Part 5

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

For Supply, we see the _Trunk-Roots_ of _Ivy_: For mounting very high, and being of a closer Constitution than that of a _Vine_, the _Sap_ could not be sufficiently supplied to the upper Sprouts, unless these to the _Mother-Root_ were joyntly assistant. Yet serve they for support likewise; whence they shoot out, not as in _Cresses_, _Brook-lime_, &c. reciprocally on each side, but commonly all in one; that so they may be fastened at the nearest hand.

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

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

For both these ends, we see the _Trunk-Roots_ of _Strawberries_; as also for shade; for in that we see all _Strawberries_ delight; and by the trailing of the Plant is well obtain’d: So that as we are wont to tangle the Twigs of Trees together to make an _Arbour Artificial_; the same is here done to make a _Natural one_; as likewise by the _Claspers_ of _Cucumbers_: For the Branches of the one by the Linking of their _Claspers_, and of the other by the Tethering of their _Trunk-Roots_, being couched together; their tender fruits thus lie under the Umbrage of a _Bower_ made of their own Leaves.

CHAP. IV.

_Of the Germen, Branch, and Leaf._

The Parts of the _Germen_ and _Branch_, are the same with those of the _Trunk_; the same _Skin_, _Cortical_ and _Lignous Bodies_, _Insertment_ and _Pith_, hereinto propagated, and distinctly observable herein.

For upon Enquiry into the Original of a _Branch_ or _Germen_, it appears, That it is not from the _Superficies_ of the _Trunk_, but so deep, as to take with the _Cortical_, the _Lignous Body_ into it self; and that not only from its Circumference, but (so as to take the _Pith_ in also) from its _Inner_ or _Central parts_. Divers whereof may commonly be seen to shoot out into the _Pith_; from which _Shoots_ the surrounding and more superiour _Germens_ are originated; in like manner as the _Lignous Body_ of the _Trunk_ is sometimes principally from those Fibrous _Shoots_ which run along the _Pith_ in the _Root_.

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

The same way as the propagation of the Parts of a _Germen_ is contriv’d is its due nutrition also: For being originated from the inner part of the _Lignous Body_, ’tis nourished with the best fermented _Sap_ in the _Trunk_, _sc._ that next adjacent to it in the _Pith_. Besides, since all its Parts, upon their shooting forth, divaricate from their perpendicular, to a cross Line, as these and the other grow and thrive together, bind and throng each other into a Knot; through which Knot the _Sap_ being strain’d, ’tis thus in due moderation & purity delivered up into the Branch.

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

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

Upon the prolongation of the _Germen_ into a _Branch_, its _Leaves_ are thus display’d. The Parts whereof are substantially the same with those of a _Branch_: For the Skin of the Leaf is only the ampliation of that of the _Branch_; being partly by the accretion of new, & partly the extention of its already existent parts (dilated as in making of _Leaf-Gold_) into its present breadth. The Fibres or Nerves dispersed through the Leaf, are only the Ramifications of the _Branch_’s Wood, or _Lignous Body_. The _Parenchyma_ of the Leaf which lies betwixt the Nerves, and as in Gentlewomens Needle-works, fills all up, is nothing else but the continuations of the _Cortical Body_, or inner part of the _Barque_ from the _Branch_ into it self, as in most Plants with a fat Leaf, may easily be seen.

The Fibres of the _Leaf_ neither shoot out of the _Branch_ nor _Trunk_, nor stand in the _Stalk_, in an even Line; but alwayes in either an Angular or Circular posture, and usually making either a Triangle, or a Semi-Circle, or Cord of a Circle; as in _Cycory_, _Endive_, _Cabbage_, &c. may be observed: And if the Leaf have but one main Nerve, that also is postur’d in a Circular or Lunar Figure; as in _Mint_ and others. The usual number of these Nerves or Fibres is 3, 5, or 7. See the _Figures_ from 20, to 29.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First, There is the _Plain-Lap_, where the Leaves are all laid somewhat convexly one over another, but not plaited; being to the lengthy, breadth and number of Leaves most agreeable; as in the Buds of _Pear-tree_, _Plum-tree_, &c. But where the Leaves are not thick set, as to stand in the _Plain-lap_, there we have the _Plicature_; as in _Rose-tree_, _Strawberry_, _Cinquefoyl_, _Burnet_, &c. For the Leaves being here plaited, and so lying in half their breadth, and divers of them thus also collaterally set together, the thickness of them all, and half their breadth, are much alike dimensions; by which they stand more secure within themselves, and in better consort with other _Germen-Growths_ in the same Truss. If the Leaves be much indented or jagg’d, now we have the same Duplicature; where there are divers Plaits in the same Leaf, or Labels of a Leaf, but in distinct Sets, a lesser under a greater; as in _Tansey_, &c. When the Leaves stand not collaterally, but single, and that they are moreover very broad; then we have the _Multiplicature_; as in _Gooseberries_, _Mallows_, &c. the Plaits being not only divers in the same Leaf, but of the same set continuant, and so each Leaf gather’d up in five, seven, or more Foulds, in the same manner as our Gentlewomens Fans: Where either the thickness of the Leaf will not permit a _flat lap_, or the fewness of their number, or the smallness of their Fibres, will allow the _Rowl_, there this may be observed; which is sometimes single, as in _Bears-Ears_; sometimes double, the two _Rowls_ beginning at each edge of the Leaf, and meeting in the middle. Which again, is either the _Fore-Rowl_, or the _Back-Rowl_. If the Leaf be design’d to grow long, now we have the _Back-Rowl_, as in _Docks_, _Primroses_, &c. For the main Fibres, and that with a considerable part of the _Cortical Body_ standing prominent from the _Back-plain_ of the Leaf, they thus stand securely couch’d up betwixt the two _Rowls_; on whose security the growth of the Leaf in length depends. But _Bears-Ears_, _Violets_, &c. upon contrary respects, are rowled up inwards. Lastly, there is the _Tre-Rowl_, as in _Fern_; the _Labels_ whereof, though all rowled up to the _main Stem_, yet could not stand so firm and secure from the Injuries either of the Ground or Weather, unless to the _Rowls_ in breadth, that by the length were super-induc’d; the _Stalk_ or _main Stem_ giving the same protection here, which in other Plants by the Leaves, or some particular _Mantling_, is contriv’d.

For according to the Form and Foulding of every Leaf or _Germen_, is its protection order’d; about six wayes whereof may be observ’d; _sc._ by _Leaves_, _Surfoyles_, _Interfoyles_, _Stalks_, _Hoods_ and _Mantlings_. To add to what we have above given, one or two Instances. Every Bud, besides its proper Leaves, is covered with divers Leafy _Pannicles_ or _Surfoyls_; which, what the Leaves are to one another, are that to them all: For not opening except gradually, they admit not the Weather, Wet, Sun or Ayr, to approach the Leaves, except by degrees respondent, and as they are leisurely inur’d to bear them. Sometimes, besides _Surfoyls_, there are also many _Interfoyls_ set betwixt the Leaves, from the Circumference to the Center of the _Bud_; as in the _Hasel_: For the Fibres of these Leaves standing out so far from a plain surface; they would, if not thus shelter’d, lie too much expos’d and naked to the Severities of the Weather. Where none of all the Protections above-named, are convenient, there the Membranes of the Leaves by continuation in their first forming (together with some Fibres of the _Lignous Body_) are drawn out into so many _Mantles_ or _Veins_; as in _Docks_, _Snakeweed_, &c. For the Leaves here being but few, yet each Leaf and its Stalk being both exceeding long, at the bottom whereof the next following Leaf still springs up; the form and posture of all is such, as supersedes all the other kinds of protection, and so each Leaf apart is provided with a Veil to it self.

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

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

Lastly, As the Leaves subserve the more copious advancement, so the higher purity of the _Sap_: For this being well fermented both in the Root, and in its Ascent through the _Trunk_, and so its Parts prepar’d to a farther separation; the grosser ones are still deposited into the Leaves; the more elaborate and essential only thus supplied to the _Flower_, _Fruit_ and _Seed_, as their convenient Aliment. Whence it is, that where the _Flowers_ are many and large, into which the more odorous Particles are copiously receiv’d, the green Leaves have little or no smell; as those of _Rose-tree_, _Carnations_, _French-Marigold_, _Wood-bind_, _Tulips_; &c. But on the contrary, where the Flowers are none or small, the green Leaves themselves are likewise of a strong savour; as those of _Wormwood_, _Tansie_, _Baum_, _Mint_, _Rue_, _Geranium Moschatum_, _Angelica_, and others.

_An Appendix._

_Of Thorns, Hairs and Globulets._

_Thorns_ are of two kinds, _Lignous_ and _Cortical_. Of the first are such as those of the _Hawthorn_, and are constituted of all the same substantial Parts whereof the _Germen_ it self, and in a like proportion: which also in their Infancy are set with the resemblances of divers minute Leaves. In affinity with these are the _Spinets_ or _Thorny Prickles_ upon the Verges and Tops of divers Leaves, as of _Barberry_, _Holly_, _Thistle_, _Furze_, and others; all which I think are the filamentous extremities of the _Lignous Body_ sheathed in the _Skin_.

_Cortical Thorns_ are such as those of the _Rasberry_ Bush, being not, unless in a most extraordinary small proportion propagated from the _Lignous Body_, but almost wholly from the _Cortical_ and _Skin_, or from the _Barque_.

The growth of this _Thorn_ may farther argue what in the Second Chapter we supposed; _sc._ That as the proper tendency of the _Lignous Body_, is to ascend, so of the _Cortical_ to descend. For as the _Lignous Thorn_, like other Parts upon the _Trunk_, in its growth ascends; this being almost wholly _Cortical_, pointeth downward. The use of _Thorns_ the very Ingenious Mr. _Sharrock_ observed.

Upon the Leaves of divers Plants two Productions shew themselves, _sc._ _Hairs_ and _Globulets_. Of _Hairs_, only one kind is taken notice of, although they are various. Ordinarily they are plain; which when fine and thick set, as on most _Hairy Buds_; or fine and long, as on those of the _Vine_, we call them _Down_.

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

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

_Globulets_ are seen upon _Orach_, both Garden and wild; and yet more plainly on _Mercury_ or _Bonus Henricus_. In these, growing almost upon the whole Plant, and being very large, they are by all taken notice of.

But strict Observation discovers, that these _Globulets_ are the natural and constant Off-spring of very many other Plants. Both these _Globulets_, and likewise the diversity of _Hairs_, I find the Learned Mr. _Hook_ hath already observed. They are of two kinds; _Transparent_, as upon the Leaves of _Hysop_, _Mint_, _Baume_, and many more: _White_, as upon those of _Germander_, _Sage_, and others. All which, though the naked Eye will discover, yet by the help of Glasses we may observe most distinctly. The use of these we suppose the same with those of the _Flower_, whereof we shall speak.

CHAP. V.

_Of the Flower._

We next proceed to the _Flower_. The general Parts whereof are most commonly three; _sc._ the _Empalement_, the _Foliation_, and the _Attire_.

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