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