GRAPE, is a Plum with two Stones; for their thickness, as hard as any other. Tab. 69. The Distribution of the Vessels is also somewhat different. For the principal Fibres running up directly betwixt the Stones; and the smaller, making only one single Net, near the Circumference; they all meet together at the Top of the Grape. It is also to be noted, That many Lignous Fibres are visibly mixed with the Skin it self: whereby it becomes very thick and tough. And as the Aer-Vessels in the Trunk of a Vine, are greater than in that of an Apple, Pear, or Plum: So is it to be presumed, that in a Grape, they are greater than in the Fruits of those Trees.
2. §. The Parenchyma or Pulp of a Grape, seems to be derived, not from the Barque, as in an Apple; nor partly from the Barque, and partly from the Pith, as in a Goosberry; but wholly from the Pith; at least, as far as the Reticulation of the Fibres; and the Skin only from the Barque; whereby the Pulp becomes so tender and delicate a Meat.
3. §. A GOOSBERRY, hath a Threefold Parenchyma. The Utmost is derived from the Barque; of a Greener Colour, and very Sappy. The midlemost, from the Pith; somewhat white, and more dry, as the Diametral Insertions in some Roots. In both of them, the Bladders are very conspicuous, above what they are in any Fruit, I at present think of; so as to be visible to a good Eye without a Glass. Tab. 69.
4. §. Betwixt these Two Parenchymas, do run most of the principal Fibres, or Vascular Threds. Tab. 69. From which several smaller ones are branched into the Inmost Parenchyma; upon which, the Seeds do hang.
5. §. Each of these smaller Branches is invested with some part of the midle or white Parenchyma. Serving partly to make the Covers of the Seed; and partly, the Pulp, that is, the Inmost and finest Parenchyma of the Berry, in which the Seed lies.
6. §. A White CORIN, without taking off the Skin, sheweth not unpleasantly how the Seeds are fastned. For as the Trunk of the Tree continues not to any considerable Length, entire, as in a Plum, but is presently divided into several Boughs; nor are the Edges of the Leaf entire, as also in a Plum, but slit into several Lobes; and the Fruit, into a great many Corins in a Bunch: So again, the Seeds do hang upon the Fibres, like Two other Bunches, in every Corin. As by Refraction, Objects of all Sizes are represented on the Walls of the Eye. The Operations of Nature being every where Uniform: and sometimes the same in small, transcribed from a greater Copy.
7. §. A NUT, is a Plum inverted, or turned inside outward. For the Shell, standing naked, includes the Parenchyma: the bearded Cap, not precisely answering to that, but to the Empalement of the Flower; Tab. 69. which likewise in many other Plants, out-lives the Foliature and Embosomes the Uterus of the Seed. And whereas the Stone of a Plum is not Faced, but Lined with a Parenchyma derived at second hand from the Pith: The Shell of a Nut is not Lined, but Faced with the iner Skin of the Cap.
8. §. AN AKERN, is the Nut of an Oak. Yet with this difference; That besides the Cup, it stands in, it hath only a Leathern or Parchment Cover instead of a Shell. From whence it come to pass, that whereas the Kernel of a Nut is sweet; that of an Akern, is of a very rough Tast: the Austere Parts of the Sap, which in a Nut are drained off into the Shell, being here imbibed by the Kernel it self.