The secrets and wonders of the world A booke right rare and straunge, containing many excellent properties, giuen to man, beastes, foules, fishes and serpents, trees, plants &c. Abstracted out of that excellent naturall historiographer Plinie. Translated out of French into English.

❧ The Secretes and wonders of the World , abstracted out of the principall of the naturall Historiographers .

PLINIE the naturall Historiographer , was borne vnder the Emperour Tyberian , and died vnder Titus , the Emperour that destroyed Hierusalem , after the death and passion of our Lord Iesus Christ , in which time he did attribute his woorkes . In the first booke ( which is briefe , ) he maketh his preambles . In the second , he treateth of the worlde , and of other matters .

He describeth that the worlde is alone and round , naturally vnmoueable , although that there are certaine places moueable , and that may moue , by the concauites of the earth , being full of winde .

There are foure Elementes , the Earth , the Water , and the Fyre aboue the Ayre , néere to the first firmament . Which is fire natural , and therefore there néedeth no wood to continue the same .

Vnder the Earth are the Planetes , which are called Strayers , and yet they moue lesse then the others , but it is of the mutation of their influences , & of the Firmament : among the which is the Sunne rector and the guider of the other Planets , principall gouernour of nature .

The other Starres are not attributed ( as some doe thinke , as the greatest and clearest to the rich : and the least to the poore , and the obscure and darke starres , to those that of nature are infected . For we haue no such societie with the Starres , that they shoulde die with vs , and therefore they are equally deuided , seruing to eche one .

The Moone hath her Planet comming before her , as the Sunne hath the day Starre , she doeth encrease and diminish , and sometimes is at the full , a●d sometimes shée hath hornes , euen as the Sunne doeth giue and take away her clearenesse .

The earth is betwéene them both , the Moone is in the first heauen , the Sunne in the fourth , and when the one is highe , the other is lowe , and the other Starres are more higher in the Skie , and therefore they séeme lesse then the Moone . The obscuritie and darckenesse of the Moone , commeth by the humours of the earth that is drawen or sucked vp from the earth .

By the Geometrie of this worlde , the Stade which is fourtie roddes , doeth containe 125. paces , the whiche are 525. foote . Sometimes there hath bene séene in the appearance , thrée Sunnes , and thrée Moones .

In the Aire it raineth sometimes naturally Stones , suckt vp by the vapours of the earth , sometimes Frogges , and some time blood in diuers figures .

The Heliotropium in his floure , doeth turne euery day and followe the Sunne .

The Ant doeth neuer beginne to hourde vp but in the full Moone .

The nature of the windes are diuers , according to the diuersitie of Countreies , and they procéed of the earth , and of the vapours of the same , which causeth sometimes in many places Earthquakes .

The Thunders and Lightnings , doe neuer fall in the winter , for the coldnesse of the ayre doth kéepe them in and choakes them , and therefore they fall in the Sommer , and many times they marre the Wine , without touching the vessell .

There was a woman at Rome , whose childe was slaine within her wombe , by thunder and lightning , and the woman had no hurt at all .

Thrée things there are that neuer féele any harme by thunders and lightnings : the Laurel trée on the Earth , the Eagle in the Skie , and the Seacalse in the Sea , for they neuer fall vpon their skinnes , therefore best assured are they that are so clad .

Naturally there are signes and tokens in the earth , the Sea , and the Aire , and therefore it hath rained sometimes Blood , Stones , Wooll , yea great stones accumulated in the ayre by the coldnesse thereof .

The Rainebowe is not séene in a close and rainy day , but the Sunne beames entring into the concauites of the Earth , doe reflexe the Sunne , and make varietie of colours , by the mixture of the cloudes in the aire , and is séene most commonly in the Sommer . Also there are neuer lightly séene aboue two Rainbowes .

The earth is the mother of all liuing creatures . In the aire is séene many times darkenesse & clowdes , the Hailes are deriued of the waters , but the earth is lowly , seruing to all creatures , she bringeth forth Corne , Wine , Fruites , and all kinde of things pertaining to man . Shée bringeth foorth Iron , Lead , Golde , Siluer , precious Stones , and Herbes , seruing vnto mans health , yea , if that a Serpent chaunce to bite any person , the earth will not receiue that Serpent when it is dead .

The earth is compassed round about with waters , the which is more knowen by experience , then by arguments , and some part thereof is not inhabited towards the North , because of the great colde .

An other part is not inhabited because of the extreame heate , towards the South .

The middle of the earth is the Centry , to the which most waightiest things doe take holde .

In some places there is no shadowe of the Sunne , specially in Alexandria the great , where as there is a déepe well without shadowe .

Anaxemenes Milesius , was the first founders of Dials .

There are many signes of mouings , and mutations of times , without great appearance , as in the Sea , when that without winde , the waues doe rise and rage . And in the Skie , when that there is a long stripe or line : and when that the well waters are troubled .

Two mountaines haue bene séene naturally hit and touch one another , as if they had foughten , the waters méeting together to striue and marueilously to encrease , and beastes to dye .

In Asia twelue Cities were subuerted by the Earthquakes , without perceiuing thereof at Rome .

Neare vnto Rome there are two hundreth acres of ground , the which doeth shake when there are horses running thereon .

In the Ile of Paphos there is a place where there did neuer fall rayne . And in the same Ile Nea in the Citie of Troados , the sacrifices do neuer putrifie nor rot .

Nere to Harpasa a towne in Asia , there is a great Mountaine , that one may shake with their finger , but if you put your whole strength to it , it remaineth vnmoueable .

There are two Mountaines neare to the flood of Nyle , the nature of them are diuers , for the one retaineth yron , the other casteth it off , in such sort , that if any of their shooes be clouted with nailes , that goe vpon the said hill , they can neither go nor stande , but are cast off : and on the other hil , their shoes will sticke fast .

In the Citie of Charagena , there is a certaine grounde that healeth all kinde of sores and diseases , the Sea doeth purge in the full Moone : and the fluctuations of the Seas , commeth by the Sunne and Moone , the which causeth it . In the hie Sea there neuer falleth snowe , the Sea is most hottest in Winter , and saltest in Sommer . Of fresh waters there are diuers sortes .

In Dodone is the Frountaine called Iupiters Spring , which doeth kindle firebrandes , it diminisheth at Noone , and encreaseth at midnight , and then afterwards decreaseth , and faileth at midday . There are many hote waters , because of the smoke & closenesse of the hilles , from whence these hote waters spring .

There are Springs that will make blacke Shéepe become white , and other waters that maketh white shéepe become blacke , by continuance of drinking , and others that the ewes that drinke in them their milke will become black .

At Lincestis , there is a Fountaine of water , that will make them that drinke thereof drunken .

Also in Paphlagonia , and in the field Calenus , in the Ile of Andro , there is a Fountaine or Spring , that rendreth wine euery yéere in the Nonas of Ianuarie .

In a fielde called Carrimensis , in Spaine , there is a Riuer that will make the fishes that are therin , to séeme of the colour of golde , and if they are put into any other water , they will séeme as other fishes .

Among the meruailes of fire , the Mountaine called Ethna , in Silicia , burneth continually , the flames whereof are séene aboue the hill toppe . An other hill that is called Chimera , burneth in like maner , the fire of which hill is sooner quenched with earth or with hay , then with water .

In the third , fourth , fifth , and sixth bookes , Plinie describeth the earth , the waters and the Ilandes , and deuideth the worlde into Asia , Affrica , and Europa . Asia conteineth the halfe of the world , in the which is Armenia , Capadocia , Albania , Suauia , where as there is no mettall but gold . Seithies , where as is the swéete Sea , and there are trees that bring forth silke , ready to spinne .

India , where there are people very riche , they labour with Elephantes , and go to warre with them . Their king hath ordinarily sixe hundreth thousand footemen , thirtie thousand horsemen , & nine thousand Camels to his gages , and to his daily cost , and when they be so olde that they can scarse see , nor can liue no longer , they cast them selues into a great fire .

Beyonde the Indians , is the Ile called Taprobane , where as is the gréene Sea , and there is planted precious stones , with mettalls of gold and siluer .

The men of that Countrey are more greater then others , they sell their marchandise by making of signes , the Moone neuer shineth with them aboue sixe houres , they haue small edifices or buildings , & their vitailes neuer waxeth deare : for their God they haue Hercules . They doe elect and choose an olde man to their King , which hath no children , and if he chaunce to haue any whilest he is king , they doe kill them , to that ende that the kingdome be not inherited by their elected king : they doe constitute . xxx . gouernours , without whose assent none can bee condemned to death . If their king doeth misdoe , they doe punish him , or depose him from the crowne .

This nation taketh great delite in the chase of Tigres and Clephantes , and doeth abounde in corne and fruites , they doe delight to fishe for shell fishes , which are there very great , in so much that one may hide themselues in their shelles .

Alexandria the great was founded by the great king Alexander , and neare vnto that is the redde Sea , by the repercussion of the Sunne , that doeth so colour it , or els for that the mood and the grauell is such , or for that it is the nature of the water .

Also Siria and Arabia , whose people are tanned and heary all saue the head , and they are apparelled with the skinnes of fish .

There is also Mesopotanie , Babylon , Assiria , Arabia : the flood of Tyger , hath his originall in a fountaine of Armenia .

In the Ile of Sagaros , there can no Dogge liue , for as soone as he entereth into the Ile , he turneth round till hée fall downe dead .

The Sabiens are riche with the fertilitie of their Forrests , with mettals , Hony , and Waxe .

The Candeans liue with Serpentes , and in the Ile of Gagaudes was first founde Popeniayes .

Idumea , Iuda , Hierusalem , Galile , Sirie , Palestin , which was the first founder of letters , and at the first , in stéede of letters , vsed certaine figures of beastes .

Also there is a Nation called Hesseneans , liuing without wyues , and without lecherie . When they are dead , they are cast into the Sea , they liue without money , and growe of the dead .

Of the Ethiopians there are diuers formes and kindes of men . Some there are towards the East , that haue neither nose nor nostrelles , but the face all full . Others that haue no vpper lippe , they are without tongues , and they speake by signes , and they haue but a little hole to take their breath at , by the which they drinke with an Oten strawe .

There are some called Syrbote , that are eight foote high , they liue with the chase of Elephantes .

In a part of Affricke , by people called Ptoemphane , for their king they haue a Dogge , at whose fansie they are gouerned , to whome they doe pronosticate their doings , and their conduct in warre .

Towards the West there is a people called Arimaspi , that hath but one eye in their forehead , they are in the desert and wilde Countrey .

The people called Agriphagi , liue with the flesh of Panthers and Lyons : and the people called Antropomphagi which we call Canibals , liue with humaine flesh .

The Cinamolgi , their heades are almoste like to the heads of Dogges .

Affrica aunciently called Libia , doeth containe the Moores , and the pillers of Hercules , ( among the sloods ) there is Onylus that doeth ingender Cocodrils .

There are goodly Forrests with vnknowen trées , some of the which trees beare small threades , of the which is made clothing of Cotton .

Cyrenes and Syrtes , make their houses of salt stones , cut out of the mountaines , there is the mountaine of Giry , the which doeth ingender and bring foorth many precious stones .

In Libie , which is at the ende of the Ethiopes , there are people , differing from the common order of others , they haue among them no names , and they curse the Sunne for his great heate , by the which they are all blacke sauing their téeth , and a little the palme of their handes , and they neuer dreame . The others called Troglodites , haue Caues and holes in the grounde , and haue no other houses . Others called Gramantes , they make no marriages , but all women are common . Gamphasantes , they goe all naked .

Blemmy is a people so called , they haue no heads , but haue their mouth and their eyes in their breasts . And others there are that go more by training of their handes then with their féete . There are gathered the spices , and there is nothing that they are afrayde of , but of great dogs that will barke at them , and bite them .

Africke beginneth beyonde the Realme of Spayne and Grenado , and is deuided in the Sea of Europa , as betwéene Douer and Calis , there beginneth the Kingdoms of Feoz , of Tunis , of Barbaria , of Carthage , & of others of the Ethiopians .

Europia beginneth from the Sea Meditarene so called , because it is a flood in the middest of the world . Vpon this Sea that deuideth Asia and Europa , the King Xerses caused to be made a bridge of shippes , such a number hee had for the warre .

Europa conteineth Rome the auncient Citie , the plentifull Italy , Venice descended of the Troyans , Grece , Thessalia , Acaia , Macedonia , and Thessalie , where as is a flood called Peneus , nauigable in the middest , for into the saide flood entreth the Riuer of Orcon , but his water swimmeth aboue the other , without mingling together as doeth Oyle . Italy hath the noble Riuer of Poste , beating vaines of golde .

In the Iles of Pont , there are people that liue with the egges of wilde foule , others that haue féete like horses , whose eares are so great and so long , that therewith they couer their whole bodies .

Europe doeth containe Germanie , which is hie and base Almaine , Burgony , Sauoy , Brittaine , Gaule that is deuided into thrée partes .

From the Riuer Lescault to the Riuer of Sayne is called Gaule the faire , from Sayne , to Gyrrond , is Gaule the ancient , and conteineth Lionois , and from Girronde to the hilles of Pirennes , that deuideth Spaine and Fraunce , is Aquittaine .

Spaine also is of Europia where as is Cathelognia , Araragon , Castilian , Portingall , Syuell , Andelosia , Leon , Galicia , and the kingdome of Granado , euen to the Sea .

The seuenth Booke treateth of man .

THe world hath brought foorth many things , of the which man is almost the least . Hée hath clothed the Beastes , Birdes , Fishes and Trées , with skinnes , feathers , scales , barke , and otherwise . But man commeth foorth all naked ready to wéepe , and lightly before fourtie dayes , he doeth not laugh : he that ought to raigne ouer the beastes on the earth , is at the beginning weaker then any , he knoweth nothing without hée be taught , neither to speake nor to goe ; and naturally doeth nothing but wéepe .

Naturally the beastes séeke their liuing , flie from their enemy , swimme , with many other things giuen them of nature . The Lyons doe not warre betwéene themselues , the Serpents doe not bite one another , but men studie howe to destroy one another by warres , and dissentions .

Men neuer lightly in all points resemble one like another in their faces , the which commeth by the diuersitie of the cogitations of their parentes , the which maketh their similitudes so farre vnlike : and therefore the brute beastes that haue no such varieties in their thoughtes , engender none but their like .

Men there are called Arimaspi , that haue but one eye in their forehead , which incessantly warre against the Grissons about mettals , and they finde in the ground golde and other mettalls . Those that are toward the end of the West , drinke in dead mens sculles .

In Albania , some haue their eyes yellowe , that commeth to them in their youth , & they sée better by night then by day .

In Affrica in some places there are a great multitude of Serpentes , whose properties they vse for the triall of their wyues chiefly , after this sort .

If the husbandes will haue probation of the honestie of their wiues : they will present their children before the Serpentes , which will stye awaye if that the children bée egitimate , but if that the Serpents remaine and feare not , then are they bastardes .

When they are bitten with Serpents , they put their spittle vpon the place for to heale it , specially their fasting spittle , for the Serpent feareth mans spittle as hote water .

In India there are hye men , and also marueilous hye beastes , as for a witnesse there are Dogges as great as Asses , trées as hye as an Archer can scarce shoote to the top , and vnder the shadowe of one Figge trée , may a hundreth horses stande , because of the fertilitie of the lande , the temperance of the ayre , and the aboundance of waters , there are men fiue cubites in height , the which neuer vse to spit , nor are troubled with the paine of head , eyes or téeth , and are seldome sicke .

Others there are in the Mountaines , with heads like Dogs . In a part of India the women neuer beare children but once , whose children waxe straight way olde .

And others called Sciopedae that haue their féete so broade that when they are layde , they couer them therewith from the heate of the Sunne , and they be very swift in running .

Some toward the East haue no heads , but haue eyes in their shoulders , and others called Epithamai Pigmei , that are of one yarde hye .

In the farther part of India towards the East neare to the Riuer of Gangis , there is a people clad with leaues , that liue by smelling , they neuer eate nor drinke in their iourneies , they beare floures and rootes to smell at , and they are easely killed by filthy smelles and sauours .

There are little men called Pigmei , among which the highest passe not the height of two cubites , hauing a wholsome aire and pleasant countrey where they dwell , the which men are molested with Cranes , as writeth Homer , therefore it is no maruell though often times they are caried away with those Cranes .

In the spring time the Pigmei assemble together mounted vpon Shéepe and Goates , armed with dartes and arrowes , for to descende downe to the sea , and for the space of thrée monethes , consume and breake the Cranes Egges , and kil the yong ones , otherwise they would so multiplie , that those little men should neuer rest in quiet .

Some there are in the valleys called Pandore , that liue two hundreth yéeres , in their youth hauing white haire , in age their haires become blacke .

There is a people that liueth but fourtie yéeres , whose wiues doe bring foorth children at the age of seuen yéeres .

There are people that haue long hairie tailes growing . These things and others hath nature made moustruous , for our examples .

Among the women there are diuers childings , some haue had sixe children , some eight , and some nine , and sometime children of diuers kindes , which are called Hermaphrodites , which are both man and woman .

There hath bene that haue had in their life time thirtie Children , and among the maruailes of the worlde , a childe being new borne did enter againe into his mothers wombe , in the Citie of Saguntra .

And it is no fable nor tale , to haue séene women and maydes transformed into men . The females are sooner engendred then the Male , and become soonest olde , the Females doe moue in their mothers wombe , most on the left side , and the males on the right side .

And Plinie reciteth to haue séene a maide , on the night of her marriage , to be naturally transformed into a man , and incontinent her beard to growe , and shée to be married againe to a woman .

If that a woman bring foorth two children at one burthen , lightly there is short life , either to the mother , or to one of her children , and if they be both Males , or Females , then are they lightly of a short life .

Among the women there is no certaine time prefixed of their trauailings with childe , for some bée deliuered in seuen moneths , some in eight , and most commonly in nyne moneths . Also sometime at ten and eleuen moneths .

Before the seuenth moneth the childe hath no life , the tenth day after shée hath conceiued . Paine in the head , a shadowe or mist before the eyes , no taste nor relisse in meates , and a vndigesting stomacke , are signes of conception . That woman that bringeth foorth a Male childe , hath better colour , and easier deliuerance .

Miserable is the condition of man . For the Princes by this meanes haue their originall , and are subiect to Fortune , and hath nature as others .

We reade of a Romaine Prince that died in the morning in pulling on his hose , an other died with the stinging or biting of a Grape , an other was choaked with a haire , in eating of Milke .

Scipio Affricanus was the first called Caesar , for that ( Caesus fuit matris Vterus ) his mothers wombe was opened , for him to passe out .

Of those that are cripple , lame , and conterfeite of nature , commeth whole limmed and perfect children , in their members : and sometimes of perfect and wel proportioned people commeth lame and vnperfect children .

A woman doeth not beare children after fiftie yéeres , there are many that ceasse at fourtie .

As touching men , we reade truely of a Prince , which at the age of foure score and sixe yéeres begate a childe .

When Cato was borne , his father was foure score yéeres olde .

Vnto children their téeth come commonly at seuen monethes , the seuenth yéere they renue , for then their téeth fall , and there commeth to them others , and some are borne with téeth . And if that a dead bodie be burned , the téeth will neuer burne but remaine whole . Vnto some their téeth faile them at middle age , commonly a man hath thirtie two téeth , and hée that hath more , is estéemed to be the longer liuer .

Zoroastes did laugh that day hée was borne , yea that with the very force of laughing he did reiecte the hand that was vpon his head , for the placing and fashioning of his head , and setling of his braines .

A man is as long from the foote to the head , as the extending or spreading abroade of his armes , counting from the great fingers .

Men doe way more then women , the dead bodies way more then the liuing , and those that are a sléepe , way more then they that are awake .

Some liue without marow in their bones , and therefore they neuer thirst , and for this cause women drinke lesse then men : and such doe neuer sweate .

It is recited of Crassus the Senatour , that he did neuer laugh . Socrates the great clarke , was neuer séene mery nor ioyfull , nor angry at one time more then at an other , and therefore mens complexions are diuers .

In Rome hath bene seene a Princesse called Antonia Drusi neuer to spitte , Pomponius neuer to belke . The strength of men hath bene great , and more in one than another . It is read of one that with one hande did holde a Chariot , that thrée horses could not make to goe for wards nor remoue .

Hercules , did carrie his great Mule on his backe .

Fusius Saluius did beare two hundreth on his féete , two hundreth in his hands , and two hundreth on his shoulders , so being loden or charged with sixe hundreth waight , went vpon a ladder .

Plinie writeth to haue séene one named Athanatus , to haue a iacke on his backe waying fiue hundreth waight , going to aplay with shooes on his féete waying fifty pound waight a piece .

Milo set his foote in a place , from which place , there was no man able to make him goe backe or remoue . If that he helde a staffe in his hand , there was no man able to take it away or writhe it out of his fist .

For running there hath bene many light and nimble men , that would runne a thousand a hundreth & thréescore furlongs a day and more .

Also there are some that haue their sight very singuler .

We reade of a man called Strabo , of the countrey of Sicilia , that is toward the East , to recken and count the ships that parted from Carthage for to enter into the South sea .

Cicero did recite that he did sée the Iliades of Homer in verse written , being included in a Nut shell , so small were the figures .

Marmecides made a Cart , or Wagon so litle , that a flye did couer it . And he made a ship that a Bée might couer it with both her winges .

For a trueth there haue bene people that haue heard battailes and fighting fiftie Leagues of , for they haue counted the time and houres of the assaultes . The memorie hath bene very singuler to some .

Cyrus King of Persie , had the memorie to know and call euery one of his armie by their names .

Methridates the king did talke one day to his people , in two & twentie languages without stutting or stammering .

Others léese their memorie by fantastes , or otherwise haue forgotten their vnderstanding .

Messalla the Orator , did forget by grieuous sicknesse his sciences yea his owne name ( in such sort ) that hée knewe not from whence he was .

Marueilous was the memorie of Iulius Cesar , the which named to foure Scribes or writers at one time , and in the meane time , he read , writ , and heard , and if he had no other affaires , he would name to seuen . He fought 52. battailes .

And Marcellus 40. Cesar in his battailes is reputed to haue slaine of his enemies 1192. thousand men .

Pompeus did spoile and take from the Pirates , and sea robbers , against whome he was sent by the Romaines 876 , ships . Moreouer Cesar had this constancie , that the letters that Scipio did sende him for to betray Pompeus , hee cast into the fire , without reading them .

Cato was accused to the Senatours 42. times , and alwaies absolued . Sicinus dictator of Rome sustained sixe score battayles : he had fiue and fourtie woundes before , and not one behinde . Sergius was a worthie warrier , he deliuered Cremona from the siege , kept Placentia , tooke in Fraunce twelue Castels and Townes . He had his right hand cut off , and he made one of Iron , with the which he fought foure battailes .

Pitifull things are found worthy of memorie , thorowe all partes , among the which , it commeth to my remembrance , of a woman taken in Rome , for to dye for offence , and being put into straight Prison there to be famished , her daughter had licence of the Iailer to goe sée her euery day , but she was searched for feare least shée should bring her mother foode .

In the ende it was founde , that euery day shée did giue her mother sucke with her breastes , and for to satissie her , she came daily .

The Senators hauing intelligence thereof , did pardon the mother for the vertue that was in the daughter , & did appoint them a liuing during their liues . Marueilous are the operations of humaine creatures , among others onely of paintings , that doe resemble the liuing so neere , that there resteth nothing but the speach .

The king Attallus bought a table or picture of a Painter , which cost a hundreth Markes . Caesar bought two for eight hundreth Markes .

Mans age hath bene reputed great among the ancients , which doe name Princes and Kings to haue liued eight hundreth yéeres , and a thousand yéeres , but it is by the varietie of yéeres , for so me make the Sommer a yéere , and the Winter another yéere , and others make thrée moneths a yéere , as the Arcadians , and you must not stay nor iudge things by the constellation of the firmament .

For in one present houre many are borne as well seruants as maisters , Kings and Magistrates , whose Fortunes are all diuers and contrarie .

Many examples we haue of sicknesses . Publius Cornelius Rufus , in dreaming to haue lost his sight , became blinde and lost his sight . Some there are that liue but till middle age , and others that die in their youth , and nature doeth giue a man nothing better then short life .

To liue long the senses & vnderstanding become blunt , the whole members féele dolour , the sight , the hearing , and the going faile , the téeth also , and the instruments of meats : therefore age is but paine , and there is a time prefixed to liue .

We reade no better example then of Zenophilus the Musitian , that liued a hundreth and fiue yéeres without sicknesse . The signes of death , are to laugh in the furor and griefe of the maladie or sicknesse , to be busie in folding or doubling the clothes of his bedde with his handes , to voyde from one in sléeping behinde , a fearefull looke , with other things , and therefore séeing that by experience we sée innumerable signes of death , therefore there is no certaintie . Sicknesses are diuers both to olde and yong .

Sirius died by the multitude of Serpentes procéeding from his body .

Some haue had an Ague all their life time . Mecaenas was seuen yéeres in the ende of his dayes without sléepe .

Antipater liued long without sickenesse , sauing that euery yéere on that day that he was borne , he had the ague .

We reade of one that liued 157. yéeres , that slept in his age 57. yéeres , and wakened as though he had slept but one houre . Others that haue returned a foote from their graue , when they were borne to be buried .

Pompeus caused a mans head to bée smitten off , which when it was layde againe to the body , did speake an houre , both to the maister of the house , and to many others of the house . Death bringeth repentance . Some die for ioy : men in the hearing of ioyfull newes , of victories , and women to sée their children .

The father of Iulius Caesar died in putting on his hose , and felte before no harme . Some in drinking , some in writing , and others in diuers maners as we daily sée by experience . Aunciently the vse was among the Romaines to bury the dead , but for the often battailes of the Romaines , that had all the worlde in their subiection , they vse to burne the dead .

Among men Liber Pater found first the meanes to sell and buy , also Diademes for kings , and for triumphes .

The Lady Ceres founde the meanes to sowe corne , and to grinde it , and therefore she was called a Goddesse . For before they vsed Acornes .

The Assirians founde first the meane to write letters , but the inuention hath bene since the beginning of the world .

Two brethren in Athens founde first the meanes to make houses and bricks .

Gellius Doxius inuented lathing and loming of walles , for before they had Caues and holes in the grounde , and they tooke example of the Swalowes , which do make their neastes .

Cynira sonne to Agriope , found out mettal of copper , brasse , & of lead , he made first many hammers therewith . Danaus was the first in Grecia that made welles , & digged for water . Thrason made the first walles & towers . The Lidians found the means to dresse woolls . Arachneus found the meanes to make Linnen , & Cāuas . The Egyptians the art of medicine . Lydius to mingle & temper mettals together . Erichtonus found siluer . Cadmeus gold in the mountaine of Pangy . The Ciclopians were the first workers of small Iron worke . Corebus the Athenian made earthen pots . Theodore the Samyan made the first keyes . Palamides the measures & waights . Phrigies the charrets & wagons . Penius the first trader for Marchandise . Aristeus to make oyle and hony . Briges of Athens did first yoke Oxen to Cart and Plough . The Lacedemonians founde Harnesse , and habiliments for warre , Launces , Spears , swords , Bucklers , &c. Cares the Bowe & Arrowes . The Phenitians the crosse bowes . Belerophons first mounted vpon horses . Palamides in the warre betwéene the Grekes & the Troyans , found the order of Standarts , signes , penuōs , streamers , to giue warning & to kéepe watch . Iason did first sayle on the Sea in long Ships , or Galleys . Before the time there were made little ones of wood , & hydes : & since that time some haue added to them masts , sayles , cabels , tackelings , & many other things , that we sée by the experience to be necessarie . The first Dials were made at Rome with water , according to the course of the Sunne , & since they are reduced to houses & Churches , as it is séen at this present , which was very agreable to the Romaines . Finally , among al the knowledge the man hath ( Plinie ) thinketh this to be the chiefest point , for man to know him selfe , of what estate soeuer he be .

The eight booke treateth of beastes that are on the Earth .

IN the Earth there is no beast greater then the Elephant , they haue knowledge to vnderstande their Countrey speache , they haue obedience and vnderstande their dueties and charges , they neuer passe the Sea tyll that their master or gouernour doth promise to bring them home againe , they knéele down for to be loden ; & carrie the Ladies litters in feare , prudence & equitie : their téeth are of Iuorie , with their other bones there are made goodly woorks , they are full of clemencie , & if they chaunce to finde a man strayed out of his way , they knowe it , and will leade him through the Forrest into his way : but if they finde a company of men séeking to chase them , then naturally they know their enemies , as other beasts do . The Females neuer haue but one yong in their liues , they liue 200. & 300. yéers , they loue the shallow & cleare waters , for because of their greatnesse they can not swim , they eate stones & earth , they feare cold , they will cast to the ground with their fronts or foreheads , trées for to eate the fruit . Among the beasts they hate Mire , & Rats , and they will not féede where as they haue runne & tasted . They increase in the borders of Affrica , & the greatest in India , where as there are Dragons so puissant that they sight to the Elephants . They are tanied by famine , & when they are tamed , they cary Castels on their backs in stead of saddles , wherin there may stand six or eight men , & toward the East thei make in them the most part of their battails , although that they being wounded or hurt do retire . There were Elephants at Rome , but they were slaine with shot , for the Romains would not nourish them , nor giue them to Princes . The Ethiopians make them their venison , & they kill them with shooting & casting darts , which they cast on them standing in trées , where the Elephants vse to passe , or els they take them in holes or caues in the earth couered aboue , they neuer lie down , but sléepe leaning against great trées , & they that knowe their repaire , wil sawe the trée so far , that when they come to rest them against the trée , it breaketh , & they fal downe , then they kil them , ( for being once down , they can neuer rise again . ) The blood of Elephants is very cold , & therefore the Dragons & Serpents in the countrey do assemble vnder their eares & on their bodies , & sucke from them so much blood , that they therewith die .

Dragons there are in Ethiopia , of ten fadoms long , and in India , there haue bene founde Serpentes of a hundreth foote long , and some will flye in the ayre to catch birdes in flying .

In Affrica there are a great number of wilde horses , and in Asia great Asses like vnto Mares , but for their long eares . So writeth Aristotle the wise , which was appointed by Alexander the great , to describe the diuersitie and nature of beastes .

The Lyon is ful of noblenesse & clemencie , the Lionesse for the first time bringeth forth fiue , the next yéere after foure , then thrée , and when she bringeth but one , then shée ceasseth . The yong ones are two moneths without mouing , and sixe moneths before they can goe , they doe sooner assaile men then women , and neuer yong children , vnlesse it be for great famine .

In their age they loue and followe men , when that they can no more séeke their pray , and they liue till their téeth fall out . By their clemencie they demaunde nothing of those that prostrate them selues before them , and their yre is mitigate by prayers , as we haue séene by the experience of women that name them selues strangers , and poore vagabondes , but they are fierce to those that striue against them , their taile doeth demonstrate their amitie and furor , as doeth the eares of horses . When they are chased they neuer hide them , they knowe and pursue among others those that hurt them .

The female if that her yong ones are taken , closeth her eyes against those that chase them , to the end that she feare not their weapons .

Hanus was the first that daunted or tamed their fiercenesse , and they are taken in holes that are made of purpose in the grounde . In Syria they are all blacke .

The Panthers are also full of clemencie . Wée reade that if the Female méete a man strayed or lost in the woodes , that fléeth for feare of her , shée will compasse him mouing with her taile , shewing vnto him a signe of amitie & loue , and after that hee is assured , she will leade him into a caue or hole , where as are fallen her yong ones by misfortune , which the man pulleth out , and then she tumbletly and playeth before him to giue him thankes .

The Tygres are very light and nimble , therefore those that steale their yong ones , as soone as the female findeth them lost , she smelleth their way and runneth after them , and when she is spied of those that haue their yong ones , they let one of them fall , the which shée taketh vp , and carieth it to her repayre , and in the meane time , they escape with the rest , and bring them to their shippes .

Camels they are driuen to pasture toward the East as we doe shéepe .

Wilde Dogs haue handes and féete almost like men .

In the North part there are marueilous swift beastes , which haue the vpper lippe so long , that when they will féede they goe backwarde .

The Wolfe before he be séene , will easely drawe from a man his breath , they couple not with the females , but xij . dayes in the yéere . There are wilde Wolues , which in eating of their pray , if they turne once about , forget their pray , and goe againe to séeke another .

Among the Serpents the Bassalicke doeth infect and kil people with his looke .

There are innumerable kindes of others , whereof some haue double heads at both endes , for to cast venime . For the biting of an Aspis , there is no remedy but to cutte that that he hath touched .

The Cocodrils are ingendred in Nylle , a Riuer of Egypt which haue foure féete , the skinne very hard , and they haue no mouing but the vpper lippe , and they make as many egges as Géese , and they haue sharpe clawes for their defence , in the day they remaine on the earth , and the night in the waters , when they open their throte in sléeping , there are little birdes called Trochilos that will picke and clense their téeth , in the which they take great delight .

The Stork doeth shew the maner how to take glisters , for by her nature she filleth her necke with water , and behind with her beacke , maketh infusion into her belly for to clense her .

And many other beastes naturally knowe the herbes that for them are most proper .

The Swallow knoweth howe to finde an herbe called Chelidonia , which serueth for her yong ones , when their eyes are endamaged .

Of little beastes we finde Cities destroyed and people driuen away . In Spayne with Conies . In Thessaly with Moles . In Fraunce with Frogs . In Affricke with Locustes . In the Ile of Ciclados with Rats . In Italy with Serpentes . In Ethiopia with Scorpions .

Hyena is said to be a beast of double nature , Male and Female , they will hearken at the Cottes of shepheards , & learne the proper name that a man is called by , and calling him , when the man is come forth , they will straightway kill him , and they will call Dogges . They are founde in Affrica , which is the cause of so many wilde Asses , that they ingender , the Males doe correcte the yong ones by biting , they will cut the trées along the Riuers , as with a knife , they haue tayles like to fishes .

Déere that are oppressed with Dogges , if they can finde no water for their refuge , then they retire to man : the Female beare eight wéekes , and oftentimes two , and for to bring them foorth , they séeke secret places , not néere the hye wayes accustomed by men .

The Hinde teacheth her yong ones to runne , to feare , and to leape , the Males that haue left the Females , haue their mussell blacke , when they knowe them selues heauy , they séeke secret places , they will stande still to heare the cry of the Dogs , they runne with the winde , to take away the smell of the trase , they reioyce to heare whistling , and to heare a noyse of singing .

Moreouer the Hart is simple , and all things are to him marueilous , if that he see a man with a bowe , or a crosse bowe , he looketh more on them , then on the man , the Males haue hornes , and in the spring time they cast their hornes , that day that they léese their hornes , they hide them selues as all astonied & sorowfull , as they that haue lost their armours .

It is sayde that the right horne can not bee founde , for that they hide them in the ground . At the burning of the hornes , the Serpents flye away : their hornes grow till they be thrée score yéeres old , and the said time passed , there commeth vp others like , and then they neuer fall after that : there is no knowledge of their age , but their age is knowen , by their téeth , they being without hornes féede in the night and when their hornes beginne to come , they will butte and runne against the trées , they liue a hundreth yéeres , they neuer haue the Feuer or Ague , and therefore some dames alwayes delight to breake their fast with Venison , by the which meanes they haue liued a hundreth yéeres without hauing the Ague .

Camelion liueth not but by the ayre , and chaungeth his colour according to the thing he toucheth , sauing white and redde , they ingender in Affrica , and in India .

The Beares doe ioyne with the Females , in the beginning of Winter , not as other foure footed beastes doe , for the Male and the Female lye downe embracing , and after that they doe retire in sundry caues , and the Female doeth bring forth her yong ones within thirty dayes , and most commonly bringeth fiue , which haue the skinne white , deformed without haire , and eyes , and there appeareth but their clawes , in licking of them they are figured .

There is nothing so little of man , as to sée the Beare bring foorth her yong , she hideth her foure monethes , and the Male fourtie dayes , they couche or lye vppon soft leaues , and the first fourtéene dayes they sléepe so soundly , that you shall scarce waken them with strokes , then they fatten much , and their fatte or grease is conuenable to many medicines , also to kéepe haire from sheading .

They being weakened for the most part stande vp , and liue with the licking of their fore féete , they warme their yong against their breasts , they haue little blood about the heart , and lesse in the body , they haue little eyes , and as feble or weake heads as the Lyon hath strong , therefore they defend their heades with their fore féete , when they fall and leape from the Rockes , or when they are bayted with Dogges . The Dogges among all other beastes that vnto vs are common , are most faithfull .

We haue true histories of men that haue bene defended from théeues by their Dogges , others haue fought to reuenge their maisters death , and constrained the murtherer to confesse the déede .

Two hundreth Dogs did rescue by force the king Garamantus , being taken by the hands of his enemies .

Many people haue assembled Dogges together for the warre . We reade of Dogges that haue cast them selues into the fire , when in times past their maisters body haue bene burned .

We reade also of a Dog of Nicomedes the king of Bythinia , to haue almost torne the Quéene in pieces , for that she played familiarly with the king , the Dog thinking it had bene for harme .

A Senatour of Rome , was defended by his Dogge on a night , retourning to his house , from the handes of those , that would haue put him to death .

At Rome a prisoners Dogge would neuer depart from the prison doore , and when his maister was dead , he would eate nothing , and when bread was giuen him he brought it to his maisters mouth . The same Dog was séene openly to holde vp his maisters body being cast into the Riuer of Tyber . They know their maister , and vnderstand his voyce , aboue all other beastes they doe best knowe a mans voyce , and their names , they doe remember the wayes and iourneyes be they neuer so farre off , and there is none of so long a memorie ( except man . ) In their chase they haue great diligence , specially houndes .

In India they tie proude Bitches to trées , and the Tygres do couer them , by the which meanes , commeth fierce and cruell Dogges .

The king of Albania did giue to Alexander the great , a Dogge of marueilous highnesse , which would take Lyons and Elephants . The Females haue whelpes thrée times a yéere lightly , and they carrie them two monethes , they are borne blinde , they can not see till seuen dayes after they be whelped : If she bring but one whelpe , it séeth not till the ninth day , the better whelpe is that that the Bitch bringeth out first , or that that seeth last .

Horses are faithfull , and full of great knowledge , for they knowe their maisters , and they that attende on them . Many are singuler in their doings , the Males liue till fifty yéeres , and the females lesse , at sixe yéeres the males grow no more , and the females but fiue yéeres . Among the beastes they haue least fertilitie .

The most egrest and fiercest Horses , put their nose mussell déepest in the water to drinke , and haue almost as many diseases as men . Asses there hath bene bought for foure hundreth Crownes .

In Acaia they are much requested to haue Mules . They feare colde , the Males are very slowe in their worke , they doe beare as doe Mares , and in thirtie moneths the yong ones are ready to helpe them selues . After they are horsed they must be constrained to runne , or else they would reiect the séede by making water .

The females beare all their life , which is thirty yéeres , they be afrayde to wette their féete , and they neuer drinke but in small and shallowe waters , where they are accustomed to drinke drie footed , the Females doe hide themselues when they bring foorth , in darke places , that they bee not séene of men , they will not passe the bridges when the Sunne shineth in the water , it is marueil that they runne not mad for thirst , for he that dayly chaungeth their water or Riuer accustomed to drinke at , must constraine them perforce to drinke .

The little Mule is ingendred of the Asse and of the Mare . The Mules that commeth of a Horse and of a she Asse , are beastes full of strength and labour .

The Asse that couereth the Mare bringeth forth afore her time , if she before haue retained the horse , but not else , the seuenth day the females shoulde bée filled , after their foale is borne , the Males fatigated of labour , doeth sooner replenish the Females .

Some of them are not like to their Syres , and the Mule of her nature is barren , sauing that in Capadocia they beare , by force of drinking wine , often times the Mules ceasse from casting or striking .

The Athenians knowing for a trueth a Mule to haue done seruice fourescore yéers , did ordaine , that in the fields none should desturbe him , neither in the corne nor otherwise .

The Oren liue twentie yéeres , and the Kine commonly fiftene yéeres , at fiue yéers they haue taken their strength : it is said that to wash them with warme water they will fatten , the strength of the Bull is at thrée yéeres : for to make them drawe , it is good to yoke them with a drawing Ore , for he will teach the other .

In times past among the Romaines , it was estéemed as great offence to kill an Ore , or to steale one , ( because of their ploughes , ) as it was to kill a man .

The Bull requiring combat , sheweth magnanimitie of courage and gentilitie , he turneth the head , lifteth vp the cares , remaineth on his foreféete , and maketh the dust to die with his hinder féete .

At Rome hath bene séene an Ore speake . The Ore of Egypt hath a kyrnell called Apis vnder his tongue , and a white spotte on the right side , which groweth as the hornes of the Moone . The nature of shéepe is that they liue not aboue nine or tenne yéeres , the Males couple with the Females in the middest of May , till the middest of August , the Females beare a hundreth and fiftie dayes .

The Ram if the right genitorie be bounde , maketh all Females , and if the left be bound in the season , maketh all Males . If ye looke vnder the Tuppe or Rammes tongue , he doeth ingender Lambes of the colour that the vaynes are , if they be of diuers colours , he ingendreth Lambes of diuers sortes .

Also the mutation of waters , doeth varefie the colour of Lambes , also the windes . It is esteemed not good to cut or gelde Lambes before fiue monethes , and commonly the Females bring forth not aboue foure Lambes .

Goates conceiue commonly two kiddes , and sometime foure , they beare fiue monethes as doe shéepe , they become barren with fatnesse , & they ingender not before the fourth yéere , they conceiue in Nouember , for to bée deliuered in March , when the trées beginne to budde : the Goate feareth cold , euery one of these beasts haue not hornes , but the milke of those that haue no hornes , is fatter then those that haue , and those that haue hornes , their age is knowen by the knots in their horns , they aspire through the eares , and not by their nose , and they are neuer without Feuers or Agues , because of the heate of their bodies , which maketh them much subiect to lechery , they sée as well by night as by day , they haue all deardes on their chinne , if one of them be taken or driuen , all the rest will marueile thereat , if they croppe or bite a yong trée , it dieth , and if they lick an Oliue trée , it will drie away .

Among the swine the Sowe doth farrowe two times a yéere , and sometime they haue twentie Pigges , but they cannot nourish so many : the tenth day the Pigges haue téeth : in once knowing the Bore they are filled , but they double it for feare not to haue retained .

Some thinke that if they léese an eye that they wil soone die , otherwise they liue til fiftéene or twenty yéeres , the most fattest haue least milke , they willingly wallowe in the durt and myre , and couch most on the left side , they fatten in six dayes , they know their maisters house , and defend one an other , for if that one cry , all the rest will runne thither .

Among the wilde Bores , the male hath great payne to acquaint him with the Female , and she hath great dolour to make her yong ones : they are borne with téeth , and are blacke .

In Arabia they can not liue , neither wilde nor yet tame .

Apes doe approch much to the sense of man , and their kinde is , to haue no tayles , these kinde of beastes , are much affectioned to their yong ones , they kepe them or holde them alwayes betwéene their armes or legges , before their breastes , whereby many times they kill them : they haue beard on their chinne . And some in Ethiopia haue tailes , that can liue no where els .

Of Hares there are diuers kindes , in the hie Mountaines , there are white ones , & in Winter they liue with snowe . It is said that a Hare is as olde as there are purgings or voydings in her belly , they haue both kindes , and ingender one with another , and the Hare alone is meate vnto men , beastes and foules , and therefore hée is euer in feare , and goeth more by night then by day .

Conies are of another kinde , the Males haue great desire to eate the yong ones when they are borne , but the Female hideth them , and they make great multiplication .

Many sortes of beastes there are on the earth , that doe mingle one kinde with another .

Among the beasts , Origes haue the haire long alwayes , tending towards the head , and of other beastes the haire tendeth towardes the tayle .

Mice are ingendred on the earth . We reade that when Hanibal had besieged a Towne , a Mouse was sold for two hundreth Crownes , the seller died for famine , & the buyer did escape the hunger . The old Mice are nourished of the yong ones , by great clemencie .

In Affrica there is neither Déere , wilde Bores , Goates , nor Beares . In other places neither Wolues , nor Foxes . In some places there are no Hares , in other places no Conies . And in other places there is great diuersitie of beastes , that are not in other places .

The Scorpions or Serpents doe sooner hurt strangers , then the Countrey inhabitantes .

The ninth Booke treateth of Water beastes , and of Fishes .

IN the Sea there are many great beastes , aswell as on earth for the moisture thereof , and because it is more larger and bigger . Also there is many monsters and diuersitie in many fishes , for they couple in many kindes , and there is the similitude of all kinde of beastes on the earth , and rather more .

Whales are the most greatest and grossest beastes in the Sea , there are of two hundreth yardes long . In many places there are rib bones of Whales of twenty yardes .

Alexander the great was afrayed to méete them , least his Nauy should haue perished . In the Sea there are Eeles thrée hundreth foote long .

In the night there commeth many fishes out of the Sea , that wil eate the corne in the fields , & after returne againe .

There is in the Sea Mermaides that haue bene séene , and some that haue the shape of men , and their voyce like vnto mens voice , hauing the body of mans shape , and the lower parts scaled like fishes , with a taile .

And there are Wolues , Horses , Asses , Hogges & other sea beastes , as on the earth . If the fishes aspire and respire as other beastes , there are diuers opinions .

Plinie doeth beléeue that the most part sléepeth & respireth , except those that haue no liuer , and in stéede of blood haue humor .

The Dolphin is the most swiftest fish in the Sea , and most hardest to be taken : euery one foloweth his like , they haue yong in ten monethes in Sommer , and nourish them as doe the Whales , the olde ones carry the yong ones , and there is alwayes a great Dolphin , that followeth the little one , they haue the tongue mouing like a Hog .

Aboue the nature of other fishes , they loue yong children , and the sounde of Instruments , they liue three hundreth yéeres , and they haue their greatnesse at tenne yéeres , they reioyce when one calleth them Symon , and they loue humaine voyce .

Many examples are both séene and reade of little children , that they haue caried by Sea on their backes and brought backe againe without doing them any harme .

Shell fishes are so great in some places , that with their shelles they couer their houses .

The beastes of the Sea haue diuers clothings , some are couered with leather , and with haire , as the Sea calfe , some onely with leather as the Dolphins , others with great thicke and harde shelles , other softer shelles , as Oysters , Cockles , and Muscles , that haue no heads , others with sharpe prickles , as the Ecchinus called the Sea Porcupen , others with scales , as Carpes and many other fish , others with rough skinnes with the which they shaue fine wood and Iuory , some with soft skinnes , and others that haue none .

The Sea calfe which is clothed with skinne and haire , they ioyne Male and Female together as Dogges , and they neuer haue but two at a burthen , they nourish their yong ones with their pappes or tettes , and are deliuered on the lande , and within twelue dayes after they bring them to the Sea .

The Sea calfe , is more grieued and more constrained to sléepe then any other beast , and therfore their skinne put on a mans head , doeth prouoke him to sléepe .

Great is the diuersitie of beastes , in some there is neither bone nor thorne , and of many kindes there is no male .

Among the fishes the Females are greater then the Males , there are some that haue their scales tending towards their heads , cleane contrarie to the nature of others .

Some there are that goe alwayes to sléepe vpon the drie lande .

The Whale maketh her yong ones aliue without egs .

Eeles liue commonly eight yéere , they will liue six daies without water , specially when the winde is at West , and lesse with other windes .

In Winter they couet déepe and cleare waters , and swimme in the bottome , they féede in the night , and they of all other fishes , slote not aboue water when that they are dead . In the Lake of Verone they are taken by thousandes . Some kinde of fishes rendreth their yong ones aliue , others that flye by the Sea , as the Sea swallowe .

Some make egges and couer or sit on them , as doe the foules in the ayre , so doeth the Sea kite , a foule called Lucerna , of the propertie of his name , séeketh the maine Seas , whose tongue shineth or glistereth , as may well be séene in a faire and calme night .

The Dragon of the Sea , as soone as she is taken and brought to land , she maketh incontinently an entery or hole in the sande , that shée might be lost . Some fishes haue no blood , and haue their heads in their bellies betwéene their féete , & with their feete they cast meate into their mouths .

The Sea Locusts hide them selues for the space of fiue monethes , and swimme in the spring time , they battaile betwéene themselues with their hornes .

If they be put aliue into hote water for to séeth , they will be tender .

The Sea Creuices liue in Rockes and stony places , & there are very great ones .

In Sommer and in the Spring they fatten , and in the full Moone , and they augment & diminish with the Moone , they are of a long life , & they haue all eight féete . The Females haue the first foote folded or double , and the Males single , and they créepe as much backward as forward .

Cockles haue two little hornes wherewith they féele the way , for they haue no eyes .

The fishes ioyne Male and Female , ioyning their bellies , then the female runneth or swimmeth away , touching with her mussell the belly of the Male , and the Males eate the Females Egges , for if all the Egges should profite , the Sea , Riuers , and Pondes , would be filled with fish , there would be such an innumerable multitude .

The Sea Mouse maketh her Egges on the lande , and couereth them with earth , and thirtie dayes after doeth vncouer them , and bringeth her yong ones into the Sea .

Some fish liue thrée score yéere , as by the experience of markes put on them . Some fishes there are that liue on the lande , when that in Sommer , the Riuers and poudes are dried vp , and some will goe feede in the corne , and on the lande , tarying for the water , and such is the nature of some , to liue on the earth with wormes .

There are certaine fishes with sharpe prickles on their backes , that will cut the line of fishers Nettes .

Other fishes that are called Sea starres , doe burne other fishes by their great heate .

In the Sea there is warre among the fishes as among the foule in the aire , for one féedeth not with another .

The tenth Booke treateth of the Foules of the Ayre .

IN Affrica and Ethiopia , there are birdes that are called Struthiocameli , as hie as a man on horsebacke , which doe not forsake the earth , but runne faster then horses .

The Phenix liueth in Arabia , I say not that hée is alone , but neuer man sawe him eate , he liueth sixe hundreth yéeres , and in his age maketh a Nest of the braunches of spice trées , wherein he dieth , and of his bones commeth a worme , the which afterwarde natarally becommeth a Phenix . He is as great as an Eagle , the feathers about his necke are of the colour of golde , the taile yellowe , and the surplus like to Azure .

Eagles there are of sixe kindes , some liue with their pray on the earth , other in the water , that fishe with one foote , they haue the knowledge to take Whelkes , and other shelled fish vp into the ayre , & then let them fall , to breake their shelles , for to haue the fish , they cause their yong ones to looke vp into the Sunne beames , and cast those out of the Neast that will not beholde the Sunne , as bastards : they die in their age , because that their vpper bill doth growe so long that they can not eate , they fight against Déere and against the Dragons , and in flying they cast dust that they take vp on the lande , in the eyes of Crowes & other beastes for to blinde them .

The Cuckoe resembleth to the colour of the wood Doue , they are killed of others of their kinde , they change their voyce , and come in the spring time , and doe alwayes bring vp their yong ones in other birdes nestes , specially in the nestes of stock Doues , she neuer lightly maketh aboue one egge , and very seldome two , because she knoweth that shée is hated of all other birdes . They thinke them selues very fayre , and dispraise others , and there is no flesh swéeter than theirs .

The Kite is alwayes a reuenging foule : it séemeth by the remouing of their taile , that they that haue learned to guide or gouerne the ships by the Helme , haue learned by her . Crowes will breake or cracke nuttes , with often letting them fall in flying .

The Rauens ingender by the mouth , as some suppose , as doe Doues : it is an euill token or signe when that they cry as though they were choked .

The night Owles doe defend them selues from other foules , with their bill and clawes , because they are hated they flye in the night , in winter they sléepe two monethes , and they haue nine maner of voyces .

Among the flying beasts , some haue fingers and nailes , and other flatte & brode féete , as Géese , Duckes , Swannes , and others liuing for the most part in the waters .

The proud Pecocke spreadeth abrode his feathers , specially against the Sunne , to make them shine , & then putteth them down together : his taile shedeth as the leaues on trées , and commeth againe with the spring , when he hath no taile , he doeth hyde him selfe as ashamed , at thrée yéeres his tayle beginneth to colour , and liueth xxv . yéeres , his féete are fowle , and his voyce fearefull .

The Cocke knoweth the starres , & when the day dawneth he riseth , and goeth to rest when the Sunne is sette , by his crowing hée giueth warning of the houres in the night , and waketh those that goe to their labour , he is king of beasts that are in the house of his bignesse , & fighteth with his spurres : if he haue the masterie , he will sing or crow , if hée be vanquished , hée hydeth him selfe : hée is stoute in his going , and maketh the Lyon afrayde : hée beholdeth the Sunne more then any other birde : if he be kerued or gelded , he will not crowe , being kerued he will soone waxe fatte . The Goose kepeth the Romains Capitol , it hath bene recited of a Goose that hath followed his maister from Swecia , to Rome : their feathers are pluckt twice a yéere , with Goose grease is made many good oyntments .

Cranes they flie hie , they doe elect one whome they followe , there are among them Sergeantes , which make them kéepe order in their assemblies , in the night they sléepe the head vnder their wing , and one legge vnder their feathers , and sustaine them selues with the other . Those that are appointed to make watche , holde a stone in one of their clawes , for to waken those that sléepe , when he letteth the stone fall into the water .

The Storkes goe their wayes in the Sommer , and none knoweth whether , nor from whence they come , aswel as Cranes , the one commeth in Sommer , and the other in winter , they assemble for to take their flight , but no man euer sawe their congregations , for that is done in the night , without noyse . They assemble in Asia at a certaine day , & he that is last come , is killed and torne in pieces , and then they take their flight . The Swannes eate Serpents , and therefore there is as great paine to kill them , as to kill a man , the yong ones doe nourish the olde .

The Quailes come by night , and in daunger of mariners when they aproche the lande , because of their great multitude . In time of raine , or of a great winde , they neuer passe the Seas , in winter they cast their feathers , so doeth the Turtle .

Swalowes liue with flesh , they are so swift , and turne so suddainly , that no other foules can get them for to féede on , and they will féede in flying .

Swallowes tarie but halfe a yéere , some chaunge their voyces , and their feathers mount euery yéere . The Iay loueth to steale Gold and Siluer . In some places there are no Partriges . In Rhodes there are no Eagles .

At Rome in the house of Hercules , there entreth neither Dogge , nor flyes .

And so it is , that in many places there is great diuersitie of birdes .

Along the Sea coastes in some places there are birdes that liue with fish , and euery one of them maketh seuen Nestes , and in euery Nest yong ones , but their Nestes are so harde , that they can scarce be broken , and there is no way into the Nestes but one little hole for the Dame to come in and out , and their Nestes are of Thornes , that are ranged one against another , with earth and feathers , and they are seldome séene . There are Swallowes of diuers kindes , there are some called Marlions the make their nests six foote in the ground . Birdes haue marueilous great industrie , and knowledge in making their Nestes , with feathers , earth , and chaffe , haire , wooll , mosse , and such like .

Also they carry water to temper it , and to fortifie it , by the which meanes their yong ones are sure and safe against the raine , the dames doe clense and make cleane the nestes from ordure , when their little ones are yong , and when they become great , they force them to come foorth of their nestes for to be cleane .

And in India , some foules seeke Hares skinnes to make their nestes .

The Partridge so maketh her nest , that the wilde beastes can not finde them , and where she layeth her Egs she hatcheth not her yong , fearing that her oft frequentation should be knowen .

The Female for the intemperancie of lust of the Male , séeketh to deceiue him , because if she be vpon the nest , hée will breake her Egges . The Males doe fight , for the Females . At the cry or singing of the Female , the Male runneth so blinded , that he will sometimes strike against the foulers head , he is so much subiect to imbicilitie , more then any other birde .

The Female when she heareth any approch her yong ones , she faineth to haue her winges broken , that shée can not flye , and cryeth that she may be heard , for to retire the people and Dogges , to the ende they finde not their nestes , and she flyeth a farre of from her little ones , and they liue , by common estimation , till sixtene yéeres .

The Doues are chaste and leaue not their dwelling or remaining place , if they are not without makes , they doe suspect adulterie : by this meanes they quarrell with their throte , and fight with their bill , then they flatter with their féete . The Male is as carefull toward the yong ones , as the Female : at the first they bring their yong of the salt of the earth , for to temper their appetite , and they conceiue by the bill . The Pigeons and Turtles drinke as doe horses , without often pulling their bill out of the water when they drinke : they liue about eight yéeres , but the wilde Doues liue thirtie yéeres .

The Sparrow liueth not aboue a yéere , and the Female liueth somewhat more , because of the frequentation that they haue together .

Birdes flie in diuers kindes , some go , some leape , some runne , and some cast their féete forewarde before they flye , as Cranes and Sorkes , and there are none but Drakes , that flye bolt vpward at the first leape , others aduance them before they flye . Some haue no féete , and haue no rest but in their nest .

Hennes haue vnderstanding , and when they haue laide an Egge , they cackle and make a noyse .

The Cardnelis doth those things , that shée is commanded .

The Popingay can speake humaine speach , they come from the Indians , they haue their head as hard as their bill , they liue most commonly with Acornes , and they speake best that haue fiue clawes on their féete , they are taught secretly where as there is no other noyses but the teachers .

Crowes haue bene séene speake , and call noble men by their names , specially one in Rome , which by that meanes was solemnely buried .

It is easier to tame a Lyon , an Eliphant , or any other great beast or foule , then to tame a Mouse or a Swallow .

Strabo was the first that did cage birdes , which before had libertie in the Sky : he taught the way to fatten Capons , with meale and milke .

Among the birdes many haue foure féete , and some lay many egges , some foure , and some two . They ioyne together in two maners , the Cranes , with their height . And Hennes and other Females the Cockes tread them down . Some egges , and the most part are white , others coloured , and others red , as the egges of Fesantes : and all kinde of egges within are of two colours , white and red .

Egges of fishes are round , and they haue no white , she Egges of feathered foules liuing on the water are rounde , and of others long : the yong ones come out of the shell at the round ende .

Horace saith that the longest egs haue the best sauour , & that Hen is best and most tenderest , that laieth round egs ,

Some birdes ingender at all times , as Hennes that lay euery day an egge , some two at a time , and some so many that therewith they dye .

In some places Doues ingender ten times in a yéere .

In Egypt the Turtle twice a yéer , and other birdes but once a yéere .

As touching Egges , there is a red droppe in the middest of the yolke , the which maketh the birdes harte , and it is the first formed , and of the white is formed the body , and within the Egge the head is greater then the body , and liueth with the surplus of the yolke : the twenty day he hath life and crieth within the Egge , and then the feathers beginne to come .

The yong one in the Egge lieth after this sort , it hath the head vnder the right foote , and the right wing vpon the head , and they growe on their féete , contrary to the nature of other beastes .

Ye ought not to giue a Henne aboue xxv . Egges to coue on , and those Chickens that are hatched about the beginning of the yéere , are the best .

For to sette Hennes to broode , take egges of ten dayes olde , for they are better then older , or more fresher , and ye ought to put odde : when the Henne hath coued foure dayes , in looking on them in the Sunne , ye shall knowe whether they be good or no , or in puting them in warme water , for the good Egge will sinke to the bottome , and those that are putrified and naught , will flotte and swimme . If the eggs are neuer so little craised the are sette , they wil neuer proue .

It is best to set Hennes to coue in the newe Moone , for if they are set in the wane of the Moone , or at the full , they will profite little . When the weather is hote , Chickens will come within one and twenty dayes , and if it be colde , not til fiue and twenty dayes . If it thunder the egs that are coued wil be lost , & also at the voice of the Rite or Puttock .

The remedy against the thunder , is to put a naile in the Hennes nest , or els of the earth of a Cart whéele .

It hath bene recited of a Cock , which after the Hennes death hath atchieued couing , and by this meanes to ceasse from crowing .

The Ducke meruaileth at the first to sée her Ducklins , but after most carefully she calleth them together , and lamenteth if she sée them drowned in the water , and some there are that can make Chickens come in warme water , as well as if the Egge were coued .

The pip commeth lightly vnto pullaine , betwéene haruest and the vintage : for a remedy therefore , it is good to let them hunger , and to giue them little meate , or to giue them to eate Garlike and butter .

Doues they lay two egges , and if they lay thrée they will hatche but twaine , they bring foorth a Male and a Female , the Male first , and two dayes after the Female .

The Male is hatched in the day time , and the Female in the night , the yong Pigeons come foorth of the shell twenty dayes after they are hatched , and the Female layeth egges within fiue dayes after that she hath knowen the Male. In sommer oftentimes they haue yong ones thrice in two monethes , for if the weather be hote , they conceiue in eightene dayes , and therefore in the nest is found many times egges and yong ones . And Pigeons conceiue at fiue moneths .

The Pecock at the age of thrée yéers bringeth forth yong ones , the first yéere one , & euery yéere after she increaseth , the Male breaketh the egs to haue the Female at his pleasure , & therefore she hideth her egs , and for one Male , shée hath fiue Females : in thirty dayes shée bringeth forth her yong ones . Géese conceiue in the water , they make their egs in the Spring : it is necessary to giue them nine or eleuen egs to coue , at xxv . or xxx , dayes they are hatched , commonly Swannes or such like , coue thirty dayes , the female Crowe olone coueth , and the Male féedeth her in the nest .

The Bat hath the members and wings as feathers , she bringeth two yong ones , the which she nourisheth with the milke of her breasts .

Vipers do winde one about another in conceiuing , that they séeme to be but one Serpent , & the Female conceiueth by sucking the Males head , which shée putteth into hers .

Some Serpentes make her egges on the grounde , and then couereth them with earth , and the next yéere after bringeth foorth their yong ones .

Men are more proner to lust and fornication in Winter then in Sommer , and women more in Sommer then in Winter .

Beastes haue societie , and knowe when the Female will haue the Male.

Among the foure footed beastes , their smelling bringeth the operation of lecherie .

The greater the beastes are , the fewer yong they bring foorth , and the longer they beare them .

All beastes are replenished with the Male at one time though they bring neuer so many , and the yong ones lie in the females belly the ioyntes or knées against the belly .

But a yong Childe in the mothers Wombe hath his face betwéene his knées , and is like a Citie .

Rattes and Mice doe ingender by licking one another , and it hath bene séen that one hath made six score , so it commeth to passe that by this meanes there are so many both in the fieldes , and in mens houses .

The Salamander in touching the fire doeth quench it as if it were Ise , and notwithstanding that she casteth by the mouth , which is like milke , if it touch any part of a man , the haire of his skinne will fall away , they grow as the Eagle in the water , and among them there is neither Male nor Female , and they neuer conceiue nor make egges nor yet haue yong .

Mans sense is perfect , but in séeing , the Eagle doth surmount him .

The Vulture to smell , and the Mole to heare , what soeuer is on the earth .

Fishes doeth both smell and sée , and yet haue neither eare nor hole in the head .

Some fishes get their pray with their téeth , others with their féete , and others with sucking and licking according to their nature .

Some liue by sucking of venime , as Serpentes , and Spiders , that haue neither blood nor heate , nor sweate , and to them néedeth no meates .

Wolues doe often times liue with earth .

Beastes doe fatten with drinking , and therefore salt for them is necessary .

Those beastes that haue their téeth close , doe lappe as Dogges in their drinking , and they that holde their téeth together doe sowpe hume as doe Oxen and Horses .

The Beare in drinking séemeth to bite the water .

In Affrica wilde beastes drinke not in the Sommer for default of water , and there are certaine beastes that neuer drinke , and yet they haue alwayes thirst within the body .

There is that haue a bladder full of liquor , in drinking thereof one shall endure long without thirst .

Birdes haue both amitie and warre among them selues as well as beastes on the earth .

One robbeth from the other their nestes , yong ones , Egges and meate .

All beastes hauing hart will sléepe , boeth on the earth and in the water .

A childe newe borne ( to let him sléepe long ) is to him nourishment , as he growes to age he sléepeth lesse , and yong children dreame in their sléeping .

The eleuenth Booke treateth of little Beastes .

NAture hath made more meruailes , and hath giuen more sense and vnderstanding to little beasts , worthy of more greather memorie then the great . They haue no blood , but in stéede of blood haue humiditie and moisture in the body , which maketh them giue both sound and voyce , to aspire and respire , they haue neither heart nor liuer , but only certaine bowels , and haue eyes & other sentemēts and féelings , their head moueth not without the body , vnlesse it be pulled off .

Among the which , the good flies or hony Bées haue sense , and labour for the publike profite , they haue among them Princes , and conductours of their counsell , and maner how to behaue them selues in their frequentations . In the winter they are hidden , for that they can not resist the Snowes , windes , and frostes , they make hony and waxe , when they goe to their worke they neuer léese no time .

First they wype or rubbe their Hiue with things that are bitter , as the Gumme of trées , and other things for to take the taste from other beastes of the swéetnesse of their hony : after ward they make their chambers or dwellings , then they make their yong ones without corruption , and after that they make their hony and waxe , of floures , and prouide foode for winter , otherwise bitter meate full of humor seperated from hony .

On nights in their voyage , when they are from their wonted place to rest , they lye their belly vpward , to kéepe their wings from the dewe . The maner of their workes is to remaine some of them at the gate or doore of their Hyue there to kéepe watch , as the custome is of a Castle : in the night they rest till the morning , except those that are appointed to watch , of the which one of them in the morning goeth about making a sound or noyse , as it were a Trumpet , and then euery one departeth and flieth away if the day be faire , otherwise they continue in their house , & they knowe the disposition of times , the yong ones goe or flie abroade into the fieldes , & the old ones remaine to make the worke , or to deuide the roomes within . Some bring the flowers to the entrie of their place , others doe discharge it , & carieth it in , others bring water in their throte for to temper or giue moisture to their workes , and they deuide their offices .

Some do garnish , some pollishe , some sucke , and others make ready foode of that which is brought in , for they liue together , and doe not seperate , to the end , that equally their foode be deuided : they make double alleyes or pathes , some to come in at , and some to goe foorth by : the most hony is in the highest roome .

If there chaunce to rise a great winde whylest they are in the fieldes , then they flie close to the grounde along the hedges , and they take a little stone or earth to bée more waightier , to the ende the winde beare them not away , and lode their floures in their fore féete against their breastes .

Those that are appointed maisters or ouerséers of their house , will chastice those that are negligent and slow .

They neuer file nor make filth in their Hiue they are so cleane . In the night their watch being set , they retire into their lodging , and make a murmuring or noyse , still diminishing till that one maketh the last sound or Trumpet , flying in the midst of them , and then they ceasse off all till the morning . First they make their common houses , and then the house of their king or Captaine whome they doe elect and choose .

Among these good flyes , there are others more greater without sting , which serue at the workes , and to chafe or warme the yong ones betwéene their féete , and they are straightly corrected , and if they faile , without any remission .

These make their king a faire house , pinacled like a Castle , seperated from other houses .

The lodgings of the common sort , haue six rowmes or corners for the worke of their sixe féete , and they make them in close , darke , or raynie dayes , and at such times they fill the vpper Celles with hony , and in a faire and cléere day , they goe to the fieldes .

The maner how the yong ones are borne , there is great difficultie , for they neuer couer one another . There was a Romaine that made a hiue of cléere lanterne hornes for to sée their works , & it séemeth that they make little wormes , that become flyes , and before that they haue feathers , there is nothing that the dame desireth more to eate , when their heads are pulled of .

Their king is chosen in euery swarme or company , and they choose him that is greatest : he is knowen , for he hath a spot in the forehead . If he goe or flye to the fieldes : the others followe him as his garde , and he goeth not out of the Hiue , vnlesse that all the rest doe followe .

If he haue a wing broken or perished , hée goeth not out of the Hiue , he onely taketh no paines , but admonisheth them of their worke . If by aduise of counsell he commeth forth , euery one putteth their paine to serue him , and will carry him if he be wearie . If he haue a sting , yet he vseth it not . When they intend to depart and leaue the hiue , certaine dayes before , they murmure and make a noyse , and flye their way by tempests .

Oftentimes they be at strife for their bondes & floures , or if one Hiue haue no foode , they will spoyle another , and their king doth defende them .

If there wante vittailes , they kill or driue away those flyes that haue no sting . If their sting be once broken , they are tamed or faint hearted , as a gelded body , and can profite no more , such haue places a part for to retire them .

They hate shéepe , for they can scarce get out of their wooll . Also they hate Crabbs or Creuices , and if there be any sodden néere to their place , the smell of them will make them die .

They haue many diseases , and if any of them die , they bring him out of their rowmes , and cast him out of their Hiue as making of funeralles .

If their King die , they do more , for then they make such dolor and sorowe , that they doe nothing . By this and by to much taking off of their hony , they die often times .

They haue sense and vnderstanding to heare , and doe reioyce , and at the sound of a Basan they will assemble .

When their worke is finished they flie abroade , then returne to their Hyue or house . Their age is seuen yéeres , they neuer touch any Carion , as Crowes Kites , and other flyes doe . Their hony commeth as it were a sweate from heauen , spittle from the starres , or liquor from the ayre , when in the spring time the saide moisture falleth on the leaues and the Dew , and the Bées receiueth it , and carieth it into their Hyue .

The hony at the first is as cleare as water , it boyleth like newe wine , and purgeth , the twentie day it fatteneth , then it hardneth , and casteth a little skinne like a scumme , there is wayes how to get the hony , for want of foode causeth the Bées to disperse and flye their wayes , or die , and to great abundance maketh them vnprofitable , for they labour no more then is necessary or néedefull , & therefore the twelfth part is their portion that they ought to leaue them .

Of hony is made many medicinable things , seruing to eche one . Some leaue the tenth part , and if it be not full but almost emptie , ye ought not to touch it .

That hony that cleaueth together or thréedeth , is not good , but when incontinently it breaketh in taking of it , it is a good signe .

Also the good smelling hony that hath a colour like gold , and swéete in the tast , is a signe of goodnesse . The wilde hony is not so good as the other .

Spiders or Spinners haue within them such fertilitie , that they spinne beginning in the middest , and they make thréedes very subtill . They make their yong ones like wormes .

Scorpions towards the East are very venemous , and they make little wormes like Egges , of which commeth their yong ones , but in Italy they doe little harme . They byte or sting with their tayle .

Locustes or Grashoppers make egges , they goe on the ground with their clawes . The Parthians do eate them .

Also Ants make egges , of the which growe their yong ones : and as the good flyes doe congregate their workes , so they hide their foode in that earth , for to liue with in the winter . They haue knowledge how to deuide that great graine Acorne , and they drye them that are wet in the Sommer , they worke by night in the full Moone , one commeth to an other for their burthens , and it séemeth that in them is mutuall loue in the diligence of their worke .

Among other beasts they burie one another when they are dead .

The Butterflie commeth of a little worme in thrée dayes , she groweth also of wood wherein is humiditie .

There are beastes full of blood that die so soone as they are full , for behinde they haue no issue , they are ingendred vnder Oxen , and some time on Doggess .

In Cypres there growe in the furnaces , of flies great flying flies , called Piralis or Piransta , that die when they are out of the fire . And some there are called Hemorobios , that die that day that they take life . Dead flies if they be hidden or buried in ashes , will reuine . All beastes haue their hornes hollow sauing at the very end , except the Deere .

Asses in India haue one horne . Man alone hath his eares vnmoueable . Hares sléepe with their eyes open , so do many men which the Greekes call Corybantia .

The eyes of yong Swallowes will come againe , if they be pulled out .

The eyes of man principally doth shewe loue , furor , folly , and wisedome .

Great eyes signifie small witte or discretion . The heart liueth first , and dieth last .

A man hath eight ribbes on a side , the Hog ten , the Serpent thirtie . Among foules the Batte hath téeth and no other . Man groweth till he be xxi . yéeres olde . Blood preserueth the life of euery person : that being gone : no remedy but death . They that haue the thickest and fattest blood , are the strongest . They that haue it most fine and cleare , are the wisest . They that haue least are fearefull .

The blood of an Asse is most fattest . The blood of a Bull will soone waxe hard . The blood of Déere and Goates is not thicke nor hardneth not .

Man alone will chaunge his colour euen in a moment . The man that is hairie , is inclined to fleshly lust .

If a mans haire doth not grow nor his beard , it is a signe that he is barren , so is the woman that hath no haire growing on her body .

The haire of a mans beard commeth not as the grasse in the field that is mowed , but it proceedeth from the roote .

There is no Male that hath any appearance of breastes but man : a woman hath two in her stomacke , the Cowe hath foure in her belly , Goates & Shéepe two , the Sowes ten , and some twelue . Euery Pigge knoweth the dugge that they haue bene nourished with .

Whales , and Sea calues nourish their yong ones with milke of their breastes .

A womans milke is vnprofitable before the seuen moneths . A Cowe hath no milke before shée hath had a calfe . The Asse hath milke when she beginneth to beare . And to let the yong Asse take the dammes milke before two dayes , is daungerous .

Certaine Dames of Rome did bathe them-selues in Asses milke , for it maketh their skinne smooth and white .

Milke of Goates is worse to make chéese than the milke of Kyne . The milke of beasts hauing aboue foure breasts , is vnprofitable to make chéese , and that of two breastes is better .

The chiefest and best chéeses are made in Italy .

Zoroastes liued twentie yéeres with chéese without féeling age .

Man hath two féete of one length and measure , and two armes with two handes . The thombe and the little finger are of one measure , the other two also of a measure , & that in the middest is longer . Euery finger hath thrée ioynts , and they shut or bowe inward & not outwarde , the thombe hath but two that bowe in like maner .

The Ape is the beast that most approcheth the fashion of féete , hands , nose , and eares to man , for with the foreféete he fedeth , and hath the bowels like to mans .

At thrée yéeres man hath taken halfe his growth of height . He hath the knées and armes contrary in bowing , the one forwarde the other backwarde .

Beastes that ingender their like , bowe their knées backwarde , and those that make egges , forewarde . Nailes growe vnto eche one , yea vnto dead men as well as their beardes .

Birdes that haue clawes and one at the héele , stretche their féete toward their tayle in flying .

All beastes haue féete in number equall . Flyes haue sire and so haue Locustes or Grashoppers that leape , because that their hinder féete are long .

The genitors of Wolues , Fores , and Rammes are of bone . Bores haue them ioyning , and Shepe haue them hanging .

The tale of fishes serueth to conduct them , & so it doeth to other beastes , and all haue tayles except man and the Ape . Those beastes haue voyce that haue lunges and artiers . Others make but a sounde or noyse , and murmure inwarde .

A Childe neuer rendreth voyce till he be wholly out of the mothers wombe . They that sonest speake latest goe .

The voyces of men are diuers , as well as their similitudes and likenesse , and we vnderstand them before we sée them . The voyce of men is more grauer then the voyce of women . Members that growe out of time are vnprofitable , as the sixt finger .

There was one that had two eyes behind the head , but he sawe nothing . It is a vaine thing saieth Aristotle to iudge any person by signes . Often-times commeth iudgements of short life , that is to wit , few téeth , very long fingers , colour like to lead , and other things .

The contrary signes of long life is to crooke the shoulders , on one hand two strikes along , to haue more then xxxij . téeth , great eares .

Great fore heads signifieth a stoute and manly courage , little forehead , lightnesse , a round forehead , wrath . If the browes be straight it signifieth imbecilitie . If they bende towards the nose , hastinesse . If they bende towards the chéekes , signifieth a mocking person . If they bende wholy toward the eyes , malice and enuy . Long eyes signifie malice . The greatnesse of the eares signifieth a foolish babler . The breath of a Beare is naught , and worse a Lions .

The Serpent flieth the breath of the Elephant , and the burning of Hartes horne .

The hony Bées oyle being cast on them , dye . The Scithians in their warres , temper their Dartes heads in humaine blood , and in Vipers poyson , and if they strike any therewith , there is no remedy but death .

The best foode for man is to eate but of one meate at one time or meale , the accumulating of sauours is pestiferous , and Wine maketh a smelling or stinking breath , if it bée not tempered . With great difficultie shall a man digest that which is taken gréedely , excessiuely , or hastily .

There is more paine in the stomacke to digest in Sommer , then in Winter , and in age more then in youth .

The vomitings that are made after excesse , maketh the body colde , are hurtfull to the eyes and téeth .

A mans body groweth and wareth grosse , to vse swéete things , fatte meates , and good drinkes . A man may easely liue seuen dayes without drinke .

Butter asswageth hunger and thirst : neuerthelesse things excessiuely taken are hurtfull , & therefore it is good to deminish that away which hurteth .

The twelfth Booke treateth of sweete smelling Trees .

TRées haue life which they take of the earth . There are many straunge trées in diuers countreies , which vnto some are vnknowen .

In some places they water fine trées at the foote with wine , the which profiteth much the rootes .

The Parthians which haue trées bearing wooll , of the which is made fine Cotton cloth , as it is said , haue a trée bearing Apples , but the fruit is not to bée eaten , but they haue a meruailous smell , so haue the barkes , the which being in your Chest among your apparell , casteth a swéete sauour or smell : and this trée hath alwayes fruite , some growing , some dying , and some ready to gather , and the graftes of this trée will take in no other countrey .

In India there is both wood & trées that will not burne in the fire . There hath also béene séene a Figge trée of a great height , the braunches of the same trée to spreade sixty paces , and it hath leaues so brode , that the Sunne beames can not by any meanes enter betwéene , and therefore the fruite of this trée can not dye , but the shadowe of the same is very delectable .

There is also in the Indias , Apple trées which haue the leaues thrée cubites long , and two brode , bearing such great fruit , that foure men can scarce eate one Apple . The trées name is Pala , the Apples name Aripa .

Pepper groweth on little trées as doeth Ienuper .

In the Indias it is sometimes mingled with Ienuper berries of that Countrey , which haue some strength , but no such taste : it groweth almost white , but for to last it is dryed in the smoke , which causeth it to be blacke , and with the shrubbes of the same trée dryed in the Sunne , is made long Pepper .

There are other trées which in the morning after the dewe , rendereth a certaine kinde of hony .

In Arabia there are trées which neuer cast their leaues . Others that haue their floures , that beginneth in the morning at the Sunne rising to open , and at hye noone they are opened , & after noone they beginne to close , and so remaine all night till the morning , and the Paysauntes of that countrey say that the trée sleepeth .

There is the trée of Nardas , the which casteth a meruailous sweete smell or odour .

And in Arabia of Trées growe Frankencense , and Myrre . Frankensence groweth in a Forrest of Arabia , in a fruitfull grounde , full of Fountaines pertaining to diuers persons .

It is a hanging matter among them to steale any thing .

The men do purifie them-selues , and abstaine from women for a certaine space , to take or gather the Frankensence , otherwise they can not profite .

On this side the Sea it is mingled with a kinde of Rosen which is like , but the difference is knowen by the colour , by the breaking , and by the fire , for Frankensence will sooner burne , and is sooner broken with your téeth .

Also there is in those woodes of Arabia , trees bearing Myrre , and the Masticke .

The Sabians burne no other wood , wherefore they are weary of their smell .

In the Sea of Arabia groweth the Margets and other precious stones .

Synamon is the barke of a little trée , which groweth in great quantitie in base Ethiopia , in ful places among the bushes , the best is that of the highest branches , the worst is that that is nearest to the roote . When there is any dewe in the Sommer it is gathered by great difficultie .

The trée hath no smell when it is gréene , & it is gathered from the Sunne rising , to the Sunne setting .

The shippes remaine sixe monethes for their : fraught . That that is caried into this countrey of Ethiopia to sell them , is Glasses , vessels of Copper , and Brasse , Wollen cloth , and Linnen .

The worst barke or pelle , is that that is soft and white .

Baulme groweth onely in the prouince of Iuda , in two Gardens of the Kings , the one containing about ten Akers , the other lesse , and it commeth of little trees not foure foote long , growing after the maner of a Vine , it resembleth and is neare to the taste of Wine , red in colour and fatte , the fruite is cutte with a knife of glasse , stone , or bone , for the braunche dieth to be cut with Iron , and it is cutte to take away the superfluities , then in the season the barke is onely cutte , and then commeth out the sweate by small droppes . This experience is true , that if any of it be spilt vpon any apparell , it will neuer staine .

There is daunger in Wormes , for they will marre the trée . Alexander the great in a Sommers day filled a little Viall of one trée .

Ginger groweth in the earth , and is rootes .

The thirteenth Booke treateth of straunge trees .

THe swéete oyntments , perfumes , and smellings , are made of these trées . Some for the pleasure of others buye them deare , for they that carry them , haue not the smell & pleasure , but it is for the smell of others , which is great vanitie .

Palmes are in diuers kindes , and there are none fruitfull but toward the East , for they make wines : and as in trées and leaues there are Male and Female , so there is also in these .

The Male buddeth within the roote , and the Female outwarde .

They beare euery yéere Apples , and when the trée is cut the roote casteth againe .

The Cedar groweth in Siria , of which commeth the soueraigne roote . That that flourisheth beareth no fruite , & that that fructifieth beareth no floore , and the wood lasteth perpetually .

The Figge trées in Egypt are like to Mulbery trées , the fruite commeth foure times a yéere , against the woode and not against the braunches .

There are many vnknowen trées , specially those that haue the good Gum. There are made Cordes or Ropes of this trée .

At Rome haue béene founde bookes of Philosophie in a Sepulchre betwéene two stones couered with Cedar wood that had laine there fiue hundreth thirtie fiue yéeres without harme , for the Cedar neuer rotteth , and there is no wood so good to make workes .

There are Cedar trées so hie , that ye can not sée the toppes , and so great that there was presented to Tiberius Caesar , a table that was foure foote large , & sixty foote long .

Lotten or Celtis is a trée in Affrica , the fruite of which is so swéete that it healeth all paines in the belly , and out of that fruite being brused or prest , commeth wine that will not continue aboue ten dayes .

Pomegranets there are of diuers kindes , swéete , sower , and winish . The pell of the sower ones , are good and best to tanne skinnes , and the floures are good for Dyars .

The Thorn that is called Royal , groweth in one day , and kepeth wyne from being naught .

Citisus is a singular trée , the wood is good to all beastes , as well Shéepe as others . If ●●e sodden in water , it rendreth to Nources that drinke it , plenty of milke , and maketh the children more sure and more greater , and maketh Hennes to lay egges . Vpon the floure of this trée a flye will neuer sitte .

Many other straunge trées there are in the Sea , that will breake like glasse , & others that are as hard as stones , and many other trées that are in the Ilandes of the Sea , which we haue not here , and which vnto vs are also vnknowen .

The foureteenth Booke treateth of Trees and fruitfull Plantes .

IN times past men were wonte to haue many pleasant trées , of the which nowe there is no mention , for euery one studieth couetousnesse .

The Wine groweth of wilde plantes , and among all other plantes it is the principallest fruite , and there are many kindes , and euery yéere it must be cut , or else otherwise it would compasse a whole Towne .

Wine is the blood of the Earth , it being taken within a mans body is hote , and without it is colde , it is bothe comfortable and profitable to a man , if it be taken measurably , otherwise it is very hurtfull .

Alexander the great did vanquishe the whole worlde , and yet could not so well kéepe him selfe , but was ouercome with the force of Wine .

Wines is not permitted to the wiues of Rome .

We reade that King Romulus did pardon and forgiue a Senatour of Rome called Ignatius Mecenius , which had killed his wife with a Clubbe , for that she was founde drinking wine out of a tunne .

And therefore Cato did ordaine that women and maydens should be kissed of their parents and kinsfolke , to the ende they should knowe whether they did smell of Wine or no.

Marcus Varo writeth of a Consull which neuer made banquet , nor had at his table more at one time then at an other , for feare of to much drinking .

In times past at Rome the price was set on wine , to the ende that little should be drunke , but since Caesar made great banquettes , which gaue occasion to make prouision at Rome for all kinde of wines . Wine alone serueth to make medicines .

There is wine made of Peares , Apples , and of other trées , which they vse toward the East .

Some make Wine of hearbes , of water and hony sodden , which in Wales is called Metheglyn , that will laste fiue yéeres , or with Hony and Vineger , which is called Oximell .

The small wines ought to touch the ground for to bee the better kept , but not the good . The flower of white wine is good , and that of red is naught . By drunkennesse men reueale their secrets , and make debates .

The fifteenth Booke treateth of Trees bearing fruite .

THe Oliue trée groweth not neare the Sea , nor in places to hote nor to colde : they must bée cut like Vines . The Oliue oyle is of a better sauour when the Oliues beginne to ripe , but there is not so much when they beginne to be black , but that is the time to take them , and of their ripenesse . There is more paine to make Oyle then wine .

The Oliue hath stone , oyle and flesh , the gréene are bitter , by drying they become lesse though that the heate is cause of oyle . The liquor of the Oliue is the oyle , but it lasteth not as doth wine , for it is best the first yéere .

Some there are that tary til the Oliues fall from trées , for it hurteth the trées againe the yéere following , to bée cut , broken , or smitten .

Oliues before they are rype will be kept with salte , after that they haue bene in hote water .

If the Oliue be not cleane , it is washed and dried , thrée or foure dayes and seasoned with salt .

There is Oyle made of many things , of Nuttes , of Acornes , of small graines , of swéete smelling trées , of Gumme that serueth for medecines , of Almonds , Chesnuttes , and diuers other things , according to the Countreies . Apples and Peares ought to be kept in a drie and colde place , and for them the North winde is good and no other wyndes , when the weather is faire , they should be put on hay , seperated one from another for to take the ayre , and they ought to be gathered before the full Moone .

Nuttes make a sound or ratling in falling , when they are rype , and among other fruites they are parted in foure within , with a little skinne betwéene both . They will kéepe gréene , being put in earthen pottes , in the earth , and with them is made good Oyles .

Chestnuttes , are a kinde of maste , and it is meruaile that nature hath so closed them in shelles .

Mulberies stayne a bodies fingers , and they are of thrée colours , at the first they are white , after that become redde , and when they are ripe then they are blacke .

Cheries will kéepe dried with the Sunne , as Oliues . There are many relessings in fruites , as swéete , waterish , sower , bitter , gréene , salt , brackish , fatte , and diuers others , among the which there are that haue many tastes together .

The Wynes are swéete and sower , pricking . Milke is swéete and fatte , but there are thrée principall Elementes , without sauour and without smell , as water , fire , and the ayre . The Laurell is dedicated to triumphes , and Emperours beare thereof on their heads , principally because it kéepeth the persons from thunder .

The sixtenth Booke treateth of wylde trees .

THe Acornes commeth of Oke trées of diuers sortes , for some there are better then others , and in time of famine the good Acornes dried may be grinded to make bread . Acornes be most swéetest when that they are newe , and roasted in the imbers .

The Oke is beste for to builde withall , either houses or shippes , because it will longest last .

If an Oke trée be smitten with the thunder , it beareth fewe Acornes or none , and is so bitter , that no beaste will eate thereof but Hogges , and when they are very hungry .

The Béeche trée , beareth a kinde of maste the whiche reioyceth the Hogges being fedde with them , their flesh is soone sodden , and very profitable for the stomacke .

Taxus is a trée like vnto a Pyne trée .

In Arcadia it is so venemous that no beast dare sléepe vnder the shadowe of it , nor eate thereof .

The Cuppes that are made of this wood , to put Wine in , are venemous .

It is said that the venime of this wood ceasseth , when there is nayled therein a nayle of brasse .

An Eshe trée , the leaues thereof is mortiferous to Mares , but it hurteth not the beastes that shadowe vnder it , to drinke the liquor of it , is good against the biting of Serpents , for neuer Serpent resteth vnder the shadowe thereof , and he that will compasse a Serpent about a fire with the leaues of this trée , the Serpent will rather take the fire then escape through those leaues .

The Tilia of some called the Teybe , hath Male and Female , for the Female alone beareth floures and séede . The iuyce of the barke and leaues is swéete , but no beast will eate of the fruite , betwéene the barke and the wood there are many little thinne pelles or skinnes , with the which are made Ropes .

The Maple if it were so great and so high as the Cedar , should be preferred because of his propernesse .

With this trée is made Tables being of a blackishe colour .

The Boxe trée spreadeth very large and thicke , and is very proper because of his shadow .

There are certaine wilde trées , that neuer léese their leafe , as the Cedar , the Ieniper , the Holly trée , and others .

The Ieniper for his leafe hath a sharp pricke or thorne .

There are certaine places in Egypt whereas some trées will not growe .

Other trées there are that leaue their leaues sooner then the reste , and the difference thereof commeth , for that their fruite is sooner rype then others : but Almond trées , the Esshe , and others , haue their fruite with the first , and cast their leaues with the laste .

The Mulberie trée bringeth her fruite late , and falleth her leaues with the first .

The trées after the maner of beastes doe conceiue in Ianuarie with the winde , some sooner then others , and after a straight winde , beginneth the floures to appeare , and nourish the fruite .

Vines in some places beareth twice a yéere . The rootes are diuers according to the diuersitie of trées .

Esculus as writeth Virgil is a trée , that hath such profunditie or déepenesse in the earth , as it hath aboue the ground in height .

The Ciper trée is flowe in growing without the ground be fat and fertile , then it spreadeth very large and long . And thus to conclude , I finish this abstract , till further occasion shall serue , geuing God moste hartie thankes for these his benefites and giftes geuen for the vse of mankinde . To whome be all honour and praise for euer and euer Amen .

FINIS .