PART I.

CHAP. I.

_Of the ORIGINAL, FIGURES, MOTIONS, and AGES of ROOTS._

BEING TO speak of _Roots_; it is requisite, for our better understanding of what follows, that some things, as to their _Original_, _Figures_, _Motions_ and _Ages_, be premised.

1. §. _Roots_, taken altogether, have a Three-fold Original. Either from the _Radicle_; as all _Roots_ which come of the _Seed_: or from the _Trunk_ or _Caulis_, above ground; as in _Strawberry_, _Chamæmile_, and many other _Creepers_: or from the _Trunk_ or _Caulis_, after it is sunk under ground; as in _Primrose_, _Bistort_, and many others; and presently shall be shewed how.

2. §. In the Growth of a _Bud_, and of a _Trunk-Root_, there is this observable difference; That the former, carries along with it, some portion of every _Part_ in the _Trunk_ or _Stalk_; whereof it is a _Compendium_. The latter, always shoots forth, by making a Rupture in the _Barque_, which it leaves behind, and proceeds only from the inner part of the _Stalk_.

3. §. As also, That in a _Bud_, the _Lignous Part_ is spread abroad, so as to encompass a _Pith_. Whereas in a _Trunk-Root_, it makes a solid Thred standing in the Center. Which is the Cause of its descending into the Ground: as is already, in the _First_ =Book=, and shall in This be further shewed.

4. §. ROOTS are generally distinguished, as to their _Figures_, in being more Entire, as is that of _Liquirish_; or Parted, as of St. _Johns-wort_. Parted or Forked, either at the Bottom, as most _Roots_; or at the Top, as _Dandelyon_, and some others. A thing very odd, and unintelligible, without the knowledge of the _Motions_ of _Roots_; whereof presently.

5. §. Parted, again, are either Ramified, as that of _Cumfry_; or Manifold, as of _Crowfoot_: both are Parted; but the former, by the subdivision of greater _Branches_, into lesser; these, when divers _Strings_, have all their distinct original from one _Head_. Some are Straight, as a _Radish_; others Crooked, as _Bistort_. Smooth, as _Bugloss_; or Stringy all round about, as _Columbine_. And to _Carnations_, this seems to be peculiar, That sometimes many of the _Strings_ run parallell with the _Wood_ of the great _Root_, through the _Barque_, or betwixt the _Wood_ and the _Barque_.

6. §. Again, some are Thick, as _Rhubarb_; Slender, as the _Vine_. Long, as _Fenil_; Short, as a _Turnep_: which are distinct from Great and Little; in that these, are so called with respect to several _Roots_; those, with respect to the several Dimensions of one. Short, are Stubbed, as _Iris tuberosa_; or Round, as _Dracontium_. Round are Tuberous, or Simply Knobbed, as _Rape-Crowfoot_; Bulbous, that is Scaled, as some Lilys; or Shell’d, as an _Onion_. Where note, That all Bulbous _Roots_, are, as it were, Hermaphrodites, or _Root_ and _Trunk_ both together: for the _Strings_ only, are absolute _Roots_; the _Bulb_, actually containing those _Parts_, which springing up, make the _Leaves_ or _Body_; and is, as it were, a Great _Bud_ under ground.

7. §. _Roots_, again, are Even or Uneven; Even, are Cylindrical, as _Eryngo_; or Pyramidal, as _Borage_. Growing smaller Downwards, as do most; or Upwards, as _Skirrets_. Uneven, are Pitted, as _Potato’s_, where the _Eyes_ or _Buds_ of the future _Trunks_ lie inward; or Knotted, as _Jerusalem-Artichoke_; where they stand out. These Differences, are also Compounded: so some _Roots_ are both Entire and Smooth, as _Peony_; others Entire, but Stringy, as _Clary_: that is, neither Ramifi’d, nor yet Brushy, or divided at the Top into severall small _Strings_; but a Single _Root_ surrounded with many Hairy _Threds_. Some both Plain in some parts, and Knobbed in others, as _Filipendula_, _Lilium non bulbosum_, and others.

8. §. Some also have two or more _Roots_; and those of one Kind: of which, some are distinctly fastend to the bottome of the _Stalk_, as in _Dogstones_; some stand one under another, so as only the uppermost is fasten’d to the _Stalk_, as in _Dragon_, _Crocus_, and others. And there are some, which have not only two _Roots_, at the same time; but those also of two distinct Kinds, as in _Bistort_; one of them, a slender strait Cylindrick and horizontall _Root_; the other large and crooked, and bred of the Descending _Trunk_; as in speaking next of the _Motions_ of _Roots_, will be understood, how. All which, with other Differences by Those that undertake the _Descriptions_ of _Plants_, are accurately to be Noted. But the Differences, above mentioned, will serve for our present Purpose.

9. §. THE MOTIONS of _Roots_ are also divers. Sometimes Level, as are those of _Hops_, _Ammi_, _Cinquefoyle_; and all such as properly _Creep_. Sometimes Perpendicular, as that of _Parsnep_: Which is different from Straightness; for some Straight _Roots_, are Level. Both of them are either Shallow or Deep: some run Level, and near the _Turf_, as _Woodbind_, _Wild Anenomy_; others lower, as _Dogs-Grass_. Some strike down, but a little way, as _Stramonium_; others grow deep, as _Horse-Radish_: Which is different from being Long; for many long _Roots_, are Level, as _Hops_.

10. §. Some again Descend, as _Tulips_, and other Bulbous _Roots_, which differs from growing only Downwards; in that here, the _Head_ of the _Root_ is Immoveable; but in Descending, the whole _Root_ obteineth different Places, running deeper, time after time, into the _Earth_. Some also Ascend, sometimes, and in some part, appearing above ground, as _Turneps_.

11. §. These _Motions_ are also Compounded; both in respect of the several Parts of the _Root_, and of several Times. So the main _Root_ of _Primrose_, is Level; the Strings are Perpendicular. The _Roots_ of most _Seedlings_ grow Downward and Upward, or shoot out in length at both Ends, at the same time. Those of _Bistort_, _Iris_, and some others, grow, in part, both Downward and Upward at several times: Whence it is, that _Bistort_ is Crooked, with some resemblance to an S, according to its _Name_; And that some Parts of _Iris-Root_ appear oftentimes above the ground.

12. §. There is also another _Motion_, in some _Roots_, not heeded; and that is _Contortion_: whereby, without being moved out of their Place, they are Writhed or Twisted; as a piece of Cloath is, when the Water is wrung out of it; as in _Carduus_, _Sonchus_, and others: whether always I cannot say. This _Motion_ cannot be noted, without stripping off the _Barque_; whereby the _Vessels_ may be seen, sometimes, to make two or three Circumvolutions. This _Motion_ seems to be governed by the winding of the _Stalk_; and therefore to begin at the Head, and terminate at the Poynt or lower end of the _Root_, which is immoveable.

13. §. BUT ABOVE all the _Motions_ of _Roots_, not observed, the most remarkable is that of DESCENT. Which, although it hath been noted, by some _Botanicks_, of _Bulbous Roots_; yet of these only: Whereas it is the Property, of a great many more; and those, of very different Kinds; probably, of the far greater number of _Perennial Roots_ of _Herbs_; as of _Arum_, _Rape-Crowfoot_, _Valerian_, _Brownwort_, _Bears-foot_, _Tansy_, _Lychnis_, _Sampier_, _Primrose_, _Ammi_, _Avens_, _Wood-sorrel_, _Iris_, and others. Of all which _Plants_, it is very observable, That their _Root_, is annually _renewed_, or _repaired_, out of the _Trunk_ or _Stalk_ it self. That is to say, The _Basis_ of the _Stalk_ continually, and by insensible Degrees, descending below the surface of the _Earth_, and hiding it self therein; is thus, both in Nature, Place, and Office changed into a true _Root_. Which _Root_, by the continuance of the said _Motion_ of the _Stalk_, also _Descends_; and so, according to the durableness of its Substance, becomes a shorter or longer _Root_; the Elder or Lower Portion thereof, Rotting off, by the same Degrees with the Generation of the Upper, out of the _Stalk_. So in _Brownwort_, the _Basis_ of the _Stalk_ sinking down by degrees, till it lies under Ground, becomes the upper part of the _Root_; and continuing still to sink, the next year, becomes the lower Part; and the next after that, rots away; a new Addition being still yearly made out of the _Stalk_, as the elder Parts yearly rot away. ♦ _Tab. 5. f. 6, & 7._ ♦ So in _Dragon_, _Crocus_, and the like, where the _Root_ is double; the _Basis_ of the _Stalk_, this year; the next, becomes the Upper-_Root_; after that, the Lower-_Root_; and at the length dies and is consum’d.

14. §. The Demonstration hereof, is taken, more evidently, from some _Roots_, than from others; as from the Level and Knobed _Roots_ of _Wood-sorrel_, _Primrose_, &c. ♦ _Tab. 5. f. 1, & 2._ ♦ For the _Leaves_ of those _Plants_ rotting off successively, and the _Bases_ of those _Leaves_ gradually descending into the Ground; each _Basis_ is thus nourished with a more copious _Sap_, and so swelled into so many thick _Knots_. It may likewise be gather’d in some, from the like Position of the _Vessels_ or Woody Parts, in the _Root_, as in the _Trunk_; as in _Bares-foot_, As also, from the _Root_ of the _Iris Tuberosa_: ♦ _Tab. 5. f. 4._ ♦ where, although the _Leaves_ fall off close to the Surface of the _Stalk_; yet after that is sunk down, and swell’d into a _Root_, the _Seats_ of the perished _Leaves_, and the Ends of the _Vessels_ belonging to them, are not obscurely visible; whereby the _Root_ is wrought, as it were, with several _Seames_ and _Prickt Lines_; the _Seams_ shewing the setting on of the _Leaves_; and the _Pricks_, the Terminations or broken Ends of the _Vessels_: which ends, are still more apparent, upon the stripping off the _Barque_. I considered likewise, That as among _Animals_, there are many, which are not Bred of _Eggs_, immediately; but are Transformed, one _Animal_ into another: So, it is more than probable, That among _Plants_, there are not a few Instances of the like _Transformations_; whereof, this is one.

15. §. The _Cause_ of this _Descent_, so far as it is dependent on the Inward Conformation of the _Root_, I shall shew in the following =Part=. But the Immediate Visible one, are the _String-Roots_, which this kind of _Trunks_ frequently put forth: which, descending themselves directly into the Ground, like so many _Ropes_, lug the _Trunk_ after them. Hence the _Tuberous-Roots_ of _Iris_ upon the rotting or fading away of the _String-Roots_ hanging at them, sometimes a little Re-ascend. Hence also the _Shape_ of some _Roots_ is Inverted: For whereas most are parted downwards, into several _Legs_; some are parted upwards into divers _Necks_, as _Dandelyon_, and others. ♦ _Tab. 5. f. 5._ ♦ For these _Roots_ sending forth at the top several _Trunk-Buds_, the said _Buds_ successively put forth new, and cast their old _Leaves_; and continually also making their Descent, are at length formed into so many _Necks_, of three, four, five, or more Inches long, under Ground.

16. §. HENCE ALSO we understand, in what particular way, some _Roots_ become _Perennial_. Some are wholly so, as those of _Trees_, _Shrubs_, and divers other woody _Plants_. Others, in part, or by a new _Progenies_ of _Roots_, from the old Head or Body, in the room of those that die yearly, or after a certain Time; as of _Lilium non bulbosum_, _Jerusalem Artichoke_, _Potato_, _Dog-stones_, _Monks-hood_, _little Celandine_, and others. In which _Plants_, one or more of their _Roots_ are firm, the other spongy and superannuated; and partly, by the ravine of the _Trunk_, and other younger _Roots_, reduced to a Consumption and Death.

17. §. With these, _Tulips_, and other _Bulbous-Roots_ consort: For the several _Rindes_ & _Shells_, whereof chiefly, the _Bulb_ consists, successively perish and shrink up into so many thin and dry _Skins_: betwixt which, and in their Centre, other _Leaves_ and _Shells_, being successively formed, the _Bulb_ is thus perpetuated. In the same manner the _String-Roots_ also succeed one another annually. So that at the end of divers Years, although it be still looked upon as the same _Individual Root_, yet it is, in truth, Another, as to every particle thereof.

18. §. Lastly, many other _Roots_ are perpetuated by the aforesaid Descent of the _Trunk_; out of which, it is still annually Repaired, as by the gradual perishing of its lower parts, it is Diminished; as hath been said. Whence also we see the reason of the Rugged and Blunt extremities of these, ♦ _Tab. 5. f. 3._ ♦ and some other _Roots_, as of that _Plant_ superstitiously called _Devils-bit_: because the end of it seems to be bitten off. Yet doth it not appear so originally; but the Lower part thereof rotting off, as the Upper descends; the living remainder, becometh stumped, or seemeth Bitten. Thus far of the _Original_, _Shapes_, _Motions_, and _Ages_ of _Roots_.

CHAP. II.

_Of the SKIN._

I NEXT proceed to the several _Parts_ whereof a _Root_ is Compounded. The outer _Part_ of all is the _Skin_; which is common to all _Roots_. ’Tis diversly Coloured: Whiter in _Skirrets_; Yellow, in _Dock_; Red, in _Potato_; Brown, in _Lovage_; Black, in _Bugloss_. Its Surface, sometimes Smooth, as in _Hors-radish_; Rough, as in _Scorzonera_. And the _Skins_ of the several _Shells_ of a _Tulip-Root_, taken up fresh, look as if they were perforated with a great many small holes. ’Tis of various Size; very Thin, in _Parsnep_; somewhat Thick, in _Bugloss_; very Thick in _Iris_. Sometimes it is Opacous, as in _Thistle_; and sometimes Transparent, as in _Madder_.

2. §. Every _Root_ hath successively two kinds of _Skins_: the one, Coëtaneous with the other _Parts_; and hath its original from that which involved the _Parts_ of the _Seed_ it self. The other, Postnate, succeeding in the room of the former, as the _Root_ ageth; and is originated from the _Bark_. So in _Dandelyon_, the old _Skin_, looked upon about the beginning of _May_, seems to have been one of those several _Rings_, which the precedent year composed the _Cortical Body_ of the _Root_: but by the Generation of a new _Ring_, next the _Wood_, is now thrust off and shrunk up into a _Skin_. ♦ _Tab. 14, 15._ ♦ So also in the _Roots_ of _Bugloss_ and _Horse-Radish_, as far as the _Bladders_ in the former, and the _Vessels_ in the latter are Radiated; the _Cortical Body_ seems either annually or oftener, to shrink up into another new _Skin_, as, the old ones fall off. ♦ _Tab. 10._ ♦ And sometimes, perhaps, as in _Assparagus_, the whole body of the Perpendicular _Roots_, except the woody _Fibre_ in the Centre, becomes the second _Skin_. So that the wearing away of the old _Skin_, succeeds the derivation of the new one; as in Descending _Roots_, the Consumption of the Lower _Parts_, doth the Generation of the Upper. Because the _Barque_ swells, and grows sometimes faster than the _Skin_ can fall off, or give way to it: therefore are the _Roots_ of many _Herbs_, Barquebound, as well as the _Trunks_ of _Trees_.

3. §. This _Skin_ is usually, if not always, compounded of two Kinds of Bodies: which also is probable of the Coëtaneous. The one, _Parenchymous_, and frequently constructed of exceeding little _Cells_ or _Bladders_; which in some _Roots_, as of _Asparagus_, cut traverse, and viewed through a _Microscope_, are plainly visible. ♦ _Tab. 10._ ♦ These _Bladders_ are of different Sizes; in _Buglos_, larger; in _Asparagus_ less; and sometimes they coincide and disappear. ♦ _Tab. 14._ ♦ But in these, and all other _Roots_, even where these _Bladders_ appear nor, the _Parenchyma_ of the _Skin_, is of the same Substantial _Nature_, with that other more vivid and bulky one of the _Bark_: As is manifest, from its being thence Originated; and alike Conformed, as shall be seen; and not only adjacent to it, as a Glove is to the Hand; but continuous therewith, as the parts of a piece of flesh, are one with another.

4. §. OF THIS _Parenchymous Body_, the _Skin_ consisteth chiefly, but not wholly; there being many _Lignous Vessels_ which are Tubulary, mixed therewith: which, though hardly by the _Microscope_, yet otherwise, is demonstrable. For in tearing the _Skin_, you shall do it more easily by the length, than bredth; because, by the first way, the continuity only of the _Parenchyma_, is dissolved; but by the latter, both of this, and of the _Vessels_, these being posited by the length of the _Root_: So that, as by the smalness of the _Bladders_ of the _Parenchyma_, the _Skin_ is Dense; so by these _Vessels_, is it Tough.

5. §. Again, if you cut a _Root_ traverse, and let it lie by for some time, all the parts, where there are no _Vessels_, shrink below the surface of the cut-end; but where-ever These are posited, there is no shrinking; which oftentimes, evidently appears also in the _Skin_: because the said _Vessels_, though, as the _Bladders_, they may coincide; yet they cannot visibly shorten or shrink up in length; no more than a _Straw_, whose sides may yet be easily crushed together.

6. §. Further, the _Root_ being cut traverse, if, near the cut-end, you very gently press the side of the _Root_ with the edge of your Nail, the _Sap_ will thereupon arise sometimes from the _Skin_; in the same manner, as from any other part of the _Root_, where the like _Vessels_ are posited. And although the _Sap_ may likewise be expressed from the _Pith_, and other _Parts_ where sometimes, there are none of these _Vessels_; yet not without a solution of there continuity; which here doth not follow; as appears, from the disappearing of the _Sap_, together with the intermission of the pressure; the said _Vessels_ then dilating themselves by a Motion of _Restitution_, and so sucking up the _Sap_ again.

7. §. Hereunto may be added the Testimony of sight; the very _Vessels_ themselves, in many _Roots_, coming under an apparent view, and standing in the utmost surface of the _Root_ all round about, as in that of Liquirish, Columbine, Scorzonera, and others. Which _Experiments_, I have here, once for all, more particularly set down; because I shall have occasion, hereafter, to refer to them.

CHAP. III.

_Of the BARQUE._

NEXT WITHIN the _Skin_ lieth the _Barque_. ’Tis sometimes Yellow, as in _Dock_; Red, in _Bistort_; but usually, and in _Seed-Roots_, I think, always White. It is derived from the _Seed_ it self; being but the extension or prolongation of the _Parenchyma_ of the _Radicle_; One of the three _Organical Parts_ of the _Seed_, described in the _First_ =Chapter= of the _First_ =Book=.

2. § It is variously Sized; sometimes very Thin, as in _Jerusalem Artichoke_, _Goats-beard_, and in most _Trees_; where it also retains the Name of a _Barque_ or _Rind_. Sometimes ’tis more Thick, and maketh up the far greatest portion of the _Root_, as in the String-_Roots_ of _Asparagus_, in _Dandelion_, and others. The thinnest and the thickest are all analogous, and obtain the same general Uses. The degrees of its Size, amongst all _Roots_, may be well reckoned about Twenty, and seen in the following examples, ♦ _Tab. 7, 8, 9._ ♦ _sc._ _Beet_, _Dropwort_, _Jerusalem Artichoke_, _Orpine_, _Valerian_, _Goats-beard_, _Nettle_, _Brownwort_, _Columbine_, _Celandine_, _Asparagus_, _Horse-Radish_, _Peony_, _Bryony_, _Eryngo_, _Borage_, _Lovage_, _Dandelion_, _Parsnep_, _Carrot_, _&c._ In the _Root_ of _Beet_, scarce exceeding a good thick _Skin_: but in a _Carrot_, half the Semidiameter of the _Root_, or above half an Inch over in some places: and that of _Dandelion_, sometimes, in proportion with the _woody Part_, twice as thick: the rest of Several intermediate Degrees: And to most _Roots_, this is common, To have their _Barque_ proportionably thicker, at the bottome than at the top.

3. §. IT IS Compounded of two _Bodies_. The one _Parenchymous_; Continuous throughout; yet somewhat Pliable without a solution of its Continuity. Exceeding Porous; as appeareth from its so much shrinking up, in drying. The _Pores_ hereof are extended much alike both by the length and bredth of the _Root_; therefore it shrinketh up, by both those Dimensions, more equally. And they are very Dilative; as is also manifest from its restorableness to its former bulk again, upon its infusion in Water: that is to say, _It is a most curious and exquisitely fine wrought Sponge._ Thus much the Eye and Reason may discover.

4. §. The _Microscope_ confirms the truth hereof, and more precisely shews, That these _Pores_ are all, in a manner, Spherical, in most _Plants_; and this _Part_, an Infinite Mass of little _Cells_ or _Bladders_. The sides of none of them, are Visibly pervious from one into another; but each is bounded within it self. ♦ _Tab. 10, & sequent._ ♦ So that the _Parenchyma_ of the _Barque_, is much the same thing, as to its Conformation, which the Froth of _Beer_ or _Eggs_ is, as a fluid, or a piece of fine _Manchet_, as a fixed Body. The Sides also of these _Bladders_ are as transparent, as those of Water; or the Bodies of some _Insects_.

5. §. But their Size is usually much smaller; and their Posture more Regular than those in _Bread_ or _Water_. In all _Roots_ they are so small, as scarcely, without the _Microscope_, to be discerned: yet are they of different Size, both in the same, and in divers _Roots_; the varieties whereof, amongst all _Roots_, may be reduced to about Ten or Twelve according to the _Standard_, in _Tab. 11._ ♦ _Tab. 13, 14._ ♦ Some of those in _Dandelion_, being of the Smallest; and in _Bugloss_, of the Greatest. They are posited, for the most part, at an Equal Height; and piled evenly one over another: So that, oftentimes, they visibly run in Ranks or trains, both by the length and breadth of the _Roots_, as in the _Root_ of _Bugloss_, or of _Dandelion_, split through the middle, may be seen. Although they are usually Spherical, yet sometimes, and in some places, they are more oblonge, ♦ _Tab. 14._ ♦ as in the outward part of the _Barque_ of _Bugloss_. These _Bladders_, are sometimes best seen, after the _Root_, being cut traverse, hath layn by awhile, to dry.

6. §. They are the Receptacles of _Liquor_; which is ever Lucid; and I think, always more Thin or Watery. They are, in all _Seed-Roots_, filled herewith; and usually, in those also which are well grown, as of _Borage_, _Radish_, &c.

7. §. THIS _Parenchymous Part_, in many _Roots_, is of one Uniform _Contexture_; as in _Asparagus_, _Hors-Radish_, _Peony_, _Potato_, and others. In many others, it is, as it were, of a Diversified _Woof_; the _Bladders_ being, though every where Regular, yet either in Shape, Size, or Situation, different in some Parts hereof, from what they are, in other intermediate ones. For these Parts, are like so many White _Rays_, streaming, by the Diameter of the _Root_, from the inward Edge toward the Circumference of the _Barque_; as in Lovage, Melilot, Parsnep, &c. cut transversly, is apparent. ♦ _Tab. 8, 9._ ♦ They are, though not in direct Lines, continued also by the length of the _Root_; so that they are, as it were, so many _Membrances_, by which the other Parts of the _Barque_, are disterminated.

8. §. The Continuation of these Diametral _Rays_, or _Portions_, is divers: sometimes, but half through the _Barque_, or somewhat more, or less, as in _Melilot_. ♦ _Tab. 9._ ♦ And it is probable, that to the _Roots_ of all or most _Trefoyls_, and also of the _Leguminous_ Kind, this is proper, To have their Diametral _Rays_ come short of the Circumference. ♦ _Tab. 8._ ♦ Sometimes, they run quite through to the very _Skin_, as in _Lovage_. And I think, in the _Roots_ of all Umbelliferous _Plants_: In which therefore, the _Skin_ seems to have a closer Communion with the Diametral _Rays_, and to be originated especially therefrom. They usually stand at an Equal Distance in the same _Root_: But with respect to divers _Roots_, their Distance varies; ♦ _Tab. 7, 8._ ♦ so less, in _Parsnep_, greater in _Bugloss_. They are commonly Rectilinear, as in _Lovage_; ♦ _Tab. 8._ ♦ but sometimes winding to and fro, as in a _Carrot_.

9. §. They are not always of one Size: in a _Carrot_ near the Inner Edge of the _Barque_, exceeding Slender, and scarcely discernable; in others, Thicker, as in the Three greater ones of _Melilot_, and in common _Chervil_. ♦ _Tab. 8, 9._ ♦ Both by their Distance, and Size, they are also less or more Numerous; some, only as they are nearer; some, as smaller; others, as both. And ’tis proper, I think, to the _Intybous_ kind, either to have none, or but a few. Sometimes they are of the same Thickness quite, through the _Barque_ from edge to edge, as in _Marsh-Mallow_. ♦ _Tab. 7._ ♦ And sometimes are considerably spread or dilated as they aproach the _Skin_, wherewith they are joyned, and whereinto they more visibly run, as in _Parsley_, or the smaller part of the _Root_ of _Lovage_. ♦ _Tab. 8._ ♦ And in some _Roots_, as of _Scorzonera_, at some times of the year, when less succulent, almost the whole _Parenchyma_ seems to be of the Nature of the Diametral _Rays_, in other _Roots_. The _Bladders_ of these Diametral _Portions_, are sometimes, greater than those of the other _Parenchymous Parts_, as in _Parsley_; and I think sometimes less. Yet as there, so here, variously sized; to about six or eight Degrees; and those of _Parsley_ about the third, fourth, and fifth. Their Figure is Sometimes more oblong; and their direction or respect more towards the Center of the _Root_.

11. §. As the other _Parenchymous Parts_ of the _Barque_, are the Receptacles of _Liquor_; so these, (where they are) of _Aer_. This is argued, From their being more White, and not Transparent, as such _Roots_ and _Parts_ use to be, which are more copiously and equally filled up with _Liquor_: as the _Pith_ of _Elder_, which, in the old _Stalks_, is White; was once, and by being well soaked, will become, again Transparent. And from their being more dry and voyd of _Liquor_; whereupon their _Bladders_, which cannot be Vacuities, must be filled with more or less _Aer_, mixed with the _Sap_ or the _Vaporous_ parts thereof. This is more observable in those Diametral _Portions_, which terminate upon, and run into the _Skin_.

12. §. THE BARQUE is not only of a divers _Woof_, but as is said, of a Compounded Substance; there being a certain number of _Lignous Vessels_, fewer or more, in some place or other, mixed with the _Parenchymous Part_ above described; and some way or other, are demonstrable in all _Roots_. As by the Toughness of the _Barque_, when pulled by the length. By the visible Continuation of the said _Vessels_ through the length of the _Barque_, in the resemblance of small _Threds_. ♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ And by the rising up of the _Sap_ in the traverse cut of the _Root_, in such places of the _Barque_, where these _Threds_ terminate: as the existence of the same _Vessels_ in the _Skin_, was proved in the _Precedent_ =Chapter=.

13. §. These Tubulary _Threds_, run not through the _Barque_ in direct lines; but are frequently Braced together in the form of _Net-Work_; The _Parenchymous Parts_ every where filling up the spaces betwixt the Braced _Threds_; ♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ as in _Burnet_, _Scorzonera_, &c. the _Barque_ being paired or striped off, is apparent.

14. §. They seem, at first, where they are Braced, to be Inosculated; so as to be pervious one into another. But a more accurate view, especially assisted by a _Microscope_, discovers the contrary. Neither are they woun’d any way one about another, as Threds are in a Rope: nor Implicated, as in ravled Yarn, or the Knots of a Net: but only contiguous or simply Tangent, as the several Chords in the Braces of a Drum: being thus joyned together by the _Parenchymous Parts_, as in speaking of the _Pith_, will be understood how. Yet do not always the same _Threds_ belong and keep entire to one _Brace_; but are frequently parted into lesser _Threds_; which are transposed from _Brace_ to _Brace_. Nor do they always, in whole or in part, presently after their contingence, mutually fall off again; but, oftentimes, run along collaterally joyned together for some space.

♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ 15. §. These _Braces_ are of various number in divers _Roots_; more frequent in _Jerusalem Artichoke_, less in _Scorzonera_, more rare in _Cumfry_. The _Threds_ likewise are variously Divaricated; sometimes more, where the _Braces_ are frequent, as in _Jerusalem Artichoke_; and sometimes less, where the _Braces_ are rare, as in _Scorzonera_, _Dandelion_: And in all _Roots_, more frequent towards the Inner Verge of the _Bark_.

16. §. By what is said, it is partly implied, That these _Threds_, are not Single _Vessels_; but a _Cluster_ of them, Twenty, Thirty, or more or fewer of them together. Yet as the _Threds_ are not Inosculated in the _Braces_; so neither are the _Vessels_, in the _Threds_. Nor yet Twisted; but only stand collateral together; as the several Single _Threds_ of the _Silkworm_, do in Sleave-Silk. Neither are these _Vessels_ pyramidal, so far as the _Glass_ will discover; or, from probable Reason, may be conjectured. Nor Ramified, so as to be successively propagated one from another, after the manner of the _Veins_ in _Animals_: but Cylindrical, and Distinctly continued, throughout the length of the _Root_; as the several _Fibres_ in a _Tendon_ or _Nerve_.

17. §. THESE VESSELS are either themselves of divers kinds, or serve, at least, to constitute divers Kinds, in divers _Roots_: of the different Natures whereof, although there may be other ways whereby to judge; yet so far as by Inspection, we may do it, chiefly, by the Diversity of those _Liquors_, which they severally contain. Sometimes they yield a _Lympha_; and that Thin, as they do in a _Parsnep_; especially those that make a _Ring_, at the inward extremity of the _Bark_. See the Root it self. That this Clear _Sap_ ascendeth only from these _Vessels_, is certain. Because no _Liquor_ will do the like, from any _Parenchymous Part_, as _Chap. 2._ hath been said. And because it is of a different nature from the _Sap_ contained in the _Bladders_ of the _Parenchyma_; although of the same _Colour_, yet sensibly more _Sweet_.

18. §. Sometimes they yield a Thick and Mucilaginous _Lympha_, as in _Cumfry_, as appeareth by its tenacity. From the Mucilaginous _Content_ of these _Vessels_ it is, I suppose, that the _Sap_ contained in the _Bladders_ is rendred of the like nature, so far as it approaches hereto, which sometimes is more, as in _Marsh-mallow_; and sometimes but little as in _Borage_: For in pressing out the _Liquor_ of this _Plant_, and then heating it over an indifferent fire; the far greater part hereof remaineth thin; only some certain strings and little bits of a gellied substance are mixed herewith; which as it seems, were originally the proper _Liquor_ of these _Muciducts_.

19. §. Oftentimes these Succiferous _Vessels_ yield a _Milky_ or White _Sap_; and sometimes Yellow, and of other colours as in _Sonchus_,and most _Cichoraceous Plants_; in _Angelica_, and most _Umbelliferous_; in _Burdock_, and divers _Thistles_, to which that is ’akin: in _Scorzonera_, _Common Bells_, and many other _Plants_, not commonly taken notice of to be _milky_. The _Milky Saps_ of all which, although they differ in Colour, Thickness, and other Qualities; yet agree, in being more _Oyly_ than any of the _Lymphous Saps_. It being the mixture of the _Oyly_ parts with some other Limpid _Liquor_, but of a different Nature, which causeth them to be of a _Milky_, or other _Opacous_ Colour, in the same manner as common _Oyl_, and a strong _Liquamen_ of Tartar, shaked in a Bottle together, presently mix into a White _Liquor_. And although they will, for the greatest part, separate again; yet some of their parts, without any Boiling, or so much as the least Digestion with Heat, by Agitation only, or standing together for some time, incorporate in the form of a Thin _Milky-Sope_, which will also dissolve in _Water_. I suppose, therefore, That it is the _Volatile Salt_, chiefly, of these _Plants_, which being mixed with their _Oyl_, renders this _Liquor_ of a White or other Opacous Colour.

20. §. Sometimes the _Oyl_ will separate and discover it self: for if you cut a _Fenil-Root_ traverse, after it hath layn some days out of the Ground; the same _Vessels_, which, in a fresh _Root_, yields _Milk_; will now, yield Oyl: the watery parts of the _Milk_, which in the drying of the _Root_ are more evaporable, being spent.

21. §. All _Gums_ and _Balsams_ are likewise to be reputed the proper _Contents_ of these _Vessels_: for These and _Milks_, are very near akin. So the _Milk_ of _Fenil_, upon standing, turns to a Clear _Balsam_; of _Scorzonera_, _Dandelion_, and others, to a _Gum_. In the dryed _Root_ of _Angelica_, &c. being split, the _Milk_, according to the Continuation of these _Vessels_, appeareth, as Blood clodders in the _Veins_, condensed to an hard and shining _Rosin_. ♦ _Tab. 9._ ♦ And the _Root_ of _Helenium_ cut transversely, presently yields a curious _Balsame_ of a Citrine Colour, and sometimes of the Colour of _Balsame_ of _Sulphur_. I call it a _Balsame_; because it will not dissolve in Water. Yet not a _Terebinth_; because, nothing near so viscid or tenaceous as that is. But the _Root_ of Common _Wormwood_, bleeds, from large _Vessels_, a true _Terebinth_, ♦ _Tab. 10._ E. ♦ or a _Balsame_ with all the defining properties of a _Terebinth_; although that word be commonly used only for the Liquors of some _Trees_.

22. §. There is yet another kind of _Sap-Vessels_, which may be called _Vapour-Vessels_; as in _Docks_, at least some of them. For by the _Sap-Vessels_ it is, that the _Barques_ of _Roots_ do _Bleed_. Of which, some Bleed quick and plentifully, as the _Umbelliferous_ and the _Cichoraceous_ Kinds. Some, very slowly and scarce visibly, as all or most _Trefoyls_, and of the _Leguminous_ Kind. And some seem not to _Bleed_, as the _Dock_. Yet that this _Root_, hath also _Vessels_ distinct from those that carry _Aer_; doth partly appear, from the different Colour they produce where they stand; as will better be understood anon, in speaking of the Causes of the _Colours_ of _Roots_. As also from the Toughness of the _Barque_, in pulling it by the length; neither the _Parenchyma_, nor the _Aer-Vessels_, being of themselves _Tough_. But because the _Succus_ or _Sap_ they carry, seems to be a kind of Dewy _Vapour_, therefore, they may not improperly be called _Roriferous_ or _Vapour-Vessels_.

23. §. THE _Sap-Vessels_, are not only of divers Kinds, in divers _Roots_, but in the same. Whether in all, I doubt: but in some it is certain they are: ♦ _Tab. 9._ ♦ For if you cut a _Fenil-Root_ traverse, both _Milk_ and _Limpid Sap_, will presently ascend, and, upon accurate inspection, appear thereupon distinctly. So the _Roots_, both of _Trachelium_ and _Enula_, Bleed both a _Lympha_, and a Citrine _Balsame_: and _Wormwood_, both a _Lympha_, and a _Terebinth_, at the same time. So also the _Root_ of _Dandelion_ being cut in _November_, seems to bleed both a _Milk_ and a _Lympha_; the latter being drowned by the former at another time when it is more copious. Whether all _Roots_ have _Lymphæducts_, is doubtful; but ’tis most probable, that they have, more or fewer; standing, for the most part, in a _Ring_, at the Inner Verge of the _Barque_: the _Sap_ whereof, I suppose, is so far of common Nature in all _Roots_, as to be Clear, and less Oily.

24. §. THE Quantity of these _Vessels_ is very different: In _Borage_, _Peony_, _Bistort_, but few; in _Asparagus_, fewer: in _Parsnep_, _Celandine_, many; in _Fenil_, _Marsh-mallow_, many more: and betwixt these extreams, there are many Degrees, ♦ _Tab. 7, 8, 9._ ♦ as by comparing the _Roots_ of _Horse-Radish_, _Turnep_, _Briony_, _Skirrets_, _Parsley_, _Goats-Beard_, and as many more as you please, may be seen. Amongst the several Sorts of _Docks_, they seem in _Patience_, to be the fewest; in _Red-Dock_, the most numerous. There are two ways of judging of their Number; Either as their Extremeties are visible upon the traverse cut of the _Barque_; or as the _Barque_ is diversly Brittle or Tough; being so, from the various Number of these _Vessels_ therein, as in the _Second Chapter_ hath been said.

25. §. The Quantity of the ascending _Sap_, is a doubtful argument, whether of the Number, or Size of these _Vessels_. For it is common to most _Milky-Roots_, for the _Milk_ to ascend more copiously: yet in some of them, the _Vessels_ seem, in proportion with the _Parenchymous Part_, not to be so numerous, as in some other _Roots_, where the ascending _Sap_ is less; as by comparing the _Lacteals_ of _Dandelion_, and the _Lymphæducts_ of _Fenil_ together, may appear: so that it should seem, that the bore of the _Lacteal Vessels_, is greater than that of the _Lymphæducts_.

26. §. THE Situation of these _Vessels_, as they appear, even to the naked Eye, in the transverse Section, is Various and Elegant. Sometimes they are posited only at the Inner Edg of the _Barque_, where they make a Ring, as in _Asparagus_. ♦ _Tab. 7, 8, 9, & 10._ ♦ In which place and position, they stand in most, if not in all, _Roots_, how variouslly soever they are posited also otherwise. The Common _Crow-Foot_ with numerous _Roots_, hath a _Ring_ of _Sap-Vessels_ next the _Skin_. So the _Barque_ of _Monks-Hood_, is encompassed with a transparent _Ring_ of _Sap-Vessels_. The _Ring_ is either more Entire, as in _Eryngo_, _Brown-Wort_, _Valerian_, _Hop_, _Madder_, _&c._ Or it is a Prick’d _Ring_, as in _Buttyr-Bur_. Sometimes they are chiefly postur’d in a Prick-Ring, towards the outward part of the _Barque_, as in _Peony_: and some _Roots_ are pricked all over the _Barque_, as of _Melilot_. In others, they stand not so much in Pricks, as Portions or _Colums_, as in _Cumfry_.

27. §. In others, again, they all stand in more continued Lines, either Rays or Diametral, as in _Borage_; or Peripherial, as in _Celandine_. The _Vascular_ Rays are not equally extended in all _Roots_: in _Parsnep_, towards the Circumference of the _Barque_; ♦ _Tab. 7, 8, 9._ ♦ in _Bugloss_, about half way. In all _Docks_, and _Sorrels_, the _Rays_ are extended through about ¾ of the thickness of the _Barque_, towards the Circumference, whereabout, divers of them are always _arched_ in, two and two together. In all or many _Trefoyls_, and of the _Leguminous_ Kind, they are extended through no more than ⅓ᵈ of the _Barque_. In the _Umbelliferous_, they are Ralled in betwixt the Diametral _Portions_ of the _Parenchyma_. In _Borage_, the Rays are more Continuous; in a _Carrot_, more Pricked. Here also the Pricks stand in Even Lines; in _Lovage_, they are Divaricated. Of which, and those of some other _Roots_, it is also Observable, That they are not all meer Pricks, but most of them small, yet real Circles; ♦ _Tab. 8._ ♦ which, after the _Milk_ hath been frequently licked off, and ceaseth to ascend, are visible, even without a _Glass_. And note, that in observing all _Milk-Vessels_, the _Milk_ is to be taken off, not with the Finger but the Tongue; so often, till it riseth no more, or but little. And some _Roots_ may also be soaked in Water; whereby the Position of the _Milk-Vessels_, will be visible by the darker Colour of the _Barque_, where they stand.

28. §. The Rays sometimes, run more Parallel, and keep several, as in _Monkshood_; and sometimes, towards the Circumference of the _Barque_, they are occurrent; ♦ _Tab. 7, 8, 9._ ♦ as not only in _Docks_, but other _Plants_: In _Eryngo_, in a termination more Circular; and in _Bryony_, angular, or in the form of a _Glory_, as also in _Horsradish_, through a _Microscope_. ♦ _Tab. 15._ ♦ The Peripherial Lines are in some, more entire Circles, as in _Dandelion_; in others, made up of shorter Chords, as in _Potato_, _Cumfry_, and the smaller part of the _Root_ of _Monks-hood_. In some, the Pricks are so exceeding small, and stand so close, that, to the bare eye, they seem to be continuous _Rings_, which yet, through the _Microscope_, appear distinct, as in _Marsh-mallow_ and _Liquirish_. ♦ _Tab. 12._ ♦

29. §. Sometimes Columns and Chords are compounded, as in _Burnet_; Pricks and Chords, in _Potato_; Rays and Rings, in _Monkshood_; where the Ring is Single. In _Fenil_, there is a double or treble order both of Rays and Rings, the _Lymphæducts_ standing in Rays and the _Lacteals_ in Rings. And in _Marsh-mallow_, the _Vessels_ are so posited as to make both those kinds of Lines at once.

30. §. In _Celandine_, they seem all, to the bare eye, to stand in numerous Rings lying even one within another. As also in _Dandelion_; in which yet, being viewed through a _Microscope_, ♦ _Tab. 13._ ♦ there is an appearance of very many small Rays; which streaming from the Inner Verge of the _Barque_, cross three or four of the smaller Rings, and are there terminated. Whence it should seem that _Lymphatick_ Rays and _Milky_ Rings, are in that _Root_, so far mixed together. Only the _Lympha_, being confounded with the _Milk_, cannot be discerned. And where the _Milky-Vessels_ are evacuated, or at such Seasons, wherein they are less full, divers _Milky Roots_ will yield a clear _Liquor_ at the Inner Verge of the _Barque_, where, at other times, they seem to yield only _Milk_. And this is the Description of the _Barque_.

CHAP. IV.

_Of the WOOD._

THAT Portion of the _Root_ which standeth next within the _Barque_, and in _Trees_, and _Shrubby Plants_, is the _Wood_; is also compounded of Two Substantially different Bodies, _Parenchymous_ and _Lignous_. The _Parenchymous_, is of the same Substantial Nature with that of the _Barque_. And is originated from it; being not only adjacent to it, but all round about continuous therewith; even as that, is with the _Skin_; the _Parenchyma_ of the _Barque_, being distributed, from time to time, partly outward into the _Skin_, and partly inward, into the _Wood_.

2. §. The Position of the several parts hereof, is different. For the most part it hath a Diametral Continuation, in several Portions, running betwixt as many more of the _Lignous_, from the Circumference towards the Center of the _Root_: all together, constituting that, which in the _Second Chapter_ of the _First_ =Book=, I call the _Insertment_. In the _Roots_ of many _Herbs_, these Diametral or Inserted Portions are more observable, as in _Cumfry_; ♦ _Tab. 9._ ♦ which leadeth to the notice of them in all others, both of _Herbs_ and _Trees_. Sometimes part of this _Parenchymous_ Body is disposed into _Rings_, as in _Fenil_. The Number and Size of which Rings differ: In _Fenil_, when the _Root_ is grown large, they are in some places broader, but fewer; ♦ _Tab. 8, 9._ ♦ in _Beet_ they are narrower, but more. The Diametral Portions are here, in like manner, much varied; in _Cumfry_, _Celandine_, larger; in _Beet_, _Bugloss_, meaner; in _Borage_, _Parsnep_, more, and smaller; and in most Woody-_Roots_, streaming betwixt the _Pith_ and the _Barque_, as so many small Rays. Their Continuation is also different; in some _Roots_, to the Centre, as in _Columbine_; in others not, as in _Parsnep_. ♦ _Tab. 17._ ♦ And sometimes different in the same _Root_, as in the _Vine_.

3. §. The Contexture of these _Parenchymous_ Portions is sometimes Uniform, as in _Bugloss_, _Peony_; and sometimes also, as it is in the _Barque_, different; in part, more sappy, and transparent; in part, more white, dry, and aery, as in _Carrot_, _Lovage_, _Scorzonera_, and others; which yet cannot be observed without a wary view. But their general Texture is the same being all made up of many small _Bladders_. Which are here of different Sizes, like those of the _Barque_, but for the most part smaller. Their Shape likewise, is usually Round; but sometimes Oblong and Oval, as in _Borage_; or Oblong and Square, as in the _Vine_. ♦ _Tab. 17._ ♦

4. §. The _Lignous Part_, if not always, yet usually, is also Compounded of Two Kinds of _Bodies_, _scil._ _Succiferous_ or _Lignous_ and _Aer-Vessels_. The _Lignous_ as far as discernable, are of the same Conformation and Nature with those of the _Barque_, and in the transverse cut of the _Root_, do oftentimes, as those, emit a _Liquor_. They are also Braced; and many of them run in distinct _Threds_ or Portions, collaterally together.

5. §. The _Aer Vessels_ I so call, because they contain no _Liquor_, but an _Aery Vapour_. They are, more or less, visible in all _Roots_. They may be distinguished, to the bare Eye, from the _Parenchymous Parts_, by their Whiter Surface; and their standing more prominent, wheras those shrink below the transverse level of the _Root_, upon drying. They are frequently Conjugated divers of them together, sometimes fewer, and for the most part single, as in _Asparagus_; ♦ _Tab. 10, & 15._ ♦ sometimes many, as in _Hors-Radish_. And their Conjugations are also Braced, as the Threds of the _Succiferous Vessels_. But they are no where Inosculated: nor Twisted one about another; but only Tangent or Collateral. Neither are they Ramified, the greater into less; but are all distinctly continued, as the _Nerves_ in _Animals_, from one end of the _Root_ to the other.

6. §. Their Braces, as those of the _Succiferous Vessels_, are also of various number: in _Jerusalem Artichoke_, _Cumfry_, _Scorzonera_, more rare; in _Borage_, _Burnet_, more frequent; as by stripping off the _Barque_ of such _Roots_, where it is easily separable, may be seen. ♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ And they often vary in the same _Root_; so in _Borage_, _Scorzonera_, &c. they are more frequent in the Centre, and next the _Barque_, than in the Intermediate space, as by splitting those _Roots_ down the middle doth appear. ♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ They also vary from those of the _Succiferous Vessels_; those being usually more frequent, as in _Jerusalem Artichoke_, than these of the _Aerial_.

7. §. Betwixt these Braced _Aer-Vessels_, and the rest, which make the true _Wood_, run the _Parenchymous Parts_ above described; ♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ as they do betwixt the _Succiferous_ in the _Barque_: and so make up two Pieces of _Net Work_, wherof one is the filling up of the other.

8. §. The Position of both these Kinds of _Vessels_, is Various. The _Succiferous_ or _Lignous_, are sometimes posited in diametral lines or portions; as in the _Vine_, and most _Trees_. ♦ _Tab. 17._ ♦ Sometimes, oppositely to the _Aerial_, as in _Beet_; ♦ _Tab. 8._ ♦ each Ring herein being double, and made both of _Sap-_ and _Aer-Vessels_.

9. §. In _Nettle_ the Position is very peculiar, ♦ _Tab. 8._ ♦ from what it is in the _Roots_ of other _Herbs_; being curiously mixed; the _Succiferous_ running cross the _Aerial_, in several, _viz._ _Five_, _Six_, _Seven_, or more _Rings_. In _Bryony_ the several Conjugations of the _Aerial_, are distinctly surrounded with the _Succiferous_. ♦ _Tab. 7._ ♦ In _Patience_, the _Succiferous_ are disposed, besides Rays, into many small Rings, of different Sizes, sprinkled up and down, and not, as in other _Roots_ having one common Centre; within divers whereof, the _Aer-Vessels_ are included: especially within those which are drawn, not into _Rings_, but, as it were, into little stragling _Hedges_.

10. §. That also of the _Aer-Vessels_, is Various and Elegant: especially in the upper part of the _Root_. In _Ammi_, _Lilium-non-bulbosom_, they make a Ring. In these, a Prick’d-Ring; in _Peony_, a Ring of Rays; in _Valerian_, a Ring of Pricks and Rays. ♦ _Tab. 7, 8, 9._ ♦ In others, they make not Rings, but longer Rays, extended either towards the Centre, as in _Scorzonera_; or meeting in it, as in _Columbine_. In the Common _Dock_, they stand more in single Rays: in the other _Species_ of _Docks_, both in Rays, and collateral Conjugations between.

11. §. In _Beet_, they stand in several Rings; and every Ring, made of Rays. In _Cumfry_, the Rays and Rings are separate; those stand without, these next the Centre. ♦ _Tab. 8, 9._ ♦ In _Dandelion_, they stand altogether, and make a little Rope, in the Center it self. In _Geranium_, and others of that Kindred, they make a little Thred, in the same place. And in _Skirret_, they stand in two Threds, near the Centre.

12. §. In _Celandine_, they stand in almost parallel Lines. ♦ _Tab. 8, 9._ ♦ In _Monks-hood_, of a wedged Figure; divided in the smaller part of the _Root_, into Three little Wedges, with their poynts meeting exactly in the Centre. In _Cincquefoyle_, and _Strawberry_, they are also postur’d in three Conjugations, triangularly. In the young _Roots_ of _Oak_, they stand neither in Radiated, nor otherwise strait, but Winding Lines. And in _Borage_ the position, of many of them, is Spiral. As likewise, sometimes, in _Mercury_, or _Lapathum unctuosum_. ♦ _Tab. 15._ ♦ In _Horse-Radish_, they stand more confused neither in Rings nor in Rays; yet their several Conjugations, are radiated: with very many other differences.

13. §. The Quantity of these _Vessels_, as to the space they take up in the _Root_, is to be computed Two ways, By their Number, and Size. Their Number may, in some _Roots_, and in some measure, be judged of, by the bare Eye; having, frequently, a whiter surface than the other _Parts_. As also their Size; the Bore of these _Vessels_ being greater than that of the _Lignous_ in all _Roots_; especially in some. For if you take the _Roots_ of _Vine_, _Fenil_, _Dandelion_, _Plum-tree_, _Elder_, _Willow_, &c. and lay them by, for some time, to dry; and then, having cut off a very thin Slice of each, transversely; if you hold up those Slices before your Eye, so as the Light may be trajected through the said _Vessels_, they hereby become visible, as notably different, both in Number and Size.

14. §. But undeceitful and accurate Observation of both their Number, and Size, must be made by the _Microscope_; and so they will appear to be much more various. In _Bistort_, _Skirret_, they are very few; in _Beet_, very many: betwixt which extreams there are all Degrees; as in _Orpine_, _Venus Looking-Glass_, _Scorzonera_, Great _Celandine_, _Peony_, _Borage_, _Fenil_, &c. may be seen. So their Size, in some is extream small, as in _Strawberry_, _Bistort_, _Valerian_; in others very great, as in _Asparagus_, _Bugloss_, _Vine_. They are also of several Sizes in one and the same Numerical _Root_; but in some, are less varied, as in _Lilium non bulbosum_, _Asparagus_, _Bugloss_; in others, more, as in _Bryony_, _Lovage_. ♦ _Tab. 10. to 17._ ♦ Amongst all _Roots_, they vary by about Twenty Degrees; as by comparing the _Roots_ of _Vine_, _Thorn-Apple_, _Bryony_, _Lovage_, _Fenil_, Wild _Carrot_, _Saxifrage_, _Parsley_, _Peony_, _Hore-hound_, _Cinquefoyl_, _Strawberry_, &c. together, may be seen. Some of those in the _Vine_, being of the greatest Size; appearing through a good _Glass_, at least one Third of an Inch in Diametre: those in _Strawberry_, and that Kind, of the smallest; most of them appearing, in the same _Glass_, no bigger, than to admit the poynt of a small Pin, according to the Standard, in _Tab. 12._ See also the Figures of so many of them as are drawn.

15. §. In some _Roots_, they are Small, and Few; as in _Jerusalem Artichoke_; in others Small, but Many, as in _Horse-Radish_: ♦ _Tab. 11, 14, 15, 17._ ♦ in _Bugloss_, they are Great, but Few; in the _Vine_, Great and Many. So that the proportion, which those of a _Vine_, their Number and Size being taken together, bear to those of _Jerusalem Artichoke_, may be, at least, as Fifty, to One. Of the smallest Kinds, as those of _Cinquefoyl_, _Jerusalem Artichoke_, and the like; It is to be noted, That they are scarce ever visible in the fresh Slices of these _Roots_; but after they have layn by a while, at last, by a good _Glass_, Clear Light, and steddy View, are discernable.

16. §. In some _Roots_, the greater of these _Vessels_ stand in or next the Centre, ♦ _Tab. 13, 15._ ♦ as in _Taraxacum_, or _Dandelion_; in others next the circumference, as in _Horse-Radish_. Sometimes each of them is from one end of the _Root_ to the other, of a more equal Size, or more Cylindrical, as in _Marsh-mallow_; but usually, they widen, more or less, from the Top, to the Bottom of the _Root_, as in _Thorn-Apple_: about the Top of which, they are, for the most part, but of the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth, Magnitude; some of the Fifth, but none of the Third; but about the Bottome, they are most of the Third, and Fifth: whence it is manifest, That some of them are, in the manner of _Veins_, somewhat Pyramidal. Yet is it observable, That their ampliation proceedeth not towards, but from their Original, as in _Nerves_.

17. §. Of these _Vessels_ Seignior _Malpighi_ hath observed; _Componuntur_ (saith he) _expositæ fistulæ Zona tenui & pellucida, velut argentei coloris lamina, parum lata; quæ, spiraliter locata, & extremis lateribus unita, Tubum, interius & exterius aliquantulum asperum, efficit._

18. §. To whose Observation I further add, That the _Spiral Zone_, or _Lamina_, as he calls it, is not ever one Single _Piece_; but consisteth of Two or More round and true _Fibres_, although standing collaterally together, yet perfectly distinct. Neither are these Single _Fibres_ themselves _flat_, like a _Zone_; but of a _round_ forme, like a most fine _Thred_. According as fewer or more of these _Fibres_ happen to break off, from their Spiral location, together; the _Zone_ is narrower, or broader: usually, Narrower in the _Trunk_, and Broader in the _Root_.

19. §. Of these _Fibres_ I also Observe, That they are not _Inosculated_ side to side, but are _Knit_ together by other smaller _Fibres_; those being, as it were, the _Warp_, and these the _Woof_ of the _Aer-Vessels_. Yet I think the several _Fibres_ are not interwoven just as in a _Web_; but by a kind of Stitch, as the several _Plates_ or _Bredths_ of a Floor-Mat. A clear and elegant sight of these _Fibres_, and of their _Interweftage_, by splitting a _Vine-Root_, or a piece of _Oak_, may, with a good _Glass_ in the sides of their Greater _Aer-Vessels_, be obtained; having much of the resemblance of _Close Needle-work_.

20. §. The Spiration of the _Fibres_ of these _Vessels_, may more easily be observed in the _Trunk_, than in the _Root_. And better in younger _Plants_, than other. And not so well by Cutting as by Splitting, or by Tearing off some small Piece, through which they _run_: their Conformation being, by this means, not spoiled. Yet this way, the _Vessels_ are seen, chiefly, _Unresolved_.

21. §. But in the _Leaves_ and Tender _Stalks_ of all such _Plants_, as shew, upon breaking, a kind of _Doune_ or _Wool_; they may be seen _Resolved_ and Drawn out, and that some times even to the naked Eye, an Inch or two Inches in length. This _Wool_ being nothing else, but a certain number of _Fibres_ Resolved from their Spiral position in these _Vessels_, and Drawn out in Length; and so clustred together, as so many _Threds_ or little _Ropes_: appearing thus more or less, in the _Leaves_ and some other _Parts_ of most _Plants_; but more remarquably in some, as in the _Vine_, _Scabious_, and others. As also in the Scales of a _Squill_. In which last, for example, they are so easily separable, as further to shew, what before was observed; _viz._ That the _Plate_ or _Zone_, into which the _Aer-Vessels_ are usually Resolved, is not one Single Piece, or meer _Plate_; but made up of several Round _Fibres_, all standing and running parallel, and so knit together by other smaller ones, tranversly, in the form of a _Zone_. For if you break or cut a _Leaf_ or _Shell_ of a fresh _Squill_, till you come to the _Aer-Vessels_, and having softly drawn them out, for about an Inch or more (to the naked Eye) in length, you then single out one or two of them from the rest, and rowl them, as they hang at the _Shell_, eight or nine times round, each _Vessel_ will appear, through a _Glass_, to consist of 8, 10, or 12 small _Fibres_; which, in the Unresolved _Vessel_, run parallel; but by this means, are all separated one from another. See the _Figures_ belonging to the _Third_ and _Fourth_ =Books=.

22. §. The Process of their Spiration, is not, so far as I have observed, accidental, but constantly the same; _scil._ In the _Root_, by _South_, from _West_ to _East_: But in the _Trunk_, contrarily, by _South_, from _East_ to _West_.

23. §. The _Content_ of these _Vessels_, is, as hath already been intimated, more _Aery_. The Arguments for which, are, That upon a transverse Cut of the _Root_, the _Sap_ ascendeth not there, where These stand. Being also viewed through a _Microscope_, they are never observed to be filled with _Liquor_. Besides a _Root_ cut and immersed in Water, till the Water is in some part got into these _Vessels_, and then the _Root_ taken out and crushed; the other _Parts_ will yield _Liquor_, but These, only _Bubbles_: which _Bubbles_ are made, by some small quantity of _Liquor_ mixed with the _Aer_, before contained in the said _Vessels_. To which, other Arguments will arise out of those Things that follow in the _Second_ =Part=. As also for this _Content_, its not being a pure or simple, but _Vaporous Aer_. Whether these _Vessels_ may not, in some _Vegetables_, and at some times, contain _Liquor_, is doubtful.[2] Thus far of the _Lignous Part_.

[2] See _Book 3_.

CHAP. V.

_Of the PITH._

WITHIN the _Lignous Part_ lyeth the _Pith_. This _Part_ is not common to all _Roots_, for some have none, as _Nicotian_, _Stramonium_, and others. Yet many which have none, or but little, throughout all their lower parts, have one fair enough about their tops, as _Mallow_, _Bourage_, _Dandelion_, and the like. ♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ See the _Roots_. And in many others there are _Parenchymous Parts_, of the same substantial nature with the _Pith_, distributed betwixt the several Rings of _Vessels_, and every where visible, from the top to the bottom, as in _Beet_, _Fenil_, &c. ♦ _Tab. 8._ ♦

2. §. The Size of the _Pith_ is varied by many Degrees, easily reckoned an Hundred; in _Fenil_, _Dandelion_, _Asparagus_, but small; in _Horse-Radish_, _Valerian_, _Bistort_, great. The Shape hereof, in the lower parts of most _Roots_, is Pyramidal; but at the tops, Various, according to the different Distribution of the _Vessels_, as in _Carrot_, _Hyperbolick_, in _Parsley_, _Oval_; ♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ as appeareth, in cutting the _Roots_ length-ways.

3. §. The _Pith_, for the most part, especially in _Trees_, is a _Simple_ Body: but sometimes, it is, as the _Barque_, compounded; some certain number of _Succiferous Vessels_ being mixed herewith; as in _Jerusalem Artichoke_, ♦ _Tab. 6, & 8._ ♦ _Horse-Radish_, &c. upon a traverse cut, by a strict view, may be discerned. Their Position is sometimes Confused, as in a _Carrot_; and sometimes Regular, as in _Parsley_; appearing, by the traverse cut, in Rings, and in cutting by the length, in Arches. ♦ _Tab. 6._ ♦ And sometimes the _Pith_ is hollow; as in the _Level-Roots_ of _Bishops-Weed_: these _Roots_ being made out of the _Stalk_, ♦ _§. 13, 14, 15._ ♦ as in the _First_ =Chapter= hath been shewed, how.

4. §. As all the other Parts of the _Root_, are originated from the _Seed_; so, sometimes, is the _Pith_ it self. But sometimes, it hath its more immediate Derivation from the _Barque_. Hence it is, that many _Roots_, which have no _Pith_ in their lower parts, have one at their top, as _Columbine_, _Lovage_, &c. ♦ _Tab. 4._ ♦ For the _Parenchymous Parts_ of the _Barque_ being, by degrees, distributed into Diametral _Portions_, running betwixt those of the _Lignous Body_, and at length, meeting and uniting in the Centre, they thus constitute the _Pith_. In the same manner, at the top of some _Roots_, the _Pith_ is either made or augmented, out of the _Parenchymous Rings_ above described; these being gradually distributed to, and embodied in the Centre; as in _Fenil_, and some other _Roots_, their lower and upper parts compared together, maybe seen. Even as in _Animals_, one _Part_, as the _Dura Mater_, is the original of divers others.

5. §. From hence, it also appears, That the _Pith_ is of the same Substantial Nature with the _Parenchyma_ of the _Barque_, and with the Diametral _Portions_; and that therefore they are all one body, differing in no Essential Property, but only in their Shape and Place. The same is also evident from the Continuity of the _Pith_ with the Diametral _Portions_, as of These, with the said _Parenchyma_. And from their Contexture, which, by a _Microscope_, appeareth to be of one and the same general kind, in all _Plants_, both in the _Parenchyma_ of the _Barque_, in the _Insertment_ or Diametral _Portions_, and in the _Pith_, all being made up of _Bladders_.

♦ _Tab. 9, & 15._ ♦ 6. §. The _Bladders_ of the _Pith_, are of very different Sizes; seldom less, than in the _Barque_, as in _Asparagus_; usually much bigger, as in _Horse-Radish_. They may be well reckoned to about fifteen or twenty degrees; those in _Jerusalem Artichoke_, of the largest; in _Valerian_, _Horse-Radish_, of the meaner; in _Bistort_, _Peony_, of the smallest. Their Position is rarely varied, as it is oftentimes, in the _Barque_; but more uniform, and in the transverse Cut, equally respective to all parts of the _Root_: yet being piled evenly, one over another, in the long cut, they seem to run, in Direct Trains, by the length of the _Root_. Their Shape also is, usually more orbicular; ♦ _Tab. 11._ ♦ but sometimes, somewhat angular, in the larger kinds, as in _Jerusalem Artichoke_.

7. §. THUS FAR the Contexture of the _Pith_ is well discoverable in the _Root_. In the _Trunk_, farther, and more easily. Whereof therefore, in the next _Book_, I shall give a more particular _Description_ and _Draught_. Yet since I am speaking of it, I shall not wholly omit here to observe, That the _Sides_, by which the aforesaid _Bladders_ of the _Pith_ are circumscribed, are not meer _Paper-Skins_, or rude _Membranes_; but so many several Ranks or Piles of exceeding small _Fibrous Threds_; lying, for the most part, evenly one over another, from the bottom to the top of every _Bladder_; and running cross, as the _Threds_ in the Weavers _Warp_, from one _Bladder_ to another. Which is to say, That the _Pith_ is nothing else but a _Rete mirabile_, or an Infinite Number of _Fibres_ exquisitely small, and admirably Complicated together: as by cutting the _Pith_ with a _Razor_, and so viewing it with a good _Glass_, may be seen. See the _Figures_ belonging to the _Third_ =Book=.

8. §. All _Plants_ exhibit this Spectable, not alike distinctly; those best, with the largest _Bladders_. Nor the same _Pith_, in any condition; but best, when dry: Because then, the _Sap_ being voided, the spaces betwixt the _Fibrous Threds_, and so the _Threds_ themselves, are more distinctly discernable. Yet is it not to be dryed, after Cutting; Because its several parts, will thereupon coincide and become deformed. But to be chosen, while the _Plant_ is yet growing; at which time, it may be often found dry, yet undeformed; as in the _Trunks_ of _Common Thistle_, _Jerusalem Artichoke_, &c.

9. §. Neither are these _Threds_, so far as I can observe, Single _Fibres_; but usually, consist of several together. Nor are they _simply_ Collateral, but by the weftage of other _Fibres_, in their natural Estate, knit together; much after the same manner as the _Spiral Fibres_ of the _Aer-Vessels_. This Connexion I have no where so well seen, as in the White _Bottoms_ of the _Bladders_ of a _Bulrush_, being cut traverse; wherein they have the appearance, of very Fine and close _Needle-work_.

10. §. The _Fibres_ by which the said _Threds_ are knit together, I think are all Single: and are seldom and scarcely visible, except by obliquely Tearing the _Pith_; by which means, they will appear through the Glass, broken off, sometimes, a quarter or half an Inch, or an Inch in Length; and as small as one Single _Thred_ of a _Spiders Webb_. In a _Bulrush_, they are sometimes discernable in cutting by the Length. These _Fibres_, and the _Threds_, they knit together, for the most part, are so pellucid, and closely situate, that they frequently seem to make One entire Body, as a piece of _Ice_ or a film of _Water_ it self: or even as _Animal Skins_ sometimes shew, which yet are known to be _Fibrous_.

11. §. The Situation of these _Threds_, is contrary to that of the _Vessels_, as those by the Length, so these, chiefly, by the Bredth of the _Root_, or horizontally, from one edge of the _Pith_ to the other. They are continued circularly; whereby, as oft as they keep within the compass of the several _Bladders_, the said _Bladders_ are Round: But where they winde out of one _Bladder_, into another, they mutually Intersect a _Chord_ of their several _Circles_; by which means, the _Bladders_ become Angular.

12. §. The Contexture, likewise, both of the _Parenchymous Part_ of the _Barque_, and of the Diametral _Portions_ inserted betwixt the _Lignous_; is the same with this of the _Pith_, now described; that is, _Fibrous_. Whence we understand, How the several _Braces_ and _Threds_ of the _Vessels_ are made: For the _Vessels_ running by the length of the _Root_, as the _Warp_; by the _Parenchymous Fibres_ running cross or horizontally, as the _Woof_: they are thus _knit_ and as it were _stitched_ up together. Yet their _weftage_ seemeth not to be _simple_, as in Cloath; but that many of the _Parenchymous Fibres_ are _wraped_ round about each _Vessel_; and, in the same manner, are continued from one _Vessel_ to another; thereby knitting them altogether, more closely, into one _Tubulary Thred_; and those _Threds_, again, into one _Brace_: much after the manner of the _Needle work_ called _Back-Stitch_ or that used in Quilting of Balls. Some obscure sight hereof, may be taken in a _Thred_ of _Cambrick_, through a _Microscope_. But it is most visible, in the _Leaves_ and _Flowers_ of some _Plants_. The Delineation of these Things I shall therefore omit, till we come hereafter to speak of the other _Parts_.

13. §. From what hath been said, it may be conjectured; That the _Aer Vessels_ successively appearing in the _Barque_, are formed, not out of any _Fluid Matter_, as are the original ones: But of the _Parenchymous Fibres_; _sc._ by changing them from a _Spherical_ to a _Tubulary Forme_.

14. §. From the precedents, it is also manifest, That all the _Parenchymous Parts_ of a _Root_, are _Fibrous_.

15. §. And lastly, That the whole Body of a _Root_, consisteth of _Vessels_ and _Fibres_. And, That these _Fibres_ themselves, are Tubulous, or so many more _Vessels_, is most probable: There only wanteth a greater perfection of _Microscopes_ to determine.

16. §. The _Contents_ of the _Pith_ are, sometimes _Liquor_, and sometimes a _Vaporous-Aer_. The _Liquor_ is always Diaphanous, as that of the _Parenchymous Part_ of the _Barque_; and in nature, not much differing from it. The _Aer_ is sometimes less, and sometimes more _Vaporous_, than that of the _Barque_. By this _Aer_ I mean, that which is contained in the _Bladders_. Within the Concaves of the _Fibres_ which compose the _Bladders_, I suppose, there is another different Sort of _Aer_. So that as in the _Bladders_ is contained a more _Aqueous_; and in the _Vessels_, a more _Essential Liquor_: So sometimes, in the same _Bladders_, is contained a more _Vaporous_; and in the _Fibres_, a more Simple and _Essential Aer_.

An Account of the

VEGETATION

OF

ROOTS

Grounded chiefly upon the foregoing

ANATOMY.