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. Thus far of the Lignous Part.

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

ROOTS

Grounded chiefly upon the foregoing

ANATOMY.