PART I.

CHAP. I.

Of the Protections and Folds of Leaves.

IN THE General Anatomy of Plants, I have assigned one whole Chapter to the Germen and Leaf. Since then, I have occasionally made divers Remarques of the same; both with the Naked Eye, as there, and also with the Microscope. The Principal whereof, I shall here set down; without repeating any from thence; or obliging my self strictly to the Order there used.

Lib. 1. Ch. 4.

2. §. That which in a Germen, first occurs to the Eye, is the Protection of the Leaves, or the various Methods which Nature takes to preserve them from the Injuries both of the Ground, and of the Weather. To the Instances formerly given, I shall add these that follow.

3. §. AND First, it is observable of the young Buds of Ammi, that lest they should be bruised, or starved, upon their first Eruption from under the Ground; they are couched, as Firn is rowl’d, inward; each Bud, against the Base of the Stalk of the foregoing Leaves, and most exactly laid up within the Membranes thence produced: Just as the Child in the Womb, lies with his Head against his Knees; or as it is afterwards embraced with the Armes of the Nurse. And it is a general Rule of Nature, where the Stalks of the Leaves are so long, that they cannot lap one over another, and where no other special Protection is provided; for the bottoms of the Stalks to be produced into broad Membranes, as Blankets to the succeeding Buds; as in Crowfoot, Dovesfoot, Claver, Cransbill, Strawberry, Yarrow, and others. And sometimes instead of two Skins lapped one over another, there is one entire Skin, produced from the Stalk, in which as within a Secundine, the Bud is safely shrowded; and which, in its Growth, it gradually breaks open.

4. §. THE same is also observable in Dock, Sorrel, Bistort, and all other Plants of this Kindred; with this difference, That every Veil or Secundine is not here produced from the Stalk of the Leaf; but hath its Original Distinct from it. And whereas in the former, every Bud hath only one to it self: ♦ Tab. 41. ♦ in these Plants, every lesser Leaf, together with its own proper Veil, is always inclosed, with the next greater Leaf, in another Veil common to them both; and both these with the next, in another; and so on to the greatest. These Veils are extream thin, and have very few Vessels; being so many meer transparent Skins. For which reason, there is always found a Mucilage or clear Gelly, between every Leaf, and its Veil, and between Veil and Veil. The one, thus preserving the other, (as do the Humors and Membranes of the Eye) from drying and shrinking up, and thereby from becoming useless for the Protection of the Plant.

5. §. THE Orchis, and other Plants of this kindred, because they Spring and Flower early, when the mornings are cold, have a double Sheath, or Blanket over all. The Buds of some Herbs (as of Plantain) having no Hairs growing on them, are covered with Hairy Thrums. And the Nettle hath Bastard-Leaves, or Interfoyls between Leaf and Leaf, for the preservation of its Stings.

6. §. ANOTHER Sort of Protection is seen in Wild Clary, White Archangel, and other Plants of a like Shape. In which, the greater Leaves do still cover and inclose the lesser, not by being lapped over them, ♦ Tab. 41. ♦ as where the Leaves are more numerous, is usual; but by a Double Fore-Curl at the bottom of every two greater Leaves; by which the little Under-Bud is embraced, and so kept safe and warm.

7. §. THE Leaves of Onions are all Pipes one within another. These Pipes are every where entire, saving about the middle, where they have a small Aperture; ♦ Tab. 42. ♦ common to all of them, even the most minute in the Centre: not being a forced Crack, but a Door originally formed, for the issuing of every lesser Pipe, out of a greater.

8. §. THE LAST I shall give, is that which is remarkable in Common Sumach. The Buds whereof, being exceeding tender, ♦ Tab. 41. ♦ Nature appears sollicitous in a peculiar manner, for their preservation. For whereas in other Plants, they are well enough secured only by standing behind the Stalks of the elder Leaves: here they are lodged within the very Body of the Stalk; as entirely, as a Kernel is within an Apple, or a Fœtus in the Womb. From whence it comes to pass that the Basis of every Stalk is extreamly swelled, as going Great with a Bud.

9. §. UPON THE removal of those Parts, which are contrived for the Protection; the Foulds and Composture of the Leaves do next appear: all which are most aptly suited both to the Number and Shape of the Leaves, and also their Position upon the Branch. In the First =Book= I have given Examples of these Eight Sorts, sc. the Plain Lap, the Plicature, the Duplicature, the Multiplicature, the Single Roll, the Double Back-Roll, the Double Fore-Role, ♦ Tab. 42. ♦ and the Treble-Roll. To which I shall add Four or Five more.

Ch. 4.

10. §. And First, in some Plants, as Ground-Ivy, St. Johns Wort, and divers others, where the Leaves are small, pretty numerous, and grow by pairs, they have no Fould, but stand Flat and Tangent, like a pair of Battledores clapt together.

11. §. They have the like Posture in Baum; saving, that here the Edges of the Leaves are a little curled backward. Not Rolled, a Curl being but the beginning of a Roll. So the several Labels of a Grounsel-Leaf are all laid in a Back-Curl.

12. §. The Leaves of some Plants, as Horehound, White Lamium, Nettle, and others, are likewise only Tangent, but are set with a Fore-Curle. And the several Labels or Scallops of the Leaf of Common Crowfoot, are all Curled Inward. But those of Hepatica aurea, are composed into Double Fore-Rolls.

13. §. THE Leaves of Sage, Scabious, Red Lamium, Lychinis Sylvestris, and others, are neither couched one over another, as in the Bow-Lap; nor plated, as in the Flat Lap; but being loosely foulded, of every pair of Leaves, the half of one is reciprocally received between the two halfs of another, and may therefore be called the Cleep. ♦ Tab. 42. ♦ A Position very well suited to the Smalness of their Number, and the Equality of their Size, not so well agreeing with the Bow-Lap; and the somewhat inward Posture of the Fibres, not allowing the Flat Lap. Sometimes, as in Syringa, where the Leaves are broader, the Cleep is joyned with a Fore-Curle.

14. §. THE last I shall mention, is the Plaite-Roll, as in the Lapathum Alpinum, which some call English Rhubarb. The Leaves whereof are so very large, and the Fibres so prominent; that besides and under the two Back-Rolls, they are also laid in several Plaits, and under those Plaits, again with lesser ones, all most exquisitely Tucked up between the said Fibres: So, as neither to bruise the same, nor yet to leave any Vacuity: whereby every Leaf, and the whole Bud, lie close and round within their Veils.

CHAP. II.

Of those things which appear upon the Surface of the Leaf.

THESE are Globular Excrescences, Spots, Hairs, Thorns and Prickles: of all which, except Spots, I have spoken in the Appendix to the Chapter of Leaves in the First =Book=.

2. §. Of the Globulets, it may here be further noted, That those which are white, and lie sometimes like a fine Powder upon the Leaf, were once transparent, as in Bears-Ear; their cleer Liquor being now evaporated to an Extract of White Flowers. ♦ Tab. 43. ♦ This, if licked off, will give you the Tast of the more Essential Content of the Plant; different from that perceived in chewing the Leaf.

3. §. For the observing of them, it may also be noted, That although they often grow on both sides the Leaf alike; yet sometimes, as in Ground-Ivy, only or chiefly on the Back-Side. And that in many Plants, where the elder Leaves have none; on the young Buds they are very numerous; as in Corin Tree, Sorrel, and others.

4. §. AS for Spots, the smaller ones are observable not only in St. Johns-worts, (in which Plant only they are commonly taken notice of) but also in Rue, ♦ Tab. 43. ♦ Ground-Ivy, Pympernel or Anagallis, and divers other Plants, when held up against the Light. The original whereof seems to be, at least in some, from the Globulets above mentioned; that is, when they break and dry away. So the Spots of Rue-Leaves, which in the Refection of Light look black, but upon the Trajection thereof are transparent; are so many little Holes, pounced half way through the thickness of the Leaf, and seem as made, by the breaking and drying away of as many Globulets. Whence also, as the Globulets are best seen in the younger Leaves, so these Spots in the elder.

5. §. BESIDES these, and some others (as those in Ladies-Thistle) which are Natural to the Leaf; there are also some Spots, or rather Streaks, which are Adventitious; as those in the Leaves of Sonchus. ♦ Tab. 43. ♦ The Cause whereof, is a small flat Insect, of a grey Colour, and about ⅙ᵗʰ of an Inch long. Which neither ranging in bredth, nor striking deep into the Leaf; eats so much only as lies just before it, and so runs scudding along betwixt the Skin and the Pulp of the Leaf; leaving a whitish Streak behind it, where the Skin is now loose, as the measure of its Voyage.

6. §. THE Original and several kinds of Thorns, I have describ’d in the above said Appendix. I only add, that the very Leaves of some Plants, if they stand till the second year, are changed into so many Thorns, as in the Furz.

7. §. They are of Use, not only for the Protection of the Bud; but likewise, for the support of the Plant; as is observable in those Climbers, which are neither strong enough to stand of themselves; nor yet, from their fragility, are capable of winding about another, without being torn all to pieces. For which end also, these Thorns grow not like Buds, erected; but poynt all downwards, like so many Tenters or Hanging-hooks: as in the Bramble, chiefly on the Stalks; and in Clivers, ♦ Tab. 43. ♦ also on the Leaves themselves; whereby they catch at any Thing that stands next them; and so, although such slim and feeble Plants, yet easily climb to a very great hight.

8. §. OF THE several Figures of Hairs, and their Use, ♦ B. 1. Ch. 4. ♦ I have also spoken. As to one Use, sc. the Protection they give to the Leaf, ♦ Tab. 43. ♦ I shall here further note, That the design of Nature, is the more evident if we consider, That all Leaves are not alike Hairy, nor at all times, nor in every part: but differently, according to their Age, Substance, Texture, and Foulding up. Their Age; for there are many young Buds covered with a thick warm Hair, which afterwards dries up and disappears, as useless; as those of the Vine, Golden Liverwort, &c. Their Substance; so those Buds which are tenderest, and would sooner feel the cold, if naked, have the fullest Hair; as of Thistle, Mullen, Burdock, and others. Their Structure; therefore those Leaves, whose Fibres stand more prominent or above their Surface, lest the cold should nip them, are covered with greater Store of Hair; as in Moth-Mullen, Garden-Clary, and the like. And their Fould; it being observable, That those Leaves which are folded up inward, have little or no Hair on their inner, but only on their Back-Sides, which are open to the Aer; as is visible in Corin, Warden, Golden Liverwort, and others.

9. §. Add hereto, That where there is Store of Hair, Nature is the less sollicitous for other Covers; and where there is not, she is more. So the Leaves of Beans and Peasen, of Nettle, Plantain, &c. not being Hairy, have each a Surfoyl, or else certain Hairy Thrums, to protect them. And those Plants which have neither, are such as have a Hotter Juyce, and so less subject to the impressions of Cold, as Speerwort, Scurvygrass, Watercress, Fenil, and most of the Umbelliferous Kind.

10. §. Hair is of use to preserve young Buds, not only, from the cold Aer, but also from too much Wet; which, if it were contiguous, especially in Winter, would often rot and destroy them. But being made to stand off in drops at the ends of the Hair, doth not hurt, but refresh them. Thus doth Nature make the meanest Things sometimes subserve to the best Ends.

CHAP. III.

Of the Figure of the Leaf; and the Apparent Position of the Fibres.

THAT which in the Leaf offers it self next to be observed, is its Figure. This is infinitely varied with the several Kinds of Plants: and there are some, which have Leaves (besides the two first Dissimilar ones) of Two Kinds or Two distinct Figures; as the Bitter-Sweet, the common Little Bell, Valerian, Lady-Smocks, and others. For the Under Leaves of Bitter-Sweet, are Entire; the Upper, with two Lobes: the Under Leaves of the Little Bell, like those of Pancy; the Upper, like those of Carnation, or of Sweet-William. And in some Plants, Nature affecteth a Kind of Irregularity; the Leaves whereof are of no one certain Figure; as in Dragon, Peony, Bishops-Weed, &c.

2. §. BUT the Leaves of most Plants, have a Regular Figure; and this Regularity, both in Length and Circuit, always defineable. In Length; by the Proportion between the several Leaves upon one Stalk, ♦ Tab. 46. ♦ or between the several Lobes upon one Leaf. So the Leaves of Clematis Sylv. major, which stand by Ternaries, shorten by equal Proportions, that is to say, if, the chief Fiber of each, be divided into equal Parts; their several Lengths are not as Ten, Eight, and Four; but as Ten, Eight, and Six. So the Lobes and Fibers of Clematis Virginiana Hederæ folio, of Artenuisa, &c. shorten in like manner by equal Proportions. The same is observable in measuring, upon a Gooseberry-Leaf, ♦ Tab. 46. ♦ from the Poynt of the first Lobe, to the first Angle; from thence, to the second Poynt; from thence, to the second Angle; and from thence to the third Poynt.

3. §. But in many, the Proportion is different. So in the Leaves of the Lesser Maple; the shortning of the smaller Lobes, with respect to the middlemost; is not Equal, but Double to that of the middlemost, with respect to the Greater. For if their chief Fibres be divided into Equal Parts, they are as Eleven, Nine, and Five. On the contrary, in the Leaves of Althæa fruticosa Pentaphylloidea, the middlemost Lobes shorten by a greater Proportion than the Least; all three being as Ten, Fourteen, and Twenty.

4. §. WITH respect to the Circumference, the Figure of most Leaves is very Complex. Yet Two things are evident. First, that all Regular Leaves, are defined or measured out by Circles; that is, by the Arches or Segments of several Circles, having either the same, or divers Centers and Diameters. Secondly, That the Length of the Leaf, or of the chief Fiber thereof, is the Standard Measure for the Diameters of these Circles: these being either its full Length, or certain equal parts substracted, or multiplied; as half its Length, or its Length and half, &c.

5. §. TO make this appear, I shall give several Instances: of some, where both the Edges are of one Measure; and of others, where they are different. And of both kinds, where they are measured by fewer, and where by more Circles.

6. §. The Leaf of Lagopus major fol. pennat. is measured by One Circle, the same on both Edges, whose Diametre is Thrice the Length of the Leaf.

7. §. That of Syderitis Salviæ fol. by Two Circles: the Diameter of the Lower, being Twice the Length of the Leaf; ♦ Tab. 44. ♦ of the upper, the Length and half. In both these the Circles are drawn Outward; that is, with their Centers some where upon the middlemost or chief Fiber of the Leaf.

8. §. That of Orange-Tree, is also measured by Two Circles: but one of them repeated with Opposite Centers. That next the Cone of the Leaf, is drawn Inward; that is, with the Center no where upon the Leaf, but without it. The Diameter hereof is just the Length of the Leaf. ♦ Tab. 44. ♦ The midle part of the Edge is measured by the same Circle, only drawn Outward. The lower Circle next the Stalk, is drawn Inward, as the upper; and its Diameter Three times the Length of the Leaf.

9. §. The Leaf of the Venetian Vetch, is measured by Three Circles. That next the Cone, drawn Inward; the Diameter whereof is Twice the Length of the Leaf; the next is drawn Outward; ♦ Tab. 44. ♦ whereof the Diameter, is just the Length. The third or lowermost, is drawn also Outward; and its Diameter, half the Length. So that they all lessen by an Equal Proportion.

10. §. The Leaf of Great Laserwort, is also measured by Three Circles; all drawn Outward, and one of them Repeated. The Diameter of that next the Cone, is Half the Length of the Leaf; ♦ Tab. 45. ♦ of the next, Thrice the Length; of the Third, just the Length; the lowermost, is the same with the First.

11. §. That of Broad Leav’d Laserwort, is also measured with Three Circles; and one of them repeated with Opposite Centers. The Diameter of the First, is Half the Length of the Leaf; ♦ Tab. 44. ♦ of the Second, Twice the Length; of the Third, just the Length: all of them drawn Outward. That next the Stalk, is the same with the First; only drawn Inward.

12. §. The Figure of the Leaf of the Cornelian Cherry, is exactly that of the foregoing, Inverted: the same measure there beginning at the Base, ♦ Tab. 44. ♦ and ending at the Cone; which here begins at the Cone, and ends at the Base: as by comparing their Draughts together may be observ’d.

13. §. IN ALL, the foregoing Examples, both the Edges of the Leaves have the same Measure. But they have oftentimes, different ones; as in these that follow.

14. § The Leaf of Althæa fruticosa, is measured by Three Circles. The left Edge (as the Leaf lies with the backside upward) by One Circle, but Twice repeated. For the Diameter of the First, is the Length of the Leaf; ♦ Tab. 45. ♦ the Second is the same, but drawn upon another Center; the Third also the same, but drawn Inward. The right Edg, is measur’d by Two Circles: the Diameter of the First, being the Length of the Leaf; of the Second, Half the Length.

15. §. That of Black Poplar, by Three; and each Edge by Three repeated. On the left, the Diameter of the First, is the Length of the Leaf; ♦ Tab. 45. ♦ of the Second, Half the length; of the Third, the Length and Half. The Measure of the right Edge, is that of the left, Inverted: the same Measure there beginning at the Base, and ending at the Cone; which here begins at the Cone, and ends at the Base.

16. §. That of Doronicum, is measured by Three Circles, whereof, one is repeated Once; and another Thrice. The right Edge by Two, and One repeated. For the Diameter of the First or that next the Cone; is the Length of the Leaf; the next is the same, but drawn Outward; the Diameter of the Third, is Half the Length. The left Edge, by Three Circles; ♦ Tab. 45. ♦ whereof One is repeated on the same Edge, and Two, the same, as on the other. For the Diameter of the first, is the Length of the Leaf; of the Second, Four times the Length; the Third, the same as the First; and of the Fourth, Half the Length.

17. §. Lastly, that of Mountain Calamint is measured by Four Circles. ♦ Tab. 45. ♦ The left Edge, by Three Circles, of which, the lowermost is once repeated: the right Edge also by Two; whereof the nether is likewise once repeated.

18. §. It may seem, even from these Instances, no very unobvious Conclusion; That all Crooked Lines, Spiral, Helick, Elliptick, Hyperbolick, Regular, or Irregular; are made up of the Arches of Circles, having either the same, or divers Centers and Diameters. And, as otherwise so from the Contemplation of Plants, men might first be invited to Mathematical Enquirys.

19. §. TOGETHER with the Figure of the Leaf, the Position of the Fibers, as it is apparent before Dissection, is observable; especially on the back of the Leaf. Whereof I shall add, to what I have said in the First =Book=, the following Remarques.

20. §. First, that there are some Leaves, in which the first Collateral Fibres make Right Angles with the Great one in the midle: as the Great-Maple, the Great Celandine, Chondrilla, and the rest, or many, of the Intybous Kind; with some few others. But that generally all the chief Fibers of a Leaf, make Acute Angles together: both where they stand collateral with the midle Fiber, as in Strawberry; and where they all part at the Stalk, as in Mallow.

21. §. Again, that of these, there are some few, any two of whose Defining Fibres making two Rays of equal Length, take in One Eighth Part of a Circle, ♦ Tab. 46, & 47. ♦ as in Mallow, and in some one Tenth: but in most they take in either one Twelfth part, as in Holy-Oak; or one Sixth, as in Sirynga. So that where the Fibres stand Collateral with one in the midle, if you suppose them to be drawn out at Opposite Angles; or where the chief Fibers part at the Stalk, you only take in the Stalk; you will thereby divide a Circle into Eight, Twelve, or Six equal Parts; as in Sirynga, the Vine and others. And so likewise, where there are several Sprigs upon one Stem, ♦ Tab. 46, 47. ♦ as in Fenil, Hemlock, and the like: as will best be understood by the Figures.

CHAP. IV.

Of the Parts and Texture of the Leaf.

I COME next to observe the several Parts, whereof the Leaf is composed: and first the Skin. This being stript off the Leaf, although to the bare Eye it looks no otherwise than a Skin of Isinglass: yet being viewed through a good Glass, with a clear and true Light, and in an advantagious Position; it appears to consist not only of Organical Parts, as do the Skins of Animals; but these also Regularly mixed together; that is, of Parenchymous and Lignous Fibres, all very curiously interwoven as it were, into a piece of admirably fine white Sarcenet: as in Flag, Tulip, and the like. ♦ Tab. 48. ♦

2. §. From hence, it is easy to conceive how the Skins of all Plants, as well as those of Animals, are perspirable; sc. between the several Fibers of which they consist. But as the Skins of Animals, especially in some Parts, are made with certain open Pores or Orifices, either for the Reception, or the Elimination of something for the benefit of the Body: so likewise the Skins, of at least many Plants, are formed with several Orifices or Pass-ports, either for the better Avolation of Superfluous Sap, or the Admission of Aer.

3. §. THESE Orifices are not in all Leaves alike; but varied in Bigness, Number, Shape, and Position: Serving to the different Nature of the Plant, or Leaf; and giving the Leaf, as it were, a different Grain. Princes Feather, i. e. a Sort of Sanicle, they stand only on the Edges of the Leaf; but are very ample. In the White Lily, they are Oval, very white, and each surrounded with a slender white Border. They stand about a 6ᵗʰ or 8ᵗʰ part of an Inch distant, ♦ Tab. 48. ♦ as they appear through a good Glass, all over the Leaf, but not in any regular Order. These Orifices are the cause of the Greyish Gloss on the upper side the Leaf: for the Back-side, in which there are none of them, is of a dark Sea-Green.

4. §. In the Leaf of Pine, they are also Oval, and about the same Bigness and Number, as in that of a Lily; yet without a Border. ♦ Tab. 48. ♦ But their Position is very Elegant, standing all, most exactly, in Rank and File from one end of the Leaf to the other.

5. §. NEXT TO the Skin, lies the Pulpy part of the Leaf; which by the same latitude, as Use hath taught us in many other Words, I call the Parenchyma. This Parenchyma or Pulp of the Leaf, like the Pith, and all other Parenchymous Parts of a Plant is made up of incomparably small Cylindrick Fibres: and these Fibres, in most Leaves, woven and woun’d up into little Bladders.

6. §. The Bladders are here of several Sizes, as in the Pith: but generally more visible in the Stalk, than in the Body of the Leaf. ♦ Tab. 49. ♦ Varied, as in the Pith, so here, not according to the Size, but the Nature of the Leaf. So in Common Dock, and Moth Mullein, both Great Leaves, they are Small; in Wild Clary, a Lesser Leaf, they are very Large. ♦ Tab. 50. ♦ In the Body of the Leaf, sometimes the Sides of the greater Bladders, are made up of lesser ones; as in Borage.

7. §. In some Leaves, these Parenchymous Fibres are all drawn close up together. In the Former, they are as the Threds in the Open-work of Bone-Lace; in These, as the same Threds, in the Cloth-work.

8. §. The Pithy Part, in the Stalk, and almost up to the Top of the chief Fiber, in many Leaves, is Tubular; even whilst they are yet Young and Sappy: as in Sweet Chervil, Hemlock, Endive, Cichory, Lampsana, Dandelion, Burdock, Daisye, Scorzonera, and others. And sometimes the said Pithy Part is opened into several little Pipes, like so many Aer-Vessels, above ⅓ of a Foot long; as in the Common Dock and the Little Spurge, by some called Wart-Wort.

9. §. THE Strings of the Leaf, or those Fibres which are visible to the bare Eye, are composed of Vessels of the Two General Kinds, sc, for Sap, and for Aer. They are joyntly distributed throughout the Leaf: Yet not so, as to run meerly parallel; as in Animals, every Artery hath its Vein: but the Aer-Vessels are every where Inclosed, or as it were sheathed in the Sap-Vessels.

10. §. THEIR Position is various and regular, not only in the Body of the Leaf, as is above shewed; but likewise in the Stalk: of which also I have given several Instances in the First =Book=. I shall here note, and more particularly describe, One or Two more. In the Stalk of a Mallow-Leaf, they stand in Six Oblong Parcels of equal Size, and in a Ring near the Circuit. ♦ Tab. 49. ♦ Whereby the Stalk is stronger, the Growth hereof, before and behind, more equal, and so the posture of the Leaf more erect.

11. §. In Dandelyon, they stand in Five Parcels: of which the Greater stands a little behind the Centre of the Stalk; figured into a very small Half-Moon or Semi-Tube, whose Diametre, through a Glass, is not above ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch. The other Four, are extream small Cylinders. Altogether make an Angle, twice as big as that of a V Consonant. ♦ Tab. 49. ♦ Whereby, although the Stalk be strong enough to support the younger Leaves; yet those which are grown longer, and so not only by their Bulk, but their farther Extension from the Center of Gravity, are become more weighty; commonly lie flat on the Ground.

12. §. In Wild Clary, they stand also in Five Parcels, the Greater stands not behind, but before the Center; making an Arch, whose Chord in a Glass, is above ½ an Inch long; and belongeth to a Circle, whose Diameter is an Inch and half. ♦ Tab. 49. ♦ The other Four, are small Cylinders, also different from those in Dandelion; the two bigger, there standing hindmost; but here, the two Less, and the two Bigger, within the two round Ridges of the Stalk.

13. §. From hence it is, that the Leaves of this Plant have not only a Prone or Horizontal Posture, but also make that Forceable Pressure on the Ground, which can by no means be imputed to their Weight. For the Great Arched-Fibre standing before the Centre of the Stalk, and the two Longer Round ones being uppermost, in the Ridges of the Stalk; they put on the upper parts thereof to a more full and forward Growth, and so to bow the Leaf back-ward. And the Fibrous Arch being, though broad, yet almost flat, doth hereby the more easily yield to that Motion.

14. §. In Borage, and Moth-Mullen, they stand also in Five Parcels. ♦ Tab. 49. ♦ In the former, the largest maketh still a more bulky Arch, than that of Clary; being thicker, as broad, and of a lesser Circle or more bowed. But in Mullein, it maketh almost an entire Oval.

15. §. By means of this Figuration, a sufficient number of Vessels for such large Leaves, are not only more conveniently Distributed into them; but also stand more safely in the Stalk. For were the Arch contracted into a solid Cylinder, it could not so presently be resolved into small Fibers. And were it laid into a flat Plate, or straight out, either the Figure of the Stalk, and so of the Leaf, must be altered; or else, the two ends of the Plate, would come too near the Circumference of the Stalk, and so be more liable to the Impressions of the Weather: as may be observed in cutting the Stalk transversly, and by the Figures.

16. §. IN the Body of the Leaf, besides the Positions of the Fibrous Strings or Threds; above expressed, there is one Thred, bigger or less, which in all Plants, runs round the Edge of the Leaf, and hems in all the rest; but can hardly be well observed in any, without stripping off the Skin of the Leaf. ♦ Tab. 50. ♦ When the Fibres of the Leaf, are bigger, or less tender, as in Holly, the Skin and the Pulp are sometimes found either rotted off, or eaten away with Insects; whereby, both the said surrounding Fiber, and the rest, are all very fairly visible.

17. §. THE Vessels seem to be continu’d, in the Leaf, by being Ramified out of Greater into Less, as Veins or Arteries are in Animals. But if the Skin and Pulp of the Leaf, as suppose a Borage-Leaf be taken off, and the Vessels laid bare; by the help of a good Glass, it will appear; That they are all of the same Size, every where in the Leaf; ♦ Tab. 50. ♦ and also continued throughout the same, all several and distinct Pipes one from another, as the Threds in a Skein of Silk. And that therefore the Distribution of the Threds which the Vessels compose, is not the Ramifying of Greater Pipes into Less; but the dividing a greater Cluster of Pipes, into several lesser Clusters, till at last they come to be single; as in the Distribution of the Nerves.

18. §. The Vessels seem also to be Inosculated, not only side to side, but the ends of some into the Sides of others. But neither is this ever really done: ♦ Tab. 50. ♦ the lesser Threds, being only so far diducted, as sometimes to stand at Right-Angles with the greater. So that they are Inosculated only End to End or Mouth to Mouth, after they are come at last to their final distribution.

19. §. The Aer-Vessels, are not only, as is said, Existent in the Leaves of all Plants; but are herein also discoverable without the help of Glasses: For upon breaking the Stalk or chief Fibers of a Leaf; the likeness of a fine Woolly Substance, or rather of curious small Cobwebs, may be seen to hang at both the broken Ends. This is taken notice of, only in some few Plants, as in Scabious, where it is more visible. ♦ Tab. 51, & 52. ♦ But may also be seen more or less, in most other Plants, if the Leaves be very tenderly broken: as I have noted near twenty years since; and thence conjectur’d them a Sort of Vessel common to Plants. Now this fine Wool, is really a Skein of Aer-Vessels, or rather of the Fibers of the Aer-Vessels, unroaved from their Spiral Position, and so drawn out in Length. As they appear thus unroaved and drawn out at Length, both to the bare Eye, and through a good Microscope, I have represented in two Examples, the one a Scabious Leaf, the other that of a Vine.

20. §. THE Weftage of the Strings and Parenchymous Fibers together, is here made in the same manner, as hath been described in the Anatomy of the Root, and Trunk: the former being in some Sort as the Warp, the latter as the Woof of the Leaf.

21. §. And one Example we have (it may be more than one) wherein Nature shews, though not a greater, yet a different Art; and that is the Palm-Net. For whereas in other Plants, the Webb is made betwixt the Lignous-Strings and the Fibers of the Parenchyma, only visible through a Microscope: here the said Strings themselves are Interwoven, and the Weftage apparent to the bare Eye. Of these Palm-Nets or Sacks, there are several Sorts. One of them is composed in this manner. It hath a Fivefold Series of Lignous Strings or Fibers. The greatest whereof swell out above the rest; and like so many Ribs, are obliquely produced on both hands, so as to encompass the Sack. Along each of these Ribs, on the inside the Sack, runs a small Whitish Line; being a Thread of Aer-Vessels growing thereto. Betwixt these Ribs or larger Strings, there are others much less, Two or Three betwixt Rib and Rib, Parallelly interjected. On the inside, there is a Third Series, which is also obliquely produced; but transversly to the former. The Fourth and Fifth, consist of the smallest Strings; not only Transversly produced, but also Alternately, from the outside to the inside of the Sack, & vice versa. By these two last, all the rest are most elaborately woven into one entire and strong piece of Work.

CHAP. V.

Of the Duration of Leaves, and the Time of their Generation.

AN Evergreen, is one degree above a Plant which is simply Perennial: of This, only the Trunk and Buds live all the Winter; of That, also the Expanded Leaves. And an Evergrow, is a degree above an Evergreen: here, the Buds and young Sprigs, do only live; there, they grow and are put forth.

2. §. An Evergreen, is made such, either by the Toughness of the Skin, and Closeness or Density of the Parenchyma, whereby the Leaf is better able to endure Cold; as in Holly: or by the extream Smalness or Fewness of the Aer-Vessels, whereby the Sap is less dryed up, and so sufficient, even in Winter, for the Nourishment of the Leaf; as in Box, and Yew, as also Fir, and all Resiniferous Plants.

3. §. The perpetual Growth of a Plant, seemeth to depend chiefly on the Nature of the Sap. For all Juyces will not ferment alike, nor with the same degree of Heat. So that whereas many Plants require a greater Heat, as that of Summer, for the fermenting and distribution of their Juyces, and so their growth; the Warmth of Spring is sufficient for many others; and for some few, that of Winter it self.

4. §. AS TO the Time wherein the Leaves are formed; First, it is very probable, That in those Plants which have Leaves (besides the Dissimilar) of Two distinct Figures, as hath the Little Common Bell, and some others; the Under-Leaves, which differ in Shape from the rest, are all at first formed in the Plume, before it begins to sprout; and the rest afterwards; That is to say, that the former Leaves, are all formed (out of Sap from the Trunk) with the Seed it self, and so compose one Principal Part thereof, sc. the Plume: the latter, not till after the Seed is sow’n, and so the Plume supply’d with Sap immediately from the Root. Which Sap, it seems, is so far different from the former, as sometimes to produce a different Sort of Leaves.

5. §. SECONDLY, of the Buds of all Trees, and of Perenni-Stalks, it appears, That they consist of a great number of Leaves, all perfectly formed to the Centre; where, notwithstanding, they are sometimes, not half so big as a Cheese-Mite. So that all the Leaves which stand upon a Branch or Cien of one whole Years Growth, were actually existent in the Bud. It is also very observable, That although these Buds begin to be expanded not till Spring, yet are they entirely Formed, as to all their Integral Parts, in the Autumn foregoing. So that the whole Stock of Leaves which grow upon a Tree, or any Perennial Stalk, this year; were made, or actually in being, the last year. A greater Heat, more subtilized Aer, and better concocted Juyce, being requisite for their Generation, than for their bare Expansion and Growth.

6. §. LASTLY, of all Annual Plants, in which there are several Successive Generations of Buds, one under another in one year; although I have not made the Remarque, yet am apt to believe, That as the Leaves in every Bud are all formed together, as in other Plants: so likewise, that the Successive Generations of the Under-Buds, begin at certain stated Terms: as in some Plants, at every New Moon; in others, at the Full Moon; and in some perhaps; with both, or every Fourt’night.

CHAP. VI.

Of the Manner of the Generation of the Leaf. Where also, that of the Two General Parts of a Plant, sc. the Lignous and Parenchymous, is further explain’d.

THE Visible Causes of the Figures of Leaves, have been formerly mentioned. ♦ B. 1. Ch. 4. ♦ It may here be further noted, That the greater Fibers of the Leaf, being never Braced in the Stalk; it is a good preparative for their better spreading in the Leaf. As also, that the same is much favour’d, by the extream smalness of the Aer-Vessels herein: whereby they are more easily divaricated, in the lesser Fibers, and so the Leaf dilated.

2. §. BUT these and the like are to be reckoned a secondary Order of Causes; which serve rather to carry on and improve, that which Nature hath once begun. ♦ Idea, §. 53. ♦ And therefore, we must not only consider the visible Mechanism of the Parts; but also the Principles of which they are composed; wherewith, Nature seems to draw her first Strokes.

3. §. Now of these, I have formerly, and as I conceive upon good ground, supposed, the chief Governing Principle, to be the Saline, whether Alkaline, Acid, or of any other Kind: ♦ Lib. 2. P. 2. §. 31, &c. ♦ being in some sort as the Mold of a Button, to which the other Principles, as its Attire, do all conform. Or the Salts are, as it were, the Bones; the other Principles, as the Flesh which covers them.

4. §. A further Argument hereof may be deduced from the Cuticular and other Concretions, commonly called Mothers, in Distill’d Waters, Vinegar, and other Liquors. For in these Concretions, there is always a tendence to Vegetation; and many of them are true Vegetables in their Kind; as shall hereafter be seen. Now the Liquors, in which these are generated, do always, wholly or in part, lose their Tast and Smell, and so become Vapid. The more sensible Principles therein having made their Transit from the Fluid, into the Concrete Parts. So, I have known, sometimes, Vinegar it self, to become by these Concretions, almost as Tastless as Common Water. Whereby it seems evident, That of Vegetable Principles, there are some, more Masterly than others: and that of these, the Saline is the chief. The same is likewise argued, from the frequent Experiment of many good Husband-men; that most Bodies which abound with Salt, are the greatest Nourishers of Plants.

5. §. This Saline Principle, as is above hinted, is to be understood, a Generik Name, under which divers Species are comprehended; and of some whereof, it is always compounded, as in other Bodies, so in Plants. As shall be made to appear, by divers Experiments, when we come, hereafter, to speak of Vegetable Salts. Whereby we are conducted, yet further to enquire, What are the Principles of this Principle?

6. §. NOW these seem to be Four; a Nitrous, an Acid, an Alkaline, and a Marine. The Admixture of the First, is argu’d from the Place, which Nature hath assigned for the Generation and Growth of most Plants, sc. neither in Caverns under Ground, as for Minerals; nor above it, as for Animals; but the Surface of the Earth, where this Sort of Salt is copiously bred. And doth therefore prove, not only a Mixture, but a good Proportion hereof with the other Principles of a Plant. Hence it is, that Dew or Water on Windows or Plain and Smooth Tables, by virtue of a Nitro-Aerial Salt, is often frozen into the resemblance of little Shrubs. And the like Figure I have often seen in a well filtred Solution of the Salt of any of our Purging Waters, as of Epsom, &c. being set to shoot. Produced, as I conceive, by the Nitre, which with the Rain or other Waters, is washed down from the Surface of the Earth, and so mixed with the Mineral Salts.

7. §. The other Three Salts are exhibited, by the several ways of Resolving the Principles of a Plant. Many Plants, even in their Natural Estate, do yield an Acid Juyce. And the Juyces of many more, by Fermentation, will become Acid. And most, by Distillation in a Sand-Furnace, yield an Acid Liquor.

8. §. By Calcination, all Sorts of Plants, yield more or less, both of a Fixed and a Volatile Alkaly: the former, in the Ashes; the latter, in the Soot. And, at least the generality, by Fermentation also, yield a Volatile one; or such a kind of Salt, which, whether we call an Urinous, or otherwise, hath the like Odour and Tast with that of Urine, Harts-Horn, Soot, and the like.

9. §. The Marine, is obtained no other way, that I know of, but from a Solution of the Alkaline, upon its being exposed to the Aer. The process wherof, I shall particularly set down in a following Discourse. Of these Salts, mixed in a certain proportion, together, and also Impregnated with some of the other Active Principles of a Plant, and not without an Admixture of some Parts from the Aer; I suppose, that which I call the Essential, is produced: of which, I shall also give an account in the same Discourse.

10. §. ALL THE Four Salts above mentioned, seem in their Order, to have a share in the Formation of a Leaf, or other Part of a Plant: And first of all, the Marine. For all Generations are made in some Fluid: But in every Fluid there is a perpetual Intestive Motion of Parts. So that the first Intention of Nature is, That some of those Parts be disposed to Rest. Now of all the Principles of a Plant, there are none hereunto more disposed, than their Salts; whose Particles, being figu’rd with plain Sides, as often as they touch Side to Side, like two Marbles exquisitely polished, they will adhere together. And the Particles of Marine Salt, being Cubick; and so, with respect to their Figure, of greater Bulk than those of any other Salt; they will hereby, be most and first of all disposed to Rest; and so become, as it were, the Foundation of the following Superstructure.

11. §. THE Second Intention of Nature is, That the Particles be brought to Rest, in a certain Position, agreeable to the Figure of the Parts which are to be formed. And therefore in the next place, all those Parts of a Plant which are truly Lignous, by the Marine Salt, with the assistance of the Alkaline, but especially of the Nitrous, are made to shoot out in Length, or into an innumerable company of small Cylindrick Fibres: ♦ Tab. 53. ♦ these Salts being, altogether, sturdy enough to resist those Impulses which might incline them to conform to any other Figure.

12. §. THE next Intention is, That these Fibres, at the same time in which they are formed, may likewise receive such a Posture as will best answer the indented Shape of the Leaf. Which Posture, although in the Growth of the Leaf it is much Govern’d by the Aer-Vessels; yet in the Generation hereof, seems to be first determined by the forementioned Salts, according to their several Angles, whereby they are differently applicable one to another.

13. §. Now all the Sides of the Marine Salt, and the Sides and the Ends of the Nitrous, properly so called, stand at Right Angles. And it is very probable, from the Figure of the Crystalls in Spirit of Blood, and some other Bodies, that the Particles of the Alkaline are Square at one End, and Poynted at the other. ♦ Tab. 53. ♦ And those of the Acid, at both; And that, withal, they are Shorter and more Slender.

14. §. It should therefore seem, That where the Alkaline Salt is any way predominant, and that the Particles thereof are placed End to End; there the Lignous Fibres (as the larger ones in many Leaves) ♦ Tab. 53. ♦ declining their parallel Growth, begin to shoot out obliquely, or at Angles one with another, and those Acute.

15. §. If the same Salt be predominant, and some of its Particles placed, with the Pointed End of one, to the Side of another, ♦ Tab. 53. ♦ or the Square End of one, to the Poynted End of another; there the said Fibres begin to shoot at Angles less Acute.

16. §. But if either the Marine or Nitrous Salt is predominant; or some Particles of the Alkaline, are placed with the Square End of one, to the Side of another; ♦ Tab. 53. ♦ there the Fibres begin to make, not Acute, but Right Angles; as do the greater Fibres, in some Leaves; and the smaller, in all.

17. §. IN the same manner, the Fibre in the Circumference of the Leaf is also governed; the Particles of the said Salt, being reduceable, not only to any Angle, but also to any Circle, or other Crooked Line, as they are variously applyed. For if the major part be applied End to End, and only every Third or Fourth applied End to Side, they produce a great Circle. ♦ Tab. 53. ♦ But if the Poynted End of each, be set to the Side of another, they make a less. And if the Application be the same, but to the contrary Side, they thence begin a new Circle with the same Diameter, but with another Center, answerable to the intended Shape of the Leaf.

18. §. AFTER the same manner, the Aer-Vessels may be formed by the Particles of the Acid Salt. Which, without being supposed to be crooked (as those of the Aer, at least the compounded ones, probably be) only by applying the lesser Side of one, to the greater Side of another, will also be reduced to any either Circular or Spiral Line. ♦ Tab. 53. ♦ And so, likewise, for the production of the winding Fibres, which compose the Bladders of the Pith and other Parenchymous Parts of a Plant.

19. §. Thus doth Nature every where γεωμετρεῖν. For what She appears in Her Works, She must needs be also in their Causes.

THE

ANATOMY

FLOWERS,

PROSECUTED

With the bare EYE,

And with the

MICROSCOPE.

Read before the Royal Society, Novemb. 9. 1676.

The SECOND PART.

By NEHEMIAH GREW M.D. Fellow of the ROYAL SOCIETY, and of the COLLEGE of PHYSICIANS.

LONDON,

Printed by W. Rawlins, 1682.

THE

CONTENTS

OF THE

Second Part.

CHAP. I.

Of the EMPALEMENT.

CHAP. II.

Of the FOLIATURE.

CHAP. III.

Of the ATTIRE SEMINIFORM.

CHAP. IV.

Of the FLORID ATTIRE.

CHAP. V.

Of the USE of the ATTIRE.

CHAP. VI.

Of the TIME of the Generation of the Flower.

The Appendix.

Being a METHOD proposed, for the ready finding, by the Leaf and Flower, to what Sort any Plant belongeth.

THE

ANATOMY

FLOWERS.