PART I.

CHAP. I.

The Descriptions of several Trunks, as they appear to the bare Eye.

TO the end we may clearly understand, what the Trunk, Stalk, or Branch of a Plant, is; I shall by these Figures here before us, Describe the several Parts, whereof it is compounded.

1. §. And for examples sake, I shall in the first place, Describe the Trunks of some Plants, as being cut tranversly, and accurately observ’d, they appear to the naked Eye. And some others, as by the length. Which having done, I shall next proceed to a more particular Description of divers other Trunks and Branches as they appear through a good Microscope. In both shewing, not only what their several Parts are, as generally belonging to a Branch; but also, by a Comparative Prospect, in what respects they are specifically distinguished one from another, in the several Sorts of Branches.

2. §. I SHALL begin where the Work of Nature appears less Diversify’d: as in the Stalk of Maze or Indian Wheat. In which, although there are the same Parenchymous and Lignous Parts, as in all other Plants; ♦ Tab. 18. ♦ yet is there neither Barque, nor Pith; the Vessels being dispersed and mixed with the Parenchyma, from the Circumference to the Centre of the Stalk: Saving, that in and next the Skin, there seems to be no Aer-Vessels. Every where else, they run up, like fine Threds, through the length of the Stalk: Each Thred being also surrounded with Sap-Vessels; which in a Slice cut transversly, appear in very small and dark colour’d Rings. The like structure may also be seen in the Sugar-Cane, and some other Plants.

3. §. LET the next Trunk be that of Taraxacum, or Dandelion. In a slice whereof, being cut transversly, is seen next the Skin, first, a simple, white, and close Parenchyma or Barque; ♦ Tab. 18. ♦ made up of Vesicles; but such as are exceeding small; and hardly visible without a Glass.

4. §. Within This, stand Milk-Vessels in seven or eight distinct Colums, of different size: each Colum being also made up of seven or eight Arched Lines. Betwixt these Colums, run as many Diametral Portions, derived from the Barque, into or towards the Pith.

5. §. Next within These, stand the Aer-Vessels. Which are likewise divided, by the said Diametral Portions, into divers Arched Lines. The size of these Vessels, as well as their number, is small.

6. §. Within These, stands the Pith, consisting of very small Vesicles or Bladders, as the Barque. ’Tis very small, the Diameter hereof, being scarce one fifth, of that of the Pith of Borage. But the Barque of Borage is not half so thick as this of Dandelion.

7. §. FOR a Third Stalk, we may take that of Borage; wherein there is some further Variety. For in a slice hereof, cut transversly, there appears, first a Tough, yet Thin and Transparent Skin. Within this Skin, and Continuous therewith, there is also a Thin Ring of Sap-Vessels: ♦ Tab. 18. ♦ which, without being crushed in the least, do yield a Lympha.

8. §. Next standeth the Parenchyma of the Barque. Which is made up of a great number of very small Vesicles or Bladders. Upon the inner Verge of this Parenchyma, standeth another Ring of Sap-Vessels: which also yield a Lympha; and that different, as is probable, from the Lympha in the utmost Ring. Hitherto goes the Barque.

9. §. Adjacent to the Ring of Sap-Vessels, on the inner Verge of Barque, stand the Aer-Vessels on the outer Verge of the Pith. Not in a Ring; but in several Parcels; some Parcels or Conjugations, in the figure of little Specks; others, in little Arched Lines, almost like an V Consonant. And being viewed in a good Glass, there appears to be within the compass of every larger Speck or Parcel, about 20 or 30 Aer-Vessels and within the smallest, about 8 or 10.

10. §. The Pith, in a well grown Stalk of this Plant; is always hollow. But originally, it is entire. It is likewise wholly made up of a great number of Vesicles: of which, through a Glass, some appear Pentangular, others Sexangular, and Septangular. Most of them are larger than those of the Barque; so as to be plainly visible to a naked Eye.

11. §. A FOURTH Trunk, shall be that of Colewort, which seems likewise, to have at least, two Sorts of Lymphæducts. For being cut transversly, as the former, we may observe, next the Skin, a very close Parenchyma, of a darkish Green. Wherewith are mixed some few Sap Vessels, which give it that Colour.

12. §. Within This, stands a scalloped Parenchymous Ring, or a Ring of many short and slender white Arches. ♦ Tab. 18. ♦ Which all round about the Barque, meeting together, run in so many white Diametral Portions, or extream small Rays, into the Pith.

13. §. Betwixt these white Rays, and next of all to the said white Arches, stand as many small Parcels of Sap-Vessels, like so many little Half-Ovals. Within each of which, is included a white Parenchyma.

14. §. On the inner Verge of the Barque, stands another Sort of Sap-Vessels, in one slender and entire Ring. And so far goes the Barque.

15. §. Next within this Ring stand the Aer-Vessels, in several Parcels, diametrically opposite to the said white Parenchymous Parcels next without the Sap-Ring.

16. §. Last of all, and more within the Pith, stand the same kind of Sap-Vessels, as those of the Half-Ovals. Both these, by small lines, run one into another; thus, on both sides, hemming in the Aer-Vessels, and so making altogether, so many little Pyramids.

17. §. LET a Fifth be that of Holyoak. In which, the Curiosity of Nature, is still more copious: presenting us, as it seems, with Three sorts of Lymphæducts; Of which, two yield a Thin; the Third, a Thick Lympha. For being cut, as before, next to the Skin, stands the Barque; somewhat close, and, in proportion, Thick.

18. §. Towards the inner Verge hereof, stand one sort of Sap-Vessels, postur’d in short Rays. These Vessels yield a Mucilage. And on the inner Verge of the Barque, stands a Thin Ring of other Sap-Vessels, which yield a thinner Liquor. ♦ Tab. 18. ♦

19. §. Next within the Barque stand the Aer-Vessels, postur’d likewise in short Rays, diametrically opposite to those in the Barque. In every Ray, there are about twelve or sixteen Vessels.

20. §. Lastly, and more within the Pith, there stand other Sap-Vessels, all in very Thin or Slender Arched-Lines; thus hemming in the several Parcels of Aer-Vessels.

21. §. FOR a Sixth, I will take that of Wild Cucumer: Wherein is also found a Mucilaginous Lympha. For first of all, next to the Skin, there is a Ring of Sap-Vessels. Which Ring is also radiated, the Rays, all poynting towards, and most of them terminating on, the Skin. ♦ Tab. 18. ♦

22. §. Next of all, there is a thick, and simple Parenchymous Ring. On the inner Verge whereof, there are other Sap-Vessels standing in Parcels, also in a Ring. So far goes the Barque.

23. §. Next within, stand the Aer-Vessels, in as many Parcels, contiguous to those of the Sap-Vessels aforesaid. To which likewise are adjoyned as many more Parcels of Sap-Vessels within the Pith, opposite to the said Sap-Vessels within the Barque.

24. §. FOR a Seventh, we may choose that of Scorzonera. In which, the Vessels are both Lymphæducts, and Lactiferous. All of them, with the Aer-Vessels, in a radiated posture. For first next the outer Edg of the Barque, stand the Lactiferous, in little Specks. ♦ Tab. 18. ♦ Next to these, on the inner Edg of the Barque, stand the Lymphæducts, in the same form.

25. §. Hereunto adjacent, on the outer Edg of the Pith, stand the Aer-Vessels, some in Specks, and some in extream short Lines; hardly distinguished, without a very nice Inspection.

26. §. Within These, are placed other Lymphæducts, opposite to those in the Barque. And within these Lymphæducts, still in the same radiated Line, run more of the Milk-Vessels.

27. §. AN EIGHTH, may be that of Burdock; Wherein first, there are a Sort of Lymphæducts, which stand in Arched Parcels, round the Trunk, adjacent to the Skin. ♦ Tab. 18. ♦

28. §. Within these, about the middle of the Barque, run the Milk-Vessels, in the form of small round Specks.

29. §. Next to these on the inner Edg of the Barque are placed other Lymphæducts. Which, together with more of the same in the Pith, and the Aer-Vessels betwixt them, stand all in Radiated Lines, of several Lengths, and all sharpning towards the Centre.

30. §. LET the Ninth, be that of Endive: In which there is also much curious Work. ♦ Tab. 18. ♦ Next to the Skin, there is, first, a thick and simple Parenchyma. Then there is a kind of Undulated Ring of Milk-Vessels. Within which stand a Sort of Lymphæducts, in several Parcels; some, in Arched Half-Ovals; others, in short slender Rays. Betwixt these Parcels, many of the Milk-Vessels likewise stand.

31. §. Next there is an undulated Ring of other Lymphæducts, parting as in most Trunks, betwixt the Barque and the Pith. Within which, are the Aer-Vessels. And within These, more Sap-Vessels. Both of them, in small Specks, answerable, or opposite to the Rays in the Barque.

♦ Tab. 18. ♦ 32. §. I SHALL give also one or two Examples of Trees, or Arborescent Plants; the Vine and Common Sumach. In a Slice of the former cut transversly, next the Skin, there is a Thin Barque. In the inner part whereof, adjacent to the Wood, stand the Lymphæducts in several Half-Oval Parcels, opposite to so many Radiated Pieces of the Wood.

33. §. The Wood is divided into the said Pieces, by as many Parenchymous Rays, inserted from the Barque, and so continuous therewith.

34. §. Within these Radiated Pieces of Wood, stand the Aer-Vessels; the largest of which, especially if held up against the light, are plainly visible to the bare Eye.

35. §. Within the hollow of the Wood, stands the Pith; in the young Growths always large. In the utmost Verge whereof, adjacent to the Wood, stand a few more Sap-Vessels of the same Sort with those in the Barque.

♦ Tab. 18. ♦ 36. §. IN A like Slice of Common Sumach, contiguous to the hairy Skin, there is a Ring of Lymphæducts. Next to this a Simple Parenchyma. Then several Arched Parcels of Lymphæducts. Within these, a Ring of Milk-Vessels. And then a Ring of other Lymphæducts. Thus far the Barque.

37. §. Within the Barque, stands the Wood, divided into several Portions, by the Diametral Insertions divided from the Barque. In the Body of the Wood, stand the Aer-Vessels, very much smaller than in the Vine.

38. §. The hollow of the Wood is filled up with the Pith. In the Circumference of which, stands a Ring of Lymphæducts, of the same sort with those next to the Wood without.

39. §. All the Parts of these Trunks, may, as I have now described them, be observed without a Microscope: excepting the Bladders and number of Aer-Vessels. Yet Three things are hereunto necessary; viz. a good Eye, a clear Light, and a Rasor, or very keen Knife, wherewith to cut them with a smooth surface, and so as not to Dislocate the Parts.

40. §. UPON Inspection also by the length, there are some particulars, common, more or less, to most Plants, yet better observable in some, than in others. As first, the Reticulation of the Vessels, (formerly described) not only in the Wood, but in the Barque: ♦ Tab. 19. ♦ which is evident in a young Branch of Corin, upon the very Surface thereof, when some of the Vessels begin to be cast off into the Skin. And so, by stripping off the Skin, upon the Surface of the Wood.

41. §. In cutting by the length, as well as transversly, the young Fibres, which grow within the Wood in the Edg of the Pith, are also seen. As likewise the manner of the Derivation of the Parts of the Bud from the Branch or Stalk; as in Sonchus. There are also many Varieties in the Pith, such as those hereafter mentioned which fall under observation only in cutting by the length.

Chap. 4.

CHAP. II.

Of the Barque, as it appears through a good Microscope.

I NOW proceed to a more particular Description of several Trunks and Branches, as they appear through good Glasses.

1. §. Now the Trunk, or Branch of every Tree, hath Three General Parts to be described; sc. the Barque, the Wood, and the Pith. That likewise of every Herbaceous Plant, hath either the same Three Parts; or else Three Parts Analogous; sc. the Cortical, the Lignous, and the Pithy Parts.

2. §. The Barque consisteth of two Parts, sc. the outmost or Skin, and the Main Body. The Skin is generally composed, in part, of very small Vesicles or Bladders, cluster’d together. That is, originally it is so; but as the Plant grows, the Skin dries, and the said Bladders, do very much shrink up and disappear.

3. §. Amongst these Bladders of the Skin, there are usually intermixed a sort of Lignous Fibres, or Vessels, ♦ Tab. 20. ♦ which run through the length of the skin; as in Mallow, Nettle, Borage, Thistle, and most Herbs. Which is argued not only from the Toughness of the skin by means of the said Vessels; but in some Plants, may be plainly seen, as in Teasle. In which, the several Fibres, which run by the length of the Stalk, are also conjoyned by other smaller ones, which stand transversly.

4. §. Whether they are Aer-Vessels, or Sap-Vessels, is dubious. For, on the one hand, because they emit no Sap, or bleed not, and also stand adjacent to the Aer; ’tis probable that they are Aer-Vessels. On the other hand, they may be Sap-Vessels; notwithstanding that they bleed not: Because the non-emission of Sap is not an infallible and concluding argument of an Aer-Vessel. For there are some Plants which bleed not. Which yet are furnished with Sap-Vessels, as certainly as any others which bleed.

B. 2. P. 1. c. 3. §. 22.

5. §. The Skin of the Trunk is sometimes visibly porous. But no where more, than in the better sort of walking Canes; where the Pores are so big, as to be visible even to the naked Eye: like to those, ♦ Tab. 20. ♦ which are observable in several parts of the Ball of the Hand, and upon the ends of the Fingers and Toes.

6. §. THE Main Body of the Barque consisteth likewise of two Parts, sc. Parenchyma, and Vessels. The Parenchyma is made up of an innumerable company of small Bladders cluster’d together. Differing in nothing from those aforesaid in the Skin; ♦ Tab. 22. & Sequent. ♦ saving, that they are much larger; and generally rounder.

7. §. This Parenchyma of the Barque is the same, as to its Substance, both in the Root and Trunk. Yet as to the Texture of its Parts, in the one, and in the other, there is This observable difference, viz. That in the Barque of the Root, cut transversly, the said Parenchyma (as hath been shew’d) is usually, more or less, disposed into Diametral Rays; ♦ Tab. 7, 8, 9. ♦ running through the Barque, after the same manner, as do the Hour-Lines through the Margin of the Dial-plate of a Clock or Watch: as in Marsh-Mallow, Lovage, Melilot, and others. Whereas here in the Barque of the Trunk, the said Parenchyma is rarely thus disposed into Diametral Rays: ♦ Tab. 22. & Seq. ♦ Nor when it is, are those Rays continued to the Circumference of the Barque; as in the Barque of the Root they frequently are. ♦ Tab. 31, 34, &c. ♦ So in Rhus or Sumach, although part of the Parenchyma be dispos’d into Diametral Rays: yet are those Rays extended not half way through the Barque. So also in Fig-tree, Worm-wood, Thistle, and others. What is further observable in the Texture of the Parenchyma, I shall shew in the description of the Pith.

8. §. THE Vessels of the Barque, are, as I shall also shew, diversifyed many ways. But there are some Things, wherein, in all Sorts of Plants, they agree. First, in standing, most numerously, in or near, the inner Margin of the Barque. Secondly, in being always, and only Sap-Vessels. I have viewed so many, that at least, I can securely affirm thus much, That if there be any Heteroclital Plants, wherein they are found otherwise, there is not One, in Five Hundred. Thirdly, in being always Conjugated or Braced together in the form of Net-work. Although the Number and Distances of the Braces, are very different: ♦ Chap. 3. Tab. 6. ♦ as I have already shewed in the Anatomy of Roots.

9. §. THE Properties, whereby the said Vessels of the Barque are specificated and distinguished one from another, both in the same Plant, and in the several Species of Plants, are very many. Which Properties, are not Accidental, but such as shew the Constant and Universal Design of Nature. All which shall be demonstrated by the Description of several Quarters of the Slices, of so many Kinds of Branches, cut Transversly: and by the several Figures which represent them.

10. §. FIRST then, for the Eleven first Quarters, the Vessels of the Barque are only of Two Kinds. ♦ Tab. 22. & Seq. ♦ And these, in the first Eight, seem to be Roriferous (described also in the Anatomy of Roots) and those which are common to most, if not to all Plants, sc. the Lymphæducts. Yet in all the Eight, they are, in respect both of their Proportion, and Position, very different. So in Hazel and Ash they are but few. In Holly and Barberry more. In Apple, Pear, Plum, Elm, still more numerous. And of those three Fruits, in an Apple, or Plum, more than in a Pear.

P. 1. c. 3. §. 22.

11. §. Again, as their Proportion, so likewise their Position is divers. For in Holly, the Lymphæducts or inner Vessels next to the Wood, stand in Rays. Yet so numerous and close together, as to make one Entire Ring. ♦ Tab. 22, 23, 24. ♦ In Hazel, they stand more in Oblong Parcels. In Barberry, they stand likewise in Parcels, but they are so many Half-Ovals. The utmost Vessels or Roriferous of all Three, make a Ring.

12. §. Again, in Apple, Pear, and Plum, the Lymphæducts are Radiated. The Roriferous are neither Radiated, nor make an entire Ring; ♦ Tab. 25, to 28. ♦ but stand in Peripherial Parcels. Much after the same manner, they also stand in Elm. In Ash, the Vessels make Two Rings; ♦ Tab. 29. ♦ but neither of them Radiated: the inmost Ring or Lymphæducts, consisting of Arched Parcels, and the utmost or Roriferous Vessels, of Round ones. And whereas in all the foregoing, the Lymphæducts are still contiguous to the Wood; and the Roriferous more or less, distant from the Skin: here, on the contrary, the former are distant from the Wood, and the latter contiguous to the Skin.

13. §. And that these Vessels in each Barque of the said Eight Branches, are of Two distinct Kinds, seems evident, as from some other reasons, so from hence; In that their Positions are altogether Heterogeneous: Yet in both Constant, Regular and Uniform. I say, there seems to be no Reason, why the self same Kind or Species of Vessels, should have a different, yea a contrary Position in one and the same Plant; and that Contrariety, not Accidental, but Regular and Constant.

14. §. FOR the Three next Quarters sc. the Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh, the Vessels of the Barque are also different in Number, Position, Size and Kind. ♦ Tab. 30, 31, 32. ♦ In Pine, which is the Eleventh, they are fewer. In Walnut, the Ninth, more. In Fig, the Tenth, most numerous.

15. §. So for their Position. In Pine, the inmost make a Radiated Ring. The utmost stand stragling up and down, without any certain order. In Wallnut the inmost make also a Radiated Ring; The utmost make a Double Ring; not Radiated, but of Round Parcels. In Fig, the inmost make also a Radiated Ring. But the utmost make a Double and sometimes Treble Ring, not of Radiated, nor Round, but Arched Parcels.

16. §. Thirdly, they are also different in Kind. Those, I think, of the two former, Wallnut and Fig, are thus different: those certainly, of the Fig, are so; being Lymphæducts and Lacteals. The Lymphæducts make the inmost Radiated Ring. The outmost which make the other Rings in Arched Parcels, are the Lactifers.

17. §. That they are distinct Kinds of Vessels, is evident for two Reasons. First, from their Position in the Barque; which is altogether different, as hath been said. Secondly, from the most apparent Diversity of the Liquors or Saps, which they contain, and which, upon cutting the Branch transversly, do distinctly Bleed from them. Which is one way, whereby we do distinguish the Vessels of Animals themselves. As in the Liver, it were hard to say, which is a Blood-Vessel, and which is a Bile-Vessel, where they are very small, if it were not for the Contents of them both.

18. §. Those in the Barque of Pine, are likewise of Two Kinds. The inmost are Lymphæducts, as in the two former. The utmost are not Milk-Vessels, but Gum-Vessels, or Resiniferous; which stand stragling, and singly, about the midle of the Barque. Out of these Vessels all the clear Turpentine, that drops from the Tree, doth issue.

19. §. Few, but very great. So that besides the difference of their Number and Position, and of the Liquors which they contain, and Bleed; there is yet a Fourth, and that is, their Size. Most of these Turpentine Vessels, being of so wide a bore, as to be apparent to the naked Eye: and, through a good Glass, above ⅓ᵈ of an Inch in Diametre. Whereas that of the Lymphæducts, can hardly be discovered by the best Microscope.

20. §. The same Turpentine-Vessels of Pine, are likewise remarkably bigger, not only than the Lymphæducts, but many times, than the Milk-Vessels themselves: as those of the Fig, which, in comparison, are exceeding small; every Arch, not being a single Vessel, but a Parcel or Cluster of Vessels; Whereas one single Gum-Vessel in Pine, is sometimes as big as two whole Arched Clusters, that is, as some Scores of the Milk Vessels in a Fig-tree. And the said Gum-Vessels of Pine, being compared with the Lymphæducts of the same Tree, one Gum-Vessel, by a moderate estimate, may be reckoned three or four hundred times wider than a Lymphæduct. The like prodigious difference may be observed in the Size of the several Kinds of Vessels of many other Plants.

21. §. THE Three next Quarters of Branches, are of Oak, Common Sumach, and Common Wormwood. In the Barque-Vessels whereof, there is observable some farther Variety. For in all or in most of the above named, there are only Two Kinds of Vessels in the Barque. But in Each of these, there are, at least, Three Kinds.

22. §. And first, in that of Oak there are Lymphæducts, Roriferous, and a Sort of Resiniferous. ♦ Tab. 33. ♦ The inmost or Lymphæducts, make a Radiated Ring, contiguous to the Wood. The utmost or the Roriferous make also a Ring, but not Radiated. Those which are a sort of Rosin-Vessels, stand in Round Parcels; the greater Parcels betwixt the Two Rings of Roriferous and Lymphæducts; and the lesser, betwixt the Roriferous and the Skin.

23. §. That these last are different Vessels from both the other, seems evident, from the difference of their Position, as aforesaid. And that they are a sort of Resiniferous, is argued from hence; In that, not only Galls are very full of Rosin, but that the Barque of Oak it self is also somewhat Resinous. For the conveyance of whose Resinous parts, it is most unlikely that any other Vessels should subserve, but a peculiar Kind; which may therefore be properly called Resiniferous.

♦ Tab. 34. ♦ 24. §. The next is a Branch of Common Sumach. In the Barque whereof, there are likewise Three Kinds of Vessels. First of all, there is a thick Radiated Ring of Lymphæducts; standing on the inner Margin of the Barque, contiguous with the Wood. These Vessels exhibit their Lympha very apparently. A second kind of Vessels, sc. Roriferous, are situate towards the outer Margin of the Barque, and are composed into distinct Arched Parcels, all standing in a Ring.

25. §. Betwixt these Two Kinds stand the Milk-Vessels. Every single Milk-Vessel being empaled or hemmed in with an Arch of Roriferous. The Milk-Vessels are extraordinary large, almost as the Gum-Vessels of Pine; so as distinctly to be observed without a Microscope; after they are evacuated of their Milk; and without difficulty will admit a Virginal Wyer; being two or three hundred times as big as a Lymphæduct. Besides these Three sorts of Vessels, there is also a Ring, adjacent to the Skin; which seems to be another sort of Roriferous.

26. §. The Last, is a Branch of Common Wormwood. ♦ Tab. 35. ♦ In the Barque whereof, there are likewise Three Kinds of Vessels. First of all, there is a thin Radiated Ring of Lymphæducts, contiguous with the Wood or on the inner Margin of the Barque. Yet the Ring is not entire, but made up of several Parcels; which are intercepted by as many Parenchymous inserted into the Pith.

27. §. A Second Sort of Vessels, which seem to be Roriferous, are situate about the middle of the Barque: and are composed into Arched Parcels, which likewise stand all even in a Ring.

28. §. Beyond these Arches, and towards the outer Margin of the Barque, stand a Third Sort of Vessels. Different from the Milk-Vessels in Sumach, both as to their Situation, Size and Content. For in Sumach, the Milk-Vessels stand within the Arched Lymphæducts: whereas these in Wormwood, stand without them. Likewise, being the Vessels of an Herb, they are far less; sc. about the compass or width of a small Wheat-Straw. Their Content, is not a Milk, but a liquid, most Oleous and viscid Gum. Or which, for its pleasant Flavour may be called an Aromatick Balsom. For it perfectly giveth whatever is in the Smell and Taste of Wormwood: being the Essence of the whole Plant, which nature treasureth up in these Vessels. So that they are, in all respects, analogous to the Turpentine Vessels in Pine. There are divers other Herbs and Trees, which in the like Vessels, contain a Turpentine, or rather Aromatical Balsom; as Angelica, Helenium and others; the Vessels being so very large, that they may be easily traced with a knife, in cutting by the length of a Branch or Stalk.

29. §. Whether in some Plants, there are not more Sorts of Vessels, in the Barque, than have been now mentioned, I cannot say: Though we have not much reason to doubt of it. Because we see, there is so great variety in the Viscera of Animals. For what the Viscera are in Animals; the Vessels themselves are in Plants.

30. §. CONCERNING the Form and Texture of the Lymphæducts, there are some things, which though they are best observed in the Wood, yet in regard I am now describing the said Vessels, I shall here therefore add. I have already said, and shewed, in the former Books, That the Lignous and Towy Parts of all Plants, are Tubulary. And that the Lympha is conveyed, by the length of a Plant, through an innumerable company of small Tubes or Pipes.

31. §. The Question may be yet further put: If the Towy Parts of the Barque are made of Tubes, What are these Tubes themselves made up of? I answer, That these Tubes or Lymphæducts, are not only themselves Organical; but their very Sides also, seem to be composed of other Parts, which are Organical, sc. of Lignous or Towy Fibres. ♦ Tab. 40. ♦ Which Fibres, standing close or contiguous in a round Figure, they make one Tubulary Body, which I call the Lymphæduct of a Plant. And it is probable, That these Fibres themselves, are also Tubulary. That is, that a Lymphæduct, is a small Tube, made up or composed of other, yet much smaller Tubes, set round together in a Cylindrick Figure. As if we should imagine a company of Straws, which are so many small Pipes, to be joyned and set round together, so as to make another greater Pipe, answerable to a hollow Cane. The Cane, I say, is as the Lymphæduct; and the Straws are as the Fibres whereof it is composed. By which also appears, the admirable smallness of these Fibres. For there are some Lymphæducts, which may be reckoned fifty times smaller than a Horse-Hair. Allowing therefore but Twenty of the aforesaid Fibres to make a Thred so big as one Lymphæduct; then one of the said Fibres, must be a Thousand times smaller than a Horse-Hair. That these Fibres, whereof the Lymphæducts are made, are themselves made up of other Fibres, is not altogether improbable.

32. §. These Fibres, although parallel; yet are they not coalescent, but only contiguous; being contained together in a Tubulary Figure, by the Weftage of the Cortical Fibres, as in Chapter the Fourth will better be understood.

33. §. The first notice I took of the Composition and Texture of these Vessels, so far as the best Glasses yet known, will admit; was in a very white and clear piece of Ash-wood torn, with some care, by the length of the Tree, and objected to a proper Light. They seem also sometimes discernable in some other clear Woods, as in very white Fir, &c. And having formerly demonstrated, that the Lignous Part of a Plant, is annually made or augmented out of the inner part of the Barque, wherein the Lymphæducts always stand: we may reasonably suppose the same Lymphæducts to have the like Conformation in the Barque, as in the Wood.

34. §. And I am the rather induced to believe, that I am not mistaken in this Description, upon these two Considerations. First, that herein the Analogy betwixt the Vessels of an Animal and a Plant, is the more clear and proper. For as the Sanguineous Vessels in an Animal are composed of a number of Fibres, set round, in a Tubulary Figure, together: so are these Lymphæducts of a Plant. Secondly, in that herein, there is a more genuine respondence betwixt these, and the other Vessels of a Plant it self; sc., the Aer-Vessels; which are made up of a certain number of Round Fibres, standing collaterally, or side to side as I have already observed in the Anatomy of Roots. So that it is the less strange, that the Lymphæducts should be made up of Fibres, since the Aer-Vessels are evidently so made. Only with this difference, that whereas in the Aer-Vessels, the Fibres are postured or continued Spirally: here, in the Lymphæducts, they stand and are continued only in straight Lines.

35. §. THE STRUCTURE of the Lactiferous and Gum-Vessels, which have a very ample Bore, is more apparent. ♦ Tab. 20. ♦ And, by the best Glasses I have yet used, they seem to be made, chiefly, by the Constipation of the Bladders of the Barque. That is to say, That they are so many Chanels, not made or bounded by any walls or sides proper to themselves, as a Quil thrust into a Cork, and as the Aer-Vessels are in the Wood: but only by the Bladders of the Parenchyma; which are so postured and crouded up together, as to leave certain Cilyndrick Spaces, which are continued by the length of the Barque.

36. §. One difference betwixt the Vessels or Chanels now describ’d, and the Tubulary Hollows and other Apertures in the Pith, is this; That these never exist originally with the Pith; but are so many Ruptures supervening to it in its Growth. Caused, partly, by the Stretch or Tenter it suffers from the Dilatation of the Wood: and partly, the drying, and so the Shrinking up of its Bladders, and of the Fibres whereof they are composed. Whereas the said Vessels in the Barque, are many of them originally formed therewith. And those which are post-nate, not made by any Rupture, but only such a Disposition of the Parenchymous Fibres, and Constipation of the Bladders, as is thereunto convenient.

B. 1. c. 3. §. 22, & 23.

37. §. In paring the Barque of a Branch of Pine, Sumach, &c. they appear, neither parallel, nor any where Inosculated: but run, with some little obliquities, distinct one from another, through the length of the Branch: and so, we may believe, through the length of the Tree.

CHAP. III.

Of the WOOD.

THE next general Part of a Branch, is the Wood; which lyeth betwixt the Barque and the Pith. And this likewise evermore consisteth of Two General Parts, sc. of a Parenchymous Part, and that more properly called Lignous. The Parenchymous Part of the Wood, though much diversifyed, yet in the Trunks of all Trees whatsoever, hath this property, To be disposed into many Rays, or Diametral Insertions, running betwixt so many Lignous Portions, from the Barque to the Pith: as in any of the Quarters here before us may appear.

2. §. But these Insertions are much diversifyed, according to the several Sorts of Plants. So in Barberry, Ash, Pine, Worm-wood, they are less numerous. ♦ Tab. 22, to 35. ♦ In Elm, Wallnut, Fig, Sumach, they are more. And in Holly, Pear, Plum, Apple, Oak, Hazel, are most numerous.

3. §. The same Insertions, in Barberry, Wormwood, and some in Oak, are very Thick. In Pine, Fig, Ash, of a middle Size. In Pear, Holly, and most of them in Oak, are exceeding Small. ♦ Ibid. ♦ Again, in Barberry, Elm, Ash, Sumach, Fig, they are of an Equal Size. In Holly, Hazel, Pear, Plum, Oak, they are very Unequal: some of those in Holly, being Four or Five times thicker than the rest; in Plum, Six or Seven times; and in Oak, Ten times at least.

4. §. In some Plants, they are Equidistant; in others, not: in some, the Great ones are Equidistant; in others, the Lesser; in others, both; in some, neither. Which Varieties are not accidental; but constant to the Species in which they are severally found.

5. §. They are not always visibly continued from the Circumference to the Centre of the Wood: but in some Branches, as of Sumach; and in most Trunks of many years growth, declining, in some places, ♦ Tab. 34. ♦ under or over, from a Level, are thereby, upon a Transverse Section, in part cut away.

6. §. They have yet one more Diversity, which is, That in divers of the aforesaid Branches, they run not only through the Wood; but also shoot out beyond it, into some Part of the Barque, as in Elm, Sumach, Wormwood, &c. ♦ Tab. 28, 34, 35. ♦ Whereas in Pine, and some of the rest they either keep not distinct from the other parts of the Parenchyma of the Barque; ♦ Tab. 32. ♦ or are so small, as not to be distinguished there from.

7. §. The Texture likewise of these Insertions is somewhat various. ♦ Tab. 35. ♦ For in Wormwood, and most Herbs, they are manifestly composed of small Bladders: differing in nothing from those of the Barque or Pith, saving, in their being much less. Yet in Herbs, they are much larger than they are in Trees. ♦ Tab. 36, 37. ♦ And in many Trees, as Apple, Pear, Plum, Pine, &c. they are either quite lost, or so squeezed and pressed together by the hard Wood standing on both sides, as to be almost undiscernable.

8. §. So that although the Parenchyma of the Barque or Pith, and the Insertions in the Wood, are of the same Specifick Nature or Substance: yet there is this difference betwixt them; That the Fibres of the former, are so Netted together, as to leave several round Vacuities; or to make a great many little Bladders, whereas, in the latter, they are usually so far crowded up, as to run (as when a Net is stretched out) like a Skein of Parallel Threds.

9. §. Of these Insertions in the Wood, it is further observable, That they do not only run betwixt the Lignous Portions; but that many of their Fibres are likewise all along distributed to the several Fibres, ♦ Tab. 40. ♦ of which the Lignous Portions consist, and are interwoven with them; both together thus making a piece of Linsy-Woolsy Work, or like many other Manufactures in which the Warp and the Woof are of different Sorts of Stuff: as in the end of the Fourth Chapter is further explained.

10. §. THE WOOD is likewise compounded of Two Sorts of Bodies; That which is strictly Woody; and the Aer-Vessels mixed herewith. The true Wood is nothing else but a mass of antiquated Lymphæducts, viz. those which were originally placed on the inner Margin of the Barque. For in that place, there grows, every year, a new Ring of Lymphæducts. Which losing its original softness by degrees, at the latter end of the year, is turned into a dry and hard Ring of perfect Wood.

11. §. So that every year, the Barque of a Tree is divided into Two Parts, and distributed two contrary ways. The outer Part falleth off towards the Skin; and at length becomes the Skin it self. In like manner, as hath been observed of the Skin of the Root. Or as the Cuticula in Animals, is but the efflorescence of the Cutis. I say, that the elder Skin of a Tree, is not originally made a Skin; but was once, some of the midle part of the Barque it self, which is annually cast off, and dryed into a Skin: even as the very Skin of an Adder, upon the gradual generation of a new one underneath, in time, becomes a Slough. The inmost portion of the Barque, is annually distributed and added to the Wood: the Parenchymous Part thereof making a new addition to the Insertions within the Wood; and the Lymphæducts a new addition to the Lignous pieces betwixt which the Insertions stand. So that a Ring of Lymphæducts in the Barque this year, will be a Ring of Wood the next; and so another Ring of Lymphæducts, and of Wood, successively, from year to year. So the Table, for an Apple-Branch, ♦ Tab. 25, 24, 34, 28. ♦ sheweth a quarter of a Slice of a Branch cut transversly, of Three years growth: That of Barbery, of Two; That of Sumach, of One only; That of Elm, of Five.

12. §. Hereby two things maybe the better noted. First, the difference betwixt the degrees of the annual growths of several Trees: three years growth in an Oak, being as thick as five in an Elm. ♦ Tab. 33, 28. ♦ Secondly, the difference betwixt the Annual growths of the same Tree; being not of a constant proportion, but varying in thickness, as it should seem, according to the season of the year: whereby it may appear, what season, or kind of year, doth most of all favour, the latitudinal growth, or the thickening of any Tree.

13. §. The Lymphæducts thus antiquated or turned into Wood, do rarely, if ever, Bleed: but only transmit a kind of Dewy or Vaporous Sap. And some of them, as in the Heart of some Trees, it is probable, That they transmit not any Sap, either in the form of a Liquor, or a Vapour: and so being gradually deprived of their Watery Parts, become the Heart.

14. §. There is this further variety in the Wood; represented in Walnut, Fig and Oak. That some certain parcels hereof, make either several small and white Rings, as in Oak; or else divers white and crooked Parcels, transverse to the Insertions, as in Wallnut and Fig. ♦ Tab. 30, 31, 33. ♦ For it seemeth, that, at least,in many Trees, some portion of all the Kinds of Vessels in the Barque, are not only annually distributed to the Wood, but do likewise therein retain the same, or somewhat like Position, which they originally had in the Barque. So that as all those bigger and darker Portions of the Wood, were originally, the Radiated Lymphæducts of the Barque: so the little white Circles, or Parcels of Circles, in the same Wood, were originally another sort of Sap-Vessels in the Barque, sc. those which have a circular Position therein.

15. §. In the Branches of Fir, Pine, and others of the same Kindred, there are some few Turpentine-Vessels scattered up and down the Wood; ♦ Tab. 32. ♦ and represented by the larger Black Spots. Which Vessels are eadem numero, the self same, which did once appertain to the Barque; and do even here also in the Wood, contain and yield a liquid Turpentine. Only, being pinched up by the Wood, they are become much smaller Pipes.

16. §. THE Aer-Vessels, with the Insertions, and true Wood, altogether make up That, which is commonly called, The Wood of a Tree. The Aer-Vessels I so call, not in that they never contain any Liquor; but, because all the principal time of the growth of a Plant, when the Vessels of the Barque are filled with Liquor, these are filled only with a Vegetable Aer.

17. §. In almost all Plants, not one in some hundreds excepted, this is proper to the Aer-Vessels; To have a much more ample Bore or Cavity, than any other in the Wood. In the Wood, I say; for in the Barque, there are many Sap-Vessels bigger than the biggest Aer-Vessels that be.

18. §. The Varieties hereof are very many; in respect both of their Number, Size, and Position; being, as to these, the same, in no two Sorts of Plants whatsoever. First in respect of their Number. So in Hazel, Apple, Pear, they are very numerous; but in different degrees: and are represented in the Figures already referred to, by all the black spots in the Wood. ♦ Tab. 23, 25, 26. 22, 24, 27. 29, 30, 33. 32. ♦ In Holly, Plum, Barberry somewhat numerous. In Oak, Ash, Walnut fewer. In Pine, and others of that Kindred, very few; sc. fewer than in any other kind of Plant.

19. §. Secondly, in respect of their Size; which from the first or greatest, to the least, may be computed easily to about Twenty Degrees. Thus, many of those in Elm, Ash, Wallnut, Fig, Oak, are very large. In Barberry, Plum, not so large. In Hazel, Sumach, smaller. In Holly, Pear, of a still smaller Size. ♦ Tab. 28, 33. 22, 26. ♦ So that many of those in Elm, or Oak, are Twenty times bigger, than those in Holly or Pear.

20. §. In an ordinary joynted Cane, they are so wide, that if you take one a yard, or a yard and ½ long, and putting one end into a Basin of Water, you blow strongly at the other; your Breath will immediately pass, through the Aer-Vessels, the length of the Cane, so as to raise up the Water into a great many Bubbles.

21. §. And as they have a different Size in divers Kinds of Plants; so likewise, according to the place where they stand, in the self same. So in Holly, Hazel, Apple, their Size is more equal throughout the bredth of the Tree. ♦ Tab. 22, 23, 25. 24, 28, 29. 33. ♦ But in Barberry, Elm, Oak, Ash, very different: Not fortuitously, but always much after the same manner. For in all the last named Branches, the Aer-Vessels stand in the inner margin of each annual Ring, are all vastly bigger, than any of those that stand in the outer part of the Ring.

22. §. Thirdly, these Aer-Vessels are also different in their Situation. So in Apple, Wallnut, Fig, they are spread all abroad in every annual Ring; ♦ Tab. 25, 30, 31. ♦ not being posited in any one certain Line. In others, they keep more within the compass of some Line or Lines; either Diametral, or Peripheral. ♦ Tab. 22. 23, 32. ♦ So in Holly they are Radiated, or run in even Diametral Lines betwixt the Pith and the Barque. So also are some of them in Hazel; and some few in Wallnut.

23. §. Whether they stand Irregularly, or are Radiated, it is to be noted, That Nature, for the most part, so disposeth of them, that many of them may still stand very near the Insertions. So in Apple, she will rather decline making an even Line; or in Holly, will rather break that Line into Parcels, than that the Aer-Vessels shall stand remote from the Insertions. To what end this is done, shall be said hereafter.

24. §. Again, in Ash, the Aer-Vessels are none of them Radiated, but most of them stand in Circles on the inner Margin of every annual Ring. ♦ Tab. 24. 29. 28. 26, 27. ♦ Which Circle is sometimes very thick, as in Ash and Barberry. In others but thin, the Vessels standing, for the most part, single throughout the Circles; as in Elm. Sometimes again, they both make a Circle, and are also spread abroad; as in Pear and Plum.

25. §. Those likewise which are spread abroad, are sometimes Regularly posited. ♦ Tab. 24. ♦ So in Barberry, besides those larger, that make the Circle, there are other smaller ones, that stand, in oblique Lines, athwart one another; almost like a Bend, or sometimes, an entire or broken Saltyr in an Escutcheon. ♦ Tab. 33. 38. ♦ In Oak, they make rather certain Columns, in the posture of the Pale. And in Elm, they make, as it were, many cross Parcels, in the posture of the Fess.

26. §. This great difference in the Size and Position of the Aer-Vessels, in the same individual Plant, is one ground, for which, I think it probable, That there are divers Kinds of Aer-Vessels, as well as of Sap-Vessels. Even as in Animals, there are divers Kinds of Organs for Spiration, and the separation of Aer: Fishes having their Branchiæ; Land-Animals their Lungs; and those in Frogs, &c. being of a somewhat peculiar Kind.

27. §. THE Form and Texture of these Vessels, and the various ways whereby they may be best observed, I have already described and shewed in my Anatomy of Roots. ♦ P. 1. c. 4. ♦ As to their Form, one thing remarqued was this; That they are never Ramified, but distinctly continued from one end of a Plant, small or great, to the other: as the Nerves are in Animals. A further and easie proof whereof, may be made, only by holding up a piece of an ordinary Cane, about ½ a foot long, cut very smooth at both ends, against a full light: whereupon, if you keep it in a straight Line betwixt the Light, and the cast of your Eye, and then look steadily, you may see quite through it, that is, through the Aer-Vessels, which run straight along the Cane from end to end.

28. §. As to their Texture; whereas, oftentimes, the Aer-Vessels appear to be unroaved in the form of a very small Plate, it is to be noted, That it is not only of different bredth, in divers Plants, and usually much broader in the Root, than in the Trunk: but also, that in the Trunk, many times, the said Vessels are unroaved or resolved, not in the form of a Plate, but of a Round-Thred. The Causes of which Diversity, are principally Three; viz. The Weftage of the Fibres of which the Aer-Vessels consist; The deference betwixt the said Fibres, or betwixt the Warp and the Woof; And the different Kinds of Woof.

29. §. By the Weftage of the Fibres, it is, That the Vessels, oftentimes, unroave in the form of a Plate. As if we should imagine a piece of fine narrow Ribband, to be woun’d spirally, and Edg to Edg, round about a Stick; and so, the Stick being drawn out, the Ribband to be left in the Figure of a Tube, answerable to an Aer-Vessel. For that which, upon the unroaving of the Vessel, seems to be a Plate, ♦ Tab. 39. ♦ or one single Piece, is, as it were, a Natural Ribband, consisting of several Pieces, that is, a certain number of Threds or Round Fibres, standing parallel, as the Threds do in an Artificial Ribband. And as in a Ribband, so here, the Fibres which make the Warp, and which are Spirally continu’d; although they run parallel, yet are not coallescent; but conteined together, by other Transverse Fibres in the place of a Woof.

30. §. And as the said Fibres are transversly continued, thereby making a Warp and Woof: So are they (as in divers woven Manufactures) of very different Bulk; those of the Former, being much bigger, and therefore much stronger, than those of the Latter. By which means, as Cloth or Silk will often Tear one way, and not another; so here, while the Warp or those Fibres which are Spirally continued, are usually unroaved without breaking; those smaller ones, by which they are stitched or woven together, easily tear in sunder all the way.

31. §. And because the Fibres of the Woof, are themselves also of different Bulk; therefore it is, That where they are more sturdy, as usually in the Root, they require a greater quantity of Warp, that is, a broader Plate, to overmatch them. Whereas, where they are more extream small, as in the Trunk and Leaves, one Thred of the Warp, that is, one Spiral Fibre, will be strong enough of it self, and so, sometimes, be singly unroav’d.

32. §. From the extream Tenuity of these Fibres, it is, That they are very rarely discern’d, and not without the greatest difficulty. As also, from their great Tenderness; whereby not enduring to be drawn out, they all break off close to the Sides of the Spiral ones. In the Pith, the like Transverse Fibres are a little more visible: which first conducted Me to the notice of them here also.

33. §. All the Fibres of the Aer-Vessels, both the Warp and the Woof, are of the same Substantial Nature with the Pith and the other Parenchymous Parts of a Plant. From whence it is, That whereas the Towy Parts of a Plant, whereof all Linen Manufactures are made, are very Strong and Tough; these, as is abovesaid, are extream Tender and Brittle, like those of the Pith and all the Pithy Parts. To which therefore, the Aer-Vessels are to be referr’d. And the Content of both, is oftentimes the same.

34. §. From whence, we have a further proof of what I have formerly asserted, which is, That in all Plants, there are Two Substantially different Parts, ♦ B. 1. c. 7. §. 13. 14. ♦ and no more than Two, viz. the Pithy, and the Towy or Lignous Parts.

35. §. From hence also we have some ground to conjecture, That so many of the Aer-Vessels, at least, which are not formed with the seed, but post-nate, are originated from the Parenchymous Parts; which seem by some alteration in the Quality, Position and Texture of the Fibres, to be Transformed into Aer-Vessels, as Caterpillars are into Flies. And as the Pith it self, by the Rupture and Shrinking up of several Rows of Bladders, doth oftentimes become Tubulary: So is it also probable, that in the other Parenchymous Parts, one single Row or File of Bladders evenly and perpendicularly piled; may sometimes, by the shrinking up of their Horizontal Fibres, all regularly break one into another and so make one continued Cavity; or a Tube, whose Diametre is the same with that of the Bladders, wherof it is composed. All which, will appear more probable, and what hath been said, be yet better understood, when we come, in the next Chapter, to the Description of the Pith.

CHAP. IV.

Of the PITH.

THE Third General Part of a Branch is the Pith. Which though it have a different name from the Parenchyma in the Barque, and the Insertions in the Wood; yet, as to its Substance, it is the very same with them both. Whereof there is a double evidence, sc. their Continuity, and the sameness of their Texture. Their Texture shall be shewed presently. As to their Continuity, it is to be noted, That as the Skin is continuous with the Parenchyma of the Barque; and this Parenchyma likewise, with the Insertions in the Wood; so these Insertions again, running through the Wood, are also continuous with the Pith. So that the Skin, Parenchyma, Insertions, and Pith, are all One entire piece of Work; being only filled up, in divers manners, with the Vessels.

2. §. The Size of the Pith is various, being not the same in any two Branches here represented. ♦ Tab. 24, 31, 34, 35. 22, 29, 30, 32. 23, 25, 26, 35. 27. 28. ♦ In Wormwood, Sumach, Fig, Barbery, ’tis very large; sc. betwixt 5, and 7 Inches Diametre, as it appears through the Microscope. In Pine, Ash, Holly, Walnut, not so large; from 3 Inches Diameter to 4. In Oak, Apple, Pear, Hazel, lesser, scarce from 2, to 3. In Damascene, not above an Inch and half. And in Elm, scarce an Inch Diameter. Note also, that of all Plants, both Herbs, and Shrubs, have generally the largest Piths, in proportion with the other Parts of the same Branch, as in Sumach, Fig, Barbery, is manifest.

3. §. It is also worth the noting, That wheras, in most Plants, the Barque and Wood do both grow thicker every year: the Pith, on the contrary, groweth more slender; So that in a Branch of one years growth, it is apparently more ample, than in one of two; and in a Branch of two, than in one of three; and so on.

4. §. The Pith, for the most part, if not always, in the Branch, as well as the Root, is furnished with a certain number of Sap-Vessels. They are here usually so postur’d, as to make a Ring on the Margin of the Pith. Where they are more numerous, or large, they are more evident; as in Walnut, Fig, Pine, and others. They are also of divers Kinds, ♦ Tab. 30, 31, 32. ♦ answerable to those in the Barque; as in Wallnut, Lymphæducts; in Fig, Lacteals; in Pine, Resiniferous.

5. §. The Parenchyma of the Pith is composed of Bladders. Which are the very same with those in the Barque, and oftentimes in the Insertions within the Wood. Only these in the Pith, are of the largest Size; those in the Barque, of a lesser; and those of the Insertions least of all: for which reason they are less obvious than in the Pith.

6. §. The Bladders of the Pith, though always comparatively Great; yet are of very different Sizes. Being easily distinguished, even as to their Horizontal Area, to Twenty Degrees. ♦ Tab. 24, 31. ♦ Those of Fig, Barberry, and some others, are somewhat large. And of many Herbs, as of Thistle, Borage, and others, ♦ Tab. 39. ♦ three times as big again; appearing in the Microscope, like to the largest Cells of an Hony-comb. Those of Plum, Worm-wood, Sumach, less. Of Elm, Apple, Pear, lesser. Of Holly and Oak, still less. ♦ Tab. 32. ♦ So that the Bladders of the Pith in Borage or Common Thistle, are of that Size, as to contain, within the compass only of their Horizontal Area, about twenty Bladders of the Pith of Oak. Wherefore one whole Bladder in Thistle, is, at least an hundred times bigger, than another in Oak.

7. §. Of the Size of these Bladders of the Pith, ’tis also to be noted, That it doth not at all follow the Size of the Pith it self; but is still varied, according as Nature designeth the Pith for various use. Thus, whereas the Pith of Sumach, is Larger than that of Barberry; it might be thought, that the Bladders, whereof it is composed, should be likewise Larger: Yet are they Three times as Small again in Sumach, as they are in Barberry. ♦ Tab. 24, 34. 26, 27. 23, 33. ♦ So the Pith of Plum, is far Less than that of Pear; yet the Bladders of the former are Four or Five times as big, as those of the latter. So the Pith of Hazel is almost Three times as Little again, as that of Holly; yet the Bladders in Hazel, are Ten times bigger, than in Holly.

8. §. The Shape of the Bladders hath also some Variety. For although, for the most part, they are more round; yet oftentimes they are angular: as in Reed-grass, a Water-plant; where they are Cubical; and in Borage, Thistle, and many others, where they are pentangular, sexangular and septangular.

9. §. Of the Texture of the Bladders, ’tis also to be noted, that many times, the Sides of the greater Bladders are composed of lesser; as is often seen in those of Borage, Bulrush, and some other Plants. In the same manner, as the Sap-Vessels, are but greater Fibres made up of lesser.

10. §. The Pith, though always originally composed of Bladders, and so One Entire Piece; yet in process, as the Plant grows up, it hath divers openings or Ruptures made in it: oftentimes very regularly, and always for good use, and with constancy observed in the same Species of Plants. In Sharp-poynted Dock, many of the Pores are considerably prolonged by the length, like small Pipes. ♦ Tab. 19. ♦ In Walnut it shrinketh up into transverse Filmes or Membranes; as likewise sometimes in Spanish-Broom. Sometimes the Pith is hollow or Tubulary: either throughout the Trunk, as in Thistle, Endive, Scorzonera, Marsh-Mallow: or so, as to remain entire at every joynt; as in Sonchus, Nettle, Teasle; in which it is divided as it were into several Stories: and divers other ways.

11. §. I SHALL conclude this discourse with a further illustration of the Texture of the Pith, and of the whole Plant, as consequent thereupon. I say therefore, (and have given some account hereof in the Anatomy of Roots) That as the Vessels of a Plant, sc. the Aer-Vessels and the Lymphæducts are made up of Fibres; according to what I have in this Discourse above said; so the Pith of a Plant, or the Bladders whereof the Pith consists are likewise made up of Fibres. Which is true also of the Parenchyma of the Barque. And also of the Insertions in the Wood. Yea, and of the Fruit, and all other Parenchymous Parts of a Plant. I say, that the very Pulp of an Apple, Pear, Cucumber, Plum, or any other Fruit, is nothing else but a Ball of most extream small transparent Threds or Fibres, all wrapped and stitch’d up (though in divers manners) together. And even all those Parts of a Plant, which are neither formed into visible Tubes, nor into Bladders, are yet made up of Fibers. Which, though it be difficult to observe, in any of those Parts which are closer wrought and principally in the Insertions of some Trees: yet in the Pith, especially of some Plants, which consisteth of more open work, they are more visible. Which introduceth the observation of them in all other Parenchymous Parts. So in the Pith of a Bulrush of the Common Thistle, ♦ Tab. 38. ♦ and some other Plants; not only the Threds of which the Bladders; but also the single Fibres, of which the Threds are composed; may sometimes with the help of a good Glass, be distinctly seen. Yet one of these Fibres, may reasonably be computed to be a Thousand times smaller than an Horse-Hair.

12. §. The Fibrosity of the Parenchyma is also visible in some Woods, in which, it is apparently mixed with the Lignous Parts, not only by Insertions, but per minimas Partes organicas. That is to say, The Parenchymous Fibres, like smaller Threds, are either wraped round about both the Lignous and the Aer-Vessels, or at least interwoven with them, and with every Fiber of every Vessel: as in very white Ash or Fir-Wood, ♦ Tab. 39. ♦ with an advantagious posture and light, may be observed.

13. §. WHENCE it follows, that the whole Substance, or all the Parts of a Plant, so far as Organical, they also consist of Fibres. Of all which Fibres those of the Lymphæducts, run only by the Length of the Plant: those of the Pith, Insertions, and Parenchyma of the Barque, run by the breadth or horizontally: those of the Aer-Vessels, fetch their Circuit by the Breadth, and continue it by the Length.

14. §. By which means, the said Parenchymous Fibres, in fetching their horizontal Circles, do thus weave, and make up the Bladders of the Pith, in Open-Work. And the same Fibres being thence continued; they also weave and make up the Insertions, but in Close-Work. Betwixt which Insertions, the Vessels being likewise transversly interjected, some of the same Fibres wrap themselves also about these; thus tying many of them together, and so making those several Conjugations and Braces of the Vessels, which I have formerly described. And as some of these Horizontal Fibres are wraped about the Vessels; so also about the Fibres, whereof the Vessels are composed. By which means it is, that all the Fibres of the Vessels are Tacked or Stitched up close together into One Coherent Piece. ♦ Tab. 40. ♦ Much after the same manner, as the Perpendicular Splinters or Twigs of a Basket, are, by those that run in and out Horizontally. And the same Horizontal Fibres, being still further produced into the Barque; they there compose the same work over again (only not so open) as in the Pith.

15. §. SO THAT the most unfeigned and proper resemblance we can at present, make of the whole Body of a Plant, is, To a piece of fine Bone-Lace, when the Women are working it upon the Cushion, For the Pith, Insertions, and Parenchyma of the Barque, are all extream Fine and Perfect Lace-Work: the Fibres of the Pith running Horizontally, as do the Threds in a Piece of Lace; and bounding the several Bladders of the Pith and Barque, as the Threds do the several Holes of the Lace; and making up the Insertions without Bladders, or with very small ones, as the same Threds likewise do the close Parts of the Lace, which they call the Cloth-Work. And lastly, both the Lignous and Aer-Vessels, stand all Perpendicular, and so cross to the Horizontal Fibres of all the said Parenchymous Parts; even as in a Piece of Lace upon the Cushion, the Pins do to the Threds. The Pins being also conceived to be Tubular, and prolonged to any length; and the same Lace-Work to be wrought many Thousands of times over and over again, to any thickness or hight, according to the hight of any Plant. And this is the true Texture of a Plant: and the general composure, not only of a Branch, but of all other Parts from the Seed to the Seed.

An Account of the

VEGETATION

TRUNKS

Grounded upon the foregoing

ANATOMY.