THE ANATOMY OF PLANTS, BEGUN. With a General Account of Vegetation, Founded thereupon.
CHAP. I. Of the Seed in its State of Vegetation.

BEING to speak of Plants; and, as far as Inspecti­on, and consequent Reason, may conduct, to en­quire into the visible Constitutions, and Uses of their several Parts: I choose that Method, which, to the best advantge, may suit with 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.

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

[Page 2] 3. §. If then we take a Bean and dissect it, we shall find it cloath­ed with a doubled Vest or Coat. These Coats, while the Bean is yet green, are separable, and easily distinguished. Or in an old one, after it hath lay'n two or three days in a mellow Soil; or been soaked as long a time in Water: Tab. 1. f. 2. as in Tab. 1. When 'tis dry, they cleave so closely together, that the Eye not before instructed, will judge them but one; the inner Coat (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.

4. §. The Inner Coat, in its Natural State, is every where twice, and in some places, thrice as thick, as the Outer. Next to the Radi­cle, which I shall presently describe, it is six or seven times thicker; and encompasses the Radicle round about, as in the same Figure ap­pears. Tab. 1. f. 2.

5. §. At the thicker end of the Bean, in the outer Coat, a very small Foramen presents it self, even to the bare Eye. In Dissection 'tis found to terminate against the point of that Part which I call the Radicle. Tab. 1. f. 1-a It is of that capacity, as to admit a small Virginal Wyer; and is most of all conspicuous in a green Bean. Especially, if a little magnified with a good Spectacle-Glass. This Foramen is not a hole ca­sually made, or by the breaking off of the Stalk; but designedly form­ed, for the uses hereafter mentioned. It 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 in many Seeds not reckoned of this kind­red, as in that of Foenugreek, 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, which otherwise would intercept the sight hereof.

6. §. That this Foramen is truly permeable, even in old Setting-Beans, and the other Seeds above named, appears upon their being soaked for some time in Water. For then, taking them out, and crush­ing them a little, many small bubles will alternately arise and break up­on it.

7. §. Of all Seeds which have thick or hard Covers, it is also ob­servable, That they have the same likewise Perforated, as above said, or in 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 in Chap. 7. shall be seen how. To which Chapter, what is farther observable, ei­ther as to the nature and number of the Covers of the Seed, I also refer.

8. §. The Coats of the Bean being stripp'd off, the proper Seed shews it self. The parts whereof it is composed, are three; sc. the Main Body, and two more, appendant to it; which we may call, the Three Organical Parts of the Bean.

9. §. The Main Body is not one entire piece, but always 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; Tab. 1. f. 2, 3. but in young ones, especially boil'd, they easily slip asunder.

[Page 3] 10. §. Some very few Seeds are divided, not into two Lobes, but into more; Tab. 1. f. 4. f. 5. as that of Cresses into Six. And some are not at all divi­ded, but entire; as the Grains of Corn. Excepting which few, all other Seeds, even the smallest, are divided, like as the Bean, into just two Lobes. Whereof, though in most Seeds, because of their minuteness, we cannot by dissection be inform'd; yet otherwise, we easily may, as in this Chapter shall be seen.

11. §. 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 white colour, Tab. 1. f. 2. & 3—a 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, Tab. 1. f. 6—c Apple-Kernels, Almonds, Almonds, and many other Seeds, it stands pro­minent just from the end; the Basis and the End being in these the same, but in the Bean divers.

12. §. This Part is found 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 may be called the Radicle: by which, I mean the Materials, abating the Formality, of a Root. In Corn, it is that Part, which Malsters, up­on its shooting forth, call the Come. '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, Tab. 1. f. 7—c greater; as of Foenugreek, which is full as big as one of its Lobes.

13. §. The lesser of the two said Appendents lies occult beeween the two Lobes of the Bean, by separation whereof only it is to be seen. 'Tis enclos'd in two small Cavities, Tab. 1. f▪ 3—b form'd in the Lobes for its reception. Its colour comes near to that of the Radicle; and it is founded upon the Basis thereof, having a quite contrary production, sc. towards the Cone of the Bean; as being that very Part, which, in process, becomes the Body or Trunk of the Plant. In Corn, it is that Part, which after the Radicle is sprouted forth, or come, shoots towards the smaller end of the Grain; and by many Malsters, is called the Acrospire.

14. §, This Part is not, like the Radicle, an entire Body, but di­vided, at its loose end, into divers pieces, all very closely couched 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 separation of these, the more interiours still may be discovered. In the Bean, this may be done: but in very few other Seeds; because of the extreme smallness of the Plume. 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 dis­play'd 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, and especially in the larger white Kind, or in the great Indian Phaseolus, Tab. 1. f. 8—b 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 [Page 4] 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 a Seed; and no more than these

15. §. Having thus taken a view of the Organical Parts of the Bean, and other Seeds; 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.

16. §. 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 aslant into the Bean, and then very gently bearing upward what you have cut, will separate, and shew it self transparent. 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.

17. §. 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.

18. §. 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 I call it the Parenchyma. Not that we are so meanly to conceive of it, as if (according to the stricter sense of that word,) it were a meer concreted Juyce. For it is a Body very curiously organiz'd, consisting of an infinite number of extreme small Bladders; as in Tab. 1. is apparent. The Surface hereof is some­what dense, Tab. 1. f. 9. but inwardly, 'tis of a laxer Contexture. If you view it in a Microscope, or with a very good Spectacle-Glass, 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.

19. §. 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 or Pulp 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 are white, is so different from that of the Lobes, which are green, 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 young; yet when it is 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.

[Page 5] 20. §. 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 above five Sevenths of the whole Radicle; and in each Lobe, is so far over-proportionate, as to make at least nine Tenths of the whole Lobe.

21. §. By what hath been said, that the Parenchyma or Pulp is not the only constituting Part, besides the Cuticle, is imply'd: there be­ing another Body, of an essentially different substance, embosom'd here­in: which may be found not only in the Radicle and Plume, but also in the Lobes themselves, and so in the whole Bean.

22. §. This Inner Body appears very plain and conspicuous in cutting the Radicle athwart, Tab. 1. f. 10, 11, & 12. and so proceeding by degrees towards the Plume, through both which it runneth in a large and strait 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, Tab. 1. f. 13. 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.

23. §. For this Inner body, as it is existent in every Organical Part of the Bean; so is it, with respect to each Part, most regularly di­stributed. In a good part of the Radicle 'tis one entire Trunk; to­wards the Basis thereof, Tab. 1. f. 14. '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.

24. §. Of this Seminal Root, as now we'll call it, from the Descrip­tion here given, it is further observable; That the two main Branch­es hereof; in which the several Ramifications in each Lobe are all uni­ted, are not committed into the Seminal Trunk of the Plume, nor yet stand at right angles with That and the Radicle, and so with equal re­spect towards them both: but being produced through part of the Pa­renchyma of the Radicle, are at last united therein to the main Trunk, and make acute Angles therewith: Tab. 1. f. 14. as may be seen in the same. f. 14.

25. §. This Seminal Root 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 observ'd. Again, if you take the Lobe of a Bean, and lengthwise pare off its Parenchyma by degrees, and in extreme thin slices, 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: or else soaked in Water, or buryed for some time.

26. §. 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'll therein find, first, one large Trunk [Page 6] 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. The distribution of the Inner Body, Tab. 1. f. 11- c as it is continuous throughout all the Organical Parts of the Bean, is represented, Tab. 1. f. 14.

27. §. This Inner Body is, by dissection, best observable in the Bean and great Lupine. In other larger Pulse it shews 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 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.

28. §. Yet in a Gourd-Seed, the whole Seminal Root, not only its Main Branches, Tab. 1. f. 15- c but also the Sub-divisions and Inosculations of the lesser ones, are without any dissection, upon the separation of the Lobes, on their contiguous Flats immediately apparent.

And as to the existence of this Seminal Root, what Dissection can­not attain, yet an ocular inspection in hundreds of other Seeds, even the smallest, will demonstrate; as in this Chapter shall be seen how.

29. §. 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 the Lobes or Main Body of 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 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.

30. §. THE GENERAL Cause of the growth of a Bean, An Account of the Vege­tation of the Seed. 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 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.

31. §. 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 Soil, 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 [Page 7] not only in a proportionate quantity, and by degrees; but also 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.

32. §. 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 be any such Particles or Steams, as might damp the genuine proceeding thereof, through this again, they may have easie issue. Or if, by being over copious, they should become too high a Ferment; and so precipitate those soft and slow degrees, as are necessary to a due Vegetation. The said Aperture 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.

33. §. And the Radicle being designed to shoot forth first, as pre­sently shall be shew'd how; therefore is it distinctly surrounded with the Inner and more succulent Coat. That being thereby suppled on every side, its eruption may be the better promoted.

34. §. 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 in the Body of the Inner, is by mediation of the Cuticle, again more finely filtr'd, and so entereth the Parenchyma it self under a fourth Government.

35. §. Through which Part the Sap passing towards the Seminal Root, as through that which is of a more spatious 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,

36. § 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 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.

37. §. 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 sometimes an inch or two in length. Now because the primitive course of the Sap into [Page 8] the Radicle, is thus requisite; therefore, by the frame of the Parts of the Bean is it also made necessary. The two main Branches of the Se­minal Root, being produced, as is before observed, not into the Plume, but the Radicle. 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; Tab. 1. f. 14. that is, into the Radicle. By which Sap, 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.

38. §. The Plume, all this while, lyes close and still. For the sake of which, chiefly it is, that the Bean and other Seeds are divided into Lobes, viz. That it might 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 cleaving of the Coats, have lay'n contiguous.

39. §. But the Radicle being thus impreguated 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 Sap were first made from the Lobes, towards the Root: so the Root being well shot into the Mould, and now receiving a new and more copious Sap from thence; the motion hereof must needs be stronger, and by degrees proceed in a contrary course, sc. from the Root to­ward the Plume: and, by the coutinuation of the Seminal Root, is di­rectly conducted thereinto; by which being fed, it gradually enlarges and displays it self.

40. §. 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.

41. §. Yet is not this common to all Seeds. Some rot under­ground; as Corn; being of a laxer and less Oleous Substance, differing herein from most other Seeds; and being not divided into Lobes, but one entire thick Body. And some, although they continue firm, and are divided into Lobes, 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, Tab. 1. f. 14. on the contrary, growing so lusty, as to mount up without them.

42. §. 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, do mount also upwards, and advance above the Ground together with it; as all Seeds which spring up with one or more Dissimilar Leaves: These Dissimilar Leaves, for the most part Two, which first spring up, and are of a different shape from those that follow, being the very Lobes of the Seed, divided, expanded, and thus advanced.

[Page 9] 43. §. The Impediments of our apprehension 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 conceive, 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, advancing above the Ground, (as it useth to do) it was always changed into a perfect Green. And why might not the same by parity of Reason be inferred 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 but little) we here had only the two Lobes: Tab. 2. f. 1. So, (as some augmentation there was) I inferr'd the like might be, and that, in farther degrees, in other Seeds.

44. §. 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; Tab. 2. f. 2. 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 that 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 dis-imprisoned from their Coats, and the course of the Sap into them, now more and more encreased; they must needs very consi­derably amplisie themselves: and from the manner wherein the Semi­nal Root is branched in them, that amplification cannot be in thick­ness, Tab. 2. f. 3. 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 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 easie Task; yet is that which may be obtained; and in the Last Book shall be shew'd. 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.

45. §. 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 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, [Page 10] which have six, Hist. of the Prop. of Vege. 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, other Instances might be added.

46. 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. 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: Tab. 3. But where the Lobes rise, there the Plume hath neither of them, being both needless.

47. §. Again, since the Plume, being yet tender, may be in­jur'd not only by the Aer, 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 suppling it, lest its new access into the Ayr, should shrivel it.

48. §. Moreover, that since the Dissimilar 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.

49. §. Lastly, we have here a demonstration of the being of the Seminal Root: which, since through the colour or smalness 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 [...]he now effoliated Lobes, not of one or two Seeds, but of hundreds; the Semi­nal Root visibly branching it self towards the Cone or 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 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.

2. §. In Dissection of a Root then, we shall find it with the Ra­dicle, as the Parts of an Old Man with those of a Foetus, substantially, one. The first Part occurring is its Skin, the Original whereof is from the Seed: For that extreme thin Cuticle which is spread 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.

3. §. The next Part is the Cortical Body. Which, when it is thin, is commonly called the Barque. The Original hereof, likewise is from the Seed; or the Parenchyma, which is there common both to the Lobes and Radicle, Tab. 2. f. 4. being by Vegetation augmented and prolonged into the Root, the same becomes the Parenchyma of the Barque.

4. §. The Contexture of this Parenchyma may be well illustrated by that of a Sponge, being a Body Porous, Dilative and Pliable. 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, upon its 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; that is to say, a most exquisitely fine-wrought Sponge.

5. §. The Extention of these Pores is much alike by the 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.

6. §. The proportions of this Cortical Body are various: If thin, 'tis, as is said, called a Barque; and thought to serve to no other end, than what is vulgarly ascrib'd to a Barque; which is a narrow conceit. If a Bulky Body, in comparison with That within it, as in the young Roots of Cichory, 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.

[Page 12] 7. §. Next within this Part stands the Lignous Body: This Lig­nous Body, lyeth with all its parts, so far as they are visible, in a Cir­cle or Ring. Tab. 2. f 4. b. Yet are there divers extreme small Fibres thereto pa­rallel, 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, altogether, properly make the Barque. The Original of this Lignous Body, 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 of the Plant, the Lignous Body.

8. §. The Contexture hereof, in many of its parts, is 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, Goosberry-Tree, &c. less, in Oak, Plums, and especially Damascens, more; in Elder, Tab. 2. f. 5. Vines, &c. most 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 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, Tab. 2. f. 7 a. b. yet most fair and open about the filamentous Extremities of some Roots, where about, the Roots have no Pith; as in Fenil. And in many Roots, higher.

9. §. The proportion betwixt this Lignous Body and the Cortical, is various, as was said; yet in this, constant, sc. that in the filamentous and smaller Parts of the Root, the Lignous Body is very much the less; running like a slender Wyer or Nerve through the other surrounding it. Whereas in the upper part, it is often times of far greater quan­tity than the Cortical, although it be encompass'd by it. They stand both together pyramidally, which is most common to Infant Roots, but also to a great many others.

10. 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 always. As to its substantial na­ture, we are more certain; that it is the same with that of the Paren­chyma of the Radicle; being always 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, I find, 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: Tab. 2. f. 5. which in a thin Slice cut athwart the Root, as so many lines drawn from the Circumference towards the Center, shew them­selves.

11. §. 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 [Page 13] the Cortical Body, which are extended by the length and breadth much alike; and from those of the Lignous, being only by its length.

12. §. The number and size of these Insertions are various. In Hawthorn, Tab. 2. f. 5. & 6. and some others, and especially Willows, they are most ex­tream small; in Cherries and Plums they are Biger; and in the Vine and some other Trees, very fairly apparent. In the Roots of most Herbs they are generally more easily discoverable; which may lead to the observation of them in all.

13. §. 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 they 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, strait and parallel: 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, Tab. 2. f. 8. the Cortical shooting, and being also osculated answerably Brace for Brace, that which I call the Insertment is framed thereof.

14. §. These Osculations are so made, that the Pores or Fibres of the Lignous Body, I think, notwithstanding, seldom or never run one into another; being, though contiguous, yet still 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, saving perhaps, in the Plexures.

15. §. 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. In the Roots of Trees, they are generally obscure; but in Herbs often more distincty apparent; and especially in a Turnep: the appearance where­of, the Barque being stripp'd off, is as a piece of close-wrought Net­work, fill'd up with the Insertions from thence.

16. §. 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 I 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 and tubular 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.

17. §. But many times the Original hereof is immediately from the Barque. For in dissection of divers Roots, both of Trees and Herbs, 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, Tab. 2. f. 9. [...] in the least Concave, but standeth Solid, or without any Pith, 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, [Page 14] the Pith is not only of the same substantial nature, and by the In­sertions doth communicate with the Barque; and that it is also 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; that is to say, from the Parenchymous Part thereof. The various appea­rances of the Insertions and Pith from the filamentous Parts to the top of the Root, Tab. 2. f. 9. see in Tab. 2. The Pores of the Lignous Body, as it stands entire in the said filamentous Parts, are best seen when they have lain by a night to dry, after cutting.

18. §. 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 (now more properly becoming a Barque) groweth proportionably less, sc. because the Insertions do still more and more enlarge the Pith. Likewise the peculiar frame of some Roots, wherein besides the Pith, the Lignous Body being divided into two or more Rings, there are also one or more thick Rings, of a white and soft substance, which stand betwixt them; and are nothing else but the Insertions of the Cortical Body collected into the said Rings; but, towards the top of the Root, being inserted again, thus make a large and ample Pith; as in older Fennel-Roots, those of Beet, Tab. 2. f. 8. Turnep, and some other Herbs, is seen.

19. §. 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.

20. §. The Proportions of the Pith, are various; in Trees, but small; in Herbs, 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 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.

21. §. 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 Succulent part of the Lignous Body of the Trunk is often originated.

22. §. Some of these Pith-Fibres, although they are so exceeding slender, yet in some 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 obtain'd. 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.

23. §. I SAY THEN, That the Radicle being impregnate, and shot into the Moulds, An Account of the Growth of the Root. 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 adapted to pass through the surrounding [Page 15] Cuticle. Which transient Sap, though it thus becomes fine, yet is not simple; but a mixture of Particles, both in respect of those 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: the purest part, as most apt and ready, recedes, with its due Tinctures, from the said Cortical Body, to all the parts of the Lignous; both those mixed with the Barque, and those lying within it. Which Lignous Body like­wise super-inducing its own proper Tinctures into the said Sap; 'tis now to its highest preparaton 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 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 Spirit is al­so thereunto assistant; so is it here: the Sap prepared in the Cortical Body, is as the Bloud, and that part thereof prepared by the Lignous, is as the Nervous Spirit; 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.

24. §. 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 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 in the Cortical; and so they both move in length.

[Page 16] 25. §. 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. Yet both of them being sufficiently pliable, they are thus capa­ble, where the Soyl 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 a kind of Magnetisme) I shall not make my Task here to enquire.

26. §. Now although the Lignous Body, 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 it is 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 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, thereunto concurrent. We shall next shew the use of the two other Parts, sc. the Insertment and Pith; and first of the Pith.

27. §. ONE true use of the Pith is for the better Advancement of the Sap, whereof I shall speak in the next Chapter. The use I here observe, is for the quicker and higher Fermentation of the Sap: For although the Fermentation made in the Cortical Body was well 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 [Page 17] 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 coarctation, 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, 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.

28. §. 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 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 Bloud by the disseminations of the Arteries, is freely and sufficiently convey'd to its intimate Parts, even those, which from either the Barque or from 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.

29. §. Having thus seen the solitary uses of the Several Parts of the Root, I shall lastly propound my Conjectures of that Design where­to they are altogether concurrent, and that is the Circulation of the Sap.

30. §. That the Sap hath a Double, and so a Circular Motion, in the Root; is probable, from the proper Motion of the Root, and from its Office. From its Motion, which is Descent: for which, the Sap must likewise, some where, have such a Motion proper to it. From its Office, which is, To feed the Trunk: for which, the Sap must also, in some Part or other, have a more especial Motion of Ascent.

31. §. We may therefore suppose, That the Sap moving in the Barque, towards the Pith, through the Insertions, thereinto ob­tains a pass, Which passage, the upper Insertions will not favour; because the Pith standing in the same heigth with them, is there large, the fermenting and course of the Sap quick, and so its opposition strong. But through the lower it will much more easily enter; be­cause there, from the smalness of the Pith, the opposition is little, and from the shortness of the Insertions, the way more open. So that the Sap here meeting with the least opposition, here it will bestow it self (feeding the Lignous Body in its passage) into the Pith. Into which, fresh Sap still entring, this being yet but crude, will subside: that [Page 18] first receiv'd, and so become a Liquor higher wrought, will more ea­sily mount upwards. And moving in the Pith, especially in the Sap-Fibers there dispers'd, as in the Arterys, in equal altitude with the upper- 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, and so into the Sap-Fibres themselves, as into the Veins, back again. Wherein, being still pursu'd by fresh Sap from the Center, and more occurring from the Circumference, towards the lower Insertions, it thus descends. Through which, together with part of the Sap afresh imbib'd from the Earth, it re-enters the Pith. From whence, into the Cortical Body, and from thence into the Pith, the cruder part thereof, is reciprocally 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.

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

2. §. 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.

3. §. 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 Plume in the Seed; and is only the increase and augmentation thereof. Tab. 3. f. 1, & 4. The Skin, this Cortical Body or Parenchyma, and (for the most part) some Fibers of the Lignous mixed herewith, alltogether make the Barque.

4. §. Next, the Lignous Body, which, whether it be visibly di­vided into many softer Fibers or small Threads, Tab. 3. f. 1. as in the Bean, Fen­nel, and most Herbs; or that its Parts 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 Se­minal Root distributed in the Lobes and Plume thereof.

5. §. 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.

6. §. 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 apparent in so many Rings, as is common­ly known. Tab. 3. f. 5. & 8. For several young Fibers of the Lignous Body, as in the Root, so here, shooting in the 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.

[Page 20] 7. §. From these Annual younger Fibers 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 Sap-Fi­bers, annually grow therein, and so communicate with it.

8. §. The Pores likewise of the Lignous Body, many of them, in well-grown Timber, as in Oaken boards, are very conspicuous, in cutting both lengthwise and traverse. They very seldom, if ever, run one into another, but keep, like so many several Vessels, all along distinct; Tab. 3. f. 2. & 3. 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. And so, the like, in any Cane.

9. §. Besides these, there are a lesser sort; which, by the help only of a good Spectacle Glass may be observ'd.

10. §. And these are all the Pores visible without a Microscope. The use of which, excepting in some few particulars, I have pur­posely omitted in this first Book. Micrography. Mr. Hook sheweth us, besides these, a third, and yet smaller Sort; and (as a confirmation of what, in the Second Chapter, C. 2. §. 8. I have said of the Pores of the Lignous Body in general) that they are all continuous and prolonged by the length of the Trunk, as are the greater ones: whereof he maketh Experi­ment, by filling up, in a piece of Char-coal, all the said Pores with 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. All these I have seen, with the help of a good Microscope, in several sorts of Woods. As they all appeare in a piece of Oak, cut trans­versely, Tab. 3. f. 7. See Tab. 3.

11. §. Upon further Enquiry, I likewise find, That the Pores of the Lignous Body in the Trunks of Herbs, which at first I only sup­posed, by the help of good Glasses, are very fairly visible: each Fi­bre being sometimes 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; and every Pore, being not meerly a space betwixt the several parts of the Wood, but the Concave of a Fiber. So that if it be asked, what all that Part of a Plant, either Herb or Tree, which is properly called the Woody-Part; what all that is, I suppose, That it is nothing else but a Cluster of innumerable and most extraordinary small Vessels or Concave Fibers: Tab. 3. f. 6. as in a Slice of the Trunk of Bur­dock is apparent.

12. §. Next the Insertions of the Cortical Body, which in the Trunk of a Tree saw'd athawrt, 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, Tab. 3. f. 5. & 8. which the Lines of Latitude and of the Meridian do in a Globe. The entrance of the Insertions into the Wood, is also, upon striping off the Barque, very apparent; as in the same Fig. 8.

[Page 21] 13. §. These Insertions are likewise very conspicuous in Sawing of Trees length-ways into Boards, and those plain'd, and wrought in­to Leaves for Tables, Wainscot, Trenchers, and the like. In all which, as in course Trenchers made of Beech, and Tables of Oak, there are many parts which have a greater smoothness than the rest; Tab. 3. f. 2. & Tab. 4. f. 1. and are so many inserted Pieces of the Cortical Body; which being by those of the Lignous, frequently intercepted, seem to be discontinuous, al­though in the Trunk they are really extended, in continued Plates, throughout its Breadth.

14. §. 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 interwoven together, they thus constitute one strong and firmly coherent Body; Tab. 4. f. 1. as the Timber of any Tree.

15. §. As the Pores or Vessels 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 others also, much more both numerous and small, distinctly apparent, as in a transverse piece of Oak. Tab. 3. f. 7.

16. §. In none of all the 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 non­existence is enough evident, C. 1. §. 42. from what in the first Chapter we have said of the Lobes of the Seed: 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. And being cut transversely, will bleed, both the same ways, with equal freedom.

17. §. 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; Tab. 3. f. 2. 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 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 those Pores appears to the naked Eye, see in Tab. 3. Fig. 9. The Pores themselves may be seen in the Root of a Vine described and figured in the Second Book, Tab. 17. as it appears through a good Microscope.

18. §. 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 Hony-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 through the transparency of the Skins by which they are bounded, or of which they consist, would seem to be considera­bly [Page 22] extended by the length of the Pith; but are really disconti­nuous and short, and as 'tis said, somewhat answerable to the Cells of an Hony-Comb. This is the nearest we can come to them, by the bare Eye without the assistance of a good Microscope. Mr. Hook sheweth in his Micrography, 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 but (as he calls them) an heap of Bub­bles. Although, in regard they are not fluid, but fixed Parts, I shall choose rather to call them, Bladders. As they appear through a good Glass, Tab. 3. f. 6. in a piece of Burdock, See in Tab. 3. But a more par­ticular Description of the Sizes, Figures, and admirable Textures here­of, I have given in several places in the following Books.

19. §. Besides what this Observation informs us of here, C. 2. §. 3, 16, 17. it farther confirms what in the Second Chapter we have said of the Original of the Pith and Cortical Body, and of the sameness of both their natures with the Parenchyma of the Seed: which is no­thing else but a Mass of Bladders; C. 1. §. 18. & Tab. 1. f. 9. as in the First Chapter hath been said.

20. §. In the Piths of many Plants, the greater Pores or Bladders 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 Bladders visibly interjected. However, that they are all permeable, is most certain. They stand together not confu­sedly, 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 parts of the Root and Trunk. Yet are there some considerable Disparities betwixt them; wherein, and how they come to pass, and to what especial Use and End, shall next be said.

21. §. WE SAY then, An Account of the Growth of the Trunk. 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 dipos'd to, by the respective position and quantity of its Parts it is effectual­ly enabled. For whereas in the Root the Lignous 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 magnetical tendency to ascend, reduce the Cortical Body to a compliance with it.

22. §. And the Trunk thus standing from under the restraint of the Ground 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 be di­lated. [Page 23] And this being dilated, the Cortical Body also, must needs be inserted; and is therefore in proportion always, 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 continued to its top and smallest Twigs, but also there, in proportion, equally ample with what it is in any other inferiour part.

23. §. But although the openness of the Aer permitting, be all­ways 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 this; as in Herbs 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 it, the Trunk thus sometimes becomes an hallow Stalk, the Pith being wholly, or in part voided. 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.

24. §. 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 parts, of the Root standing Central, we may thence 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; although now it would be no heavier, and in that re­spect, as apt for motion; yet would it have far less strength, than as its Parts are dilated to a Circumferential posture. And so for Quills, which, for the same Reasons, in subserviency to flying, as they are ex­ceeding light; So, in comparison with the thinness of their Sides, they are very strong, and much less apt to bend, than if contracted into a Solid Cylinder. We see it not only in Nature, but Art. For hence it is, that Joyners and Carpenters. unite and set together their Timber­pieces and several Works oftentimes with double Joynts; which, al­though [Page 24] 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, the same proportion as its heigth bears, to the thinness of its sides, doth the greatness of its Cir­cumference also; being so far dilated as to parallel a Quil it self.

25. §. Besides the position of the Lignous Body within the compass of a Ring, there are 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.

26. §. Next, the security and plenty of the Sap. For should the Lignous Body, as it doth in the smaller Parts of the Root, 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 Aer; and being lodged 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 Center, the Sap therein being not only most remote from the Aer and Sun, but by the Barque, and especially the Wood, being also surrounded and doubly immur'd, will very securely and copi­ously be convey'd to all the Collateral Parts, and (as shall be said how) the top of the Trunk.

27. §. 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 tun'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.

28. §. And the Fermentation hereof being quicker, its motion also will be stronger, and its Distribution 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 Herbs, 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.

29. §. 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 excluded, or dried: But in most, principally, the Lignous Body and Pith; as in most Annual Growths of Trees; but especially Herbs, where the Cortical Body is usually much and often wholly Inserted.

[Page 25] 30. §. 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 Herb, by an accurate and steady view may be observed. But when I say the Vessels 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 or Vessels of the Wood, being probably, be­cause in less 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 Aer 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 (considered as Aliment) it serveth only for the growth of the 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.

31. §. But these Pores, although they are a free and open way to the ascending Sap; yet that meer Pores or Vessels should be able of themselves to advance the Sap with that speed, strength and 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 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 Herbs and Trees, with great Piths, the quickest and the longest? But how are the Pores or Bladders 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 again, instead thereof fill'd with Aer, 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 observe, that they are visibly more open by the breadth, than by the length. And withall 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 Aer. Whereas the Pith in a Vegetating Plant, as its Parts or Bladders are still generated, they are at the same time also fill'd with Sap; which, as 'tis gradually spent, is still repaired by more succeeding, and so the Aer 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 [Page 26] is of its broken Bladder, 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 Bladders of the Pith is discharged and repaired every moment, as by its shriv'ling up, upon cutting the Plant, is evident.

32. §. We suppose then, that as the 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 over­run 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 or Bladders being 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 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 or Vessels of the Lignous Body, will still continue. 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 in very small Glasse Pipes, or be­twixt the two halves of a Stick first slit, and then tyed somewhat loose­ly together, may also any Liquor be observed to do. By which Ad­vantage the facility and strength of that ascent will be continued higher in the said Vessels, 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 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 Sap moving by the breadth of the Pith, presseth thence into the Vessels 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 replenished. 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 Vessels 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 Tree.

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.

2. §. 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, but from in Inner or Central Parts; So as to take the Pith in also. Divers of which Parts 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 Succulent Part of the Lignous Body of the Trunk is sometimes principally from those Fi­brous Shoots which run along the Pith in the Root.

3. §. 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 Germen propagated. For by the vigour of their own motion from the Center, they impress an equal tendency on some of the inner Portions of the Lignous Body next adja­cent [Page 29] to the Pith, to move with them. And since the Lignous Body is not entire, but frequently disparted; through these Dispartments, the said interiour Portions, 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 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.

4. §. 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, they bind and throng each other into a Knot: through which Knot the Sap being strain'd, 'tis thus, in due moderation and purity delivered up into the Branch.

5. §. And for Knots, they are so necessary, as to be seen not only where collaterl 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 trasmission of the Sap more and more refined towards the Ear. So that the two general uses of Knots are, For fimer standing, and finer growth.

6. §. 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 speakimg of the Leaf. As to its standing in the Trunk, tis alwayes betwixt the trunk or older Branch, and the Basis of the Stalk of a 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 larger, and more hardy. The maner and uses of the position of every Germen, considered as after it be­comes a Branch; Hist. of the Prop. of Veget. hath already been, by the Ingenious Mr. Sharrock very well observed; to whom I refer.

7. §. 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, and partly the extention of its already existent parts, dilated (as in making 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, [Page 30] which lies betwixt the Nerves, and as in Gentlewomens Needle-works, fills all up, is nothing else, but the continuation of the Cortical Body, or Parenchymous part of the Barque from the Branch into it self, as in most Plants with a thick Leaf, may easily be seen.

8. §. The Fibers of the Leaf neither shoot out of the Branch, or the 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 Chord of a Circle; as in Cichory, Endive, Cabbage, Tab. 4. f. 2. to f. 11. &c. may be observed. And if the Leaf have but one main Fi­ber, that also is postur'd in a bowed or Lunar Figure; as in Mint and others. The usual number of these Vascular Threds or Fibres is 3, 5, or 7.

9. §. The reason of the said Positions of the Fibers in the Stalk of the Leaf, is for its more Erect growth, and greater Strength: which, were the position of the said Fibers 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, C. 3. §. 24. we may better conceive.

10. §. As likewise for the security of its Sap: For by this means it is, that the several Fibers, and especially the main or middle Fiber of the Leaf, together with a considerable part of the Parenchyma, are so disposed of, as to jut out, not from its upper, but its back, or neither Side. Whence the whole 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.

11. §. These Fibers are likewise the immediate Visible Cause of the Shape of the Leaf. For if the nethermost Fiber or Fibers in the Stalk (which thence runs chiefly through the length of the Leaf) be in pro­portion greater, the Leaf is long; as in Endive, Cichory, 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 Fibers notwithstanding, as they stand higher in the Stalk, are disposed into a Circle all of an equal size; yet herein one or more peculiar Fibres, Tab. 4. standing, in or near the Center, betwixt the rest, and running through the length of the Leaf, may be observed.

12. §. 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, Tab. 4. 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 Fibers 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 oppsite, it can have no force; 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.

[Page 31] 13. §. The several Fibers in the Stalk, are all Inosculated in the Leaf, with very many Sub-divisions. According as these Fibers 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 Filaments; as in Fennel.

14. §. To the Formations of Leaves, the Fouldings immediately follow. And sometimes they 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 are five hundred times smaller than the outer: both which in the Cautious opening of a Germen may be seen.

15. §. 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. Treat. of the Quincunx. Of the Quincuncial posture, so amply in­stanc'd in by the Learned Sir Thomas 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 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 one to ano­ther; as for instance,

16. §. First, There is the Bow-Lap, where the Leaves are all laid somewhat convexly one over another, but not plaited; being to the length, breadth and number of Leaves most agreeable; as in the Buds of Pear-tree, Plum-tree, &c. But where the Leaves are not so thick set, as to stand in the Bow-Lap, there we have the Plicature, or the Flat-Lap; 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 Duplicature; wherein there are divers Plaits in one Leaf, or Labels of a Leaf, but in distinct Sets, a lesser under a greater; as in Souchus, Tansey, &c. When the Leaves stand not collaterally, but single; and 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 smalness of their Fibers, will allow the Rowl, there This may be observed. Which is sometimes single, as in Bears-Ears, Arum, Flammula, Jerusalem Cowslip, &c. 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, Sorrels, and the rest of this Kindred: as also in Primrose, and other like Plants. For the main Fibers, and there­with a considerable part of the Cortical Body standing prominent from the Back-side of the Leaf, they thus stand securely couch'd up be­twixt [Page 32] the two Rowls; on whose security the growth of the Leaf in length depends. But those of Bears-Ears, Violets, Doves Foot, Warden, and many more, 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. These, and other Foulds, See in the Figures belonging to the First Part of the Fourth Book.

17. §. According to the Form and Foulding of every Leaf or Germen, is its Protection order'd; about six ways whereof may be observ'd; sc. by Leaves, Surfoyls, Interfoyls, 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 Aer, to approach the Leaves, except by degrees respondent, and as they are gradually 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 Veils; 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. These, and other Protections, See in the Figures belonging to the First Part of the Fourth Book.

18. § 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 one to 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 Aer 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 Aer 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 propotion 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.

[Page 33] 19. §. Another use is for Augmentation; or, the capacity for the due spreading and ampliation of a Tree or other Plant, are its, Leaves. For herein the Lignous Body being divided into small Fibres, and these running all along their lax and spongie Parenchyma; they are thus a Body sit 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 Ground. But were there no Leaves to make a free reception of Sap, it must be 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.

20. §. 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 themselve are likewise of a strong savour; as those of Wormwood, Tansie, Baum, Mint, Rue, Geranium Moschatum, Angelica, and others.

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.

2. §. 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 or Leaf is not distinct from that of the rest; but to be all one piece, laid in so many Plaits or Duplicatures, as there are Leaves, from the outermost to the inner and most Central ones.

3. §. 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 [...]irmly 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.

4. §. Hence we have the reason why it is various, and sometimes wanting. Some Flowers have none, as Tulips; for having a fat and frim 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 Empalement indented also; that the Indentments, by being lapp'd over the Leaves before their expansion, may then protect them; and by being spread 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 Sir Thomas Brown observes) as in all Knapweeds, Treat. of the Quincunx. 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.

[Page 36] 5. §. 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.

6. §. 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 Close-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 is 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. These and other Foulds, See in the Figures belonging to the Second Part of the Fourth Book. The reason of all which varieties, a comparative consideration of the several Parts of the Flower may suggest. I'le 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.

7. §. 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 Veil; 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.

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

9. §. 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 soft 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 smooth or bald: 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.

[Page 37] 10. §. As upon the Green Leaves, so upon the Flowers are Globulets somtimes 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.

11. §. 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, Aprecots, 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.

12. §. 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 Substance 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 Imqalers 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 Appels and Pears, be­sides that their Empalers are much alike, their Flower is less. and Goos­berries 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.

13. §. THE ATTIRE, I find to be of two kinds, Seminiforme, and Florid. That which I call Seminiforme, is made up of two general Parts, Chives and Semets, one upon each Chive. These Semets (as I take leave to call them) 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 [Page 38] 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 or a Lilly, being larger, is more distinctly observable. Tab. 4. f. 12.

14. §. These Semets are somtimes fastned so, as to stand erect above their Chive, as those of Larks-heel. Somtimes, and I think usu­ally, so as to hang a little down by the midle, 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; f. 12. [...]a. 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 Cleft of its Rind. This must be observ'd when the Clefts are recently made, which usu­ally is before the expansion of the Flower.

15. §. The Particles of these Powders, though like those of Meal or other Dust, they appear not easily to have any relugar shape; yet upon strict observation, especially with the assistance of an indi­fferent Glass, it doth appear, That they are a Congeries, usually, of so many perfect Globes or Globulets; Sometimes of other Figures, but always regular. That which obscures their Figure 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.

16. §. Some of these Powders, are yellow, as in Dogs-Mercury, Goats-Ru [...], &c. and some of other Colours: But most of them I think are white; and those of yellow Henbane very elegant; the dis­burs'd Powers 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 Parts of this Attire, see in Tab. 4. But especially, in the Figures belonging to the Second Part of the Fourth Book.

17. §. The Florid Attire, is commonly known by the blind and rude Name of Thrums; as in the Flowers of Marigold, Tansie, &c. How in 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, Tab. 4. f. 13. [...]. but agreeable and comely form.

18. §. The outer Part of every Suit, is its Floret: whose Body or Tube is divided at the top (like that of the Cowslip) into five distinct Leaves. So that a Floret, is the Epitome of a Flower: and is all the Flower that many Plants, f. 13. b. as Mugwort, Tansie, and others, have. What the Learned Sir Thomas Brown observeth of the number Five, Treat. of the Quincunx. as to the Leaves of the Flower, is still more universally holding in these of the Floret.

19. §. 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. f. 13. c. For this also, like the Floret, [Page 39] is a Concave Body; in its shape very well resembling the Fistulous Pouches of Wake-Robin, or of Dragon.

20. §. 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. Tab. 4. f 13. d This Part is not hollow, as the other two, but solid; yet at its Point, is commonly, divided into two halves.

21. §. About the said Point especially, there appears, Globulets, which 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 Aster Per, Blewbottle, &c. where the Suits are large, be plainly observed without a Glass. The Parts of this Attire, See in Tab. 4. But especially in the Figures belonging to the Second Part of the Fourth Book.

22. §. 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 is 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 if they were not hollow; and is better before they crack and burst open, than after­wards.

23. §. Other uses hereof therefore we must acknowledge, and may observe. One 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.

24. §. 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 [Page 40] from hence some Juice; or some may not also carry some of the Parts, as of the Globulets, wholly away.

25. §. 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 Plant, 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.

2. §. AN APPLE, if cut traverse, appears constitued of four distinct Parts, the Pilling, the Parenchyma, Branchery, and Coare. The Pilling 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 Pilling 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 copiousness and purity of its Sap being likewise effectual to the largness 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 Twenty: Ten are spred and distributed through the Parenchyma, most of them enarch­ing themselves towards the Cork or Stool of the Flower: The other Ten, running from the Stalk in a directer Line, at last meet the for­mer at the said Cork, and are there osculated with them. Of these latter, 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 most of these Branches were originally extended even be­yond the Fruit, and inserted into the Flower for the due growth [Page 41] 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, fifteen 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 the same thing is effected 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. The Parts of an Apple, See in the Figures belonging to the Third Part of the Fourth Book.

3. §. IN A PEAR there are five distinct Parts, Tab. 4. f. 14. the Pilling, 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 ordinarily stand double. 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 allways sour, 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 Calculous Knots. It is of the same sub­stantial nature with the outer Parenchyma; but whether it be abso­lutely one with it, or be derived immediately from the Pith, my En­quiries yet made, determine not.

4. §. 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 the 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 tast in the Parenchyma beyond the Calculary, from that in the Acetary: For whereas this is sour, 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 Liquors. The Parts of a Pear, See in Tab. 4. But especially in the Figures belonging to the Third Part of the Fourth Book.

[Page 42] 5. §. IN A PLUM (to which the Cherry, Apricot, Peach, Wal­nut, &c. ought to be referr'd) there are four distinct Parts, the Pilling, the Parenchyma, Branchery and Stone. The Pilling and Parenchyma are, as to their Original, with those of an Apple or Pear, both alike. As likewise the Brunchery; 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 one Ridge, Tab. 4. f. 15. 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.

6. §. 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, Tab. 4. f. 15. 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 always 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 runs through a Chanel cut in the Stone, till it issues, near the Cone, into the Concave thereof.

7. §. 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 gather'd 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 spread 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 a Stone, Mineral, or Animal, is oftentimes the product of accumulated Gravel. But as the Parenchyma is mixed with the Concretions 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. All which Particulars, are observable only in the several degrees of Growth in the young Fruit. And are represented in Tab. 4. But especially by the several Figures belonging to the Third and Fourth Parts of the Fourth Book.

[Page 43] 8. §. IN A NUT (to which an Akern is analogous) there are three general Parts, the Cap, Shell, and Pith. The Cap is constituted of a Pilling 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 Pilling 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 the Cone, round about. The Inner or Seed-Branch is sin­gle, entring 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. The Parts of a Nut, See in the Figures belonging to the Third Part of the Fourth Book.

9. §. A BERRY, as a Gooseberry (to which Corinths, Grapes Hips, &c. are to be referr'd) consisteth, besides the Seed, of the three general Parts, Pilling, Parenchyma and Branchery. The Pilling is originated as in the foregoing Fruits. The Parenchyma is double, as likewise in some other Berries. The outer is commonly, together with the Pilling, call'd the Skin, and is that part we spit out, being of a sour tast. Now as the Pilling is originated from the outer, so this from the inner Part or 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 of Pulp is of a sweet taste, and is the Part we eat: It is of a Substance 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 Pilling 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 Attire. 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 [Page 44] Parts of a Gooseberry, See in the Figures belonging to the Third Part of the Fourth Book.

10. §. 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-Stoves 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, as in a Vessel, 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 Pipin; amongst Pears, the Burgundian; and amongst all Fruits, the Grape; and amongst Grapes, the roundest, are of all, the most dainty.

11. §. 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 seaing of their several ends: For thus the Sap entering 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 of necessity be enarch'd, and with the Paren­chyma more and more expand themselves. Whereas were they disposed 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.

12. §. To the Seed, the Fruit is serviceable; First, in order to its being supply'd with a due and most convenient Sap, the greater part thereof, and that which is less elaborated, 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.

13. §. 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 ever 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 wainscoated. 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 [Page 45] 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, in its State of Generation.

AS the Original, so the Ultimate end and 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.

2. §. 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 other Fruits are analogous.

3. §. 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. It's Figure sometimes Kidney'd, as in Alcea, Behen, Poppy; Triangu­lar, as in Polygonatum, Sorrel; Spherically triangular, 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 Jacobaea; Pyramidal, in Geranium Althaeae 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 Leaf and Flower; so all Regular Solids in the Seed; or rather in its Covers.

4. §. 'Tis sometimes glistering, as in Speculun Veneris; Rough-cast, in Catanance; Studded, in Behen, Balttaria; Favous, in Papaver, An­tirrhinum, Lepidum annuum, Alcea Vesicaria, Hyoscyamus, and many more, before the Seeds have lain long by; Pounced, in Phalangium Cretae, Lithospermum; Ramisied, in Pentaphyllum fragiferum Erectum majus, [Page 46] resembling the Fibers of the Ears of the Heart; some just Quinquenerval, as in Anisum, and many more, the Lignous Body being in five main Fi­bers branched therein. The Figures, and Surface, of These, and other Seeds, See in the Tables belonging to the Fourth Part of the Fourth Book.

5. §. 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,

6. §. The nature of the outer Coat is also 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 Ground, like Bottled Liquors in Sand.

7. §. 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, Cichory; 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.

8. §. 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 So, upon Vegetation, it may have a free and ready passage into the Mould.

9. §. 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 runns, 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.

10. §. 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 Penduncle 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, and so becomes the inner.

[Page 47] 11. §. Of this Inner Coat it is very observable, That allthough 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, it 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. The Delineation hereof, See in the Figures be­longing to the Fourth Part of the Fourth Book.

12. §. 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; as the Veins in the Kidneys of a Man or any Quadrupede; Or the Carotick Arteries in the Braine.

13. §. 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.

14. §. 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 Fibers, 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 variated Pores and Structure of these Two Bodies. What from these two general Observations might reasonably be inferr'd, I shall not now mention.

15. §. The Fourth or Innermost Cover we may call the Secon­dine. The sight of which, 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 rear-boyl'd. This Membrance in larger or elder Beans, is not to be found distinct. 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. Tab. 4. f. 16. 'Tis usually so very thin, as in the above-nam'd, as very difficultly to be discover'd. But in some Kernels, as of Apricots, 'tis very thick; and most remarquably such, 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 Texture, which is in all of them more close. See this Part in Tab. 4. As also amongst the Figures belonging to the Fourth Part of the Fourth Book.

[Page 48] 16. §. 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.

17. §. Through this Membrane, the Lignous Body or Seed-Bran­ches distributed in the inner Coat, at last shoot downright two slen­der Fibres, like two Navel-strings, one into each Lobe of the Bean. The places where the said Fibres shoot into the Lobes, Tab. 4. f. 18. are near the Basis of the Radicle; and by their Blackishness well enough remark'd: but the Fibers 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, Tab. 4. f. 17. 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 and Plume, Tab. 4. f. 18. in the manner as in the First Chapter is described. 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.

18. §. LET US say then, An Account of the Gene­ration of the Seed. 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.

19. §. The more copious and cruder part hereof is again separa­ted 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 entertian'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.

20. § 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 siner part is transmitted to the Inner; which being, as is said, a Parenechymous 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.

21. §. Yet the Outer Coat, being on the contray 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.

[Page 49] 22. §. 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.

23. §. 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 discharg'd. 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 Secundine, is it bounded within. Through which Secundine 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.

24. §. 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 elabortè.

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

26. §. With this purest Sap, the said Ramulets being supplied, from thence at last, the Navel-Fibres shoot (as the primitive Artery into the Colliquamentum) through the Secundine into the aforesaid Li­quor deposited therein.

27. §. 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, the said Coagu­lation or Fixation is therewith likewise.

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