Part 6

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

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

The _Foliation_ also, is of the same substantial nature with the green Leaf; the _Membrane_, _Pulp_, and _Fibres_ whereof, being, as there, so here, but the continuation of the _Skin_, the _Cortical_ and _Lignous Bodies_.

The Foulds of the _Flower_ or _Foliation_ are various, as those of the green Leaf; but some of them different. The most general are, First, The _Plain Couch_, as in _Roses_, and many other double _Flowers_. then the _Concave Couch_ as in _Blattaria flore albo_. Next the _Plait_, as in some of the Leaves of _Pease-Blooms_, in the Flowers of _Coriander_, &c. which is either single, as in those nam’d; or double, as in _Blew-Bottle_, _Jacea_, and more of that rank. Next, the _Couch_ and _Plait_ together in the same Flower, as in _Marigolds_, _Daisies_, and all others of an agreeing form: where the first apparent Fould or Composture of the Leaves is in _Couch_; but the Leaves being erect, each likewise may be seen to lie in a double _Plait_ within it self. Then the _Rowl_, as in the _Flowers_ of _Ladies-Bower_, the broad top of each Leaf being by a double _Rowl_ foulded up inwardly. Next, the _Spire_, which it the beginning of a _Rowl_; and may be seen in the Flowers of _Mallows_, and others. Lastly, the _Plait_ and _Spire_ together, where the part analogous to the _Foliation_, is of one piece, the _Plaits_ being here laid, and so carried on by Spiral Lines to the top of the _Flower_, as is in divers, and I think in _Convolvulus Doronici folio_ more elegantly seen. The reason of all which varieties, a comparative consideration of the several parts of the _Flower_ may suggest. Ile only mention, that no _Flower_ that I find, hath a _Back-Rowl_, as hath the green Leaf, for two Reasons; because its Leaves have not their Fibres standing out much on their backside, as the green Leaves have; and because of its Attire, which it ever embosomes, and cannot so well do it by a _Back-Rowl_.

The usual Protections of _Flowers_ by the Precedents are express’d, _sc._ _Green Leaves_ and _Empalements_. Some have another more peculiar, that is a _double Vail_; as the _Spring-Crocus_. For having no _Empalement_, and starting up early out of the Mould, even before its _Green Leaves_, and that upon the first opening of the Spring; lest it should thus be quite starved, ’tis born swath’d up in a double Blanket, or with a pair of Sheets upon its Back.

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

The Leaves of the _Flower_, though they are not hairy all over, yet in some particular parts they are often set with a fine Downy Velvet; that, being by their shape and posture in those parts contiguous to their delicate and tender Attire, they may thus give it a more softly and warmer touch. Thus in the Flower of _Ladies Bower_, those parts of its Leaves which rowl inward, and lie contiguous to the Attire, are Downy; whereas the other parts are plain and smooth: So the Flowers of _Pease_, _Spanish Broom_, _Toad-Flax_, and many others, where contiguous to their Attires, are deck’d with the like _Hairy Velvet_.

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

The use of the _Flower_, or the _Foliation_ whereof we now speak, (that is, as to its private service) is for the protection of the Attire; this, as its under, and the _Empalement_ as its upper Garments; as likewise of the _Fruit_: The necessity of which Service, in some Cases, by the different situation of the _Flower_ and _Fruit_, with respect to each other, is evident; _Apples_, _Pears_, and several other _Fruits_, standing behind or under the _Flower_; but _Cherries_, _Apricots_, and divers others, within it; for these, being of a very tender and pulpous Body, and withal putting forth with the colder part of the Spring, could not weather it out against the Variations and Extremities of the Air, (as those of a more solid _Parenchyma_ can) except lodged up within their _Flowers_.

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

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

These _Semets_ are sometimes fastned so, as to stand erect above their _Chive_, as those of _Larks-heel_. Sometimes, and I think usually, so as to hang a little down, in the manner and figure of a _Kidney_; as in _Mallows_. Their Cleft or Crack is sometimes single, but for the most part double: At these Clefts it is that they disburse their Powders; which as they start out, and stand betwixt the two Lips of each Cleft, have some resemblance to the common Sculpture of a _Pomegranate_ with its Seeds looking out at the Clefts of its _Rind_: This must be observ’d when the Clefts are recently made, which usually is before the expansion of the _Flower_.

The Particles of these Powders, though like those of Meal or other Dust, they appear not easily to have any regular shape; yet upon strict observation, especially with the assistance of an indifferent Glass, it doth appear, that they are nothing else but a _Congeries_ of so many perfect _Globes_ or _Globulets_: That which obscures them; is their being so small. In _Dogs-Mercury_, _Borage_, and very many more Plants, they are extreamly so. In _Mallows_, and some others, more fairly visible.

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

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

The _outer part_ of every _Suit_, is its _Floret_: whose _Body_ or _Tube_ is divided at the top (like that of the _Cowslip_) into divers distinct Leaves; so that a _Floret_ is the Epitome of a _flower_; and is all the _flower_ that many Plants, as _Mugwort_, _Tansie_, and others, have. What the Learned Dr. _Brown_ observeth of the number Five as to the Leaves of the _flower_, is still more universally holding in these of the _Floret_.

Upon the Expansion of the _Floret_, the next part of the _Suit_ is from within its _Tube_ brought to sight; which we may (with respect to that within it) call the _Sheath_: For this also, like the _Floret_, is a concave Body; in its shape very well resembling the Fistulous Pouches of _Wake-Robin_, or of _Dragon_.

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

Upon the division of the said Point, there appears, as upon the opening of a _Semet_; a Powder of _Globulets_, which before lay enclosed up within its Clefts; and are of the same nature with those of a _Semet_, though not so copious: So that all _flowers_ have their _Powders_ or _Globulets_. The whole _Attire_ may in _Knapweed_, _Blewbottle_, &c. be observed.

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

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

Wherein the particular parts of the _Attire_ may be more distinctly serviceable, this to one Animal, and that to another, I cannot say: Or to the same Animal, as a _Bee_, whether this for the _Honey_, another for their _Bread_, a third for the _Wax_: Or whether all only suck from hence some _Juice_; or some may not also carry some of the Parts, as of the _Globulets_, wholly away: Or lastly, what may be the primary and private use of the _attire_ (for even this abovesaid; though great, yet is but secondary) I now determine not.

CHAP. VI.

_Of the Fruit._

The general composition of all _Fruits_ is one, that is, their _Essential_ and truly _Vital Parts_, are in all the same, and but the continuation of those which in the other Parts of a _Vegetable_, we have already observed: Yet because by the different Constitutions and Tinctures of these Parts, divers considerably different Fruits result; I shall therefore take a particular view of the more known and principal of them, _sc._ _Apples_, _Pears_, _Plums_, _Nuts_ and _Berries_.

An _Apple_, if cut traverse, appears constituted of four distinct Parts, the _Pill_, the _Parenchyma_, _Branchery_ and _Coare_. The _Pill_ is only the spreading and dilatation of the skin, or utmost part of the Barque in the Branch. The _Parenchyma_, when full ripe, is a tender delicate Meat: Yet as the _Pill_ is but the continuation of the utmost part of the _Barque_; so is this but the continuance and ampliation, or (as I may call it) the swelth and superbience of the _Inner part_ thereof; which upon observation of a young and Infant-_Apple_ especially, is evident. Thus we see the _Pith_, which is often tough, in many Roots, as _Parsneps_, _Turneps_, &c. is tender and edible. So here, the _Parenchyma_, though originally no more than the _Barque_, yet the plenty and purity of its _Sap_ being likewise effectual to the fulness and fineness of its growth, it thus becomes a soft and tender meat. The _Branchery_ is nothing else but the Ramifications of the _Lignous Body_ throughout all the parts of the _Parenchyma_; the greater Branches being likewise by the _Inosculations_ of the less (as in the Leaf) united together. The main Branches are usually fifteen; ten are spred and distributed through the _Parenchyma_, all enarching themselves towards the _Cork_ or _Stool_ of the _Flower_; the other five running from the _Stalk_ in a directer Line, at last meet the former at the said _Cork_, and are there osculated with them. These five are originated from one; which running along the Center of the _Stalk_, and part of the _Parenchyma_ of the _Fruit_, is therein at last divided. To these the Coats of the _Kernels_ are fastned; so that whereas these Branches were originally all extended even beyond the _Fruit_, and inserted into the _Flower_ for the due growth thereof; the _Fruit_ afterwards growing to some head, and so intercepting and preying upon the Aliment of the _Flower_, starves that, and therefrom supersedes the service of the said Branches to it self, ten for its _Parenchyma_, and five for its _Seed_. The _Coar_ is originated from the _Pith_; for the _Sap_ finding room enough in the _Parenchyma_, through which to dispence it self all abroad, quits the _Pith_, which thereby hardens into a _Coar_. Thus we see the _Insertions_, although originate from the _Cortical Body_, yet their Parts being, by the _Inosculations_ of the _Lignous_, so much compress’d and made to co-incide together, they become a Body very compact and dense. And in the _Barque_ we see the same effect by _arefaction_ only, or a meer _voydance_ of the _Sap_; the _Inner Part_ whereof, though soft and sappy, yet its superficial _Rind_ is often so hard and smooth, that it may be fairly writ upon.

In a _Pear_ there are five distinct Parts, the _Pill_, the _Parenchyma_, _Branchery_, _Calculary_ and _Acetary_. The three former are here and in an _Apple_ much alike; saving that here the _Inner_ or _Seed-Branches_ are ordinarily ten. The _Calculary_ (most observable in rough-tasted, or _Choak-Pears_) is a _congeries_ of little stony Knots: They are many of them dispersed throughout the whole _Parenchyma_; but lying more continuous and compact together towards the Center of the _Pear_, surround the _Acetary_ there in a somewhat Globular Form. About the _Stalk_ they stand more distant; but towards the _Cork_ or _Stool_ of the _Flower_, they still grow closer, and there at last gather (almost) into the firmitude of a _Plum-stone_ it self. Within this lies the _Acetary_; ’tis of a soure tast, and by the bounding of the _Calculary_ of a _Globular Figure_. ’Tis a simple Body, having neither any of the _Lignous_ branched in it, nor any Knots. It is of the same substantial nature with the _Parenchyma_; but whether it be absolutely one with it, or be derived immediately from the _Pith_, my Enquiries yet made, determine not.

The Original of the _Calculary_ I seem to have neglected: But hereof we may here best say, that whereas all the other Parts are Essential and truly _Vital_, the _Calculary_ is not; but that the several Knots whereof it consists, are only so many meer Concretions or Precipitations out of the _Sap_; as in _Urines_, _Wines_, and other _Liquors_, we often see. And that this _Precipitation_ is made by the mixture and re-action of the Tinctures of the _Lignous_ and _Cortical Bodies_ upon each other: Even as all _Vegetable Nutrition_ or _Fixation_ of Parts is also made by the joynt efficiency of the two same Tinctures, as hath been said. Hence we find, that as the _Acetary_ hath no Branches of the _Lignous Body_, so neither hath it any Knots. Hence likewise it is, that we have so different and contrary a taste in the _Parenchyma_ beyond the _Calculary_, from that in the _Acetary_; for whereas this is soure, that, wherein the said _Precipitations_ are made, is sweet; being much alike effect, to what we find in mixing; of _Corals_, &c. with _Vinegar_ or other _acid Liquor_.

In a _Plum_ (to which the _Cherry_, _Apricot_, _Peach_, _Walnut_, &c. ought to be referr’d) there are four distinct Parts, the _Pill_, the _Parenchyma_, _Branchery_ and _Stone_. The _Pill_ and _Parenchyma_ are, as to their Original, with those of an _Apple_ or _Pear_ both alike: As likewise the _Branchery_, but differently ramified. In _Plums_ (I suppose all) there are five main _Out-Branches_, which run along the Surface of the _Stone_ from the _Basis_ to the point thereof, four of them by the one Ridge, and one by the other opposite to it. In an _Apricot_ there is the same number, but the single Branch runs not upon the Surface, but through the Body of the _Stone_. There are likewise two or three smaller Branches, which run in like manner under the other Ridge for some space, and then advancing into the _Parenchyma_, therein disperse themselves: These latter sort in _Peaches_ are numerous throughout: But notwithstanding the different disposition of the Branches of the _Fruits_ aforesaid; yet is there one Branch dispos’d in one and the same manner in them all: The entrance hereof into the _Stone_ is at its _Basis_; from whence running through its Body, and still inclining or arching it self towards its Concave, is at last about its Cone thereinto emergent, where the Coats of the _Seed_ are appendent to it. Of the _Seed-Branch_ ’tis therefore observable that after its entrance into the _Fruit_, ’tis alwaies prolonged therein to a considerable length; as is seen not only in _Apples_, &c. where the _Seed_ stands a good distance from the _Stalk_; but in _Plums_ likewise, where it stands very near it; in that here the _Seed-Branch_, as is said, never strikes through the _Stone_ into the Coats of the _Seed_ directly, but about its Cone or remoter end. The _Stone_, though it seem a simple Body, yet it is compounded of different ones: The Inner Part thereof, as it is by far the thinnest, so is it the most dense, white, smooth and simple. The Original is from the _Pith_; difficult, but curious to observe: For the _Seed-Branch_, not striking directly and immediately quite through the _Basis_ of the _Stone_, but in the manner as is above described, carries a considerable part of the _Pith_, now gathered round about it, as its _Parenchyma_, along with it self, which, upon its entrance into the concave of the _Stone_ about its farther end, is there in part spred all over it, as the Lining thereof. The outer and very much thicker Part consisteth partly of the like _Precipitations_ or concrete Particles, as in a _Pear_, being gathered here much more closely, not only to a Contiguity, but a coalition into one entire Stone; as we see in _Pears_ themselves, especially towards the _Cork_, they gather into the like Stoniness; or as we see a _Stone_, _Mineral_ or _Animal_, oftentimes the product of accumulated _Gravel_: But as the _Parenchyma_ is mixed with the Concretion in the _Calculary_, so is it also, though not visibly, with these in the _Stone_, the ground of the _Stone_ being indeed a perfect _Parenchyma_; but by the said Concretions so far alter’d, as to become dry, hard and undistinguishable from them.