long and white, with some fibres at it, and perisheth quickely after the seede is ripe.
The Romane red Lettice is the best and greatest of all the rest. For Iohn Tradescante that first, as I thinke, brought it into England, and sowed it, did write vnto mee, that after one of them had been bound and whited, when the refuse was cut away, the rest weighed seuenteene ounces: this hath blacke seede.
The white Romane Lettice is like vnto it, hauing long leaues like a Teasell, it is in goodnesse next vnto the red, but must be whited, that it may eate kindly: the seede hereof is white.
The Virginia Lettice hath single and very broade reddish leaues, and is not of any great regard, and therefore is kept but of a few: it beareth blacke seede.
The common Lumbard Lettice that is loose, and another kinde thereof that doth somewhat cabbage, haue both white seedes.
The Venice Lettice is an excellent Cabbage Lettice, and is best to bee sowen after Midsummer for lateward Lettice; they be sometimes as great as the crowne of a mans hatt: the seede hereof is white, and groweth to be of a meane height.
Our common Cabbage Lettice is well known, and beareth blacke seede.
The curld Lettice which is open, and differeth but little from Endiue, beareth black seede.
Another sort of curld Lettice doth cabbage, and is called Flanders Cropers, or Cropers of Bruges; this groweth lowest, and hath the smallest head, but very hard and round, and white while it groweth: the seed is blacke.
A kinde of Romane Lettice is of a darke green colour, growing as low as the Venice Lettice, and is an excellent kinde, bearing blacke seede.
And lastly our winter Lettice is wonderfull hardy to endure our cold: It is but single, and must be sowen at Michaelmas, but will be very good, before any of the other good sorts sowen in the Spring, will be ready to be vsed, and beareth white seed.
To instruct a nouice (for I teach not a Gardiner of knowledge) how to gather his seede that it may be good, is in this manner: Let him marke out those plants that hee meaneth shall run vp for seede, which must be the most likely; & after they haue begun to shoote forth stalkes, strip away the lowest leaues, for two or three hands breadth aboue the ground, that thereby in taking away the lowest leaues, the stalke doe not rot, nor the seed be hindered in the ripening.
There are two manner of wayes to whiten Lettice to make them eate the more tender: the one is by raysing vp earth like moale hils, round about the plants while they are growing, which will make them grow white: the other is by tying vp all the loose leaues round together while it groweth, that so the close tying may make it grow white, and thereby be the more tender.
Lambes Lettice or Corne Sallet is a small plant while it is young, growing close vpon the ground, with many whitish greene, long and narrow, round pointed leaues, all the winter, and in the beginning of the spring (if it bee sowen in autumne, as it is vsuall to serue for an early sallet) riseth vp with small round stalkes, with two leaues at euery ioynt, branching forth at the toppe, and bearing tufts of small bleake blew flowers, which turne into small round whitish seede: the roote is small and long, with some small threds hanging thereat: the whole plant is of a waterish taste, almost insipide.
The Vse of Lettice.
All sorts of Lettice are spent in sallets, with oyle and vinegar, or as euery one please, for the most part, while they are fresh and greene, or whited, as is declared of some of the sorts before, to cause them to eate the more delicate and tender. They are also boyled, to serue for many sorts of dishes of meate, as the Cookes know best.
They all coole a hot and fainting stomacke.
The iuice of Lettice applyed with oyle of Roses to the foreheads of the sicke and weake wanting sleepe, procureth rest, and taketh away paines in the head: bound likewise to the cods, it helpeth those that are troubled with the Colts euill. If a little camphire be added, it restraineth immoderate lust: but it is hurtfull to such as are troubled with the shortnesse of breath.
Lambes Lettice is wholly spent for sallets, in the beginning of the yeare, as I said, before any almost of the other sorts of Lettice are to be had.
Chap. XXXI.
Portulaca. Purslane.
Purslane hath many thicke round shining red stalkes, full of iuice, lying vpon the ground for the most part; whereon are set diuers long, thicke, pale green leaues, sometimes alone by themselues, and sometimes many small ones together with them; among which grow small yellow flowers, which stand in little greene huskes, containing blacke seede: the roote is small, and perisheth euery yeare, and must be new sowen in Aprill, in the alleyes of the Garden betweene the beds, as some haue heretofore vsed, where it may haue the more moisture, or, as I haue seene in some Gardens, vpon those beds of dung that Gardiners haue vsed to nourse vp their Cowcumbers, Melons, and Pompions, whereon after they haue been taken away, they haue sowen Purslane, where if it be much watered, the warmth of the dung, and the water giuen it, the Purslane hath grown great and large, and continued vntill winter.
The Vse of Purslane.
It is vsed as Lettice in sallets, to coole hot and faint stomackes in the hot time of the yeare, but afterwards if only for delight, it is not good to bee too prodigall in the vse thereof.
The seede of Purslane doth coole much any inflammation inward or outward, and doth a little binde withall.
Chap. XXXII.
Dracoherba siue Tarchon & Dracunculus hortensis. Tarragon.
Tarragon hath long and narrow darke greene leaues, growing on slender and brittle round stalkes, two or three foote high, at the tops whereof grow forth long slender spikes of small yellowish flowers, which seldome giue any good seede, but a dustie or chaffie matter, which flieth away with the winde: the roote is white, and creepeth about vnder ground, whereby it much encreaseth: the whole herbe is of a hot and biting taste.
The Vse of Tarragon.
It is altogether vsed among other cold herbes, to temper their coldnesse, and they to temper its heate, so to giue the better rellish vnto the Sallet; but many doe not like the taste thereof, and so refuse it.
There are some Authors that haue held Tarragon not to be an herbe of it owne kinde, but that it was first produced, by putting the seede of Lin or Flaxe into the roote of an Onion, being opened and so set into the ground, which when it hath sprung, hath brought forth this herbe Tarragon, which absurd and idle opinion, Matthiolus by certaine experience saith, hath been found false.
Chap. XXXIII.
Nasturtium hortense. Garden Cresses.
Garden Cresses growe vp to the height of two foote or thereabouts, hauing many small, whitish, broad, endented, torne leaues, set together vpon a middle ribbe next the ground, but those that growe higher vpon the stalkes are smaller and longer: the tops of the stalkes are stored with white flowers, which turne into flat pods or pouches, like vnto Shepheard purse, wherein is contained flat reddish seede: the roote perisheth euery yeare: the taste both of leaues and seedes are somewhat strong, hot, and bitter.
The Vse of Cresses.
The Dutchmen and others vse to eate Cresses familiarly with their butter and bread, as also stewed or boyled, either alone or with other herbes, whereof they make a Hotch potch, and so eate it. Wee doe eate it mixed among Lettice or Purslane, and sometimes with Tarragon or Rocket, with oyle and vinegar and a little salt, and in that manner it is very sauoury to some mens stomackes.
The vse of Cresses physically is, it helpeth to expectorate tough flegme, as also for the paines of the breast; and as it is thought taketh away spots, being laid to with vinegar. The seede is giuen of many to children for the wormes.
| 1 | Portulaca. Purslane. |
| 2 | Dracho herba seu Tarchon. Tarragon. |
| 3 | Eruca satiua. Garden Rocket. |
| 4 | Nasturtium sativum. Garden Cresses. |
| 5 | Sinapi. Mustard. |
| 6 | Asparagus. Asparagus or Sperage. |
Chap. XXXIIII.
Eruca satiua. Garden Rocket.
Ovr Garden Rocket is but a wilde kinde brought into Gardens; for the true Romane Rocket hath larger leaues; this hath many long leaues, much torne or rent on the edges, smaller and narrower then the Romane kinde: the flowers hereof are of a pale yellowish colour, whereas the true is whitish, consisting of foure leaues: the seede of this is reddish, contained in smaller and longer pods then the true, which are shorter and thicker, and the seede of a whitish yellow colour: the rootes of both perish as soone as they haue giuen seede. Some haue taken one sort of the wilde kinde for Mustard, and haue vsed the seede for the same purpose.
The Vse of Rocket.
It is for the most part eaten with Lettice, Purslane, or such cold herbes, and not alone, because of its heate and strength; but that with the white seede is milder. The seede of Rocket is good to prouoke vrine, and to stirre vp bodily lust.
The seede bruised, and mixed with a little vinegar, and of the gall of an Oxe, cleanseth the face of freckles, spots, and blew markes, that come by beatings, fals, or otherwaies.
Matthiolus saith, that the leaues boyled, and giuen with some Sugar to little children, cureth them of the cough.
The seede is held to be helpfull to spleneticke persons; as also to kill the wormes of the belly.
Chap. XXXV.
Sinapi sativum. Garden Mustard.
The Mustard that is most vsuall in this Country, howsoeuer diuers doe for their priuate vses sowe it in their Gardens or Orchards, in some conuenient corner, yet the same is found wilde also abroad in many places. It hath many rough long diuided leaues, of an ouerworne greene colour: the stalke is diuided at the toppe into diuers branches, whereon growe diuers pale yellow flowers, in a great length, which turne into small long pods, wherein is contained blackish seede, inclining to rednesse, of a fiery sharpe taste: the roote is tough and white, running deepe into the ground, with many small fibres at it.
The Vse of Mustard.
The seede hereof grownd between two stones, fitted for the purpose, and called a Querne, with some good vinegar added vnto it, to make it liquid and running, is that kinde of Mustard that is vsually made of all sorts, to serue as sawce both for fish and flesh.
The same liquid Mustard is of good vse, being fresh, for Epilepticke persons, to warme and quicken those dull spirits that are sopite and scarce appeare, if it be applyed both inwardly and outwardly.
It is with good successe also giuen to those that haue short breathes, and troubled with a cough in the lungs.
Chap. XXXVI.
Asparagus. Sperage or Asparagus.
Asparagus riseth vp at the first with diuers whitish greene scaly heads, very brittle or easie to breake while they are young, which afterwards rise vp into very long and slender greene stalkes, of the bignesse of an ordinary riding wand at the bottome of most, or bigger or lesser, as the rootes are of growth, on which are set diuers branches of greene leaues, shorter and smaller then Fennell vp to the toppe, at the ioynts whereof come forth small mossie yellowish flowers, which turne into round berries, greene at the first, and of an excellent red colour when they are ripe, shewing as if they were beades of Corrall, wherein are contained exceeding hard and blacke seede: the rootes are dispersed from a spongious head into many long, thicke, and round strings, whereby it sucketh much nourishment out of the ground, and encreaseth plentifully thereby.
We haue another kinde hereof that is of much greater account, because the shootes are larger, whiter, and being dressed taste more sweete and pleasant, without any other difference.
The Vse of Asparagus.
The first shootes or heads of Asparagus are a Sallet of as much esteeme with all sorts of persons, as any other whatsoeuer, being boyled tender, and eaten with butter, vinegar, and pepper, or oyle and vinegar, or as euery ones manner doth please; and are almost wholly spent for the pleasure of the pallate. It is specially good to prouoke vrine, and for those that are troubled with the stone or grauell in the reines or kidneyes, because it doth a little open and cleanse those parts.
Chap. XXXVII.
Brassica. Cabbages and Coleworts.
There is greater diuersity in the forme and colour of the leaues of this plant, then there is in any other that I know groweth vpon the ground. But this place requireth not the knowledge of all sorts which might be shewen, many of them being of no vse with vs for the table, but for delight, to behold the wonderfull variety of the workes of God herein. I will here therefore shew you onely those sorts that are ordinary in most Gardens, and some that are rare, receiued into some especiall Gardens: And first of Cabbages, and then of Coleworts.
Our ordinary Cabbage that closeth hard and round, hath at the first great large thicke leaues, of a grayish greene colour, with thicke great ribbes, and lye open most part of the Summer without closing, but toward the end of Summer, being growne to haue many leaues, it then beginneth to growe close and round in the middle, and as it closeth, the leaues growe white inward; yet there be some kindes that will neuer be so close as these, but will remaine halfe open, which wee doe not account to be so good as the other: in the middle of this head, the next yeare after the sowing, in other Countries especially, and sometimes in ours, if the Winter be milde, as may be seene in diuers Gardens (but to preuent the danger of our Winter frosts, our Gardiners now doe vse to take vp diuers Cabbages with their rootes, and tying a cloth or some such thing about the rootes, doe hang them vp in their houses, where they may be defended from cold, and then set them againe after the frosts are past) and then there shooteth out a great thicke stalke, diuided at the toppe into many branches, bearing thereon diuers small flowers, sometime white, but most commonly yellow, made of foure leaues, which turne into long, round, and pointed pods, containing therein small round seede, like vnto Turnep seede: the roote spreadeth not farre nor deepe, and dyeth vsually in any great froste; for a small frost maketh the Cabbage eate the tenderer.
The red Cabbage is like vnto the white, last spoken of, but differing in colour and greatnesse; for it is seldome found so great as the white, and the colour of the leaues is very variable, as being in some stript with red, in others more red, or very deepe red or purple.
The sugar loafe Cabbage, so called because it is smaller at the toppe then it is at the bottome, and is of two sorts, the one white, the other greene.
The Sauoy Cabbadge, one is of a deepe greene coloured leafe, and curld when it is to be gathered; the other is yellowish: neyther of both these doe close so well as the first, but yet are vsed of some, and accounted good.
The Cole flower is a kinde of Coleworte, whose leaues are large, and like the Cabbage leaues, but somewhat smaller, and endented about the edges, in the middle wherof, sometimes in the beginning of Autumne, and sometimes much sooner, there appeareth a hard head of whitish yellow tufts of flowers, closely thrust together, but neuer open, nor spreading much with vs, which then is fittest to be vsed, the green leaues being cut away close to the head: this hath a much pleasanter taste then eyther the Coleworte, or Cabbage of any kinde, and is therefore of the more regard and respect at good mens tables.
The ordinary Coleworte is sufficiently knowne not to close or cabbage, and giueth seede plentifully enough.
The other Colewortes that are noursed vp with those that delight in curiosities, besides the aforesaid ordinary greene, which is much vsed of Dutchmen, and other strangers, are these: The Curld Coleworte eyther wholly of a greene colour, or of diuers colours in one plant, as white, yellow, red, purple or crimson, so variably mixed, the leaues being curld on the edges, like a ruffe band, that it is very beautifull to behold.
There is also another curld Colewort of lesse beauty and respect, being but a little curld on the edges, whose leaues are white, edged with red, or green edged with white.
Two other there are, the one of a popingaye greene colour: the other of a fine deepe greene, like vnto the Sauoyes.
Then there is the Cole rape, which is also a kinde of Coleworte, that beareth a white heade, or headed stalke aboue the ground, as bigge as a reasonable Turnep, but longer, and from the toppe thereof springeth out diuers great leaues, like vnto Colewortes; among which rise diuers stalkes that beare yellow flowers, and seede in pods, almost as small as Mustard seede: the roote is somewhat long, and very bushie with threds.
The Vse of Cabbages and Colewortes.
They are most vsually boyled in poudered beefe broth vntil they be tender, and then eaten with much fat put among them.
The great ribs of the Popingay, and deepe greene Colewortes, beeing boyled and layde into dishes, are serued to the table with oyle and vinegar in the Lent time for very good sallets.
In the cold Countries of Russia and Muscouia, they pouder vp a number of Cabbages, which serue them, especially the poorer sort, for their most ordinary foode in winter; and although they stinke most grieuously, yet to them they are accounted good meate.
It is thought, that the vse of them doth hinder the milke in Nurses breasts, causing it to dry vp quickely: but many women that haue giuen sucke to my knowledge haue denyed that assertion, affirming that they haue often eaten them, and found no such effect. How it might proue in more delicate bodies then theirs that thus said, I cannot tell but Matthiolus auerreth it to encrease milke in Nurses breastes; so differing are the opinions of many. The seede grossely bruised and boyled a little in flesh broth, is a present remedie for the Collicke; the seede and the broth being taken together, easing them that are troubled therewith of all griping paines: as also for the stone in the kidneyes. A Lohoc or licking Electuary made of the pulpe of the boyled stalkes, and a little honey and Almond milke, is very profitable for shortnesse of breath, and those that are entering into a Consumption of the lunges. It hath beene formerly held to be helpefull in all diseases: for Crisippus, an ancient Physitian, wrote a whole Volume of the vertues, applying it to all the parts of the body: which thing neede not seeme wonderfull, in that it is recorded by writers, that the old Romanes hauing expelled Physitians out of their Common-wealth, did for many hundred of yeares maintaine their health by the vse of Cabbages, taking them for euery disease.
| 1 | Brassica capitata. Close Cabbage. |
| 2 | Brassica patula. Open Cabbage. |
| 3 | Brassica Sabaudica crispa. Curld Sauoye. Colewort. |
| 4 | Caulis florida. Cole flower. |
| 5 | Caulis crispa. Curld Colewort. |
| 6 | Caulis crispa variata. Changeable Curld Colewort. |
| 7 | Rapocaulis. Cole rape. |
Chap. XXXVIII.
Sisarum. Skirrets.
After all the herbes before rehearsed, fit for sallets, or otherwise to bee eaten, there must follow such rootes as are vsed to the same purpose: and first, Skirrets haue many leaues next the ground, composed of many small smooth green leaues, set each against other vpon a middle ribbe, and euery one snipt about the edges: the stalke riseth vp two or three foote high, set with the like leaues, hauing at the toppe spoakie tufts of white flowers, which turne into small seede, somewhat bigger and darker then Parsley seede: the rootes be many growing together at one head, beeing long, slender, & rugged or vneuen, of a whitish colour on the outside, and more white within, hauing in the middle of the roote a long small hard pith or string: these heads are vsually taken vp in February and March, or sooner if any so please, the greater number of them being broken off to bee vsed, the rest are planted againe after the heads are separated, and hereby they are encreased euery yeare by many; but it is now adayes more sowen of the seed, which come forwards well enough if the ground be fat and good.
The Vse of Skirrets.
The rootes being boyled, peeled and pithed, are stewed with butter, pepper and salt, and so eaten; or as others vse them, to roule them in flower, and fry them with butter, after they haue beene boyled, peeled and pithed: each way, or any way that men please to vse them, they may finde their taste to be very pleasant, far beyond any Parsnep, as all agree that taste them.
Some doe vse also to eate them as a sallet, colde with vinegar, oyle, &c. being first boyled and dressed as before said. They doe helpe to prouoke vrine, and as is thought, to procure bodily lust, in that they are a little windy.
Chap. XXXIX.
Pastinaca satiua latifolia. Parsneps.
The common garden Parsnep hath diuers large winged leaues lying vpon the ground, that is, many leaues set one by another on both sides of a middle stalk, somewhat like as the Skirret hath, but much larger, and closer set: the stalke riseth vp great and tall, fiue or six foot high sometimes, with many such leaues thereon at seuerall ioynts; the top whereof is spread into diuers branches, whereon stand spoakie rundles of yellow flowers, which turne into brownish flat seede: the root is long, great and white, very pleasant to bee eaten, and the more pleasant if it grow in a fat sandy soyle.
There is another sort of garden Parsnep, called the Pine Parsnep, that is not common in euery Garden, and differeth from the former in three notable parts. The root is not so long, but thicker at the head and smaller below; the stalke is neither so bigge, nor so high; and the seede is smaller: yet as Iohn Tradescante saith (who hath giuen me the relation of this, and many other of these garden plants, to whom euery one is a debtor) the roote hereof is not altogether so pleasant as the other.
Moreouer the wilde kinde, which groweth in many places of England (and wherof in some places there might be gathered a quarter sacke full of the seede) if it be sowen in Gardens, and there well ordered, will proue as good as the former kinde of Garden Parsneps.
| 1 | Sisarum. Skirrets. |
| 2 | Pastinaca latifolia. Parsneps. |
| 3 | Pastinaca tenuifolia. Carrets. |
| 4 | Rapum. Turneps. |
| 5 | Napus sativus. Navewes. |
| 6 | Raphanus niger. Blacke Raddish. |
| 7 | Raphanus vulgaris. Common Raddish. |
The Vse of Parsneps.
The Parsnep root is a great nourisher, and is much more vsed in the time of Lent, being boyled and stewed with butter, then in any other time of the yeare; yet it is very good all the winter long. The seede helpeth to dissolue winde, and to prouoke vrine.
Chap. XL.
Pastina satiua tenuifolia. Carrots.
The Carrot hath many winged leaues, rising from the head of the roote, which are much cut and diuided into many other leaues, and they also cut and diuided into many parts, of a deepe greene colour, some whereof in Autumne will turne to be of a fine red or purple (the beautie whereof allureth many Gentlewomen oftentimes to gather the leaues, and sticke them in their hats or heads, or pin them on their armes in stead of feathers): the stalke riseth vp among the leaues, bearing many likewise vpon it, but nothing so high as the Parsnep, being about three foote high, bearing many spoakie tufts of white flowers, which turne into small rough seede, as if it were hairy, smelling reasonable well if it bee rubbed: the roote is round and long, thicke aboue and small below, eyther red or yellow, eyther shorter or longer, according to his kinde; for there is one kinde, whose roote is wholly red quite thoroughout; another whose roote is red without for a pretty way inward, but the middle is yellow.
Then there is the yellow, which is of two sorts, both long and short: One of the long yellow sorts, which is of a pale yellow, hath the greatest and longest roote, and likewise the greatest head of greene, and is for the most part the worst, being spongy, and not firme.
The other is of a deepe gold yellow colour, and is the best, hauing a smaller head, or tuft of greene leaues vpon it.
The shorte rootes are likewise distinguished, into pale and deepe yellow colours.
The Vse of Carrots.
All these sorts being boyled in the broth of beefe, eyther fresh or salt, but more vsually of salted beefe, are eaten with great pleasure, because of the sweetenesse of them: but they nourish lesse then Parsneps or Skirrets.
I haue not often knowne the seede of this Garden kinde to bee vsed in Physicke: but the wilde kinde is often and much vsed to expell winde, &c.
Chap. XLI.
Rapum hortense. Turneps.
There are diuers sorts of Turneps, as white, yellow, and red: the white are the most common, and they are of two kinds, the one much sweeter then the other.
The yellow and the red are more rare, and noursed vp only by those that are curious: as also the Navewe, which is seene but with very few.
The ordinary Garden Turnep hath many large, and long rough greene leaues, with deepe and vneuen gashes on both sides of them: the stalke riseth vp among the leaues about two foote high, spread at the toppe into many branches, bearing thereon yellow flowers, which turne into long pods, with blackish round seede in them: the roote is round and white, some greater, some smaller; the best kinde is knowne to be flat, with a small pigges tale-like roote vnderneath it; the worser kinde which is more common in many places of this land, both North and West, is round, and not flat, with a greater pigges tayle-like roote vnderneath.
The yellow kinde doth often grow very great, it is hardly discerned from the ordinary kinde while it groweth, but by the greatnesse and spreading of the leaues beeing boyled, the roote changeth more yellow, somewhat neare the colour of a Carrot.
The red Turnep groweth vsually greater then any of the other, especially in a good ground, being of a faire red colour on the outside, but being pared, as white as any other on the inside. This, as Matthiolus saith, doth grow in the Countrey of Anania, where hee hath seene an infinite number of them that haue waighed fifty pound a peece, and in some places hee saith, a hundred pound a peece, both which we would thinke to be incredible, but that we see the kind is greatly giuen to grow, and in warme Countries they may so thriue, that the bulke or bignesse of the roote may so farre passe the growth of our Countrey, as that it may rise to that quantity aboue specified.
The Navew gentle is of two kindes, a smaller and a greater; the smaller is vsually called in France, Naveau de Cane, the roote is somewhat long with the roundnesse; this kinde is twice as bigge as a mans thumbe, and many of them lesse: The other is long and great, almost as big as the short Carrot, but for the most part of an vneuen length, and roundnesse vnto the very end, where it spreadeth into diuers small long fibres: neyther of them doth differ much from the Turnep, in leafe, flower or seed.
The Vse of Turneps.
Being boyled in salt broth, they all of them eate most kindly, and by reason of their sweetnesse are much esteemed, and often seene as a dish at good mens tables: but the greater quantitie of them are spent at poore mens feasts. They nourish much, and engender moist and loose flesh, and are very windy. The seede of the Navew gentle is (as I take it) called of Andromachus in the composition of his Treakle, Bunias dulcis: for Dioscorides and Plinie doe both say, that the seede of the tame Bunias or Napus is put into Antidotes, and not the seede of the wilde, which is more sharpe and bitter; neyther the seede of the Turnep, which is called in Greeke γογγύλη, in Latine Rapum, because the seede is not sweete.
Chap. XLII.
Raphanus. Raddish.
There are two principall kindes of Garden Raddish, the one is blackish on the outside, and the other white; and of both these there is some diuision againe, as shall be shewed. Dittander and horse Raddish be reckoned kinds thereof.
The ordinary Raddish hath long leaues, vneuenly gashed on both sides, the stalke riseth vp to the height of three or foure foote, bearing many purplish flowers at the top, made of foure leaues a peece, which turne into thicke and short pods, wherein are contained round seede, greater then Turnep or Coleworte seede, and of a pale reddish colour: the roote is long, white, and of a reddish purple colour on the outside toward the toppe of it, and of a sharpe biting taste.
There is a small kind of Raddish that commeth earlier then the former, that we haue had out of the low Countries, not differing in any thing else.
The blacke Raddish I haue had brought me out of the lowe Countries, where they sell them in some places by the pound, and is accounted with them a rare winter sallet: the roote of the best kinde is blackish on the outside (and yet the seede gathered from such an one, hath after the sowing againe, giuen rootes, whereof some haue beene blacke, but the most part white on the outside) and white within, great and round at the head, almost like a Turnep, but ending shorter then a Raddish, and longer then a Turnep, almost peare-fashion, of a firmer and harder substance then the ordinary Raddish, but no lesse sharpe and biting, and somewhat strong withall; the leaues are somewhat smaller, and with deeper gashes, the flower and seede are like the former, but smaller.
Another sort of blacke Raddish is like in leafe and seede to the former, but the flower is of a lighter purple colour: the roote is longer and smaller, and changeth also to bee white as the former doth, so that I thinke they haue both risen from one kinde.
The Horse Raddish is a kinde of wilde Raddish, but brought into Gardens for the vse of it, and hath great large and long greene leaues, which are not so much diuided, but dented about the edges: the roote is long and great, much stronger in taste then the former, and abideth diuers yeares, spreading with branches vnder ground.
Dittander is likewise a wilde kinde hereof, hauing long pointed blewish greene leaues, and a roote that creepeth much vnder ground: I confesse this might haue bin placed among the herbes, because the leaues and not the rootes are vsed; but let it passe now with the kindes of Raddish.
The Vse of these Raddishes.
Raddishes doe serue vsually as a stimulum before meat, giuing an appetite thereunto; the poore eate them alone with bread and salt. Some that are early sowen, are eaten in Aprill, or sooner if the season permit; others come later; and some are sowen late to serue for the end of Summer: but (as of all things else) the earlier are the more accepted.
The blacke Raddishes are most vsed in the winter, (yet some in their naturall and not forc’d grounds, haue their rootes good most part of the Summer) and therefore must bee sowen after Midsomer; for if they should bee sowen earlier, they would presently runne vp to stalke and seed, and so lose the benefit of the roote. The Physicall propertie is, it is often vsed in medicines that helpe to breake the stone, and to auoyde grauell.
The Horse Raddish is vsed Physically, very much in Melancholicke, Spleneticke and Scorbuticke diseases. And some vse to make a kinde of Mustard with the rootes, and eate it with fish.
Dittander or Pepperworte is vsed of some cold churlish stomackes, as a sawce or sallet sometimes to their meate, but it is too hot, bitter and strong for weake and tender stomackes.
Our Gardiners about London vse great fences of reede tyed together, which seemeth to bee a mat set vpright, and is as good as a wall to defend the cold from those things that would be defended, and to bring them forwards the earlier.
Chap. XLIII.
Cepæ. Onions.
| 1 | Raphanus rusticanus. Horse Raddish. |
| 2 | Lepidium siue Piperitis. Dittander. |
| 3 | Cepæ rotunda. Round Onions. |
| 4 | Cepæ longæ. Long Onions. |
| 5 | Porrum. Leekes. |
| 6 | Allium. Garlicke. |
| 7 | Rapunculus. Rampions. |
| 8 | Tragopogon. Goates beard. |
Wee haue diuers sorts of Onions, both white and red, flat, round and long, as shall be presently shewed: But I will doe with these as I doe with the rest, only giue you one description for them all, and afterwards their seuerall names and varieties, as they are to be known by.
Our common Garden Onion hath diuers long greene hollow leaues, seeming halfe flat; among which riseth vp a great round hollow stalke, bigger in the middle then any where else, at the toppe whereof standeth a close round head, couered at the first with a thin skinne, which breaketh when the head is growne, and sheweth forth a great vmbell of white flowers, which turne into blacke seede: but then the head is so heauie that the stalke cannot sustaine it, but must be vpheld from falling to the ground, lest it rot and perish: the roote as all know is round, in some greater, in others lesser, or flat, in some red on the outside only, in others quite thorough out, in some white, and very sharpe and strong, in others milder, and more pleasant, and some so pleasant that they may be eaten as an Apple: All these kinds of Onions, contrary to the nature of all other bulbous rootes, haue no off-set, or other roote growing to it, but are euery one alone single by themselues; and therefore it seemeth, the Latines, as Columella recordeth, haue giuen it the name Vnio, and the French it should seeme following the Latine, and the English the French, do call it Oignon and Onion, as an vnite, or as if they were but one and one, and dye euery yeare after seed bearing.
The red flat kinde is most vsually with vs the strongest of them all, yet I haue had a great red Onion brought mee from beyond Sea, that was as great almost as two mens fistes, flat and red quite thoroughout, and very pleasant both to smell vnto, and to eate, but did quickly degenerate; so that we plainly see, that the soyle and climate doth giue great alteration to plants of all sorts.
The long kinde wee call St. Omers Onions, and corruptly among the vulgar, St. Thomas Onions.
The other red kinde we call Strasborough Onions, whose outside onely is red, and are very sharpe and fierce.
The white Onions both long and flat, are like vnto Chalke-stones lying vpon the ground, when they are ripe and fit to be gathered.
And lastly, there is the Spanish Onion, both long and flat, very sweete, and eaten by many like an apple, but as Iohn Tradescante saith, who hath beene in Spaine, that the Spaniards themselues doe not eate them so familiarly, as they doe those white Onions that come out of our owne Countrey, which they haue there more plentifully then their sweete Onions.
The Vse of Onions.
Onions are vsed many wayes, as sliced and put into pottage, or boyled and peeled and layde in dishes for sallets at supper, or sliced and put into water, for a sawce for mutton or oysters, or into meate roasted being stuffed with Parsly, and so many waies that I cannot recount them, euery one pleasing themselues, according to their order, manner or delight.
Onions boyled or rosted vnder the embers, and mixed with sugar and butter, are good for those that are troubled with coughes, shortnesse of breath, and wheesing. An Onion made hollow at the bottome, and some good Treakle put into it, with a little iuyce of Citrons (or Lemons in the stead thereof) being well baked together vnder the embers, after the hole is stopped againe, and then strained forth, and giuen to one that hath the plague, is very helpefull, so as hee be laid to sweate vpon it.
The iuice of Onions is much vsed to be applyed to any burnings with fire, or with Gun-pouder, or to any scaldings with water or oyle, and is most familiar for the Country, where vpon such sudden occasions they haue not a more fit or speedy remedie at hand: The strong smell of Onions, and so also of Garlicke and Leekes, is quite taken away from offending the head or eyes, by the eating of Parsley leaues after them.
Chap. XLIIII.
Porrum. Leekes.
There be likewise sundry sorts of Leekes, both great and small. Leekes are very like vnto Onions, hauing long green hollow-like leaues, flattish on the one side, and with a ridge or crest on the backe side: if they bee suffered to grow vncut, then in the second or third yeare after the sowing, they will send forth a round and slender stalke, euen quite throughout, and not swollen or bigger in the middle like the Onion, bearing at the toppe a head of purplish flowers, and blacke seede after them, very like vnto Onion seede, that it is hard to distinguish them: the root is long and white, with a great bush of fibres hanging at it, which they call the beards.
The vnset Leeke hath longer and slenderer roots then the other, which being transplanted, groweth thicker and greater.
The French Leeke, which is called the Vine Leeke, is the best of all others.
Our common kinde is of two sorts, one greater then another.
Another sort encreaseth altogether by the roote, as Garlicke doth.
And then Ciues, which are the smallest, and encrease aboundantly only by the root.
Some doe account Scalions to be rather a kinde of Onions then Leekes, and call them Cepa Ascalonica, or Ascalonitides, which will quickly spend it selfe, if it be suffered to be vncut; but all Authors affirme, that there is no wilde kinde of Onion, vnlesse they would haue it to be Gethyum, whereof Theophrastus maketh mention, saying, that it hath a long necke (and so these Scalions haue) and was also of some called Gethyllides, which antiquity accounted to be dedicated to Latona, the mother of Apollo, because when she was bigge with childe of Apollo, she longed for these Leekes.
The Vse of Leekes.
The old World, as wee finde in Scripture, in the time of the children of Israels being in Egypt, and no doubt long before, fed much vpon Leekes, Onions, and Garlicke boyled with flesh; and the antiquity of the Gentiles relate the same manner of feeding on them, to be in all Countries the like, which howsoeuer our dainty age now refuseth wholly, in all sorts except the poorest; yet Muscouia and Russia vse them, and the Turkes to this day, (as Bellonius writeth) obserue to haue them among their dishes at their tables, yea although they be Bashas, Cades, or Vaiuodas, that is to say, Lords, Iudges, or Gouernours of countries and places. They are vsed with vs also sometimes in Lent to make pottage, and is a great and generall feeding in Wales with the vulgar Gentlemen.
Ciues are vsed as well to be shred among other herbes for the pot, as to be put into a Sallet among other herbs, to giue it a quicker relish.
Leekes are held to free the chest and lungs from much corruption and rotten flegme, that sticketh fast therein, and hard to be auoided, as also for them that through hoarsenesse haue lost their voice, if they be eyther taken rawe, or boyled with broth of barley, or some such other supping, fit and conducing thereunto. And baked vnder hot embers is a remedy against a surfeit of Mushromes.
The greene blades of Leekes being boyled and applyed warme to the Hemorrhoides or piles, when they are swolne and painfull, giue a great deale of ease.
Chap. XLV.
Allium. Garlicke.
I haue spoken of diuers sorts of Garlicke called Moly, in [the former booke]: I shall neede in this place to shew onely those kindes, that this Garden nourseth vp, and leaue the rest to his fit time and place.
Garlicke hath many long greene leaues, like vnto Onions, but much larger, and not hollow at all as Onions are; the stalke riseth vp to be about three foote high, bearing such a head at the toppe thereof as Onions and Leekes doe, with purplish flowers, and blacke seede like Leekes: the roote is white within, couered ouer with many purplish skins, and is diuided into many parts or cloues, which serue both to set againe for increase, and also to vse as neede shall require, and is of a very strong smell and taste, as euery one knoweth, passing either Onions or Leekes, but exceeding wholsome withall for them that can take it.
Allium Vrsinum. Ramsons.
Ramsons are another kinde of Garlicke, and hath two or three faire broade leaues, of a fresh or light greene colour, pointed at the end: the stalke groweth about an hand length high, bearing many small and pure white starre-like flowers at the toppe, and afterwards small, blacke, and smooth round seede: the roote is also diuided into many parts, whereby it is much encreased, and is much milder then the former, both in smell and taste.
The Vse of Garlicke.
It being well boyled in salt broth, is often eaten of them that haue strong stomackes, but will not brooke in a weake and tender stomacke.
It is accounted, and so called in diuers Countries, The poore mans Treakle, that is, a remedy for all diseases. It is neuer eaten rawe of any man that I know, as other of the rootes aforesaid, but sodden alwaies and so taken.
Ramsons are oftentimes eaten with bread and butter, and otherwise also, as euery mans affection and course of life leadeth him to vse.
Chap. XLVI.
Rapunculus siue Rapuntium. Rampions.
Garden Rampions are of two sorts, the one greater, the other lesser: the leaues of Rampions are in the one somewhat broad like a Beete, in the other somewhat long and narrow, and a little broader at the end, of a light greene colour, lying flat vpon the ground all the first winter, or yeare of the springing, and the next Spring shooteth forth stalkes two or three foote high, bearing at the toppe, in the bigger sort, a long slender spike of small horned or crooked flowers, which open their brimmes into foure leaues; in the lesser many small purplish bels, standing vpon seuerall small foote-stalkes, which turne into heads, bearing small blackish seede: the root is white, branched into two or three rootes, of the bignesse and length of a mans finger or thumbe.
The Vse of Rampions.
The rootes of both are vsed for Sallets, being boyled, and then eaten with oyle and vinegar, a little salt and pepper.
Chap. XLVII.
Tragopogon. Goates beard.
Goates beard hath many long and narrow leaues, broader at the bottome, and sharper at the end, with a ridge downe the backe of the leafe, and of a pale greene colour; among which riseth vp a stalke of two or three foote high, smooth and hollow, bearing thereon many such like leaues, but smaller and shorter, and at the toppe thereof on euery branch a great double yellow flower, like almost vnto the flower of a Dandelion, which turneth into a head, stored with doune, and long whitish seede therein, hauing on the head of euery one some part of the doune, and is carried away with the winde if it bee neglected: the roote is long and round, somewhat like vnto a Parsnep, but farre smaller, blackish on the outside, and white within, yeelding a milkie iuyce being broken, as all the rest of the plant doth, and of a very good and pleasant taste. This kinde, as also another with narrower leaues, almost like grasse, growe wilde abroad in many places, but are brought into diuers Gardens. The other two kindes formerly described in the first part, the one with a purple flower, and the other with an ash-coloured, haue such rootes as these here described, and may serue also to the same purpose, being of equall goodnesse, if any will vse them in the same manner; that is, while they are young, and of the first yeares sowing, else they all growe hard, in running vp to seede.
The Vse of Goates beard.
If the rootes of any of these kindes being young, be boyled and dressed as a Parsnep, they make a pleasant dish of meate, farre passing the Parsnep in many mens iudgements, and that with yellow flowers to be the best.
They are of excellent vse being in this manner prepared, or after any other fit and conuenient way, to strengthen those that are macilent, or growing into any consumption.
Chap. XLVIII.
Carum. Carawayes.
Carawayes hath many very fine cut and diuided leaues lying on the ground, being alwaies greene, somewhat resembling the leaues of Carrots, but thinner, and more finely cut, of a quicke, hot, and spicie taste: the stalke riseth not much higher then the Carrot stalke, bearing some leaues at the ioynts along the stalke to the toppe, where it brancheth into three or foure parts, bearing spoakie vmbels of white flowers, which turne into small blackish seede, smaller then Aniseede, and of a hotter and quicker taste: the roote is whitish, like vnto a Parsnep, but much smaller, more spreading vnder ground, and a little quicke in taste, as all the rest of the plant is, and abideth long after it hath giuen seede.
The Vse of Carawayes.
The rootes of Carawayes being boyled may be eaten as Carrots, and by reason of the spicie taste doth warme and comfort a cold weake stomacke, helping to dissolue winde (whereas Carrots engender it) and to prouoke vrine, and is a very welcome and delightfull dish to a great many, yet they are somewhat stronger in taste then Parsneps.
The seede is much vsed to bee put among baked fruit, or into bread, cakes, &c. to giue them a rellish, and to helpe to digest winde in them are subiect thereunto.
It is also made into Comfits, and put into Trageas, or as we call them in English, Dredges, that are taken for the cold and winde in the body, as also are serued to the table with fruit.
Chap. XLIX.
Pappas siue Battatas. Potatoes.
Three sorts of Potatoes are well knowne vnto vs, but the fourth I rest doubtfull of, and dare not affirme it vpon such termes as are giuen vnto it, vntill I may be better informed by mine owne sight.
The Spanish kinde hath (in the Islands where they growe, either naturally, or planted for increase, profit, and vse of the Spaniards that nourse them) many firme and verie sweete rootes, like in shape and forme vnto Asphodill rootes, but much greater and longer, of a pale browne on the outside, and white within, set together at one head; from whence rise vp many long branches, which by reason of their weight and weaknesse, cannot stand of themselues, but traile on the ground a yard and a halfe in length at the least (I relate it, as it hath growne with vs, but in what other forme, for flower or fruit, we know not) whereon are set at seuerall distances, broad and in a manner three square leaues, somewhat like triangled Iuie leaues, of a darke greene colour, the two sides whereof are broad and round, and the middle pointed at the end, standing reasonable close together: thus much we haue seene growe with vs, and no more: the roote rather decaying then increasing in our country.
The Potatoes of Virginia, (Bauhinus vpon Matthiolus calleth it, Solanum tuberosum esculentum which some foolishly call the Apples of youth) is another kinde of plant, differing much from the former, sauing in the colour and taste of the roote, hauing many weake and somewhat flexible branches, leaning a little downwards, or easily borne downe with the winde or other thing, beset with many winged leaues, of a darke grayish greene colour, whereof diuers are smaller, and some greater then others: the flowers growe many together vpon a long stalke, comming forth from betweene the leaues and the great stalkes, euery one seuerally vpon a short foot-stalke, somewhat like the flower of Tabacco for the forme, being one whole leafe six cornered at the brimmes, but somewhat larger, and of a pale blewish purple colour, or pale doue colour, and some almost white, with some red threads in the middle, standing about a thicke gold yellow pointell, tipped with greene at the end: after the flowers are past, there come vp in their places small round fruit, as bigge as a Damson or Bulleis, greene at the first, and somewhat whitish afterwards, with many white seedes therein, like vnto Nightshade: the rootes are rounder and much smaller then the former, and some much greater then others, dispersed vnder ground by many small threads or strings from the rootes, of the same light browne colour on the outside, and white within, as they, and neare of the same taste, but not altogether so pleasant.
The Potatos of Canada, (which hath diuers names giuen it by diuers men, as Pelleterius of Middleborough in his Plantarum Synonimia, calleth it Heliotropium Indicum tuberosum, Fabius Columna in the second part of his Phytobasanos, Flos Solis Farnesianus, siue Aster Peruanus tuberosus: We in England, from some ignorant and idle head, haue called them Artichokes of Ierusalem, only because the roote, being boyled, is in taste like the bottome of an Artichoke head: but they may most fitly be called, Potatos of Canada, because their rootes are in forme, colour and taste, like vnto the Potatos of Virginia, but greater, and the French brought them first from Canada into these parts) riseth vp with diuers stiffe, round stalkes, eight or tenne foote high in our Country, where they haue scarce shewed their flowers, whereas the very head of flowers in other Countries, as Fabius Columna expresseth it, being of a Pyramis or Sugar loafe fashion, broade spreading below, and smaller pointed vpwards towards the toppe, is neere of the same length, whereon are set large and broade rough greene leaues, very like vnto the leaues of the flower of the Sunne, but smaller, yet growing in the very same manner, round about the stalkes: at the very later end of Summer, or the beginning of Autumne, if the roote bee well planted and defended, it will giue a shew of a few small yellow flowers at the top, like vnto the flowers of Aster or Starre-worte, and much smaller then any flower of the Sunne, which come to no perfection with vs: the roote, while the plant is growing aboue ground, encreaseth not to his full growth, but when the Summer is well spent, and the springing of the stalk is past, which is about the end of August, or in September, then the root is perceiued to be encreased in the earth, and will before Autumne be spent, that is, in October, swell like a mound or hillocke, round about the foote of the stalkes, and will not haue his rootes fit to be taken vp, vntill the stalkes be halfe withered at the soonest; but after they be withered, and so all the winter long vntill the Spring againe, they are good, and fit to bee taken vp and vsed, which are a number of tuberous round rootes, growing close together; so that it hath beene obserued, that from one roote, being set in the Spring, there hath been forty or more taken vp againe, and to haue ouer-filled a pecke measure, and are of a pleasant good taste as many haue tryed.
| 1 | Carum. Carawayes. |
| 2 | Battatas Hispanorum. Spanish Potatoes. |
| 3 | Papas seu Battatas Virginianorum. Virginia Potatoes. |
| 4 | Battatas de Canada. Potatoes Of Canada, or Artichokes of Ierusalem. |
The Vse of all these Potato’s.
The Spanish Potato’s are roasted vnder the embers, and being pared or peeled and sliced, are put into sacke with a little sugar, or without, and is delicate to be eaten.
They are vsed to be baked with Marrow, Sugar, Spice, and other things in Pyes, which are a daintie and costly dish for the table.
The Comfit-makers preserue them, and candy them as diuers other things, and so ordered, is very delicate, fit to accompany such other banquetting dishes.
The Virginia Potato’s being dressed after all these waies before specified, maketh almost as delicate meate as the former.
The Potato’s of Canada are by reason of their great increasing, growne to be so common here with vs at London, that euen the most vulgar begin to despise them, whereas when they were first receiued among vs, they were dainties for a Queene.
Being put into seething water they are soone boyled tender, which after they bee peeled, sliced and stewed with butter, and a little wine, was a dish for a Queene, beeing as pleasant as the bottome of an Artichoke: but the too frequent vse, especially being so plentifull and cheape, hath rather bred a loathing then a liking of them.
Chap. L.
Cinara. Artichokes.
The fruits that grow vpon or neere the ground, are next to be entreated of, and first of Artichokes, whereof there be diuers kindes, some accounted tame and of the Garden, others wilde and of late planted in Gardens, Orchards or Fieldes, of purpose to be meate for men.
The Artichoke hath diuers great, large, and long hollowed leaues, much cut in or torne on both edges, without any great shew of prickles on them, of a kinde of whitish greene, like vnto an ash colour, whereof it tooke the Latin name Cinara: the stalke is strong, thicke and round, with some skins as it were downe all the length of them, bearing at the toppe one scaly head, made at the first like a Pine-apple, but after growing greater, the scales are more separate, yet in the best kindes lying close, and not flaring, as some other kindes doe, which are eyther of a reddish browne, whitish, or greenish colour, and in some broade at the ends, in others sharpe or prickly: after the head hath stoode a great while, if it bee suffered, and the Summer proue hot and kindly, in some there will breake forth at the toppe thereof, a tuft of blewish purple thrumes or threds, vnder which grow the seede, wrapped in a great deale of dounie substance: but that roote that yeeldeth flowers will hardly abide the next winter; but else being cut off when it is well growne, that dounie matter abideth close in the middle of the head, hauing the bottome thereof flat and round, which is that matter or substance that is vsed to be eaten: the roote spreadeth it selfe in the ground reasonable well, yeelding diuers heads of leaues or suckers, whereby it is increased.
| 1 | Cinara satiua rubra. The red Artichoke. |
| 2 | Cinara satiua alba. The white Artichoke. |
| 3 | Cinara patula. The French Artichoke. |
| 4 | Cinara siluestris. The Thistle Artichoke. |
| 5 | Carduus esculentus. The Chardon. |
The white Artichoke is in all things like the red, but that the head is of a whitish ashe colour, like the leaues, whereas the former is reddish.
We haue also another, whose head is greene, and very sharpe vpwards, and is common in many places.
Wee haue had also another kinde in former times that grew as high as any man, and branched into diuers stalkes, euery one bearing a head thereon, almost as bigge as the first.
There is another kinde, called the Muske Artichoke, which groweth like the French kinde, but is much better in spending, although it haue a lesser bottome.
The French Artichoke hath a white head, the scales whereof stand staring far asunder one from another at the ends, which are sharpe: this is well known by this qualitie, that while it is hot after it is boyled, it smelleth so strong, that one would verily thinke it had bin boyled in stinking water, which was brought ouer after a great froste that had well nigh consumed our best kindes, and are now almost cleane cast out again, none being willing to haue it take vp the roome of better.
There is a lowe kinde that groweth much about Paris, which the French esteeme more then any other, and is lower then the former French kinde, the head whereof as well as the leaues, is of a fresher greene colour, almost yellowish.
Then there is the Thistle Artichoke, which is almost a wilde kinde, and groweth smaller, with a more open and prickly head then any of the former.
And lastly, the Chardon as they call it, because it is almost of the forme and nature of a Thistle, or wilde Artichoke. This groweth high, and full of sharpe prickles, of a grayish colour. Iohn Tradescante assured mee, hee saw three acres of Land about Brussels planted with this kinde, which the owner whited like Endiue, and then sold them in the winter: Wee cannot yet finde the true manner of dressing them, that our Countrey may take delight therein.
All these kindes are encreased by slipping the young shootes from the root, which being replanted in February, March, or Aprill, haue the same yeare many times, but the next at the most, borne good heads.
Wee finde by dayly experience, that our English red Artichoke is in our Countrey the most delicate meate of any of the other, and therefore diuers thinking it to bee a seuerall kinde, haue sent them into Italie, France, and the Lowe Countries, where they haue not abode in their goodnesse aboue two yeare, but that they haue degenerated; so that it seemeth, that our soyle and climate hath the preheminence to nourish vp this plant to his highest excellencie.
The Vse of Artichokes.
The manner of preparing them for the Table is well knowne to the youngest Housewife I thinke, to bee boyled in faire water, and a little salt, vntill they bee tender, and afterwardes a little vinegar and pepper, put to the butter, poured vpon them for the sawce, and so are serued to the Table.
They vse likewise to take the boyled bottomes to make Pyes, which is a delicate kinde of baked meate.
The Chardon is eaten rawe of diuers, with vinegar and oyle, pepper and salt, all of them, or some, as euery one liketh for their delight.
Chap. LI.
Fabæ & Phaseoli. Garden and French Beanes.
The Garden Beane is of two colours, red or blacke, and white, yet both rise from one; the small or fielde Beanes I make no mention of in this place; but the French or Kidney Beane is almost of infinite sorts and colours: we doe not for all that intend to trouble you in this place, with the knowledge or relation of any more then is fit for a Garden of that nature, that I haue propounded it in the beginning.
Our ordinary Beanes, seruing for foode for the poorer sort for the most part, are planted as well in fieldes as in gardens, because the quantity of them that are spent taketh vp many acres of land to be planted in, and rise vp with one, two or three stalks, according to the fertilitie of the soyle, being smooth and square, higher then any man oftentimes, whereon are set at certaine distances, from the very bottome almost to the toppe, two long smooth fleshy and thicke leaues almost round, one standing by another at the end of a small footestalke: betweene these leaues and the stalke, come forth diuers flowers, all of them looking one way for the most part, which are close a little turned vp at the brimmes, white and spotted with a blackish spot in the middle of them, and somewhat purplish at the foot or bottome, of the forme almost of Broome or Pease flowers, many of which that grow vpward toward the toppe, doe seldome beare fruit, and therefore are gathered to distill, and the toppes of the stalkes cut off, to cause the rest to thriue the better; after which grow vp long great smooth greene pods, greater then in any other kinde of Pulse, which grow blacke when they are ripe, and containe within them two, three or foure Beanes, which are somewhat flat and round, eyther white or reddish, which being full ripe grow blackish: the roote hath diuers fibres annexed vnto the maine roote, which dyeth euery yeare.
The French or Kidney Beane riseth vp at the first but with one stalke, which afterwards diuideth it selfe into many armes or branches, euery one of them being so weak, that without they be sustained with stickes or poles, whereon with their winding and claspers they take hold, they would lye fruitlesse vpon the ground: vpon these branches grow forth at seuerall places long footestalkes, with euery of them three broade, round and pointed greene leaues at the end of them, towards the tops whereof come forth diuers flowers, made like vnto Pease blossomes, of the same colour for the most part that the fruit will be of, that is to say, eyther white, or yellow, or red, or blackish, or of a deepe purple &c. but white is most vsuall for our Garden; after which come long and slender flat pods, some crooked, and some straight, with a string as it were running downe the backe thereof, wherein are contained flattish round fruit, made to the fashion of a kidney: the roote is long, and spreadeth with many fibres annexed vnto it, perishing euery yeare.
The Vse of these Beanes.
The Garden Beanes serue (as I said before) more for the vse of the poore then of the rich: I shall therefore only shew you the order the poore take with them, and leaue curiosity to them that will bestow time vpon them. They are only boyled in faire water and a little salt, and afterwards stewed with some butter, a little vinegar and pepper being put vnto them, and so eaten: or else eaten alone after they are boyled without any other sawce. The water of the blossomes distilled, is vsed to take away spots, and to cleer the skin. The water of the greene huskes or cods is good for the stone.
The Kidney Beanes boyled in water huske and all, onely the ends cut off, and the string taken away, and stewed with butter &c. are esteemed more sauory meate to many mens pallates, then the former, and are a dish more oftentimes at rich mens Tables then at the poore.
Chap. LII.
Pisum. Pease.
There is a very great variety of manured Pease known to vs, and I think more in our Country then in others, whereof some prosper better in one ground and country, and some in others: I shall giue you the description of one alone for all the rest, and recite vnto you the names of the rest.
Garden Pease are for the most part the greatest and sweetest kinds, and are sustained with stakes or bushes. The Field Pease are not so vsed, but growe without any such adoe. They spring vp with long, weake, hollow, and brittle (while they are young and greene) whitish greene stalkes, branched into diuers parts, and at euery ioynt where it parteth one broad round leafe compassing the stalke about, so that it commeth as it were thorough it: the leaues are winged, made of diuers small leaues set to a middle ribbe, of a whitish greene colour, with claspers at the ends of the leaues, whereby it taketh hold of whatsoeuer standeth next vnto it: betweene the leaues and the stalkes come forth the flowers, standing two or three together, euery one by it selfe on his owne seuerall stalke, which are either wholly white, or purple, or mixed white and purple, or purple and blew: the fruit are long, and somewhat round cods, whereof some are greater, others lesser, some thicke and short, some plaine and smooth, others a little crooked at the ends; wherein also are contained diuers formes of fruit or pease; some being round, others cornered, some small, some great, some white, others gray, and some spotted: the roote is small, and quickly perisheth.
The kindes of Pease are these:
The Rounciuall.
The greene Hasting.
The Sugar Pease.
The spotted Pease.
The gray Pease.
The white Hasting.
The Pease without skins.
The Scottish or tufted Pease, which some call the Rose Pease, is a good white Pease fit to be eaten.
The early or French Pease, which some call Fulham Pease, because those grounds thereabouts doe bring them soonest forward for any quantity, although sometimes they miscarry by their haste and earlinesse.
Cicer Arietinum. Rams Ciches.
This is a kinde of Pulse, so much vsed in Spaine, that it is vsually one of their daintie dishes at all their feasts: They are of two sorts, white and red; the white is onely vsed for meate, the other for medicine. It beareth many vpright branches with winged leaues, many set together, being small, almost round, and dented about the edges: the flowers are either white or purple, according to the colour of the Pease which follow, and are somewhat round at the head, but cornered and pointed at the end, one or two at the most in a small roundish cod.
| 1 | Faba satiua. Garden Beanes. |
| 2 | Phaseoli satiui. French Beanes. |
| 3 | Pisum vulgare. Garden Pease. |
| 4 | Pisum vmbellatum siue Roseum. Rose Pease or Scottish Pease. |
| 5 | Pisum Saccharatum. Sugar Pease. |
| 6 | Pisum maculatum. Spotted Pease. |
| 7 | Cicer Arietinum. Rams Ciches or Cicers. |
The Vse of Pease.
Pease of all or the most of these sorts, are either vsed when they are greene, and be a dish of meate for the table of the rich as well as the poore, yet euery one obseruing his time, and the kinde: the fairest, sweetest, youngest, and earliest for the better sort, the later and meaner kindes for the meaner, who doe not giue the deerest price: Or
Being dry, they serue to boyle into a kinde of broth or pottage, wherein many doe put Tyme, Mints, Sauory, or some other such hot herbes, to giue it the better rellish, and is much vsed in Towne and Countrey in the Lent time, especially of the poorer sort of people.
It is much vsed likewise at Sea for them that goe long voyages, and is for change, because it is fresh, a welcome diet to most persons therein.
The Rams Ciches the Spaniards call Grauancos, and Garauancillos, and eate them boyled and stewed as the most, dainty kinde of Pease that are, they are of a very good rellish, and doe nourish much; but yet are not without that windy quality that all sorts of Pulse are subiect vnto: they increase bodily lust much more then any other sorts, and as it is thought, doth helpe to encrease seede.
Chap. LIII.
Cucumer. The Cowcumber.
Of Cowcumbers there are diuers sorts, differing chiefly in the forme and colour of the fruit, and not in the forme of the plant; therefore one description shall serue in stead of all the rest.
The Cowcumber bringeth forth many trailing rough greene branches lying on the ground, all along whereof growe seuerall leaues, which are rough, broad, vneuen at the edges, and pointed at the ends, with long crooked tendrils comming forth at the same ioynt with the leafe, but on the other side thereof: between the stalks & the leaues at the ioynts come forth the flowers seuerally, euery one standing on a short foot-stalke, opening it selfe into fiue leaues, of a yellowish colour, at the bottome whereof groweth the fruit, long and greene at the first, but when it is thorough ripe, a little yellowish, hauing many furrowes, and vneuen bunches all the length of it, wherein is a white firme substance next vnto the skin, and a cleare pulpe or watery substance, with white flat seede lying dispersed through it: the roote is long and white, with diuers fibres at it.
The kindes.
The first described is called, The long greene Cowcumber.
There is another is called, The short Cowcumber, being short, and of an equall bignesse in the body thereof, and of an vnequall bignesse at both ends.
The long Yellow, which is yellowish from the beginning, and more yellow when it is ripe, and hath beene measured to be thirteene inches long: but this is not that small long Cowcumber, called of the Latines, Cucumis anguinus.
Another kinde is early ripe, called The French kinde.
The Dantsicke kinde beareth but small fruit, growing on short branches or runners: the pickled Cowcumbers that are vsually sold are of this kind.
The Muscouie kinde is the smallest of all other, yet knowne, and beareth not aboue foure or fiue at the most on a roote, which are no bigger then small Lemons.
The Vse of Cowcumbers.
Some vse to cast a little salt on their sliced Cowcumbers, and let them stand halfe an houre or more in a dish, and then poure away the water that commeth from them by the salt, and after put vinegar, oyle, &c. thereon, as euery one liketh: this is done, to take away the ouermuch waterishnesse and coldnesse of the Cowcumbers.
In many countries they vse to eate Cowcumbers as wee doe Apples or Peares, paring and giuing slices of them, as we would to our friends of some dainty Apple or Peare.
The pickled Cowcumbers that come from beyond Sea, are much vsed with vs for sawce to meate all the Winter long. Some haue striuen to equall them, by pickling vp our Cowcumbers at the later end of the yeare, when they are cheapest, taking the little ones and scalding them thoroughly well, which after they put in brine, with some Dill or Fenell leaues and stalkes: but these are nothing comparable to the former, wee either missing of the right and orderly pickling of them, or the kinde it selfe differing much from ours (as I said of the Dantsicke kinde) for ours are neither so tender and firme, nor so sauoury as the other.
The rawe or greene Cowcumbers are fittest for the hotter time of the yeare, and for hot stomackes, and not to be vsed in colder weather or cold stomackes, by reason of the coldnesse, whereby many haue been ouertaken.
The seede is vsed physically in many medicines that serue to coole, and a little to make the passages of vrine slippery, and to giue ease to hot diseases.
Chap. LIIII.
Melo. Milions or Muske Melons.
There bee diuers sorts of Melons found out at this day, differing much in the goodnesse of taste one from another. This Countrey hath not had vntill of late yeares the skill to nourse them vp kindly, but now there are many that are so well experienced therein, and haue their ground so well prepared, as that they will not misse any yeare, if it be not too extreme vnkindly, to haue many ripe ones in a reasonable time: yet some will be later then others alwayes.
The Melon is certainly a kinde of Cowcumber, it doth so neere resemble it, both in the manner of his growing, hauing rough trailing branches, rough vneuen leaues, and yellow flowers: after which come the fruit, which is rounder, thicker, bigger, more rugged, and spotted on the outside then the Cowcumber, of a russet colour, and greene vnderneath, which when it groweth full ripe, will change a little yellowish, being as deepe furrowed and ribbed as they, and besides hauing chaps or rifts in diuers places of the rinde: the inward hard substance is yellow, which onely is eaten: the seede which is bigger, and a little yellower then the Cowcumber, lying in the middle onely among the moister pulpe: the smell and changing of his colour, fore-shew their ripenesse to them that are experienced: the roote is long, with many fibres at it. The fruit requireth much watering in the hot time of the day, to cause them to ripen the sooner, as I haue obserued by diuers of the best skill therein.
The Vse of the kindes of Melons.
The best Melon seede doe come to vs out of Spaine, some haue come out of Turkie, but they haue been nothing so good and kindly.
Some are called Sugar Melons, others Peare Melons, and others Muske Melons.
They haue beene formerly only eaten by great personages, because the fruit was not only delicate but rare; and therefore diuers were brought from France, and since were noursed vp by the Kings or Noblemens Gardiners onely, to serue for their Masters delight: but now diuers others that haue skill and conueniencie of ground for them, doe plant them and make them more common.
They paire away the outer rinde, and cut out the inward pulpe where the seede lyeth, slice the yellow firme inward rinde or substance, & so eate it with salt and pepper (and good store of wine, or else it will hardly digest) for this is firmer, & hath not that moisture in it that the Cowcumbers haue. It is also more delicate, and of more worth, which recompenseth the paine.
The seed of these Melons are vsed as Cowcumbers physically, and together with them most vsually.
Chap. LV.
Pepo. Pompions.
We haue but one kinde of Pompion (as I take it) in all our Gardens, notwithstanding the diuersities of bignesse and colour.
The Pompion or great Melon (or as some call it Milion) creepeth vpon the ground (if nothing bee by it whereon it may take hold and climbe) with very great, ribbed, rough, and prickly branches, whereon are set very large rough leaues, cut in on the edges with deepe gashes, and dented besides, with many claspers also, which winde about euery thing they meete withall: the flowers are great and large, hollow and yellow, diuided at the brims into fiue parts, at the bottome of which, as it is in the rest, groweth the fruit, which is very great, sometimes of the bignesse of a mans body, and oftentimes lesse, in some ribbed or bunched, in others plaine, and either long or round, either greene or yellow, or gray, as Nature listeth to shew her selfe; for it is but waste time, to recite all the formes and colours may be obserued in them: the inner rinde next vnto the outer is yellowish and firme: the seede is great, flat, and white, lying in the middle of the watery pulpe: the roote is of the bignesse of a mans thumbe or greater, dispersed vnder ground with many small fibres ioyned thereunto.
Gourds are kindes of Melons; but because wee haue no vse of them, wee leaue them vnto their fit place.
The Vse of Pompions.
They are boyled in faire water and salt, or in powdered beefe broth, or sometimes in milke, and so eaten, or else buttered; They vse likewise to take out the inner watery substance with the seedes, and fill vp the place with Pippins, and hauing laid on the couer which they cut off from the toppe, to take out the pulpe, they bake them together, and the poore of the Citie, as well as the Country people, doe eate thereof, as of a dainty dish.
The seede hereof, as well as of Cowcumbers and Melons, are cooling, and serue for emulsions in the like manner for Almond milkes, &c. for those are troubled with the stone.
Chap. LVI.
Fragaria. Strawberries.
| 1 | Cucumis longus vulgaris. The ordinary Cowcumber. |
| 2 | Cucumis Hispanicus. The long yellow Spanish Cowcumber. |
| 3 | Melo vulgaris. The ordinary Melon. |
| 4 | Melo maximus optimus. The greatest Muske Melon. |
| 5 | Pepo. The Pompion. |
| 6 | Fragari vulgaris. Common Strawberries. |
| 7 | Fragari Bohemica maxima. The great Bohemia Strawberries. |
| 8 | Fragari aculeata. The prickly Strawberry. |
There be diuers sorts of Strawberries, whereof those that are noursed vp in Gardens or Orchards I intend to giue you the knowledge in this place, and leaue the other to a fitter; yet I must needs shew you of one of the wilde sorts, which for his strangenesse is worthy of this Garden: And I must also enforme you, that the wilde Strawberry that groweth in the Woods is our Garden Strawberry, but bettered by the soyle and transplanting.
The Strawberry hath his leaues closed together at the first springing vp, which afterwards spread themselues into three diuided parts or leaues, euery one standing vpon a small long foote-stalke, greene on the vpperside, grayish vnderneath, and snipped or dented about the edges; among which rise vp diuers small stalkes, bearing foure or fiue flowers at the tops, consisting of fiue white round pointed leaues, somewhat yellowish in the bottome, with some yellow threads therein; after which come the fruit, made of many small graines set together, like vnto a small Mulberry or Raspis, reddish when it is ripe, and of a pleasant winy taste, wherein is enclosed diuers small blackish seede; the roote is reddish and long, with diuers small threads at it, and sendeth forth from the head thereof long reddish strings running vpon the ground, which shoot forth leaues in many places, whereby it is much encreased.
The white Strawberry differeth not from the red, but in the colour of the fruite, which is whiter then the former when it is thorough ripe, enclining to rednesse.
The greene Strawberry likewise differeth not, but that the fruit is green on all sides when it is ripe, saue on that side the Sun lyeth vpon it, and there it is somewhat red.
The Virginia Strawberry carryeth the greatest leafe of any other, except the Bohemian, but scarce can one Strawberry be seene ripe among a number of plants; I thinke the reason thereof to be the want of skill, or industry to order it aright. For the Bohemia, and all other Strawberries will not beare kindly, if you suffer them to grow with many strings, and therefore they are still cut away.
There is another very like vnto this, that Iohn Tradescante brought with him from Brussels long agoe, and in seuen yeares could neuer see one berry ripe on all sides, but still the better part rotten, although it would euery yeare flower abundantly, and beare very large leaues.
The Bohemia Strawberry hath beene with vs but of late dayes, but is the goodliest and greatest, both for leafe next to the Virginian, and for beauty farre surpassing all; for some of the berries haue beene measured to bee neere fiue inches about. Master Quester the Postmaster first brought them ouer into our Country, as I vnderstand, but I know no man so industrious in the carefull planting and bringing them to perfection in that plentifull maner, as Master Vincent Sion who dwelt on the Banck side, neer the old Paris garden staires, who from seuen rootes, as hee affirmed to me, in one yeare and a halfe, planted halfe an acree of ground with the increase from them, besides those he gaue away to his friends, and with him I haue seene such, and of that bignesse before mentioned.
One Strawberry more I promised to shew you, which although it be a wilde kinde, and of no vse for meate, yet I would not let this discourse passe, without giuing you the knowledge of it. It is in leafe much like vnto the ordinary, but differeth in that the flower, if it haue any, is greene, or rather it beareth a small head of greene leaues, many set thicke together like vnto a double ruffe, in the midst whereof standeth the fruit, which when it is ripe, sheweth to be soft and somewhat reddish, like vnto a Strawberry, but with many small harmlesse prickles on them, which may be eaten and chewed in the mouth without any maner of offence, and is somewhat pleasant like a Strawberry: it is no great bearer, but those it doth beare, are set at the toppes of the stalks close together, pleasant to behold, and fit for a Gentlewoman to weare on her arme, &c. as a raritie instead of a flower.
The Vse of Strawberries.
The leaues of Strawberries are alwaies vsed among other herbes in cooling drinkes, as also in lotions, and gargles for the mouth and throate: the rootes are sometimes added to make it the more effectuall, and withall somwhat the more binding.
The berries themselues are often brought to the Table as a reare seruice, whereunto claret wine, creame or milke is added with sugar, as euery one liketh; as also at other times, both with the better and meaner sort, and are a good cooling and pleasant dish in the hot Summer season.
The water distilled of the berries, is good for the passions of the heart, caused by the perturbation of the spirits, being eyther drunke alone, or in wine; and maketh the heart merry.
Some doe hold that the water helpeth to clense the face from spots, and to adde some cleerenesse to the skinne.
Chap. LVII.
Angelica. Garden Angelica.
Hauing thus furnished you out a Kitchen Garden with all sorts of herbes, roots & fruits fit for it, and for any mans priuate vse, as I did at the first appropriate it; let me a little transcend, and for the profit & vse of Country Gentlewomen and others, furnish them with some few other herbes, of the most especiall vse for those shall need them, to be planted at hand in their Gardens, to spend as occasion shall serue, and first of Angelica.
Angelica hath great and long winged leaues, made of many broade greene ones, diuided one from another vpon the stalk, which is three foot long or better somtimes, among which rise vp great thicke and hollow stalkes with some few ioynts, whereat doth alwayes stand two long leaues compassing the stalke at the bottome, in some places at the ioynts spring out other stalkes or branches, bearing such like leaues but smaller, and at the tops very large vmbels of white flowers, that turne into whitish seede somewhat thicke: the roote groweth great with many branches at it, but quickly perisheth after it hath borne seede: to preserue the roote therefore the better, they vse to cut it often in the yeare, thereby to hinder the running vp to seede: the whole plant, both leafe, roote and seede, is of an excellent comfortable sent, sauour and taste.
The Vse of Angelica.
The distilled water of Angelica, eyther simple or compound, is of especiall vse in deliquium animi, vel cordis tremores & passiones, that is, swounings, when the spirits are ouercome and faint, or tremblings and passions of the heart, to expell any windy or noysome vapours from it. The green stalkes or the young rootes being preserued or candied, are very effectuall to comfort and warme a colde and weake stomacke: and in the time of infection is of excellent good vse to preserue the spirits and heart from infection. The dryed roote made into pouder, and taken in wine or other drinke, will abate the rage of lust in young persons, as I haue it related vnto me vpon credit: A Syrupe made thereof in this manner, is very profitable to expectorate flegme out of the chest and lunges, and to procure a sweete breath. Into the greene stalke of Angelica as it standeth growing, make a great gashe or incision, wherein put a quantitie of fine white Sugar, letting it there abide for three dayes, and after take it forth by cutting a hole at the next ioynt vnder the cut, where the Syrupe resteth, or cut off the stalke, and turne it downe, that the Syrrupe may drayne forth; which keepe for a most delicate medicine.
Chap. LVIII.
Dracunculus hortensis siue Serpentaria. Dragons.
Dragons riseth out of the ground with a bare or naked round whitish stalke, spotted very much with purplish spots and strakes, bearing at the toppe therof a few greene leaues very much diuided on all sides, standing vpon long foote-stalkes, in the middle whereof (if the roote be old enough) commeth forth a great long huske or hose, green on the outside, and of a darke purplish colour on the inside, with a slender long reddish pestell or clapper in the middle: the roote is great, round, flat and whitish on the outside, and whiter within, very like vnto the rootes of Arum, or Wakerobin, and tasting somewhat sharpe like it.
The Vse of Dragons.
The chiefe vse whereunto Dragons are applyed, is, that according to an old receiued custome and tradition (and not the iudgement of any learned Author) the distilled water is giuen with Mithridatum or Treakle to expell noysome and pestilentiall vapours from the heart.
Chap. LIX.
Ruta. Garden Rue, or Herbe Grace.
Garden Rue or Herbe Grace groweth vp with hard whitish wooddy stalkes, whereon are set diuers branches of leaues, being diuided into many small ones, which are somewhat thicke and round pointed, of a blewish greene colour: the flowers stand at the tops of the stalkes consisting of foure small yellow leaues, with a greene button in the middle, and diuers small yellow threds about it, which growing ripe, containe within them small blacke seede: the roote is white and wooddy, spreading farre in the ground.
The Vse of Rue.
The many good properties whereunto Rue serueth, hath I thinke in former times caused the English name of Herbe Grace to be giuen vnto it. For without doubt it is a most wholesome herbe, although bitter and strong, and could our dainty stomackes brooke the vse thereof, it would worke admirable effects being carefully and skilfully applyed, as time and occasion did require: but not vndiscreetly or hand ouer head, as many vse to doe that haue no skill. Some doe rippe vp a beade rowle of the vertues of Rue, as Macer the Poet and others, in whom you shall finde them set downe, to bee good for the head, eyes, breast, liuer, heart, spleene, &c. In some places they vse to boyle the leaues of Rue, and keep them in pickle, to eate them as Sampire for the helpe of weake eyes. It is very auaileable in glisters or drinkes against the winde or the collicke, and to procure vrine that is stayed by the paines therof. The distilled water is often vsed for the same purposes aforesaid: but beware of the too frequent or ouermuch vse thereof, because it heateth exceedingly, and wasteth nature mightily.
Chap. LX.
Carduus Benedictus. The Blessed Thistle.
Carduus benedictus or the blessed Thistle, hath many weake tender branches lying for the most part on the ground, whereon are set long and narrow leaues, much cut in or waued about the edges, hairy or rough in handling, yet without any hard or sharpe thornes or prickles at all, that the tenderest hand may touch them without harme: but those that grow toward the toppes of the stalkes are somewhat more prickly, and the heads which grow on the tops of the seuerall branches are somewhat sharpe, set with prickles like a Thistle: the flower is yellow, and the seede lying within the woolly or flocky doune like to all other thistles, are blackish, long and round, with a few haires on the head of them: the roote is white, and perisheth euery yeare after it hath giuen seede.
The Vse of the blessed Thistle.
The distilled water hereof is much vsed to be drunke against agues of all sortes, eyther pestilentiall or humorall, of long continuance or of lesse: but the deception of the herbe giuen in due time, hath the more forcible operation: it helpeth to expell wormes, because of the bitternesse, and is thereby also a friend to the stomack ouercharged with chollar, and to clense the liuer: it prouoketh sweate and vrine, is helpefull to them are troubled with the stone, and to ease paines in the sides.
| 1 | Angellica. Angellica. |
| 2 | Dracunculus hortensis. Dragons. |
| 3 | Ruta hortensis. Garden Rue, or Herbegrace. |
| 4 | Carduus benedictus. The blessed Thistle. |
| 5 | Alkakengi siue Solanum Halicacabum & Vesicarium. Winter Cherries. |
| 6 | Asarum. Asarabacca |
| 7 | Liqueritia. Licoris. |
Chap. LXI.
Solarium vesicarium, siue Alkakengi. Winter Cherries.
The Winter Cherry hath a running or creeping roote in the ground, of the bignesse many times of ones little finger, shooting forth at seuerall ioynts in seuerall places, whereby it quickly spreadeth a great compasse of ground: the stalke riseth not aboue a yard high, whereon are set many broade and long greene leaues, somewhat like vnto the leaues of Nightshade, but larger: at the ioynts whereof come forth whitish flowers made of fiue leaues a peece, which after turne into green berries, inclosed with thin skins or bladders, which change to bee reddish when they grow ripe, the berry likewise being reddish, and as large as a Cherry, wherein are contained many flat and yellowish seed lying within the pulpe: which being gathered and strung vp, are kept all the yeare to be vsed vpon occasion.
The Vse of Winter Cherries.
The distilled water of the herbe and fruit together, is often taken of them that are troubled with the sharpnesse or difficultie of vrine, and with the stone in the kidneyes, or grauel in the bladder: but the berries themselues either greene or dryed boyled eyther in broth, in wine, or in water, is much more effectuall: It is likewise conducing to open obstructions of the liuer, &c. and thereby to helpe the yellow Iaundise.
Chap. LXII.
Asarum. Asarabacca.
Asarabacca, from a small creeping roote set with many fibres, shooteth forth diuers heads, and from euery of them sundry leaues, euery one standing vpon a long greene stalke, which are round, thicke, and of a very sad or darke greene colour, and shining withall: from the rootes likewise spring vp short stalkes, not fully foure fingers high, at the toppe of euery one of which standeth the flower, in fashion very like the seede vessell of Henbane seede, of a greenish purple colour, which changeth not his forme, but groweth in time to containe therein small cornered seed: the greene leaues abide all the winter many times, but vsually sheddeth them in winter, and recouereth fresh in the spring.
The Vse of Asarabacca.
The leaues are much and often vsed to procure vomits, fiue or seuen of them bruised, and the iuice of them drunke in ale or wine. An extract made of the leaues with wine artificially performed, might bee kept all the yeare thorough, to bee vsed vpon any present occasion, the quantitie to bee proportioned according to the constitution of the patient. The roote worketh not so strongly by vomit, as the leaues, yet is often vsed for the same purpose, and besides is held auaileable to prouoke vrine, to open obstructions in the liuer and spleene, and is put among diuers other simples, both into Mithridatum and Andromachus Treakle, which is vsually called Venice Treakle. A dram of the dryed roots in pouder giuen in white wine a little before the fit of an ague, taketh away the shaking fit, & therby cause the hot fit to be the more remisse, and in twice taking expell it quite.
Chap. LXIII.
Glycyrrhiza siue Liqueritia. Licorice.
Although there are two sorts of Licorice set downe by diuers Authors, yet because this Land familiarly is acquainted but with one sort, I shall not neede for this Garden, to make any further relation of that is vnknowne, but onely of that sort which is sufficiently frequent with vs. It riseth vp with diuers wooddy stalks, whereon are set at seuerall distances many winged leaues, that is to say, many narrow long greene leaues set together on both sides of the stalke, and an odde one at the end, very well resembling a young Ashe tree sprung vp from the seede: this by many yeares continuance in a place without remouing, and not else, will bring forth flowers many standing together spike-fashion one aboue another vpon the stalkes, of the forme of Pease blossomes, but of a very pale or bleake blew colour, which turne into long somewhat flat and smooth cods, wherein is contained small round harde seede: the roote runneth downe exceeding deep into the ground, with diuers other smaller roots and fibres growing with them, and shoote out suckers from the maine rootes all about, whereby it is much encreased, of a brownish colour on the outside, and yellow within, of a farre more weake sweete taste, yet far more pleasing to vs then that Licorice that is brought vs from beyond Sea; because that, being of a stronger sweet taste hath a bitternesse ioyned with it, which maketh it the lesse pleasing and acceptable to most.
The Vse of Licorice.
Our English Licorice is now adaies of more familiar vse (as I said before) then the outlandish, and is wholly spent and vsed to helpe to digest and expectorate flegme out of the chest and lunges, and doth allay the sharpenesse or saltnesse thereof. It is good also for those are troubled with shortnesse of breath, and for all sorts of coughes. The iuice of Licorice artificially made with Hyssope water, serueth very well for all the purposes aforesaid. It being dissolued with Gum Tragacanth in Rose water, is an excellent Lohoc or licking medicine to breake flegme, and to expectorate it, as also to avoyde thin frothy matter, or thin salt flegme, which often fretteth the lungs. It doth also lenisie exulcerated kidneyes, or the bladder, and helpeth to heale them. It is held also good for those that cannot make their water but by drops, or a small deale at a time.
The dryed root finely minced, is a speciall ingredient into all Trageas or Dredges, seruing for the purposes aforesaid, but the vse of them is almost wholly left now adaies with all sorts.