PART III.

CHAP. I.

Of the APPLE; and of the LIMON, and CUCUMER, the Fruits of Plants vulgarly called POMIFEROUS.

THE Description and Use of Leaves and Flowers, together with the Figures thereto belonging, were presented to this Honourable Society, the last year. I shall conclude this Subject with Fruits and Seeds; beginning with Fruits, which will take up the present Discourse.

2. §. And First, I shall describe the Compounding Parts of some, more generally known. Which having done, I shall next observe the Uses of the same; either for the Fruit it self, or for the Seed. Some of the Descriptions, the Reader may be pleased to compare with those in the First =Book=. ♦ Ch. 6. ♦ I begin with the Apple; to which I shall subjoyn the Limon, and Cucumer, commonly reduced to the Pome Kind.

3. §. AN APPLE, besides the Skin, consisteth of a Parenchyma, Vessels, and Coar. The Parenchyma or Pulp, is the same with that of the Barque of the Tree. As is apparent, not only from the visible continuation thereof from the one, through the Stalk, into the other: but also from the Structure common to them both; being both composed of Bladders. In which, notwithstanding, there is this difference, That whereas in the Barque, they are spherical, and very small, most of them, through a good Glass, not exceeding 1/16ᵗʰ of an Inch in Diametre, and some of them, less: here, they are oblong and very large, most of them about ⅓ᵈ of an Inch in Length, or more, according to the largeness and tenderness of the Fruit; ♦ Tab. 65. ♦ being all uniformly tenter’d or stretched out, by the arching of the Vessels, from the Coar towards the Circumference of the Apple.

4. §. The Vessels, as in the other Parts of a Plant, are Succiferous, and for Aer. Both the Branches of the former, and the single Vessels of the latter, are extream small. They run every where together, not collateral, as Veins and Arteries do in Animals; ♦ Tab. 65. ♦ but the latter, sheathed in the former.

5. §. They are distributed into Twenty principal Branches. The Ten outmost, a little within the Apple, are diverted from a straight Line, into so many great Arches; from which a few small Fibres are without any order dispearsed through the Apple. The Five middlemost, and the Five inmost, run in a straight Line as far as the Coar, and are there diverted into as many lesser Arches; ♦ Tab. 65. ♦ the former, at the outer, and the latter at the iner Angles of the Coar. Upon these Five inmost hang all the Seeds.

6. §. These Ten, and the other Ten abovesaid, do all meet together at the top of the Apple, where originally, they all ran into the Flower. ♦ Tab. 65. ♦ But betwixt them, there are scarce any intercurrent Fibres; so that they appear every where disjunct from the bottom to the top of the Apple.

7. §. A LIMON hath a Threefold Parenchyma; which seem to be derived one from another: the Texture, upon every derivation, being somewhat altered, and so made more close and elaborate. ♦ Tab. 66. ♦ The utmost, called the Rind, hath the most open, and the coursest Texture; being composed of the largest Threds, and those Threds woven up into larger Bladders. Those little Cells, which contein the Essential Oyl of the Fruit, and stand near the Surface of the Rind, are some of the said Bladders much more dilated.

8. §. From this utmost Parenchyma, Nine or Ten Insertions or Lamels are produced, betwixt as many Portions of the Pulpy Part, towards the Centre, where they all unite into one Body, answerable to the Pith in the Trunk or Root of a Tree; and is a conspicuous demonstration, of the communion betwixt the Barque and the Pith; which there, is much more obscure and difficult to observe. ♦ Tab. 66. ♦ At the bottom, but especially the top of the Fruit, the Pith is so far expanded, as without the mediation of any Lamels, to be joyned to the Rind.

9. §. Throughout this Parenchyma, the Vessels are dispearsed. But the chief Branches stand on the iner Edge of the Rind, and the outer Edge of the Pith, ♦ Tab. 66. ♦ just at the two extremities of every Lamel. From those Branches on the Edge of the Pith, other little and very short ones shoot into the Pulp of the Fruit, upon which the Seeds are appendant. In the Centre of the Pith, are Eight or Nine, in a Ring, which run through the Fruit up to the Flower.

10. §. Between the Rind and the Pith and those several Lamels, which joyn them together, stands the second Sort of Parenchyma, different from the former, in being somewhat closer, and finer wrought Divided, by the Lamels, into several distinct Bodies; every one of them a great and entire Bag.

11. §. Within every great Bag, is conteined a Third Parenchyma, which is also a Cluster of other little Bags, about the bigness of an Oate, all disjoyned one from another, and having their distinct Stalks, ♦ Tab. 66. ♦ of several Lengths, by which they are all fastned to the utmost Side of the great Bag, wherein they are conteined. Within each of these lesser Bags are conteined many hundreds of Bladders, consisting of most extream fine Threds woven up together into that Figure. Within these Bladders lies the Acid Juyce of the Limon.

12. §. A CUCUMER, hath also a Threefold Parenchyma. The Utmost, is derived, from the =Barque=. In this, being exposed for some time to dry, and then cut transversly with a Rasor; not only the Bladders, but also the Threds whereof the Bladders consist, through a good Microscope, are apparent.

13. §. Throughout this Parenchyma the Sap-Vessels are dispersed; near the Circumference, in Ten or Twelve very large Branches. ♦ Tab. 66. ♦ Each of these larger Branches, embosoms another of Aer-Vessels in its Centre. Adjacent to the Midle Parenchyma, they stand in Clustres of much smaller Branches, but more numerous.

14. §. Out of all these Sap-Vessels, issues a transparent and viscous Mucilage; which being dryed, becomes as hard and tough as Gum Tragacanth. Analogous to which, I suppose, is the truly purgative part of Elaterium.

15. §. The Midle Parenchyma is derived from the Pith; and divided into Three Colums, standing triangularly, and having each of them a Triangular Figure. ♦ Tab. 66. ♦ Within these Colums stand a distinct Sort of Sap-Vessels: from whence, several small and short Fibres shoot into the Inmost Parenchyma, whereupon the Seeds do hang. So that these Columns are as it were the Beds on which the Seeds grow. With each of the Seed-Branchs or Fibres, goes some part of the said Parenchyma or Colum, out of which, the Covers of the Seed are formed.

16. §. The Inmost Parenchyma wherein the Seeds lie, and which answers to the Pulp of a Limon, seems likewise to be derived from the Colums, ♦ Tab. 66. ♦ that is, to be originally thence produced upon the Seed-Fibres, and afterwards spread and augmented into a Pulp. By Three Insertions from the Colums, and as many from the Utmost Parenchyma, and these re-inserted; it is divided into Six Triangular Bodies; and every Triangle, into Three Ovals.

17. §. A near resemblance betwixt the Garden and Wild Cucumer, with respect to the Inward Structure, as well as the Outward Figure, may be observed: ♦ Tab. 66. ♦ Both of them having a Threefold Parenchyma. Yet with this difference, That the Three White Triangular Bodies or Colums in the one, is answered by a White Ring or Tube in the other.

CHAP. II.

Of the PEAR and QUINCE.

A PEAR, besides the Skin, consisteth of a Twofold Parenchyma, of Vessels, Tartareous Knots or Grains, and a Coar. The Skin is lined with a great number of the said Tartareous Grains, through a Glass, about the bigness of small Shot: whereby it looks withinside, like the Skin of the Scate and some other Fishes. ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ Besides those which grow to the Skin, there are also many more standing near adjacent to it all round about the Fruit: altogether about ⅓ᵈ of an Inch in thickness, through a Microscope; as in a Slice of a Pear cut transversly is apparent. Somewhat more or less, as I take it, according to the Delicacy or Harshness of the Fruit; as more in a Burgamy, or other soft and sweet Pear, than in those which are called Strangulatoria. As all Vinous Liquors, and those especially which are the most Tartareous, become more soft and sweet, according as they cast off their Tartar, in a greater quantity, upon the Sides of the Vessel.

2. §. The Outer Parenchyma, is of the same Original, and general Structure, as in an Apple. But the Bladders, answerable to the Shape of this Fruit, not altogether so long, with respect to their Bredth. ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ Throughout this Parenchyma, are also dispersed many small Tartareous Grains; most of them somewhat round, as those next the Skin, and of a like Size; but nothing near so numerous.

3. §. The Bladders here, have also a different Position from that they have in an Apple: there, they are all stretched out, as to have respect to one common Centre, which is that of the Apple it self. But here, they every where bear a respect to the said Tartareous Grains, ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ every Grain being the Centre of a certain Number of Bladders; like a Star, in the midle of its Vortex. Whereby, so many of the Tartareous parts of the Sap, as cannot well be thrown off upon the Skin, are more commodiously discharged, upon every little Knot or Grain, nearer hand.

4. §. Throughout this Parenchyma, the Vessels likewise are dispersed. Of the Two general Kinds, for Sap, and for Aer. The Aer-Vessels, are here extream small, as well as in an Apple; yet one degree, larger. They are both together distributed into Fifteen principal Branches. ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ The Five Utmost make as many Arckes, but commonly not near so deep as in an Apple. From these, some small Fibres, yet a little more numerously than in an Apple, are dispersed throughout the Parenchyma. The Ten Inmost run along to the Seed, and from thence, with the other Five, to the Flower.

5. §. Next the Coar, stands the Inner Parenchyma, in divers respects different from the Outer. The Bladders of the latter, as hath been said, large and long; of the former, small and round, answerable to those of the Pith, of which it seems to be derived. Throughout that, the Vessels and Tartareous Grains are dispersed; in this, there are neither. The Effect whereof is, that is sweet, this sower; ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ for which reason, I have taken leave to name it, the Acetary.

6. §. Betwixt this and the outer Parenchyma, the said Tartareous Grains begin, first to stand nearer together, to grow biger, and of a more unequal Surface; and by degrees, to unite into a Body, in some Pears, ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ and especially towards the Cork, almost as hard as a Plum-Stone; which I have thereupon, named the Calculary. ♦ B. 1. Ch. 6. ♦ So that a Pear, is Natures Preface or Introduction to a Plum.

7. §. This Tartareous Body, and those small Grains above said, I have formerly supposed, ♦ B. 1. Ch. 6. ♦ to be precipitated out of the Sap, by virtue of the Vessels. Which is not only argued from their growing, where the Vessels, only in the outer Parenchyma: but in that the very Bounds or Figure of the Calculary, is determined by the Situation of the chief of those Vessels; ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ as in cuting a Pear smoothly through the Centre and by the Length, is apparent.

8. §. The Coar as well as the Acetary, seems to be derived from the Pith. And is therefore lesser here, than in an Apple, where the whole Pith of the Stalk, goes to the making of the Coar only.

9. §. In most Pears, at the bottom of the Coar, and a little below the Centre of the Fruit, there is a kind of small Umbelical Knot; ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ from whence is extended a straight Chanel or Ductus, which opens at the midle of the Cork or Stool of the Flower, scarce wide enough to admit the smallest Pin. Made for the Use hereafter mentioned.

10. §. A QUINCE, is nearly allyed to a Pear. The differences betwixt them are these; In the Quince, the outer Parenchyma is more close, that is, the Bladders are smaller. ♦ Tab. 67. ♦ The Vessels more numerous, and more deeply enarched; the Calculary greater, and more spread; according to the Shape of the Fruit: but the Acetary, less: The Coar stands higher or nearer to the Cork; divided, not into Five, but Four Cells. And the Ductus from the bottom of the Coar to the top of the Fruit, much more open and observable.

CHAP. III.

Of the PLUM, and some other Fruits of the same Kindred.

A PLUM consisteth of a Parenchyma, the Two general Kinds of Vessels, and a Stone. All which I have already described in the First =Book=. ♦ Ch. 6. ♦ I shall here add, and further clear some things. And First, it is to be noted, That, in Proportion to the Bulk of the Fruit, there are more Vessels in a Plum, than in an Apple, Pear, or Quince. As also, That in Plums, all the Vessels are braced together into one Uniform Piece of Net-Work, every where terminating at an equal distance from the Circumference, sc. ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch or thereabout. ♦ Tab. 68. ♦ And as for the Bore of the Aer-Vessels, although the Glass I used, when I examined this Fruit, would not reach it; yet is it to be presumed, that they bear a just Proportion to those in the Trunk of the same Tree; and that therefore they are here larger, than in an Apple or Pear. The Skin likewise of a Plum, is more fibrous, thick, and tough, than in those Fruits. The Ends of these Diversities, we shall presently speak of.

2. §. Of the Stone, amongst other particulars wherein the contrivance of Nature is very admirable, I have formerly shewed, ♦ B. 1. Ch. 6. ♦ That it is composed of Two or rather Three distinct Bodies. One of them, the Lining; which answers to the Coar in a Pear. And is originated from the Parenchyma, which the Seed-Branch brings along with it, through the Chanel in the Side, and at last into the Hollow, of the Stone; and is there spread all over it: as when a small Glass-Pipe, is blown and expanded into a Bubble. ♦ Tab. 68. ♦if a Bladder, being stretch-out, and put through the Neck of a Bottle; were then blown up, so as to be every where contiguous to the Sides, and become, as it were, the Lining of the Bottle.

3. §. The Foundation or Ground of the Outer and more Bulky Part of the Stone, is the Iner Part of the Parenchyma; and answers to the Acetary in a Pear. ♦ Tab. 68. ♦ As the Fruit grows, the Tartareous Parts of the Sap, being continually precipitated upon this Parenchyma, it is hereby petrify’d. As will best be seen, by comparing the several Ages of the same Fruit together. And in some Stones; on the Surface whereof, some of the said Tartareous Parts appear in distinct Grains. ♦ Tab. 68. ♦ So that whereas in a Pear, the Calculary and the Acetary are distinct, here in a Plum, they are thrown one into the other. Or, as some Mineral Waters only make a Crust about a Stick or other Bodies immersed in them; but others, by sinking into these Bodies, do hereby petrify them: So in a Pear, the Tartareous Parts of the Sap, only make a Crust about the Acetary; but in a Plum, they sink into the Body thereof, or that Part of the Parenchyma, which stands in the place of it, whereby it is converted into a Stone. The Figures of Stones shall hereafter be spoken of, when I come in the next =Part=, to the Covers of the Seed.

4. §. AN APRECOCK is of the Plum-Kind. But some things are herein better observed. As first, the Position of the Bladders of the Parenchyma. For the Tartareous Parts of the Sap not being here dispersed, in little Grains, throughout the Fruit, as in a Pear; but all thrown off into the Stone: the Bladders therefore are so disposed, as not to have respect to several Centres, as in a Pear; ♦ Tab. 68. ♦ but only the Stone, to which they all do most exactly radiate; thereto conveying the feculent Sap, in so many little Streams. This is best seen, when the Fruit is full ripe.

5. §. In this Fruit, while it is young, the gradual transmutation of the Inner Part of the Parenchyma into a Stone, is also more apparent. And so are the Three Coats, which serve for the Generation of the Seed; being now all very distinct; and remarkable, not only for their Bulk; but also, the Analogy which they bear to the Three Membranes in many Viviparous Animals. Whereof I shall give a more particular Description, when I come, in the following =Part=, to the Covers of the Seed.

6. §. A PEACH hath a much bigger Stone, than either a Plum, or an Aprecock: and hath therefore, when full ripe, and especially in hot Countries, a more desecated or better fined Juyce. For the reason why the Stone is so great, is because the Vessels run so very numerously through the Body of it; and so cause a more copious precipitation of the Lees of the Sap thereinto.

7. §. A CHERRY is likewise near related to a Plum. But the Bracement or Reticulation of the Vessels, is here carried out further, ♦ Tab. 69. ♦ so as to be all round about contiguous to the Skin. And as the Aer-Vessels in the Branch of a Cherry-Tree, are larger than those of an Apple-Branch, but less than those of a Plum-Branch; so may they be presumed, to bear the same Proportion here in the Fruit.

8. §. A WALNUT, is a Nuciprune; or betwixt a Plum and a Nut, as a Bat is betwixt a Beast and a Bird. For the Rind, answers to the Pulp; and the Shell, as the Stone, is also lined. But the Seed-Vessels, which in a Plum run through a Chanel made on purpose in the Stone; do here enter, as in a Nut, at the Centre of the Shell. By which means, they are invested with a more fair Parenchyma; which Nature hath provided, as her Cloth, for the making of the Coats wide enough for so vast a Kernel.

CHAP. IV.

Of the GRAPE, and HAZEL-NUT; with some other Fruits, analogous to each of them.

A GRAPE, is a Plum with two Stones; for their thickness, as hard as any other. ♦ Tab. 69. ♦ The Distribution of the Vessels is also somewhat different. For the principal Fibres running up directly betwixt the Stones; and the smaller, making only one single Net, near the Circumference; they all meet together at the Top of the Grape. It is also to be noted, That many Lignous Fibres are visibly mixed with the Skin it self: whereby it becomes very thick and tough. And as the Aer-Vessels in the Trunk of a Vine, are greater than in that of an Apple, Pear, or Plum: So is it to be presumed, that in a Grape, they are greater than in the Fruits of those Trees.

2. §. The Parenchyma or Pulp of a Grape, seems to be derived, not from the Barque, as in an Apple; nor partly from the Barque, and partly from the Pith, as in a Goosberry; but wholly from the Pith; at least, as far as the Reticulation of the Fibres; and the Skin only from the Barque; whereby the Pulp becomes so tender and delicate a Meat.

3. §. A GOOSBERRY, hath a Threefold Parenchyma. The Utmost is derived from the Barque; of a Greener Colour, and very Sappy. The midlemost, from the Pith; somewhat white, and more dry, as the Diametral Insertions in some Roots. In both of them, the Bladders are very conspicuous, above what they are in any Fruit, I at present think of; so as to be visible to a good Eye without a Glass. ♦ Tab. 69. ♦

4. §. Betwixt these Two Parenchymas, do run most of the principal Fibres, or Vascular Threds. ♦ Tab. 69. ♦ From which several smaller ones are branched into the Inmost Parenchyma; upon which, the Seeds do hang.

5. §. Each of these smaller Branches is invested with some part of the midle or white Parenchyma. Serving partly to make the Covers of the Seed; and partly, the Pulp, that is, the Inmost and finest Parenchyma of the Berry, in which the Seed lies.

6. §. A White CORIN, without taking off the Skin, sheweth not unpleasantly how the Seeds are fastned. For as the Trunk of the Tree continues not to any considerable Length, entire, as in a Plum, but is presently divided into several Boughs; nor are the Edges of the Leaf entire, as also in a Plum, but slit into several Lobes; and the Fruit, into a great many Corins in a Bunch: So again, the Seeds do hang upon the Fibres, like Two other Bunches, in every Corin. As by Refraction, Objects of all Sizes are represented on the Walls of the Eye. The Operations of Nature being every where Uniform: and sometimes the same in small, transcribed from a greater Copy.

7. §. A NUT, is a Plum inverted, or turned inside outward. For the Shell, standing naked, includes the Parenchyma: the bearded Cap, not precisely answering to that, but to the Empalement of the Flower; ♦ Tab. 69. ♦ which likewise in many other Plants, out-lives the Foliature and Embosomes the Uterus of the Seed. And whereas the Stone of a Plum is not Faced, but Lined with a Parenchyma derived at second hand from the Pith: The Shell of a Nut is not Lined, but Faced with the iner Skin of the Cap.

8. §. AN AKERN, is the Nut of an Oak. Yet with this difference; That besides the Cup, it stands in, it hath only a Leathern or Parchment Cover instead of a Shell. From whence it come to pass, that whereas the Kernel of a Nut is sweet; that of an Akern, is of a very rough Tast: the Austere Parts of the Sap, which in a Nut are drained off into the Shell, being here imbibed by the Kernel it self.

CHAP. V.

Of the SEED-CASE or MEMBRANEOUS UTERUS.

TO the forementioned Fruits, I shall subjoyne, in some Examples, the Description of the Seed-Case, which is analogous to the Fruit. For the Fruit, strictly so called, is, A Fleshy Uterus, which grows more moist and Pulpy, as the Seed ripens. But the Seed-Case, whether it be called a Cod, Pod, or by any other name, is, A Membraneous Uterus, which as the Seed ripens, still grows the more dry and hard: as in most Plants.

2. §. THE SEED-CASE, is either originally open; Or only when the Seed is ripe; Or never opens at all, till the Seed be sown. Of the first Sort, is that of Luteola; as also of Clary, Sage, Hysop, and the like: wherein one and the same Part, is both the Empalement of the Flower, and when that is gone, survives as the Case of the Seed.

3. §. Of the Last, is that of Myagrum Monspermon, Lithosperme, all the Stones of Fruits, with divers others. And some Cases, which are soft, as, I think, that of Garden Radish. The former, by cleaving in some part or other; these only by roting under Ground.

4. §. THAT of Garden Radish, is a Light and Spongy or Pithy Body; originally, every where entire. But, as it ripens, breaks within, into several White and Dry Membranes round about the Seed. ♦ Tab. 70. ♦ By the Length and about ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch distant from the Sides of the Case, do run a pair of little Vascular Ropes. Some smaller Fibres are from these transmitted to the Sides of the Case; by which they are kept tite and steady. Upon divers others produced towards the Centre, hang the Seeds, like Two Ropes of Onions.

5. §. Of those which open so soon as the Seed is ripe; some are made to open at the Top, as Popy Heads; Some on the Side, as most Cods; and some at the Bottom, as that of Coded Arsmart.

6. §. THE Popy-Head, is a little Dove Coat; divided by Eight or Ten Partitions, into so many Stalls. On both Sides the Partitions, hangs a most numerous Brood of Seeds. ♦ Tab. 70. ♦ The Partitions and Sides of the Head, are made of the Barque, and Lined with the Pith. While young, they are very thick and spongy; and together with the Seeds, do then fill all up. The Head is then also every where entire; but as it dries, it gradually opens at the Top, into several Windows, one for every Stall: which are all covered with a very fair Canopy. A Fabrick designed for several purposes, as shall hereafter be said.

7. §. Of those which open on the Side; some are made to open, only on One Side; some, on both Sides; some, with Three Sides; some, with more; and some horizontally or round about.

8. §. THE COD of Garden Bean (and so the rest of the Leguminous kind) opens on one Side. It hath a Twofold Parenchyma. The Utmost derived from the Barque: in which stand all the Vessels, in several Parcels; ♦ Tab. 70. ♦ one whereof, at the Back of the Cod, is much larger than the rest, shaped like a Copula used in Schemes; from whence shoot those lesser Fibres upon which the Beans do grow.

9. §. The Inner Parenchyma is derived from the Pith. Upon its Nativity, and for some time afterwards, entire and wholly composed of Bladders, as the Outer. From the Base of the Cod they are gradually enlarged, so as to compose this Parenchyma into a very soft and delicate Sponge. ♦ Tab. 70. ♦ In which (the Cod being well grown) the very Threds whereof the Bladders were woven, are many of them so loose and ample, as easily to be drawn out (as in the unroaving of Knit-work) to a considerable Length, fairly visible through an ordinary Glass.

♦ B. 2. P. 1. Ch. 5. & B. 3. P. 1. Ch. 4. ♦ 10. §. This may further confirm all that I have formerly said of the Fibrous Texture of the Pith, and of all the other Parenchymous Parts of Plants.

11. §. THE Seed-Case of Medica, is a Cod wound up: in the Echinata, Spirally; in the Tornata, by an Helix. Not finished all together; but, upon the fall of the Flower, beginning to wind, continues its Circles, till it be come to its full Growth.

12. §. THE Seed-Case of Yellow Henbean opens on both Sides. ♦ Tab. 70. ♦ On the Top, is erected a Colum, about ½ an Inch long; which, as the Case swells, grows less, and at last falls off. On the Sides of the Uterus or Case, Two Vascular Fibres run oppositely from the bottom to the top, and so into the Colum. Along the Tract of these Fibres, the Case, as it ages, gradually cleaves on both Sides asunder.

13. §. The Case is lined with a dry and thin Parchment, as smooth as Glass. ♦ Tab. 70. ♦ In the Centre of the Case, stands a great Parenchymous Boss, which is, as it were, the Bed or Placentula of the Seeds; which lie all over it, as in a Strawberry. And so in many other Plants. Throughout this Bed, the Vessels for the Generation and Nourishment of the Seeds, are distributed; one very small Fibre, shooting, from the direct ones, obliquely into each Seed.

14. §. THE Seed-Case of Tulip, opens with Three Sides; being, when young, a Prism or long Triangle. From the midle of each Side, a Partition or Boord is produced; all three meeting in the Centre of the Case; ♦ Tab. 71. ♦ and so parting it into Six Stalls for the Seed. The insides hereof, are, lined with a thin smooth and glossy Parchment, like that in Hen-bean; derived from the Pith; as the outside, from the Barque: and so in many other Seed-Cases.

15. §. The Vessels, after they rise above the Stalk, are disposed with great artifice. For first, they are divided into Three principal Branches, which run a long the Three Angles of the Case; ♦ Tab. 71. ♦ where the Three Sides, as it ages, gradually cleave asunder. From these chief Branches, at the Three Angles, divers lesser ones run horizontally, and meet at the midle of each Side. From whence again, many yet smaller ones are produced through the bredth of each Partition to their Edges in the Centre of the Case. Where, once more, they are distributed into very fine and short Threds, whereupon hang the Seeds.

16. §. THE Seed-Case of Stramonium or Thorn Apple, is divided into Four Closets: Not open one into another, as in Poppy, Tulip, &c. but so many distinct Inclosures. ♦ Tab. 71. ♦ In the midst of each Closet stands a Colum, joyned to the Side of the Closet by a Wall or Lamine. Through the Length of the Colums run several greater and lesser Branches of Vessels, from whence others are obliquely produced, upon which the Seeds grow.

17. §. THE Seed-Case of Anagallis or Pimpernel, is a little Globe; which opens not by its Meridian or Vertically, as do the former; but by its Horizon. ♦ Tab. 71. ♦ For divers very small Fibres, being produced from the Stalk to the midle of the Case; do there fetch a Circle, and so divide it exactly into Two Hemispheres: the Uppermost of which, when the Seeds are ripe, falleth off; and so the wind sowes them.

18. §. THE Seed-Case of Coded Arsmart, neither opens at the Top, nor on the Sides, as do all the former; but at the Bottom. It is composed of Four Sides: the Outer Part of which, is softer and more succulent; ♦ Tab. 71. ♦ the Inner a tite and strong Membrane. In the Centre of the Case, is erected a Pole or Colum upon which the Seeds do all hang very loosely.

19. §. From this Mechanism, the manner of that violent and surprising Ejaculation of the Seeds, is intelligible. Which is not a motion originally in the Seeds themselves; but contrived by the Structure of the Case. For the Seeds hanging very loose, and not on the Sides of the Case, as sometimes, but on the Pole, in the Centre, with their thicker end downward, they stand ready for a discharge: and the Sides of the Case being lined with a strong and Tensed Membrane, they hereby perform the office of so many little Bows: which, remaining fast at the Top, and (contrary to what we see in other Plants) opening or being lett off at the Bottom, forceably curle upward, and so drive all the Seeds before them.

CHAP. VI.

Of the USE of the Parts to the Fruit.

IN the forgoing Descriptions, I have already mention’d the Use of the Parts in some particulars. I shall now a little further explain the manner of their service, both to the Fruit, and to the Seed.

2. §. And first, the Vessels serve for the Figuration of the Fruit. So in an Apple, the Ten great and utmost Branches serve not only to nourish and feed it; but also, by the Arched Lines they draw, to direct and govern the Growth thereof into an orbicular Figure. The Dilatation of these Vessels, not being hindred by any Braces or Conjunction with the Interior ones. By the Slenderness of the Aer-Vessels, as in the Root, so here in the Fruit, much promoted. And by their Saline Principle, first begun.

3. §. The Five midlemost and the Five Inmost serve together, to figure the Coar; the former bounding the Outer, the Latter, the Iner Angles. For were they only Five, or were all Ten in the same Circle, they would only make a round Cavity like that of a hollow Pith. Hence it is that Apples, in which some small Threds of the Vessels strike out into the Circumference, are very Uneven with divers Knobs and Ridges. But Plums, Cherries, &c. where the Vessels all terminate at an Equal distance from the Skin, are Even all round about.

4. §. The Bulk of the Fruit dependeth also on the Braces of the Vessels. For in Plums and Cherries, they are more numerous; but in Apples and Pears they are very loose one from another, and so have liberty left them to spread abroad.

5. §. As also on their Size; that is, on the Size of the Aer-Vessels. Which, the less they are themselves, they serve to make a bigger Fruit. As the less they are in any Root, they serve to make it the more ample. For the less they are, the more pliable to the Attraction of the Aer: and in their Growth must make so many more spiral Rings: by both which means, they make the greater Arches. And therefore a Pear is commonly a smaller Fruit than an Apple; a Plum than a Pear; and a Grape, than a Plum; in all which the Aer-Vessels are still greater and greater.

6. §. From the same Cause, it is also most agreeable, That the Fruit should not come before the Leaves or Flower, but last of all. For the Aer-Vessels, as hath been often noted, are not exactly Cylindrick, but tapered; that is, not only the Fibres consisting of divers of these Vessels, but the Vessels themselves, as they ascend into the Trunck, Branches, Leaves, Flower, and Fruit, grow still more and more slender. So that the smallest coming last, and being the most pliable; they are also best accommodated for the Expansion of the Parenchyma into that we call the Fruit.

7. §. It is likewise a proper Question to be asked, How it comes to pass, That some Plants bear a Fruit, and not all? I answer, That as the Size of the Aer-Vessels conduceth to the Bulk of the Fruit, and the Order of its Growth: So the Number of them, to there being, or not being, any Fruit at all. For the Fruit, as we have already defined it, is an Uterus, which grows moyster and softer, as the Seed ripens. The reason therefore, why the Uterus in some Plants, continues moist and soft after the Seed is ripe; and in some, dries up; is, Because in the former, there is a smaller, in the latter, a greater Quantity of the Aer-Vessels in proportion to the other Parts of the Uterus, and so a greater quantity of Aer. Which as in the Pith of most Plants, so here, by degrees excludes the Sap, or rendering it more evaporable, comes in the room of it; and so the Uterus is dryed up: that is, there is no Fruit produced, but only a Seed-Case.

8. §. From the Size, Number, and Position of all the Vessels in Fruits a reason also may be given, for the diversity of their Tasts. Some Instances have before been given; to which I shall add one or two more. So the Rind of an Orange, is bitter; the Pulp, sower. Because the former is furnished with many Lignous Vessels, the Sulphureous or Oyly Tincture whereof, being copiously mixed with the Acid of the Parenchyma, produce that Tast. Whereas the Pulp, which is very sower, is void of all manner of Vessels. But if the Sap-Vessels are either less numerous or less Sulphureous; they give so mild a Tincture to the Parenchyma, as not to produce a bitter, but a sweet or soft Tast; as in Apples, Grapes, Goosberries, &c. And of a Goosberry, it is particularly to be noted, that whereas, in a Limon, the Pulp only is sower, as being void of Vessels: here, on the contrary, the Pulp only is sweet, whereinto all the Vessels strike, and the Rind sower.

9. §. The diversities of the Skin it self, have their Use. And therefore, the more tender and delicate the Fruit is; the Skin, on the contrary, is thicker and more tough. So Apples have a thicker Skin, than Pears; Plums, than Apples; and Grapes than Plums; those having as it were, only a Coat of Kid, but this of good thick Buff. And therefore some Fruits, although tender, yet either not having so rich a Juyce, or coming early, and so not being exposed to excessive heats, have a very thin Skin, as Mulberries, Strawberries, &c.

CHAP. VII.

Of the USE of the Parts to the Seed. And the TIME, in which the Uterus or Fruit and Seed-Case are formed.

AND first, for example, in an Apple, the Five Inmost Branches, do best serve for the Generation of the Seed; these running into the Attire of the Flower, and so carrying off the most Aerial Spirit from the Seed; ♦ P. 2. Ch. 5. §. 5. ♦ by which means, it becomes a more compact and denser Body, than the Fruit, and so more accommodate to the process of Vegetation; as hath formerly been shewed.

2. §. The Elongation likewise of the Seed-Vessels, in the Fruit and Case, sometimes directly, as in Plums and Nuts, and sometimes by several Ambages before they shoot into the Seeds, as in Tulip; shewes a design for the highest refining and maturation of the Seminal Sap.

3. §. Chiefly by means of the Inmost Vessels, is made that Chanel in some Pears, and especially in Quinces. For these perishing with the Flower, the circumjacent Parenchyma shrinks up, leaving the said Chanel in the midst. Designed for an inlet to the Aer, for the better drying of the Seeds; which here stand the more in need of it, because encompassed with a Mucilage.

4. §. For the better drying of the Seed, and the disbursing or sowing of it in due time, the opening of the Case is, in the same manner, also contrived: either at the Top, as in Popy; or on the Sides, as in Tulip, Pimpernel; or at the Bottom, as in Coded Arsmart. All which openings are effected by the running of the Aer-Vessels along those places: for by drying the Parenchyma next adjacent, they cause it to chop and cleave asunder.

5. §. Of the Seed-Case of Poppy, it is particularly to be noted, That as the several Windows, serve to let in Aer, for the drying of the Seeds, after their full Growth: So the Canopy over them, serves to keep out Rain. For here, the Case not cleaving down the Side, as it usually doth; should the Rain get in, it would stand in it, as in a Pot, and so rot the Seeds. And as the Canopy serves to preserve the Seeds; so the several Partitions or Walls, for their better Stowage. For by an easie survey of this little piece of Ground, it is plain, that as they stand on both Sides every Wall, there is as much more Ground for them to stand upon, as if there were no parting Walls, but the Seeds stuck all round about upon the Ambit or Sides of the Case; or upon a great Bed or Placenta within it, as in Hyoscyamus, Anagallis, &c. where there is a less numerous Brood.

6. §. The Coar likewise, by standing betwixt the moyst Parenchyma and the Seed, and being hollow and so filled with Aer; doth much conduce to the ripening and drying of the Seed, and its greater fitness both for keeping, and sowing. So the Parchment Lining of the Seed-Case, as in Hyoscyamus, &c. is answerable to a Coar.

7. §. The Parenchyma serveth, amongst other purposes, for the Generation of the Covers of the Seed; as in some instances hath been shewed. For which intent, sometimes the Exterior Parenchyma, as in a Limon; sometimes the midlemost, as in a Goosberry or Cucumer, is subservient; both of them, in those Fruits, being more white and dry, than the rest, and so fiter to make the Covers of the Seed.

8. §. The Parenchyma is also of use for the warmth of the Seed; as in the Seed-Case of Garden Radish. Wherein, as it ripens the Parenchyma gradually drys, breaks, and shrinks up into several soft Membranes, in which the Seeds, in the Centre of the Case, lie swadled, as in so many fine Calico Cloths.

9. §. I SHALL conclude with observing the Time of the Generation of the Fruit and Seed-Case. This hath hitherto been thought to be initiated upon the opening, I say not, the forming, but the opening of the Flower, or not long before. Notwithstanding which, what I have formerly said of the Flower; I now do the like, of the Uterus it self; sc. That in very many Plants, ’tis formed, with the Flower, the year before it appears and comes to its full Growth. ♦ Tab. 71. ♦ As for instance, in Azarum, not only all the Parts of the Flower, but the Uterus it self, and there in also the outer Cover of the Seed of any one year, are perfectly formed in August or September of the year foregoing. The like may be seen in Tulip, Mezereon, Corin, and many other Perennial Plants.

THE

ANATOMY

SEEDS,

PROSECUTED

With the bare EYE,

And with the

MICROSCOPE.

The Figures presented to the Royal Society, in the Year 1677.

The FOURTH PART.

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

LONDON,

Printed by W. Rawlins, 1682.

THE

CONTENTS

OF THE

Fourth Part.

CHAP. I.

Of the FIGURES of Seeds.

CHAP. II.

Of the NUMBER and MOTIONS of Seeds.

CHAP. III.

Of the several COVERS of Seeds, and of the VITELLUM.

CHAP. IV.

Of the FOETUS or true SEED: and first of the RADICLE and LOBES.

CHAP. V.

Of the BUDS of Seeds. And of the PARTS of which these, the Radicle and Lobes are compounded.

CHAP. VI.

Of the GENERATION of the Seed.

THE

ANATOMY

SEEDS.