CHAP. V.
Of the Flower.
We next proceed to the Flower. The general Parts whereof are most commonly three; sc. the Empalement, the Foliation, and the Attire.
The Empalement, whether of one or more pieces, I call that which is the utmost part of the Flower, encompassing the other two. ’Tis compounded of the three general Parts, the Skin, the Cortical and Lignous Bodies; each Empaler (where there are divers) being as another little Leaf; as in those of a Quince-Flower, as oft as they happen to be overgrown, is well seen. As likewise in the Primrose, with the green Flower, commonly so call’d, though by a mistake; for that which seems to be the Flower, is only the more flourishing Empalement, the Flower it self being white; but the continuation of all the three aforesaid Parts into each Empaler, is discoverable, I think, no where better than in an Artichoke, which is a true Flower, and whose Empalers are of that amplitude, as fairly to shew them all: As also, that the Original of the Skin of each Empaler is not distinct from that of the rest; but to be all one piece, laid in so many Plaits or Duplicatures as there are Empalers, from the outermost to the inner and most central ones.
The Design of the Empalement, is to be security and Bands to the other two Parts of the Flower: To be their security before its opening, by intercepting all extremities of Weather: Afterwards to be their Bands, and firmly to contain all their Parts in their due and most decorous posture; so that a Flower without its Empalement, would hang as uncouth and taudry as a Lady without her Bodies.
Hence we have the reason why it is various, and sometimes wanting. Some Flowers have none, as Tulips; for having a fat and firm Leaf, and each Leaf likewise standing on a broad and strong Basis, they are thus sufficient to themselves. Carnations, on the contrary, have not only an Empalement, but that (for more firmitude) of one piece: For otherwise, the foot of each Leaf being very long and slender, most of them would be apt to break out of compass; yet is the top of the Impalement indented also; that the Indentments, by being lapp’d over the Leaves before their expansion, may then protect them; and by being spred under them afterwards, may better shoulder and prop them up. And if the feet of the Leaves be both long and very tender too, here the Empalement is numerous, though consisting of several pieces; yet those in divers Rounds, and all with a counterchangeable respect to each other (which also the Learned Dr. Brown observes) as in all Knapweeds, and other Flowers; whereby, how commodious they are for both the aforesaid ends, may easily be conceiv’d; and well enough exemplified by the Scales of Fishes, whereunto, as to their position, they have not an unapt resemblance.
The Foliation also, is of the same substantial nature with the green Leaf; the Membrane, Pulp, and Fibres whereof, being, as there, so here, but the continuation of the Skin, the Cortical and Lignous Bodies.
The Foulds of the Flower or Foliation are various, as those of the green Leaf; but some of them different. The most general are, First, The Plain Couch, as in Roses, and many other double Flowers. then the Concave Couch as in Blattaria flore albo. Next the Plait, as in some of the Leaves of Pease-Blooms, in the Flowers of Coriander, &c. which is either single, as in those nam’d; or double, as in Blew-Bottle, Jacea, and more of that rank. Next, the Couch and Plait together in the same Flower, as in Marigolds, Daisies, and all others of an agreeing form: where the first apparent Fould or Composture of the Leaves is in Couch; but the Leaves being erect, each likewise may be seen to lie in a double Plait within it self. Then the Rowl, as in the Flowers of Ladies-Bower, the broad top of each Leaf being by a double Rowl foulded up inwardly. Next, the Spire, which it the beginning of a Rowl; and may be seen in the Flowers of Mallows, and others. Lastly, the Plait and Spire together, where the part analogous to the Foliation, is of one piece, the Plaits being here laid, and so carried on by Spiral Lines to the top of the Flower, as is in divers, and I think in Convolvulus Doronici folio more elegantly seen. The reason of all which varieties, a comparative consideration of the several parts of the Flower may suggest. Ile only mention, that no Flower that I find, hath a Back-Rowl, as hath the green Leaf, for two Reasons; because its Leaves have not their Fibres standing out much on their backside, as the green Leaves have; and because of its Attire, which it ever embosomes, and cannot so well do it by a Back-Rowl.
The usual Protections of Flowers by the Precedents are express’d, sc. Green Leaves and Empalements. Some have another more peculiar, that is a double Vail; as the Spring-Crocus. For having no Empalement, and starting up early out of the Mould, even before its Green Leaves, and that upon the first opening of the Spring; lest it should thus be quite starved, ’tis born swath’d up in a double Blanket, or with a pair of Sheets upon its Back.
The Leaves of divers Flowers at their Basis have an hairy Tuft; by which Tufts the Concave of the Empalement is fill’d up; that, being very choice and tender, they may thus be kept in a gentle and constant warmth, as most convenient for them.