Systema horti-culturæ, or, The art of gardening in three books ... / by J. Woolridge, gent.

Systema Horti-culturae : OR , The Art of Gardening .

BOOK I. Of Gardens of Pleasure , and the Solid Ornaments thereof .

THE Excellency of a Garden is better manifested by Experience , which is the best Mistress , than indicated by an imperfect Pen ; which can never sufficiently convince the Reader of those transcendent Pleasures , that the Owner of a compleat Garden , with its magnificent Ornaments , its stately Groves , and infinite variety of never-dying Objects of delight , every day enjoys : Nor how all his Senses are satiated with the great variety of Objects it yields to every of them : Nor what an influence they have upon the Passions of the Mind , reducing a discomposed Fancy to a more sedate Temper , by contemplating on those Miracles of Nature Gardens afford ; deemed Miracles , because their admired and strange Forms and Effects proceed from occult Causes .

The Original of Gardens was from a Divine Hand : And they also long since delighted in by the wifest of Kings , and in the principal esteem ever since by the best of Men : The Heathen dedicated them to Priapus the Son of Venus , and celebrated them as Objects of Admiration and Delight , and left their immortal Names to Posterity ; as the Gardens of the Hesperides , Adonis , Alcinous , &c. The memory of the latter being yet fresh in the Isle of Corfu , where in a most delicious Scituation it formerly was supposed to be , as a late Traveller * * M. Francis Vernon 's Letters to the Royal Society , N. 124. hath affirmed .

Tarquin the proud , ( a Roman King ) thought no place more worthy than his Garden to give Audience to an Ambassador sent unto him : And the Glory and Pride of the Romans in the time of their Emperors , was in nothing more seen than in their Gardens , which for the infinite delight they took in them , they dedicated to Venus their Goddess of Pleasure , and gloried more in their Chaplets and Garlands of curious Greens and Flowers , than our vain Contemporaries now do in their richest party-coloured Habits , which he that reads what Pliny observed of them will readily believe .

The learned Dr. Brown in his Tract of Garlands , takes notice , that the use of flowry Crowns and Garlands , is of no slender Antiquity ; for besides the old Greeks and Romans ; the Aegyptians made use of them at their Festival Compotations : And that this practice extended as far as India : For at the Feast with the Indian King , it is peculiarly observed by Philostratus , that their Custom was to wear Garlands , and come crowned with them to their Feasts .

The use of them also was very frequent and common , the ends thereof being many ; for they were Convivial , wherein they had respect unto Plants , preventing drunkenness ; or discussing the exhalations from Wine . Festival , their solemn Festival Garlands being made properly unto their Gods , and according contrived from Plants sacred unto such Deities . Sacrificial , which were selected under such considerations . Honorary Crowns were Triumphal , Ovary , Civical , or Obsidional , and had little of Flowers in them , being made generally of Laurels , &c. Funebrial Garlands , which had little of beauty in them besides Roses , while they made them of Myrtle , Rosemary , &c , under symbolical Intimations . But our florid and purely ornamental Garlands , delightful unto Sight and Smell ; not framed according to mystical and symbolical Considerations , are of more free election ; and so may be made to excel those of the Ancients : We having China , India , and a New World to supply us , besides the great distinction of Flowers unknown unto Antiquity , and the varieties hereof arising from Art and Nature .

The Italians , in the time of their ancient Glory , thought no Palace nor Habitation compleat without its Garden , on which they spared for no cost , as well in their forming them , as for the naturalizing several exotic Plants they brought from Africa , and other foreign places . which Gardens they have from Age to Age so improved , that it is now become it self the Garden of the World . And as Architecture , that splendid Art , hath spread it self with other Sciences , into these Northern Climates , so hath the Art of Gardening been handed along with it , as though the former were imperfect without the latter . The Glory of the French Palaces , so often represented to our English eyes in Sculpture , are adorn'd with their beauteous Gardens before them ; which wanting , they would seem without lustre or grandeur .

Neither is there a noble or pleasant Seat in England , but hath its Gardens for Pleasure and Delight ; scarce an ingenuous Citizen that by his confinement to a Shop , being denied the privilege of having a real Garden , but hath his Boxes , Pots , or other receptacles for Flowers , Plants , &c. in imitation of it : What curious Representations of Banquets of Fruits , Flower-pots , Gardens , and such like , are painted to the Life , to please the eye , and satisfie the fancy of such , that either cannot obtain the felicity of enjoying them in reality , or to supply the defect the Winter annually brings ?

So that we may without vanity conclude , that a Garden of pleasant Avenues , Walks , Fruits , Flowers , Grots , and other Branches springing from it , well composed , is the only compleat and permanent inanimate object of delight the World affords , ever complying with our various and mutable Minds , seeding us , and supplying our Fancies with daily Novels .

All curious pieces of Architecture , Limning , Painting , or whatever else that seem pleasant to the eye or other senses at first sight or apprehension , at length become dull by too long acquaintance with them . But the pleasures of a Garden are every day renewed with the approaching Aurora .

While with succeeding Flow'rs the year is crown'd , Whose painted Leaves enamel all the ground ; Admire not them , but with more grateful Eyes To Heaven look , and their great Maker prize . In a calm Night the Earth and Heaven agree , There radiant Stars , here brighter Flow'rs we see . Gardens , as if immortal ne'er decay , And fading Flow'rs to fresher still give way . Rapinus .

Such is its pre-excellency , that there is scarce a Cottage in most of the Southern parts of England , but hath its proportionable Garden , so great a delight do most of men take in it ; that they may not only please themselves with the view of the Flowers , Herbs , and Trees , as they grow ; but furnish themselves and their Neighbors upon extraordinary occasions ; as Nuptials , Feasts , and Funerals , with the proper products of their Gardens .

Flowers in many things convenient are , Our Tables , and our Cupboards we prepare With them ; and better to diffuse their scent , We place them in our Rooms for Ornament . By others into Garlands they are wrought ; And so for Off'rings to the Altars brought . Sometimes to Princes Banquets they ascend , And to their Tables fragrant Odours lend . Rapinus .

It furnishes our Kitchin and Tables with various Esculents , as well satisfying Nature , as pleasing our Appetites ; it yields us various Spirits , Essences , Perfumes , Waters , Unguents , Conserves , Perserves , and many other necessary , useful , and pleasant dietical , and medicinal Curiosities , which the same Rapinus hath elegantly expressed in his Poems on the same Subject , and at last concludes :

I should too tedious be , of I should sing The mighty aids which Herbs and Flowers bring To the Diseases Men are subject to : For these the Gods with Vertue did endue .

CHAP. I. Of the Scituation and Soyls of a Garden , and their Improvement .

SECT. I. Of the Scituation of a Garden .

IT may seem needless to say any thing of the Scituation of a Garden , it being so absolute a Concomitant to your Habitation , that a Garden remote or by it self , is neither pleasant nor useful . Therefore where-ever your House is , near it must be your Garden .

But in case you have not yet laid the Foundation of your intended Residence ; then may you consider what Ground or Soyl is best for your Plantation and Partirre , without which you can never make the other compleat .

Therefore as near as you can , let the Soyl be good , deep , and light , that Trees and Tillage may prosper in it , and then you need not question but Flowers will thrive there : Let it have the free and open Air to the East and South , but the South-East is to be preferred , and the North defended by tall Trees , which are better than Hills , which give too great a reflection of Heat in the Summer , and impede the cool Breezes that frequently come out from that Coast . If the whole Garden be at some distance defended by tall Trees , it will very much break the fierce Winds , and ferene Airs , that in the Winter and Spring usually annoy the most delicate Plants and Flowers , and will also yield a cooling , refreshing , sweet , and healthy Air and Shade , in the hottest Seasons .

If the Soyl be dry and warm , a plain Level is best for a Garden , but if it be cold or moist , then declining or shelving towards the Sun , is the best position ; because by Fosses , or by the Walks , only the Water naturally glides from it . And in such a Garden , Trees , Plants , and Flowers , will thrive exceedingly .

These Rules are good where you are to make your election , what sort of ground , and whe●e you design your Seat : I might have also added , the springs of Water in or near your Garden , are great additions to the Improvement , Beauty , and Glory of it , but that it 's hoped few will seat themselves where that Element is wanting ; unless it be for the sake of some pleasant Grove , Prospect , or delicate Air , Woods and Water , being two of the best Ornaments of the Seat , which may be had in most places , together with a good Air ; but seldom Water and a good Prospect .

If you are fixed or limited to a place or scituation , that puts an end to Election , and then you are to consider the Nature of the Soyl you are on , what it is apt to produce , how to be corrected and improved .

SECT. II. Of the different , and most natural Soyls for Gardens .

LAnds are usually inclinable to Loam , Clay , Chalk , Marle , or Sand.

A Loamy Land is usually free , and apt to Vegetation , warm and easie to Till , the sadder the Colour the better ; if it be free from Stones and Gravel , with a sandy mixture and mellow withal , it is esteemed the best for Gardens , for the most sorts of Fruits and Flowers .

There is much Land that is mixed with Clay in too great a proportion , which maketh it apt to bind , and is cold and moist in the Winter season , retaining wet too much , and apt to chap in the Summer ; it is injurious to most Fruits and Flowers , and therefore hath most need of help of any other .

Chalky Land is generally very sweet , and kind to many Plants that are not very tender , it being cold in the Winter , and suffers not its Plants to put forth early in the Spring ; it is not difficult to be corrected , and made more natural to the choicest Fruits and Flowers .

Marle is a very good mixture in Land , so that it be not in too great a quantity , it being much of the nature of Chalk , but easier to be tilled and improved .

Sandy Land is very warm and free , very apt for Vegetation , and amicable to most of our choicest Fruits and Flowers ; but if the Sand predominate , it will require a constant supply of proper Soyls to enrich it .

SECT. III. Of the Improvement of such Soyls .

THere are many parcels of Land lying near Towns , Villages , and Houses , that are of that excellent mixture of Loam , and other Earths , that they are capable to entertain most of the delicate Fruits , Flowers , and other Curiosities , that are fit to be planted or propagated in your best Partirs , without any other mixture or composition , other than convenient dung of Oxen , Cows , Sheep , Pullen , Pidgeons , and sometimes old and rotten Horse-dung , to preserve it in its due and wonted fertility ; it being by continual weeding , and the attraction of the Plants you furnish it withal , apt to sterilize . So that where your ground is thus naturally fertile and prone to vegitate , you need take no other care than to apply proper Soyls or Compositions , according as the nature of your Plant requires , or to maintain it in its full vigour .

Claiy-Land being cold , moist , and stiff , is to be converted by labour , and mixtures of a contrary nature ; if you dig it often , the Sun , Rain , and Frost will make it more friable and fertile : For take Clay , and lay it on any other Land , it will in time dissolve , and unite in minute parts with it , that you shall hardly discern it ; so also it will be much altered by culture on its own Basis , the wet being carefully drawn from it by declining Canals for that purpose , Water being the only thing that maintains its stubborn nature , if it rest on it .

But to accelerate the operation , and make it speedily more benign ; Sand is an excellent Ingredient , especially that taken up in the bottoms of Rivers , or where hasty currents have left it at the foot of Hills , or Sea-sand where it may be had . Any old Thatch or corrupted Vegetables , as Weeds , Fern , &c. buried in the Trenches as you dig it , drains the wet from it , and makes it more mellow . But above any thing , Peat-ashes , Turf-ashes , or any Ashes proportionably , and well mixed , is the highest Improvement , you can add to your cold , stiff , and moist Land . There are several other Additions that will improve it , as Rotten-wood , Saw-dust , the bottoms of Piles of Wood great and small ; but these being not to be had in any great quantity , will serve only in these Beds , where you intend to plant your choicest Flowers ; but Chalk , Lime , Marle , and such like , although they sweeten it at the first , yet in the end it unites with the Clay , and is soon converted into its own nature .

Chalky-Land usually yields a good rich surface , therefore you must avoid planting too deep in it , and where you can with conveniency , the sinking your Walks , and with the same matter to raise your Borders , is a very good Improvement of this sort of Land . You may also deal with it , as with the Claiy-Land , though in a more moderate way , for Chalky-Land is naturally cold , and therefore requires warm Applications ; and is also sad , and will the better bear with light Composts , which is the reason that Chalk is so great an improver of light , hot and dry Grounds , especially having suffered a Calcination .

Lands seated on Marle , are usually very rich , although cold and heavy ; you need not doubt of the depth of it : for the turning it up , and exposing it to the Air , converts it into good Earth ; a mixture of light and warm Soyl exceedingly advantages it .

Sandy-Lands , or Land that hath a competent mixture of Sand in it , is the warmest and lightest of all , and according to its fatness ; it is the most free and apt to produce the most of Vegetables you plant in it . Sandy-Lands are best improved by mixture of Chalk , Lime , Marle , the sediments of Ponds , Lakes , or standing Waters , and need a more constant supply of such Additions than any other , unless you have the command of some Spring or Stream of Water to irrigate it , and prevent the Suns exhaling the moisture it so easily parts withal , for we may constantly observe in rainy Summers , what vast products Sandy-Land will afford us , compared with the dry . The same you will find in your Gardens , but the hot Dungs are here to be neglected , and the more cooling made use of .

The best for light Sandy-land , is Cow-dung , being cool and fat .

Some Plants delight in moist and boggy Lands , and where the Scituation of the Garden will not afford a Natural Bogg , an Artificial may be made , if you have the command of a Spring to feed it , or that you draw not water very deep to moisten it often by hand ; it may be made by digging a large Pit in such place you think most convenient , where if the Earth be not tenacious enough to detain the moisture required , you may line the bottom and sides with Clay well temper'd and trodden down , and fill it with Earth taken from a Bogg ; in which being duely watered by some small current led thereto , or by frequent irrigations , your curious Aquaticks may be propagated as well as in the Natural .

There are several other sorts of Land , that are known by several other Names , which I might here enumerate , but these being the general , and most Lands falling under some or one of these capacities , I shall not trouble you with them here , brevity being my study .

But if your Lands or Grounds within the precinct of your Garden , be somewhat of a different nature or quality from these before mentioned , yet may those general directions , as concerning that Land it is nearest of Nature unto , serve for your Land . And if you have any Trees , Plants , or Flowers , that delight in Land different from the more general part of your Plantation , then may you compound your Mould in some place proper for such Plant ; directions for which you will find dispersed in this succeeding Tract , especially when I come to treat of Esculents .

CHAP. II. Of the Form of a Garden , and its Fencing and Enclosing .

SECT. I. Of the Form of a Garden .

engraving of a formal garden laid out in a circular form in front of a manor house, with walks enclosing a central fountain and quadrants planted with fruit trees. The outer circular walk is planted with cypress trees, the inner with firs and flower-beds. Several figures are walking in the garden. The garden plan is framed in the foreground by a scene depicting ladies relaxing beneath trees. Engraved by Frederick Hendrick van Hoave (1628?-1698). F. H. Van. Houe fec :

pg 15.

The Round is very pleasant , and some curious Gardens there are of that Form in Forreign Parts . The Walls about such a Garden are very good for Fruit , the Winds being not so severe against a round , as against a streight Wall . The Walk also that circundates that Garden is not unpleasant , for that you may walk as long as you please in it , always forwards without any short turning ; some streight Walks there may be , that tend from the Circumserence to the Centre . The several Quadrants may be sub-divided and planted with Fruits ; the Borders of the round Walk , and the cross Walks being sufficient for Flowers and Plants of Beauty and Delight . At the Centre of this Garden , may be placed a Fountain , or in defect of water a Banquetting House , or House of Pleasure .

A rude Draught of such a Form is here presented to your View , the outermost Walk being adorned with Cypress Trees , the inner parts of the Grass-Plats with Firr-Trees , and the Quadrants within the lesser Circle , planted with variety of Fruit-Trees , and the principal Walks round and streight , bordered with Flowers and delightful Shrubs and Plants .

Encompassed with a Pallisade in the Centre of your Garden , is a Fountain of Spring-water always flowing , serving not only to refresh the Spirits of such that delight in the sight of it , but is necessary in dry and hot Seasons , to preserve your choicest Plants from Injury .

The Square is the most perfect and pleasant Form that you can lay your Garden into , where your Ground will afford it ; every Walk that is in it being streight , and every Plant and Tree standing in a direct Line , represents it to your Eye very pleasing . The delight you take in walking in it , being much the more as you are less careful : For when you walk in a Round or Circle , you are more subject to trespass on the Borders , without continual Thoughts and Observation of your Ground .

You may divide the Plot you intend for your Gardens into three parts , by Walls or Pallisades : The middle part may be sub-divided into Gravel-walks , Grass-plots , edged with Borders , planted with your most select Plants , Shrubs , and Flowers .

If your Partition-fences on the sides be Walls , there may be raised the choicest Wall-fruits ; those that require most heat , on the most Sunny-side ; and Fruits that r●quire but little , on the most shady , as Cherries and Plumbs will thrive where there is not much of the Sun ; and Currants flourish most where there is all Shade ; under such Walls , that most pleasant Fruit the Rasberry delights to grow , it being a Fruit wherewith that Northern cold Territory of Lapland abounds .

engraving of a formal garden laid out in front of a manor house in a pattern of four square grass-plots divided by walks bordered with flower-beds; each square centres on a statue, and at each main corner is an ornamental flower-pot. Several figures are enjoying the garden. The far end of the garden is fenced with a pallisade and gate leading into an orchard where a gentleman and a lady are walking arm in arm. Engraved by Frederick Hendrick van Hoave (1628?-1698). F. H. Van. Houe fec .

pg 17

But if your Partition-fences be of Pallisades , they may be adorn'd with perennical Greens , and other hardy Shrubs , and Flower-bearing Trees .

The other two parts , you may convert the one of them into an Orchard , the other into a Kitchin-Garden , which will be no small Advantage or Ornament to your Seat , and middle Garden of Pleasure .

But if you are willing to celebrate so fair a spot of Ground , as the whole Square , to the delights of Flora ; then may you divide it into larger Squares , and Grass-plots , leaving only Borders on their confines for your variety of Plants .

The new mode of Gravel-walks and Grass-plots , is fit only for such Houses or Palaces , that are scituated near Cities , and great Towns , although they are now become Presidents for many stately Country Residencies , where they have banish'd out of their Gardens Flowers , the Miracles of Nature , and the best Ornaments that ever were discovered to make a Seat pleasant . But 't is hoped that this new , useless , and unpleasant Mode , will like many other Vanities grow out of Fashion .

A Draught of the Square Garden I have here given you , which may be varied as every Designer pleaseth ; each principal Walk is bordered with Flowers ; each principal Corner with Flower-pots , and the middles of the greater Squares with Statues . The farther end fenced with a Pallisade , that the prospect of the adjacent Orchard may not be lost ; where now the Statues stand , if Water be to be obtained , Fountains would be placed with more delight .

The infinite variety of Forms that might be drawn and here represented to you , would but encrease your Charge ; when perhaps every Builder may better please himself in the shape and contrivance of his Garden , than any other can do for him .

But these few Rules are not amiss to be observed , viz. That you endeavour to make the principal Entrance into your Garden , out of the best Room in your House , or very near it , your Walks being places of Divertisement after a sedentary repast . The Aromatick Odors , they yield pleasant Refreshments after a gross Diet ; such innocent Exercises being the best digestive to weak Stomachs . Let there be some other Door into your Garden ; for Gardeners , Labourers , &c. And let your principal Walk extend it self as far as you can in length , directly from your House , Adorned with the choicest Plants for Beauty and Scent , and that there may be a Succession of them through the Year , not without Flower-plots , which grace the best of Gardens .

If your Ground you intend for a Garden , lye on the side of a Hill , your Walks may be made the one above the other , and be as Terraces the one to the other ; the declining sides of them , being either of Grass alone , or planted with Fruit.

If your House stand on the side of a Hill , and you must make your Garden either above it , or below it , then make your Garden below it , for it is much more pleasant to view a Garden under the Eye , than above it , and to descend into a Garden , and ascend into a House , than on the contrary .

As for all other Forms and Scituations of Ground above your House , you must vary your Models according to the place .

SECT. II Of Fences and Inclosures to a Garden .

WHen you have discovered the best Land , and pleased your self with the compleatest Form you can imagine for your Garden ; yet without a good Fence , to preserve it from several Evils that usually annoy it , your labour is but lost . Your Fences must be considered of according to the place you reside in , and nature of the Soyl , and is either of Brick , or Stone , of Earth , Pale , Pallisade , or Quick-setts .

Of all which the Brick-Wall is the best , 1. Of Brick-Walls . it being the warmest ( except Board ) and very dry and con-natural to Fruit. And where Brick are plenty , it is not a dear Fence , considering that their Form much accelerates the raising your Wall , and their even Joynts require but little Mortar . You may also make the Wall much thinner with Brick , than any other Material , ( Square Stone only excepted ) because you may make Nieches at a reasonable Distance , or Square Pillasters on both sides or only one side , which will support the Wall , although very thin in the Intervals : This Wall needs no other coping than Bricks , set on edge side-ways without any over-hanging or dripping , as hath been used .

By which means of building them thin in the Intervals , with Nieches or Pillasters , at fit distances and slender copings , almost half the materials are saved in the building of them , and most of the workmanship .

These Walls are very kind to Fruits , under which they bear abundantly : The Nieches and Pillasters conduce very much to the breaking off the cold Winds , and shelter the Fruit from them .

Next unto the Brick , Stone-Walls are preferred , 2. Of Stone-Walls . the square hewn Stone out of the Quarry , especially Sand or Free-stone is the best , the cold white Stone like unto Chalk , or Lime-stone is not so good . The rough Heath-stone or Burre is very dry and warm , but by its unevenness is inconvenient to tack Trees against , unless you disperse here and there in the building some small squares of Timber , or Brick-bats , in the Joynts whereof Nails will enter and take . Flints are very cold and uneven Joynted , and therefore the worst of all Stone for a Garden Fence .

All Stone Walls must be well coped , left wet insinuates it self between the Stones , and decay it in a little time . A coping of Tyle is the best , if made to carry off the drip 3 or 4 inches from the Wall .

In many places where Stone is dear , and 3. Of Walls of Earth . Brick scarce , and Lime and Sand not near , Walls are often made by a Compost of Earth , and Straw tempered with it . This Earth must be either of a clayish nature , or have a little mixture of Clay in it ; it must be well wrought and mixed with long Dung or Straw , which serves to hold it together until it be throughly dry ; and then according to the skill of the Workman , wrought up into a Wall , and covered with Thatch , being not able to bear a more weighty coping .

These Walls well wrought , and well coped and preserved dry , will last many years , and very warm and kind to Fruits , that is , to such that are content to be humble , these Walls being rarely built high .

In the building these Walls , pieces of wood , or hooks of Iron ought to be placed in , at convenient distances , standing three or four inches without the Wall , to which Poles or Rails are to be fastned , and to them your Fruit-trees , there being no tacking Trees to the Wall it self .

This way of Fencing is much used in some parts , and somewhat resembles the French way of making Walls for Fruit ; for what-ever they are made of they are plastered over , and hooks of Iron or Sheeps shank-bones placed in the building of the Wall , at some convenient distance to affix the Poles unto , as in the small French piece called the Planters Manual , adapted only for that Countrey , may be observed . Also Rapinus at large describes the making of that Wall , and both of them prescribe the plaistering of them , as well to destroy the vermin that would otherwise shelter themselves in the rotten cavities of those Mud-Walls , as to accelerate the maturation of your Fruits .

So that here in England where other Materials are scarce , and such a stiff Loam in the place , these Mud-walls may prove beneficial , not only for security , warmth , and privacy , but for the advancement and melioration of your Fruits , more especially if Lime be not wanting to make a Plaister to cover it after that French mode .

It is not improbable that a mixture of Loam , Lime , Sand and Gravel , or small Sand-stones , may by being raised between two Planks , and so by degrees to the height of a Wall , and then well defended by a light coping , make a very good and durable Fence and Shelter for your best Fruits . This seems to be the same way that Pliny mentions . The Walls to be made in his time , which then had continued many Years , and not impaired , resisting all weathers ; he mentions Turrets and Sconces to have been made after this manner , Lib. 35. Chap. 14.

Good Oaken Timber sawn into Pales make 4. Of Pales . a very good Fence , and not dear where that Timber is plenty : Next unto Oak , Fir , or Deal Boards will serve ; but scarce any other Board will endure the mutability of the weather long .

These Boards ought to be well season'd , else will they shrink and chap exceedingly , which will be inconvenient , as well by rendring your solitary Walks less private , as by admitting cold breezes to your tender Fruits ; but in case your Board do not meet in the dryest and hottest Seasons , you may add a small Battin to each Interval , fixt to each Rail by Nails between the Boards , that the swelling and shrinking of the Board may not injure the Battin .

These boarded Fences are the warmest for your tender Fruits , and maturates them beyond any other ; but being subject to decay , are not repairable without damage to your Trees .

I have already mentioned the most principal , 5. Of Pallisades . and best Fences for the outsides of your Garden , for privacy , security , and advantage to your Fruits . There are yet other necessary Fences , for the cantoning or dividing your Garden into lesser parts for the several uses you design them for , or for the security of some particular parts of your Garden , or Fruits , or Flowers , from the hands of every one that may otherwise have liberty or occasion to walk there ; yet not to impede or diminish the pleasure in viewing those objects of delight thus defended .

These open Fences are made of board of about three or four inches broad , and three or four foot long , either nailed to , or let thorow two Rails , with heads cut either round , or like a Lance , and painted white with Lin-seed Oyl , and white Lead , two or three times over , to make them endure the weather .

But the best material to make these Pallisades withal is Iron , so framed as are the Iron Balconies in London ; save only that these appear above the Rails with square painted heads which seem most beautiful ; by reason that Flowers and other delightsom Plants appear so plain through them . This Fence is also permanent and needs no repair .

In imitation whereof , there is newly made in some few Gardens a Pallisade of Boards , of about three or four inches broad ; which as before were set flat ▪ wise , each place in the Pallisade , is now set edge-wise , the upper Rail running through each Pale , and the foot cut with an Ox Mouth , and set on an Arras Rail , either near the ground , or resting on a ground-pinning of Brick . The head of each Pale is about three or four inches above the upper Rail , divided into two parts , the middle vacancy being about one third part of the whole breadth , the two extream parts for about four or five inches , being cut with square pyramidical points , do very much resemble those made of Iron . As you stand against them they appear open , and every thing very conspicuous through them like the Iron ; but as you view them obliquely they appear full , only their sharp heads more open and not unpleasant . These Pallisades , although they require somewhat more Timber and Workmanship than the ordinary sort , yet are by far the more compleat and beautiful , every motion of your Body from its place , begetting a variety in the object .

These open Fences are much more pleasant and useful in your Partirs and inward Gardens , than close Walls ; for these prevent not your view of the whole , nor hinder the free Air from your Plants , which is as necessary in some degree as warmth , which ought to be obtained from Shelters and Fences at a distance , not by too great a reverberation of heat , and stifling in the Summer for want of Air , either of which proves fatal to most Flowers .

Gardens are oftentimes secur'd by quick Fences , 6. Of Quick Fences . whereof the most easie to propagate is that of the white Thorn , which being well planted in double , treble , or more Chests or Rows of Plants , and kept weeded and defended for three or four years , will thrive very well in most sorts of Land ; and being kept clipp'd , sheer'd , or cut with a sharp hook , will grow so thick that a Bird cannot find its way through , and from the ground to six it seven foot high , it will prove a very great security against bad Weather , evil Neighbors , and Cattle ; but is a shelter for Snails , and other Vermin that will constantly annoy your best Plants , and are not therefore to be planted near your Partir , wherein you plant your best Flowers .

A Quick Hedge of Holly is the most beautiful , and most compact of any ; but the tediousness of its growth is enough to discourage any man from attempting its propagation , its Seed being two years before they appear above the ground , and its Plants long before they let you know of their like or dislike of the Soil .

Pyracantha planted for a Fence , proves very strong by reason of its sharp Thorns , and stubborn Branches . Sweet-bryar also is very good , and makes a fragrant Fence ; but the White-thorn will not give way to either of them , being easily propagated , most tonsile of any , durable , of a delicate colour , and early appearing in the Spring .

CHAP. III. Of the Walks , Arbors , and Places of Repose , in Gardens .

IT is not the least part of the pleasures of a Garden , to walk and refresh your self either with your Friends or Acquaintance , or else alone retired from the cares of the World , or apart from Company that sometimes may prove burthensom to you , and when your own Lassitude , or the Heat , Rain , or scorching beams of the Sun , render the open Walks unpleasant , to repose your self under some pleasant Tree , or in some Covert or Shade , until you are willing to try the Air again .

SECT. I. Of Walks , and Meterials for them .

WHerefore to accommodate you for all 1. Stone-Walks . Seasons wet or dry , hot or cold , it is convenient to have Walks and Places of Repose in your Garden . As for Walks , the best for the Winter and wet Seasons are those paved with Stone , about the breadth of five foot , in the midst of a Gravel-walk , of about five or six foot Gravel on each side the Stone , or of Grass , which you please , for on these flat Stones may you walk securely under-foot in all Weathers , without prejudice to your self or Walks .

Next unto the paved Stone are the Gravel-walks 2. Gravel Walks . walks to be preferred , which if made with a fine skreened red Gravel , do very much adorn your Garden ; and being laid round , and kept rolled with a Stone-roler , cast off the Water , and are very useful in moist Weather to walk on .

The Gravel-walks are best under your Fruit-walks , because the beams or rays of the Sun reflect from them against the Walls , much better than from Grass , and very much advantage your Fruit.

The great inconveniences these Walks are subject unto , are Weeds and Moisture : To prevent the Weeds , you must be sure to remove all manner of earth clean from the place before you bring in your Gravel ; and in case the Earth be not stiff enough of it self , it would not be amiss to support the sides with two or three courses of Brick , or at least a Brick set on end edge by edge , to prevent the falling in , or mixture of the said Earth with your Gravel ; yet so that the upper part of your Brick may be an inch beneath the surface of your Walk , that it may not be discerned . If your Ground be good and apt to run to Weeds , seven or eight inches deep ought your Gravel to lie , lest the Weeds find their way through : you ought also to cleanse the Ground under , from the Roots of Grass , Weeds , as Nettles , Docks , &c. least they find their way through the Gravel . You may fill your Walk with ordinary coarse unskreened Gravel five or six inches , and after that is levelled , then lay on your last Course of fine Gravel , and roll it well : if your upper Course of Gravel be two or three inches thick , and at any time your Walk grow discoloured or mossy , you may stir it with a Spade as far as the fine Gravel lyes , and finely rake it , then roll it again , and it will appear to be as fresh as at the first .

The other inconvenience these Walks are subject unto is Moisture , especially after a Frost , which very much loosens the Gravel , and long soaking Rains make it apt to stick to your Feet : For the best red Gravel hath a mixture of Clay or Loam in it , which makes it in dry weather bind the better ; to prevent which , several Expedients are lately made use of : Some do grind or beat small the shels of Fish gathered on the Sea-shore , and therewith add a thin coat on the Gravel , which by constant rolling incorporates with it , and is not apt to adhere to your Shooes , as is the Gravel it self . Others that live near to Brick-kilns , make use of the refuse parts of Bricks that are under burnt , which will easily pulverize , and lay that on the Gravel-Walks , which prevents the same inconvenience , and adds much to the beauty of your Walk , and is easily renewed as there is occasion .

On the edge of your Gravel-Walks , you may lay on each side a narrow Walk of Turf for your use in hot weather ; or when you are willing to favour your Feet or your Gravel , which being kept out strait on the edges , beautifies your Gravel .

But if you will have your Walk only Gravel , then will it be necessary to edge it with Brick three or four inches above the surface to prevent Earth or Rubbish from intermixing with it ; Bricks set on one end side by side , is the securest and most lasting way for this purpose .

Walks of Grass are very pleasant , and much 3. Green Walks . to be preferred in the Summer to any of the other , being cold and easie to the Feet . They are either made by laying them with Turf , or by raking them fine , and sowing them with Hay-dust or Seed ( which may be had at the bottom of a Hay-mow or Rick ) and well rolled and weeded from all gross Weeds , will soon become a fine Grass-walk ; if these Walks also be laid a little rounding , they will cast off the water the better , and be more commodious for your use than if flat .

A Water-table on each side , of two or three inches deep , cut every year anew , not only receives the waste water , but preserves the Grass or Weeds from mixing with your Borders , and presents your Walk much more pleasant to your eye , than if it were otherwise .

To destroy Weeds in the Gravel-walks , or paved Walks , where you cannot conveniently eradicate them , you must water it with very salt Water , or with the Liquor they have at the Salters , which they call Bittern , which absolutely destroys all Vegetation , where it is cast in an indifferent good quantity .

It is none of the least oblectations a Garden 4. Of Terrace-walks . affords , to have Terrace-walks , on which you have the benefit of the Air , and prospect on your Garden . These in former Ages ( and now also in more hot Countries ) were much celebrated , the Hortipensiles or Pendant-gardens , were after this manner made above the ordinary level , for the advantage of the Air , and pleasure of the Eye , and somewhat to add to the magnificence of the Place , being very beautiful as well as commodious .

They are usually made where much Earth or Rubbish is to spare , which would cost time and labour to remove ; and here is disposed of to advantage , with the only expence of a Wall on the out-side to support it ; or if you please on both ; but the inner-side to your Garden may be made declining , and cloathed with Turf . The Wall on the out-side surmounting the Top of the Walk about three foot , and on the Edge towards your Garden may be set a Rail , or Rail and Ballisters , or a Pallisade , or a quick tonsile Hedge of about the same height the Wall is of , that neither side prevent the Air , nor impede your Prospect .

In some Gardens where water is at your command , the sinking of an Aquaeduct , or Piscary , will afford you Materials for your Terrace-walk ; both of which are best and most proper to be made at the farthest distance from your House .

SECT. II. Of Arbors and Places of Repose .

TO make your Garden pleasant at all times , and in all seasons , either in respect of the great variety of weather , or your own disposition or indisposition , it will be very necessary to accommodate it with places of Shade , to skreen you from the scorching Sun-beams , Canopies to preserve you from the Rain , and Boxes to seclude you from the too cold Breezes : That although you are not willing to expose your self too much in the intemperate Air , or your present inability or unaptness for a Walk be such , that you cannot with delight enjoy it , yet that you may not lose those exhile rating Pleasures your Garden most times affords .

For cool Recessss in the hottest times , it 1. Of Arbours . hath been usual to erect or frame Arbors with Poles or Rods , and plant them about with shady Trees , which are an Ornament to some Gardens ; but to be rejected , 1. Because they require much repair , and care to preserve them ; for in your Garden of Pleasure you ought to be frugal of cost and pains ; left your Delights become occasions of Prodigality , and your Recreations burthensome to you . 2. Because the Seats are apt to be moist and foul , it being apt to impair your health to sit on a cold Seat , Salubrity being one of the advantages expected from a Garden . 3. After a shower in the Summer , is the pleasantest time to recreate your Senses amongst your odorous Plants , and then this place of recess is wholly useless , the dripping continuing long after the shower . 4. The usual cool breezes that you will sensibly feel in those Arbors to your prejudice , balance all the conveniences you can expect from them .

But if the Weather and time of the day invite you to sit in the Air without inconvenience , a Seat under the shade of some Platanus , Lin-Tree , or the like , is much more pleasant , than to be Hood-winked in an Arbor .

You may have a Seat made of thin and light 2. Of Seats . Materials , and painted with a white colour in Oyl , or as best pleases your fancy , which may be moveable with a little help , and placed sometimes in one place , and sometimes in another , as the weather happens . This Seat may be made close behind , and covered , that being set with the back to the Wind , will be both warm and dry .

In the Nieches of your Wall may you place Seats covered over , that you may rest your self in at your pleasure : At the ends of your Walks are the most proper places for such Seats , that whilst you sit in either of them , you have the view of your Garden .

The best Form for these Seats is round , the one semicircle within the Wall , the other without with a Cupulo , the outward part to be supported by three or four , or more columns of Timber or Stone , the other part resting on the Wall , the top covered with Lead , Slate or Shingle , with its due Cornish about that part that is off from the Wall .

Or you may make them of a long square Form , about two Foot in the Niech of the Wall , and as much without , covered as the round , but casting the drip side-ways or backward .

Having several of these Seats facing to each Coast , be the Wind or Sun either way , you have a place to defend your self from it .

You may also cover your Benches or Stools with Mat , and lay the Floors with Board , which will much conduce to your own ease and health .

Arbors , Benches , and Seats are very necessary , 3 Of Pleasure-houses . being present expedients for them that are weary ; but that which crowns the pleasure of a Garden , is a place of repose , where neither Wind , Rain , Heat , nor Cold can annoy you .

This small Edifice , usually term'd a Pleasure-house or Banquetting-house may be made at some remote Angle of your Garden : For the more remote it is from your House , the more private will you be from the frequent disturbances of your Family or Acquaintance , and being made at an Angle , part within your Garden , and part without , you will have the priveledges and advantages of Air and View , which otherwise you will want , and which render it much more pleasant than to be without them .

The Windows and Doors , the one or other respecting every Coast , may be glazed with the best and most transparent Glass , to represent every Object through it the more splendid , with skreens of painted and printed Sarcenet , to prevent in the day , and shutters of thin Wainscot in the night , others from disturbing your solitary Repose .

Also you may reap the pleasure and advantage of the Air from either Coast , by opening that side of your small Edifice , from whence you would receive it , excluding on the other side that which might otherwise annoy you .

In the other corner of your Garden , or some 4. Of Repositeries for tender Plants . opposite place to such Pleasure-houses , may you erect another of the same Form to answer it as to your view , which may serve as a place to preserve your tender Plants in , during the extremity of the Winter , and is usually term'd a Green-house , because several Winter-Greens are therein preserved , that will not endure the severity of that Season ; in it also may you dispose on shelves your dry Roots of Flowers and Seeds , until the time of the year mind you of interring them .

On these small Edifices may you bestow what cost you can afford , and make them ( as they deserve to be ) the principal Ornaments of your Ville .

It is not unusual to raise a Mount with the 5. Of Mount . waste Earth or Rubbish , you may otherwise happen to be troubled withal , at some convenient distance from your House , on which as on your Terrace-walks , you have the advantage of the Air and prospect , and whereon you may erect a Pleasure or Banqueting-house , or such like place of Repose .

The most famous of this kind , is that near Marlborough , whether first raised by Art or Nature is not yet determined , however it hath a most pleasant and easie ascent , and from the Summit whereof you have a good Air , and a fair prospect .

CHAP. IV. Of Springs , Rivers , Fountains , Water-works , and Grotto's , necessary for a Garden .

IT is not to be denied , that a kind and fruitful Soil may produce all sorts of Plants proper for a Garden of Pleasure , Use , or Advantage , which may render such a Place delightful ; yet cannot such a Garden ever be said to be complete , nor in its full splendour and beauty , without this Element of Water . Wherefore Rapinus adviseth thus .

You then who would your Villa's Grace augment , And on its Honour always are intent : You who imploy your time to cultivate Your Gardens , and to make their Glory great , Among your Groves and Flowers let Water flow ; Water 's the Soul of Groves and Flowers too .

Besides the particular uses you may put it to in watering your several Gardens , it is very pleasant to have your Piscaries , Rivulets , Fountains , &c. about your Ville .

SECT. I. Of Springs .

MAny pleasant Seats , Vills , and Gardens there are , that are very well scituate for Air and Prospect , that are of themselves dry , which defect may be supplied from Springs of Water rising at some distance , and may be conveyed by Pipes to such places in your Ville , or Garden as you desire .

In places where Wood is plenty , the Elm is Of Pipes for Water . the most proper material to make Pipes withal , for the conveyance of water from the Spring to your Garden , not being subject to be torn by Frost , as are the leaden or earthen Pipes , either of which you must be sure to lay deep enough below the surface of the Earth , that the Frost may not reach them .

Leaden Pipes are the most convenient where water is to be raised to any considerable height , being not apt to grow leaky , nor to decay ; but you must be sure to lay them deep in Clay as you can ; but not in any mixture of Lime , or such like , left it decay the Metal : also you must have a Turn-cock at the lowest part of your Pipe , where must be a passage , that out of it you may let the water at the beginning of a Frost , to prevent the Pipes from breaking .

Earthen Pipes may be made of about three foot in length , and made to fit the one into the other ; and as they are laid deep in a soft Bed of Earth , Clay , or Sand , the joynts may be closed with a cement of Quick-lime , Linseed-oyl , and Cotten-wool , and bound about the joynt with a piece of Leather , and a turn or two of Pack-thread : But these Pipes are not for forcing the water to any height , being apt to break , but are very necessary , cheap and sweet for the conveyance of any Spring without force , to the place you desire .

Sometimes it happens that Springs lye concealed in the Earth , which may , if discovered , prove very useful in your Ville , and pleasant in your Garden , which to discover , observe the Precepts of Rapinus :

Where small declining Hillocks you perceive , Or any Soyl where Flags and Rushes live , Where the fat ground a shiny moisture yields , If Weeds and prickly Sedge o'erspread the Fields ; There hidden Springs with confidence expect , For sedgy places will to Springs direct .

Also several Rusticks there are , that can direct you to the nearest Spring , being acquainted with the nature of the Soil and Place .

These if they lie above or level with your Garden , may be brought by Pipes into it ; but if they happen to lie below it , then must you erect Cisterns or Receptacles above your Springs , that they may command your Garden , and raise the water into them by Machins made for that purpose , moved by men , horses , or the wind ; which when full , may serve to supply your Garden for a certain time , and when expired , the said Cisterns may be again filled by the former means .

SECT. II. Of Rivers .

ALtho' small Crystalline Springs brought in Pipes may be sufficient to irrigate your Groves and Plants , and supply your Grotts and Fountains , and add very much to the Splendor of your Garden ; yet ,

— If my Advice you take , In the low Places of your Garden make , Besides the other Springs , large Trenches too , To which from every part the streams may flow . For little Brooks and Springs are not so good , Nor please so much as a more noble Flood . Rapinus .

A fair Stream or Current flowing through or near your Garden , adds much to the Glory and Pleasure of it : On the Banks of it may you plant several aquatick Exoticks , and have your Seats or Places of Repose under their Umbrage , and there satiate your self with the view of the Curling Streams , and its nimble Inhabitants . These gliding Streams refrigerate the Air in a Summer Evening , and render their Banks so pleasant , that they become resistless Charms to your Senses , by the murmuring Noise , the Undulation of the Water , the verdant Banks and Shades over them , the sporting Fish consin'd within your own limits , the beautiful Swans , and by the pleasant Notes of singing Birds , that delight in Groves , on the Banks of such Rivulets .

Where such a Stream or Rivulet cannot naturally glide through your Garden , but near unto it , it 's probable that part of it may be raised by some Machine , at some distance from your Garden , and by an Aquaeduct conveyed through it , which will be more commodious ( the charge only excepted in the bringing it thither ) than the natural Current . 1. Because natural Currents are usually in the lowest grounds , which are not so proper for a Garden , as a declining or ground above the level of the adjacent Lands . 2. For that an Artificial Current is not subject to those Extravagancies , that the natural usually are , by over-flowing after hasty Rains . 3. Those Waters that are brought by Art , are easily carried off again , and may be conducted to several parts of your Garden , on the Edges of your declining Walks , whether they decline little or much ; if but little , then may Canals be made in the natural Earth , without any danger of decay or wearing , as Rapinus observed of the Water running through the Gardens of Lian-Court .

For by the Gardens side the Rivers pass , From no steep Cliff , but down a bank of Grass .

But if your Garden lye on a more declining Bank , then are your Aquaeducts to be paved and edged with Stone or Brick , lest the Velocity of the Current by degrees eat away the Earth before it : These Aquaeducts may be carried almost level , and have their Precipices at several distances , as the form of your Garden will bear : These Water-falls will appear very pleasant , if made broad at the end , as the same Poet tells you ,

Nor should it less deserve of our Esteem , When from an even Bed diffus'd the Stream , Runs down a polish'd Rock , and as it flows , Like Linnen in the Air expanded shows .

4. Waters brought in by Art , may better be confin'd in Canals regularly made , and Fish kept in them , easier preserved than in the natural , where Inundations usually unstock your Piscaries ; therefore if you can , chuse rather to bring a fair Current of Water through your Garden , above the level of the main River ; if it cannot be done by an ordinary Aquaeduct , yet may it by an Engin placed in the River , where the one part of the Water shall constantly raise another for your purpose , the manner of making and ordering whereof is not proper for this place ; therefore for your further information ,

— Vide Systema Agriculturae .

SECT. III. Of Fountains .

FOuntains are principal Ornaments in a Garden ; scarce a famous Garden in Europe without its Fountains , which were primarily , intended for Bathing , and are in the more Southern Countries used for that purpose to this day . The Italians bestow very great cost in beautifying them for that use : The French are very prodigal in their Expences about Fountains , and several curious Gardens in England have them ; but here only for Ornament . They are generally made of Stone , some square , others round or oval , and of divers other forms , some flat in the bottom , others round like a Bason .

Into some the Water is cast by Pipes from the sides , out of the Mouths of several Figures representing Animals , or out of the Pipes of Eurs of Stone standing on the brim of the Fountain , or the Water is cast from some Figure or Statue erected in the middle of the Fountain , or from a Pipe standing upright in the midst of it .

There must also be wast Pipes or Cavities to convey away the Water from such Fountains , which must be so made , that at your pleasure you may drain your Fountains , and cleanse them , and must be of capacity to carry off all the Water as it comes , left it annoy your Garden , for the greater quantity of Water you have , the more pleasant will it appear .

Plenty in Fountains always graceful shows , And greatest Beauty from abundance flows .

But where neither Springs nor Rivers can be obtained to compleat your pleasures , yet for use and a little for delight , may Water be procured from the Heavens , by preserving the drips of the House , and conveying it to some Cistern made for that purpose in your Garden , which may resemble a Fountain , or make a fair Receptacle in your Garden , for the Water that may be gained from the declining Walks of your Garden , or from adjacent Hills , as Rapinus directs .

But if the place you live in , be so dry , That neither Springs nor Rivers they are nigh ; Then at some distance from your Garden make , Within the gaping Earth a spacious Lake , That like a Magazine may comprehend The assembled Floods , which from the Hills descend .

engraving of seven different kinds of ornamental fountain, in three compartments. In the upper compartment are shown: a fountain raising a single ball (or dome) of water; a fountain raising a double ball (or domes) of water; a dragon-shaped fountain; and a crown-shaped fountain. In the middle compartment are shown: a statue of a woman with water fountaining out of one of her nipples (into the face of a lady walking nearby with a gentleman); and a fountain shaped like an oak tree. In the lower compartment is shown a musical fountain which operates a water-organ. Engraved by Frederick Hendrick van Hoave (1628?-1698). F. H. Van. Houe fec :

pg. 45

Here follows a DESCRIPTION Of several sorts of FOUNTAINS . I. THE Ball raised by a Spout of Water . II. The Water representing a double Glass , the one over the other . III. A Dragon or such like , casting Water out of its Mouth , as it runs round on the Spindle . IV. A Crown casting Water out of several Pipes as it runs round . V. A Statue of a Woman , that at the turning of a private Cock , shall cast Water out of her Nipples into the Spectators Faces . VI. The Royal Oak with Leaves , Acorns , and Crowns dropping , and several small Spouts round the top . VII . The Cistern into which the Water flows by the Pipe A. the Air issueth out at the Pipes b b b. the ends whereof make the Musical sounds in the Trough of Water at C. which is supplied with Water , by the Pipe D. which in time dreins the Cistern , which wast Water precipitates into E. and from E. into the common Drein .

These Waters are to be preferr'd for the irrigation of your Plants to any other , and in case you make your Cisterns well , and Cement the Joynts of your Stone with Parisian Cement , or with our own Lime compounded with Lin-seed Oyl , they will retain the Water for a long time .

SECT. IV. Of Water-works .

BEsides those natural Courses that are proposed , for the leading the Water from the one place of your Garden to the other , after it is entred into its limits , there are several ways of ordering it , where it is either Naturally or Artificially advanced above the level of your Garden .

The docile Streams will any shape put on , A thousand different Courses they will run . Rapinus

Therefore the Water must be conveyed from some Cistern or Conduit , standing above your Garden , at some distance by Pipes , or else it must by some Artifice be raised into a Cistern of Lead over some Lodge or Grot in your Garden , that from thence it may by smaller Pipes be secretly conveyed to your several Works .

As to the Fountains where it may be cast through various Figures , as before was hinted in the last Section .

Or it may be made to rise in the midst of a Fountain or your Grotto , through the Branches of an Artificial Tree , each Sprig being hollow , that it may continually drop with Spouts on the top , for the erecting of greater quantities of Water .

Or it may rise in one small upright Stream , carrying a Ball of Wood on it , which being exactly round , and placed on the mouth of the Pipe , and the Water by the opening of a stop cock made for that purpose , admitted by degrees ; the Ball will rise and be supported by the Spout of Water , to five , six , or seven foot high , after the same manner as a single Pease may be elevated by your Breath on a Straw ; but in case your Ball be apt to fall , then may you perforate it through the Centre smoothly and exactly in the middle , and place this small hole directly on the middle of the mouth of the Pipe , and so raise the Ball by degrees , and the small spout of water that passes through the Centre of the Ball will preserve it in its due posture .

By a Copper Cylinder made to fit on the top of the Pipe , out of which the water violently flows , to take off and on at pleasure , may you sometimes make the water resemble a large Glass inverted , by placing a flat piece of Copper on the top of the Cylinder , and leaving only a narrow circular passage under it , for the water freely to flow out of it on every side . Another Pipe or Cylinder of a lesser size , made to rise off the middle of the said flat piece of Copper or Cap , with a like Cap on the top of it , and a passage left as before , will cause the water issuing out of both the Cylinders the one over the other , to present a Glass within a Glass , both inverted .

Also Crowns , Birds , Beasts , made of light Brass or Copper , hollow and easie to turn on a Cylinder , the one end of the Cylinder is to be set on the top of the Water-pipe , the other end to force the water with certain thin Vanes in the inside of your hollow Figure , which will make it to move swiftly about , ejecting the water out of the sides or mouth of the Figures in its motion , which is very pleasant to behold .

Secret Pipes may be under the Ground , the ends not appearing above it , that when any Ladies unawares , or casually walk or stand over them , by the turning of a stop cock , you may force the water upright under their Coats , to their sudden surprize .

You may also place on Pedestals of about three foot high , several Figures at about three foot distance , ten or twenty of a side : The interval between these Figures may be 8 or 10 foot over . Through these Pedestals and Figures small Pipes must be brought , that the Water may out of the mouth of the Figures be ejected into the Air ; the one Figure directing it towards its opposite Figure beyond it , and a little sideways , so that at the turning of a stop-cock , each Figure shall cast out a stream of Water over like a Rain-bow , that you may walk under these Spouts , as under so many Arches , without any drop falling on you .

But that which is very delightful , is the singing of the Nightingal , exactly imitated by the motion of the Water , and is thus performed : In some Cavity of your Grott or other Edifice where you desire at any time to hear this Musick you must place a large Cistern of Lead , containing ten , twenty , or thirty Gallons as you please : This Cistern must be well clothed on every part ( except the useful passages for Pipes ) into it : near the top must the Water be let in freely through a Pipe of about an inch diameter ; then you must have also near the top , two , three , or four small Pipes issuing out , tending a little downwards , at the end of which you must fix your Pipes made of Brass , or other Metal , made before you fix them like an ordinary Fistula , wherewith Children exercise themselves in their pastimes , so that when you try it with your Breath , and hold the lower end in Water , it shall Pipe and chuck as the Nightingal sometimes both ; you may make two , three , or four of these of several sizes , the biggest not large , and they will give some distinction in sound , these being fixed to the ends of the small Pipes issuing out of your Cistern , and the lower ends of them dipping into a Trough of Lead , a little below the bottom of the Cistern ; when by the turning of a stop-cock , the Water flows into the Cistern , it expelleth the Air through these Pipes , which give you your desired Musick , until your Cistern be full , then must you stop the cock , that the Cistern may empty it self again , and be ready for another time .

The Pipe through which it empties its self , may be at the bottom of the Cistern , of about the diameter of one third part of an inch , so that the Pipe that supplies the Cistern with Water , must of necessity be of Capacity sufficient to afford Water enough for this under Pipe , and to enforce Air for the musical Pipes , therefore this emptying Pipe you may lessen as you find occasion .

The Water that runs through this lower Pipe , may descend into the Trough that is under the musical Pipes , to supply that with Water .

Instead of this lower Pipe , you may have a Siphon made in your Cistern , the inner foot of it to reach the bottom of the inside , the neck thereof to be near to the top of it , but not altogether so high , the outer foot of it somewhat lower than the bottom , that when the Water flows into the Cistern , and stops the inner foot of the Siphon , the Air forthwith gives you your Musick until the Cistern be full , then of its self the Water passes through the Siphon until the Cistern be empty . In this way , less Water will make your Musick , because there is no decrease of it until the Cistern be filled , but then you must not desist until it be full , else it will not flow out of the Siphon . You must also supply the Through before your musical Pipes with Water from some other Pipe , therefore the former way is the more facile .

By this means may you make many Musical Artificial Sounds , and to continue in proportion according to the quantity of your Water , and capacity of your Cistern ; the Water that flows in wast from it , being made to fall from one precipice to another , which with its murmering Noise intermixed with the Musical Pipes , makes an excellent charming Harmony , especially none of it being in view , but concealed in Rock-work made for that purpose .

SECT. V. Of Grotto's .

IT oftentimes happens that in these Northern Climes , the Aestival heats are more troublesome than they are nearer the Zodiack , the Sun continuing here longer above the Horizon in the Summer season , than in those parts , which occasions that intemperancy that many times we are sensible of ; for as we have less of the presence of the Sun in the Winter , so have we that defect supplied in the Summer .

But those that inhabit more Southerly , and have the Sun more perpendicularly over them , are more sensible of the acute heat of that bright Orb about the middle of the day , generally than we are ; and therefore about the heat of the day , they usually sequester themselves from their ordinary Occupations , and betake themselves to their shades and cool places of Recess for some few hours .

Such that have convenient places in their Villes , make themselves Grotto's or Caves in the Earth for that only purpose , on which some have bestowed so much Cost and Labour , that those Grotts have been the Object of Admiration of , and part of the Subject of several Histories written by several Travellers and Strangers , as are their Baths and Fountains .

For the same reason may our Grotts be as necessary for us , to repose our selves in the time of our Summer faint Heats , although they are not here so constant every year as in those parts , yet are they less tolerable , for want of these nocturnal breezes they usually enjoy .

Therefore either in the side of some declive of a Hill , or under some Mount or Terrace artificially raised may you make a place of repose , cool and fresh in the greatest heats . It may be arched over with Stone or Brick , and you may give it what light or entrance you please . You may make secret Rooms and Passages within it , and in the outer Room may you have all those before mentioned Water-works , for your own or your Friends divertisements .

It is a place that is capable of giving you so much pleasure and delight , that you may bestow not undeservedly what cost you please on it , by paving it with Marble , or immuring it with Stone , or Rock-work , either natural or artificially resembling the Excellencies of Nature . The Roof may be made of the same supported with Pillars of Marble , and the Partitions made of Tables of the same .

The most famous of this kind that this Kingdom affords , is that Wiltonian Gratio near unto Salisbury , on which no Cost was spared to make it compleat , and wherein you may view or might have lately so done , the best of Water-works , far excelling what Rapinus thus sings of late Richlieu's Place in France .

Here variously dispos'd the Fountains run , First headlong fall , then rise where they begun ; Receive all forms , and move on every side , With horrid noise , Chimaera gaping wide ; Out of her open Mouth the Water throws , For from her Mouth a rapid Torrent flows . From her wide Throat , as Waves in Circles spout A Serpent turning sprinkles all the rout .

But they that cannot command the Water to crown the pleasures of their Garden ; yet are there few that cannot find some convenient place for this purpose , it being as necessary in them to avoid the liquefying Air , as in other places the unpleasant Breezes .

CHAP. V. Of Statues , Obelisks , Dyals , and other invegitate Ornaments .

IN all places where there is a Summer and 1. Statues . a Winter , and where your Gardens of Pleasure are sometimes clothed with their verdant Garments , and bespangled with variety of Flowers , and at other times wholly dismantled of all these ; here to recompence the loss of past Pleasures , and to buoy up their hopes of another Spring , many have placed in their Gardens , Statues , and Figures of several Animals , and great variety of other curious pieces of Workmanship , that their Walks might be pleasant at any time in those places of never dying Pleasures .

Herein the ancient Romans were excessively prodigal , sparing of no Cost to adorn their Avenues , with curious Figures for their Winter diversions , as well as with rare Plants for their Summer delights . Which vanity ( although one of the most excuseable is descended on the Italians , whose Gardens are the Mirrors of the World , as well for those Ornaments , as for their excellency of the Plants that are propagated in them .

This Mode of adorning Gardens with curious Workmanship , is now become English ; how many Statues made by excellent Art , are there to be seen in His Majasties Gardens , and in the Gardens of divers of the Nobility of England ? But what great pity is it , that in many places remote from Cities and great Towns , these Statues should drive out of their view those natural Beauties that so far exceed them ?

Much more Ornamental are Statues placed in Groves and Shades , and in or near your Borders of the choicest Plants , than on the naked surface of the Earth , which later beget not that surprise in the Spectators , as the other .

Statues are commendable in the midst of Fountains , and green Squares in Groves , and at the end of obscure Walks .

In the room of Statues in the midst of your 2. Obelisks . green Squares , Obelisks , or single Columns may not be improper , so that the Workmanship be accordingly . Neither can there be a more proper use for an Obelisk , than to support a Globe with its Axis duely placed respecting both Poles , and its circumference on the Equinoctial Line , exactly divided into twenty four parts , and marked with twice twelve hours , that on it at a distance by the shadow only of the Globe on its self , you may discern the hour of the day , and observe how the Day and Night , and Summer and Winter happen throughout the Universe .

Many Dials of various and curious Workmanship are made , and may be placed on Pedestals in the midst of the Squares instead of Statues , which better become the shades .

Dials of Glass , were it not for the Casualties 3. Dials . they are subject unto , pre-excel any other for Beauty , especially the Globe with its Axis through the midst , and duely elevated with small Beads on it , placed at their due distances according to the Lines of the Celestial Globe , painted on the superficies of your orbicular Glass , which will not only give you the true hour of the day , but all other variations that a Dial can direct : But more of these things in another place .

Other ancient Ornament of a Garden , are Flower-pots . Flower-pots , which painted white and placed on Pedestals , either on the Ground , in a streight line on the edges of your walks , or on your Walls , or at the corners of your Squares , are exceeding pleasant .

They are usually made of Potters Clay , and burnt , which when full of Earth , and frozen in the Winter are apt to break , unless you place another ordinary pot of Earth in the inside of it , wherein to plant your Flowers , you design to propagate in them .

But to prevent that casualty of breaking , some are made of Lead well painted and gilt , which are much to be preferred .

One of the pleasures that may be esteemed 5. Of an Aviary . belonging to a Garden , is an Aviary , which must be near your house , that you may take some delight in it there , as well as in your Garden , and that you may in all seasons take care of its Inhabitants : As for its bigness , manner of making and ordering , it is not proper in this place to be discoursed of , we being rather for an Aviary at large , that the whole Garden with its Groves and Avenues may be full of these pretty-Singers , that they may with their charming Notes , rouze up our dull Spirits , that are too intent upon the Cares of this World , and mind us of the Providence , the great God of the Universe hath over us , as well as these Creatures .

BOOK II. Of the divers Trees , Flowers , and Plants , that beautifie and adorn a Garden .

CHAP. I. Of Trees for Ornament and Shade .

HAving lightly passed over the Scite , Form , Security , and dead Ornaments of your Garden ; it is time now to give you an account of such Vegetating Ornaments , that are proper and very well becoming the Gardens of the most curious . And because the Cypress is the most beautiful and most celebrated Tree , I shall begin with Perennial Greens .

SECT. I. Of Winter Greens .

OF all the Trees that have been propagated 1. Of the Cypress . in our European parts , none have yet merited that esteem as the Cypress hath done , it being the most uniform , streightest , and most slender of any other , preserving its Verdure throughout the year .

It s natural Country is Candia , where ( as Pliny writes ) if a man plow the ground , and not sow it with some other thing , Cypresses will come up , and presently shew above ground ; from whence they have been spread into the most parts of Europe , so far as the extream cold will give them leave .

Their Seed seldom or never ripens here in England ; but such as you have from foreign parts , you must sow about the beginning of April , which when come up and carefully watred and weeded , you may remove .

These Trees may be either planted as Standards , or in Hedges , and clipped as other tonsile Hedges usually are : if you intend them for Standards , at about three or four years the middle shoot ought to be cut off near the top , aad the whole Tree cut into a pyramidical Form , and not bound as is the usual custom , only clip them , not late in the year , left the Frost prove too fierce and kill your Trees .

For if they are not close bound but clipt and stand not in a cold moist Ground , they will endure the hardest Frosts , and sharpest Winds : For I have known many that stood in the lowest part of the Garden killed with the extremity of cold , when others that stood on a Terrace , more obvious to the cold Winds escaped ; and for no other reason , as I could judge , but their dry and healthy Soil they grew in .

As the Cypress for its Beauty , so the Laurel 2. Of the Laurel . for its Glory , hath been in great esteem with the Ancients , whose Branches have crowned the Heads of Emperours in their Triumphs ; and those that were Victors in War , or any solemn Games ; The Laurel Branches are also Emblems of Peace , and of pre-excellency in any ingenious Science or Enterprize , the ancient Romans attributed unto it an extraordinary property it had against the evil effects of Thunder and Lightning , and therefore planted it near unto their Houses and Lodgings .

It is one of the best ornamental Trees you can plant either for beauty or shade , it will cloath your most shady Walls , and will endure the most scorching beames of the Sun , it will mount to twenty or thirty foot in height , and be content to be humble and tonsil , no Weather will annoy it , it delights most in moist Ground .

In watry Vales , where pleasant Fountains flow , Their splendent Leaves the lovely Laurels show .

And agrees best with a cool shady place which is equal to a watry .

They grow tall , and bear great plenty of Berries , from which the Trees are easily propagated , or from Layers , or slips , set in a cold moist place .

The Laurus Tinus is a Shrub yielding sweet Laurus Tinus . scented Tufts of white Blossoms in the Winter , as well as the Summer , is easily propagated from Suckers or Layers , and deserves a place amongst the best of your perennial Greens : There are two sorts , the one with a narrow , the other with a broad Leaf .

The Bay-Tree , our old English Plant is a fine The Bay-Tree . oderiferous Tree , but worn out of that great esteem that formerly was had of it , by the more beautiful and hardy Laurel .

Few Greens exceed in Beauty , either in 3. Of the Phylirea . Branch or Leaf the Phylirea , which spreads so fairly , and near the ground , and rises to that height , and so easily managed with the Shears , that it is esteemed one of the most pleasant Plants that Nature yields , it is very hardy and endures our generally most severe Winters , having never known them nipp'd with fierce Cold , but ( Anno 1663 , and since in Anno 1683. ) and then the Branches being for the most part cut off , the Tree reassumed its former Lustre .

It is raised of Seeds , and may be increased by Layers , and sometimes by Slips , it will not easily bear a remove till the coldest Seasons are over .

There are two sorts of it , the one with a smaller and more edged Leaf than the other , which yields great plenty of Blossoms in the Winter , and lasts until the Spring , which Blossoms are of a strong Scent , by reason of a gummy Matter adhering to them , which the Bees wonderfully affect , which blooming Trees , if there were many of them near your Apiary , they would very much help your Bees , before much of other Food was to be found by them in the Spring ; but the barren Tree is the more beautiful .

These Trees may be cut into any form high or low , in Hedges or in single Trees , and will cover a Seat or Bower in a short time , and more neatly than any Tree whatsoever .

A Species of the same is the Alaternus , a 4. Of the Alaternus . hardy pleasant Shrub , not aspiring to that height as the Phylirea , but is apt for Hedges , and easily managed .

Most of the ancient Gardens of England 5. Of the Box-Tree . were formerly beautified with this never-dying Box , because you might have reduced it to any form or shape high or low , but by reason of the ill savour emitted from it , and by its spreading Roots continuing long in a place , sterilizing the confining Earth , it is now banished out of our Gardens .

Our modern Planters have brought into 6. Of the Engh-Tree . our Gardens to adorn our Walks , the Engh-Tree , which growing tall and stour against all Weathers , and its small Twigs sticking close to the Trunk , clothing it always green , no Sun nor shade offending it , is one of the most ornamental Trees you can desire . The Engh-Tree may be clipt and reduced to any form , but easily to the compleat form of the Cyprus .

I should undervalue the Judgment and Opinion 7. of the Holly . of our best Acborist Mr. Evelin , if I should not numerate the Holly amongst the most select of our Hortense perennial Greens , which he esteems to be the most incomparable for Use , Defence , Sight and Ornament ; I need say no more of it , seeing his learned Pea hath sufficiently emblazoned its frame .

The Firr-Tree is rather for the Woods , 8. Of the Firr . than for the Garden , yet by reason of the slender and aspiring Trunk of the streight Firr , and the facil keeping and preserving its Branches in a compleat circular order , it doth very well become a Garden , planted at the corners of your Squares , or in direct lines at a little distance from your Walks .

Having one of these Trees whose top was perished , I clipt it with my Shears , and reduced it to a fine Conick shape , and find it as easie to be managed with the Shears , as any other Plant.

The Norway Firr is easily managed with Shears , and kept in the form of a Cypress , growing thick on the sides when clipt , and being planted thick in Hedges , may be clipt as other tonsile Plants , and make a very neat and close Fence .

They are easily propagated from the Seed taken out of the Clogs , and sown in March , and very well endure a remove ; all other sorts of Firr and Pines , besides the streight small leaved Firr are to be excluded your Garden of Pleasure , being not capable of being reduced to a compleat form .

For the rarity of it more than for its beauty , 9. Of the Cedar . may the famous Cedar find a place in your Garden , the Name whereof is sufficient to revive those stupendious relations of the Magnitude , Durableness , Excellency and Virtues of that most sacred of Trees .

Not unbecoming your Gardens , is the Ilex , 10. Of the Ilex . or ever green Oak , which is hardy , though slow in growing , and propagated from its Seed , or by Layers .

The greater Tree Stone Crop is a beautiful 11. Of Tree Stone Crop . Green , not common , but raised from Layars , and preserved in some Gardens .

The Strawberry Tree , as it is so termed from 12. Of the Arbutus . the red Berries it usually bears , although difficultly raised from Seeds or Layers , and with the like difficulty removed whilst young , yet thrives very well in the warm part of your Garden , adding much Beauty to it , by its green Leaves all the Winter , and its Berries in the Autumn .

One of the most Vulgar , yet most usefull and 13. Of Rosemary . necessary Greens is the Rosemary , a Plant natural to many places in Spain , but here nourished in the warmest places of our Kitchin-Gardens ; I have observed in some Country Gardens , a dwarf-kind of Rosemary kept sheared , that hath been exceeding comely , the Plant is easily managed , did not the most severe colds destroy it , but that dwarf-kind is the more hardy .

The large double Rosemary is the more Ornamental to a Garden ; but that with a double blossom the more rare .

The Pyracantha , or ever green Hawthorn , 14. Of Pyracantha . is a compleat Tree for a Fence , its Thorns being strong and sharp ; it is also very beautifull when its Berries are ripe , which are of a Coralline red , its Leaves ever green , but not very thick .

The Arbor vitae , so called from its ever green 15. Of Arbor vitae . and hardy Leaf , may be planted to make up your number of Greens , for its Rarity , but not for its Beauty , any more than the Savin , which is much like it .

The Celastrus or Staff-Tree , bearing a few 16. Of Celastrus . green Leaves over the Winter , and as Mr. Rea adviseth , is fit to be mixed with Pyracantha , for the making of the ever green Hedge .

The Juniper-Tree altho' usual in the Woods , 17. Of the Juniper-Tree . or Commons , yet deserves a place amongst our choicest Winter-greens , it being capable of any form , growing tall like the Cypress , or spreading as you are willing to order it .

These ever green Plants have in them a strong resinacious Juice , that fortifies them against the Cold , and is the cause of the continuing of the Leaf so long on the Stalk , as may be observed in the Firr and Pine , what an abundance of that Terebintine Sap do they contain , enduring the most fierce Colds the Northern Climate yields ; the Cypress and the Rosemary both yield a very hot and resiny Sap.

The Holly affords us out of its Bark , that 18. Of the Holly . glutinous Bird-lime , that ensnares the heedless Fowl , which diffuseth naturally into its Leaves , enables them against all the inconveniencies of Winter and Cold. The Phylirea hath a very strong Sap that preserves it . And all the other Winter Greens have more or less of the like resinous and glutinous Sap or Juice , that is not so easily preyed upon by extreme Colds .

SECT. II. Of Variegated or Gilded-leafed Plants .

THose perennial Greens are very Ornamental , planted in their proper places of your Garden and Avenues , by reason of their perpetual Verdure , that the Winter that seems elsewhere most barren , here amongst these Greens appears like a perpetual Spring ; yet must they give place to the most beautifull of Trees and Shrubs of the same kind ( as to their durableness ) by reason of their variegations , much excelling those that are of a plain colour .

For what can be more pleasant than to have Groves or Walks ( when the Flowers that are but for a day are retired ) apparalled with gilded party-colour Garments , some with yellow and green , others with white and green , emulating the two royal Metals , that by the Gilder's hand adorn the Palaces of Princes . The most excellent of all which gilded Plants is the Holly , 1. Gilded Holly . whose Bark as well as Leaf , is variegated with a bright yellow ; the more yellow the Leaf is , the more beautifull is the Plant ; some are strip'd throughout the Barks and Berries : If vulgar green Holly be so glorious and refreshing an Object , as Mr. Evelin hath Characterized it to be , then certainly the same with a due mixture of a bright yellow must pre-excell . In fine , whosoever hath once seen this Tree , will not think any perennial Green equal to it , for it is like the true Scarlet-dy which present , debaseth all other Colours .

The gilded Laurel is a very pleasant Tree , 2. Gilded Laurel . although inferiour to the Holly , for want of that Oriental Verdure and more polite Leaf ; but this Plant is more rare to be obtained than the gilded Holly .

Of Phylirea , also there is a sort that is much 3. Gilded Phylirea and Alaternus . variegated with white , and is very pleasant , as the like there is of Alaternus , which is not altogether so hardy as that of the Phylirea , yet both both worthy of your care .

The Leaves of Box are on some Trees gilded 4. Gilded Box. with an edge round each of them with yellow , but these Trees do not annually produce all their Leaves gilded : sometimes they are green , and sometimes gilded ; yet are these Trees not to be wanting in your golden Grove .

There is besides the Rosemary that is gilded 5. Gilded Rosemary . with yellow , a sort of it variegated with white , very delightfull to the Eye , and not so common as the yellow ; both these are to be preserved under warm Walls , or other Fences to secure them from the too severe Winds ; but the white is the more tender .

The Periwinckle is a low creeping Plant , some 6. Gilded Periwinckle . bearing white , some blew Flowers , growing wild in many places , and scarce worthy of a place in a Garden , except for the covering the Ground in the Shades of your Groves and Avenues , with its ever green and running Branches ; but the gilded Periwinckle whose Leaves are exceeding well variegated , much resembling the gilded Phylirea or Alaternus , is as compleat an Ornament for clothing the Earth of your golden Grove , as any of the gilded Trees are for the more lofty part of it .

And although your gilded Trees are most 7. Gilded 〈◊〉 becoming in a Grove or Walk , and the Periwinckle be proper for an humble Ornament , yet some Plants of a middle rank or degree , may not unbecome so splendid an Object ; of which none can be more suitable than the Lilly , whose verdant shining pale-green Leaves are curiously painted by Nature's Pencil with yellow , appearing at a great distance , as well as near very beautifull ; these Leaves from the Ground to the top of the Stalk , from the Spring to the Autumn , being much more comely than the Blossom which is the fair white Lilly .

It is known to all Naturalists , that the best 8. Gilded Night-shade and Mugwort . Garden Ground is most prone to Weeds , which are its Spontaneous productions , and seeing that Weeds are expected in our Grove , as well as in our Garden , it were better that it were in part supplied for want of gilded leaved Flowers with gilded Weeds , whereof the Night-shade , otherwise a noisome Weed , but with its variegated Leaves , and here and there thinly dispersed , and gilded Mugwort , another Weed of the like nature , would make a good mixture with the other richer Dyes , like the ordinary Colours in a Picture , which serve to illustrate the more excellent .

Some other sorts of gilded Plants there may 9. There is also variegated Wood-bine . probably be ; but these are all that I have hitherto observed . As these have been casually met withal , and from them others have been raised , so by the same reason may other sorts be discovered , that yet have not been observed .

For travelling through some part of Glamorganshire , and discoursing of these variegated Greens , one of that Country assured me , that in that Country was a very large Holly with all its Leaves curiously gilded , growing wild in a Wood , which was not unlikely , for from the Woods they first came , but that which was most strange , was , that the same Tree should be neglected , and not a great number of Plants raised from it .

The Reasons why such variety of Colours should appear in the Leaves of Trees and Plants , are not easily discovered , seeing that we may observe the like in the various Colours of some sorts of Beasts and Birds , whereof no account has been yet given ; and they as well as these are also apt to degenerate . But the reason of such a variegation of Colours may be supposed to be a Defect in Nature , because the more sterile the Land is wherein they grow , the better are their Colours preserved , and the more rich the Ground is , the sooner do they degenerate . And as these curious Plants are by accident , or some secret inclination of Nature undiscovered unto us , so they are the more to be valued , and on them may we the better bestow our delight and admiration .

Thus will we conclude this Section , of monstrous 10. The Embroidered Elder . Curiosities in the Leaves of Plants , with that of the Elder-Tree . It hapned that about two years since , ( being Anno 1674. ) a Gordener near London , by accident discovered in a Hedge an Elder-Tree , whose Leaves seem'd to be embroidered , by the swelling of the Veins that spread themselves throughout the Leaf , and appearing of a different colour from the rest of it , they being of a curious Texture , made them appear to the Eye most beautifull and rare , which Tree he transplanted into his Garden , as no small curiosity .

These gilded party-colour'd Branches , would well have became those Crowns and Garlands so frequently used by the Ancients , had they been then known , and might ( some of them at least ) have been incerted in Dr. Brown's Catalogue of Coronary Plants .

SECT. III. Of other Trees propagated for their Beauty and Shade .

BEsides these perennial Greens and other Rarities in Nature , that seem to take up 1. Of the Platanus . so large a room in your Plantation , yet are there other Trees that in the Spring , and throughout the Summer , do very much adorn your Groves and Avenues , and cool and refresh those that delight to walk in them in the heat of those seasons . The most principal of which is the Platanus , a Tree so much admired by the ancient Romans , that they preferred them before any of their own Native Productions , and that for their Shades only , it so absolutely excluding the Beams of the Sun in the Summer , and admitting them in the Winter . The Branches are but thin and slender , the Leaves broad , and of colour pleasant , the Tree groweth large . Pliny records that in his time , a Plane-Tree was of that bigness , that being hollow within , eighteen persons usually sat on Benches in it , and supp'd with Licinius Mutianus its owner . This Tree delights in Water : for the Tree that grew to that bigness , had a cool Fountain adjoyning to it ; and those that had not so convenient a place for it , yet it seems by Pliny , out of their extraordinary affection to it , irrigated it with better Liquor . He also tells you of another , that the Emperor Caligula had in his Ville , in which was a capacious Room , that fifteen Persons might sit at a Repast , and yet space enough for their Servitors to wait on them . In truth , the World doth not yield a more beautifull Tree for shade than the Plane . It grows and prospers well , if planted in a moist Ground , or be constantly watred whilst it is young , and will soon arrive to your desired bigness .

Unto the Platanus , 2. The Tilia . High shooting Linden , next exacts your care , With gratefull Shades , to those who take the Air. This Tree seems to contend with the Platanus for Beauty and Shade , only its Leaves are not so fair , but for its conick or pyramedical Form , it exceeds most Trees , and for its sweet scent , wherewith it persumes the Air in the Months of July and August , there is no Tree comparable to it of that magnitude . The Bees will testifie it , who in innumerable multitudes gather on the rows of these Trees , when they are in Blossom . They are reducible almost to any Form , if planted at a distance they spread , if near they aspire . They delight in moist and good ground , and are very quick of growth . The many large Avenues planted of them in most places , sufficiently demonstrate their Beauty , Shade and Flavour .

The Horse Chesnut for the Beauty of its 3. The Castanea Equina . Leaves in the Spring , and the compleat from of its Bole , is not unworthy of a place amongst the best of Trees for Shade and Ornament . This Tree is very lately made English , being brought in its Seeds or Nuts , from Constantinople . It prospers very well here in good light Mould , it buds all the Winter , and untill it springs , are covered with a shining glutinous matter or Gum , and about the beginning of May , it usually makes its whole Years shoot in eight or ten days , and then dilates its Leaves , more pleasant than which scarce any Tree yields . In the same Month it puts forth many Branches of Flowers , so mixed , that they seem to be enamell'd , and are very beautifull ; in some years , a few of those Blossoms are succeeded by Nuts , in form of Chesnuts included in a Coat or outward Shell .

Christ's Thorn , so named , for that it is said to 4. Paliurus . be the same wherewith our Saviour was Crown'd at Jerusalem , near which is the natural place for its growth . This Tree may be placed in your Garden as a Rarity , as may that which is yet a greater wonder called ,

The Glastenbury Thorn , being in appearance 5. The Glastenbury Thorn . a vulgar white Thorn , yet budding and yielding plentifully its Blossoms in December . I have for several years observ'd it in Blossom at Christmas , sometimes it blossoms before , if the Weather be mild , but if the Cold be very severe , it will retard it : Those Blossoms are succeeded by Berries and Leaves , although in the Winter , as the ordinary white Thorns are in the Summer . They that read and believe the Divinity of the Monastery of Glastenbury , may the more easily believe the report of this Tree , that by its blossoming on the twenty fifth day of December , it doth not only indicate unto us the very day of our Saviour's Nativity , but condemns our sloth and contumacy in not rejoycing with it at so glorious a dispensation .

This Tree flourished many years in Wilton-Garden near Salisbury , and I suppose is there yet , but is not altogether so exact to a day , as its original from whence it came was reported to be , it 's probable the Faith of our Ancestors might contribute much towards its certainty of time . For Imagination doth operate on inanimate things , as some have observed .

Thus have you a brief account of the most delightfull , pleasant , and ornamental Trees wherewith to beautifie your Garden , Avennes , and Groves , which are shady and cool Recesses from the noise and cares of the World , and the hot Gleams of the Sun , and are an artificial Epitome of the larger Woods , Forests , and Groves , so much celebrated by the Ancients , who attributed unto them most Divine Honour .

Here you may in a small Room , and at an easie Expence , reap the advantage of those more ample Possessions .

Thus blest is he , who tir'd with his Affairs , For from all noise , all vain applausè ; propares To go , and underneath some silent Shade , Which neither Cares nor anxious Thoughts invade , Does for a while himself alone possess , Changing the Town for Rural happiness : He if he please , into the Groves may stray , Listen to the Birds , which sing at break of day . Rapinus .

SECT. IV. Of the Propagating and Planting the said Trees .

THE several Trees before-mentioned , are variously propagated and removed at various times , being many of them Exoticks : And therefore the nature of the Climate is to be considered .

Such of them that are natural to this , or a more Northerly Climate , may be removed at any time of the Winter , but the nearer the Spring the better , and are generally raised of Seed , as the Holly , the Eugh , the Firr , the Pyracantha , and the Glastenbury-Thorn . The Lawrel , Laurus Tinus , the Bay , the Tilia , the Castanea Equina , although raised by Layers as well as by Seeds , yet will endure a Winter removal .

The Cypress , the Pine , the Cedar , and the Celastrus are more tender , and although they are raised of Seed only , yet ought they to be removed in the warmth of the Spring about March or April . As also the Plants , Slips , or Layers of the Phylirea , Alaternus , Ilex , Arbutus , and Rosemary , whether from Seed or Layers , because they are brought hither from a more Southerly Country .

The Slips or Layers of all your gilded Plants , deserve your care in removing them , as the plain Trees of the same kind ought to be .

The Box , the greater Tree-stone Crop , Arbor Vitae , Savin , Platanus , and the Paliurus , are increased by Slips and Layers only , which must be laid or slipped in the Spring , and ( except the Paliurus ) may be removed all the Winter , the Paliurus only in the Spring .

It is observed , that it is the best way of planting the Box , to strip away the Leaves from the Slip , and not to wind the Stem , but to set it whole without winding .

It is also said , that every Slip of a Bay-Tree will grow , if set in March , the great Leaves being stript off , but they must be shaded , and sometimes watred if need require , else they will not so easily take root .

The gilded Trees or Plants must be increased by Layers , Slips , or Graffs , for it is observed , that by raising them from Seed they degenerate , by reason that the Hawes or Seeds of the white Thorn come not up the next year after they are sown : It will be somewhat tedious for such as delight in Curiosities , to wait for the production of the Glastenbury-Thorn from the Seed ; therefore the best and most expeditious way of raising this Rarity , is by grafting it on a common white Thorn .

The Holly-Berry continues the like time in the ground before it springs , but the Berries cleansed of their mucilage before they are planted , very much accelerates their springing : The Berries of the Eugh require the same ordering .

The Juniper Trees are propugated , either by Plants taken from the Woods , or by their Seeds or Berries , which will soon come up .

CHAP. II. Of Flower-Trees .

AFter your Garden , Avennes , and Groves , are reduced into such form as you dedesire , and those adorn'd so far as necessarily they ought to be , with those gracefull and immortal Greens and other pleasant Trees yielding shade and delight ; it then behoves you to furnish those intervals that remain , and the borders of your Walks with Flowers , the wonders of Nature , for the richness and variety of their Colours , Scents , Forms and Seasons . Amongst all which , those Shrubs or Trees yielding so great a variety of those Objects , are most to be prized , and of these is the Rose to be preferred .

SECT. I. Of the various kinds of Roses .

THere is no Flower-bearing Tree that yields so great variety , nor any Blossoms so beautifull as the Rose , nor do they only adorn but perfume your Gardens .

Now I perceive from whence the Odours flow , While on the Roses kinder Zephyrs blow . Out of the prickly Stalk the Purple-Flower Springs , and commands the Vulgar to adore , The Garden-Queen doth now her self display , Soiling the Lustre of the rising Day .

Between the Tulip and the Gillyflower , they are the greatest Ornament to a Garden , whereof the yellow Province-Rose is the most beautifull , 1. Of yellow Roses . where it brings forth fair and kindly Flowers , which hath been obtained by budding a single yellow Rose on the stock of a flourishing Francford Rose near the Ground ; when that single yellow is well grown in that Branch , inoculate your double yellow Rose , then cut off all suckers and shoots from the first and second , leaving only your last , which must be pruned very near , leaving but few Buds , which will have the more Nourishment , and yield the fairer and more entire Blossom .

This Tree or a Layer , from a Rose of the same kind delights most , and blows fairest in a cold , moist , or shady place , and not against a hot Wall .

The single yellow Rose is scarce worth the planting , except for the use aforesaid .

The nearest in Colour to the former is the 2. The Austrian Rose . Austrian Rose , being but single , yet in much esteem for its Blossom , whose Leaves are of a Scarlet colour within , and on the outside of a pale yellow .

The sweetest and most usefull of Roses is the 3. The Damask Rose . Damask , which in my Lord Bacon's time , was by him observed not to have been in England above one hundred years ; of these Damask kinds , there is one that beareth Blossoms with the first , and so continues with new Blossoms , untill the Frosts prevent it , and is therefore called the Monthly Rose , and is not inferiour in smell to 4. The Monthly Rose . the Damask , and deserves a place amongst your most select Plants ; this seems to be the Rose that Pliny mentions to be growing in Spain , that blow and flower all the Winter .

The Damask Province Rose differs from the 5. The Damask Province Rose . ordinary Damask , in that only it is very double and fair , but not so sweet .

The Damask-Rose with some of its Leaves 6. The York and Lancaster Rose . marked with a faint blush , is usually termed the York and Lancaster-Rose . I suppose because it was the first variegated Rose that was here known after the uniting those two Houses or Roses .

But the best of Damask-Roses and inferiour 7. Mrs. Hart 's Rose . to none other , is the Damask compleatly striped , usually called Mrs. Hart's Rose ; it is a very plentiful bearer , the Flowers exceeding sweet and very beautiful , and that Garden is defective that is without it .

There are two Roses bear the name of Belgick-Roses , 8. The Belgick-Rose . the one of a Blush Colour , bearing many Flowers at the end of a Branch , and those very sweet , and this Tree is esteemed the greatest bearer of all Roses . The other is of a red Colour , very double and beautiful , and in good esteem .

The ordinary Red-Rose is generally known ; 9. The Red Rose . the Hungarian-Rose is little better , and the Red Province is esteemed only for its fairness , as is the Dwarf Red Rose for its humility .

The Rose that most illustrates the whole kind 10. Rosamundi . is the Rosa-mundi , being Red elegantly strip'd with White , two so divers colours appearing plainly at a distance ; its Scent is weak , but that defect is supplied by its Beauty .

The Marbled-Rose is a very fair red Rose , 11. The Marbled Rose . fully and curiously marked or dappled with dark Colours , that it very much resembles Marble , from whence it hath its Name , and deserves a place amongst the best Roses .

The Velvet-Rose is the darkest of all Roses , 12. The Velvet Rose . and its Leaf much resembling Velvet ; it 's not very double , but some more than others . This Tree , and the Rosa-mundi , are very great Encreasers .

The Francford-Rose yieldeth large shoots , 13 The Francford-Rose . and is fit for the budding of the yellow Rose on it , the Flowers not much to be commended , nor is that of the Rose without Thorns , or the Virgin-Rose .

The Cinamon-Rose is in esteem only for its 14. The Cinamon-Rose . sweet Scent and early Blowing , being the first of Roses .

The Vulgar white and blush Roses are known 15. The white Rose . 16. Rosa Canina . to most . The Rosa Canina , so call'd from its whiteness like unto a Dogs Tooth , yet not so perfectly white as the Vulgar , but much more double , and for that reason is esteemed .

The double Musk-Roses , flower later than any 17. Musk Roses . other Roses except the Monthly-Rose : Their Scent gives them their Name , and deserve a place in your Garden ; but the single called the Spanish Musk-Rose , is not of such value .

One sort of the Musk-Roses keepeth on its 18. Ever green Rose . green Leaves all the Winter , which property hath imposed its Name ; its Flowers are single , yet not to be slighted by the curious .

The Vulgar Sweet-Briar for its excellent Odour 19. Double Eglantine . in the Spring , deserves a place near your House or places of Repose ; yet not so much as that which bears a double Blossom , for which it is preferr'd to it , and is one of the best of Odoriferous Plants .

The Gelder-Rose , or Gelderland-Rose , supposed 20. The Gelder-Rose . thence to have its Name , or rather Elder-Rose , from the likeness of its Branches to Elder , having the name of a Rose , I place it here , although not in any thing resembling it . It is a hardy Tree , and yields great plenty of Snow-white Bunches of Blossoms , and very well becomes a Garden , or a Chimney with a due mixture .

There are divers other species of Roses , as the Cristal-Rose , the Damask Musk-Rose , the Great Apple-Rose , so called from the bigness of the Berries or Apples that come after its small single Blossoms are fallen , &c. But these must give way to those before mentioned , and therefore it 's needless to say any more of them .

SECT. II. Of Ordering of Rose-Trees .

ROses have been in so great esteem from all Antiquity , that the curious have been very diligent in their propagation , amendment and discovery , several having been in several Ages produced that were not known to the Times preceding , and various ways have been invented and found out for their propagation , improvement and preservation .

The more excellent sorts of them have succeeded very well by grafting on the Stock of the common Sweet-Briar .

And by inoculation may they be increased on the Stocks of the common Rose-Trees ; the time for this work is about Midsummer .

And when you have thus obtained one Tree of a sort of the more Rare , you may multiply them by laying them , which may be done without the help of Boxes or Pots , the Branches being pliable , and the Tree it self humble , only by bending down the Tree , and laying the Branches in the Earth , and covering the middle of them , being first prickt with an Awl about some joynt , that is to be under the Earth . This may be done in the Spring , sometimes watring the Layers in dry Weather , then in the Autumn most of the Sprigs will have taken root , and are in their prime to be removed ; these will never degenerate , and all Cions proceeding from them , will be of the same .

To make Roses bear early , they must be planted in a very warm place , or on a declining Bank towards the Sun , and irrigated with Water , enriched with the hottest Dungs or Shavings of Horn and Lime steeped in Water : Some say warm Water will accelerate their blowing .

To make them bear late , the way approved of by several upon Experience , is at the time when they begin to bud , to clip or shear off all the Buds , and when other Roses have done blowing , these will shoot forth new Buds ; thus may you annually continue this pleasant Flower longer than naturally it would , by cutting some of your Trees , that they may succeed the other .

Some say , if you cut the tops of the Trees in the first of the encrease of the Moon after the Blossoms are faded , that another shew of Blossoms will appear about Michaelmas ; but the other is the more certain way .

To have Roses until Christmas , you may plant the monthly Rose in some Niech of your South-wall , and you will have Rose-buds fresh and fair in October , and in mild Winters in November , which by Shutters artificially made , may be defended from the Cold ( sometimes admitting the Sun ) until Christmas , you may add artificial warmth to them if you please : I have had fair Roses-buds in November , with younger by them , which might have been thus preserved .

Musk Roses are to be planted against a high Wall or side of some Building , and not check'd in their growth upwards , lest you hinder their bearing .

SECT. III. Of divers other Flower-bearing Trees ▪

BEsides the great variety of Colours and delightful Scent that the Roses have for the greatest part of the Summer yielded you , yet there are several other sweet and pleasant Objects Nature hath furnished you withal ; if you will lend your assistance to convey them into your Garden , of whom none are more gratefully odoriferous than the Jassmins .

Nor knows he well to make his Garden shine , With all delights , who fragrant Jassemine , Neglects to cherish . — Rapinus .

The most common is the Yellow Jassmine , 1. Yellow Jassemine . 2. White Jassemine . but the White far exceeds it in Beauty , and yielding one of the most Odoriferous Flowers in Nature , as the perfumes made thereof Witness . In the Autumual Season , these last furnish you with many Blossoms for a long time , until the Frost prevent them ; both these require the help of a Wall or Pallisade , their Branches being but slender and weak , yet enduring the most severe Colds .

The Indian Jassemine , or the Mexican 1. Indian Jassemine . Tlilxochitle is a Plant requires a tall Wall to aspire against : At every Joynt it hath small Claws or Tendrils , insinuating into Brick , Wood , or any other penetrable substance , and requires but small assistance to prune it , it affords a beautiful Scarlet Blossom in America , being one of the Ingredients to the famous Drink Chocolate .

The two former Jassemines are great Encreasers , and all of them may be increased by Layers .

Nor inferiour to the best of the former , 4. The Persian Jassemine . is the Persian Jassemine , for that it is a beautiful Shrub , yielding in the prime of the Summer most pleasant and well scented Blossoms , which welcome you to the choicest Flowers , Trees will yield . As the Persian Nuts and Iris , so the Persian Jassemins precede in Blossom , all others in respect of time , and therefore are the more valued ; they are easily increased by Layers

Not much unlike in Blossom to the last , is 5. The Lilack . the blew Syringa Pipe-Tree , or Lilac , the white is more rare , being but of humble growth , the Bark of a whitish Colour , the Leaves of a very pleasant pale Green , affording you Branches of fine scented white Flowers in April and May , and is a Tree yielding Suckers plentifully , but the best is that of a purple Colour , which two last very well merit Room in your choicest Avenues .

This is another Tree , that beareth the name 6. Syringa . of Syringa or Lilac , which never riseth so high as either of the other , but beareth many Clusters of Flowers , of a faint white or wild Primrose colour , yielding a strong Sweet , almost like unto that of Orange Flowers .

The double blossomed Pomegranate Tree , is 7. Balaustium . esteemed the rarest of all flowring Trees , yielding so pleasant a Branch , and a much more lustrious Blossom .

Pomgranates next their Glory vindicate , Their Boughs in Gardens pleasing Charms create . Nothing their flaming Purple can exceed . From the green Leaf the golden Flowers proceed .

This Tree deserves the choicest place in your Garden , and under the warmest Wall , being tender whilst young , but after very hardy ; the Flowers are double , fair and beautiful , exceeding all others , born by Trees : they are easily propagated by Layers .

This delicate Plant deserves a little of your Care and Assistance , in separating from it the many Suckers that usually proceed from it , and keep it to a few or but one Branch , and sometimes enrich the Ground with well consumed Hog's dung ; For it is the plenty of Nourishment makes them apt to Blossom , and too many Branches or Suckers rob them of it ; You need not House them , but if you doubt your Wall stands too open to the cold Winds , which only can hurt them , it is but taking a Mat , or placing a Skreen before them in the Winter , to defend them from it .

The Dwarf Almond is a very humble Shrub , 8. Dwarf Almonds . bearing in April many fine Peach-coloured Blossoms , and is a very pleasant Plant , and yeilds plenty of Cions ; it deserves a place in your Garden , and needs not to be Housed , it enduring all Weathers ; In some Years it bears Almonds of a very bitter tast .

The Mezerion , from whence soever transported , 9. Mezerion . is one of the most hardy Plants in Nature , sending forth its pleasant , beautiful , and odoriferous Flowers in the coldest Seasons of this Northen Climate , usually in January , and continues in Blossom in February and March , after them Leaves , and then its Coralline Berries , by whom it is increased . The Shrub is of a very soft consistence , and although Cold will not kill it , yet is it very tender in the choice of its Ground ; I suppose a light Ground , or a very moist , are not proper for it , Heat being more offensive to it than Cold.

There are three sorts of them , the one of a Peach colour , another more red being not so 10. The Sena-Tree . common , the other and the most rare is the white

There are two sorts of Sena-Trees , the great Bastard-Sena , and the Scorpion-Sena , both of them yielding a pleasant Leaf , and fine yellow blossom , not unbecoming a good Florists Garden ; they are slender and require the help of a Wall , endure all Weathers , are tonsile , and therefore reducible into any order , and are increased by Seeds , Layers or Suckers .

The Shrub Spirea is a small Tree , bearing 11. Spirea Frutex . small Peach-coloured Blossoms about the Month of August , it 's a hardy Tree , and is increased by Layers .

The Judas-Tree yields a fine purplish bright 12. Arbor Judae . red Blossom in the Spring , and is increased by Suckers and Layers .

The Bean-Trefoyl , so termed from the likeness of its Leaves to the Herb Trefoyl , and its 13. Laburnum . Pods to Beans , it affords many fine yellow Blossoms , and is a very pleasant though common Tree ; it is increased by Seeds , Cuttings , and Layers , and requires some artificial helps to support its weak Branches ; there are three kinds of these , the smallest is called Cytisus secundus Clusii .

Not much unlike to the yellow Jessemine is 14 Spanish Broom . the Spanish-Broom , only its Flowers are like our ordinary Broom , as are the Cods , only larger : It flowers in May , and is increased by Seeds and Suckers .

The double Virgins-Bower is a climbing 15. Virgins Bower . Tree , fit to cover some place of Repose , or to be supported by Props for that purpose ; it bears many dark blew double Flowers in July , August , and until the Cold prevents them : You may cut off most of the smallest branches in the Winter , it shoots early , and spreads very much in a Summer ; it is easily increased by Layers .

There are of them single , both purple and red , but this is to be preferred .

The Honey-Suckle , especially either of the 16. Woodbinds . more generous kinds of it , is a Plant which though vulgar , yet deserves our Pains in propagating it . The double and the red are the most choice , and are easily propagated by Layers .

Periploca is a Plant that twists it self about 17. Periploca . a Pole as doth the Hop ; it lives over the Winter , and yearly puts forth small blew Blossoms , is increased by Layers , and entertained in Gardens only for variety sake , and not for its beauty .

Of the Shrub-Mallow , there are two sorts , the Purple and the White ; they endure the 18. Althea Fruticosa . Winter , are usually planted Standards , bring forth their Flowers in August and September , until the Wet or Cold prevent them ; the Tree is increased by Layers . The Blossoms resemble the Blossoms of a Mallow , whence it hath its Name , and is a fair Autumnal Ornament to your Garden , for it buds and blows very late in the Year .

Hypericum-Frutex is a Shrub yielding abundance 19. Hypericum . Frutex . of small slender shoots , which in May , are very thick set with small white Blossoms , that the Tree seems to be all hoary with Frost , or covered with Snow : It is increased by Suckers , and endures all Weathers , and very well becomes the choicest Gardens .

There is a sort of Peach-Tree , yielding double 20. Double flower'd Peach Tree . Flowers fair and beautiful , deserves a place under your Wall .

The like there is of Cherries , a sort that bears 21. Double flower'd Cherry . a fair white Blossom very double , but yielding no Fruit , as doth that of the Peach , yet a welcome Plant to a good Florist .

There are Apple-Trees and Pear-Trees , that yield double Flowers , but they are not so much regarded .

Thus by propagating and preserving such Flower-bearing-Trees and Shrubs , may you have your Garden and Groves replete , with great variety of curious Flowers from the end of January , when the hardy Mezerion exposes its several coloured sweet scented Blossoms to your view , until the cruel Frosts and Winds check the Monthly Rose , Althea Fruticosa , Virgins-Bower , and white Jessemine ; and so throughout the whole Summer between those two extreams , and that without the trouble of removing , altering , shading , skreening from Cold or other inconveniences , which most other Flowers are subject unto , and are therefore much rather to be preferred ; yet if you are willing to undergo the little trouble of defending the Monthly Roses or White Jassemines , you may have Blossoms from these later , and Roses even until Christmas .

CHAP. III. Of Bulbous-rooted Flowers .

NEXT unto the Flower-bearing-Trees are those of Bulbous-roots to be preferred , for their easie propagation and management , and durableness in all seasons hot and cold .

SECT. I. Of Tulips .

OF all Bulbous-rooted Flowers the Tulip hath obtained , and not undeservedly , the preference , yielding so great a Variety , that they are not here to be enumerated , every year producing new Flowers . Nor is it all the words I can invent , can convince you of the beauty of these Glories of Nature , but must refer you to the choice your self , or Friend for you , can make out of that Magazine of Varieties that are collected by the ingenious Florists .

Their Colours are various , from the deepest dye of any other Flowers to the purest White , intermixt with the brightest Yellow , transcendent Scarlet , grave Purple , and many other compounds of these inclining to the Blew and Green .

Many double Tulips are now raised , whereof there is some variety .

Their Season of blowing continues long , the Praecoces or early Tulips , beginning some of them to blow at the Vernal Aequinox , the Medias which are the prime , continue all April , and sometimes the half of May , till the end whereof the Serotines or late flowring Tulips continue .

When the principal of them display their Colours in the heat of the day , there is not a more glorious sight in Nature , nor is it to be imitated by Art , no Limner , nor Painter dares pretend to so great skill : But as all things else that are in excess are soonest apt to decline , so these that exceed all others in beauty and lustre , soonest fade ; not any of them continuing in its Glory above eight or ten days , unless the mildness of the Weather , or some artificial shade preserve them ; nor are they succeeded by any other from the same root .

Tulips are not only preserved by taking them up yearly , when the stalks are turning yellow , or begin to be dry , but are by that means multiplied and increased exceedingly . The usual way is to take them up at that convenient time , and spread them thin on some board or floor until they are through dry , then cut off the stalks , and so let the roots lye in some box or boxes , or other convenient places until September , or October , in a dry place , but not in the Sun or Wind ; then separate the main Bulbs from the lesser Chives , taking all that are large ( and round though small ) for Roots that will yield you Flowers the next year , and set them in the places appointed for them , but let the ground be digg'd or otherwise loosened , that the Root may the better dilate it self and encrease , for in a narrow or stiff hole , your Root will remain till the next year as you left it .

It is not good to take them up after they have shot their Fibres or small Sprigs , until after they have flower'd , lest it hinders their flowring , and perhaps perish them .

When you plant them , stick into the ground by them small sticks marked with the numeral Letters , which you may do ad infinitum , and in a small Book for that purpose , may you insert the mark and name of the Flower .

When you take them up and disperse them into Boxes or other Receptacles , you may transfer the marks with them .

The ground you plant them in , ought not to be too luxurious ; this Noble Flower is content with a little Room and poor Soyl.

In the worst Mold this Flower better thrives , And berren Earth miraculously gives More beauty to it , than a fertile ground , And when least strong , it is most comely found .

The vulgar field or hazle Earth , with a little mixture of Sand in it is best , for the richness of the Soyl causes them to run ( as they term it ) into dark and plain Colours . But if your ground be naturally rich , or that your Tulips have grown several years in it , you may abate it , and supply it with that which is fit , or lay a bed of sandy Earth about a finger thickness below the bulb , when it is in its proper place , that so the Fibres may receiv a check . Tulips may be raised in January and February on hot beds , but they must be the praecoces that are to flower early .

Some prescribe to plant your Tulips in a natural Earth somewhat impoverished with Sand , so that a little below the root the Earth may be better within reach of the Fibres .

If the ground be digg'd where your Tulips stood the last year , it is equal to a change of Mould , the Roots rarely falling into the same Earth again where they were before .

Your small Cions or Off-sets you may plant in a Bed by themselves , which will furnish you at another time with great variety

As Tulips run or degnerate , take them up and plant them in your outward Groves , your prime Colours will multiply fast enough .

Tulips that are apt to decline towards a sadder Colour , may be taken up a little before they come to flower , and laid in the Sun to abate their luxury , which will make them come better the year following .

From such Tulips that have their Tamis , ( that is , the seed-like things that stand up about the Seed-Vessel ) and bottoms of dark Colours , and their Seed-Vessel three square , may Seeds be obtained when they are thorough ripe in June or July , that may after a long expectation afford you great variety of Flowers . These Seeds may be sown in September , and every two years removed until they yield Blossoms ; but this labour and patience are too great for an ingenious , and fit only for a dull Florist .

The often removing of the roots of Tulips and their Off-sets into various ground , gives you a great encrease , and great variety of Colours , without that tedious way of raising them .

It is not good to let a Tulip stand too long after it hath blown , lest by weakning the root it may prevent its blooming the next year .

The next of kin to the Tulip is the Fritillary , 2. Of Tritalines . whereof there is some variety , as the white , yellow , red , dark coloured , some of them checquered , and thence called the checquered Tulip , but the double is the most rare ; their seasons and manner of ordering much like that of the Tulip , only the dry Roots ought to be planted about the beginning of August .

SECT. II. Of Hyacinths and Star-Flowers .

THE Hyacinths are all bulbous rooted , except the tuberous rooted Indian Hyacinth , which we reserve for the Conservatory . The sorts of them that are termed Muscaries or Grape-flowers , whereof there are many diversities , as yellow , ash-coloured , red , white , blue and Sky-coloured , are pretty things , and may for variety-sake , but not for their beauty be planted .

But there are other varieties of them , as the fair hair'd branched Jacinth , the fair curled hair'd Jacinth , the blue , white , and blush , starry Hyacinth of Peru , and the blue Lilly-leaved starry Hyacinth , that yield fair Flowers on large Stalks that adorn your Garden and Flower-pots These flower in May and may be removed in August , they lose not their Fibres , and are therefore not to be kept long out of the ground .

There are several sorts of them that lose their Fibres , and may be kept longer out of the ground , and are to be preferr'd to the other , for that they come early in the year from February until April , and are very sweet and well coloured .

The principal whereof is the great Oriental Hyacinth , called Zimbul Indi , or Pas too t , or Celestial Hyacinth , from its fair blossoms .

Some are more double , as well white as blue , and therefore are to be esteemed ; the vulgar are some white , some of a cream colour , others of a deep blue , and some of a pale , but all are very becoming a Garden in the Spring of the year , before they are over-matched with Flowers of a nobler hue .

The nearest of kin unto the Hyacinths , are Of Star-flowers . the Star-flowers , whereof some of them are valuable , as the Ornithogalum Arabicum , or Star-flowers of Arabia , which flowers in May ; the great white Star of Bethlehem in June ; the Star-flower of Naples in April , and the Aethopian in August : These of Arabia and Aethiopia are tender , and coming out of so hot Countries , will not endure our severe Winters , therefore their Bulbs must be planted in rich warm Earth in Boxes or Pots , and secured in Winter from Frosts .

SECT. III. Of Daffodills .

THE Narcissus is a Flower so well known , that its needless to spend many words on it , but for its great variety , bright colour , and early flowring , the better kind of them deserve to be planted here and there under your Groves and Avenue's and other Shades , where they prosper very well , and waste no ground : They are hardy Plants , and multiply much ; some of them are white and sweet scented , blowing late in the Spring ; some are single , others double , and others very double , some bear many Flowers on a Stalk , others but one ; so that from the end of February to the beginning of May , they furnish you with Flowers for your Pots .

The Junquils are of the same kinds and afford some variety , and flower much about the same time with the Daffodils .

The Leucoium or Bulbous-Violet is reckoned amongst the Daffodils ; it is sometimes called the Snow-drop , because it shews its Snow-white Flowers sometimes in January , and generally not long after , for which early blowing it is esteemed .

SECT. IV. Of Lillies .

UNder this Name have been of old many famous Flowers . Some imagine the most illustrious Tulip was once intended by it , when Solomon's Glory was esteemed inferior to one of them ; but there is little reason for that opinion : for in Pliny's time , near about the time of our Saviour's being upon Earth , the Lilly was in great esteem ; than which , no Flower was more in request in the choicest Gardens , except the Rose , which Solomon himself admired as well as the Lilly ; and then the Tulip was but a hedge Flower and so remains in the Asian Continent , as is reported : Neither is there any Flower of that transcendent whiteness ( an Emblem of purity and Innocency ) as the Lilly .

But there are of several Colours and Seasons , Flowers that are of that Family : As for the Spring , the Crown Imperial , single and double Crown Imperial . orange-coloured , red and yellow , they are but dull Flowers .

Then there are the vulgar Red Lilly ; single Red Lilly . and double , whereof only the double is worthy your notice ,

The White Lillies , both single and double , White Lilly . are planted in most Gardens for their Colour , and the use of their Roots , which in Pliny's time added much to the reputation of the Plant.

Of Martagons there is great diversity , the Martagon . Imperial , the White , white spotted , Red and red spotted , Yellow and yellow spotted , with divers other variations , but none of great value .

SECT. V. Of Saffron Flowers .

THE Colchicums or Meadow Saffron , so Of the Colchicum . termed , being first taken out of the Meadows . These Flowers are called Naked Boyes , because they appear naked out of the Earth , and are withered and gone before the green Leaves appear .

Of these Colchicums there is some variety besides the plain colour , some striped , others chequered , whereof the Colchicum Chio is the most beautiful , but the double is the more splendid , gracing your Garden in the Autumn when most other Flowers are faded . All these variegated and double Flowers are to be esteemed for that they come so late in the year , and make a delicate medly : they put forth their green leaves early in the Spring following , and when those wither they may be taken up and encreased , and replanted about the end of August following .

The Crocus or Saffron-flower , so called from Of the Crocus . its resembling that Plant in Root , Leaf , and Flower . There are great variety of these Flowers and much variegated or striped with White , Yellow , and Purple , their three principal Colours .

They bring forth their pleasant , but short Blossoms in February and March ; there are some of them Autuminal that flower in September and October , as doth the true Saffron : the Roots are taken up when the Leaves wither , and planted again about a Month or two before their flowring time : they increase very much , and adorn the edges of Borders , or close under Walls or Pales .

SECT. VI. Of several other bulbous roated Flowers .

THere are several other bulbous rooted Flowers , which for variety are to be entertained , as the Moly , whereof there are many Of the Moly . different sorts that are in flower in May , June , and July , and serve to mix in your Flower-pots and Chimnies : they are planted and increased as other hardy Bulbs .

The Asphodils are of no great beauty ; but Of Asphodils . may be planted and increased as other Bulbs , for their variety ,

As may the Phalangium or Spider-wort , whereof Of Spider-wort . there are the White and the Blue ; some flower in May and June , but the Blue in August and September .

Gladiolus or Corn Flagg , there are several Of Corn. Flagg . sorts , Red and white , and serve only for Flower-pots and Chimnies , are hardy , and to be planted and increased as the other Bulbs .

Of the Satyrions , or Bee-flowers , or Gnat-flowers , Of the Orchis . there is some diversity , they are taken out of the Fields and Meadows , are very beautiful where they are remote from the place of their extraction , they are very tender , and therefore are cautiously to be removed , they are to be taken up Earth and all , unless you can observe to find them when dry , you must endeavour to plant them in ground connatural to that from whence they came .

The Doggs-tooth Violet , so called from the Of Dens Caninus . likeness of its Bulb to Doggs-tooth , there are of them purple , Red , White , and Yellow they are much in esteem being brought far , and difficult to be obtained , not increasing in this Country ; they are planted in good natural ( not dunged ) Soil , about the middle of August , and flower in March .

The Cyclamen of Sowbread for their curious Of the Cyclamen . and odoriferous Blossoms , are received in the Gardens of the best Florists .

The Grecian Cyclamen from far they bring , Rapinus . The Red and White both flourish in the Spring .

Some sorts of them also flower in the Autumn , and one or other of these Beauties adorn your Garden from April to October .

Their Roots do not lose their Fibres , and are therefore difficulty removed , their time of removing is in June or July , or before their time of blowing . They are raised of Seeds which must be sown , as soon as ripe , in Poxes , and then at two years end transplanted into your Garden , where they will endure any Weather .

SECT. VII . Of the Iris , Bulbous , and Tuberose .

TO conclude this Chapter of Bulbous-rooted Of the Bulbous Iris. Flowers , I shall here insert the Iris , there being of them as well with Bulbous as Tuberose Roots , not that they are inferiour in beauty to any of those preceding , except the Tulip , but that I am unwilling to divide them whose Flowers retain the same Form , although they differ in their Roots .

Now Iris springs which from the heavenly Bow Is nam'd , and doth as many Colours show : Its Species , and its Tinctures different are , According to the Seasons of the year .

Rapinus .

The Bulbous afford very great variety , some of them ( as the Persian ) flowering in February or March , others in April , May , June , and July , There are some of them very fair and beautiful ; their Colours are either blue , purple , Ash-coloured , peach-coloured , Yellow , White , or Variegated . Theire Roots may be taken up as soon as the Leaves begin to wither , for soon after they are quite withered , the Bulbs will issue out more Fibres , and then it is too late to remove them , otherwise you may keep them dry till Auguct .

They delight in a good Ground , but not too rich , on a sunny bank , but not too hot to the South or West ; the Eastern Aspect is the best .

Those Flower-de-Luces , white tuberous Roots , Of the Tube-rose Iris. are not altogether so various as the Bulbous , yet affording to the ingenious Florist many curious Flowers ; the best and most excellent whereof is the Chalcedonian Iris , vulgarly called the Toad-Flag from its dark marbled Flower . This Species of them ought to be carefully ordered , else it will not thrive well , it requires a warm and rich Soil to be planted in , and because it is apt to shoot forth its green Leaves before Winter , it expects to be a little defended from the Cold. These Bulbs may be taken up when the Leaves begin to be dry , and kept some time in the House , and then replanted in September , or October , which will make them thrive the better .

The other sorts of the Tuberose rooted Flower-de-Luces , are much more hardy , and increase exceedingly in good Ground , and are therefore not so fit for your choicest Garden .

CHAP. IV. Of Tuberose Rooted Flowers .

AFter having passed over those curious Plants and Flowers , that are with the least pains and Care to be planted , propagated and preserved , I shall now give you a brief Account of such that are a little more difficult to be managed , yet require they no more trouble than they sufficiently recompence with their most pleasant Flowers : The most select whereof is the Anemone .

SECT. I. Of Anemones .

THE Anemone , which is a Grecism , signifying Wind , thence it is called the Wind Flower , for that it is observed never to open , but when the wind blows , or at least in those Countries where it is naturally produced , it may have that property . It was in great esteem amongst the Ancients , for the beauty of its Flowers mix'd in their Chaplets and Garlands , although then there were not a tenth part of that variety of them , that now the curious have collected and propagated .

It is one of the Beauties of Nature , and the most excellent that Season can afford , bearing such different Flowers , that they make the cold March almost equal in Glory to the Summer , which is a wonder that such soft Flowers and Tyrian and Scarlet Dyes should be produced in so early a Season , which are usually the effects of a continued Calidity .

What angry Deity did first expose , To the rough Tempests and more rigid Snows , The soft Anemone , whose comely Grace , A gentler Season and a better place Deserves : for when with native purple bright , It shews its Leaves to the propitious light , With different Colours strip'd and curled Flames , Encompass'd it our love and wonder claims . There is not any other that outvies This Flower 's curl'd Leaves or numerous Dyes , Nor the Sidonian Art could e're compose , So sweet a blush as this by Nature shows . Rapinus .

As of the Tulips , so of these , the best way is to please your self in your Election from the view of them . The usual descriptions can never sufficiently nor satisfactorily inform you of their real worth .

They are generally of two sorts , broad leav'd Anemones , and narrow leav'd Anemones , those with narrow leaves much resemble Parsley , whence they were anciently called Rose Parsley , or the Parsley Rose .

The Soil wherein they delight must be fat and rich , manured with Sheeps dung , and Neats dung , with a little mixture of Lime , all thorowly rooted .

About the end of September , or beginning of October , you may plant your Latifoles , or broad leav'd Anemones about three fingers deep , and about a Month after your Tenuifoles or narrow leav'd Anemones which yield their Flowers after the other .

But if you design to have them more early , you may plant them sooner , and with Mats secure them against the Cold , and give them all advantages of the Sun and warm Rains , for the Frosts are very apt to nip their Leaves when above ground , and impede their flowering for that year .

If you desire Anemones to flower late , then keep them out of the ground as long as you can , some will abide out of the ground until February or March , and plant them in shady places , or artificially shade them . Thus you have Anemones after the usual natural time of flowering .

When their green Leaves turn yellow , or about the end of June , or in July , you may take them up , and preserve the Roots dry , till the season for interring them , for after they have lost their Fibres , they are apt to perish by the humidity of the Earth : the place you keep them in ought to be cool as well as dry .

It is very injurious to the Latifoles to break their Roots , which should only be parted as they are naturally apt to be divided , but the Tenuifoles will endure an easie Rupture or Scissure .

If you preserve your Anemone Roots in a cool place , until the middle of January , and then plant them , they will be the more secure from the injuries of bad weather ; much Wet prejudiceth as well as severe Cold.

As your Anemones are prejudiced by overmuch Wet , so do they require and deserve a little irrigation in very dry Springs , and will sufficiently gratifie you ; a little shade will also advantage them in the hottest time of the day .

In May will these Flowers bear Seeds , which gathered and sown in July , in good sifted Earth , in Beds or Boxes , will produce great Varieties in the third or fourth year after .

Mix the Down that contains the Seeds , with some fair dry Earth , and rub it together in a wooden Vessel , and the Seeds will mix with the Earth , by which means you may sowe them equally ; be sure to sow them not too thin .

After you have sown your Seeds , sift Earth upon them about half a finger in thickness ; when they have been come up about a Month , sift more Earth finely over them about half an inch , and cover them at some distance all the next Winter .

The August following , you may remove them into convenient Beds , where they may remain till they bear Flowers , at which time you may cull them as you please .

Forget not a gentle irrigation of your young Anemones in dry Weather , for it will much forward them , as will a little artificial shade at opportune Seasons .

The Ranunculus or Crowfoot , being so near Of Ranunculus . in resemblance to the Anemone , differ very little from them in their ordering .

They exceed all Flowers whatever in the richness of their Colours , nor is there any Flower so fine and fair , as are the larger sorts of them .

Their times of Flowering , taking up , and planting , are near about the same time as the Anemones , but they agree better with a richer Mold than the other .

They are not so apt to multiply their Roots , unless their Ground be rich and light ; therefore it is by the most skilful prescribed , to lay a broad bed of old Thatch or almost rotten Straw , and on that to sift fine rich Earth six or eight inches thick , and therein to plant your Ranunculus's , wherein they will thrive and increase .

If you plant them early in the Winter , they must be defended from the sharp Winds and Frosts , but if late , there is no necessity of it , they are somewhat more tender than the Anemone .

Irrigation in a dry season , much advantages this Flower , as it doth the Anemone

SECT. II. Of Peonyes .

THis although a common Flower , yet yields the fairest and most double Blossom of any , and very well becomes your Chimney or Flower-pots . But the White , purple , and changeable Peonyes are acceptable in the Gardens of the best Florists , and the single Peonyes in the physick Garden , for their specifical virtues of their Roots against the most dangerous of Diseases .

The manner of their planting and ordering is known to most that have any interest in a Garden , only it is necessary to understand , that September and october are the fittest times for their transplantation

CHAP. V. Of divers other Select Flowers .

SECT. I. Of Gilliflowers .

NOtwithstanding the Flower-bearing Trees are compleat Ornaments with little trouble ; the Bulbous rooted Flowers so illustrious that they merit great esteem from the most curious , being less subject to Casualties than most others , and the Tuberose Roots yield such incomparable Beauties in the Spring ; yet must they concede to the Gilliflower , the pride of the Summer , that hath its scent as pleasing as its variegations beautiful .

Lovely Carnations then their Flowers dilate , The worth of them is as their Beauty , great . Their smell is excellent . — Rapinus .

Their Colours are not many , but infinitely and variously compounded , and being so easily and frequently raised of Seed , do annually produce new mixtures , and those have imposed on them new Names , that it is impossible to give you a true account of them ; therefore it will be more proper for you to please your own fancy , or confide in the integrity of a Gardener , than to trust to the lame descriptions you may meet withal , or to the florid Names that are given them , on purpose to beget your admiration of such that little deserve it .

Their times of Flowering are generally in July and August ; sometimes the early Buds may yield you Flowers in June , but their latter Buds in September and October and by careful defending them in November .

The right Dutch Gilliflowers rarely produce Seed here , but when they do you must preserve it from wet till it be ripe , then gather it and lay it by in the Husk , until the Spring .

In May , after the cold Nights are spent , is a good time to sow these Seeds , which ought to be on good Earth , in some shady place where it may have the Morning or Evening Sun only .

They should be sown thin , and the Earth sifted over it half a Finger thick .

In August or September following , you may remove them into their proper Beds , and the Summer following , they will inform you of their worth by their Flowers . The single and poorer sort reject , and those that blow fair and whole , or are well marked , preserve .

For the first Winter after sowing them , there is little danger of their being hurt by Cold , in that particular they are like the stock Gilliflowers , which in their first Winter are extream heardy , and in the second very tender .

You may plant your best Gilliflowers in Pots filled with Earth for that purpose , that you may give them Sun or Rain , according to the Season of the Year , and as they require .

Plant them not under a Wall or other Fence , that may reflect the heat of the Sun upon them , for they delight in an open Air , and not in intemperate Heat .

Great Rains , especially in the Winter and Spring , Prejudice them much , therefore you are to defend them from it equally as from Cold. Those Flowers that are planted in Beds , and not in Pots , are to be defended from Wet and Cold as there is occasion , by some Cover or Shelter to place over them , which must be open at the top , or on one side : The fittest for this occasion , are old Bee-hives , with a Door of about a Span square on the side that may be open off from the Weather , which you defend them against .

You may increase your Flowers by laying them in June , July and August , but in June or July is the best time , the method is this : First trim your Slip you intend to lay , by clipping off the side Leaves , and topping the other , then with a sharp Pen-knife cut a Tongue half through , from one of the middle Joynts under the Slip , to the next Joynt towards you , beginning next the Root , and cutting upwards , loosen the Earth under it , and with a small hooked Stick force it down , that the Tongue or Slit may open , and the end of the Slip point upwards cover it with Earth , and water it , which irrigation must be reiterated according as the drought of the Season requires it .

If the Slips be so high that they cannot be bent to the Ground with ease , then take a small Earthen Pot with a slit on the side , in which you may dispose of your Slip as you desire .

About a Month after , your Layers will have taken Roots , then may you take them off with some of the adhering Earth , and plant them in their places prepared for them .

But if any should not have taken root , you may anew lay them , and make the Cut a little deeper , and so let them remain till the Spring , and then you may plant them out as you see fit .

Plant your Layers not too deep , for thereby many a good Plant hath been spoiled .

A Cave or Pit made in some place in your Garden , would be very convenient to place your Pots of Flowers in for there no Winds nor severe Frosts can annoy them , the driving Rains also cannot much offend them .

The Morning Sun is the most benign to your Gilliflowers ; therefore you may defend your most choice from the Afternoon Sun , by some artificial Skreen , in case you have no place naturally posited for that purpose : This to be done before , and in blowing time .

To have Gilliflowers or Carnations ( as they are vulgarly termed from those ancient English Flowers that were usually of a Flesh Colour ) during the most part of the Winter , they may be placed in Pots , in some convenient Room open to the South , and to be shut at pleasure to defend them from the Cold , unless to give them the benefit of the warm Sun at Noon sometimes , or a little Southerly Rain ; into which Room may be conveyed some warmth from your ordinary Fire , or else a Fire therein on purpose . I suppose a Lamp may be maintained burning at an easie Expence in a close Room , which may be sufficient to defend them from Frost ; a constant though small Heat will effect much the Lamp may also be enlarged as the Room or severity of the Weathee requires ; the smoak of the Lamp may be conveyed away by a Funnel over it for that purpose : thus may many other Rarities be preserved over the Winter at an easie Charge .

The Earrh about your Gilliflowers , ought to be ; renewed once in two Years at the least , for by that time they have exhausted the better and more appropriated part of the Earth or Soyl.

Your Flower Pots ought to have holes in the bottom , to let out the superfluous moisture and also in case you are willing to water your Flowers , you may dip the Pots half way into a Tub of water prepared , the one after the other ; and the Earth will attract the Water through the holes , which is much better than sprinkling .

If you have any Gilliflowers that are broken , small , or single , you may graff on them other Gilliflowers that are more choice , but graff them in the most woody part of the Stalk ; the best way is by whip-graffing .

Pidgeons Dung being the hottest of Dungs , applied about the Roots of Gilliflowers , maketh them flower the more early .

To defend your Gilliflowers from the injury of Cold and Frost , such of them that are placed in Beds and not moveable ; some have prescribed to take two slender Wands or bending Sticks , and fix each end in the ground on each side of the Flower , that the Sticks may Arch-wise be across over the Flower , which is said to defend them by some Magical Vertue .

If your Gilliflower or Layer be inclinable to shoot up in the Summer with one single stem , suffer it not to blossom that Year , but nip or cut the stalk off , lest it give you a fair Flower and never thrive after .

Pinks though mean Flowers singly of themselves , Of Pinks . yet the common red single sort of them , planted on the Edges of your Walks against the sides of your Banks do not only preserve your Banks from foundring , or mouldring down , but when in Blossom , are a very great Ornament , and most excellently perfume your Garde .

Sweet Williams , Sweet Johns , and London Sweet Williams . Pride , are pretty Fancies , and near of kin to the old English Gilliflower .

SECT. II. Of Stock-Gilliflowers , and Wall-flowers .

THE Lucoium or Stock-Gilliflower is a Flower Stock-Gilliflowers . of much Beauty , delicate Scent , and some Variety ; a good Garden cannot be said to be well stored without them , nor a Flower-pot well adorned without some of these ; they continuing long in Blossom , from April till the Frost prevents them . They are generally raised of Seed , and the first Winter , because they have not yet spent their finer Spirits ; they are very hardy and endure any Weather , but the next Winter they are very tender .

With curled Threads and top-divided now , Along the Margin of your Borders grow Stock-Gilliflowers , whose blushing Leaf may fear , And justly too , the sharpness of the Air.

The double , whereof some are strip'd , and some plain , are very pleasant ; but the double yield no Seed .

The single have generally four Leaves in a Blossom , but if there be five Leaves , the Seed thence produced , will bring double Flowers .

The white single usually produce double Flowers , as also do those that are strip'd with white .

The yellow double Stock-Gilliflower is the most rare of any .

The Seeds of those kinds that usually produce double Flowers , being often sown in the same Soil , will degenerate into all single , and by degrees into all plain Colours , as I have tryed . Quaere , if they will do the same if sown in barren Earth .

There is another sort of Double Stocks , that are not raised from Seed , only by Slips and Layers , that is more durable than the Seedlings .

Those raised of Seed will sometimes abide the second Winter if it be mild , or the Stocks well defended ; if you take away the blowing Sprigs , the precedent Autumn , it will much further their duration .

They may be laid as other Plants are , and being kept secure from violent Colds , will endure the Winter .

They may be planted out in Slips , if you take such as are not spired to blow , and cut them from the Stock , and slit the end in three or four places about half an inch , and peel the Rind back as far as the Slit , and take away the inward Wood : Then set this Slip with the Rind spread every way about two or three fingers deep , water it and shade it , until it hath taken Root ; by this means may you maintain your stock of Double-Stocks , without the two years expectation .

The Seeds from which you expect to have double Flowers , must be sown at the full of the Moon , or in two or three days after , and when come up four or five inches high , take them up and plant them out , which prevents their running up to stalk , which labour you may reiterate twice before Winter .

If you remove , water , and shade them every time to preserve them , ( it being a Summer work ) and do it the first time three days after the Full , and twice more before the next Change , and again three days after the next Full , and once more before the succeeding Change , ( all these removes to be in barren Ground . ) Then at the third Full Moon , eight days after remove them again into rich Ground , wherein they are to stand . It is said that it Sir Hugh Plat. will make them bring forth double Flowers .

It hath been long observed that the Moon hath great influence over Plants , ( over Animals it is very conspicuous . ) From Pliny to this day , most Authors have been of that Opinion . And if it hath any such influence , then surely it is in the doubling of Flowers , for we daily observe that many sorts of double Flowers will degenerate themselves into single , and that most of those double we have ( which are of the kinds usually single ) are propagated by Art and Industry , and why may not the Lunar influence contribute much thereto ? The French Poet was of that Opinion , although differing as to the time , Till it be full Moon , from her first increase . The Season's good ; but if she once decrease , Stir not the Earth , nor let the Husbandman , Sow any Seed ; when Heav'n forbids 't is vain .

The same Poet adds . Some in preparing of their Seed excell , Making their Flowers a larger compass swell ; Thus narrow Bolls with curled Leaves they fill , Helping defective Nature by their skill .

Often removing them doth not only contribute to their worth , but duration .

The Keiri or Wall-flowers , so termed , for that the single kind naturally affect to grow on old Walls , and that the double need the assistance of some Wall or other support , are hardy Plants , though not altogether secure in the most severe Winters , and the better sort of them , that is , the double white , and the double red , very pleasant both to the Eye and Smell ; they are easily increased by Slips and Layers .

SECT. III. Of Auricula's , Cowslips , and Primroses .

BEars-ears or Auricula's , considering their Of Auricula's . size , are the finest Flowers the choicest Gardens yield , affording a very great variety in Form as well as in Colour , and are not only beautiful to the Eye , but pleasant in Scent .

In your Election of them , it is better to trust your Eye , or confide in an honest Gardner , than in the lame descriptions of them , as before was hinted concerning the choice of Tulips and Gilliflowers , only that the double is the most rare , and the Windsor Auricula the most splendid of all the rest .

Of late years these Flowers are very much improved , not only for their great variety of plain Colours , and their bearing upright large Bunches of Blossoms , but for their many beautiful sorts of stripes they yield , that all the Colours that have been observ'd to be in that Flower plain , are now found to be mixed in the various sorts of stripes , that they are lately become the most beautiful Ornaments of the Spring . The greatest variety , and the most beautiful of these Flowers , as well as of Tulips and Gilliflowers , are to be seen in the Garden of the great Collector and Propagator of these and all other curious Plants and Flowers , Mr. George Ricketts of Hogsder , who supplies with them the best Florists .

They adorn your Garden in April and May , and some of them again about the end of August , and until the Frost prevent them .

If you crop off the Buds that offer to blow late in the Autumn , it will cause your Auricucula's to yield you the fairer Flowers in the Spring .

They delight in rich Soyl and shady , but not under the drip of Trees .

They must be often removed , once in two years at least , and the Ground enriched , else they will decay .

The striped and double must be removed oftner , or else they will degenerate .

If you set them in Pots ( which is the best way to preserve them ) fill the Pots almost half full with sifted Neats-dung , the rest with a good light Mold enriched with the same Dung .

In the Winter place them in the Sun , but in the Summer in the Shade .

Defend them from wet in the Winter , but they endure all cold very well .

You may raise them from Seeds , by carefully gathering the Seeds , and preserving them in their Umbels till about August or September , when you must sow them in Boxes almost filled with the Mixture you made for the Plants , and about a Finger thick at the top with fine sifted willow Earth , or dryed Cow-dung , beaten small and mixed with the Earth , in which sow your Seeds mixt with Wood-ashes , then cover them with the same mixture of Earth sifted thereon , about April following they will come up , then may you plant them abroad , and they will yield you Flowers , some the August following , others the next succeeding year .

There are sown very pleasant Cowslips of Cowslips . several shades of Red , the hose in hose , the green Cowslip , and the double Cowslip , that are worth your Planting , they are very hardy , and must be sometimes removed , or they are apt to degenerate .

The same is observed of the Primroses , which Primroses . yield the like variety of Colours , and are entertained for their early welcoming in the Spring .

On a broad Leaf the Primrose first will blow .

SECT. IV. Of the Lilly of the Valley and Hellebor .

THE Lilly Conval although wild in some Lilly of the Valley . places Northward ( as many fine Plants are in one place or other ) is yet entertained in many good Gardens for its rich scent , almost equalling the Orange-flower , the use of this excellent Flower in several preparations , and its specifick properties and vertues in some Diseases , makes it the more acceptable ; it is easily propagated from Plants , is hardy and delights in the shade .

The black Hellebor flowereth about Christmas , Hellebor . and for that cause only is respected , and not for its Beauty : the best sort of white Hellebor with red Flowers , is a Plant in great repute amongst Florists , it Leaves making also a comely shew , and Flowers in April and May.

Our Ladies-slipper ( an Helleborine ) is much Calceolus Mariae . valued by most Florists , although wild in many places of the North of England , it is probable , by reason of its Name occasioned by the likeness its Blossom hath to a Pantofle or Slipper .

It yieldeth its Flowers early in the Summer , is a hardy Plant in respect of Cold , but not very apt to be encreased .

SECT. V. Of the Hepatica , Gentianella and Dittany .

THE Hepatica or Liverwort is a very pleasant Hepatica . humble Flower , never rising high , yet yielding its variety of pretty Blossoms in March ; the double and the white are most regarded , and do deserve your labour and care , which is not much , to plant and propagate them .

The Gentianella is another very low Plant Gentianella . yielding in April or May many Blue Flowers of a deep dye , and are therefore regarded by most Florists . Dittany .

Fraxinella or Dittany is a hardy Plant , annually furnishing you with tall Stalks full of not unpleasant Flowers in June and July , and is raised by Plants or Seeds .

CHAP. VI. Of Flowers raised only from Seed .

THE great diversity of Flowers we have hither to had the pleasure to name , may be propagated by divers other ways according to their respective Natures , than by Seed ; but there yet remain several Flowers not unworthy your care , that are raised by no other means than by Seed , as the Larks-heels or Larks-spurs , whereof the Larks-spurs . Tipt Rose Larkspur is the prime , is a very pretty Flower and well becomes your Walks in July and August , or early if sown before Winter , and defended from the most severe Frost : They are generally sown in April ; the best will degenerate being often sown in the same Ground .

The variety of Columbines single and double , Columbines . plain and strip'd , makes them acceptable in a good Florist's Garden , they are sown in the Spring , the young Plants endure the Winter , and the next year they yield their Flowers . The Roots will continue three or four years ; these will also degenerate unless the Seed be changed .

There is no Flower can be more glorious Of Poppies . than the Poppy , were it as good as great , and as sweet as well coloured , and as lasting as it is nimble in growth ; but their ill smell and soon fading , makes them the less regarded .

The Holly-hocks far exceed the Poppies for their durableness , and are very ornamental , Of Holly-hocks . especially the double , whereof there are various Colouers ; the black or dark colour'd Holly-hock is esteem'd the best ; they are sown one year and flower the next ; they may be removed in August or September , from your Seminary into their proper places of growth , which should be near some shelter from the Winds , because of their height .

The Antirrhinum , Snap-dragon , or Calves-snout , Of Snap-dragons . so called from the form of its Blossom , is sown in Gardens , because it flowers long , and will grow in any place , as on Walls , &c. and serves for Chimneys and Flower-pots , else it is ( in a Garden ) of no great beauty nor smell .

The Musk Scabious is one of the species of Of the Sultan's Flower . Scabious or Blew-bottles , and so named from its most pleasant scent , and called the Sultan's Flower , because the Grand Seignior affected to wear it in his Turbant .

This , though mean to the eye , yet , is a Plant worthy of place among your choicest Flowers ; in kind years and good ground it will come up , being sown in April , and flowers in August : You may for the more certainty raise it in a hot Bed ; it is also said , that if it be sown in August , the Plants will endure the Winter , and blow fair the next year .

The Amaranthus purpureus is a fine delicate Plant , bearing such curious Tufts of several Of Amaranthus . Colours , like unto Silks dyed in Grain . The Seeds being sown in a hot Bed in March , and then raised under Glasses in the hottest place of your Garden , and often irrigated , will produce those Tufts in August and September following , and do deserve your care as much as any Plant.

Of Marigolds there are divers sorts besides Of Marigolds . the common , as the African Marygold , a fair large Yellow Flower , but of a very naughty smell , and another sort much fairer of the same colour and of little or no savour at all , and for that reason is received into some good Gardens . They are raised of Seed sown in April , by some in a hot Bed , but they will in a seasonable Spring thrive well enough without , and yield their beautiful Flowers in August and September following .

The Greater Convolvulus is raised by Seed Of Bindweed . in the Spring , and more certainly in a hot Bed , they twine about sticks of about half a yard high , and yield there bright blew Flowers were in August and September , they blow in the Evening , and the next Morning the Sun withers them , but the Blossoms renew every Evening till the Frosts prevent them , they are a comely Evening Ornament to a Garden .

The Marvail of Peru , so termed from its wonderful Of the Marvail of Peru. variety of Flowers on the same Root , it is in many things like the Convolvnlus , and is by some called the Flower of the Night , it is more tender than the other , and is therefore to be raised in a hot Bed .

It is observed that the Flowers of the Marvail of Peru , that are of one Colour , produce Seed , the Flowers whereof will also be but of one Colour . Therefore if you would have variable Flowers you must take the Seed from such Flowers that be variable , and sow them apart from the other .

Lupines are here sown in Gardens annually Of Lupines for the sake of their Flowers ; but in Italy an ordinary Pulse sown in the Fields for food for their Cattel , and in those hotter Countries they have a Property , as Pliny relates , of turning their Flowers and keeping their course with the Sun , whether the Air be cloudy or clear , and that they serve instead of Clocks or Dials for the time of the day , and by some other Motions , as Prognosticks for the Husbandmen to judge of the Weather . But in these colder parts we propagate them meerly for Flowers . which are the greater and the lesser blue , the white , and the yellow , which last is regarded the more for its sweetness

There is a sort of kidney Bean that yields Of the Searlet Bean. a fine scarlet Blossom , for which it is esteemed .

The Pease everlasting is so called , because , although Of the Everlasting Pease . it be first raised of Seed , yet it annually produces new Branches , which furnishes you with many Blossoms of a reddish colour , and are not unbecoming a good Garden .

The Sensible Plant , so called , by reason that Of the Sensible Plant and humble Plant. as soon as you touch it the Leaf shrinks up together , and in a little time dilates it self again . And the Humble Plant , so called , because so soon as you touch it , it prostrates it self on the ground , and in short time elevates it self again , are both of them raised in hot Beds , and preserved with great care , being the most tender Exoticks we have .

Although the two last yield no Flowers , Noli me tangere . yet deserve a place in your Garden , and here in this Tract ; and because they shall not be alone , I will conclude this Chapter with an odd plant called Noli me tangere , because when its Pods are gross and not fully ripe , if you offer to take either of them between your fingers , it will fly in pieces , and cause the unwary to startle at the sudden snap and surprize ; this Plant is annually raised from Seeds , and only for Fancy propagated .

CHAP. VII . Of some more Vulgar Flowers .

THere are many Flowers that either for scent or shew are raised in the more ordinary Country Gardens , that several Florists have taken a great deal of pains and care exactly to describe , and the Manner and Method of propagating them , which here shall only be named , As the Aconites or Wolf-bane , Pilewert , Crowfoot , Batchelors-Button , Marsh-Marigold , Hollow-root , Monks-hood , Cranes-bill , Bell-flowers , Champions , Nonsuch or Flower of Bristol , Princes-feather or Common Amaranthus , Dames Violet or Queens Gilliflowers , Rockets , Double-Pellitory Double-Featherfew , Double Camomil , Double Dog-Fennil , Double Lady-smocks , Double Dasies Toad-Flax , Fox-gloves , Grove-Thistles , Scabious , Blew-bottles , Moth-Mullens , Nigella or Fennel Flower , Thorny-Apple , Balsame Apple , Apple of Love , Candy Tusts Snaill-flowers , Satten-flower , and Flower of the Sun : These every Colona knoweth how to plant , sow , or propagate .

CHAP. VIII . Of such tender Exotick Trees , Flowers , and Plants , that require the Florists care to Preserve them in the Winter .

TO compleat your Pleasure , and make your Garden an Object of Delight , which is generally placed on rare or unusual Subject's , as well as on vulgar Beauties , you may make it capable of nourishing and preserving such natural Curiosities that cannot endure to be exposed to the rough , fierce , severe , and cruel Blasts that Boreas usually emits into our English Eden : And have therein your Brumal as well as your Aestival , Odoriferous Flowers , and pleasant Greens , that nothing may be wanting in your terrestrial Paradise , that Industry and Cost may obtain .

SECT. I. Of Perennial Greens , and such Plants that cannot endure Cold.

AS in the former part of this Treatise we began at the more hardy Winter Greens , so here it will be not unproper to observe the same order . And as there we named the famous Cypress first , so here shall we begin with the most beloved odoriferous Myrtle , so highly Of the Myrtle . esteem'd by Romans , the great Admirers of Rarities , before the Foundation of Rome : That the sweet perfume thereof when burn'd , became an Attonement for the Offence the Romans had committed in ravishing the Sabine Virgins . And its Sacred Branches ( being first consecrated I suppose ) were sufficient to purifie them from so Venial a Sin . In memory of which Offence , and Satisfaction , on that very place the zealous Romans then erected a Sacrd Temple dedicated to Venus Cloacina , the Goddess Cloacina . of such pleasures and patroness of the innocent Myrtle . Myrtle Trees were also by the same Romans planted and propagated as Omens or Prognosticks of good or evil to their State and Government . So superstitious were they ever esteemed .

In Pliny's time there was an old Temple and Altar that had been consecrated to Venus Myrtea .

Cato mentioned the Conjugal Myrtle , which Pliny supposes to have proceeded from that which was dedicated to Venus Cloacina , and used it seems in their Marriages .

Pliny attributes a strange effect to it , that if a man hath a great Journey to go on foot , and carry in his hand a Stick or Rod of the Myrtle-Tree , he should not be weary nor think his day long and tedious : It 's probable its operations are more vigorous in such places where it naturally delights , than here where a kind of force is put upon it . But we here in England can second this Vertue in that of an Elder-stick , which if a young Horseman carry in his pocket , although he ride hard and far , yet shall he not be galled ; as some affirm .

There are several sorts of Myrtles here known in England ; there is the broad leav'd Myrtle , and the narrow leav'd Myrtle , both very fine sweet smelling Shurbs ; but the most elegant is that which in the Autumn affords such plenty of double white Blossoms , being a Plant very worthy the care of the most ingenious Florist , and are not so great a vexation as delight ; whatever Mr. Rea's opinion is , Rapinus seems to be of another .

Despise not humbler Plants , for they no less , Than Trees , your Gardens Beauty do increase . With what content we look on Myrtle - Groves !

They are not so tender but an easie defence will make them endure hard Winters . I have known many Trees planted on Borders , endure several Winters , that have not been over severe , and never in the greatest extremity required but a Tilt from the Wind and Snow .

The Plants produced from Layers are the most hardy , those from Seeds the most tender , the same it is with most odoriferous Herbs , as Thyme , Marjerom , Hysop , &c.

If planted in Pots or Boxes they are easily removed into your more open Green Houses , or Vaults ,

There is a sort of Myrtle with a large Leaf called Spanish Myrtle , that will endure all Weather without shelter .

There are the Indian yellow , and the Spanish Of the Indian Jassemine , and Spanish Jassemine . white Jassemines that are very curious Shrubs , and yield most fragrant Flowers , equalling almost the Orange-flowers , and deserve a place in your more open Green House or Vault , where a mean defence will preserve them from the too great severity of the Winter .

Cytisus Maranthe lunatus , is a Plant sown as Of Cytisus Lunatus . ordinarily in the Asian Territories , as common Pulse are here , and is both Branch and Seed , the best Food for all their Cattel , and is a great encreaser of Milk in Beasts as well as in Women , but here with us preserved as a rarity in Pots or Cases , and so to be disposed in great Colds , into the Conservatory .

The Oelander or Rose-bay , is a Plant bearing Oelander . some of them blush , and some white Flowers , and will prosper if secured from the most violent cold , as the other beforementioned Plants are .

The same may be said of Laurus Indica , although Indian Bay . as yet a great stranger .

The Maracoc , usually termed the Passion-flower , Maracoc . from the Thorns and pointed Leaves it hath representing the Thorns werewith our Saviour was Crowned , and Nails wherewith he was nailed to the Cross as the Authors of the name imagined .

This Plant increaseth much by Cions naturally growing from it , and if the Root be preserved from the extremity of the Frost , it will yield many beautiful Flowers yearly in August .

Snails as naturally affect this Plant , as they do the Fruit of the Nectarine Tree , and as Cats do the Marum Syriacum and therefore care must be taken to defend it from them .

Ornithogalon or the Star-flower of Arabia , Star-flower of Arabia , and of Ethiopia . which yieldeth a beautiful Flower in May , as that of Aethiopia in August , must be preserved as the other plants .

The Indian flowring Reed , if often watered Indian Reed , and Indian Fig. and secured in the Winter , yields store of Flowers , but the Indian Fig is a very low Plant growing one Leaf on another , and is therefore called Leaf upon Leaf , and only preserved Cistus Mas. in the Winter for the rarity of it , no Plant in Nature being like it .

The Male Cistus is a plant of no great esteem , yet preserved for the rarity thereof , as is the Cistus Ledon .

The Indian Jucca not only affordeth us its Jucca . sharp-pointed Flag-like Leaves , but sometimes its beautiful Flower , and is preserved only for the rarity thereof , and usually prescribed to be defended from the Winter cold , but by some affirmed to endure the most severe Weather .

Periploca or Virginian Silk , of little value , Virginian Silk . is much of the same nature , for the defence of those Plants which only suffer in extream Colds ; a slight Shelter may serve , either as they stand abroad in their proper places , or by removing them into some Garden-House , not so close as the Conservatory for the more tender Plants ought to be .

Or a Vault or Cave may be made a little within the surface of the Earth , about the edges wereof may be disposed as you think fit your several Pots or Boxes .

Or you may sink a hole for each single Pot or Box , so that the Plant may be a little below the surface of the ground , over which an ordinary Shelter from the Wet may serve , or if you sink it deeper , it will defend your Plant the better .

For as the Earth in the Summer preserves Plants , or what else you place therein , cool from the scorching Rayes of the Sun , so doth it from the extremity of Cold in the Winter : Neither hath the Wind , or Morning Air in that Season , so great an advantage over a Plant thus posited , as it hath if it be on a level .

SECT. II. Of such Plants that least endure the Cold.

OTher Plants there are whose descent have been from a more hot Climate , and are of themselves of a more tender Nature , than the other before mentioned .

Whereof the Orange-Tree is the most principal , Of the Orange . and deservedly in great esteem , not only for its Beautiful ( though acid ) Fruit , but for its most fragrant Flowers , of which is made so rich an Essence , and whose distilled Water is of so transcendent Vertues , that they will sufficiently recompence your diligence and care in nourishing and preserving the Tree .

These Trees preserved in strong Boxes may be with ease removed into your Conservatory , and thence in the Summer plac'd in several Places of your Garden .

NO Tree your Gardens , or your Fountains more Adorns , than what th' Atlantic Apples bore . A deathless Beauty Crowns its shining Leaves ; And to dark Groves its Flower lustre gives ; Besides the splendor of its golden fruit . Of which the boughs are never destitute .

They are raised of the Kernels sown in March in Cases of rich Earth : These Fruits were unknown in former Ages to the Europeans , and the Trees have not been long introduc'd ; and not many years hath that more noble kind , the China Orange been propagated in Portugal and Spain , which annually furnish us with those pleasant Fruits , yet there in a few years have they degenerated , as to size and taste : It 's probable the Kernels of those may prosper better with us than the African , China being not so hot .

The Fruit with us , although it ripeneth not so well as in Spain , yet in such years that our old stock of imported Fruit is decay'd ; they serve for many Physical uses . But the Flowers here are much more valuable than the Fruit.

Therefore if a Wall be built near the House , and well defended behind , and on either side from cold Winds , and several Leaves or Doors of close Board made to shut before your Wall , and the top well secured from Rain ; against this Wall may you plant your Orange-Trees , and prune them against it without ever removing them ; only in the Spring season , you may open your Leaves or Doors by Degrees , and at length open it quite before and on the top , only in the main stays until the next Winter . In the building of this Wall may you contrive Concavities , through which the heat of Fire made in several places for that purpose , may pass behind your Trees , or you may have other Fires in this Shed as in your Green-house .

The most proper Earth wherein to Plant your Orange-Trees , is that which is taken out of a Melon , or Cucumber-bed , and equally mix'd or temper'd with a fine loamy Earth , and so to remain the whole Winter , then sifted into the Cases .

Instead of the fat Earth of a Melon , or Cucumber-bed , you may use Neats-dung , and order it as the Melon Earth .

Before you put your Earth into your Cases , lay on the bottom a good quantity of Osier or Withy Sticks , or such like , which will preserve it light ; if they are in a small quantity mixed throughout , it will be the better .

Place them in your Conservatory before any Frosts happen , and in hard Weather give them some warmth .

As the Spring appears , so acquaint them by degrees with the Air , opening the Doors at Noon first , and shutting them again , then for a whole Day , if the Weather permit . The like discretion you must use when you set them into your Conservatory , not to shut them up too close until extremity of Weather require it .

As the Trees grow large , so you may enlarge your Cases , and take out the Trees , Earth and all , and place them in your new Cases .

I have heard of a Gentleman that annually makes a Shed or House over his Orange-Tree , and as the Tree encreaseth , so he enlargeth his House , and that his Tree is very large , and beareth plentifully .

You must gather the Flowers as they blow , leaving but few to knit into Fruit , else will your Tree spend it self in Fruit.

You must take care to brush the Spiders Webs off this Tree very gently , for they delight to work on it ; the fragrant Blossoms attracting many Flies .

The Kernels may be Planted in hot Beds , and will bring fair Plants the sooner .

Easie Stoves or Heats will serve until the Frosts be very hard ; then you must kindle greater Fires , but let not any Fire come too near your Trees , nor any Smoak annoy them . But if your Conservatory be made very close with Mats , that Water will not freeze in it , then there needs not any Fire .

You must water them gently when you find they require it , which may be discerned by the Leaf which will soon complain , but give them rather too little than too much , and wet not the Leaves .

You ought to renew and alter the Earth as tenderly as you can , by abating the upper part of it , and stirring it up with a Fork , taking heed to the Roots , and applying the prepared Earth in the room of it , which may be done in May and September .

If you kindle some Charcoal , and when they have done smoaking , put them in a hole sunk a little into the Floor , about the middle of it ; it is the best Stove , and least annoys your Plants .

The Water wherewith you irrigate your Orange-Trees , ought to be prepared as well as the Earth , you may therefore mix it with Sheeps-dung , or Neats-dung , and let it stand two or three days in the Air or Sun , and it will be very fit for your purpose .

Lemmons may be ordered after the same Lemmons . manner as the Oranges , but they are not capable of giving you so large a requital .

Amomum Plinii , so called , being a Plant by Amomum Plinii . him esteemed , and by him reported to be naturally growing in divers parts of Asia , and yielding a rich and costly Berry , used in Perfumes , is now nursed up in our Climate , by careful preserving it in the Winter in the close Conservatory , where it requires the same care as doth the Orange-Tree .

Geranium nocte olens , which smelleth pleasantly Geranium . in the Night only , is a tender Plant , and deserves a place in your Conservatory .

The Tuberose Hyacinth , famous for its aspiring Head and most fragrant Flowers , seeming to contend with the Orange-Tree , is a very tender Plant , impatient of Cold or Wet .

The Root must be taken up in April , carefully parted without breaking the greater Fibers , and then replanted , the bottom of the Pot filled with prepared Earth , but the Roots covered only with natural fresh Earth , and then the Pot filled with Earth prepared , as before ; place this Pot in a hot Bed , and there let it stand without watering until the Root spring , then set the Pot under a South-wall ; in dry Weather water it easily . In August it will yield its rich Flowers , and in September it must be removed into the Conservatory .

In September you may take up the Bulbs of this Plant , and preserve them in dry Sand , or when the Roots are dry , lay them up in Papers in a warm Closet .

The Blue Borage-leav'd Auricula , being Blue Borage leaved Auricula . leaved like Borage , yieldeth fine blue Flowers ; it is a rare and tender Plant , and set in a Pot may be preserved in your Conservatory , from the extremity of the Winter .

Bears-Ears Sanicle , is almost of the form of Cortusa Matibioli . an Auricula , is a Plant usually raised of Seed , planted in Pots , and preserved as other tender Plants .

Mastich Thyme is a Plant of a curious Scent , Marum . and vulgarly known , apt to be increased by Slips , and as apt to be destroyed by Cold , and is worthy of your care to preserve it .

Assyrian Mastich is of the same nature , but Marum Syriacum . so absolute a bait for Cats , that they will come far and near to it , to devour it , unless you preserve it with the sharpest Thorns or Furze . These and Mastichs are best preserved by placing them within the Earth , and covering them .

But the most rare and curious Exotic , is the Lilly of Japan , which is raised in some more Southerly Climate , and being brought into this Country , yields a fair Branch of Flowers much like red Martagons , and when the Sun shines on it , the whole Flower resembles Cloth of Gold ; although the Root may live over the year , yet it 's said it never bears any more Flowers in this Climate .

Several others there are , that are not only tender , but rare and acceptable Plants to the ingenious and careful Florist , wherewith , according to the magnitude or capacity of his Green-House , or measure of his time he can spare about them ; he may easily furnish himself with all from the great Conserver of these Rarities , Mr. George Rickets of Hogsden .

BOOK III. Of Esculents or Plants for Foods .

AS a Garden is the greatest Ornament to your Seat without doors , for the variety of Pleasures it yields , so is it of as great advantage and satisfaction for the variety it affords you of curious Aliments and Condiments at your Table ; not any Dish of Meat can be compleatly served up , without a share of some Hortulan or other Vegetable .

The meanest Cottager may well afford that little ground ( if he hath any ) that is contiguous to his Tenement , for the propagating of some or other of these Esculents we are now to treat of : It is not the heat or Colours , Fatness or Barrenness of his Land can excuse him here , for there is no Land but is apt to bring you some Fruit or other of your Labour , and wherein some of these Plants do delight : If it be a dry hot sandy Land , Carrots will prosper in it ; if cold and dry , then Turnips , if hot and moist , then Pease , Beans , and most sorts of Tillage ; if cold and moist , then Cabbages , Beans , &c. will not disdain it ; Thus may some sort of Tillage or other be adapted to every sort of Land .

The accidental or casual thriving of Plants or Seeds in the various sorts of Lands hath , within the memory of Man , very much encouraged our Rusticks to a farther improvement of this part of Husbandry , not only because the products of their Labours have often found a good Market for curious Pallats , but because they have been frugal Meats for their own Families , and sometimes necessity also ( which often makes Men ingenious ) hath put them upon the propagation of these Esculents , which have served as Meat , Bread and Drink , in such years that Corn hath been scarce . For in a great part of the World , the Inhabitants never were acquainted with the making of Bread of Corn , but sometimes of the Roots of some Plants that grew amongst them , which they eat with their hunted Venison , or with their Milk , as in Ireland they eat Potatoes ; thus here in England , Carrots , Turnips , Cabages , and many other Roots and Plants have been both Bread and Meat , for the Husbandman and his Family , who have in many places subsisted long on this Food ; and these Esculents being of themselves of a fine nutrimental and moist nature , have not required so much Drink as other Meats more dry and salt usually do : These kind of Diets are at a far less Charge and trouble to the Pater-familiae , than those of Flesh , Bread , Cheese , &c.

And if the Case were truly stated , and the Times compared , the improvement and propagation of these Esculents hath been one Principal cause of the deadness of the Market for Corn , which probably may be objected against this design .

To answer which you may consider , that cheap Food is one of the greatest encouragements for the peopling of a Country , for this very reason many thousands have deserted England , to settle in Ireland and elsewhere , to our great detriment , and their great advantage .

If any Farmer complain of the Effects of these Improvements , then let him make use of the same , and set out yearly a parcel of his Farm , for the raising of Garden-Tillage , wherewith to feed his own Family , and furnish the Market .

Then will it be objected , that in case every man should so improve a part of his Ville , the prices of the Tillage would be low , and it would not quit the Cost .

To answer which , It would then reduce the advantage of the one and the other part of Husbandry to a Ballance , from which no ill effect as to the general can proceed .

It may be further objected , that seeing less Land will , by these ways of improvement , feed a certain number of people , than the old way of Husbandry can do , that much Land will therefore lie wast .

In answer whereunto , If you can raise as much Food on an Acre of Land , as formerly you did on four Acres , what disadvantage to you is it in case the three remaining Acres lie wast ? but you may convert them to pasture , if you please .

In case you object that Garden-Tillage requires more hands , to dig , trench , set , sow , plant , weed , and gather in , thatn the former way of sowing of Corn.

Answer , This is one of the Advantages it will necessarily produce , that Man and his Family may live and keep themselves daily employed in this method of Husbandry , on a few Acres of Land to as equal an advantage , as by the more ancient way they could on a great Farm : For it were much better for the publick , that the great Farms were subdivided into lesser , that the people might have Habitations and Employments here at home to keep them from stragling abroad , than to have so many great Farms lie so neglected , to the great prejudice of the Commonweal : Palladius was of the same opinion , who said , Foecundior est culta Exiguitas , quam magnitudo neglecta .

But if you will say , that by multiplying Garden . Tillage after this manner , it will make Corn-land so low rented and Corn thereby to become cheap , to the great detriment to the kingdom in general . Then consider , that if a part of our Land will yield us Food sufficient , and uphold the yearly value of our Villes , as by this Method it will cartainly do , then may there be Corn enough raised in England , not only to ballance , but under-sell our foreign Neighbours , to our great a dvantage , and their detriment ( which is almost equal to it ; ) for the more of our own Growths we can vend , the more is Navigation encouraged , and the greater Returns are made . It is when the Growths or Manufactures of other Contries are imported hither , and in lieu of them ready Money returned , that impoverishes us , and enriches them . Therefore when the contrary is done , it must have a contrary effect .

The Private Advantages of the propagating Hortulans or Esculent plants , as they are oftentimes ▪ represented , are prodigious and incredible , therefore a modest computation is the best encouragement ; for any rational man will more easily believe that an Acre of Turnips , Carrots , Onions , or the like , is four or five times more profitable to the Husbandman , than an Acre of Wheat or Barley , or such like , than if it should be said to be ten or twenty times more profitable .

But for your Garden ( where you are confined to a less Room than a Farm ) which is divided into several squares or quarters , and each square or quarter well manured and prepared for its proper Tillage , there may you expect a far greater encrease , especially of such plants that annually produce their Fruit without the renewing of the Gardeners Cost and Pains , unless only to cherish and preserve them ▪ with the planting and propagating of which sort of Esculents we will begin .

CHAP. I. Of such Plants that are Perennial , or continue over the Year .

THE best and most select of such Esculent Of Asparagus . Plants that continue from Year to Year , without new planting or sowing , is the Asparagus , which deserves to be first named , because of its early and plentiful encrease it yields , the delicacy of its Meat , and the continuance of it before any other , gains a repute above it .

So long since as in Pliny's time it was the most esteem'd of any in the Garden , although in those parts they sometimes grew wild , yet in the Gardens were they so cultivated , that three of their Buds or Heads would weigh a pound , and were ( though common ) the Romans dainty Dish : And Cato many years before Pliny wrote very much concerning their propagation , out of the abundant regard he had for them , being then but newly reduced to the Gardener's care .

They grow naturally wild , or at least some Bastard kind of them in the Meadows near Bristol ; but our more fair and large , usually called Dutch Asparagus are propagated from Seed ; the Ground wherein you sow them must be rich and well tempered and prepared ; then may you with your Finger prick in the Berries at what distance you please ; the best time is in January or February .

Then after two years , in March following , will they be fit to remove into the Bed wherein they are to remain .

But the best and most expeditious way is , to buy your Plants of two or three years growth of the Gardeners , who raise them on purpose for Sale at an easie price .

The Bed you plant them in ought to be three or four foot wide , and about two foot in depth , the most part within the surface of the earth , and about six inches above , for it will settle . When you have made clean and square your Foss , you may fill it with good rotten Dung of any sort , with a little mixture of earth , the best Soyl is that which the Butchers make , wherein there are Hoofs , Rams-horns , or any such cornuous substance , wherein they exceedingly delight ; it 's probable woollen Rags or old Leather may do as well ; with these mixtures may you fill your Bed about eighteen inches ; then cover the same with good old rich Mold , that came out of some Cucumber or Melon Bed for about six inches more , in the midst whereof plant your Sets , at sixteen or eighteen inches distance in a Quincunical order , that they may lie coverd two or three inches ; plant them with their Roots spreading as much as you can . Or you may cover the Dung with rich Mould , three inches , and then place your Sets with the Roots spreading , and then gently cover them with the like Mold three inches .

You may make as many of these Beds , and as long as you please , leaving a two foot interval between them , for the conveniency of dressing and cutting them , for broad Beds are inconvenient , no Tillage suffering more by treading than these .

About three years after they are planted you may cut of them : the sooner you cut of them , the more will the head of the Root knit , and the more in number will it yearly yield you ; and the later you cut , the more will the Root and head grow in bigness , and the fairer Bud will you have . Some will thus grow to be very large .

When Green Pease furnish your Table , then may you let your Asparagus run to Seed , that they may gather strength for the succeeding year .

In the cutting the Buds remove some of the Earth with your knife , to avoid injuring the next Successor .

In November , or the beginning of December , cut the seedy stalk close to the ground , and cover the Beds with new warm Horse-dung , which will prevent them from extream Frosts , for no other will injure them .

In the beginning of March uncover them if the Weather be open , and either before you cover them , or at this time , weed them clean , and after weeding lay on your Bed the Bottom of a Melon or Cucumber Bed , or such like rich Earth , about two fingers thick , to supply the usual decay they are subject unto .

You may have early Asparagus , if you take the old Roots with the Earth about them , and place them on a hot Bed , thus will they bud in January .

By the precedent Rules will a Garden of Asparagus furnish you with Buds near three Months of the year , without the force of a hot Bed , and that in such plenty , that no other tillage whatever , that is the perennial ( the Artichoak only excepted ) affords the like . These whilst less common , were received as Dainties at the best furnish'd Tables ; and now , though plentiful , are they an usual Dish at most Gentlemens Tables , and by degrees may come to be a more vulgar Diet ; for after their first Planting , the labour about them is but small , and the cost less , the trouble of cutting them not so great as gathering of Pease , nor dressing them so tedious , yet a Meat equalling the best of Tillage , and the most salubrious of any .

About the time the Asparagus leaves you , Of Artichoaks . the Artichoak comes in request , being one of the best of a Gardens products , and anciently derived from Thistles , as Pliny tells us , and in his time , and long before , had been so improved , that they became a most delicate Meat , and were served up to the Tables of the most prodigal Romans . If then they were so excellent , surely by a continued improvement to this day , must they needs now be much better .

There are several kinds of them , as the more ordinary which run up tall , and bear small heads which are very hardy , and are usually called the Thistle-Artichoaks ; the other sorts are more large , and grow low , and much to be preferred , but are more tender and unable to endure the severity of the Winter .

The best and largest sort is that called the Globe-Artichoak , bearing a very large Fruit of near twelve inches over . The meanest is that called the Red Artichoak , with the Plants whereof many have been deceived , expecting a more excellent than ordinary Fruit , when instead thereof they produced the worst of Artichoaks .

They are increased by Slips , taken from the sides of the old Roots at the time of dressing them in the Spring , with as much root to them as you can .

Artichoaks delight in a rich and deep Soyl , and not very dry , which Soyl must be trenched about two foot deep , and mixed very well with good old rotten Dung , and so laid up into Beds of what form you think best , for you may go between them as you please ; the Artichoak roots very deep , and if it likes its ground will grow very large , and continue many years .

You may plant them four foot apart at least , that they may have room to spread their leaves , and at their first planting be sure to water them in dry Weather until you observe them to grow .

The best times for the planting them is in the beginning of April , and you may sow any Sallet-Herbs between them , that may be gathered and disposed of before the Artichoaks spread too far . These Plants will some of them yield heads in the Autumn following .

If you throughly water your Artichoaks with water enriched with Sheeps-Dung , it will make them very large : Watring of them in dry Land , or in dry Years , much advantageth them , for in moist Years they are much more plentiful and large than in dry Years , and the better it will be in case the Water be fat .

Water drawn from Ashes , or improved by any fixed Salt , is very good for the same purpose ; for I have known that Artichoaks have been the larger for Turf-ashes , casually with Dung laid at their Roots to preserve them in Winter .

In November , or the beginning of December , it will be a good time to secure your Artichoaks from the Frost , by raising the Earth about them , and encompassing them with long Dung , or any hawmy substance , but not to cover them , lest it perish them , for it 's the Frost that perisheth the Roots , and the wet and want of Air that perish the Leaves .

About London where they have great Gardens of Artichoaks , they cannot so well cover them with long Dung ; but instead thereof they cut off all the Greens , which they sell for feeding of Cows , after the rate of 20 s. per Acre , as they themselves tell me , and then cover the plants over with Earth , to defend them from Frosts ; so that it is not necessary to preserve the Greens over the Winter .

But this way of covering them with Earth did not preserve them in the great Frost of 1683 when all so covered were killed ; and at the same time those that were covered well with long Dung were preserved , in the smaller Gardens remote from London : and some that were buried in Dung all that winter , being cast out of the Gardens , were found in the Spring to be living .

Some prescribe to whelm over them an earthen Pot , Bee-hive , or such like open at the top to give them Air , which may serve if the Winter be not too sharp .

About the middle of March , you may gently move the Dung from them , and at the end , the Earth that was cast up , and the first week in April may you dress them , by digging deeply about each Root , and slipping of every Set as low as possibly you can , leaving two or three of the greatest and most distant the one from the other for Bearers , then fill them up round with good old Dung or rich Soil mixt with the Earth , and they will afford you fair Heads .

If you would have latter Artichoaks , you must cut the first Crops betimes , or expect them from your new set plants .

A small spot of ground thus planted and ordered , will furnish your Table with many of these Fruits in a year , and are equal to the best of Vegetables for Food ; charge and trouble and very little in comparison of the advantage .

They will continue six , eight or ten years , sometimes twenty years and more , according to the goodness of the Land they grow in , and then must be renewed when you perceive them to degenerate ; which they surely do if they like not the ground .

The young Buds of Artichoaks may be eaten raw with Pepper and Salt , as usually Melons , Figs , &c. are eaten .

The Chard of the Artichoaks , which is the Stalk of a young Artichoak , arising out of an old Root , and preserved from the Air , and from heading , by winding it about with Straw , to blanch it and make it tender , is by the French esteem'd an excellent Dish .

The Roots , Stalks , and Leaves of them , whilst young and tender , are delicate Meat , especially if so preserved and blanched as is by some affirmed ; and it is not improbable , for I have often found that by covering a Winter Bud to preserve it from Frost , the Snails have greedily devour'd it .

Those esculent Herbs that are perennial , because they are not so much used for Food as for Condiment , I shall discourse of in another Chapter .

CHAP. II. Of Esculent Roots .

THere are several Roots that have afforded us great plenty of substantial , pleasant Of Turnips . and wholesome Food , whereof the Turnip is esteem'd the best ; there are several sorts of them , the round , long , and yellow , of which the round is the most common , though the others are very good ; the long are usually called Navews ; they have been an ancient Food throughout Europe Southward , and have been very much improved in England of late years .

They will grow on the meanest Land in its first tilth , and much the more if the Season prove moist or dripping . The Season of sowing them is about Midsummer , that they may be ready to improve upon the Autumnal Rains , which maketh them much sweeter than the Vernal .

They are fickle at their first coming up in a too dry Season , and if ( being sown early ) they happen to fail , you may at the end of July , or beginning of August new sow your Ground .

These Seeds are much sought for and devoured by small Birds , who will smell them in the ground , and when they first send their pale heads above the earth the Birds will draw them out and eat of their Seeds , and leave the naked Shoots on the ground . Those that escape the Birds in small Gardens or places , amongst , or near to Trees and Groves , as well as in the larger Fields , the Flies in dry and hot Summers usually devour ; so that few or none escape them : which to prevent , some have affirmed , that if you take Soot of Chimnies , and lay it in Water , till the Water be strongly tinged therewith , and with that imbibe your Seed , and then sow it , neither the Birds nor Flies will meddle with it .

You may sow them in April , to have Turnips in the Summer , but sowing them after for the Winter is most seasonable .

In the Winter before the great Frosts prevent , you may take them up , and cutting off the Greens , dispose of them in some cool place on heaps , and they will keep long , and much better and longer in case they be laid in Sand and covered with it .

They will root the better and larger if the Leaves spread and grow flat , than if they stand upright or grow upwards ; which to prevent , sow them not too thick , or if they come up too thick in any place , reduce them to a convenient number or distance of about ten or twelve inches , and supply the defects by transplantation , and you will find that the increase of your Root shall ballance the lessening your number , for the near standing of any Vegetables cause them to aspire upwards , as is evident in most Trees planted in Copses ; which otherwise are apt to spread .

But if the over fatness of your Ground , which is a great fault for Turnips , or overmuch wet , cause them to run out in leaf more than in root , then treading down the leafs will make them root the better .

The Greens or Leaves of Turnips that have been sown late , and lived over the Winter , are usually boyled and eaten with salt Meats , and prove an excellent Condiment .

Thus ordered , will a small spot of Ground yield you a second Crop ( after Pease , Beans , or Sallee-Herbs ) of excellent Food , which the most curious plates disdain not , and much more in value then any of Corn or Grain whatever .

Carrots have been anciently used for Meat , Of Carrots . but not so much as Turnips have been , yet are they the sweeter Meat , and more easily eaten without Bread , or rather better serve to supply that cefect than Turnips , for Turnips are much the better Condiment , but Carrots the pleasanter Food .

There are two sorts of them , the yellow , and the Orange , or more red : the last of which is by much the better .

They delight in light Ground with a mixture of Sand ; if it be rich or heavy , you must take the more pains in digging it , to make it as light as you can .

If you dung your Land the same year you sowe your Carrots , you must be sure to bury your Dung so low that the roots may not extend to it ; for as soon as they touch the Dung they grow forked .

The Season for sowing them is in February or March , in dry Weather .

To make them large , you must do with them as with the Turnips , only they will admit of a greater number on the same quantity of ground than the other .

If sown between Beans set in wide rows , after the Beans are taken up your Carrots will thrive , and you may have a second Crop , but these not so fair nor early as those that are sown in Beds by themselves .

To improve this and other Roots , gather your Seeds from the highest aspring Branches ; and sow them as before is directed ; then when you take them up , select the fairest , and preserve for Seed the next year , then Plant them , and take the Seeds from the highest tops as before .

Carrots are preserved as Turnips , over the Winter ; but if you will have Carrots early in the Spring , you must sow them in August , and preserve them from the Frost in the Winter by covering them with Pease-haum : But these are not so good as those that are sown in the Spring .

Next unto Carrots are Parsnips in great Parsnips : use for a delicate sweet Food , and were so esteem'd in Plinys time , and by him reputed to be excitatives unto Venus ; an argument that they are very nutrimental .

They delight in a richer Soyl than the Carrots , but as light and well stirr'd as may be , else in every respect to be ordered as the Carrots , but are not to stand so thick .

The Skirret or Skirwort-Root , was also a very ancient Dish amongst the Romans , and is the sweetest , whitest , and most pleasant of Roots , and by Physicians esteemed a great restorative , and good for weak Stomachs , and an effectual Friend to Dame Venus .

Skirrets delight in a very Rich , Light , and Of Skirrets . not too dry Soyl , for in moist Summers they are fairest .

They are increased by Plants divided in February or March , and set in single Buds at six or eight inches distance , and in a dripping year , or otherwise , if they be watered in dry Seasons , you will have a very plentiful increase the succeeding Winter ; you may also Plant them here and there on the edges of your other Beds .

They endure the Winter very well , and you may take them up at any time before the Spring be too forward , if the Frosts prevent you not ; when you take the Roots , cover the tops in Earth for your farther encrease .

The Root Scorsonera is as yet not common , Of Scorsonera . but very much commended by some to be good Meat , after the outer Rind is scraped off , and the Root steep'd a while in Water , to take away that little bitterness it hath .

They are said to lie in the ground all the Winter , and from year to year without any prejudice , but will still grow bigger and bigger , although they yearly run up to Seed .

They are increased either by Seed , or by Slips , as the Skirrets , or by cutting the Roots in several pieces , which planted in good ground at about eight or nine inches distance , in March , will yield a considerable increase , or may be planted at any other time , they being hardy .

They are esteem'd to be very cordial and excellent in Feavers .

Potato's are much used in Ireland and in America Of Potato's . as Bread , and are of themselves also an usual Food .

They grow in any good mellow ground , and are increased by cutting the Roots in pieces , and planting them as the Scorsonera .

These and the Jerusalem Artichoaks , which Of Jerusalem Artichoaks . are by much the meaner Food , although somewhat like them , may be propagated with advantage to poor People , a little ground yielding a very great quantity , as the many small Welsh Territories adjoyning to the High-ways in those parts , planted with them , plainly demonstrate .

The Red Beet or Roman Parsnip , and the Of Beets . White Beet were amongst the ancient Romans , and by several are now used as well in Root as in Leaf at the Table .

Beets delight in a rich and deep Soil as doth the Parsnip , and must be sown about the same time or rather set about fifteen inches asunder , because their Leaves are large .

Or you may sow them in a Bed promiscuously , and when they are grown a little then transplant them , and they will yield fairer Roots , the other being apt to be forked .

There are Chards of Beets as well as of Artichoaks , and after the same manner may be prepared .

You must take them up before the Frost prevent you , and house them as before was directed for Turnips and Carrots .

After the same manner plant the best for Seed as was directed for Turnips and Carrots .

Radishes in the more Southern Countries Of Redishes . are a delicate Meat , especially if sown in brackish Lands , or watred with brackish Waters , and therefore were they in such esteem with the Egyptians , where were the daintiest and sweetest Radishes in the World .

The Greeks also so highly preferr'd them to all other Meats , in regard of their good nourishment , that in an Oblation of Garden-fruits unto Apollo , in his Temple at Delphos , they dedicated the Beet in Silver , the Turnip in Lead but the Radish in beaten Gold : Also Moschian the Greek Writer had so great an esteem for the Radish , that he compiled a whole Book of it , as Pliny relates .

These in our more Northern Clime attain not to that degree of maturity , as to become Food , except it be the Leaves , which boyled are eaten with salt Meats .

But are very much regarded as a Sallade for their biting and quick taste , especially in the Spring , eaten with Salt .

There are three sorts of Radishes , the small eating Radish , the Horse Radish , and the black Radish .

The first is that which hath been so much in repute , and is now ordinarily eaten , and is raised of Seed .

To have them early they must be raised on a hot Bed , with a snfficient thickness of good rich light Moul , that they may have depth enough to root in before they reach the Dung.

To have large and clean Radishes , make . holes as deep as your finger about three inches distance , into each hole drop a sound Seed ( or two if suspitious ) and cover the Seeds a little , leaving the rest of the hole open ; thus will they growe to the height of the hole ere they dilate their Leaves , and yield you a long and transparent Root .

You may sowe them all the year , those in the Winter in hot Beds , those sown after Midsummer will not run to Seed that year .

They delight in rich and light ground , and require watring , for in dripping years they prove fairest .

The Horse Radish is increased by Plants , as Horse Radishes . well as from Seeds , and used by many as an excellent and wholesom Sauce .

The black Radish is so mean a Root that it Black Radish . finds no place in a good Garden .

Onions are an ancient Food , especially of Of Onions . the Egyptians , and are much esteem'd of by the Spaniards , who eat them as Englishmen do Apples , for in the hotter Countries they are a little milder than here .

There are several sorts of them , the Strasburgh Onion , red Spanish , white Spanish , and the English , the red the most tart , and the white the mildest ; the ordinary English are not so fair as those of Biscay or St. Omers , but these by often sowing degenerate .

Sowe Onions in February , or beginning of March , between the full of the Moon , and the last Quarter , and they will head very well and not run to Chibols .

They delight in good Land well tempered and freed from Weeds , they extend not their Fibers far downwards , therefore in your sowing them tread your Bed or beat , it flat , then sowe it with your Seed as equally dispersed as you can , and not too thick , then sift over in fine rich Earth , a finger thick at most ; by this means the root will grow larger , and not be apt to run into the ground , for an Onion and a Turnip , the more on the surface they grow , the fairer they prove : This I had from an experienced person .

Omons sown with Salt are said to prosper and grow large ; it is not improbable , because they seem to extract much of the blackish moisture of the Earth .

You may sow Onions all the year for the use of the young Onions or Scallions ; those sown in Autumn may be covered with Straw or pease-haum , and so preserv'd all the Winter , and will be early Chibols or Scallions in the Spring .

You may plant small Onions , or such that are grown or beginning to shoot in the Spring , in deep holes , and they will prove good Chibols .

There is a distinct species of Chibols or Ascalonian Onions in France , that are increased by Off-sets as the Eschalots , but they are not usual with us .

The use of Onions is generally known , and the advantage they bring to the careful Gardener very great . Of Garlick

The use of Garlick is as ancient as that of Onions with the Egyptians , who had them both in very great esteem , as now our Welsh have Leeks , and used to swear by Garlick and Onions , deeming them Sacred , because they afforded them so much rare Food : much after the same manner do our ancient Britains dedicate the Leek to their Saint David on his day , and Aegyptian-like , some of them are known by their Magazine of Garlick-fume , at a great distance .

Garlick is planted by Off-sets in February or March in good rich Soyl , and it will increase wonderfully . About the end of June you must tie the Leaves in knots , which will make them head , and prevent their spindling : it may be taken up in August when the Blade withereth .

Much of it is eaten in Wales and Scotland and some part of England , and much more of it would be spent for its wholsomeness were it not for the offensive smell it gives to the by-Standers , which is taken away by eating of a Beet-root rosted in the Embers , as Menander ( a Greek Writer quoted by Pliny ) saith .

Eschalots are now from France become an Of Eschalits . English Condiment , and are increased and managed near after the same manner as the Garlick , only they are to be set earlier because they spring sooner , and take up as soon as the leaves begin to wither , which is before the Garlick . They must not lie in the ground long after , for either they rot in the ground or the Winter kills them .

They give a fine relish to most Sauces , and the breath of those that feed on them is not offensive to others , as it is of those that feed on Garlick or Onions : they are apt to degenerate , being planted two or three Years in the same ground , therefore it is best to renew your plantation with new plants lately brought from France , within two or three Years .

Leeks were in use as anciently as Onions or Of Leeks . Garlick , not only in foreign parts , but here in Britain , as is evident by the constant use of them by the Welsh , who propagate an abundance of them , insomuch , that I have seen the greatest part of a Garden there stored with Leeks , and part of the remainder with Onions and Garlick .

By reason of their mild nature they are much used in Porrage , which hath derived its Name from Porrum a Leek , though now from the French , we call it Pottage .

They are raised of Seeds , as the Onions , and sown about the same time .

About August , plant your Leeks in very fat rich Ground , and make the holes deep with a setting Stick , wherein plant them , but fill not the hole with Earth ; Water them once in two days with Water enriched with fat Dung , and they will be very large and white .

Plant the best for Seed , as you do the Onions ; and the Seed-bearing stalks of both must be supported by Sticks and Threads , else they will lean to the Ground .

Sives , being a diminitive kind of Leek , is Of Sives . next to be mentioned ; they are increased by parting them , and Planting them in single Heads early in the Spring ; if Planted in good Land they will multiply exceedingly , they stand many years , and are a pleasant Sauce and good Pot-herb .

CHAP. III. Of Beans and Pease .

GArden-Beans are an ancient Food , esteem'd by Pliny the principal of all Pulse , they are a very strong and nourishing Meat . Pythagoras forbid his Scholars the eating of Beans , only ( as is supposed ) because they were a rough Meat , and disturbed their sedate minds in the Night , and are not therefore so good for Philosophers nor Students . The greater sort which we vulgarly call Sanwich Beans , are by much to be preferr'd for their fruitfulness and goodness .

They may be set in November , and at any time after till May , but most securely in February or March , for if they begin to spire , and very severe Frosts happen after it , they may be all destroyed . Probatum est .

It is not good to set them promiscuously , but in double ranges , at three foot distance at least , the Ranges running from North to South , the Sun will comfort and ripen them the better .

If you cut off the Stalks of your Beans near the ground ; when they are first ripe , the Roots will spring again , and in seasonable Years you may have a second Crop about Michaelmas .

From whence we may conclude , that if you cut off your Beans that are set in the Spring , at such times as they begin to blow , then they will germinate again into more Branches and bear late , much better than if they were Planted late , which extream drowth usually hinders from coming to perfection .

There is a small sort of Bean called a Spanish Bean that ripens early , and therefore to be preferr'd ,

Kidney Beans were as ancient a Food as the Of Kidney Beans . other , and in very great esteem with the old Italians ; yet within the Memory of Man were a great rarity here in England , although now a known and common delicate Food .

They delight in a warm , light , and fertile ground , which being well stirr'd , and about May-day , or very little sooner , planted with the Kidney-Beans , at about a foot apart , and two fingers deep , will yield you an extraordinary Crop .

You may either set tall Sticks near for them to twine about , or let them lie on the ground , but if you are straitned in room , those on Sticks will yield you the greatest encrease .

Of these there are 4 sorts , 1. The Scarlet Bean , which yieldeth a rough husk , and is not the best to eat in the shell as Kidney Beans usually are eaten , but is reputed the best to be eaten in the Winter when dry and boyled . 2. The Painted or Streaked Bean , which is the hardiest although the meanest of all , and is known , the dry Bean being all over streaked with a dark Colour . 3. The large White Bean , which yields a fair and delicate Pod. 4. The small White Bean , which except in size is like the latter , but esteem'd the sweeter .

There is another sort much like the last , thaat Bona Vista's . is natural to the Island Bona Vista , and thence taken and propagated in the Summer Islands , from whence some certain persons have them dry , and esteem them as delicate Meat ; they will flourish well here in Branch , but our Summers are not long enough to bring them to maturity , Quaere , if raised on a hot Bed .

Pease are of divers kinds , and some of them Of Pease . the sweetest and most pleasant of all Pulses ; the meaner sort of them have been long acquainted with our English Air and Soil ; but the sweet and delicate sorts of them have been introduced into our Gardens only in this latter Age.

There are divers sorts of pease now propagated in England , as three several sorts of Hot-spurs , the long , the shorts and Barns's Hot-spur . Sandwich , five sorts of Rouncivals , the Grey , White , Blue , Green , and Maple Rouncival . Three sorts of Sugar Pease , the large White , small White , and Grey Sugar Pease . The Egg-Pease , Wing Pease , and Sickle Pease ; whereof the Hot-spurs are the most early , pleasant , and profitable of all others . The Sugar Pease with crooked Cods , the sweetest of all . The large white and green Rouncival , and the great Egg-Pease we shall more particularly advise to be propagated in our Gardens .

The Hot-spurs are the speediest of growth of any , that being sown about the middle of May will in six Weeks time return ripe again into your hands , no Vegetable besides being so quick in its growth and maturity ; therefore let these be the first that you sow , if sown in February or March , they will come earlier than any other sort sown before Winter ; but if you sow them in September , and can by Fences of Reed , or otherwise defend them from extream Frosts , you may have ripe Peascods in May following .

The large Sugar Pease ( which many take to be a fair white sweet Pease succeeding the Hot-spur , but erroniously ) is a tender Pease Planted in April , and ripe after Midsummer , the Cods are very crooked and ill-shaped , which being boyl'd with the unripe Pease in them , are extraordinary sweet . The greatest discouragement in raising these , is that their sweetness attracts the small Birds unto them , to their total destruction , unless carefully prevented ; which is a sufficient Argument of their pre-excellency .

The large white and green Rouncivals , or Hastings , are tender , and not to be set till the cold is over , and then not very thick , for they spread much , and mount high , and therefore require the aid of tall sticks , every one knows the worth of them .

There is another very large grey , but extraordinary sweet Pease , that is lately propagated , it is tender but very Fruitful , and deserves a large Bed in your Kitchin Garden .

They delight in a warm light Soyl , if it be rich , the Pease are the fairer , if lean the Pease are the more early , and spend better , especially when dry .

They are set with a Dibble to more advantage than sown in Rills or Furrows , but either way should be by a Line , and the roughs eighteen inches or two foot apart , as the ground is in goodness , that you may go between them to haw , weed , or gather them .

If you keep the ground between them bare , they will ripen the sooner , for the heat of the ground will contribute much thereto .

If you raise the Earth about them when they are about a hand breadth high , they will flourish the better .

If you set or sow them in the beginning of , or before Winter , you must inter twice as many Pease as you need to do in case you stay till February or March , because the Cold and Mice will destroy a part .

Ground laid in deep Furrows from East to West , and Pease sown or set on the South declining side of each Furrow , will defend your Pease better in the Winter , than if they were sown or set on a Level . For on the Wiltshire Plains , the Husbandmen leave their Land after it is sown with Wheat , as rough and clotty as they can , to shelter their Corn in Grass from the severity of the cold Winds in the Winter .

Pease on Sticks will bear more , but on the ground will ripen sooner .

CHAP. IV. Of Cabbages and Caulyflowers .

THere is not a more ancient nor nor common Cabbage . Esculent Plant than a Cabbage or Caulwort , nor any Garden Aliment so wholesom , if Cato that lived near two thousand years since , and Chrysippus and Dieuches , two famous Physitians more ancient ( that wrote each of them a Volume of the excellent Vertues of this Plant ) may be credited , or the Country wherein they wrote considered . Pythagoras himself , long before Cato , had not so mean an opinion of Beans , but he had as high of this . Ever since those Times we have had the consent and approbation of all our European Territories ( except the more severe Northern ) that Cabbages and Caulworts are a good and wholesom Food , as their constant and vulgar use of them in every place sufficiently manifest . Here in England not a Village without them ; and if there be a House without a Garden , or a Garden without a Caulwort , yet the Inhabitants or Owners of them will furnish themselves from the Market : yet are they not so addicted to the use of them here as in France , Holland , Germany , &c. where ( in Germany ) that famous City of Wurtsburgh is said to derive its Name from the great plenty of Wurts , as they call them that grow about it .

We have here many sorts of them besides the common which are known to every one , as the Dutch Cabbage , the large sided Cabbage , the white-headed Cabbage , the red Cabbage , perfum'd Cabbage , Savoy Cabbage , and Russia Cabbage .

The first that heads is a small white Cabbage , The Dutch Cabbage . called the Dutch-Cabbage , and comes in Season before the common English Cabbage , and is very sweet , notwithstanding it hath not felt the Frost , which is a great improver of the tast of most Cabbage .

The Cabbage that is now much in request is the large-sided Cabbage it 's a very tender plant , The largefided Cabbag . sown not till May , planted out in July and in the Autumn is eaten as the best Cabbage in the World .

The large white-headed Cabbage , which is The white-headed Cabbage . the biggest of all Cabbages , is worthy your care for its greatness sake ,

There is a sort of red Cabbage , and another The red Cabbage . inclining to purple ; they are small and grow near the ground , and are planted only for varietysake , and to garnish Dishes , &c.

There are some sort that have a Musky Scent , Perfum'd Cabbage . and are therefore called perfum'd Cabbages , which are not unworthy your Care .

But one of the best sorts of all is the Savoy The Savoy Cabbage . Cabbage , almost as hardy as our common English Cabbage ; the Winter Plants head very well , being Planted out in the Spring , as the ordinary Cabbage are , the heads when the Frosts have touched them turn yellow , and then are delicate Meat .

These that are raised of Seeds , in the Spring will have but snall heads , which , as also those without heads in the succeeding Winter , are exceeding any ordinary Caul or Cabbage .

The Russia Cabbage is the least and most The Russia Cabbage . humble of all the Cabbages , growing very near the ground ; is very pleasant Food , hardy and quick of growth : So that you need not be without all the Summer . The Winter Plants heading early , and the Spring Plants arriving to maturity in seven weeks after they are sown .

Sow all your Cabbage Seeds that you intend for Winter Plants in Argust , or beginning of September , and when they are grown with Leaves about three Fingers broad then draw them and plant them out in fresh and rich Land , where they may remain all the Winter and at Spring replant them where they are to stand for Cabbages . These are those they call Leger Plants that produce the fairest Cabbages .

You may sow your Seeds in the Spring , in March and April , for Cauls for the whole Summer ; and some of them , if the Year prove dripping , or they sometimes watered will head .

At the transplanting your young Plants , water them with water that is enriched with dung .

Before the great Frosts surprise you , you may take up your hardest Cabbages , and after they have hung up by their Roots about a fortnight , to drain the water from them , you may either lay them in some Cellar , where they will keep a long time , or Plant them deep in the ground close one to another , and cover them with Hawm or Straw until you have occasion to use them .

Those you intend for Seed , you may plant in rich Soil indifferent deep , and cover them from the Frosts , and in the Spring they will quickly aspire .

Beside these variety of Cabbages , Caul , and Sprouts springing from the old decapitated Stumps there is a perennial Caul , being usually called Sheer-Wurt or Sheer-Caul that will continually yield you a green Mess whenever you have occasion , and deserves a place in your Kitchin Garden , and is raised of Seed as the other .

There is also a sort of Caul that is very much curled , and is very good , and by some much esteem'd .

But the German Colewort exceeds all other for its delicate Taste , and its hardiness against the greatest severity of the Winter , although not yet commonly propagated .

There is a Species of Cauls much more excellent Of Cauly-flowers . than any of the former which are Cauliflowers , which merit a far greater esteem at the Table than the Cabbage for a time , their prime Season lasts not above two Months . But afterwards the Cabbage becomes a better Dish , which is welcome to any Man's Table six Months together , and the Sprouts and green Caul all the residue of the year .

Their Seeds are sown in August or September on Beds , where they may be defended all the Winter by Mats or other close Shelter to preserve them from Frosts .

In the Spring about the end of March , it is a good time to plant them out in Plants where they should stand , which in a dripping Spring , or by diligent watering will yield you fair Flowers , but if they are not watered , they will bring forth ragged and divided Flowers .

You may Sow their Seed in February on a hot Bed , and have Flowers within a Month after those that were Sown before Winter .

Those that are of one growth usually Flower about a time , which to prevent , you may remove some of your Plants once every Fortnight , for two , three , or four times , as you think good , which will keep them back from Flowring , and so you may have them one after another as you please : Or you may cut off your Flower before it be fully ripe with a long Stalk , and set it in the ground as far as you can , and it will retain its ripening , but you must shade it , and give it a little Water , lest it wither .

CHAP. V. Of Melons , Cucumbers , &c.

MElons or Muskmelons , as they are usually termed from their pleasant Of Melons . Scent , are in the more Southern Countries , not unworthily esteem'd the most delicate Fruit the Kitchin Garden affords , for in those warmer Airs they attain a greater degree of Maturity , which exceedingly adds to their Gust and Salubrity , however here in England being raised in the first of the Spring , and having thereby all the prime of the Summer , and heat that Nature and Art can give them , they are a pleasant and a modish repast , and therefore deserve your singular care in their propagation and management .

There are several sorts of Melons , and called by several Names , but those most usually known are the large ribbed Melon , and the small round Melon .

They are sown in February at the full of the Moon in your hot Bed ( the making whereof you shall find at the end of this Book ) the Seeds first steep'd in Milk twenty four hours , and then set two or three in a hole about an inch deep .

When your Seeds are in the ground , cover up your Bed to preserve it warm , and when they are come up , then cover them with drinking-glasses , leaving room for a little Air near the ground .

Towards the end of April you may remove your Melon Plants out of the hot Bed , into the Bed wherein they are to grow all the Summer , which Bed , or at least certain large holes in it , is to be of very rich light Mould ; the best time for this Work is in an Evening after a fair Day .

At their first removal they must be watred and defended from Sun and Cold , three or four days together , and afterwards from the Cold.

When the plants grow large , you may cover them either with glass Bells made for that purpose , or with square Cases of Glass made by the Glasiers for the same use . Be sure keep them close at Night , and give them some admission of Air under the Glass , or at the top in the day time .

To prevent Frosts from hurting your Plants , and Hail from breaking your Glasses , if you have any forewarning of either , you may cover your Glasses with pease-straw or Mats .

When you water your Melons ( which they expect only in very dry and hot Weather ) water them at half a foot distance from the Root and not wet the Leaves .

Place a Tile under each Melon , it will lie the warmer upon it , and nip off the small shoots that exhaust the sap from the more leading Branches .

Some prescribe to cover your Melon Bed two or three inches with Sand , to increase the heat of the Sun by reflection , but Tiles under the Fruit may do as well .

Also it is advised that you shelter your newly removed plant from the heat of the Sun at Noon , and until four in the Afternoon , as well as from the Cold , and that until the plants have gotten Leaves broad enough to cover their Stalks and Roots from the parching Sun .

When your Melons are as big as Tennis-Balls , then nip off the shots at some distance beyond them at a Joynt , and the Melons will grow large .

Melons are known to be ripe when the Stalk seems as if it would part from the Fruit , when they begin to gild and grow yellow underneath , and by their fragrant Odour they yield which increaseth as they more and more ripen .

But every Melon appears not alike in Colour when mature , therefore you must consider their difierent Natures . If they are to carry far , then gather them when they begin to ripen , but if they are to spend immediately , then let them be through ripe .

When you gather your Melons , you may put them before they be cut into a Bucket of cold Water , for a minute of time , to refresh them , which will make them eat cool and pleasant , and with an excellent Flavour ; as it will mend a Bottle of Wine in hot Weather .

Leave some part of the Stalk to the Melon , lest by being broken too near , the Melon languish and lose the richness of its taste : Let them not when you gather them be too green , nor over ripe .

Preserve the Seeds of those that are most early ripe , and prefer those Seeds that lodged at the sunny side of the Melon .

Cucumbers have been in very great esteem in Of Cucumbers . the more Southern Countries , and of late years are much improved in England , and become a general Condiment for the hot Season of the year , as they are Crude from the Garden , and for the more cold Season as they are preserv'd in pickle .

There are two sorts of them , that is , the large green Cucumber , vulgarly called the Horse-Cucumber , which the French call Parroquets . Parroquets . And the small white or more prickly Cucumber , these are best for the Table green out of the Garden , but the other to preserve .

They are planted aad propagated after the same manner as are the Melons , only they require more watring , and withal they are much more hardy .

Although watring makes the Cucumbers more fruitful , yet they are more pleasant and wholesome if they have but little Water .

Pompeons are much more hardy then Melons Of Pompeons . or Cucumbers ; yet are they tender in their first springing , and therefore are not usually planted until April , and then for some time after they are come up defended from the Cold.

They must be planted in Rich old Dung , and require a large place to ramble in , they will lay their Fruit on the Ground , or on Scaffolds made for that purpose , or on Pales or dry Hedges .

There are lesser sorts of them that are lately Of Squashes . brought into request that are called Squashes , the edible part whereof boyl'd and serv'd up with Powdered Beef is esteemed a good Sauce .

These and several others of the smaller kinds of Pompeons are raised and managed as the Pompeon or Cucumber .

CHAP. VI. Of Sallad-Herbs .

BEsides the great variety of Esculent and Alimental Plants which we have already named , the greatest part whereof may be eaten by themselves , and not as Sauces or Sallads , there yet remain several excellent Herbs and Plants that are of great use in the Kitchin , and are very pleasing and wholsome at the Table , the Principal whereof is the Lettuce , which contendeth with any of the Of the Lettuce . former named Plants for Antiquity ; it is an excellent Summer Sallad , cooling and refreshing , and for that use hath it been always propagated : And although there be several sorts of them , yet that one Cabbage-Lettuce being the best , eaten either raw or boyled , the other may be neglected .

They are usually sown in February and March , and unless the Weather prove very cold , they will flourish and yield you a Spring Sallad in the beginning of April , but if defended by any good defence , then will they be fit for use before that time .

Those that are sown in March or April in good rich Land will head very well ; yet it is said they will head better if transplanted whilst they are young , although some are of another opinion .

Lettuce sown in the Autumn , then transplanted and preserv'd over the Winter , will head in the Spring before any that are sown and transplanted in the Spring .

The sorts of Lettuce that are usually accounted are , the Cabbage , Lumbard , Roman , Arabian , Savoy , Rose , Red and Curled Lettuice .

You may blanch the largest Roman Lettuce when they are at their full growth , by binding them up with Straw or raw Hemp , or by covering them with Earthen Pots fit to enclose them , and afterwards heating the Pots with long Dung .

Purslain in some moist Islands between the Of Purslain Tropicks is a natural wild Plant , but here in England is propagated with some difficulty , and used as an excellent Sallad .

It is tender in the Spring , the Frosts usually nipping it , but rather the drought or small dew Snails , for I have known more than once the Seeds of Purslain , that have been spontaneously fallen in the Autumn , to flourish in the Spring , notwithstanding the Winter , which indeed was not very severe .

But to have it early , you may sow it on the hot Bed , or in April , in any rich soil finely dressed , and after the Seeds are sown , to clap over the Bed with the back of your Spade , and water it , for it delighteth in moisture .

If it be sown thin , or transplanted apart , it will yield you fair Plants , either for Seed , or to pickle , or to boyl .

When the Seed looks very black , then gather the stalks and lay them abroad in the Sun , which will the better maturate the Seed ; lay them on a Board or Cloth to preserve them from spilling and house them in the night , and expose them in the day until they are ripe .

It is said that the Seed of three or four years old is better than the new .

Corn Sallad is well known to be an early Corn Sallad . and excellent Sallad in the first of the Spring ; it is first raised by sowing of its Seed , but afterwards it will sow it self .

Spinage is known to be an excellent Herb Spinage . crude or boyl'd , it is raised of Seed sown early in the Spring , but much better if sown in September , that it may gain strength to withstand the Winter , as is by some affirm'd ; these Winter Plants are fittest for the Lent season , the Spring Plants for the Summer .

Endive , Succory , Beets and Orach , are all Endive , &c. them good Sallads boyl'd and are raised of Seeds in the Spring .

Of Sorrel , there are several sorts , but the Sorrel . largest is most proper for your Garden , serving for many uses in the Kitchin , it 's raised most easily of Plants which should not be set too near , it being apt to spread and grow large .

There is an Herb called Patience , that is Patience . planted by Sets in some Gardens , and makes a very good boyl'd Sallad ,

Borrage and Bugloss are very well known for Borrage and Bugloss . the excellent properties of their Leaves and Blossoms , and are not to want a Room amongst your best Gulinary Herbs .

Chervil may be sown in the hot Bed to make Chervil . an early Sallad , or in March for other times : The Seed lies long in the ground , you may therefore sow it at several times , that you may have it young and tender throughout the Summer . This Sallad is much preferr'd for its fine biting taste , before many other dull Herbs , There is another sort of it called sweet Chervil .

Allisanders are sown in the Spring , and live Allisander & Sceleri . over the succeeding Winter , and are blanch'd by surrounding them with long Dung , or covering them with Pots , and then are they fit to make an excellent Sallad , after the same manner is Sceleri ordered . Some set the Plants deep in the ground , as before was directed for the Leeks . Thus Beets , Succory , Endive , Lettuce , and these two Plants so blanch'd , make very good Sallads .

Smallage is an Herb some use in their Pottage , Smallage . and is raised by Seed .

But Parsley is the most universally used in Parsley . the Kitchin of all Garden Herbs . Pliny said of it so long since , that scarce any man there was but loved it , and that it was in so great repute in his time , that in Achaia they honoured it by Crowning the Victors in their sacred Games with Chaplets of it , and as divers were the opinions of Physicians then as now of the vertues and qualities of it . This however we know , that it is an excellent Ingredient in most Pottages Sawces , and Sallads , its way of sowing is genernlly known .

Nasturtium or Garden Cresses are sown in Garden Cresses . many Gardens for culinary uses .

Nasturtium Indicum , Indian Cresses or Yellow Indian Cresses . Lark-spurs , from a Flower are now become an acceptable Sallad , as well the Leaf as the Blossom . They are raised for early Sallads in the hot Bed , but sown in April , will grow very well on ordinary Garden-ground , and give you a plentiful encrease of Leaves and Blossoms . The Buds before they are throughly blown , are an excellent Sallad pickled , as Clove Gilliflowers and Cowslip Blossoms usually are .

Tarragon for its fine biting tast is much used Tarragon . by some in their Sallads , and is encreased by Cions and Tops .

There are several other Herbs that are nourished and propagated in Gardens for the use of the Kitchin , as Blood-wort , Clary , Arach , Lang de beuf , Nep , Violets , Strawberries , Carraways , Fennel , Dill , Mustard-seed , Rocket , Rampions , Ramsons , Sage of Jerusalem , and Marigolds . The Methods of raising and increasing them being so well known , as also their Uses , that it would be superfluous here to describe them .

CHAP. VII . Of Sweet Herbs .

BEsides all those before mentioned , there Of sweet Herbs . are divers sweet Herbs , as they are termed , that are very necessary for the compounding many excellent Condiments and to add a relish to the best Pottage , which shall be here briefly enumerated .

Garden Mints were universally used for Sauces Of Mints . in Pliny's time , and much commended for their singular Vertues , especially the young red Buds in the Spring , with a due proportion of Vinegar and Sugar , refresh the Spirits and stirreth up the Appetite , and is one of the best Sallads the Garden affords . There are divers sorts of Mints , but the red Garden Mint is the best .

Sage is also an Herb or Shrub much used in Of Sage . the Kitchin , and the young Leaves thereof , especially of the red Sage , is a very wholsome Sallad in the Spring . The Slips thereof planted in April or May are very apt to grow .

There are several sorts of Sage , the red green , small , and variegated , but the red is the best for most uses .

Of Marjoram there are several kinds : the Of Marjoram . fine sweet , which is yearly raised of Seed sown in May , the vulgar sweet , raised by Slips , and the pot Marjoram by the same way ; there is also of this latter sort some that is party-coloured , or White and Green , and some only White , propagated for variety sake ; the use of these is commonly known .

Thyme was anciently celebrated for its great Of Thyme . plenty of Food it yieldeth for Bees ; as Virgil writing of Bees ,

At fessae multâ referunt se nocte minores , Crura Thymo plena . — But those that youthful be , and in their prime , Late in the Night return , laden with Thyme .

Pliny saith , that by the plenty or scarcity of the Blossoms of Thyme , you may foresee the plenty or scarcity of Honey for that year : But the worth of this Herb is not so much to be disputed in this place , as the usefulness of it in the Kitchin where it ought not to be wanting .

Of Thyme there are many sorts . The Vulgar English , the Lemon Thyme , so called from its most exact smell like a Lemon ; Gilded Thyme , Musk and Mastich Thyme , which last is incomparably sweet , and ought to be carefully preserved ; any of the other are fit for the Kitchin .

Of Savory there are two sorts , the Summer Of Savory . and Winter . The former is so called , because it is annual and raised of Seed : it is usually sown amongst Onions , because there is an ancient Tradition , that the growing of it there makes the Onions the more sweet ; if you let some of it stand to shed its Seed , it is so hardy that it will come up again the succeeding Spring although the ground be again digged .

The Winter-Savory is so called , because it lives over many Winters , and is increased by Cions as well as by Seed ; the uses of both are very well known in the Kitchin .

Hysop is nominated amongst culinary Herbs , Of Hysop . although not so much in use in the Kitchin : as for Medicine or its natural sweetness , it is so vulgar an Herb , that every one knows its propagation .

There are many other sweet Herbs that are Of several others . useful in the Kitchin , although not so generally as the former , but according to the particular occasions that require them , as Penny-royal , Sweet Maudlin , Tansie , Balm , Basil , Burnes and Ceast-Mary , also Lavendar , and Cammomil are not to be wanting , though not excellent , in any Case .

CHAP. VIII . Of some other Eseulent Vegetables .

THere are some Plants , Herbs , or parts of them , that are Esculent either of themselves , or in Condiments , that are not usually propagated in Gardens for that purpose , as the young Buds of Hops boyl'd do much resemble Asparagus in the eating , and are very pleasant and wholesome where the other are not to be had ; the young shoots of a new lopp'd Elder-Tree being boyl'd are esteem'd a most excellent Dish ; the ordinary Buds of Elder , and the red young tops of Nettles , and of Water-cresses , and also of Brook-lime , every Herb-woman can tell you are good Spring Sallads or Pottage-herbs .

The green tops of young Pease cut off and boyl'd are reported to be a most delicate Dish , quaere , Whether if they being cut off , the remaining Roots will not emit new shoots , and produce a fair Crop of later Pease ; If they will , then may you have late Pease better this way than by sowing late .

Green Corn bruised yields a Juyce that is used in the Kitchin in Esculents , and so may be reckon'd amongst the number , notwithstanding my Lord Bacon did not esteem it Esculent .

Champignons , Mushromes , or Mousserons , have Mushromes . been ever reputed a dainty Dish , in the choice and preparing of which the ancient Romans took a great delight . Yet then were several Persons poysoned with the use of such of them , that were of a venomous nature , and in these colder Climates some sorts of them are not much to be confided in .

Those that are edible here with us , are either Mushromes of the Woods , and grow by the Borders of Woods and Forests , and are very large ; or Mushromes of the Meadows and sweet Pastures , which grow frequently where Cattel feed , which usually flourish in the Autumn , and are most esteem'd , because of their Beauty and whiteness above , and Vermilion beneath , having also a pleasant Scent with them .

It is said that you may raise Mushromes in Beds in your Gardens , by preparing a Bed with the Soil of Mules or Asses , and covering it over four Fingers thick with rich Dung , and after it hath laid a while to cool , then to cast on it the parings and refuse of Mushromes , and old rotten Mushromes with the Water used about them , and in a short time your Bed will produce them . Or such Water poured on Melon Beds will cause it to send forth Mushromes .

It is probable that these , though unperfect Plants , may have a Seed , which sown in an apt place may produce others of the same Species .

My Lord Verulam in his Natural History Century 6. gives a very good Character of them , imputing unto them two strange Properties : The one , that they yield so delicious a Meat ; the other , that they come up so hastily ; I have known one of about a foot in diameter , almost round and full , of scarce twice 24 hours growth .

The same honourable Lord tells you , that it 's dangerous surfeiting with them , and gives you several Reports , that the Bark of white or red Poplar cut small , and cast into Furrows well dunged , will cause the Ground to put forth Mushromes at all Seasons of the year fit to be eaten .

He also adds a Report , that Harts-horn shaven or in small pieces mix'd with Dung , and watred , putteth up Mushromes .

CHAP. IX . Of General Improvements , and Miscellaneous Experiments .

SECT. I. Of Improving Garden Ground by Labour only .

HAving thus briefly given you a particular of ornamental , as well as useful Parts and Materials for your several Gardens , and the specifical ways of preparing , ordering , and managing of the various Plants , Flowers , and other Curiosities usually growing in them , it now remains that something be said as to the more general manner of improving your Ground , and preparing of Dungs , Soils , and Composts proper for your use , and making of hot Beds , with many other things necessary to be known by such that delight in the improvement of Hortulans .

Of the general mixtures of the Earth the one with the other , to qualifie their Natures by adding that of a contrary , I have before discoursed . Of the preparation of Earth without any such mixtures , Sir Hugh Platt hath given you an Aenigmatical Description , calling it his Philosophical Garden ; his Precept is , To pave a square Plot with Brick ( if covered with Plaister of Paris the better ) making up the sides of Brick also , plaistred likewise ; let it be of a convenient depth , fill it with the best vegetative Saturn which you can get , that hath stood two years , or one at the least , quite within his own Sphere , make contrition of the same ; and be sure to avoid all obstructions , imbibe it with Aqua Coelestis in a true proportion : grind it once a day till it be dry ; being dry , let it stand two or three days without any imbibition , that it may the better attract from all heavenly influence , continuing then also a Philosophical Contrition every day , ( this grinding must also be used in the vegetable works , where the Mercury of Herbs is used instead of Aqua Coelestis ) during all the time of preparation : Then plant what rare Flowers , Fruits , or Seeds , you please therein ; the same Philosopher then tells you , That ( if his Theory of Nature deceive him not ) that Saturn so enriched from the Heavens , without the help of any manner of Soil , Marl , or Compost ( after one years revolution ) will make the same to flourish and fructifie in a strange and admirable manner .

By his Vegetable Saturn may be understood , such Earth that is most prone to send forth Plants ; by its standing so long within its own Sphere , is only that it hath been covered either naturally by Turf , or artificially by Building , or such like , that it hath been prevented from wasting its soecund Nature , by sending forth or bearing Vegetables . The best of such rested fruitful Earth , is to be put in what quantity you please into your Brick or Stone Cistern ( being made proportionable ) but not too deep lest it hinder you from stirring the Earth to the bottom , and will not permit it to dry so easily , this must be reduced to a fineness ; therefore it would not be amiss to let it pass the Sieve or Screen before you put it in your Cistern . The imbibition of this Earth with Aqua Coelestis can be no other than with Rain-water , which is exhaled by the influence of the Sun , and in the Air attracteth a volatile Nitre , which descending with the Rain on the dry Earth is soon imbibed again ; this volatile Spirit or Nitre that thus ariseth in so great a quantity , is that Spiritus Mundi that causeth all Vegetation , and wherewith the Air it self is filled , and by several ways coagulated , and by the often irrigating the Earth with it , the Earth is the more fertilized : But this way of continuing the Contrition , or stirring it every day to dry it , makes the Earth much easier to attract the Water , which being added in a true or so little a proportion , that it may not wet but moisten only , the Earth will leave its nitrous or vegetating Vertue behind it , when the Phlegmatick part fumes away again by the stirring of the Earth , which if it were added in too great a quantity would exhaust the nitrous Spirit that was before in the Earth . For it is a general Observation amongst Philosophers , that as the greater overpowereth the lesser , so if the matter you add be volatile , and greater in proportion than that which is fixt , it is apt to volatilize that which before was fixt , being added unto it : And on the contrary , that if the volatile matter be less in proportion than the fixt , to which you add it , then is that which is fixt apt to fix the volatile : Therefore did our Author wisely add , that the imbibition should be made in a true proportion , which is , that the Rain-water should be only for an easie Humectation , and not too great a wetting ; then he tells you , that it should stand two or three days without any imbibition , that is , between every humectation the Earth should be throughly dryed as the Air or Wind can dry it , which will take up such a space of time , notwithstanding your daily stirring it ; for the drier any open terrestrial Matter is , it doth not only the more easily attract , but more perfectly fixeth that which otherwise would be more volatile ; although our Author hath not given caution of it , yet it is presumed that the square Plot or Cistern he prescribes should be covered or defended from the Sun , which by his Rays is apt to attract much of the Spiritus Mundi , or Matter of Vegetables , where there is plenty unfixt ; as is evident from the various Smells that are exhaled by it , and Colours also much sooner faded by the Sun-beams than by the heat of Fire ; and also from the Rain which in great Showers is apt to over-moisten it , and in continued Rains , to prevent its drying ; therefore your Rain-water should be kept in a Cistern made for that purpose , where the longer it remains the better it will prove ; such Vertue always encreaseth whilst it is in its proper Matrix , as appeareth by Urine kept long , which yieldeth much more Spirit than whilst it is new .

By the Author's saying that this grinding is to be used in the Vegetable-work , where the Mercury of Herbs is used instead of Aqua Coelestis ; it 's probable here he means the express'd Juice of green Vegetables , which virtually hath in it the matter of Vegetables , and may have the same effect on the Earth in a small quantity and little time , as the Rain-water hath in a greater quantity by the long continuation of the Operation .

This way of contrition , imbibition , and coagulation , enricheth the Earth after the same manner , by covering it many years with Building , by which means Salt-petre is increased : only by this Operation you may effect your Design in one year with labour and diligence , which there you must wait many years for : And by this may you heighten the Vertue of your Soil to a far higher degree , it being manual , than the other which is nutural , and will not exceed the ordinary Bounds limited in this Climate .

That our Author 's Saturn is our natural and common Earth , and his Aqua Coelestis , Rain-water , may be concluded from his own Expressions , used in the same Description of his Philosophical Garden , which are , That if the Earth it self after it hath thus conceived from the Clouds , were then left to bring forth her own Fruits and Flowers in her own time , and no Seeds or Plants placed therein by the hand of Man , it is held very probable , that this heavenly Earth so manured with the Stars , would bring forth strange and glorious Fruits and Flowers , &c. Which is not improbable , if we consider the fertility of the Waters of Nile , which are first exhausted in those hotter African Regions , by the power of the Sun's influence ( when in a due Latitude ) and condensed by the Air far more fruitful , as well as the Earth , in Nitre there , than in these colder Regions , yielding that great and fertile Flood , whose precipitate or setling Slime so far inricheth the dried and thirsty Earth , that it not only spontaneously produceth abundance of Vegetables but Animals also .

I know no reason but by observing our Author's Direction in this Climate , a diligent Operator may advance the Vertue of our Earth to the same degree or greater , than the Egyptian Soil , and then may it answer his Expectations , in producing such Rarities , that by no other ways are here attainable ; for if any Man would advance or improve Nature , he must tread in Nature's Steps , and trace her to the Foundation . Next unto this extraordinary improvement of Earth by labour without any other mixture than Earth and Rain-water , which many will not experiment , because of the length of time required in it , you may facilitate the Operation by often stirring or digging your Land , and reducing it to a fineness by skreening it , which also is a means to cleanse it from Weeds , Stones , Worms , &c. that annoy your tender Plants ; by reiterating of which Work you expose the Earth thus opened to the Air , Frost , Snow and Rain , and capacitate it to receive the benign Influences of the Heavens , and prevent the exhausting of the nitrous Spirit by the growth of any Vegetables in it . This Operation the longer you continue it the better , the time for the beginning of it is not material , so that you let it receive the effects of both extream Seasons : like unto this are your fallowings of Land for several Grains , especially the fallowings and twi-fallowings for Wheat , long before the last plowing at the Seed-time , and in several cases a contrition or dragging after the fallowings , which proves a considerable improvement of stiff Land . Thus may you see how Nature is improved by Industry only , and that but by treading in her own Steps ; for Earth often trod on by Men or Beasts in the Streets or High-ways is very much enriched by such exposure , and Earth defended from the Sun and Air , in like manner becomes fertile , although from different Causes , the former from the volatile Nitre , and other Influences in the Air , Rain and Snow , the latter from the Condensation of the Spiritus Mundi , or nitrous Breathings of the Earth , and both by reason that those fertile Qualities are not exhausted by Vegetation .

But as this latter Operation is more facile than the former , so you cannot expect that it should produce Effects answerable to the other , which is very much to be preferr'd by such that are curious ; although this latter way may yield you a sufficient Recompence for your Labour , yet the former cannot but far transcend it .

SECT. II. Of several Ways of enriching Earth by Mixtures .

IT is without question that Earth or Mould is to be made more fertile than naturally it is , by mixing therewith several Materials that contain in them much of the vegetating Spirit , as the Ashes of any manner of burnt Vegetables . For by such burning is wasted the more phlegmatick and useless moisture , and are fix'd the more solid and substantial parts : The same effect hath Fire on the Turf , or rooty surface of the Earth ; this smegmatick or oily Matter that is left by the Fire , in a moderate proportion applyed to any Earth highly enricheth it , and makes it apt for fructification , as appeareth by the vulgar Experiment of Burn-beating of Land , which yieldeth so fair Crops of Wheat and other Grain . In which Operation the Rustick observes , that over-burning the Turf is injurious , and that a more moderate burning maketh the Ground more fertile . The Reason is plain ; for in the burning of any Vegetable , a gentle , easie , and smothering Fire doth not waste the volatile nitrous Spirit so much as a quick , but causeth much more of it to fix and remain behind .

These fixed Salts that are thus obtained , are the principal Salts that are so much celebrated for the Improvements of Earth , to render it more fruitful , although there are many other Salts near in affinity to these , that do in some degree meliorate Earth , as the Salts that are in Blood , Urine , Soot , and several other things of the like nature , by the mixture of those Materials with the Earth , or sprinkling it with them , whereby the Rains usually carry down their Vertue to the Roots of your Plants .

The parts of Animals , as Skins , Hairs , Feathers , Flesh and Bones , Horns , Hoofs , &c. contain in them much of these vegetating Salts , although volatile , yet in such compact Bodies , they continue until they are by your Plants attracted , as many Husbandmen have made Experiments , of the extraordinary Vertue that is in old woollen Rags , in fertilizing Land for Corn , giving ten times the price for a load of them to lay on their Corn-ground , that they will for a Load of Dung , and are yet great gainers by it , and fetch them from near London into Hertfordshire into the Bargain : Wooll , Hair , and Feathers , are near of a nature , and therefore have near the same effects .

Fish , and Bones of Beasts , Flesh , &c. are generally known to add very much to the improvement of Land ; but for Garden uses , it will be more conducing to your purpose , to let the same be throughly putrified , and reduced to a moderate compost with Earth before you apply it , for all nauseous and ill savoured Materials are to be excluded your Gardens , either for the Kitchen , or for Delight .

Horns , Hoofs , and Skins , contain in them much of a rich volatile Salt ; and it hath been anciently observed , and in such Countries where naturally the ground is more replete with Nitre , and more fertile than here , that these Materials have very much fertilized Garden-ground , especially for the Asparagus , that requires strong nourishment ; therefore the shavings or odd pieces of Horn , and the lesser Horns and the Hoofs , and other excrementitious parts of Beasts , at the common Slaughter-houses may be obtain'd , to make your deep Beds for Asparagus , Artichoaks , and such like , and may not be unuseful in enriching your Ground for your choicest Flowers .

The shreds of tann'd Leather , partaking as well of the Salt of the Oaken Bark and Lime , as of the Beast , must of necessity prove a very great Improver of your Garden ground , and may be had in great quantities at the Shooe-makers , where they usually burn them . These shreds soon rot , and with Rags , Hoofs , Horns , Hair , &c. mixed with a good quantity of Earth , and laid in a Pit , and sometimes watered , will make an excellent Compost for your Kitchen Garden , if afterwards disposed of in proper Beds .

Take Sheeps Dung and put Water to it , Of Sheeps Dung. ( in some Vessel ) so much as by stirring may reduce it to a Pap , and when it is all throughly dissolved , mix some fine sifted Earth with it ; let the Earth be four , five , or six times more in quantity than the Sheeps Dung , according as the Earth is in goodness : If it be a poor sandy Earth , the more of the Sheeps Dung it requires to enrich it ; if it be a stiff Ground , the more it requires to make it light , but an indifferent mellow Earth requires the less ; for Sheeps Dung is one of the richest of Dungs , as may be observed from the great improvement that is made by Flocks of Sheep being folded on the poor champion Lands , where such Land yields much Corn , when not being so improved , it will yield but little , and this from one only folding in several Months , or sometimes in a whole Year together : Deer and Goats Dung are much of the same nature with Sheeps Dung . The reason of which extraordinary fertility in that Soyl is from the well chewing the Food , the long continuance in the Body , and the not ( or but little ) drinking of the Beast . For Sheep and Neat chew the Cud , by which means their Food is made fine , both these ( and so do Deer and Goats ) retain their Meat longer than Horses or Swine , who feed more grosly and hastily , the Dung of the one being like whisps of Hay , of the other like a mixture of all sorts of Filth . Also Sheep and Deer drink but little , which make their Dung and their Urine ( which also is very rich could it be preserved ) very fertile . Neat drink much , which very much tempereth and allayeth the heat and fertile Nature of the Soyl. Earth thus mixed with Sheeps Dung dissolved , is very excellent for most sorts of Fibrous rooted Flowers , because the decay of the Dung ( which will be in time ) leaves the ground porous , that the Fibres thereby as well insinuate themselves and spread abroad , as they do contract the richness the Dung affords them : Tuberous rooted Flowers also affect this mixture : Artichoaks delight in it exceedingly , and Sheeps Dung applyed to the Roots of them , and then often watered , whereby the Vertue of it may be conveyed into them , makes the Plant yield you fair Fruit ; most Garden-Tillage affect it , for it is not only a very rich Soil , but renders the Ground light and porous , which is very advantageous to Tillage .

A mixture of Neats Dung after the same Neats Dung . manner , is very good for most of the same uses , as is that of Sheeps Dung . And better in some particular Cases , for that if you have occasion to remove or plant any good Flower in the Summer time , or out of its proper Season , such a mixture of Earth and Neats Dung made into a liquid Pap and the Tree or Flower placed in it , that the liquid Matter may encompass the Root , will so adhere to it , and be so cool and moist , that it will cause the Plant to thrive as well , as if it had been planted or removed in its proper season .

Horse Dung whilst new is the hottest of Horse Dung . Dungs , laid in a great quantity together , by reason that a Horse chews his Meat but little , feeds hastily , and evacuates it in a short time ; so that like chopt Straw or Hay , but beginning to ferment in the Belly of the Horse , it continues fermenting after it is in the Dunghil ; but if it be laid up with the Litter that is usually moistned with the Urine of the Horse , and after it is throughly rotten , which will be much the sooner if it lie in a moist place , or be often watred by Rain or by Hand , and turned withal , or cast , as the Husbandman usually terms it ; it then makes an excellent Compost for your Kitchin Garden .

In your Swine-yard , or places where Swine Swines Dung . usually tread or feed , the Earth is very much improved by their dunging and pissing , which trampled into and mixt with the Earth , makes it become a very good Compost , especially to allay that rankness or over-freeness of some very light and rich Soils , that breed the Canker in Trees , and too many Worms and other Vermin , and Insects that destroy your choicest Plants . This Dung or Earth so inriched , being a fat cooling Compost , may be with success used in both your Gardens , but rather amongst your Fruit-Trees , where it excels .

Asses Dung is near of the nature of Sheeps Asses Dung . Dung , Deers Dung , &c. spoken of before , altho' not altogether so rich .

The Dung of all Corn fed Fowl is very hot Pigeons Dung . at the first , especially that of Pigeons , because they feed hastily , and evacuate the same digested in a short time , and urine not ; so that their Drink is no more but only to digest and nourish , and not to carry away any of the Vertue of the Meat , nor lessen the strength or fertility of the Dung . Experience hath taught the Husbandman , that in the Champion Countries , where great store of Pigeons Dung is to be had , the same sown but thinly with Barley , makes a poor Ground yield a good Crop ; for when but thinly sown , the Rain and Air soon qualifie its present heat ; which if it were laid thick would burn the Corn , especially at that season , or else make it grow too rank , which is as great a fault as its being too short . Therefore you may well conclude , that these Dungs laid in a heap in the open Air , and moistned by the Rain , or otherwise , until their heat is over , will make a most rich Compost for either Garden , but more especially for your Kitchen Garden .

I only here give you a Caution , not to use Malt-dust . Malt-dust in your Garden ; for there are many Seeds of pernicious Weeds in it , that have passed all the imbibitions , fermentations , and exsiccations of the Malt , and yet retain their vegetating nature , and will furnish you with new species of Weeds out of the Fields , that your Garden before was not acquainted withal .

The Setlings of Waters where there is least Mud of Ponds . Current , is the best ; but the Mud or Residence of any Water , unless it be over-much sandy , is excellent to qualifie the Nature of your Ground : If your Ground be light , then use stiff Mud ; if your Ground be stiff or cold , then use light or sandy Residences : These Mixtures are good for all sorts of Garden-ground .

The Washings of Streets or High-ways after Rain , yield great store of Setling or Mud , that is very profitable for Garden-ground , especially the Residency of such Water that descends from Chalky Hills , applied to light Ground . The Mud in the bottom of Pools , wherein Horses are usually washed , is also very good , if duely applied .

Any Ashes or other Matter whatsoever that Salts . contains Salt , is good , so that the quantity of the Matter containing the Salt , doth not too far exceed the Salt contained in it , as usually Wood-ashes after they have been in the Wash-house , Soap-house , or elsewhere , have the most of their Salt extracted , and then applied to your Ground , sterilizeth it , unless it be to a strong Clay-ground , then it will make it lighter , although not richer .

The Ashes of any burnt Vegetables are excellent , as before we observed ; a Mixture of Lime is very good in most Grounds ; but the Salt of Lime extracted by Water , and your Ground watered therewith , is much to be preferred . It hath also this singular Property , that it makes the Worm soon leave the Place watered therewith , and expose themselves to the Air , where they soon perish ; or to the Birds , who devour them . The same Effect is wrought by any Alkalizate Salts , or Salts produced by Fire .

The Murc or Refuse after the Pressings of Murc . Cider and rotten Fruit , are very good to mix with your Earth ; but it must be after it hath lain a long time in some Pit or Heap , until it hath lost its Savour , and until the Seeds or Kernels are dead , lest they germinate , and incommode your Garden .

Any drezy Wood , or the Dust of the Wood-pile , Rotten Wood. but more especially rotten Willow , is excellent to make the Earth light for most fibrous rooted Flowers . The same is Saw-dust , if it first lie in a moist Place , until it be rotten , and hath its Acidity abated or digested .

Straw or any dry Vegetables become rotten Straw . and mix'd with Earth , maketh it light and fit for your choicest Anemonies , and all fibrous rooted Flowers .

Tobacco dried or cur'd , and afterwards Tobacco . mix'd with your Garden-mould , will doubtless exceedingly enrich it : For it is of a very high and strong nature , and containeth much of a Volatile Nitrous Salt in it , and is reported to be equally as effectual in the tanning of Leather , as the Bark of the Oak ; which , if it be true , as I have no reason to doubt it , it may prove a considerable Improvement of many Country Farms , and of great benefit and advantage to the Nation in general ; either of which Uses is better than that to which it is now usually put unto .

SECT. I. Of Watering Gardens .

BEsides the Mixture of several Materials Fat Waters . and Composts with Land to make it fruitful , you may add enriched Waters , which serve where you cannot conveniently change your Ground , or remove your Plant , as in several Flower-trees , and Artichoaks , Asparagus , &c.

That Water is very good that is taken out of standing Pools , where Cattel usually resort to shade or cool themselves in hot Weather , and leave their Dung in it , which by the stirring of their Feet enricheth the Water ; Ducks and Geese also much improve standing Pools where they frequent .

Several Waters may be prepared , in which you may steep or macerate your Seeds or Pulse , to make them sprout the sooner , or come the fairer , and with the same Water may you irrigate your Ground : Many Receipts there are to that end , I shall only mention some of them .

Take Sheeps Dung well dissolved in warm Water , and after it hath stood twelve Hours , strain it through a course Cloth with compression , for it is so slimy that it comes through with difficulty ; therefore I suppose a Decantation may serve . To two or three Gallons of this Liquor add a handful of Bay-salt , and somewhat a lesser proportion of Salt-petre , and let them both be dissolved in the former Water , which to expedite , let it be made luke-warm , and stirred often ; in which Liquor let your Seeds lie for twenty four hours or more , till they are throughly swelled ; Pulse need not lie so long : Then take out your Seeds or Pulse , and expose them thinly on some Floor to the Air , ( not the Sun ) until they be half dry , then sow them . It is also prescribed , that the remainder of the Sheeps Dung that was not made liquid , should be dried and calcined , and the fix'd Salt extracted out of it , and added to the former Composition ; but it 's more probable that another parcel of Sheeps Dung calcined , would yield more and better Salt , than the remaining part of the dissolved Dung. This latter part makes the process too difficult and troublesom , and adds but little to the vertue of it , any other fixed Salt having the same effect as that so hard to be obtained .

This Liquor is more effectual for the watering of Plants , than it is for the maceration of Seeds ; and so are any other salt Waters . Some add a greater quantity of Salt-petre , and Bay-salt ; some only Salt-petre ; others use Pigeons Dung in stead of Sheeps Dung ; also Lime-water after that manner enrich'd with Sheeps Dung , Pigeons Dung , or Neats Dung , is equal in vertue , if not exceeding that , to which Salt-petre or Bay-salt is added . Every Husbandman hath experimented the Effect of Lime , the Salt only extracted by the Rains enriching the Earth , occasioning so plentiful a Crop , the other remaining part like a Caput Mortuum , only tempereth the Land for the future , and maketh it more sad where before it was too light , which if the Land did not require it , then doth Lime ( after its Salt is wasted ) much injury to the Land whereon it is laid .

Nitre or Salt-petre only , dissolv'd in Water , a Pound to four or five Gallons , is held to be very effectual to enrich barren Mould . This agrees with our Observations about Earth covered with Building , or otherwise defended from Sun and Rain , for the generation of Nitre .

Some commend the sprinkling of Milk and Rain-water on the Beds , first sifted over with Lime pulverized , whether by pounding or slacking with Water it mattereth not , ( neither of which can improve or abate the vertue or quantity of its Salt , the thing we desire ) and after every Watering sifting more Lime . This way may not be amiss for such Lands , that the Caput Mortuum of the Lime remaining after the Salt is extracted , will not prejudice , and for such Plants that the Lime lying on the Ground will not injure . The Milk may be left out , not signifying so much as the value of it amounts unto ; the Liquor wherein Flesh Meats ( whether Fresh or Salt ) have been boyled , is much better , and easier obtained . The Salt of Lime ( extracted with Water in some large wooden Vessel ) containeth in it the same improving Vertue , and is less troublesom to make use of , and free from the Inconveniences that attend the other way .

Much more might be said concerning these improving Liquids as well as Solids ; but that the most learned and experienc'd of Rural or Mr Evelyn . Hortulane Authors hath lately been very copious on the same Subject .

Only I may here advise the unexperienced not to water his Plants in either Garden with a cold Spring or Well-water , if he can obtain any other ; which if he cannot , then to expose this to the Sun or Air , some time before he useth it , or enrich it by some pinguid Mixtures , as Lime , Ashes , Dung , or such like , which will quickly qualifie it for his purpose , by abating the sudden Coldness of it to the Plant : For it is a very great Injury to most tender Plants , to be diluted with cold Water from the Well or Spring , and checks their Growth exceedingly , as may be observed in a bleeding Vine , to the naked Roots of which if you pour store of cold Spring or Well-water , it suddenly checks the ascension of the Sap , by means whereof the Bleeding ceaseth , and the Wound consolidates again , before the more liberal ascent of the Sap , much more then will it check the Growth of a weak Herb or Flower .

Also as it is observed to sow in the Dust , whereby the Seeds gradually swell from the cold Dews of the Night and Air , and are made ready to sprout with the next Rains ; so it is not good to water new-sown Seeds , until the long defect of Showers invite you to it , lest you wash off the Earth from them before they have sprouted , whereby they fasten themselves the better to endure a Watering : Some Seeds , as Radish , Lettuce , Gilliflower-seed , &c. remain not long in the Earth , and therefore may in two or three Days , for want of Rain , be watered by hand ; but Tulip , Auricula , Parsley , Carrot-seed , &c. lie longer in the Ground , and require not so speedy an Irrigation .

All Seed ought to be watered by the smallest or Rain-like Drops as you can , and not too much ; for hasty Watering , and hasty Showers , discover them .

For most Flowers and Plants whose Leaves lie near the Ground , it is best to water them at some distance , by making a Ring round the Plant a little hollow , and pouring the Water into it , whereby you annoy not the Leaves with your discolouring Water , or chill them with the Coldness of it .

In all warm Weather the Evening is the best Season to water in , because the Water will have time to sink into the Earth , and the Plant to attract it , before the Heat of the Sun exhales it ; but in cold Weather , and when the Nights are cold , the Morning is the most proper time that the superfluous Moisture may be evaporated before the cold Night overtake you , and chill your Plant.

By no means use Liquors , either naturally hot , as Spirits ; or artificially made so , by heating it over the Fire .

A Plant that delights in Moisture , or a drooping Plant , that you may suppose Water will preserve , may be watered by Filtration ; which is by placing an earthen Pot full of Water near the Plant , and putting therein the end of a List of Woollen-cloth , the other end thereof to hang down on the outside of the Pot to the Ground , near the root of the Plant ; by means of which List , if it be thick enough , the Water will filtrate or distil over the Brim of the Pot , through the List of Woollen , so long as any Water is in reach of the List in the Pot ; always observing , that the end of the List in the outside of the Pot , be longer than that in the inside , and that the List be thorowly wet before you add it . The Reasons of this Operation , which many Country Colona's daily experiment , we will not here discourse of .

To water your Flower-pot , that the Water Watering of Flower-pots . may the easier descend to the bottom , and throughout the whole Pot , you may before you fill it with Earth , place in it a Pipe of Lead , Latton , or such like , close at the bottom , with divers Holes at the sides of it ; let the Pipe extend in height to the top of the Pot , and when the Pot is full of Earth , and planted with Flowers , and that you cannot conveniently otherwise water it , then with a Funnel fill the Pipe with Water , and reiterate your filling of it , until you think there is enough ; and by the Holes on the sides of the Pipe , the Water will moisten the whole Pot of Earth . The Water you use here ought to be meliorated by some of the former ways : For Earth thus separated from the Ground , is more apt to decay , than that which is remaining on its natural Foundation , which continually receives an Improvement , by perspiration of the vegetating Spirit .

There are several sorts of Watering-pots in Watering-pots . use for Gardens ; the most useful is the common Watering-pot , made of tinn'd Plate or Latton ; the Nose or end of the Spout whereof is covered with a Cover , wherein are many small Perforations , that the Water may force through in small Streams , and besprinkle your Plants or Seeds like unto Rain . This Cover is made to take off and on , to cleanse , at pleasure .

There is another sort of Watering-pot that hath a small Hole at the bottom , and another at the top ; so that when you sink it into a Vessel of Water , it will fill by the lower Pipe or Hole , the Air passing out at the Hole at the top , where the Handle is also : When it is full take it by the Handle , and stop the Hole with your Thumb , and when you come to the Plant you intend to water , you may ease the Hole whereon your Thumb lies , and as you please let the Water out at the Pipe in the bottom ; for as the Air comes in at the top , the Water will issue out at the bottom ; and so may you stop it , and open it with your Thumb at your pleasure : With this Pot you may easily let the Water down on your Plants that can bear with a washing Shower .

You may water any Ground by the first sort of Watering-pot , with any enriched or thick Water , if you take off the Cover of the Pipe , and convey the same Water about the Roots of any Plants , without fouling the Leaves or Flowers .

Also you may have a small Engine made like one of the Engines for the raising of Water to extinguish Fire withal , and place it in a Frame to drive to and fro about your Garden ; you may fill it with Water , and the Spout or Pipe with a perforated Cover , like unto the common Watering-pots ( but not so broad as to spread the Water so much ) with this Engine may you imitate Rain over any of your Beds at a distance , and wash your Wall-trees from Vermine , and refresh them at your pleasure .

Any of these Watering-pots may be preserved To preserue your Watering-pots . for many Years from Rust , ( to which they are very apt ) by painting them over with Linseed Oyl and Red Lead .

SECT. IV. Of making Hot-Beds .

IT is evident to all , that most Plants do naturally observe the Season of the Year in their Germination , Growth , and Maturation ; and although they are removed into another Climate , yet do they incline to the Observation of the same Time as they did in their own former natural Place of their Growth , as the Persian Iris , American Strawberry , and several others , which make them the more acceptable as they come earlier or later than others of the same Kind . So is it with many other Flowers , Fruits , or Herbs : For we annually observe how acceptable a Dish of early Pease is , over what they are when later and common ; and so are Asparagus , Cucumbers , Melons , &c.

The Growth of most Plants is quickned by a warm Position , as under a warm Fence or Wall , and by an artificial Heat , as by being planted against a Place where Fire is usually kept , or by watering them with Waters impregnated by hot Dungs , which will very much accelerate Germination .

If you would have Herbs to sprout immediately , To raise a Sallad in few Hours . then lay a Bed of unslak'd Lime powdered , with a Mixture of Ashes , if you please , or without ; on that a Lay of hot Dung , and on that another Lay of Lime , and then on that a Lay of fine rich Mould , wherein sow your Seeds , as Lettuce , Purslain , Corn-Sallad , Parsley , &c. first steep'd in White-wine , or some of the former prepared Waters , and water them , when sown , with some of the same richest Waters , and they will suddenly appear above ground , and as you water them , so will they prosper . This should be done within doors , lest the coldness of the Air should impede their growth ; the often watering them facilitates their nourishment .

But the Hot-beds that are most useful , and whereon you are to raise your tender Exoticks , and your early Flowers ; and also to raise and bring forward your Melons , Cucumbers , Cauly-flowers , &c. is usually made in February or March , and after several manners .

Some prescribe the making of it , by laying of hot Stable-dung that hath lain in a Heap , mixing the newest with the old , and laying it about four Foot broad , the better to preserve its warmth ; three , four , or five Foot high , and as long as you have Occasion or Materials . This Bed well trod ( to excite the Heat ) is to be covered about four Inches thick with very fine rich Mould , the top and sides of the Bed being first edged round with Board or Bands of twisted Hay or Straw , to keep up the Mould , and keep in the Heat : Thus must it lie until it hath passed its greatest Heat , which you may prove by your Finger ; for it ought to be but warm , not hot . In case its Heat lesseneth at any time , you may encrease it by applying new Dung to the sides of your Bed ; on this may you sow your Seeds .

There must be some Frame arch-wise , or flat , over this Hot-bed , that a Covering of Mats or Straw Hurdles ▪ may be spread over it every Night , and in cold Days : Make your Covering so that it may as well keep out the Rain and Snow , as the Wind.

But the best Description of a Hot-bed , is that of Mr. Evelyn in his late Philosophical Discourse of Earth , to this Effect ; Dig a Pit about four Foot deep , of breadth and length as your Occasions require ; wall this Pit on every side with Brick , or erect your Wall above the Ground , or part above , and part under ; then fill it with hot Dung from the Stable , and tread it well . In this place wooden Cases of about a Foot in depth , bored full of Auger-holes at the bottom ; fill them with Earth rich and light , and add hot Dung between them ; in which Cases sow your Seeds , and these Cases and the Earth in them will be kept warm by this means during the whole Season wherein a Hot-bed is necessary . You may provide a Shelter against Rain and Cold over the whole , if you please ; and you may have Frames of Glass over some of your inside Cases where there is most need ; others you may leave open , as your Seeds require . By this means have you your Pit and Cases every Year ready to your hand , requiring only a Supply of fresh Dung .

SECT. V.

Of Miscellaneous Experiments .

THe often removing of Flowers in their proper Often removing of Plants . Season , preserves their Colours , especially their Variegations ; for long standing in one Soil causes any Plant to degenerate ; partly because the Plant hath exhausted the proper Nourishment for it out of that Place where it hath stood so long , and partly because the Soil is apt to change the Nature of the Plant , being exotick to it , as is usually observed in Beans , Wheat , &c. sown on the same sort of Land , although not on the same Parcel , is apt to degenerate . Therefore removing of Plants , and alteration of the Soil , is a good way to improve them ; several Esculents grow the fairer ; as Cabbages will not loave well in case the young Plants be not three or four times removed before the Spring . The same is observed in Lettuce , and several others . If they are removed into improved Earth every time , they will eat more tender and better .

Flowers are in more esteem when they come early , than when they come late : To make them early , the Means are generally known ; but the retarding of their flowering , often removing , To make Plants come late . and preventing the usual excitements of the Sun and Air , will effect ; for the disturbing the Roots in the removal is a great hinderance to their attraction of Nourishment , and it will be several Days after the removal before new Fibres will shoot forth to gather new Nourishment ; and the standing of a Plant prevents the Digestion of the Sap by the Heat of the Sun and Air. This is of great use in retarding the flowering of several Flowers , and also the growth of several Esculents , as Cauly-flowers , &c.

It is usual to defend several tender Plants Plants to defend from Cold and Sun . from the Cold in the Winter , to preserve them ; and to expose them to the Sun in such Winter Days that prove clear ; which Exposure injureth the Plant more than the Cold. For the Sun-beams in frosly Weather , especially if there be Snow on the Ground , makes a Plant faint and sick : As is observed in the Laurel , which if it grow against a North Wall , or in the Shade , although open to the severest Winds , yet retains its green Colour all the Winter ; but if it stand in the Sun , it changeth yellow , only from that cause . The same is observed of several tender Plants that are usually sheltered from the Winds , and exposed to the Sun , yet it is not improper to give Plants Air , and also Sun , in mild Weather , at any time of the Winter , which cannot hurt them .

The cutting off of the Buds and Branches Often cutting of Plants . of Flowers , leaving only one , or two , or more as the strength of the Root will bear , causeth it to yield the fairer Flowers than otherwise it would do : After the same manner if Herbs be often cut , they gather the more strength , yield the fairer Leaf , and take better Root , and endure the Winter the better . The Cause is , that the Sap hath less to nourish , and that which is nourished must therefore be the stronger ; and the less the Sap is expended above , the more strengthens the Root in the Ground , as may be observed in most Trees that are lopped : And then do they afterwards issue forth the fairest Branches . Some Plants usually perish in the Winter , for want of being cut in the Summer precedent , and from the same Cause , as Wall-flowers , Thyme , Marjoram , &c.

Some Plants are too apt to waste their Sap Plants to continue long . in Flowers , and thereby shorten their Lives , as Gilly-flowers , Stock-Gilly-flowers , and some others , which if their blowing Shoots were nipt off , they would gather strength , and continue longer ; for the waste of the Sap overmuch , makes the Plant feeble , and uncapable of enduring any Severity of Winter or Summer , as is sometimes observed in young Fruit-trees , that they blossom themselves to death ; and some I have known to grow themselves to death ; for the freer the Sap is in expending it self in Branch and Blossom , the more tender is the Root , which becomes a Prey to the Worm and Canker , as doth the Branch to the severe Air. The way to prevent which , is prescribed in the last mentioned Experiment .

It is observed , that all Herbs wax sweeter , To meliorate Plants both in smell and taste , if after often cutting you take the latter sprouts , because the Sap is the longer digested , and the Root the stronger . The same is observed of Esculents , the young Buds or Sprouts of old Roots eat more tender than the first Cuttings .

My Lord Bacon seem'd to approve of the Opinion Onions large . that Onions wax greater , if they be taken out of the Earth , and laid a drying twenty days , and then set again . And the more , if the outmost Pill be taken off all over , but mentions not at what time of its growth this is best to be done ; however it is a sufficient encouragement for Gardeners to take up the Onions , where they casually come up too thick , and plant them in thinner places . Several Plants are so removed , as Turnips , Lettuce , &c. and are the fairer , therefore this Observation may be of use .

Sift Ashes , or Quick-lime beaten small , about To preserve Plants from Snails and Worms . any Plant , and it will preserve it from Snails or Worms , by reason their naked Bodies cannot endure the sharpness of the Salt of the Ashes or Lime . So if you water the Ground with the Water wherein Lime or Ashes have been steeped , the Worms will soon leave the Ground , where the Water gets into their Holes , from the same Cause . You may also in a Summer Evening ( after Rain ) with a Candle draw the Worms as they lie on the Ground , and put them in a Pail , and dispose of them as you think fit ; but you must tread soft , for the least motion of the Ground maketh them retire into the Ground . Thus in two or three moist Evenings may you clear a whole Border of the greater Worms which are most hurtful .

Snails and Worms are all of them of an Hermaphroditical nature , and are all Breeders , and when they couple are easily destroyed , especially the Snails , who couple from the Spring until Midsummer and after . And lay their Eggs in the Ground , you will find them with their Bodies buried in the warm Dust , and only their Shells above the Ground ; when you take them out , you must rake out their Eggs and destroy them , for otherwise they will lie there until they have strength to travel , and then , some in the same Year , others in the Spring following , you will have them dispersed amongst your tender Plants , and your Wall-Trees , where after a Shower you may pick them off .

If you doubt of the goodness of your Seeds , To know good Seeds . take some of them and put them in fair Water , and set them in a gentle heat twenty four hours , and if they are good they will sprout , else not . Also you may wash your Seeds in Water , and the dead and light will swim , and the good and heavy will sink ; but they must be all throughly immerged , else you may be deceived .

Secure the Root as well as you can from the To defend Plants from Frost . Frost ; for if you defend that , the Branch seldom suffers , but if the Root be not secured , although the Branch be never so well defended , it will perish . Therefore earth up the Roots as well as you can , and place any ordinary defence about the sides of the Plant , and no Frost will hurt it , ( unless it be your tender Plants that are for the Conservatory . ) Thus may Gillyflowers , Wall-flowers , Stock-Gillyflowers , Artichoaks , &c. be preserved .

Some Plants , if the Roots stand dry , the Set tender Plants dry . Frosts rarely hurt them ; which if moist , they are usually destroyed , as Rosemary , Sage , Wall-flowers , &c. Either of these will grow on a Wall , and endure the severest Colds , but if they stand in a moist Ground , although the Branches be ●ever so well defended , they are apt to be destroyed with great Frosts . The cause is , that Water or Moisture stagnating about any Plant , and a Frost following , is apt to mortifie it , when a Frost shall scarce injure a dry Plant. It is the same with young and tender Fruits , a frosty Night after a wet Day destroys more Fruits , than ten dry Frosts can do .

If you lay Saw-dust about any Plant , it will To defend your Plants from Ants. defend it from the busie Ants , who cannot easily pass over the Saw-dust , because it is small and loose under them , that they cannot have any sure footing , and so by that means are forced to steer their course another way . Thus may you defend your Wall-Trees from Ants , by laying Saw-dust about the Roots of them .

Some anoint the Stems of their Trees with Tar , to prevent the Ants from ascending them , but then it is best to bind Paper about the Stems , and anoint the Paper , for Tar is apt to injure the Bark of your Tree .

Also you may bind about the Stem of the Tree , Wooll about four Fingers breadth , which will puzzle the Ants to find a way over , or through it : be sure to leave the Wooll rough , that they may not find a way over the Threds you bind it withal .

Many of your Flower-Trees will in some Moss to destroy . sorts of Land , by long standing , become mossy , which not only defaceth but very much injureth the Tree , and it is a sign the Tree dislikes the Ground it stands in . To prevent the growing of it , and the encreasing of it whilst it is yet but newly infected , you must remove your Tree into better Ground more natural to it , or in case you are willing to have it stand in the same place where now it is , then you must take it up , and alter the Ground , and enrich it as it ought to be , and then you may replant the Tree in the same place . And as the Tree thrives and encreaseth in Shoots , so the Moss will decline , the Sap being wasted and expended more liberally another way .

But if the Moss hath long continued on the Tree , your best way is after Rain , that the Moss be wet and will easily come off , to scrape it off with a Knife of Bone or Wood , for in dry Weather it will not come off so well .

Moss is a very great annoyance to Trees , Moss a great annoyance to Trees and Ground . and to the Ground it self , and is a manifest sign of a defect of the more nourishing Juice that is in fruitful Plants or Soil ; it is a spontaneous Excrescence , as many other Vegetables are , which made the learned Philosopher Van Helmont say , That its Seed distilled from the Heavens ; which is no more than if he should have said , that it proceeded from the natural inclination of the Matter on which it grew , animated by the Coelestial Influences , which gave it Life , but the Matter on which it grew gave it form , it varying according to the diversity of the Matter , from whence it receives its Nourishment ; some Moss being hard , some soft , some White , others Green . There is also sweet Moss that grows on Apple-Trees , and Poplar-Trees , and the Moss of the Larix-Tree is sweet in the burning . And although all these Mosses are mere Excrescences , yet do they bear Seed and encrease , as hath lately been discovered by a learned Vertuosi , Hooks Lampas . who by the help of a Microscope hath observed the Seed-Cods or Seed-Vessels of Moss to contain Seeds in them , no less wonderful for the greatness of number than the smalness of bulk , which Seed-Vessels when ripe , he pressing them pretty hard , found that there was a small Dust went out of them , which seemed to vanish into the Air : pressing and squeezing others of them upon a Black Plate , and examining the Powder with a Microscope , he found it to be a great heap of exceeding small Seeds , globular , and pretty transparent , Ninety Thousand whereof extended in length , take up no more room than the length of one single Barley-corn , or a quarter of an Inch ; and Twelve Millions of the same Seeds laid quadrangularly , cover no more of a Superficies than one square inch , And 1382400000 weighing only one Grain . Eighty of these superficies of Seeds make but the thickness of a piece of fine Paper , so that they be laid in a trigonal order , as most round Bodies usually place themselves , that is , the round part of the Seed bearing on the concave distance , between the Seeds in the neather laying . For the truth of which Observations and Narration , the same Author appeals to your own Sense and Reason , in case you make use of those artificial Helps he hath for that purpose . But his Conclusion is somewhat doubtful , that these Seeds being thus small , may be carried in the Air from place to place , even to the tops of the highest Towers , or places remote , and be there sown , from whence he supposeth proceeds the growth of Moss , and doth not consider that these Seeds being globular and transparent , ( an Argument of their solidity and weightiness ) are as uncapable of being drawn up into the Air , and carried far , as the Seeds of Pease , Radish , Purslain , Thyme , Marjoram , &c. For their smalness is rather an impediment to their Transportation than a help , and we find that such Seeds that have a Down or Hair with them , are more usually carried away with the moving Air , as those of Thistles , Lettuce , Carrots , &c. than those that are more solid and naked . Nor needeth there any such help as that of Seed , to beget Moss , for it may as well naturally proceed from any place prone for it , as Plants of greater Bulk , it being not unusual for Oak , Beech , Holly , Birch , and such like , to grow plentifully out of the Ground where other Trees of another kind have been lately felled from a natural Inclination of the Earth , and not from Seeds brought thither by the Air ; the Seeds of Oak , Beech , and Holly , being too big for that purpose . The same may be observed in Ground inclinable to Broom , which being thoroughly eradicated and taken away , and the Ground plowed , sown and cleansed for several Years , yet laid up for some time , will naturally yield Broom : yet those Seeds uncapable of being carried in the Air. Also , if that be true , that all Plants are procured Evelin 's Philo. Discourse of Earth . of Seed , it may be question'd how so great a quantity of the Erysimum or Irio should be sown in the Ruines , after the late great Conflagration in London , where it was observed , that more of it grew there , than was known to be in all Europe besides . This plentiful encrease of this Plant , which is not a Denizen in England , and observed not to grow plentifully any where but at Naples , and that in the time of Fabius Colonna , could not well be produced of Seed , unless you will imagine that the Seeds of most Plants pass with the Air over Sea , and Land : But the great variety of spontaneous Productions of the Earth in different Years , different Seasons , and different ways of tilling the Earth , and its various Generations also of Insects and small Animals , although these also may be raised of Seed and by propagation ) is enough to convince the Intelligent , that Moss may be a natural spontaneous Production or Excrescence out of Trees , Plants , Soil , or any thing else capable to bear it , and that it may be occasioned by the defect of a liberal expence of the Sap or Juices another way ,

Besides the ordinary way of killing Moles Moles to destroy . with Traps , you may in the Spring of the Year , when they are most busie and in their Work , cast them alive out with a Paddle-staff made for that purpose , by standing very still whilst they work , for the least motion of the Ground disturbs them , they having the want of their sight supplied in their hearing and feeling . They do much mischief in a Garden , and the setting of Traps or digging them out doth also prejudice your Garden ; therefore the best way is , as soon as you perceive that they have made way into your Garden , and that they are retired ( as in the latter part of the day they usually do ) into the adjacent Grounds where they lie more quiet and out of fear , open their common Passages , and smoak them well with Brimstone , Rosin , Pitch , or such like combustible Matter , with Onions , Garlick , or such like mixed with it , and close up the Holes or Passages . This will deter them from your Garden as I have tried , and make them take to some other place , or you may take a dead Mole and lay it in the Haunt , and that will operate the same effect .

To prevent the encreases of Carterpillars , Caterpillars to destroy them . where you find any of their Puckets , which adhere to the Twigs of Trees , in which they lay their Eggs all the Winter , ( as Silk Worms do in their Bags ) take them off and burn them , for the approaching Sun in the Spring gives life to those pernicious Animals who multiply exceedingly .

But if the Year be dry and prone to the generation of Insects , these Vermin are apt to be bred in abundance on Cabbages , Caulyflowers , &c. which to prevent , there is nothing so effectual as watring , for in dripping Years they are not so apt to breed as in dry .

To destroy Caterpillars on Trees , it is said , An ingenious way to destroy them . that if you make a Ring of Tar towards the bottom of your Tree , then hang a Bag full of Pismires on the Tree , that they may easily get out , and when they cannot get down by reason of the Tar , rather than they will starve for hunger , they will eat up all the Caterpillars : which if true , it is like the falling upon Scylla to avoid Charibdis .

Several sorts of Flowers are apt to turn Running of Colours . White by long standing , or removing into bad Ground , as Red and Purple Primroses , Blew Violets , Sweet-williams , Gillyflowers , &c. which proceedeth from scarcity of nourishment , there requiring good nourishment to maintain the dark Colours ; as in Tulips , the best and lightest Colours are preserved by the more barren Earth , when a rich Soil turneth them to a plain dark Colour . But always observe , that change of Soil preserves variety of Colours , so that it be to the degrees of fatter or leaner , as you would have your Flowers incline to darker or lighter Colours .

It is observed that there is more of White Of the variety of Colours in Flowers . than of any other Colour in Flowers , and least of Green , that being the general Colour , although in different Shades , of all Leaves of Plants , except some few Rarities that are Red or White leaved , as Red Sage , White Marjorum , Amarantbus , and some variegated Plants . In Flowers from White there are all sorts of Shades , to the Yellow , Scarlet , and deepest Red , and to the Sky-colour and deepest Blew , with variety of Mixtures : It is very rare to see a Plant Green , yet there are such , as the Rose Plantain , being only a Tuft of Green Leaves , and the Green Primrose hath perfectly Green Leaves in form of a Flower , but mix'd with Purple or White Leaves . The common Parrot Tulip hath a mixture of Green in the Flower , but it seems to be an Imperfection in it , yet it constantly blossoms alike . Black is not unusally found in the bottoms of Tulips and Anemones , but no Flower is known to have a Black Leaf , save only the Bull Iris.

There is a Sympathy and Antipathy in Plants : Of Sympathy and Antipathy of Plants . And many fabulous Traditions there are concerning them : but this is certainly observed , that some Trees will not thrive under the shade or drip of another , as the drip of a Walnut-Tree , and of a Cherry-Tree , are injurious to other Trees , because the Leaf is bitter , and the drip destroyeth such Trees or Plants that are under it . The like doth the drip of the Leaves of the Artichoak , and of Hemp , which destroyeth all other Vegetables near it , those Grounds being free from Weeds where they grow , from that cause . Some Plants will not thrive near others , because they draw alike Nourishment , and so rob or deprive one another , as Strawberries and Flowers with Fibrous Roots , will not thrive together ; but Plants that draw contrary Nourishment , will prosper very well near together , as Rue and Lettuce together , Onions and Savory , or Lettuce , or Purstain , will grow very near and kindly together .

There are very strange Natures in several Plants , that are not by every one observed , Perception in Plants . which is a kind of perception in them , tending themselves to that which nourisheth and preserves them , and eschewing and avoiding that which injureth them . As a Cucumber is observed to grow towards Water , more than otherwise it would do in case no Water were placed near it ; We may constantly observe the natural Inclination of the Hop , the French Bean or Kidney Bean , and the Periploca , to a Pole or Stick , and how they twist about them , and how ill they thrive without such Helps . It is certain that they have some perception of such Pole , for you shall easily perceive their tender Buds to bend towards it , and at the least touch of it to twist about it . After the same manner doth the Indian Jassamine or Mexican Creeper , and the Ivy , tend towards a Wall or Tree , and adhere to it , with love and delight . Several Fruit-Trees also will flourish better against a Wall than single , not because of the warmth or support only , but their affection to a Wall ; as the Curran-Tree will grow much fairer , and bear better Fruit against a Wall than any other way supported , although on the North-side of a Wall : the like is observed of some other Fruits , as Plumbs , Filberds , &c. The Roots of some Trees will run far towards any rich , fat , or moist place , it exciting such Roots which have a natural perception , which way the best nourishment is to be obtained . Several Plants will also avoid that which they delight not in , as most Trees yield or recede from others that shade them ; and many Plants planted near a Wall or other Fence , decline it , and lean towards the more open Air , be it towards what Coast it will . The turning of a Flower towards the Sun , or opening when the Sun appears , may be caused from the warmth it receives from it ; and the blossoming of the greater Convolvulus in the Evening , may be caused from cool moist Air at that time , the Flower being so tender , that it withereth at the next approach of the Sun . But the inclination of a Plant to , and aversion from any thing , must be caused from a perception in that Plant of that in which it delights , or which it abhors .

Seasons of Sowing .

THE Seeds of some Plants prosper best when sown as soon as they are ripe , as of Auricula's , Tulips , Anemones , &c. Others , if sown before the Winter , as Kernels of Fruits . But most of the tender Seeds must be kept till the Spring , as the Seeds of Melons , Cucumbers , Radishes , Gillyflowers , &c. It is observed that the Seeds of Angelica falling of it self , or carelesly sown , when it is first ripe thrives well , which if kept and sown in the Spring with care , as other Seeds usually are , never grows : the reason may be , that it being a hot Seed , its vegetative Vertue may be expended by lying in dry or warm places , when otherways being in the Earth it may be preserved till it sprouts , which is usually the next Rain ; Walnuts , Filberds , &c. if planted before Winter , make some progress in their timely Shoots , but are subject to receive injury from sharp Frosts , and Vermin , which to prevent , they may be kept in Sand in some cold or damp place , till the severity of the Cold be over : The same method may be used in the preserving several other Seeds that are either apt to decay before the Spring , or subject to be devoured by Vermin .

Some Plants thrive best , being removed from the places where first sown , as Coleworts , Cabbages , Lettuce , Skirrets , and so of Flowers , as the Gillyflower , Stock-Gillyflower , Auricula , Anemone , &c. Others like not to be removed , as Carrots , Onions , Radish , and of Flowers , Poppies , Larks Heads , Lupines , and several other Annual Flowers which must ( if at all ) be removed with care .

The Seeds of Cabbages , or Cauliflowers sown Carterpillars to prevent . in August , or so early that they may be transplanted and well rooted before Winter : such Cabbages or Cauliflowers are not so subject to Caterpillars , as those that are sown late before Winter , or in the Spring ; the reason may be , that those sown later being more young and tender , are more apt to breed those Vermin ; or at least , are more easily devoured by them .

As it is said by Husbandmen , sow Wheat In what Weather to sow . in the Dirt , and Barley in the Dust , so may we say of Garden-seeds , such that are sown in Autumn , as Wheat usually is , may be sown in moist Earth , a day or two or three after Rain , the Seeds will sprout the sooner , and be the better confirmed before Winter , but if sown in the Spring , it is certainly the best way to sow most sorts of Garden-seeds as well as Barley in the dryest Seasons , as Onions , Carrots , Pease , Parsley , Thyme , &c. and most Flower-seeds , which being well covered , will by the coldness and moisture of the Earth , swell and be ready to come up the next Shower ; but if they are sown in moist Weather , or soon after a Rain in moist Ground , they are apt speedily to shoot . And in case dry Weather either from the Wind or Sun , which is not unusual in the Spring , happen whilst the Seeds are in their Milk or beginning to aspire ; it certainly kills such of them that are not very well covered or defended , and then is the Seed blamed , as tho' the Seed were naught , which if sown in the Dust , and a Shower happen in three or four days after , those Seeds , tho' never so meanly covered , rarely fail : only here you may take notice , that such Seeds that are apt to be devoured by Birds , as those of Cabbages , Turneps , Radishes , &c. if they lie long before a Shower come , or be watred by hand , have need of some defence from their Devourers .

Many sorts of Trees and Flowers naturally Of making and taking off of Off-sets or Suckers . afford Off-sets or Suckers from their Roots , by which their kinds are propagated : some there are that afford them very plentifully , even to excess , as the Dwarf Almond , Hypericum Frutex , and several others ; and some there are that rarely yield any , as the Mezerion , Althea , Fruticosa , &c. It is therefore worthy of knowledge to understand , how to cause Trees that will not naturally afford such Off-sets , to emit them from their Roots , the way prescribed is thus : Make bare the Roots of the Plant of woody substance , and then make an Incision on the upper-side of the naked Root , as you do on the under side of a Branch which you intend to lay ; make the Incision from the Tree downwards , and put a small Stone or Stick under the Lip , to keep the Cleft open , then cover the Root over about three Inches with good Mould , and as the Lip in a Branch that is laid , will send forth Fibrous Roots , so will this ( as ingenious Planters affirm ) send forth Branches , which with the Root out of which it springs , may be transplanted securely .

Some Plants there are , which are propagated Of propagating of Plants by Cuttings . or encreased by Cuttings , as most sorts of Garden-Herbs , and some Trees , as Evergreen Privett , Jassamines , Laurel , Woodbine , &c. and some Flowers , as Wall-Flowers , Periwinkles , &c. The best time for encreasing Herbs and tender Plants by this way , is in the Spring , and from that time till the Autumn , only observe , that if you set any Slips or Cuttings in hot or dry Weather , you must be careful to water and shade them ; but woody Plants that bear Leaves should be slipt or cut , and planted some time before they begin to shoot , as the Woodbine in the Autumn , and Jassamines , Laurels , &c. In the Spring , Plants propagated this way emit their Fibrous Roots at a Joint ; therefore it is best to cut them off just at , or below a Joynt , and they will take root the sooner , for so much Wood beyond the place of rooting , is apt to rot and hinder the young Fibres .

If your Tree be so high and stubborn , that Of Propagation by Circumposition . its Branches will not stoop to the Ground , then it is convenient to raise the Earth to the Branch you intend to propagate , but first take off the Bark of the Sprigs or Branch as near as you can to the Stem of the Tree , for the better supporting the weight of the Earth : If you cannot conveniently place it so near the Trunk of the Tree , you may support it with some Stake , or the like ; then take a Box , Basket , old Hat , Boot , or the like , and place it so , that the Branch may go through the middle of it , and that the disbarked or cut place may be also in the middle , then prick the Bark on the upper side of the Cut with an Awl , or such like Tool , to cause the Branch more easily to emit its fibrous Roots ; then fill the Vessel with good Mould , and in dry Weather water it sometimes : This Application is most proper to be done before the Sap begins to rise , and the end of the Bark of the Branch you intend to take off , will before the Autumn be furnished with Roots enough to feed it , without the assistance of the old Tree ; then saw or cut it off , and plant it as you desire .

Those that delight in blanched Lettuce , may To blanch Lettuce . blanch them with expedition , by covering every Plant with a small Earthen Pot , and laying hot Soil upon them .

It is thus prescribed : Sow it in the Spring upon To blanch Succary . the Borders , and when it hath six Leaves , replant it in rich Ground , about eighteen Inches distance each Plant from the other , paring them at the tops : When they are grown so large , as to cover the Ground , tie them up in several places with long Straw , or raw Hemp , at several times as they grow fair , leaving the other to grow larger .

Or you may gently bind them , and take away the Earth on one side of each Plant , and couch it down gently , without bruising the Leaves , and so cover it with Earth , and it will become white in a little time , without running to Seed : Couch them all one way , and then they will not hinder one another .

To blanch them for the Winter , it is thus prescribed : At the first Frosts tie them after the former way ; about eight Days after make a Trench about the height of your Plant , then pluck up your Plants , and place them in this Trench ; range them side by side , a little shelving , as they may gently touch . Cover them with rotten Dung of the same Bed they were sown in ; you may make Trench after Trench till you have finished : Then cover the whole Bed four Fingers thick with hot Dung from the Stable , and in a short time they will be blanched .

To preserve them from rotting , you may cover them with Mats placed aslant , to cast off the great Rains .

Or you may take them into the House , and cover them with Sand in some Cellar , observing to place them with the tops downwards , that the Sand may not run in between the Leaves : Let the Sand cover them four Fingers thick ; when you take them up , shake them well with the Root upmost , that all the Sand may fall out from the Leaves .

Cover the Plants with reasonable warm Dung , To blanch Endive . draw them out at the first appearance of Frost ; then keep them in Sand in your Cellar : Or when they are grown to some reasonable greatness , before they shoot out any Stalks for Seed , take them up , and the Roots being cut away , lay them to wither for three or four Hours , and then bury them in Sand , so as none of them may lie one upon another , or touch one another ; they will by this means change whitish , and thereby become very tender .