The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Anatomy of Vegetables Begun, by Nehemiah Grew.

I hope your pardon, if while you are holding that Best of Books in one Hand, I here present some Pages of that of Nature into your other: Especially since your Lordship knoweth very well, how excellent a Commentary This is on the Former; by which, in part God reads the World his own Definition, and their Duty to him.

But if this Address, my Lord, may be thought congruous, ’tis yet more just; and that I should let your Lordship, and others know, how much, and how deservedly I resent your extraordinary Favours: Particularly that you were pleased so far to animate my Endeavours towards the publishing the following Observations. Many whereof, and most belonging to the First Chapter, having now lain dormant near seven years; and yet might perhaps have so continued, had not your Lordships Eye at length created Light upon them. In doing which, you have given one, amongst those many Tokens, of as well your readiness to promote learning and knowledge by the hands of others; as your high Abilities to do it by your own. Both which are so manifest in your Lordship, that like the first Principles of Mathematical Science, they are not so much to be asserted, because known and granted by all.

The Consideration whereof, my Lord, may make me not only just in owning of your Favours, but also most Ambitious of your Patronage: which yet to bespeak, I must confess I cannot well. Not that I think what is good and valuable, is alwaies its own best Advocate; for I know that the Censures of men are humorous and variable, and that one Age must have leave to frown on those Books, which another will do nothing less than kiss and embrace. But chiefly for this Reason, lest I should so much as seem desirous of your Lordships Solliciting my Cause as to all I have said: For as it is your Glory, that you like not so to shine, as to put out the least Star; so were it to your Dishonour to borrow your Name to illustrate the Spots, though of the most conspicuous.

THE
PREFACE.

Of what antiquity the Anatomy of Animals is, and how great have been its Improvements of later years, is well known. That of Vegetables is a subject which from all Ages to this day hath not only lain by uncultivated; but for ought I know, except some Observations of some of our own Countrey-men, hath not been so much as thought upon; whether for that the World hath been more enamoured with the former, or pity to humane frailty hath more obliged to it, or other Reasons, I need not enquire.

But considering that both came at first out of the same Hand, and are therefore the Contrivances of the same Wisdom; I thence fully assured my self, that it could not be a vain Design, though possibly unsuccessful, to seek it in both.

In the prosecution hereof, how far I have gone, I neither judge my self, nor leave it to any one else to do it; because no man knows how far we have yet to go, or are capable of going. Nor is there any thing which starves and stinteth the growth of knowledge more, than such Determinations, whether we speak or conceit them only.

What we have performed thus far, lieth, for the most part, open to the use and improvement of all men. Only in some places, and chiefly in the Third Chapter, we have taken in the help of Glasses; wherein, after we had finished the whole Composure, some Observations made by that Ingenious and Learned Person Mr. Hook, a Worthy Member of the Royal Society, my much Honoured Friend, and by him communicated to me, were super-added: As likewise some others also Microscopical, of my own, which his gave me the occasion of making.

Those that shall think fit to examine, as well as to peruse these Observations, we advertise them, First, That they begin, and so proceed till they end again, with the Seed: For they will hardly be able to avoid Errour and Misapprehension, if either partial or preposterous in their Enquiries. Next, That they confine not their Enquiries to one time of the Year; but to make them in several Seasons, wherein the Parts of a Vegetable may be seen in their several Estates. And then, That they neglect not the comparative Anatomy; for as some things are better seen in one estate, so in one Vegetable, than another.

What, upon Observation already made, we have erected, as they are not Sticks and Straws; so neither do we assure all to be of the best Oak. How Dogmatical soever my Assertions may seem to be, yet do I not affect the unreasonable Tyranny of obtruding upon the Faith of any. He that speaketh Reason, may be rather satisfied, in being understood, than believed.

THE
CONTENTS

CHAP. 1.
Of the Seed as Vegetating.

The Method propounded. 1, 2. The Garden-Bean dissected. 2. The two Coats thereof. 2, 3. The Foramen in the outer Coat, 3, 4. What generally observable of the Covers of the Seed, 4. The main Body of the Seed, 5, 6. The Radicle distinguish’d. 6. The Plume distinguish’d. 8. Described. 9. The Cuticle described. 10, 11. The Parenchyma. 11, 12. The Inner Body, how observed. 14, 16. Describ’d. 15, 16, 17, 18.

The Coats how in common subservient to the Vegetation of the Seed. 20, 21. The Foramen, of what use herein. 22. The use of the Inner Coat, and of the Cuticle. 22. Of the Parenchyma. 23. Of the Seminal Root. 23, 24. How the Radicle first becomes a Root. 24, 26. How after the Root the Plume vegetates. 26. How the Lobes. 27. That they do, demonstrated. 29, 32. How the Lobes thus turn into Dissimilar Leaves. 32. What hence resolvable. 32, 33. The use of the Dissimilar Leaves.

CHAP. 2.
Of the Root.

The Skin hereof, its Original. 37. The Cortical Body, its Original. 37. Description. 37, 38. Pores. 38. Proportions. 39. The Lignous Body, its Original. 39. Described by its Pores, 40. Its Proportions. 42. The Insertment, its original. 42. Description. 43. Pores. 43. Number and size. 44. A fuller description hereof, with that of the Osculations of the lignous Body. 44, 45. The Pith, its original sometimes from the Seed. 46. Sometimes from the Cortical Body. 47, 49. Its Pores. 49. Proportions. 49, 50. Fibres of the lignous Body therein. 50. The Pith of those Fibres. 51.

How the Root grows, and the use of the Skin, Cortical and lignous Body thereto. 51, 54. How it groweth in length. 55. By what means it descends. 56, 57. How it grows in breadth. 58. And the Pith how thus framed. 59. The use of the Pith. 60, 61. Of the Insertment. 61, 62. The joint service of all the Parts. 63, 65.

CHAP. 3.
Of the Trunk.

The Skin, its original. 67. The original of the Cortical Body. 67. Of the lignous. 68. Of the Insertment and Pith. 68. The Latitudinal Shooting of the lignous Body, wherein observable. 69. The Pores of the lignous Body, where and how most remarkable. 70. The Pith of the same Pores. 70. A lesser sort of Pores. 71. A third sort only visible through a Microscope. Observed in Wood or Char-coal. 71. Observed in the Fibres of the Trunks of Plants. 72. 73. The Insertions where more visible. 73, 74. The smaller Insertions, only visible through a Microscope. 74, 75. The Pores of the Insertions. 76. Of the Pith. 77, 79.

How the Trunk ascends. 80. 81. The disposition of its Parts consequent to that Ascent. 81, 82. Consequent to the different Nature of the Sap. 83, 84. The effects of the said Differences. 84, 89. Which way, and how the Sap ascends. 89-98.

The Appendix.
Of Trunk-Roots and Claspers.

Trunk-Roots of two kinds. 99. Claspers of one kind. 100. The use of both. 100, 103.

CHAP. 4.
Of the Germen, Branch, and Leaf.

The Parts of the Germen and Branch the same with those of the Trunk. 104, 105. The manner of their growth. 105, 107. How nourished. 107. And the use of Knots. 108. How secur’d. 109. The Parts of a Leaf. 110. The Positions the Fibres of the Stalks of Leaves. 110, 111. The visible cause of the different shape of Leaves. 112. And of their being flat. 113. The Foulds of Leaves, their kinds and Use. 114-118. The Protections of Leaves. 119, 120. The use of the Leaf. 120, 123.

The Appendix.
Of Thorns, Hairs and Globulets.

Thorns of two kinds. 124, 125. Hairs of divers. 126. Their use. 127. Globulets of two kinds. 128.

CHAP. 5.
Of the Flower.

Its Impalement of divers kinds. 129, 130. Their use. 130, 132. The Foliation, its nature. 132. Foulds. 133, 134. Protections. 135. Downs. 135. Globulets. 136. Its Use. 137, 139. The Attire of two kinds. The Description of the first. 140, 142. Of the other. 143, 145. Their use. 145-148.

CHAP. 6.
Of the Fruit.

The Number, Description, and Original of the Parts of an Apple. 149-152. Of a Pear. 153, 155. Of a Plum. 155-159. Of a Nut. 159, 161. Of a Berry. 161, 162. The use of the Fruit. 163-167.

CHAP. 7.
Of the Seed in its state of Generation.

The Case, its Figures. 168. The outer Coat, its Figures. 170. Various Surface. 170, 171. And Mucilages. 171, 172. The nature of the outer Coat. 172. Its Original. 173, 174. The Original of the inner. 174. Its Nature. 175, 176. The Secondine. 177, 178. The Colliquamentum herein. 178. The Navel Fibres. 179, 180.

In the Generation of the Seed, the Sap first prepared in the Seed-Branch. 181. Next in the inner Coat. 182. With the help of the outer. 182. The use of the Secondine. 183, 184. Of the Ramulets of the Seed-Branch. ib. Of their Inosculation. ib. How the Colliquamentum becometh a Parenchyma. 185, 186.

Cl. Glissonius in Prolegomenis præfixis Libro de Hepatis Anatomia, c. 1.

Plantæ quoque in hunc censum (sc. Anatomicum) veniunt. Varia enim partium textura, & differentiis constant: & proculdubio ex accurata earundem diffectione, utiles valde Observationes nobis exurgerent; præstaretq; in illis (inferioris licet ordinis) rebus examinandis operam impendere, quam in transcribendis (ut sæpe fit) aliorum laboribus, inutiliter ætatem transigere. Quippe, hoc pacto, ignavarum apum more, aliena duntaxat alvearia expilamus, nihilq; bono publico adjicimus.

To be added and corrected.

Pag. 8. l. 15. after must, adde upon the Sprouting of the Bean. p. 12. l. 23. after dense, adde and thence their different Tinctures. p. 18. l. 13. after that, adde when. p. 20. l. 8. for the, read an. p. 56, l. 8. r. once. p. 90. l. 11. dele as. p. 91. l. 12. r. older. p. 120. l. 11. after all, r. is. p. 134. l. 11. r. Convolvulus. p. 143. l. 10. r. ever. p. 145. l. 14. for not, r. or. p. 159. l. 8. for by, r. to. p. 160. l. 18. dele not. p. 185. l. 14. after therewith, r. the. dele the former the.

In some Copies.

The Reader is desired to excuse the misplacing of the Figures by the Graver, in the Authors absence.

THE
ANATOMY
OF
VEGETABLES
Begun.

CHAP. I.
Of the Seed as Vegetating.

Being to speak of Vegetables; and, as far as Inspection and consequent Reason may conduct, to enquire into the visible Constitutions and Uses of their several[2] Parts; I chuse that Method which may with best advantage suit to what we have to say hereon: And that is the Method of Nature her self, in her continued Series of Vegetations, proceeding from the Seed sown, to the formation of the Root, Trunk, Branch, Leaf, Flower, Fruit, and last of all, of the Seed also to be sown again; all which we shall in the same order particularly speak of.

The Essential Constitutions of the said Parts are in all Vegetables the same: But for Observation, some are more convenient; in which I shall chiefly instance. And first of all, for the Seed we chuse the great Garden-Bean.

If we take a Bean then and dissect it, we shall find it cloathed with a double Vest or Coat: These Coats, while the Bean is yet green, are separable, and easily distinguished. When ’tis dry,[3] they cleave so closely together, that the Eye, not before instructed, will judge them but one; the inner Coat likewise (which is of the most rare contexture) so far shrinking up, as to seem only the roughness of the outer, somewhat resembling Wafers under Maquaroons.

At the thicker end of the Bean, in the outer Coat, a very small Foramen presents it self: In dissection ’tis found to terminate against the point of that part which I call the Radicle, whereof I shall presently speak. It is of that capacity as to admit a small Virginal Wyer, and is most conspicuous in a green Bean.

This Foramen may be observed not only in the great Garden-Bean, but likewise in the other kinds; in the French-Bean very plainly; in Pease, Lupines, Vetches, Lentiles, and other Pulse ’tis also found; and[4] in many Seeds not reckoned of this kindred, as in that of Fœnugreek, Medica Tornata, Goats-Rue, and others: In many of which, ’tis so very small, as scarcely, without the help of Glasses to be discovered; and in some, not without cutting off part of the Seed besides, which otherwise would intercept the sight hereof; it being in these and such like Seeds, from the place of the breaking off of the Peduncle perfectly distinct.

We may then observe, that all Seeds which have thick or hard Coats, have the same likewise perforated, in this, or some other manner. And accordingly, although the Coats of such Seeds as are lodg’d in Shells or Stones, being thin, are not visibly perforated; yet the Stones and Shells themselves always are; as Chap. 7. shall be seen how. To which Chapter, what is farther observable, either[5] as to the nature, or number of the covers of the Seed, I also refer.

The Coats of the Bean being stripp’d off the proper Seed shews it self. The parts whereof it is constituted, are three; sc. the main Body, and two other appendant to it, which we may call the three Organical parts of the Bean.

The main Body is not one entire piece, but alwaies divided lengthwise into two halves or Lobes, which are both joyn’d together at the Basis of the Bean. These Lobes in dry Beans, are but difficultly separated or observ’d; but in young ones, especially boil’d, they easily slip asunder. See Fig. 1.

Some very few Seeds are divided, not into two Lobes, but more; as that of Cresses; and some not at all divided, but entire; as Corn: Excepting which few, all other Seeds, even the smallest are divided, like as the Bean, into[6] just two Lobes: whereof though in most Seeds we cannot by dissection be inform’d; yet otherwise we easily may as shall be seen.

At the Basis of the Bean, the two other Organical parts stand appendent; by mediation whereof the two Lobes meet and join together. The greater of these two parts stands without the two Lobes, and upon divesting the Bean of its Coats, is immediately visible. ’Tis of a whiter colour, and more glossie than the main Body, especially when the Bean is young. In the Bean, and many other Seeds, tis situated somewhat above the thicker end, as you hold the Bean in its most proper posture for growth. In Oak-Kernels, which we call Acorns, Apple-Kernels, Almonds, and many other Seeds, it stands prominent just from the end; the Basis and the end being[7] in these the same, but in the Bean divers. See Fig. 1.

This part is not only in the Bean, and the Seeds above mentioned; but in all others: being that which upon the Vegetation of the Seed, becomes the Root of the Plant; which therefore I call the Radicle: by which, I mean the Materials, abating the Formality, of a Root, ’Tis not easie to be observed, saving in some few Seeds, amongst which, that of the Bean is the most fair and ample of all I have seen; but that of some other Seeds, is, in proportion, greater; as of Fœnugreek, which is almost as big as one of its Lobes.

The lesser of the two laid Appendents lies occult between the two Lobes of the Bean, by separation whereof only it is to be seen. ’Tis enclos’d in two small Cavities form’d in the Lobes for its reception. Its colour comes near that of[8] the Radicle; and is founded upon the Basis thereof having a quite contrary production, sc. towards the cone of the Bean; and being that very part, which, in process, becomes the Body or Trunk of the Vegetable. See Fig. 1.

For the sake of this Part principally it is, that the Bean is divided into Lobes; sc. that it may be warmly and safely lodged up between them; and so secur’d from the Injuries so tender a Part would sustain from the Mould, whereto, had the Main Body been entire, it must upon the Sprouting of the Bean have lain contiguous.

This Part is not, like the Radicle, an entire Body, but divided at its loose end into divers pieces, all very close set together, as Feathers in a Bunch; for which reason it may be called the Plume. They are so close, that only two or three of the outmost are at first seen: but upon a nice and curious[9] separation of these, the more interiour still may be discovered. Now as the Plume is that Part which becomes the Trunk of the Plant, so these pieces are so many true, and already formed, though not displayed, Leaves, intended for the said Trunk, and foulded up in the same plicature, wherein, upon the sprouting of the Bean, they afterwards appear. In a French Bean the two outmost are very fair and elegant. In the great Garden-Bean, two extraordinary small Plumes, often, if not always, stand one on either side the great one now describ’d: From which, in that they differ in nothing save in their size, I therefore only here just take notice of them. And these three Parts, sc. the Main Body, the Radicle, and the Plume, are concurrent to the making up of every Seed; and no more than these.

Having thus taken a view of the[10] Organical Parts of the Bean, let us next examine the Similary, sc. those whereof the Organical are compos’d: a distinct observation of which, for a clear understanding of the Vegetation of the Seed, and of the whole Plant arising thence, is requisite: To obtain which, we must proceed in our Anatomy.

Dissecting a Bean then, the first Part occurring is its Cuticle. The Eye and first Thoughts suggest it to be only a more dense and glossy Superficies; but better enquiry discovers it a real Cuticle. ’Tis so exquisitely thin, and for the most part so firmly continuous with the Body of the Bean, that it cannot, except in some small Rag, be distinctly seen; which, by carrying your Knife superficially into the Bean, and then very gently bearing upward what you have cut, will separate and shew it self transparent.[11] This Cuticle is not only spread upon the Convex of the Lobes, but also on their Flats, where they are contiguous, extending it self likewise upon both the Radicle and Plume, and so over the whole Bean.

This Part, though it be so far common with the Coats of the Bean, as to be like those, an Integument; yet are we in a quite different Notion to conceive of it: For whereas the Coats upon setting the Bean, do only administer the Sap, and, as being superseded from their Office, then die; as shall be seen: this, on the contrary, with the Organical Parts of the Bean, is nourished, augmented, and by a real Vegetation co-extended.

Next to the Cuticle, we come to the Parenchyma it self; the Part throughout which the inner Body, whereof we shall speak anon, is disseminated; for which reason[12] I call it the Parenchyma. The Surface hereof is somewhat dense, but inwardly ’tis more porous, and of a laxer Contexture. If you view it in a Microscope, it hath some similitude to the Pith, while sappy, in the Roots and Trunks of Plants; and that for good reason, as in Ch. 2. shall be seen. This is best seen in green Beans. See Fig. 2.

This Part would seem by its colour to be peculiar to the Lobes of the Bean; but as is the Cuticle, so is this also, common both to the Radicle and Plume; that is, the Parenchyma of the Bean, as to its essential substance, is the same in all three. The reason why the colour of the Plume, and especially of the Radicle, which is white, is so different from that of the Lobes, may chiefly depend upon their being more compact and dense, and thence their different Tinctures. And therefore the Lobes themselves, which are green while the Bean is[13] young; yet being old and dry, become whitish too. And in many other Seeds, as Acorns, Almonds, the Kernels of Apples, Plums, Nuts, &c. the Lobes, even fresh and young, are pure white as the Radicle it self.

But although the Parenchyma be common, as is said, to all the Organical Parts; yet in very differing proportions. In the Plume, where it is proportionably least, it maketh about three Fifths of the whole Plume; in the Radicle, it maketh about five Seavenths of the whole Radicle; and in each Lobe, is so far over-proportionate, as to make at least nine Tenths of the whole Lobe.

By what hath been said, that the Parenchyma is not the only constituting Part, besides the Cuticle, is imply’d: there being another Body, of an essentially different substance, embosom’d herein:[14] which may be found, not only in the Radicle and Plume, but also in the Lobes themselves, and so in the whole Bean. See Fig. 2.

This inner Body appears most plain and conspicuous in cutting the Radicle athwart, and so proceeding by degrees towards the Plume, through both which it runneth in a large and straight Trunk. In the Lobes, being it is there in so very small proportion, ’tis difficultly seen, especially towards their Verges: yet if with a sharp Knife you smoothly cut the Lobes of the Bean athwart, divers small Specks, of a different colour from that of the Parenchyma, standing therein all along in a Line, may be observ’d; which Specks are the Terminations of the Branches of this inner Body. See Fig. 3.

For this inner Body, as it is existent in every Organical part of the Bean, so is it, with respect to each[15] part, most regularly distributed. In a good part of the Radicle ’tis one entire Trunk; towards the Basis thereof, ’tis divided into three main Branches; the middlemost runneth directly into the Plume; the other two on either side it, after a little space, pass into the Lobes; where the said Branches dividing themselves into other smaller; and those into more, and smaller again, are terminated towards the Verges of each Lobe; in which manner the said inner Body being distributed, it becomes in each Lobe, a true and perfect Root. See Fig. 2.

This Seminal Root, as now we’ll call it, being so tender, cannot be perfectly excarnated, as may the Vessels in the Parts of an Animal, by the most accurate Hand; yet by dissection begun and continu’d, as is above-declared, its whole frame and distribution may be easily[16] observ’d. Again, if you take the Lobe of a Bean, and lengthwise pare off its Parenchyma by degrees, and in very thin Shives, many Branches of the Seminal Root, (which by the other way of Dissection were only noted by so many Specks) both as they are fewer about the Basis of the Bean, and more numerous towards its Verges, in some good distinction and entireness will appear. For this you must have new Beans.

As the inner Body is branched out in the Lobes, so is it in the Plume: For if you cut the Plume athwart, and from the Basis proceed along the Body thereof, you’l find therein, first, one large Trunk or Branch, and after four or five very small Specks round about it, which are the terminations of so many lesser Branches therewith distributed to the several parts of the Plume. See Fig. 4. The distribution[17] of the inner Body, as it is continuous throughout all the Organical Parts of the Bean, is represented by Fig. 2.

This Inner Body is, by dissection, best observable in the Bean and great Lupine. In other larger Pulse it shows likewise some obscure Marks of it-self: But in no other Seeds, which I have observed, though of the greatest size, as of Apples, Plums, Nuts, &c. is there any clear appearance hereof, upon dissection, saving in the Radicle and Plume; the reason of which is partly from its quantity, being in most Seeds so extraordinary little; partly from its Colour, which in most Seeds, is the same with that of the Parenchyma it self, and so not distinguishable from it.

Yet in a Gourd-Seed, the whole Seminal Root, not only its Main Branches, but also the Sub-divisions[18] and Inosculations of the lesser ones, are without any dissection, upon the separation of the Lobes, on their contiguous Flats immediatly apparent. See Fig. 5. And as to the existence of this Seminal Root, what Dissection cannot attain, ocular inspection in hundreds of other Seeds, even the smallest, will demonstrate; as in this Chapter shall be seen how.

In the mean time, let us only take notice, that when we say every Plant hath its Root, we reckon short, for every Plant hath really two, though not contemporary, yet successive Roots, its Original or Seminal-Root within its Seed, and its Plant-Root, which the Radicle becometh in its growth: the Parenchyma of the Seed being in some resemblance, that to the Seminal Root at first, which the Mould is to the Plant-Root afterwards; and the Seminal Root being[19] that to the Plant-Root, which the Plant-Root is to the Trunk. For our better understanding whereof, having taken a view of the several Parts of a Bean, as far as Dissection conducts; we will next briefly enquire into the use of the said Parts, and in what manner they are the Fountain of Vegetation, and concurrent to the being of the future Plant.

The general Cause of the growth of a Bean or other Seed, is Fermentation; that is, the Bean lying in the Mould, and a moderate access of some moisture, partly dissimilar, and partly congenerous, being made, a gentle Fermentation thence ariseth; by which the Bean swelling, and the Sap still encreasing, and the Bean continuing still to swell, the work thus proceeds: as is the usual way of explicating. But that there is simply a Fermentation, and so a[20] sufficient supply of Sap, is not enough; but that this Fermentation and the Sap wherein ’tis made, should be under a various Government by divers Parts thereto subservient, is also requisite; and as the various preparation of the Aliment in an Animal, equally necessary, the particular process of the Work according whereto, we find none undertaking to declare.

Let us look upon a Bean then, as a piece of Work so fram’d and set together, as to declare a Design for the production of a Plant, which, upon its lying in some convenient Soyl, is thus effected. First of all, the Bean being enfoulded round in its Coats, the Sap wherewith it is fed, must of necessity pass through these: By which means, it is not only in a proportionate quantity, and by due degrees; but also[21] in a purer body; and possibly not without some Vegetable Tincture, transmitted to the Bean. Whereas, were the Bean naked, the Sap must needs be, as over-copious, so but crude and immature, as not being filtred through so fine a Cotton as the Coats be. And as they have the use of a Filtre to the transient Sap, so of a Vessel to that which is still deposited within them; being alike accommodated to the securer Fermentation hereof, as Bottles or Barrels are to Beer, or any other Fermentative Liquor.

And as the Fermentation is promoted by some Aperture in the Vessel; so have we the Foramen in the upper Coat also contrived, that if there should be need of some more aiery Particles to excite the Fermentation, through this they may obtain their Entry: Or, on the contrary, should there[22] be any such Particles or Steams as might damp the genuine proceeding thereof, through this again they may have easy issue: being that, as a common Pasport here to the Sap, which what we call the Bung-hole of the Barrel, is to the new-tunn’d Liquor. That this Foramen is truly permeable even in old setting Beans, appears upon their being soak’d for some time in Water: For then taking them out, and crushing them a little, many small bubbles will alternately arise and break upon it.

The Sap being passed through the Coats, it next enters the Body of the Bean; yet not indiscriminately neither; but, being filtred through the Outer Coat, and fermented both in the Body and Concave of the Inner, is by mediation of the Cuticle, again more finely filtr’d, and so entereth the[23] Parenchyma it self under a fourth Government.

Through which Part the Sap passing towards the Seminal Root, as through that which is of a more spacious content; besides the benefit it hath of a farther percolation, it will also find room enough for a more free and active fermenting and maturation herein. And being moreover, part of the true Body of the Bean, and so with its proper Seminalities or Tinctures copiously repleat; the Sap will not only find room, but also matter enough, by whose Energy its Fermentation will still be more advanced.

And the Sap being duly prepared here, it next passeth into all the Branches of the Seminal Root, and so under a fifth Government. Wherein how delicate ’tis now become, we may conceive by the proportion betwixt the Parenchyma[24] and this Seminal Root; so much only of the best digested Sap being discharged from the whole Stock in that, as this will receive. And this, moreover, as the Parenchyma, with its proper Seminalities being endowed; the Sap, for the supply of the Radicle, and of the young Root from thence, is duly prepared therein, and with its highest Tincture and Impregnation at last enriched.

The Sap being thus prepared in the Lobes of the Bean, ’tis thence discharg’d; and either into the Plume or the Radicle, must forthwith issue. And since the Plume is a dependent on the Radicle; the Sap therefore ought first to be dispenced to this; which accordingly is ever found to shoot forth before the Plume, and that sometimes an inch or two in length. Now because the primitive course of the Sap into the[25] Radicle, is thus requisite, therefore by the frame of the Parts of the Bean is it made necessary too. For we may observe that the two main Branches of the Seminal Root in which the several Ramifications in either Lobe are all united, commit not themselves into the Seminal Trunk of the Plume, nor yet so as to stand at right Angles with them, and with equal respect towards them both; but being producted through part of the Parenchyma of the Radicle, are at last united therein to the main Trunk, and make acute Angles therewith; as may be seen by Fig. 2. Now the Sap being brought as far as the Seminal Root in either Lobe, and according to the conduct thereof continuing still to move, it must needs immediately issue into the same part whereinto the main Branches themselves do, that is, into the Radicle. By which Sap,[26] thus bringing the several Tinctures of the parts aforesaid with it, being now fed; it is no longer a meer Radicle, but is made also Seminal, and so becomes a perfect Root.

The Radicle being thus impregnate and shot into a root, ’tis now time for the Plume to rouze out of its Cloysters, and germinate too: In order whereto, ’tis now fed from the Root with laudable and sufficient Aliment. For as the Supplies and motion of the Sap were first made from the Lobes towards the Root, so the Root being well shot into the Moulds, and now receiving a new and more copious Sap from these; the motion hereof must needs be stronger, and by degrees revert the primitive Sap, and so move in a contrary course, sc. from the Root towards the Plume; and, by the continuation of the Seminal[27] trunk, is directly conducted thereinto; by which, being fed, it gradually enlarges and displayes it self.

The course of the Sap thus turned, it issues, I say, in a direct Line from the Root into the Plume, but collaterally into the Lobes also; sc. by those two aforesaid Branches which are obliquely transmitted from the Radicle into either Lobe. By which Branches the said Sap being disbursed back into all the Seminal Root, and from thence likewise into the Parenchyma of the Lobes; they are both thus fed, and for some time augmenting themselves, really grow; as in Lupines is evident.

Yet is not this common to all Seeds; some rot under-ground, as Corn; being of a laxer and less Oleous substance, differing herein from most other Seeds; and being not divided into Lobes, but one[28] entire thick Body. And some, although they continue firm, yet rise not as the great Garden-Bean; in which therefore it is observable, that the two Main Branches of the Lobes in comparison with that which runs into the Plume, are but mean; and so insufficient to the feeding and vegetation of the Lobes; the Plume, on the contrary, growing so lusty, as to mount up without them.

Excepting a few of these two kinds, all other Seeds whatsoever, (which I have observed) besides that they continue firm, upon the Vegetation of the Plume, mount also upwards, and advance above the Mould together with it; as all Seeds which spring up with dissimilar Leaves, the two (for the most part two) dissimilar Leaves, being the very Lobes of the Seed divided, expanded, and thus advanced.

The Impediments of our apprehension[29] hereof are the Colour, Size and Shape of the dissimilar Leaves. Notwithstanding, that they are nothing else but the main body of the Seed, how I came first to phansie, and afterwards to know it, was thus: First, I observed in general that the dissimilar Leaves were never jagg’d, but even edg’d: And seeing the even verges of the Lobes of the Seed hereto respondent, I was apt to think, that those which were so like, might prove the same. Next descending to particular Seeds, I observed first of the Lupine; that as to its Colour, upon its advance above the Mould, it ever changed into a perfect Green. And why might not the same by parity of Reason be inferr’d of other Seeds? That, as to its size, it grew but little bigger than when first set. Whence, as I discern’d (the Augmentation being[30] but little) we here had only the two Lobes: So, (as some augmentation there was) I inferr’d the like might be, and that, in farther degrees, in other Seeds.

Next, of the Cucumber-seed. That, as to its Colour, often appearing above ground in its Primitive white, from white it turns to yellow, and from yellow to green, the proper colour of a Leaf: That, as to its size, though at its first arise, the Lobes were little bigger than upon setting; yet afterwards as they chang’d their Colour, so their Dimensions also, growing to a three-four-five-fold amplitude above their primitive size: But whereas the Lobes of the Seed are in proportion, narrow, short and thick, how then come the dissimilar Leaves to be so exceeding broad, or long and thin? The Question answers it self: For the dissimilar Leaves, for[31] very reason are so thin, because so very broad or long; as we see many things, how much they are extended in length or breadth, so much they lose in depth, or grow more thin; which is that which here befalls the now effoliated Lobes. For being once disimprisoned from their Coats, and the course of the Sap into them now more and more encreased, they must needs very considerably amplifie themselves; and from the manner wherein the Seminal Root is branched in them, that amplification cannot be in thickness, but in length or breadth: In both which, in some dissimilar Leaves ’tis very remarkable; especially in length, as in those of Lettice, Thorn-Apple, and others; whose Seeds, although very small, yet the Lobes of those Seeds growing up into Dissimilar Leaves, are extended an Inch, and sometimes[32] more, in length; though he that shall attempt to get a clear sight of the Lobes of Thorn-Apple, and some others, by Dissection, will find it no easy Task; yet is that which may be obtained. From all which, and the observation of other Seeds, I at last found, that the dissimilar Leaves of a young Plant, are nothing else but the Lobes or main Body of its Seed: So that as the Lobes did at first feed and impregnate the Radicle into a perfect Root; so the Root being perfected, doth again feed, and by degrees amplifie each Lobe into a perfect Leaf.

The Original of the dissimilar Leaves thus known, we understand, why some Plants have none; because the Seed either riseth not, as Garden-Beans, Corn, &c. Or upon rising, the Lobes are little alter’d, as Lupines, Pease, &c. Why, though the proper[33] Leaves are often indented round; the dissimilar, like the Lobes, are even-edg’d. Why, though the proper Leaves are often hairy, yet these are ever smooth. Why some have more dissimilar Leaves than two, as Cresses, which have six, as the Ingenious Mr. Sharrock also observes; the reason whereof is, because the Main Body is not divided into two, but six, distinct Lobes, as I have often counted. Why Radishes seem at first to have four, which yet after appear plainly two; because the Lobes of the Seed have both a little Indenture, and are both plaited, one over the other. To which we might add,

The use of the dissimilar Leaves is, first, for the protection of the Plume; which being but young, and so but soft and tender, is provided with these, as a double Guard, one on either side of it.[34] For this reason it is, that the Plume in Corn is trussed up within a membranous Sheath; and that of a Bean, cooped up betwixt a pair of Surfoyls; but where the Lobes rise, there the Plume hath neither of them, being both needless.

Again, that since the Plume, being yet tender, may be injured not only by the Air, but also for want of Sap, the supplies from the Root being yet but slow and sparing; that the said Plume therefore, by the dissimilar Leaves, may have the advantage likewise of some refreshment from Dew or Rain. For these having their Basis a little beneath that of the Plume, and expanding themselves on all sides of it, they often stand after Rain, like a Vessel of Water, continually soaking and supplying it, lest its new access into the Ayr, should shrivel it.

Moreover, that since the dissimilar[35] Leaves by their Basis intercept the Root and Plume, the greater and grosser part of the Sap may be by the way deposited into those; and so the purest proceed into the yet but young and delicate Plume, as its fittest Aliment.

Lastly, we have here a demonstration of the being of the Seminal Root; which since through the colour or smallness of the Seed, it could not by dissection be observ’d, except in some few; Nature hath here provided us a way of viewing it in the now effoliated Lobes, not of one or two Seeds, but of hundreds; the Seminal Root visibly branching it self towards the Cone and Verges of the said Lobes, or now dissimilar Leaves.

CHAP. II.
Of the Root.

Having examin’d and pursu’d the Degrees of Vegetation in the Seed, we find its two Lobes have here their utmost period; and, that having conveyed their Seminalities into the Radicle and into the Plume; these therefore as the Root and Trunk of the Plant still survive; Of these in their order we next proceed to speak; and first, of the Root: whereof, as well as of the Seed, we must by Dissection inform our selves.

In Dissection of a Root then, we[37] shall find it with the Radicle, as the Parts of an old man with those of a Fœtus, substantially one. The first Part occurring is its skin, the Original whereof is from the Seed: For that extream thin Cuticle which is spred over the Lobes of the Seed, and from thence over the Radicle, upon the shooting of the Radicle into a Root, is co-extended, and becomes its Skin.

The next Part is the Cortical Body; the Original whereof likewise is from the Seed; or the Parenchyma, which is there common both to the Lobes and Radicle, being by Vegetation augmented and prolonged into the Root, is here the Cortical Body, or that which is sometimes called the Barque.

The Contexture of this Cortical Body may be well illustrated by that of a Sponge, being a Body Porous, Dilative, and Pliable.[38] Its Pores, as they are innumerable, so extream small. These Pores are not only susceptive of so much Moisture as to fill, but also to enlarge themselves, and so to dilate the Cortical Body wherein they are; which by the shriv’ling in thereof, by being expos’d to the Air, is also seen. In which dilatation many of its Parts becoming more lax and distant, and none of them suffering a solution of their continuity; ’tis a Body also sufficiently pliable; or, a most exquisitely fine-wrought Sponge.

The Extention of these Pores is much alike both by their length and breadth of the Root; which from the shrinking up of the Cortical Body, in a piece of a cut Root, by the same dimensions, is argu’d.

The proportions of this Cortical Body are various: If thin, ’tis called a Barque; & thought to serve[39] to no other end, than what is usually ascrib’d to it as a Barque; which is a narrow conceit: If a Bulky Body in comparison with that within it, as in the young Roots of Cychory, Asparagus, &c. ’tis here, because the fairest, therefore taken for the prime Part; which, though, as to Medicinal use, it is; yet, as to the private use of the Plant, not so. The Colour hereof, though it be originally white, yet in the continued growth of the Root, divers Tinctures, as yellow in Dock, red in Bistort, are thereinto introduced.

Next within this Part stands the Lignous Body; the Original whereof, as of the two former, is from the Seed; or, the Seminal Roots of both the Lobes, being united in the Radicle, and with its Parenchyma co-extended, is here in the Root the Lignous Body.

The Contexture hereof is, in many of its parts, much more close than that of the Cortical; and their Pores very different: For whereas those of the Cortical are infinitely numerous, these of the Lignous are in comparison, nothing so. But these, although fewer, yet are they many of them more open, fair, and visible: as in a very thin Slice cut athwart the young Root of a Tree, and held up against the Light, is apparent: Yet not in all equally, in Coran-Tree, in Goosberry-Tree, &c. less; in Oak, Plums, and especially Damascens, more; in Elder, Vines, &c. more conspicuous. And as they are different in number and size, so also (whereon the numerousness of the Pores of the Cortical Body principally depends) in their shape. For whereas those of the Cortical Body are extended much alike both by the length and breadth of the[41] Root; these of the Lignous are only by the length; which, especially in Vines and some other Roots, is evident. Of these Pores, ’tis also observable, that although in all places of the Root they are visible, yet most fair and open about the Fibrous Extremities of some Roots (and in many Roots higher) where there is no Pith. These Pores, as they shew in young Roots of Trees, see in Fig. 6, & 7.

This Lignous Body lieth with all its Parts, so far as they are visible, in a Circle or Ring; yet are there divers extream small Fibres thence shooting, usually mixed with the Cortical Body; and by the somewhat different colour of the said Cortical Body where they stand, may be noted these Fibres; the Cortical Body and Skin all together, properly make the Barque.

The proportion betwixt this Lignous Body and the Cortical, is[42] various, as was said; yet in this, constant, sc. that in the fibrous, and smaller Parts of the Root, the Lignous Body is not only in compass, but in quantity the less; running like a slender Wyer or Nerve through the other surrounding it. They stand both together pyramidally, which is most common to Infant-Roots, but also to many other.

The next Part observable in the Root, is the Insertment. The existence hereof, so far as we can yet observe, is sometimes in the Radicle of the Seed it self; I cannot say alwayes. As to its substantial nature, we are more certain; that it is the same with that of the Parenchyma of the Radicle; being alwayes at least augmented, and so, in part, originated from the Cortical Body, and so, at second hand, from the said Parenchyma: For in dissecting a Root, we find,[43] that the Cortical Body doth not only environ the Lignous, but is also wedg’d, and in many pieces inserted into it; and that the said inserted pieces, make not a meer Indenture, but transmit and shoot themselves quite through as far as the Pith; which in a thin Slice cut athwart the Root as so many lines drawn from the Circumference towards the Center, shew themselves. See Fig. 6, & 7.

The Pores of the Insertment are sometimes, at least, extended somewhat more by the breadth of the Root, as about the top of the Root of Borage may be seen; and are thus different from those of the Cortical Body, which are extended by the length and breadth much alike; and from those of the Lignous, being only by its length.

The number and size of these Insertions are various. In Hawthorn, and some others, and especially[44] Willows, they are most extream small; in Cherries and Plums they are large; and in Damascens especially, very fairly apparent. In the Roots of small Plants they are generally more easily discoverable; which may lead to the observation of them in all.

These Insertions, although they are continuous through both the length and breadth of the Root; yet not so in all Parts, but by the several shootings of the Lignous Body are frequently intercepted. For of the Lignous Body it is (here best) observable, That its several shootings, betwixt which the Cortical is inserted, are not throughout the Root wholly distinct; but that all along being enarch’d, the Lignous Body, both in length and breadth, is thus disposed into Braces or Osculations. Betwixt these several shootings of the Lignous Body thus osculated, the Cortical[45] shooting, and being also osculated answerably Brace for Brace, that which I call the Insertment is fram’d thereof.

These Osculations are so made, that the Pores of the Lignous Body, I think, notwithstanding, seldom run one into another; but, for the most part, still keep distinct; in the same manner as some of the Nerves, though they meet, and for some space are associated together, yet ’tis most probable that none of their Fibres are truly inosculated here, but only in the Plexures.

These Osculations of the Lignous Body, and so the interception of the Insertions of the Cortical, are not to be observ’d by the traverse cut of the Root, but by taking off the Barque, or the Cortical Body. In the Roots of Trees, they are generally obscure; but in Plants, often more distinctly apparent;[46] and especially in a Turnep: the appearance whereof, the Cortical Body being stripp’d off, is as a piece of close-wrought Network, fill’d up with the Insertions of the said Cortical Body. See Fig. 8.

The next and last distinct Part of the Root is the Pith. The substantial nature thereof, is, as was said of the Insertment, the same likewise with that of the Parenchyma of the Seed. And according to the best observation we have yet made, ’tis sometimes existent in its Radicle; in which, the two main Branches of the Lobes both meeting, and being osculated together, are thus dispos’d into one round Trunk, and so environing part of the Parenchyma, make thereof a Pith; as in either the Radicle, or the young Root of the great Bean or Lupine, may, I think, be well seen.

But many times the Original[47] hereof is immediately from the Cortical Body. For in dissection of divers Roots both of Trees and Plants, as of Barberry or Mallows, it is observable, that the Cortical Body and Pith are both of them participant of the same Colour; in the Barberry both of them tinged yellow, and in Mallows green. In cutting the smaller Parts of the Roots of many Plants, as of Borage, Mallows, Parsley, Columbine, &c. ’tis also evident, that the Lignous Body is not there in the least Concave, but standeth perfectly in the Center; and that the Insertions being gradually multiplied afterwards, the Pith at length, towards the thicker parts of the Root, shews and enlarges it self. Whence it appears, that in all such Roots, the Pith is not only of the same substantial nature, and by the Insertions doth communicate with the Cortical Body; and that[48] it is also more or less augmented by it; which is true of the Pith of all Roots; but is moreover, by mediation of the said Insertions, wholly originated from it. The various appearances of the Insertions and Pith from the Fibrous Parts to the top of the Root, see in Fig. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. The Pores of the Lignous Body, entire in the said Fibrous Parts, are best seen when they have lain by a night dry, after cutting.

A farther evidence hereof are the Proportions betwixt the Cortical Body and Pith. For as about the inferiour Parts of the Root, where the Pith is small, the Cortical Body is proportionably great; so about the top, where the Pith is enlarged, the Cortical Body groweth proportionably less, sc. because by its Insertions, ’tis gradually bestowed into the Pith. Likewise the peculiar frame of some[49] Roots, wherein besides the Pith, the Lignous Body being divided into a double Ring, there is also a thick Ring, of a white and soft substance, stands betwixt them; and is nothing else but the Insertions of the Cortical Body collected into the said Ring; but, towards the top of the Root, being inserted again, thus maketh a large and ample Pith; as in Fennel-Roots is seen.

The Pores of the Pith, as those of the Cortical Body, are extended both by the breadth and length of the Root, much alike; yet are they more or less of a greater size than those of the Cortical Body.

The Proportions of the Pith, are various; in Trees, but small; in Plants generally, very fair; in some making by far the greatest part of the Root; as in a Turnep: By reason of the wide circumference whereof, and so the finer[50] Concoction and Assimilation of its Sap; that part which in most old Trunks is a dry and harsh Pith, here proves a tender pleasant meat. The parts of a Turnep in the travers cut see in Fig. 8.

In the Roots of very many Plants, as Turneps, Carrots, &c. the Lignous Body, besides its main utmost Ring, hath divers of its osculated Fibres dispersed throughout the Body of the Pith; sometimes all alike, and sometimes more especially in, or near, its Center; which Fibres, as they run towards the top of the Root, still declining the Center, at last collaterally strike into its Circumference; either all of them, or some few, keeping the Center still; of these principally the Lignous Body of the Trunk is often originated.

These Fibres, although they are so exceeding slender, yet in some[51] Roots, as in that of Flower-de-liz, they are visibly concave, each of them, in their several Cavities also embosoming a very small Pith; the sight whereof, the Root being cut traverse, and laid in a Window for a day or two to dry, may without Glasses be obtained. And this is the general account of the Root; the declaration of the manner of its growth, with the use and service of its several parts, we shall next endeavour.

We say then, that the Radicle being impregnate, and shot into the Moulds, the contiguous moisture, by the Cortical Body, being a Body laxe and Spongy, is easily admitted: Yet not all indiscriminately, but that which is more adapt to pass through the surrounding Cuticle. Which transient Sap, though it thus becomes fine, yet is not simple; but a mixture of Particles, both in respect of those[52] originally in the Root, and amongst themselves, somewhat heterogeneous. And being lodg’d in the Cortical Body moderately laxe, and of a Circular form; the effect will be an easie Fermentation. The Sap fermenting, a separation of Parts will follow; some whereof will be impacted to the Circumference of the Cortical Body, whence the Cuticle becomes a Skin; as we see in the growing of the Coats of Cheeses, of the Skin over divers Liquors, and the like. Whereupon the Sap passing into the Cortical Body, through this, as through a Manica Hippocratis, is still more finely filtred. With which Sap, the Cortical Body being dilated as far as its Tone, without a solution of Continuity will bear; and the supply of the Sap still renew’d; and the purest part, as most apt and ready, recedes, with its due Tinctures, from the said[53] Cortical Body, to the Lignous. Which Lignous Body likewise super-inducing its own proper Tinctures into the said Sap; ’tis now to its highest preparation wrought up, and becomes (as they speak of that of an Animal) the Vegetative Ros or Cambium: the noblest part whereof is at last coagulated in, and assimilated to the like substance with the said Lignous Body. The remainder, though not united to it, yet tinctur’d therein, thus retreats, that is, by the continual appulse of the Sap, is in part carried off into the Cortical Body back again, the Sap whereof it now tinctures into good Aliment: So that whereas before the Cortical Body was only relaxed in its Parts, and so dilated; ’tis now increas’d in real quantity or number of parts, and so is truly nourish’d. And the Cortical Body being saturate with so much of this Vital Sap as serves[54] it self; and the second Remainders discharged thence to the Skin; this also is nourish’d and augmented therewith. So that as in an Animal Body there is no instauration or growth of Parts made by the Bloud only, but the Nervous Liquor is also thereunto assistant; so is it here: the Sap prepared in the Cortical Body, is as the Arterious; and that part thereof prepared by the Lignous, is as the Nervous Liquor; which partly becoming Nutriment to it self, and partly being discharged back into the Cortical Body, and diffusing its Tincture through the Sap there, that to the said Cortical Body and Skin, becomes also true Nutriment, and so they all now grow.

In which growth, a proportion in length and breadth is requisite: which being rated by the benefit of the Plant, both for firm standing and sufficient Sap, must therefore[55] principally be in length. And because it is thus requisite, therefore by the constitution of one of its Parts, sc. the Lignous Body, it is also made necessary. For the Pores hereof, in that they are all extended by its length, the Sap also according to the frame and site of the said Pores will principally move; and that way as its Sap moves, the same way will the generation of its Parts also proceed; sc. by its length. And the Lignous Body first (that is, by a priority causal) moving in length it self; the Cortical also moves therewith. For that which is nourish’d, is extended; but whatever is extended, is mov’d; that therefore which is nourish’d, is mov’d: The Lignous Body then being first nourish’d, ’tis likewise first mov’d, and so becomes and carries in it the Principle of all Vegetative motion[56] in the Cortical; and so they both move in length.

Yet as the Lignous Body is the Principle of Motion in the Cortical; so the Cortical is the Moderator of that in the Lignous: As in Animal Motions, the Principle is from the Nerves; yet being once given to the Muscle or Limb, and that moving proportionably to its structure, the Nerves also are carried in the same motion with it. We suppose therefore, that as the principal motion of the Lignous Body is in length, so is its proper tendency also to ascend: But being much exceeded both in Compass and Quantity by the Cortical as in the smaller parts of the Root it is; it must needs therefore be over-born and governed by it; and so, though not lose its motion, yet make it that way wherein the Cortical Body may be more obedient to it; which will be by descent:[57] Yet both of them being sufficiently pliable, they are thus capable, where the Soyl I may oppose a direct descent, there to divert any way where it is more penetrable, and so to descend obliquely. For the same reason it may also be, that though you set a Bean with the Radicle upward; yet the Radicle, as it shoots, declining also gradually, is thus arch’d in form of an Hook, and so at last descends. For every declination from a perpendicular Line, is a mixed motion betwixt Ascent and Descent; as that of the Radicle also is, and so seeming to be dependent upon the two contrary Tendencies of the Lignous and Cortical Bodies. What may be the cause of those Tendencies (being most probably external, and perhaps something of a Magnetisme) is besides my Task here to enquire.

Now although the Lignous Body,[58] by the position and shape of its Pores, principally groweth in length; yet will it in some degree likewise in breadth: For it cannot be supposed that the purest Sap is all received into the said Pores; but that part thereof likewise, staying about its Superficial parts, is there tinctur’d and agglutinated to them. And because these Pores are prolonged by its length; therefore is it much more laxe and easily divisible that way; as in slitting a Stick, or cleaving of Timber, and in cutting and hewing them athwart is also seen. Whence it comes to pass, that in shooting from the Center towards the Circumference, and there finding more room, its said original Laxity doth easily in divers places now become greater, and at length in open Partments plainly visible. Betwixt which Partments, the cortical Body, being bound in on the one[59] hand, by the surrounding Skin and Moulds, and pressed upon by the Lignous on the other, must needs insert it self, and so move contrary to it, from the Circumference towards the Center: where the said contrary motions continued as begun, they at last meet, unite, and either make or augment the Pith. And thus the Root is fram’d, and the Skin, the cortical and Lignous Bodies, so as is said, hereunto concurrent. We shall next shew the use of the two other Parts, sc. the Insertment and Pith; and first of the Pith.

One true use of the Pith is for the better Advancement of the Sap, whereof we shall speak in the next Chapter. The use we here observe is for the quicker and higher Fermentation of the Sap: For although the Fermentation made in the Cortical Body was well[60] subservient to the first Vegetations, yet those more perfect ones in the Trunk which after follow, require a Body more adapted to it, and that is the Pith; which is so necessary, as not to be only common to, but considerably large in the Roots of most Plants; if not in their inferiour parts, yet at their tops. Where though either deriv’d or amplify’d from the Cortical Body, yet being by its Insertions only, we may therefore suppose, as those, so this, to be more finely constituted. And being also from its co-arctation, while inserted, now free; all its Pores, upon the supply of the Sap, will more or less be amplified: Upon which accounts, the Sap thereinto received, will be more pure, and its fermentation therein more active. And as the Pith is superiour to the Cortical Body by its Constitution, so by its Place. For as it thus stands central,[61] it hath the Lignous Body surrounding it. Now as the Skin is the Fence of the Cortical Body, and that of the Lignous; so is the Lignous again a far more preheminent one unto the Pith; the Sap being here a brisk Liquor, tunn’d up as in a wooden Cask.

And as the Pith subserves the higher Fermentation of the Sap; so do the Insertions its purer Distribution; that separation which the parts of the Sap, by being fermented in the Pith, were dispos’d for; being, upon its entrance into the Insertions, now made: So that as the Skin is a Filtre to the Cortical Body, so are the Insertions a more preheminent one to the Lignous; and as they subserve the purer, so the freer and sufficient distribution of the Sap: For the Root enlarging, and so the Lignous Body growing thicker, although the Cortical and the Pith might supply[62] Sap sufficient to the nutrition of its Parts next adjacent to them; yet those more inward, must needs be scanted of their Aliment; and so, if not quite starv’d, yet be uncapable of equal growth: Whereas the Lignous Body being through its whole breadth frequently disparted, and the Cortical Body inserted through it; the Sap by those Insertions, as the Blood by the disseminations of the Arteries, is freely and sufficiently convey’d to its intimate Parts, even those which from either the cortical Body or the Pith are most remote. Lastly, as the consequent hereof, they are thus assistant to the Latitudinal growth of the Root; as the Lignous Body to its growth in length; so these Insertions of the Cortical, to its better growth in breadth.

Having thus seen the solitary uses of the Several Parts of the Root, we shall lastly propound our[63] Conjectures of that Design whereto they are all together concurrent, and that is the Circulation of the Sap: For the Sap moving through the cortical Body, towards the Pith, through the Insertions thereinto, obtains a pass: Which passage, the superiour Insertions will not favour; because the Pith standing in the same height with them, is there large, the fermenting and course of the Sap quick, and so its opposition strong. But through the inferiour it will much more easily enter; because there, through the smalness of the Pith, the opposition is little, and through the shortness of the Insertions, the way more open. So that though the Sap may meet with some opposition even here, yet here meeting with the least, here it will bestow it self (feeding the Lignous Body in its passage) into the Pith. Into which fresh Sap still entring, this,[64] yet but crude, will subside: that first received and so become a Liquor higher wrought, will more easily mount upwards; and moving in the Pith, as in the Arteria magna, in equal altitude with the more superiour Insertions; the most volatile parts of all will still continue their direct ascent towards the Trunk. But those of a middle nature, and, as not apt to ascend, so being lighter than those beneath them, not to descend neither; they will tend from the Pith towards the Insertions in a motion betwixt both; through which Insertions (feeding the Lignous Body in its passage) it is, by the next subsequent Sap, discharged off into the cortical Body, as into the Vena cava, back again. Wherein, being still pursu’d by fresh Sap from the Center, and more occurring from the Circumference, towards the inferiour Insertions[65] it thus descends; through which, together with part of the Sap afresh imbib’d from the Mould, it re-enters the Pith. From whence, into the Cortical Body, and from thence into the Pith, the cruder part thereof reciprocally is disburs’d; while the most Volatile, not needing the help of a Circulation, more directly ascendeth towards the Trunk.

CHAP. III.
Of the Trunk.

Having thus declar’d the degrees of Vegetation in the Root; the continuance hereof in the Trunk shall next be shew’d: in order to which, the Parts whereof this likewise is compounded, we shall first observe.

That which without dissection shews it self, is the Coarcture: I cannot say of the Root, nor of the Trunk; but what I chuse here to mention, as standing betwixt them, and so being common to them both; all their Parts being here bound in closer together, as[67] in the tops of the grown Roots of very many Plants, is apparent.

Of the Parts of the Trunk, the first occurring is its Skin: The Formation whereof, is not from the Air, but in the Seed, from whence it is originated; being the production of the Cuticle, there investing the two Lobes and Plume.

The next Part is the Cortical Body; which here in the Trunk is no new substantial formation; but, as is that of the Root, originated from the Parenchyma of the Seed; and is only the increase and augmentation thereof. The Skin, this Cortical Body properly so call’d, and (for the most part) some Fibers of the Lignous mixed herewith, all together make the Barque.

Next, the Lignous Body, which, whether it be visibly divided into many softer Fibres, as in Fennel, and most Plants; or that its parts[68] stand more compact and close, shewing one hard, firm and solid piece, as in Trees; it is in all one and the same Body; and that not formed originally in the Trunk, but in the Seed; being nothing else but the prolongation of the Inner Body distributed in the Lobes and Plume thereof.

Lastly, The Insertions and Pith are here originated likewise from the Plume, as the same in the Root from the Radicle: So that as to their substantial Parts, the Lobes of the Seed, the Radicle and Plume, the Root and Trunk are all one.

Yet some things are more fairly observable in the Trunk. First, the Latitudinal shootings of the Lignous Body, which in Trunks of several years growth, are visible in so many Rings, as is commonly known: For several young Fibres of the Lignous Body, as in the Root, so here, shooting into the[69] Cortical one year, and the spaces betwixt them being after fill’d up with more (I think not till) the next, at length they become altogether a firm compact Ring; the perfection of one Ring, and the ground-work of another being thus made concomitantly.

From these Annual younger Fibres it is, that although the Cortical Body and Pith are both of the same substantial nature, and their Pores little different; yet whereas the Pith, which the first year is green, and of all the Parts the fullest of Sap, becomes afterwards white and dry; the Cortical Body, on the contrary, so long as the Tree grows, ever keepeth green and moist, sc. because the said Fibers annually shoot into, and so communicate with it.

The Pores likewise of the Lignous Body, many of them in well-grown Timber, as in Oaken boards,[70] are very conspicuous, in cutting both lengthwise and traverse; they very seldom run one into another, but keep, like so many several Vessels, all along distinct; as by cutting, and so following any one of them as far as you please, for a Foot or half a Yard, or more together, may be observ’d.

These greater Pores, though in Wainscot, Tables, and the like, where they have lain long open, they are but meer Vacuities, and so would be thought to contain only Sap in the Tree, and afterwards only Air; yet upon a fresh cut, each of them may be seen fill’d up with a light and spongie Body, which by Glasses, and even by the bare eye, appears to be a perfect Pith; sometimes entire, and sometimes more or less broken.

Besides these, there are a lesser sort; which, by the help of a Microscope, also appear, if not to be[71] fill’d up with a Pith, yet to contain certain light and filmy parts, more or fewer, of a Pithy nature within them.

And these are all the Pores the best Glasses, which, (when upon these Enquiries) we had at hand, would shew us. But the Learned and most Ingenious Naturalist Mr. Hook sheweth us moreover, besides these, a third, and yet smaller sort; the description whereof I find he hath given us amongst his Microscopical Observations. Of these Pores (as a confirmation of what, in the Second Chapter, I have said of the Pores of the Lignous Body in general) he also demonstrates; that they are all continuous and prolonged by the length of the Trunk; as are the greater ones; the Experiment whereof he imparteth to be, by filling up, suppose in a piece of Char-coal, all the said Pores with[72] Mercury; which appears to pass quite through them, in that by a very good Glass it is visible in their Orifices at both ends; and without a Glass, by the weight of the Coal alone, is also manifest.

Upon farther Enquiry, I likewise find, that the Pores of the Lignous Body in the Trunk of Plants, which at first only supposed, by the help of good Glasses are very fairly visible; each Fibre being perforated by 30, 50, 100, or hundreds of Pores. Or what I think is the truest notion of them, that each Fibre, though it seem to the bare eye to be but one, yet is indeed a great number of Fibres together; every Pore being not meerly a space betwixt the several pores of the Wood, but the Concave of a Fiber: So that if it be asked, what all that part of a Vegetable, either Plant or Tree, which is properly call’d the woody[73] part; what all that is, I suppose, that is nothing else but a Cluster of innumerable and most extraordinary small Vessels or concave Fibres. See Fig. 15.

Next the Insertions of the Cortical Body, which in the Trunk of a Tree saw’d athwart, are plainly discerned as they run from the Circumference toward the Center; the whole Body of the Tree being visibly compounded of two distinct Substances, that of the several Rings, and that of the Insertions, running cross; shewing that in some resemblance in a Plain, which the Lines of Latitude and of the Meridian do in a Globe. See Fig. 16.

These Insertions are likewise very conspicuous in Sawing of Trees length-wayes into Boards, and those plain’d, and wrought into Leaves for Tables, Wainscot, Trenchers, and the like. In all[74] which, as in course Trenchers made of Beech, and Tables of Oak, there are many parts which have a greater smoothness than the rest; and are so many inserted pieces of the Cortical Body; which by reason of those of the Lignous, seem to be discontinuous; although in the Trunk they are extended throughout its Breadth.

These Insertions, although as is said, of a quite distinct substance from the Lignous Body, and so no where truly incorporated with it, yet being they are in all parts, the one as the Warp, the other as the Woof, mutually braced and inter-woven together, they thus constitute one strong and firmly coherent Body.

As the Pores are greater or less, so are the Insertions also: To the bare eye usually the greater only are discernable: But through an indifferent Microscope there are[75] others also, much more both numerous and small, distinctly apparent. So that, I think, we may observe, that as the grand Pith of the Trunk communicates with, and is augmented by the greater Insertions; so is the Pith of each greater Pore originated from the less; and those (at least) pithy parts in the Midling Pores, from others still less; and suppose, that the least of all are so far intruded into the smallest Pores, as only just to cause a kind of roughness on their concave sides, and no more; to what end shall be said. See Fig. 17.

In none of all these Pores can we observe any thing which may have the true nature and use of Valves, which is easily to admit that, to which they will by no means allow a regress. And their non-existence is enough evident, from what in the first Chapter we have said of the Lobes of the Seed:[76] in whose Seminal Root, were there any Valves, it could not be, that by a contrary course of the Sap, they should ever grow; which yet, where-ever they turn into Dissimilar Leaves, they do. Or if we consider the growth of the Root, which oftentimes is upward and downward both at once.

The Insertions here in the Trunk give us likewise a sight of the position of their Pores. For in a plained piece of Oak, as in Wainscot, Tables, &c. besides the larger Pores of the Lignous Body, which run by the length of the Trunk; the Tract likewise of those of the Insertions may be observed to be made by the breadth, and so directly cross. Nor are they continuous as those of the Lignous Body, but very short, as those both of the Cortical Body and Pith, with which the Insertions, as to their substance are congenerous. Yet[77] they all stand so together, as to be plainly ranked in even Lines or Rows throughout the breadth of the Trunk: As the Tract of these Pores appear to the naked Eye, see in Fig. 18. By the best Microscope I have at hand, I can only observe the Ranks of the Pores; not the Pores themselves, saving here and there one; wherefore I have not describ’d them.

The Pores of the Pith likewise being larger here in the Trunk, are better observable than in the Root: the width whereof, in comparison with their sides so exquisitely thin, may by an Honey-Comb be grosly exemplified; and is that also which the vast disproportion betwixt the Bulk and weight of a dry Pith doth enough declare. In the Trunks of some Plants, they are so ample and transparent, that in cutting both by the length and breadth of the Pith, some of them, even to[78] the bare eye would seem to be considerably extended by the length of the said Pith; which once I also thought they were, and that only the rest of them were but short and discontinuous, and as ’tis said, somewhat answerable to the Cells of an Honey-Comb. This was the nearest we could come to them, by conjecture, and the assistance of the best Glasses we then had by us, when upon enquiry into the nature of the Pith: But that Worthy Person newly mentioned Mr. Hooke sheweth us, that the Pores of the Pith, particularly of Elder-Pith, so far as they are visible, are all alike discontinuous; and that the Pith is nothing else (to use his own words) but an heap of Bubbles.

Besides what this Observation informs us of here, it farther confirms what in the second Chapter we have said of the Original of the[79] Pith and Cortical Body, and of the sameness of both their natures with the Parenchyma of the Seed. For, upon farther enquiry with better Glasses, I find, that the Parenchyma of the Plume and Radicle, and even of the Lobes themselves, though not so apparently, is nothing else but a Mass of Bubbles.

In the Piths of many Plants, the greater Pores have some of them lesser ones within them, and some of them are divided with cross Membranes: And betwixt their several sides, have, I think, other smaller Pores visibly interjected. However, that they are all permeable, is most certain. They stand together not indeterminately, but in even Ranks or Trains; as those of the Insertions by the breadth, so these by the length of the Trunk. And thus far there is a general corresponding betwixt the part of the Root and Trunk: Yet are there[80] some considerable Disparities betwixt them; wherein, and how they come to pass, and to what especial use and end, shall next be said.

We say then, that the Sap being in the Root by Filtrations, Fermentations (and in what Roots needful, perhaps by Circulation also) duly prepar’d; the prime part thereof passing through the intermediate Coarcture, in due moderation and purity is entertain’d at last into the Trunk. And the Sap of the Trunk being purer and more volatile, and so it self apt to ascend; the motion of the Trunk likewise will be more noble, receiving a disposition and tendency to ascend therewith. And what by the Sap the Trunk is in part dispos’d to, by the respective position and quantity of its Parts it is effectually enabled. For whereas in the Root the Lignous[81] Body being in proportion with the Cortical, but little, and all lying close within its Center; it must therefore needs be under its controul: on the contrary, being here comparatively of greater quantity, and also more dilated, and having divers of its Branches standing more abroad towards the Circumference, as both in the Leaves and Body of the young Trunk and Plume, is seen; it will in its own tendency to ascend, reduce the Cortical Body to a compliance with it.

And the Trunk thus standing from under the restraint of the Mould in the open Air, the disposition of its Parts originally different from that of the Parts in the Root will not only be continued, but improved: For by the force and pressure of the Sap in its collateral Motion, the Lignous Body will now more freely and farther[82] be dilated. And this being dilated, the Cortical Body also, must needs be inserted; and is therefore in proportion alwayes more or less smaller here in the Trunk, than in the Root. And as the Cortical Body lessens, so the Pith will be enlarged, and by the same proportion is here greater. And the Pith being enlarged it self, its Pores (the Lignous Body, upon its dilatation, as it were tentering and stretching out all their sides) must needs likewise be enlarged with it, and accordingly are ever greater in the Pith of the Trunk, than of the Root. And the dilatation of the Lignous Body still continued, it follows, that whereas the Pith descendent in the Root, is not only in proportion less and less, but also in the smaller extremities thereof, and sometimes higher altogether absent: Contrariwise, in the Trunk it is not only[83] continued to its top, but also there in proportion equally ample with what it is in any other inferiour part.

But although the openness of the Ayr permitting be alwayes alike; yet the Energy of the Sap effecting; being different; as therefore that doth, the dilatation of the Trunk will also vary. If that be less, so is this; as in the Trunks of most Trees: If that be greater, so is this; as in Plants is common; the Lignous Body being usually so far dilated, that the utmost shootings thereof may easily be seen to jut out, and adjoyn to the Skin. And if the Sap be still of greater energy, it so far dilates the Lignous Body, as not only to amplifie the Pith and all its Pores; but also so far to stretch them out, as to make them tear. Whereupon either running again into the Cortical Body, or shrinking up towards[84] it, the Trunk thus sometimes becomes an hollow Stalk, the Pith being wholly, or in part voyded. But generally it keeps entire; and where it doth, the same proportion and respect to the Lignous and Cortical Bodies, as is said. The Consequences of all which will be, the strength of the Trunk, the security and plenty of the Sap, its Fermentation will be quicker, its Distribution more effectual, and its Advancement more sufficient.

First, the erect growth and strength of the Trunk; this being by the position of its several parts effected: For besides the slendering of the Trunk still towards the top, the Circumferential position of the Lignous Body likewise is, and that eminently hereunto subservient: So that as the Lignous Body in the smaller part of the Root standing Central, we may thence[85] conceive and see their pliableness to any oblique motion; so here, on the contrary, the Lignous Body standing wide, it thus becomes the strength of the Trunk, and most advantageous to its perpendicular growth. We see the same Design in Bones and Feathers: The strongest Bones, as those in the Legs, are hollow. Now should we suppose the same Bone to be contracted into a Solid Body, although now it would be no heavier, and in that respect, as apt for motion; yet would it have far less strength, than as it is dilated to a Circumferential posture. And so for Quills, which, for the same Reasons, in subserviency to flight, we see how exceeding light they are, and yet, in comparison with the thinness of their Body, how very strong: We see it not only in Nature, but Art. For hence it is that Joyners and Carpenters[86] unite and set together their Timber-pieces and several Works oftentimes with double Joynts; which, although they are no thicker than a single one might be made, yet standing at a distance, have a greater strength than that could have. And the same Architecture will have the same use in the Trunks of Plants, in most whereof ’tis very apparent; as for instance, in Corn: For Nature designing its Sap a great Ascent for its higher maturity, hath given it a tall Trunk; but to prevent its ravenous despoiling either of the Ear or Soyl; although it be tall, yet are its sides but thin: and because again, it should grow not only tall and thriftily, but for avoiding propping up, strongly too; therefore, as its height is over-proportioned to the thinness of its sides, so is its Circumference also; being so far dilated as to parallel a Quill[87] it self. Besides the position of the Lignous Body within the compass of a Ring, we see some shootings thereof often standing beyond the Circumference of the said Ring, making sometimes a triangular, oftner a quadrangular Body of the Trunk; to the end, that the Ring being but thin, and not self-sufficient, these, like Splinters to Bones, might add strength and stability to it.

Next, the security and plenty of the Sap. For should the Lignous Body, as it doth in the Root, its smaller parts, stand Central here also, and so the Cortical wholly surround it: the greater part of the Sap would thus be more immediately expos’d to the Sun and ayr; and being lodg’d in a laxe Body, by them continually be prey’d upon, and as fast as supplied to the Trunk, be exhausted. Whereas the Pith standing in the[88] Center, the Sap therein being not only most remote from the Ayr and Sun, but by the Barque, and especially the Wood, being also surrounded and doubly immur’d, will very securely and copiously be conveyed to all the Collateral parts, and (as shall be said how) the top of the Trunk.

And the Sap by the amplitude, and great porosity of the Pith being herein more copious, its Fermentation also will be quicker; which we see in all Liquors by standing in a greater quantity together, proceeds more kindly: And being tunn’d up within the Wood, is at the same time not only secur’d from loss, but all extream mutations, the Day being thus not too hot, nor the Night too cold for it.

And the Fermentation hereof being quicker, its motion also will be stronger, and its distribution[89] more effectual, not only to the dilatation of the Trunk, but likewise the shooting out of the Branches. Whence it is, that in the Bodies of Trees, the Barque of it self, though it be sappy, and many Fibres of the Lignous Body mixed with it, yet seldom sendeth forth any; and that in Plants, those with the least Pith (other advantages not supplying this defect) have the fewest or smallest Branches, or other collateral Growths: and that Corn, which hath no Pith, hath neither any Branches.

Lastly, the Advancement of the Sap will hence also be more ready and sufficient. For the understanding where, and how, we suppose that in all Trunks whatsoever there are two parts joyntly hereunto subservient. In some the Lignous Body and the Cortical, as in older Trunks, the Pith being either[90] excluded or dried: But in most, principally the Lignous Body and Pith; as in most Annual Growths of Trees; but especially Plants, where the Cortical Body is usually much and often wholly inserted.

Of the Lignous body it is so apparent by its Pores, or rather by its Vessels, that we need no farther evidence. For to what end are Vessels but for the conveyance of Liquor? And is that also, which upon cutting the young Branch of a Sappy Tree or Plant, by an accurate and steady view may be observed. But when I say the Pores of the Lignous Body, I mean principally them of the younger shootings, both those which make the new Ring, and those which are mixed with the Cortical Body in the Barque: that which ascendeth by the Pores of the older Wood, being probably, because in less[91] quantity, more in form of a Vapour, than a Liquor. Yet that which drenching into the sides of its Pores, is with all thereunto sufficient Aliment; as we see Orpine, Onions, &c. only standing in a moyster Ayr will often grow; And being likewise in part supplied by the Insertions from the younger Shoots: But especially, because as it is but little, so it serveth only for the growth of the said Older Wood, and no more; whereas the more copious Aliment ascendent by the younger Shoots, subserves not only their own growth, but the generation of others; and is besides with that in the Cortical Body the Fountain of Perspirations, which we know even in Animals are much more abundant than the Nutritive parts; and doubtless in a Vegetable are still much more.

But these Pores, although they are a free and open way to the[92] ascending Sap; yet that meer Pores or Vessels should be able of themselves to advance the Sap with that speed, strength & plenty, and to that height, as is necessary, cannot probably be supposed. It follows then, that herein we must grant the Pith a joynt service. And why else in the smaller parts of the Root, where the Pith is often wanting, are the Pores there greater? Why is the Pith in all primitive growths the most Sappy part, why hath it so great a stock of Sap, if not after due maturation within it self still to be disbursed into the Fibres of the Lignous Body? Why are the annual growths of all both Plants and Trees with great Piths, the quickest and the longest? But how are the Pores of the Pith permeable? That they are so, both from their being capable of a repletion with Sap, and of being again wholly emptied of it, and[93] again, instead thereof fill’d with Ayr, is as certain as that they are Pores. That they are permeable, by the breadth, appears from the dilatation of the Lignous Body, and from the production of Branches, as hath been, and shall hereafter be said. And how else is there a Communion betwixt this and the Cortical Body? That they are so also, by the length, is probable, because by the best Microscope we cannot yet observ, that they are visibly more open by the breadth, than by the length. And withal are ranked by the length, as those of the Insertions by the breadth of the Trunk. But if you set a piece of dry Elder-Pith in some tinged Liquor, why then doth it not penetrate the Pores, so as to ascend through the Body of the Pith? The plain reason is, because they are all fill’d with Ayr. Whereas the Pith in a Vegetating Plant, as its Parts[94] or Pores are still generated, they are at the same time also fill’d with Sap; which, as ’tis gradually spent, is still repair’d by more succeeding, and so the Ayr still kept out; as in all primitive growths, and the Pith of Elder it self: Yet the same Pith, by reason of the following Winter, wanting a more copious and quick supply of Sap, thus once become, ever after keeps dry. And since in the aforesaid Trial the Liquor only ascends by the sides of the Pith, that is of its broken Pores, we should thence by the same reason conclude that they are not penetrable by the breadth neither, and so no way; and then it need not be ask’d what would follow. But certainly the Sap in the Pores of the Pith is discharged and repaired every moment, as by its shriv’ling up; upon cutting the Plant is evident.

We suppose then, that as the[95] Sap ascendeth into the Trunk by the Lignous Body, so partly also by the Pith. For a piece of Cotton with one end immers’d in some tinged Liquor, and with the other erect above, though it will not imbibe the Liquor so far as to over-run at the top, yet so as to advance towards it, it will; so here, the Pith being a porous and spongy Body, and in its Vegetating state its Pores also permeable, as a curious Filtre of Natures own contrivance, it thus advanceth, or as people use to say, sucks up the Sap. Yet as it is seen of the Liquor in the Cotton; so likewise are we to suppose it of the Sap in the Pith; that though it riseth up for some way, yet is their some term, beyond which it riseth not, and towards which the motion of the ascending Sap is more and more broken, weak and slow, and so the quantity thereof less and less. But because[96] the Sap moveth not only by the length, but breadth of the Pith; at the same time therefore as it partly ascendeth by the Pith, it is likewise in part pressed into the Lignous Body or into its Pores. And since the motion of the Sap by the breadth of the Pith not being far continued, and but collateral, is more prone and easie than the perpendicular, or by its length; it therefore follows, that the collateral motion of the Sap, at such a height or part of the Pith, will be equally strong with the perpendicular at another part, though somewhat beneath it; and that where the perpendicular is more broken and weak, the collateral will be less; and consequently where the perpendicular tendency of the Sap hath its term, the collateral tendency thereof, and so its pressure into the Pores of the Lignous Body will still continue.[97] Through which, in that they are small, and so their sides almost contiguous, the Sap as fast as pressed into them will easily run up; as betwixt the two halves of a Stick first slit, and then tied somewhat loosely together, may also any Liquor be observed to do. And the sides of the said Pores being not smooth, but by the intrusion of the smallest insertions made somewhat rough; by that means the higher and more facile ascent of the Sap therein will farther be promoted. By all which Advantages the facility and strength of that ascent will be continued higher in the said Pores than in the Pith. Yet since this also, as well as that in the Pith will have its term; the Sap, although got thus far, would yet at last be stagnant, or at least its ascent be very sparing, slow and feeble, if not some way or other re-inforced. Wherefore, as the[98] Sap moving by the breadth of the Pith, presseth thence into the Pores of the Lignous Body; so having well fill’d these, is in part by the same Collateral motion disbursed back into a yet higher Region of the Pith. By which partly, and partly by that portion of the Sap, which in its perpendicular ascent was before lodged therein; ’tis thus here, as in any inferiour place equally repleat. Whereupon the force and vigour of the perpendicular motion of the Sap herein will likewise be renew’d; and so its Collateral motion also, and so its pressure into the Pores of the Lignous Body, and consequently its ascent therein; and so by a pressure from these into the Pith, and from the Pith into these reciprocally carried on, a most ready and copious ascent of the Sap will be continued from the bottom to the top, though of the highest Trunk.

An Appendix.
Of Trunk-Roots and Claspers.

The distinct Parts whereof these are constituted, are the same with those of the Trunk, and but the continuation of them.

Trunk-Roots are of two kinds: Of the one, are those that vegetate by a direct descent: The place of their Eruption is sometimes all along the Trunk; as in Mint, &c. Sometimes only at its utmost point, as in the Bramble.

The other sort are such as neither ascend nor descend, but shoot[100] forth at right Angles with the Trunk; which therefore, though as to their Office, they are true Roots, yet as to their Nature, they area Middle thing betwixt a Root and a Trunk.

Claspers, though they are but of one kind, yet their nature is double; not a mean betwixt that of the Root and that of the Trunk, but a compound of both; as in their Circumvolutions, wherein they often mutually ascend and descend, is seen.

The use of these Parts may be observed as the Trunk mounts, or as it trails. In the mounting of the Trunk, they are for support and supply: For support, we see the Claspers of Vines; the Branches whereof being very long, fragile and slender, unless by their Claspers they were mutually contain’d together, they must needs by their own weight, and that of[101] their Fruit, undecently fall, and be also liable to frequent breaking. So that the whole care is divided betwixt the Gardener and Nature; the Gardener with his Ligaments of Leather secures the main Branches; and Nature with these of her own finding, secures the less. Their Conveniency to which end, is seen in their Circumvolutions, a motion not proper to any other Part: As also in their toughness or strength, though much more slender than the Branches whereon they are appendent.

For Supply, we see the Trunk-Roots of Ivy: For mounting very high, and being of a closer Constitution than that of a Vine, the Sap could not be sufficiently supplied to the upper Sprouts, unless these to the Mother-Root were joyntly assistant. Yet serve they for support likewise; whence they shoot out, not as in Cresses, Brook-lime,[102] &c. reciprocally on each side, but commonly all in one; that so they may be fastened at the nearest hand.

In the Trailing of the Trunk, they serve for stabiliment, propagation and shade. For stabiliment, we see the Claspers of Cucumbers: For the Trunk and Branches being long and fragile, the Brushes of the Winds would injuriously hoise them to and fro, to the dammage both of themselves and their tender Fruit, were they not by these Ligaments brought to good Association and Settlement.

As for this end, so for Propagation, we see the Trunk-Roots of Camomile. Whence we have the reason of the common observation, that it grows better by being trod upon: the Mould, where too laxe, being thus made to lie more conveniently about the said Trunk-Roots newly bedded therein; and[103] is that which we see also effected in Rowling of Corn.

For both these ends, we see the Trunk-Roots of Strawberries; as also for shade; for in that we see all Strawberries delight; and by the trailing of the Plant is well obtain’d: So that as we are wont to tangle the Twigs of Trees together to make an Arbour Artificial; the same is here done to make a Natural one; as likewise by the Claspers of Cucumbers: For the Branches of the one by the Linking of their Claspers, and of the other by the Tethering of their Trunk-Roots, being couched together; their tender fruits thus lie under the Umbrage of a Bower made of their own Leaves.

CHAP. IV.
Of the Germen, Branch, and Leaf.

The Parts of the Germen and Branch, are the same with those of the Trunk; the same Skin, Cortical and Lignous Bodies, Insertment and Pith, hereinto propagated, and distinctly observable herein.

For upon Enquiry into the Original of a Branch or Germen, it appears, That it is not from the Superficies of the Trunk, but so deep, as to take with the Cortical, the Lignous Body into it self; and that not only from its Circumference,[105] but (so as to take the Pith in also) from its Inner or Central parts. Divers whereof may commonly be seen to shoot out into the Pith; from which Shoots the surrounding and more superiour Germens are originated; in like manner as the Lignous Body of the Trunk is sometimes principally from those Fibrous Shoots which run along the Pith in the Root.

The manner wherein usually the Germen and Branch are fram’d, is briefly thus: The Sap (as is said, Chap. 3.) mounting in the Trunk, will not only by its length, but by its breadth also, through the Insertions partly move. Yet, its Particles being not all alike qualified, in different degrees: Some are more gross and sluggish; of which we have the formation of a Circle of Wood only; or of an Annual Ring: Others are more brisk; and by these we have the[106] Germen propagated. For by the vigour of their own motion from the Center, they impress an equal tendency on some of the inner parts of the Lignous Body next adjacent to the Pith, to move with them. And since the Lignous Body is not entire, but frequently disparted; through these dispartments, the said interiour Parts, upon their Nutrition, actually shoot; not only towards the Circumference, so as to make part of a Ring, but even beyond it, in order to the production of a Germen. And the Lignous Body thus moving, and carrying the Cortical along with it; they both make a force upon the Skin: Yet their motion being most even and gradual, that force is such likewise; not to cause the least breach of its parts, but gently to carry it on with themselves; and so partly by the extension of its already existent[107] parts, as of those of Gold in drawing of Guilded Wyer; and partly by the accretion of new ones, as in the enlarging of a Bubble above the Surface of the Water, it is extended with them to their utmost growth. In which growth, the Germen being prolonged, and so displaying its several parts, as when a Prospective or Telescope is drawn out, thus becomes a Branch.

The same way as the propagation of the Parts of a Germen is contriv’d is its due nutrition also: For being originated from the inner part of the Lignous Body, ’tis nourished with the best fermented Sap in the Trunk, sc. that next adjacent to it in the Pith. Besides, since all its Parts, upon their shooting forth, divaricate from their perpendicular, to a cross Line, as these and the other grow and thrive together, bind and throng[108] each other into a Knot; through which Knot the Sap being strain’d, ’tis thus in due moderation & purity delivered up into the Branch.

And for Knots, they are so necessary, as to be seen not only where collateral Branches put forth; but in such Plants also as shoot up in one single Trunk; as in Corn; wherein, as they make for the strength of the Trunk; so by so many percolations as they are Knots, for the transmission of the Sap more and more refined towards the Ear. So that the two general uses of Knots are for firmer standing, and finer growth.

Lastly, as the due Formation and Nutrition of the Germen are provided for, so is its security also; which both in its position upon the Trunk, and that of its Parts among themselves may be observed. The position of its Parts shall be considered in speaking of the[109] Leaf. As to its standing in the trunk, ’tis alwayes betwixt the trunk or Elder Branch, and the Basis of the Stalk of the Leaf; whereby it is not only guarded from the Injuries of any contingent Violence, but also from the more piercing assaults of the Cold, so long till in time ’tis grown, as larger, so more hardy. The manner and uses of the position of every Germen, considered as after it becomes a Branch, hath already been by the Ingenious Mr. Sharrock very well observed; to whom I refer.

Upon the prolongation of the Germen into a Branch, its Leaves are thus display’d. The Parts whereof are substantially the same with those of a Branch: For the Skin of the Leaf is only the ampliation of that of the Branch; being partly by the accretion of new, & partly the extention of its already existent parts (dilated as in making[110] of Leaf-Gold) into its present breadth. The Fibres or Nerves dispersed through the Leaf, are only the Ramifications of the Branch’s Wood, or Lignous Body. The Parenchyma of the Leaf which lies betwixt the Nerves, and as in Gentlewomens Needle-works, fills all up, is nothing else but the continuations of the Cortical Body, or inner part of the Barque from the Branch into it self, as in most Plants with a fat Leaf, may easily be seen.

The Fibres of the Leaf neither shoot out of the Branch nor Trunk, nor stand in the Stalk, in an even Line; but alwayes in either an Angular or Circular posture, and usually making either a Triangle, or a Semi-Circle, or Cord of a Circle; as in Cycory, Endive, Cabbage, &c. may be observed: And if the Leaf have but one main Nerve, that also is postur’d in a Circular or Lunar Figure;[111] as in Mint and others. The usual number of these Nerves or Fibres is 3, 5, or 7. See the Figures from 20, to 29.

The reason of the said Positions of the Fibres in the Stalk of the Leaf, is for its more erect growth, and greater strength; which, were the position of the said Fibres in an even Line, and so the Stalk it self, as well as the Leaf flat, must needs have been defective; as from what we have said of the Circumferential posture of the Lignous Body in the Trunk, we may better conceive.

As likewise for the security of its Sap: For by this means it is, that the several Fibres, and especially the main or middle Fibre of the Leaf, together with a considerable part of the Cortical Body, are so disposed of, as to jut out, not from its upper, but its back, or nether plain. Whence the whole[112] Leaf, reclining backward, becomes a Canopy to them, defending them from those Injuries which from colder Blasts, or an hotter Sun, they might otherwise sustain. So that by a mutual benefit, as these give suck to all the Leaf, so that again protection to these.

These Fibres are likewise the immediate visible Cause of the shape of the Leaf: For if the nethermost Fibre or Fibres in the Stalk be in proportion greater, the Leaf is long, as in Endive, Cycory, and others: If all of a more equal size, it spreads rounder, as in Ivy, Doves-foot, Colts foot, &c. And although a Dock-Leaf be very long, whose Fibres notwithstanding, as they stand higher in the Stalk, are disposed into a Circle all of an equal size; yet herein a peculiar fibre, standing in the Center betwixt the rest, and running through the length of the Leaf, may be observed.

In correspondence also to the size and shape of these Fibres, is the Leaf flat: In that either they are very small, or if larger, yet they never make an entire Circle or Ring; but either half of one, as in Borage, or at most three parts of one, as in Mullen, may be seen. For if either they were so big, as to contain; or so entire, as perfectly to include a Pith, the Energy of the Sap in that Pith, would cause the said Lignous Ring to shoot forth on every side, as it doth in the Root or Trunk: But the said Fibres being not figur’d into an entire Ring, but so as to be open; on that hand therefore where open, they cannot shoot any thing directly from themselves, because there they have nothing to shoot; and the Sap having also a free vent through the said opening, against that part therefore which is thereunto opposite, it can have no force;[114] and so neither will they shoot forth on that hand; and so will they consequently that way only which the force of the Sap directs, which is only on the right and left.

The several Fibres in the Stalk, are all inosculated in the Leaf, with very many Sub-divisions; according as these Fibres are inosculated near, or at, or shoot directly to the edge of the Leaf, is it even or scallop’d. Where these Inosculations are not made, there we have no Leaves, but only a company of Ramulets, as in Fennel.

The Formations and Fouldings of Leaves have one Date, or are the contemporary works of Nature; each Leaf obtaining its distinct shape, and proper posture together; both being perfect, not only in the outer, but Central and minutest Leaves, which sometimes are five hundred times smaller than the outer; both which in the Cautious[115] opening of a Germen may be seen.

Nor is there greater Art in the Forms, than in the Foulds or Postures of Leaves; both answerably varying, as this or that way they may be most agreeable. Of the Quincuncial posture, so amply instanc’d in by the Learned Dr. Brown, I shall omit to speak. Others there are, which though not all so universal, yet equally necessary where they are; giving two general advantages to the Leaves, Elegancy and Security, sc. in taking up, so far as their Forms will bear, the least room; and in being so conveniently couch’d, as to be capable of receiving protection from other parts, or of giving it to one another; as for instance,

First, There is the Plain-Lap, where the Leaves are all laid somewhat convexly one over another, but not plaited; being to[116] the lengthy, breadth and number of Leaves most agreeable; as in the Buds of Pear-tree, Plum-tree, &c. But where the Leaves are not thick set, as to stand in the Plain-lap, there we have the Plicature; as in Rose-tree, Strawberry, Cinquefoyl, Burnet, &c. For the Leaves being here plaited, and so lying in half their breadth, and divers of them thus also collaterally set together, the thickness of them all, and half their breadth, are much alike dimensions; by which they stand more secure within themselves, and in better consort with other Germen-Growths in the same Truss. If the Leaves be much indented or jagg’d, now we have the same Duplicature; where there are divers Plaits in the same Leaf, or Labels of a Leaf, but in distinct Sets, a lesser under a greater; as in Tansey, &c. When the Leaves stand not collaterally, but single,[117] and that they are moreover very broad; then we have the Multiplicature; as in Gooseberries, Mallows, &c. the Plaits being not only divers in the same Leaf, but of the same set continuant, and so each Leaf gather’d up in five, seven, or more Foulds, in the same manner as our Gentlewomens Fans: Where either the thickness of the Leaf will not permit a flat lap, or the fewness of their number, or the smallness of their Fibres, will allow the Rowl, there this may be observed; which is sometimes single, as in Bears-Ears; sometimes double, the two Rowls beginning at each edge of the Leaf, and meeting in the middle. Which again, is either the Fore-Rowl, or the Back-Rowl. If the Leaf be design’d to grow long, now we have the Back-Rowl, as in Docks, Primroses, &c. For the main Fibres, and that with a considerable[118] part of the Cortical Body standing prominent from the Back-plain of the Leaf, they thus stand securely couch’d up betwixt the two Rowls; on whose security the growth of the Leaf in length depends. But Bears-Ears, Violets, &c. upon contrary respects, are rowled up inwards. Lastly, there is the Tre-Rowl, as in Fern; the Labels whereof, though all rowled up to the main Stem, yet could not stand so firm and secure from the Injuries either of the Ground or Weather, unless to the Rowls in breadth, that by the length were super-induc’d; the Stalk or main Stem giving the same protection here, which in other Plants by the Leaves, or some particular Mantling, is contriv’d.

For according to the Form and Foulding of every Leaf or Germen, is its protection order’d; about six wayes whereof may be observ’d; sc. by Leaves, Surfoyles, Interfoyles,[119] Stalks, Hoods and Mantlings. To add to what we have above given, one or two Instances. Every Bud, besides its proper Leaves, is covered with divers Leafy Pannicles or Surfoyls; which, what the Leaves are to one another, are that to them all: For not opening except gradually, they admit not the Weather, Wet, Sun or Ayr, to approach the Leaves, except by degrees respondent, and as they are leisurely inur’d to bear them. Sometimes, besides Surfoyls, there are also many Interfoyls set betwixt the Leaves, from the Circumference to the Center of the Bud; as in the Hasel: For the Fibres of these Leaves standing out so far from a plain surface; they would, if not thus shelter’d, lie too much expos’d and naked to the Severities of the Weather. Where none of all the Protections above-named, are convenient, there the Membranes of[120] the Leaves by continuation in their first forming (together with some Fibres of the Lignous Body) are drawn out into so many Mantles or Veins; as in Docks, Snakeweed, &c. For the Leaves here being but few, yet each Leaf and its Stalk being both exceeding long, at the bottom whereof the next following Leaf still springs up; the form and posture of all is such, as supersedes all the other kinds of protection, and so each Leaf apart is provided with a Veil to it self.

The Uses of the Leaves, I mean in respect of their service to the Plant it self, are these; first, for Protection, which, besides what they give to one another, they afford also to the Flower and Fruit: To the Flower in their Foulds; that being, for the most part, born and usher’d into the open Ayr by the Leaves. To the Fruit, when[121] afterwards they are display’d, as in Strawberries, Grapes, Rasps, Mulberries, &c. On which, and the like, should the Sun-Beams immediately strike, especially while they are young, they would quite shrivel them up; but being by the Leaves screened off, they impress the circumjacent Ayr so far only as gently to warm the said Fruits, and so to promote their Fermentation and Growth. And accordingly we see, that the Leaves above-named are exceeding large in proportion to the Fruits: whereas in Pear-trees, Apple-trees, &c. the Fruit being of a solider Parenchyma, and so not needing the like protection, are usually equal with, and often wider in Diameter than the Leaves.

Another use is for Augmentation; or, the capacity for the due spreading and ampliation of a Tree or Plant, are its Leaves: For[122] the Lignous Body being divided into small Fibres, and these running all along their lax and spongie Parenchyma; they are thus a Body fit for the imbibition of Sap and easie growth. Now the Sap having a free reception into the Leaves, it still gives way to the next succeeding in the Branches and Trunk, and the voyding of the Sap in these, for the mounting of that in the Root, and ingress of that in the Mould. But were there no Leaves to make a free reception of Sap, it must needs be stagnant in all the parts to the Root, and so the Root being clogg’d, its fermenting and other Offices will be voyded, and so the due growth of the whole. As in the motion of a Watch, although the original term thereof be the Spring, yet the capacity for its continuance in a due measure throughout all the Wheels, is the free and easie motion of the Ballance.

Lastly, As the Leaves subserve the more copious advancement, so the higher purity of the Sap: For this being well fermented both in the Root, and in its Ascent through the Trunk, and so its Parts prepar’d to a farther separation; the grosser ones are still deposited into the Leaves; the more elaborate and essential only thus supplied to the Flower, Fruit and Seed, as their convenient Aliment. Whence it is, that where the Flowers are many and large, into which the more odorous Particles are copiously receiv’d, the green Leaves have little or no smell; as those of Rose-tree, Carnations, French-Marigold, Wood-bind, Tulips; &c. But on the contrary, where the Flowers are none or small, the green Leaves themselves are likewise of a strong savour; as those of Wormwood, Tansie, Baum, Mint, Rue, Geranium Moschatum, Angelica, and others.

An Appendix.
Of Thorns, Hairs and Globulets.

Thorns are of two kinds, Lignous and Cortical. Of the first are such as those of the Hawthorn, and are constituted of all the same substantial Parts whereof the Germen it self, and in a like proportion: which also in their Infancy are set with the resemblances of divers minute Leaves. In affinity with these are the Spinets or Thorny Prickles upon the Verges and Tops of divers Leaves, as of Barberry, Holly, Thistle, Furze, and others; all which I think are[125] the filamentous extremities of the Lignous Body sheathed in the Skin.

Cortical Thorns are such as those of the Rasberry Bush, being not, unless in a most extraordinary small proportion propagated from the Lignous Body, but almost wholly from the Cortical and Skin, or from the Barque.

The growth of this Thorn may farther argue what in the Second Chapter we supposed; sc. That as the proper tendency of the Lignous Body, is to ascend, so of the Cortical to descend. For as the Lignous Thorn, like other Parts upon the Trunk, in its growth ascends; this being almost wholly Cortical, pointeth downward. The use of Thorns the very Ingenious Mr. Sharrock observed.

Upon the Leaves of divers Plants two Productions shew themselves, sc. Hairs and Globulets. Of Hairs, only one kind is taken notice[126] of, although they are various. Ordinarily they are plain; which when fine and thick set, as on most Hairy Buds; or fine and long, as on those of the Vine, we call them Down.

But sometimes they are not plain, but branched out, from the bottom to the top, reciprocally on every side, in some resemblance to a Stags-Horn; as in Mullen. And sometimes they are Astral, as upon Lavender, and some other Leaves, and especially those of Wild Olive; wherein every Hair rising in one round entire Basis a little way above the Surface of the Leaf, is then disparted. Star-like, into several, four, five or six points, all standing at right Angles with the said perpendicular Basis.

The Uses of Hairs are for Distinction and Protection. That of Distinction is but secondary, the Leaves being grown to a considerable[127] size. That of Protection is the prime, for which they were originally form’d together with the Leaves themselves, and whose service they enjoy in their Infant-estate: For the Hairs being then in form of a Down, alwayes very thick set, thus give that protection to the Leaves, which their exceeding tenderness then requires; so that they seem to be vested with a Coat of Frieze, or to be kept warm, like young and dainty Chickens, in Wooll.

Globulets are seen upon Orach, both Garden and wild; and yet more plainly on Mercury or Bonus Henricus. In these, growing almost upon the whole Plant, and being very large, they are by all taken notice of.

But strict Observation discovers, that these Globulets are the natural and constant Off-spring of very many other Plants. Both these[128] Globulets, and likewise the diversity of Hairs, I find the Learned Mr. Hook hath already observed. They are of two kinds; Transparent, as upon the Leaves of Hysop, Mint, Baume, and many more: White, as upon those of Germander, Sage, and others. All which, though the naked Eye will discover, yet by the help of Glasses we may observe most distinctly. The use of these we suppose the same with those of the Flower, whereof we shall speak.

CHAP. V.
Of the Flower.

We next proceed to the Flower. The general Parts whereof are most commonly three; sc. the Empalement, the Foliation, and the Attire.

The Empalement, whether of one or more pieces, I call that which is the utmost part of the Flower, encompassing the other two. ’Tis compounded of the three general Parts, the Skin, the Cortical and Lignous Bodies; each Empaler (where there are divers) being as another little Leaf; as in those of a Quince-Flower, as oft as they happen to be overgrown, is well seen.[130] As likewise in the Primrose, with the green Flower, commonly so call’d, though by a mistake; for that which seems to be the Flower, is only the more flourishing Empalement, the Flower it self being white; but the continuation of all the three aforesaid Parts into each Empaler, is discoverable, I think, no where better than in an Artichoke, which is a true Flower, and whose Empalers are of that amplitude, as fairly to shew them all: As also, that the Original of the Skin of each Empaler is not distinct from that of the rest; but to be all one piece, laid in so many Plaits or Duplicatures as there are Empalers, from the outermost to the inner and most central ones.

The Design of the Empalement, is to be security and Bands to the other two Parts of the Flower: To be their security before its opening, by intercepting all extremities[131] of Weather: Afterwards to be their Bands, and firmly to contain all their Parts in their due and most decorous posture; so that a Flower without its Empalement, would hang as uncouth and taudry as a Lady without her Bodies.

Hence we have the reason why it is various, and sometimes wanting. Some Flowers have none, as Tulips; for having a fat and firm Leaf, and each Leaf likewise standing on a broad and strong Basis, they are thus sufficient to themselves. Carnations, on the contrary, have not only an Empalement, but that (for more firmitude) of one piece: For otherwise, the foot of each Leaf being very long and slender, most of them would be apt to break out of compass; yet is the top of the Impalement indented also; that the Indentments, by being lapp’d over the Leaves before their expansion, may then[132] protect them; and by being spred under them afterwards, may better shoulder and prop them up. And if the feet of the Leaves be both long and very tender too, here the Empalement is numerous, though consisting of several pieces; yet those in divers Rounds, and all with a counterchangeable respect to each other (which also the Learned Dr. Brown observes) as in all Knapweeds, and other Flowers; whereby, how commodious they are for both the aforesaid ends, may easily be conceiv’d; and well enough exemplified by the Scales of Fishes, whereunto, as to their position, they have not an unapt resemblance.

The Foliation also, is of the same substantial nature with the green Leaf; the Membrane, Pulp, and Fibres whereof, being, as there, so here, but the continuation of the Skin, the Cortical and Lignous Bodies.

The Foulds of the Flower or Foliation are various, as those of the green Leaf; but some of them different. The most general are, First, The Plain Couch, as in Roses, and many other double Flowers. then the Concave Couch as in Blattaria flore albo. Next the Plait, as in some of the Leaves of Pease-Blooms, in the Flowers of Coriander, &c. which is either single, as in those nam’d; or double, as in Blew-Bottle, Jacea, and more of that rank. Next, the Couch and Plait together in the same Flower, as in Marigolds, Daisies, and all others of an agreeing form: where the first apparent Fould or Composture of the Leaves is in Couch; but the Leaves being erect, each likewise may be seen to lie in a double Plait within it self. Then the Rowl, as in the Flowers of Ladies-Bower, the broad top of each Leaf being by a double Rowl foulded up inwardly.[134] Next, the Spire, which it the beginning of a Rowl; and may be seen in the Flowers of Mallows, and others. Lastly, the Plait and Spire together, where the part analogous to the Foliation, is of one piece, the Plaits being here laid, and so carried on by Spiral Lines to the top of the Flower, as is in divers, and I think in Convolvulus Doronici folio more elegantly seen. The reason of all which varieties, a comparative consideration of the several parts of the Flower may suggest. Ile only mention, that no Flower that I find, hath a Back-Rowl, as hath the green Leaf, for two Reasons; because its Leaves have not their Fibres standing out much on their backside, as the green Leaves have; and because of its Attire, which it ever embosomes, and cannot so well do it by a Back-Rowl.

The usual Protections of Flowers[135] by the Precedents are express’d, sc. Green Leaves and Empalements. Some have another more peculiar, that is a double Vail; as the Spring-Crocus. For having no Empalement, and starting up early out of the Mould, even before its Green Leaves, and that upon the first opening of the Spring; lest it should thus be quite starved, ’tis born swath’d up in a double Blanket, or with a pair of Sheets upon its Back.

The Leaves of divers Flowers at their Basis have an hairy Tuft; by which Tufts the Concave of the Empalement is fill’d up; that, being very choice and tender, they may thus be kept in a gentle and constant warmth, as most convenient for them.

The Leaves of the Flower, though they are not hairy all over, yet in some particular parts they are often set with a fine Downy Velvet;[136] that, being by their shape and posture in those parts contiguous to their delicate and tender Attire, they may thus give it a more softly and warmer touch. Thus in the Flower of Ladies Bower, those parts of its Leaves which rowl inward, and lie contiguous to the Attire, are Downy; whereas the other parts are plain and smooth: So the Flowers of Pease, Spanish Broom, Toad-Flax, and many others, where contiguous to their Attires, are deck’d with the like Hairy Velvet.

As upon the Green Leaves, so upon the Flowers are Globulets sometimes seen; as upon the backside of that of Enula. On none more plainly than that kind of Blattaria with the white Flower; where they are all transparent, and growing both on the Stalk and Leaves of the Flower, each shewing likewise its Peduncle whereon it is erected.

The use of the Flower, or the Foliation whereof we now speak, (that is, as to its private service) is for the protection of the Attire; this, as its under, and the Empalement as its upper Garments; as likewise of the Fruit: The necessity of which Service, in some Cases, by the different situation of the Flower and Fruit, with respect to each other, is evident; Apples, Pears, and several other Fruits, standing behind or under the Flower; but Cherries, Apricots, and divers others, within it; for these, being of a very tender and pulpous Body, and withal putting forth with the colder part of the Spring, could not weather it out against the Variations and Extremities of the Air, (as those of a more solid Parenchyma can) except lodged up within their Flowers.

And as the Flower is serviceable to the safety of the Fruit, so is it[138] to its growth; sc. in its Infancy, or Embryo-estate; for which purpose, as there is a Flower, so that Flower is greater or less, according as the nature of the Fruit to which it belongs, and the plenty of the Sap by which the Fruit is fed, doth require. Thus, where the young Fruit is of a solider constitution, and the ascent of the Sap less copious, were there here no Flower to promote the said ascent thereof into the Fruit (in the manner as is effected by the Green Leaves) it must needs pine and die, or prove less kindly. On the contrary, should the Flower be over-large, it would not only promote the ascent of the Sap up to the Fruit, but being as yet over-proportionate to it, would likewise it self exhaust the same Sap, as fast as ascendent; like a greedy Nurse, that prepares the Meat for her Child, and then eats it up her self. Thus we see[139] Apples and Pears with a Flower of a moderate size, like their Body; of a middle Constitution, and their Sap of a middle quantity: But Quinces, being more solid, besides that they have as great a Flower, the Impalers of their Flower also thrive so far as to become handsom Leaves, continuing also after the Flower is fallen, firm and verdent a great while; so long till the fruit be able to provide for it self. On the other hand, Plums being more tender and Sappy than Apples and Pears, besides that their Empalers are much alike, their flower is less, and Gooseberries and Currans, which are still more Pulpy, and the course of the Sap towards them more free, have yet a flower far less. And Grapes, whose Sap is still of quicker Ascent, have scarce any flower at all; only some small resemblance thereof, serving just upon the setting of the fruit, and no longer.

The Attire I find to be of two kinds, Seminie and Florie: That which I call Seminie, is made up of two general parts, Chives and Semets, one upon each Chive. These Semets have the appearance (especially in many flowers) of so many little Seeds; but are quite another kind of Body: For upon enquiry we find, that these Semets, though they seem to be solid, and for some time after their first formation, are entire; yet are they really hollow; and their side, or sides, which were at first entire, at length crack asunder: And that moreover the Concave of each Semet is not a meer vacuity, but fill’d up with a number of minute Particles, in form of a Powder; which, though common to all Semets, yet in some, and particularly those of a Tulip, being larger, is more distinctly observable.

These Semets are sometimes fastned[141] so, as to stand erect above their Chive, as those of Larks-heel. Sometimes, and I think usually, so as to hang a little down, in the manner and figure of a Kidney; as in Mallows. Their Cleft or Crack is sometimes single, but for the most part double: At these Clefts it is that they disburse their Powders; which as they start out, and stand betwixt the two Lips of each Cleft, have some resemblance to the common Sculpture of a Pomegranate with its Seeds looking out at the Clefts of its Rind: This must be observ’d when the Clefts are recently made, which usually is before the expansion of the Flower.

The Particles of these Powders, though like those of Meal or other Dust, they appear not easily to have any regular shape; yet upon strict observation, especially with the assistance of an indifferent[142] Glass, it doth appear, that they are nothing else but a Congeries of so many perfect Globes or Globulets: That which obscures them; is their being so small. In Dogs-Mercury, Borage, and very many more Plants, they are extreamly so. In Mallows, and some others, more fairly visible.

Some of these Powders are yellow, as in Dogs-Mercury, Goats-Rue, &c. and some of other colours: But most of them I think are white; and those of yellow Henbane very elegant; the disburs’d Powders whereof, to the naked eye, are white as Snow; but each Globulet, through a Glass, transparent as Crystal; which is not a fallacy from the Glass, but what we see in all transparent Bodies whatsoever, lying in a Powder or small Particles together.

The Florid Attire, is commonly[143] known by the blind and rude Name of Thrums; as in the Flowers of Marigold, Tansie, &c. How adequate its imposition is, observation will determine: For the several Thrums or rather Suits, whereof the Attire is made up, however else they may differ in various Flowers, in this agree, that they are ever consistent of more than one, sometimes of two, and for the most part of three pieces (for which I call them Suits) and each piece of a different, but agreeable and comely form.

The outer part of every Suit, is its Floret: whose Body or Tube is divided at the top (like that of the Cowslip) into divers distinct Leaves; so that a Floret is the Epitome of a flower; and is all the flower that many Plants, as Mugwort, Tansie, and others, have. What the Learned Dr. Brown observeth of the number Five as to[144] the Leaves of the flower, is still more universally holding in these of the Floret.

Upon the Expansion of the Floret, the next part of the Suit is from within its Tube brought to sight; which we may (with respect to that within it) call the Sheath: For this also, like the Floret, is a concave Body; in its shape very well resembling the Fistulous Pouches of Wake-Robin, or of Dragon.

The Sheath, after some time, dividing at the top, from within its Concave, the third and innermost part of the suit, sc. the Blade advanceth and displayes it self. This part is not hollow, as the other two, but solid; yet at its point, not originally, but after some time, is evermore divided into two halves.

Upon the division of the said Point, there appears, as upon the[145] opening of a Semet; a Powder of Globulets, which before lay enclosed up within its Clefts; and are of the same nature with those of a Semet, though not so copious: So that all flowers have their Powders or Globulets. The whole Attire may in Knapweed, Blewbottle, &c. be observed.

The use of the Attire, how contemptibly soever we may look upon it, is certainly great. And though for our own use we value the Leaves of the Flower, or the Foliation, most; yet of all the three Parts, this in some respects is the choycest, as for whose sake and service the other two are made. The use hereof, as to Ornament and Distinction, is unquestionable, but is not all. As for Distinction, though by the help of Glasses we may make it to extend far; yet in a passant view, which is all we usually make, we cannot[146] so well. As for Ornament, and particularly in reference to the Semets, we may ask, If for that meerly these were meant, then why should they be so made as to break open, or to contain any thing within them? Since their Beauty would be as good as if they were not hollow, and is better before they crack and burst open, than afterwards.

A farther use hereof therefore we must acknowledge, and may observe; and that is for food; for Ornament and Distinction to us, and for Food to other Animals. I will not say, but that it may serve even to these for Distinction too, that they may be able to know one Plant from another, and in their flight or progress settle where they like best; and that therefore the varieties of these small parts are many, and well observed by them, which we take no notice of: Yet[147] the finding out of Food is but in order to enjoy it: Which, that it is provided for a vast number of little Animals in the attires of all Flowers, observation perswades us to believe. For why else are they evermore here found? Go from one Flower to another, great and small, you shall meet with none untaken up with these Guests. In some, and particularly the Sun-flower, where the parts of the Attire, and the animals for which they provide, are larger, the matter is more visible. We must not think, that God Almighty hath left any of the whole Family of his Creatures unprovided for; but as the Great Master, some where or other carveth out to all; and that for a great number of these little Folk, He hath stored up their peculiar provisions in the Attires of Flowers; each Flower thus becoming their Lodging and their[148] Dining-Room, both in one.

Wherein the particular parts of the Attire may be more distinctly serviceable, this to one Animal, and that to another, I cannot say: Or to the same Animal, as a Bee, whether this for the Honey, another for their Bread, a third for the Wax: Or whether all only suck from hence some Juice; or some may not also carry some of the Parts, as of the Globulets, wholly away: Or lastly, what may be the primary and private use of the attire (for even this abovesaid; though great, yet is but secondary) I now determine not.

CHAP. VI.
Of the Fruit.

The general composition of all Fruits is one, that is, their Essential and truly Vital Parts, are in all the same, and but the continuation of those which in the other Parts of a Vegetable, we have already observed: Yet because by the different Constitutions and Tinctures of these Parts, divers considerably different Fruits result; I shall therefore take a particular view of the more known and principal of them, sc. Apples, Pears, Plums, Nuts and Berries.

An Apple, if cut traverse, appears constituted of four distinct[150] Parts, the Pill, the Parenchyma, Branchery and Coare. The Pill is only the spreading and dilatation of the skin, or utmost part of the Barque in the Branch. The Parenchyma, when full ripe, is a tender delicate Meat: Yet as the Pill is but the continuation of the utmost part of the Barque; so is this but the continuance and ampliation, or (as I may call it) the swelth and superbience of the Inner part thereof; which upon observation of a young and Infant-Apple especially, is evident. Thus we see the Pith, which is often tough, in many Roots, as Parsneps, Turneps, &c. is tender and edible. So here, the Parenchyma, though originally no more than the Barque, yet the plenty and purity of its Sap being likewise effectual to the fulness and fineness of its growth, it thus becomes a soft and tender meat. The Branchery is[151] nothing else but the Ramifications of the Lignous Body throughout all the parts of the Parenchyma; the greater Branches being likewise by the Inosculations of the less (as in the Leaf) united together. The main Branches are usually fifteen; ten are spred and distributed through the Parenchyma, all enarching themselves towards the Cork or Stool of the Flower; the other five running from the Stalk in a directer Line, at last meet the former at the said Cork, and are there osculated with them. These five are originated from one; which running along the Center of the Stalk, and part of the Parenchyma of the Fruit, is therein at last divided. To these the Coats of the Kernels are fastned; so that whereas these Branches were originally all extended even beyond the Fruit, and inserted into the Flower for the due growth thereof;[152] the Fruit afterwards growing to some head, and so intercepting and preying upon the Aliment of the Flower, starves that, and therefrom supersedes the service of the said Branches to it self, ten for its Parenchyma, and five for its Seed. The Coar is originated from the Pith; for the Sap finding room enough in the Parenchyma, through which to dispence it self all abroad, quits the Pith, which thereby hardens into a Coar. Thus we see the Insertions, although originate from the Cortical Body, yet their Parts being, by the Inosculations of the Lignous, so much compress’d and made to co-incide together, they become a Body very compact and dense. And in the Barque we see the same effect by arefaction only, or a meer voydance of the Sap; the Inner Part whereof, though soft and sappy, yet its superficial Rind is often so hard and smooth,[153] that it may be fairly writ upon.

In a Pear there are five distinct Parts, the Pill, the Parenchyma, Branchery, Calculary and Acetary. The three former are here and in an Apple much alike; saving that here the Inner or Seed-Branches are ordinarily ten. The Calculary (most observable in rough-tasted, or Choak-Pears) is a congeries of little stony Knots: They are many of them dispersed throughout the whole Parenchyma; but lying more continuous and compact together towards the Center of the Pear, surround the Acetary there in a somewhat Globular Form. About the Stalk they stand more distant; but towards the Cork or Stool of the Flower, they still grow closer, and there at last gather (almost) into the firmitude of a Plum-stone it self. Within this lies the Acetary; ’tis of a soure tast, and by the bounding of the Calculary[154] of a Globular Figure. ’Tis a simple Body, having neither any of the Lignous branched in it, nor any Knots. It is of the same substantial nature with the Parenchyma; but whether it be absolutely one with it, or be derived immediately from the Pith, my Enquiries yet made, determine not.

The Original of the Calculary I seem to have neglected: But hereof we may here best say, that whereas all the other Parts are Essential and truly Vital, the Calculary is not; but that the several Knots whereof it consists, are only so many meer Concretions or Precipitations out of the Sap; as in Urines, Wines, and other Liquors, we often see. And that this Precipitation is made by the mixture and re-action of the Tinctures of the Lignous and Cortical Bodies upon each other: Even as all Vegetable Nutrition or Fixation[155] of Parts is also made by the joynt efficiency of the two same Tinctures, as hath been said. Hence we find, that as the Acetary hath no Branches of the Lignous Body, so neither hath it any Knots. Hence likewise it is, that we have so different and contrary a taste in the Parenchyma beyond the Calculary, from that in the Acetary; for whereas this is soure, that, wherein the said Precipitations are made, is sweet; being much alike effect, to what we find in mixing; of Corals, &c. with Vinegar or other acid Liquor.

In a Plum (to which the Cherry, Apricot, Peach, Walnut, &c. ought to be referr’d) there are four distinct Parts, the Pill, the Parenchyma, Branchery and Stone. The Pill and Parenchyma are, as to their Original, with those of an Apple or Pear both alike: As likewise the Branchery, but differently[156] ramified. In Plums (I suppose all) there are five main Out-Branches, which run along the Surface of the Stone from the Basis to the point thereof, four of them by the one Ridge, and one by the other opposite to it. In an Apricot there is the same number, but the single Branch runs not upon the Surface, but through the Body of the Stone. There are likewise two or three smaller Branches, which run in like manner under the other Ridge for some space, and then advancing into the Parenchyma, therein disperse themselves: These latter sort in Peaches are numerous throughout: But notwithstanding the different disposition of the Branches of the Fruits aforesaid; yet is there one Branch dispos’d in one and the same manner in them all: The entrance hereof into the Stone is at its Basis; from whence running through[157] its Body, and still inclining or arching it self towards its Concave, is at last about its Cone thereinto emergent, where the Coats of the Seed are appendent to it. Of the Seed-Branch ’tis therefore observable that after its entrance into the Fruit, ’tis alwaies prolonged therein to a considerable length; as is seen not only in Apples, &c. where the Seed stands a good distance from the Stalk; but in Plums likewise, where it stands very near it; in that here the Seed-Branch, as is said, never strikes through the Stone into the Coats of the Seed directly, but about its Cone or remoter end. The Stone, though it seem a simple Body, yet it is compounded of different ones: The Inner Part thereof, as it is by far the thinnest, so is it the most dense, white, smooth and simple. The Original is from the Pith; difficult, but curious to observe: For the[158] Seed-Branch, not striking directly and immediately quite through the Basis of the Stone, but in the manner as is above described, carries a considerable part of the Pith, now gathered round about it, as its Parenchyma, along with it self, which, upon its entrance into the concave of the Stone about its farther end, is there in part spred all over it, as the Lining thereof. The outer and very much thicker Part consisteth partly of the like Precipitations or concrete Particles, as in a Pear, being gathered here much more closely, not only to a Contiguity, but a coalition into one entire Stone; as we see in Pears themselves, especially towards the Cork, they gather into the like Stoniness; or as we see a Stone, Mineral or Animal, oftentimes the product of accumulated Gravel: But as the Parenchyma is mixed with the Concretion in the Calculary,[159] so is it also, though not visibly, with these in the Stone, the ground of the Stone being indeed a perfect Parenchyma; but by the said Concretions so far alter’d, as to become dry, hard and undistinguishable from them.

In a Nut (to which an Achorn is analogous) there are three general Parts, the Cap, Shell and Pith. The Cap is constituted of a Pill and Parenchyma derived from the Barque, and Ramulets from the Lignous Body of the Branch. The Shell likewise is not one simple Body, but compounded. The Superficial Part thereof is originated from the Pill or Skin of the Cap, from the inside whereof it is in a Duplicature produc’d and spred over the shell: which, if you look at the Basis of the shell, is farther evident; for that being continuous with the Parenchyma of the Cap, without the interposure[160] of the Skin, the said superficial Part is there wanting. The thicker and inner part of the shell consisteth of the same Parenchyma as that of the Cap, with a congeries of Precipitations filled up, as in a Stone. And as the Lignous Body is branched in a Stone, so, with some difference, in a Shell. The Outer Branches or Ramulets are numerous, each issuing out of the Parenchyma of the cap, and entring the Shell at the Circumference of its Basis and so running betwixt its superficial and inner parts towards its cone, in a Round. The Inner or Seed-Branch is single, entering in, as do the other, at the Basis of the shell, but at the center thereof; from whence it runs, not through the Shell, as in Plums through the Stone; but through the Pith, as far as the cone, where the Coats of the Seed hang appendent to it. The Pith, whether[161] derived from the same part both in name and nature in the Branch and Stalk, or from the Cortical Body, I yet determine not.

A Berry, as a Gooseberry (to which Currans, Grapes, Hipps, &c. are to be referr’d) consisteth, besides the Seed, of the three general Parts, Pill, Parenchyma and Branchery: The Pill is originated as in the foregoing Fruits. The Parenchyma is double, as likewise in some other Berries: The outer is commonly, together with the Pill, call’d the Skin, and is that part we spit out, being of a soure taste. As the Pill is originated from the outer, so this from the inner part of the Barque; and accordingly the Pores thereof may be observed plainly of a like shape with those both of the Cortical Body and Pith. The inner is of a sweet taste, and is the part we eat: It is of a constitution so laxe and tender,[162] as it would seem to be only a thicker or jellied Juice; although this likewise be a true Parenchyma, something like that of an Orange or Limon, with its Pores all fill’d up with Liquor. The Branchery is likewise double: The Exterior runs betwixt the Pill and outer Parenchyma in arched Lines, from the Stalk to the Stool of the Flower. These outer Branches, though of various number at the Stalk, yet at the Cork are usually ten principal ones; five for the five Leaves of the Flower, and five for the Chives. The inner main Branches are two, diametrically opposite to each other, and at the Cork with the other inosculated. From these two are branched other smaller, every one having a Seed appendent to it, whose Coats it entreth by a double Filament, one at the Basis, the other at the Cone. They are all very white and turgent;[163] and by a slaunt cut, may be observ’d concave; thus representing themselves analogous to so many true spermatick Vessels.

The Uses of Fruits are for Man, (sometimes also other Animals, as are Akerns and Haws) and for the Seed. For Man, they are so variously desirable, that till our Orchards and Store-Chambers, Confectioners Stores and Apothecaries Shops, our Ladies Closets, their Tables or Hands are empty of them, I shall not need to enquire for what. If it be asked, how the Fruit becomes, generally above all the other Parts, so pleasant a Meat? It is partly from the Sap, the grosser portion thereof being deposited in the Leaves, and so the purer hereunto reserved; partly from the Globular Figure of the Fruit; for the Sap being thus in a greater quantity herein, and in all parts equally diffus’d, the Concoction[164] hereof is with greatest advantage favoured and promoted. Wherefore all Fruits which we eat raw, how small soever, are of a Globular form, or thereunto approaching; and the nearer, the delicater; amongst apples, the Peppin; amongst Pears, the Burgundian; and amongst all Fruits, the Grape; and amongst Grapes, the roundest, are of all the most dainty.

The visible cause of this Globular Figure, is the Flower; or the Inosculation of all the main Branches at the Stool of the Flower; and upon the fall of the Flower, the obtuseness, and with Wind and Sun, as it were the searing of their several ends: For thus the Sap entring the Fruit, being not able to effect, either a Disunion, or a shooting forth of the said Branches, and so to carry on their growth in length; they must thus of necessity[165] be enarch’d, and with the Parenchyma more and more expand themselves. Whereas were they dispos’d and qualified otherwise, than as is said, instead of forming a Fruit within bounds, they would run out into all extravagance, and even into another little Tree or Leafy growth.

To the Seed, the Fruit is serviceable; First, in order to its being supply’d with a due and most convenient Sap, the greater and less elaborated part thereof being, in its passage towards the Seed, thereinto received; the Fruit doing the same office to the Seed, which the Leaves do to the Fruit; the Sap in the Fruit being in a laxe comparison, as the Wine; and that for the Seed, a small part of the highest Spirit rectified from it.

So likewise for its Protection, in order to the prosperous carrying on and perfecting of its generation,[166] and security being perfected. Which protection it gives not only to the Seminal Sap and Seed it self; but alwaies also to its Seed-Branch. Thus we see an Apple, besides that it is it self of ample compass, for the sake of its Seed, hath likewise its coar; as if it were not sufficient, that the Walls of their Room are so very thick, unless also wainscotted. In a Pear again, where the Parenchyma is of less compass than that of an Apple, to what protection this affords, that of the Calculary is super-added. But in a Plum, where the Parenchyma is exceeding tender, and in a Peach, which hangs late, and till Autumn Frosts approach, we have not only the Rubbish of a Calculary but stout Stone-Walls. Within which also, not only the Seed it self; but the Seed-Branch is evermore immur’d. Lastly, in a Nut, where the shell being not surrounded[167] with a Parenchyma, that protection is wanting without, ’tis answer’d by an ample Pith within it; and the seed-Branch likewise included, not meerly in the Body of the Shell, as in a Plum, but within the pith it self. So necessary is this design that what the Hen by Incubation or Hovering, is to the Egg or Chick; that the whole Fruit, by comprehension, is to the Seed.

CHAP. VII.
Of the Seed.

As the Original, so the ultimate end & Perfection of Vegetation is the Seed. How it is the former, and in its state apt for Vegetation, hath already been seen. How the latter, and in its state of Generation, we shall now lastly enquire. In doing which, what in the other state was either not distinctly existent, or not so apparent, or not so intelligible, will occur.

The two general Parts of the Seed are its Covers and Body. The Covers in this estate are usually[169] four; the outmost we may call the Case: ’Tis of a very various form; sometimes a Pouch, as in Nasturtium, Cochlearia; a Cod, as in all Pulse, Galega; sometimes not entire, but parted, or otherwise open, as in Sorrel, Knotgrass, with many other forms; I think alwaies more heterogeneous to that of the Seed, by which it differs from the proper Coats. To this the Caps of Nuts, and the Parenchyma’s of Fruits are analogous.

The two next are properly the Coats: In a Bean especially, and the like; from whence to avoyd Confusion, the denomination may run common to the responding Covers of other Seeds. The Colour of the outer is of all degrees, from White to the Blackness of Jett: Its Figure sometimes Kidney’d, as in Alcea, Behen, Poppy; triangular, as in Polygonatum, Sorrel; triangular spherical, in Mentha,[170] Melissa; circular, in Leucoium, Amaranthus; globular, in Napus, Asperula; oval, in Speculum Veneris, Tithymalus; half Globe, in Coriander; that which we take for one single round Seed, being a Conjugation of two; half Oval, in Anise, Fennel; Hastal, in Lactuca; Cylindrical, as, if I mistake not, in Jacobæa, Pyramidal, in Geranium, Althææ Fol. with many other differences: But the Perfection of one or two of the said Figures lieth in the Case: So that as all Lines and Proportions are in the Flower, so all Regular Figures in the Seed, or rather in its Covers.

’Tis sometimes glistering, as in Speculum Veneris; Rough-cast, in Catanance; Studded, in Behen, Blattaria; Favous, in Papaver, Antirrhinum, Lepidium annuum, Alcea Vesicaria, Hyosciamus, and many more, before the Seeds have[171] lain long by; Pounced, in Phalangium Cretæ, Lithospermum; Ramified, in Pentaphyllum fragiferum, Erectum majus, resembling the Fibres of the Ears of the Heart; some just Quinquenerval, as in Anisum, and many more, the Lignous Body being in five main Fibres branched therein.

The Covers of not only Quince-Seeds, and those of Psyllium (more usually taken notice of) but those also of Horminum, Nasturtium, Eruca, Camelina, Ocymum, and divers others, have a Mucilage; which, though it be not visible when the Seeds are throughly dry; yet lying a while in some warm Liquor, or only on the Tongue, it swells more or less, and upon them all fairly shews it self. On that of Ocymum it appears grayish; on the other, transparent; and on that of Nasturtium Hortense very large; even emulous of the inner Pulp surrounding[172] a Gooseberry-seed. The putting of Clary-seed into the Eye, may have been brought into use from this Mucilage, by which alone it may become Medicinal. And thus far of the Superficies.

The nature of the outer Coat is various, Membranous, Cartilaginous and Stony; the like Precipitations being sometimes made herein, as in a Stone or Shell; as in that of the Seeds of Carthamum, Lithospermum, and others. The Designment hereof, being either with respect to the Seed in its state of Generation; as where the Case is either wanting, or at least insufficient of it self, there for its due protection and warmth; or, in its state of Vegetation, for the better Fermenting of its Tinctures and Sap; the Fermentations of some Seeds not well proceeding, unless they lie in their Stony Casks in the Mould, like Bottled Liquors in Sand.

All Seeds have their outer Covers open; either by a particular Foramen, as in Beans, and other Pulse, as is said; or by the breaking off of the Seed from its Peduncle or Stool, as in those in Cucumber, Cycory; or by the entering and passage of a Branch or Branches, not only into the Concave thereof near the Cone, but also through the Cone it self; as in Shells and Stones.

For the sake of this aperture it is, that Akerns, Nuts, Beans, Cucumbers, and most other Seeds, are in their formation so placed, that the Radicle still standeth next to it; that, upon Vegetation, it may have a free and ready passage into the Mould.

The Original of the outer Coat, though from Parts of the same substantial nature, yet is differently made. In a Plum, the Seed-Branch which runs, as is described, through[174] the Stone, is not naked, but, as is said, invested with a thin Parenchyma, which it carries from the Stalk along with it; and which, by the Ramification of the said Branch within the Stone, is in part dilated into a Coat. That of a Bean is from the Parenchyma of the Cod; the superficial part of which Parenchyma, upon the large peduncle of the Bean becoming a thin Cuticle, and upon the Bean it self a cartilaginous Coat.

The Original of the inner Coat of the Bean is likewise from the inner part of the said parenchyma; which first is spred into a long Cake, or that which with the seed-Branch maketh the peduncle of the Bean; under which Cake, there is usually a black part or spot; by the length of which, the inner part of the Cake is next inserted into the outer Coat, and spred all over the Concave thereof.

This inner Coat, though when the Seed is grown old and dry, ’tis shrunk up, and in most Seeds so far as scarcely to be discern’d; yet in its first and juvenile Constitution, is a very Spongy and Sappy Body; and is then likewise (as the Womb in a pregnant Animal) in proportion very thick and bulky; in a Bean, even as one of the Lobes it self: And in a Plum or apricot, I think I may safely say, half an hundred times thicker than afterwards, when it is dried and shrunk up; and can scarcely be distinguished from the upper Coat. Upon which Accounts it is, in this estate, a true and fair Parenchyma.

In this Inner Coat in a Bean, the Lignous Body or Seed-Branch is distributed: Sometimes, as in French-Beans, throughout the whole Coat; as it is in a Leaf: In the Great Garden-Bean, upon[176] its first entrance, it is bipartite, and so in small Branches runs along the Circumference of the Coat, all meeting and making a kind of Reticulation against the Belly of the Bean. In the same manner the main Branches in the outer Coat of a Kernel, circling themselves on both hands from the place of their first entrance, at last meet, and mutually inosculate.

So that all the Parts of a Vegetable, the Root, Trunk, Branch, Leaf, Flower, Fruit and Seed, are still made up of two substantially different Bodies.

And as every Part hath two, so the whole Vegetable taken together, is a composition of two only, and no more: All properly Woody Parts, Strings and Fibres, are one Body: All simple Barques, Piths, Parenchyma’s and Pulps, and as to their substantial Nature, Pills and Skins likewise, all but one[177] Body: the several Parts of a Vegetable all differing from each other, only by the various Proportions and Mixtures, and variously sized Pores of these two Bodies. What from these two general Observations might reasonably be inferr’d, I shall not now mention.

The fourth and innermost Cover we may call the Secondine; the sight whereof, by cutting off the Coats of an Infant-Bean, at the Cone thereof in very thin Slices, and with great Caution, may be obtain’d. While unbroken, ’tis transparent; being torn and taken off, it gathers up into the likeness of a Jelly, or that we call the Tredle of an Egg, when over-boyl’d. This Membrane in larger or elder Beans, is not to be found distinct; but becomes as it were the Lining of the inner Coat: But (as far as our Enquiries yet discover) it may in most other Seeds, even full grown, be[178] distinctly seen; as in those of Cucumber, Colocynthis, Burdock, Carthamum, Gromwel, Endive, Mallows, &c. ’Tis usually so very thin, as in the above-nam’d, as very difficultly to be discover’d. In some Kernels, as of Apricots, ’tis very thick; and in some other Seeds. That all these have the Analogy of one and the same Cover, which I call the Secondine, is most probably argu’d from their alike Natures; being all of them plain simple Membranes, with not the least Fibre of the Lignous Body or Seed Branch, visibly distributed in them; as also from their Contexture, which is in all of them more close.

The Concave of this Membrane is filled with a most transparent Liquor, out of which the Seed is formed; as in cutting a petite and Infant-Bean, may be seen; and yet better in a young Walnut. In[179] Beans I have observed it to turn, upon boyling, into a tender white coagulum.

Through this Membrane, the Lignous Body or Seed-Branches distributed in the inner Coat, at last shoot downright two slender Fibres, like two Navles, one into each Lobe of the Bean. The places where the said Fibres shoot into the Lobes, are near the Basis of the Radicle; and by their Blackishness well enough remark’d: but the Fibres themselves are so very small, as scarcely to be discern’d: Yet in a Lupine, of the larger kind, both the places where the Navel-Fibres shoot into the Lobes (which here from the Basis of the Radicle is more remote) and the Fibres themselves, are fairly visible. For the Seed-Branch, upon its entrance into the Coat of the Lupine, is presently divided into two main Branches, and those two into other less;[180] whereof some underly, others aloft, run along the Coat, and towards its other end meet and are inosculated; where about two opposite, shallow, round, and most minute Cavities, answerable to two Specks of a cartilaginous gloss, one in either Lobe, may be observed, which Specks are the ends of the said Navel-Fibres, upon the ripening of the Seed there broken off. These Fibres, from the Superficies of each Lobe, descend a little way directly down; presently, each is divided into two Branches, one distributed into the Lobes, the other into the Radicle & Plume, in the manner as in the first Chapter is describ’d. And thus far the History. I shall now only with a brief account of the Generation of the Seed, as hereupon dependent, conclude this Discourse.

Let us say then, that the Sap having in the Root, Trunk, and Leaves, passed divers Concoctions and Separations, in the manner as they are said to be perform’d therein; ’tis now at last, in some good maturity, advanced towards the Seed.

The more copious and cruder part hereof is again seperated by a free reception into the Fruit, or other Part analogous to it: being either sufficiently ample to contain it, or at least laxe enough for its transpiration, and so its due discharge. The more Essential part is into the Seed-Branch or Branches entertain’d; which, because they are evermore of a very considerable length, and of a Constitution very fine, the said Sap thus becomes in its Current therein, as in the Spermatick Vessels, still more mature.

In this mature estate, from the seed-Branch into the Coats of the seed, as into the Womb, ’tis next delivered up. The meaner Part hereof again, to the outer, as aliment good enough, is supplied. The finer part is transmitted to the Inner; which, being, as is said, a Parenchymous and more spatious Body, the Sap therefore is not herein, as in the outer, a meer aliment; but in order to its being, by Fermentation, farther prepared.

Yet the outer Coat, being on the contrary hard and dense; for that reason, as it admitteth not the Fermentation of the Sap so well within it self; so doth it the more promote and favour it in the Inner, being Bounds both to it and its Sap; and also quickneth the process of the whole Work in the formation of the Seed.

Nor doth the outer Coat, for the same reason, more promote than declare the purity of the Sap now contained in the Inner: For being more hard and dense, and so not perspirable, must needs suppose the Parts of the Sap encompassed by it, since thus uncapable of any evacuation, to be therefore all, so choice, as not to need it.

The Sap being thus prepared in the inner Coat, as a Liquor now apt to be the Substratum of the future Seed-Embrio, by fresh supplies, is thence discharged; yet that it may not be over-copious; which, because of the laxity of the Inner Coat from whence it issues, it might easily be; therefore as the said inner Coat is bounded without by the upper Coat, so by the Secondine or Membrane is it bounded within; through which Membrane[184] the Sap being filtr’d, or, as it were, transpiring, the depositure hereof, answerable to the Colliquamentum in an Egg, or to the semen Mulibre, into its Concave at last is made.

The other Part of the purest sap embosom’d in the Ramulets of the seed-Branch, runs a Circle, or some progress therein; and so becomes, as the Semen Masculinum, yet more elaborate.

Wherein also, lest its Current should be too copious or precipitate, by their co-arcture and divarication where they are inosculated, it is retarded; the noblest portion only obtaining a pass.

With this purest sap, the said Ramulets being supplied, from thence at last, the Navel-Fibres shoot (as the privitive Artery into[185] the Colliquamentum) through the Secondine into the aforesaid Liquor deposited therein.

Into which Liquor, being now shot, and its own proper Sap or Tinctures mixed therewith, it strikes it thus into a Coagulum; or, of a Liquor, it becomes a Body consistent and truly Parenchymous; and the supply of the said Liquor still continu’d, and the shooting of the Navel-Fibres, as is above described, still carried on, and therewith the said Coagulation or Fixation likewise.

And in the Interim of the Coagulation, a gentle Fermentation being also made, the said Parenchyma or Coagulum becometh such, not of any Constitution indifferently, but is thus raised (as we see Bread in Baking)[186] into a Congeries of Fixed Bubbles: For such is the Parenchyma of the whole Seed.

THE
EXPLICATION
OF THE
FIGURES.

Fig. 1.

Sheweth a Bean with the two Lobes laid open somewhat wider than the Parts, without a Rupture, will well bear, for the better sight of that Part which lieth between them.

aaaa The two Lobes.

AA Their contiguous Flats.

b The Radicle.

c The Plume.

dd One of the Cavities wherein the Plume lieth.

Fig. 2.

aaaa The Parenchyma.

eeee The seminal Root distributed throughout the Parenchyma of either Lobe.

b The Radicle, with the seminal Root running through it in one Trunk to the Point thereof.

c The Plume, with the Distributions of its Inner Body continued from the seminal Root of either Lobe.

xx The oblique Insertion of the two grand Branches of the Lobes into the Trunk of the Radicle.

Fig. 3.

The Lobe of a Bean cut athwart.

aaa The convex or external part thereof.

bbb The concave side out of sight.

cccc The Extremities of the Branches of the seminal Root, as they appear like so many small Specks in the traverse Cut.

Fig. 4.

The Plume cut athwart.

The black Specks represent the Branches of the seminal Body thereinto inserted, or therein distributed.

Fig. 5.

aaaa A Lobe of a Gourd-seed.

cccc The greater Branches.

ee The Sub-divisions and Inosculations of the lesser.

Fig. 5. 00.

AA A great white Lupine.

aa The Navel-Fibres which strike from the Ramulets of the Seed-Branch, into the Lobes.

ab The production of the Navel-Fibre into the Radicle (b.)

c The Plume.

bc The Pith.

aeeee The distribution of the Navel-Fibre in the Lobes; all becoming the seminal Root, describ’d in the first Chapter.

Fig. 6.

aaaa A Slice of the Root of a Tree.

cccc The Cortical Body or Barque.

e The Pith.

The black Pieces are the Shootings of the Lignous Body.

The Specks therein are its Pores.

The White Pieces are the Insertions of the Cortical Body.

Fig. 7.

Sheweth the Root of Berbery in the Traverse Cut.

aaa The Cortical Body or Barque.

The white Lines are the Insertions.

The Black Specks are the Pores of the Lignous Body.

Fig. 8.

aaaa The Cortical Body as appearing in a Turnep cut athwart.

acdacd The Lignous Body, or the several Shoots thereof represented in their Ranks, by the black Lines; the Pricks made along the Lines being the Terminations of the said Shoots or Fibres; not visible except in a thin slice, or after the Surface of the Turnep, being cut, is well dried.

cccc The Cortical Body inserted betwixt the Shootings of the Lignous: or the Pith.

ab ab A piece of the Cortical Body taken off, that its own Insertions (eeee) and the Osculations of the Lignous may be seen; which is best done after the Insertions are a little dried and shrunk.

The Appearance of divers Roots, in their Elder estate, as ex. gr. of a Columbine.

Fig. 9. The Fibrous parts of the Root, where the Lignous Body stands Central; the Pores whereof are represented by the black Specks.

10. The Root cut a little higher, where the Cortical Body sometimes appears only once inserted.

11. The Root cut higher with the Insertions in some number.

12. The Insertions still more numerous.

13. The Pith (a) now begun, the said Insertions being collected in the Center.

14. The Pith (a) more amplified.

Fig. 15.

Sheweth a small piece of the Trunk of Burdock.

a The just size thereof to the naked Eye.

aaaa The appearance of it through a Microscope.

lll The Inserted Cortical Body.

ccc The outmost shooting of the Lignous Body distributed into the Leaves.

ee bb tt The inner Shootings or Fibres distributed to the Branches.

The Black Specks are their Pores, which, through a Microscope are fairly visible in them all.

Fig. 16.

aaaa The Slice of a Trunk of divers years growth.

cccc The Cortical Body, or Barque.

e The Pith.

The white Lines are the Insertions of the Cortical Body or Barque.

The Black Lines are the lignous Body.

The several Shootings thereof betwixt the black Circles shew the Annuall Rings.

Fig. 17.

Sheweth a small piece of Oak cut athwart.

b The just bigness of it, as it appeareth to the naked eye.

bbbb The appearance thereof through a Microscope.

aaaa The greater Insertions visible to the bare eye.

The white Lines are the smaller Insertions only visible by the Microscope.

cccccc The greater Pores visible to the bare eye.

eeeeee The middle sized.

The black Spots are the smallest of all, and both these latter visible only through the Microscope.

c The Pith of every great Pore.

Fig. 18.

aaaa A piece of the Leaf of a Table.

bbbb The lignous Body with its Pores running by the length of the Trunk.

cccc The Insertions of the Cortical Body, with the Tract of their Pores running directly cross to those of the lignous, viz. by the Diameter or breadth of the Trunk.

Fig. 19.

A Slice of a younger Trunk of a Burdock.

cccc The utmost Shootings of the lignous Body contiguous to the Skin; wholly distributed into the outer Leaves.

eeee The middle Shootings running chiefly into the lower Germens.

et et &c. The inner Shootings belonging to the higher Germens.

a The Pith.

The various Disposure, Size and Figure of the Fibres in the Stalk of a Leaf.

Fig.
20	In Endive thus.
21	Coltsfoot.
22	Cycory.
23	Ivy.
24	Asarabacca.
25	Mint.
26	Dock.
27	Borage.
28	Mullen.
29	Cabbage.

THE PREFACE.

THE CONTENTS

CHAP. 1. Of the Seed as Vegetating.

CHAP. 2. Of the Root.

CHAP. 3. Of the Trunk.

The Appendix. Of Trunk-Roots and Claspers.

CHAP. 4. Of the Germen, Branch, and Leaf.

The Appendix. Of Thorns, Hairs and Globulets.

CHAP. 5. Of the Flower.

CHAP. 6. Of the Fruit.

CHAP. 7. Of the Seed in its state of Generation.

Cl. Glissonius in Prolegomenis præfixis Libro de Hepatis Anatomia, c. 1.

To be added and corrected.

In some Copies.

Transcriber’s Note

THE ANATOMY OF VEGETABLES Begun.

CHAP. I. Of the Seed as Vegetating.

CHAP. II. Of the Root.

CHAP. III. Of the Trunk.

An Appendix. Of Trunk-Roots and Claspers.

CHAP. IV. Of the Germen, Branch, and Leaf.

An Appendix. Of Thorns, Hairs and Globulets.

CHAP. V. Of the Flower.

CHAP. VI. Of the Fruit.

CHAP. VII. Of the Seed.

THE EXPLICATION OF THE FIGURES.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5.

Fig. 5. 00.

Fig. 6.

Fig. 7.

Fig. 8.

The Appearance of divers Roots, in their Elder estate, as ex. gr. of a Columbine.

Fig. 15.

Fig. 16.

Fig. 17.

Fig. 18.

Fig. 19.

The various Disposure, Size and Figure of the Fibres in the Stalk of a Leaf.

THE
PREFACE.

THE
CONTENTS

CHAP. 1.
Of the Seed as Vegetating.

CHAP. 2.
Of the Root.

CHAP. 3.
Of the Trunk.

The Appendix.
Of Trunk-Roots and Claspers.

CHAP. 4.
Of the Germen, Branch, and Leaf.

The Appendix.
Of Thorns, Hairs and Globulets.

CHAP. 5.
Of the Flower.

CHAP. 6.
Of the Fruit.

CHAP. 7.
Of the Seed in its state of Generation.

THE
ANATOMY
OF
VEGETABLES
Begun.

CHAP. I.
Of the Seed as Vegetating.

CHAP. II.
Of the Root.

CHAP. III.
Of the Trunk.

An Appendix.
Of Trunk-Roots and Claspers.

CHAP. IV.
Of the Germen, Branch, and Leaf.

An Appendix.
Of Thorns, Hairs and Globulets.

CHAP. V.
Of the Flower.

CHAP. VI.
Of the Fruit.

CHAP. VII.
Of the Seed.

THE
EXPLICATION
OF THE
FIGURES.