Part 3 / Book 4 — Book 4 Part 4, Contents

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 OF SEEDS.

PART IV.

CHAP. I.

Of the FIGURES of Seeds.

HE Figures of Seeds, or rather of their outward Covers, are made suitable, Partly to their Collocation in the Uterus, as the End. So those of Mallow, standing like a Coronet round the Stalk, are of a wedged Figure; whereby their sharp Edges do all meet together in one Centre. Partly, to the various distribution of the Vessels or Fibers, as one Cause: by which the Measures and Surface of Seeds, as well as of the Leaves of Plants, are diversified. And partly, to the Nature of the Saline and other Principles regent in a Plant, as another principal Cause. And therefore the more stony, brittle, or full of Salt the Covers of any Seeds are, they are generally more angular, and their Figure, whether angular or not, more constantly observed. So the Tartareous Stone of a Plum, is not only more angular, but also more regular than the Husk of the Kernel of a Pear or Apple.

2. §. For all Stones are measured by several Circles, whose Diametres hold a certain proportion to the Length of the Stone; in the same manner as hath been shewed in the description of the Leaf. P. 1. Ch. 3. So the Stone of the Pease-Cod-Plum, is measured by two Circles. That of the Turkey-Plum with Four. Tab. 72. That of the Aprecok-Plum, with Two repeated oppositely; being perfectly Rhomboid. To which, those also of the Wheat-Plum, Damasceen, and some others, allude. And some are measured by four Circles, and one repeated.

3. §. The Figures, not only of the larger sort of Seeds, but even of the smallest, have much and elegant variety. We will take the pleasure of comparing these which follow.

4. §. And first of all, some are perfectly Spherick, and with an even Surface; Tab. 73. as that of little Century. That of Spergula is also Spherick; but hath a knobed Surface, and is encompassed with a Membraneous Rimm, like the Horizon of a Globe. That of little Celandine is Circular, but compressed like a Cheese.

5. §. Others are Nephroideous, or as it were Hemispherick. Of which Figure, and hereunto approaching, there are a greater number than of any other; as that which agrees with the more frequent Shape and Fold of the Lobes and Radicle of the Seed, as shall be seen. Yet with some difference, as to their Shape and Surface. So, that of Lychnis Sylvestris is figur’d just like the kidney of a Cat; and hath a knobed Surface. Tab. 73. That of Poppey comes near it in Shape; but hath a Surface exactly like that part of the Paunch of a Sheep, called the Hony-Coome. That of great Celandine, is a little more oblong; and so, like the Kidney, not of a Cat, but of a Sheep: chequered with parallel Rings and other short Lines placed alternately betwixt them.

6. §. Where, by the way, we may see, as well by the Seed, as by the other Parts, of how different kinds, the Great and Little Celandine, notwithstanding their Names, are to be esteemed.

7. §. The Seed also of Ben or spatling Poppey is somewhat like a Kidney: Tab. 73. but hath its Circumference raised up into a double Ridge: to which several small Ridges do in some sort also radiate from one Centre sc. the Base of the Seed.

Tab. 73. 8. §. The Seed of Chickweed, is partly like a Kidney, and partly like a little Retort. As also that of Pentaphyl. fragiferum. But the former is rough cast with small pieces having as it were feet on each side, like little Insects. With which, the Seed of Leuchanthemum (which may be called, the Giant-Chickweed) doth much agree. The latter, hath several Fibrous Ridges, resembling the Fibres in the Auricles of the Heart; or running from the nose to the Circumference, somewhat like the Azymuth Lines on a Quadrant.

Tab. 73. 9. §. Some are Oval; as that of the little Bell, and rough cast with Fibres almost parallel and produced by the Length of the Seed. In which latter respect, the Seeds also of Trachelium and some other like Plants, are agreeable. That of Brooklime, is also Oval, but encompassed with a thick Rimm, narrowing all the way to the Base of the Seed.

10. §. The Seed of Dovesfoot hath an oval Cone, and a flat Base. Its Surface favous, like that of Poppy, Toad-flax, and some other Seeds. Tab. 73. That of Sedum minus æstivum luteum, is in a manner the Figure of the former inverted, being flat, not at the Base, but on the Top. And whereas that rises with a blunt Angle, this hath only a Ridg, raised above the Surface of the Seed.

11. §. The Seeds of divers sorts of Grass, are more Conick, as particularly of that, which for the likeness its Seed hath to a Barly Corn, may be called Barley-Grass. And I little doubt, but that among the several sorts of Grass, Tab. 73. there are some which answer to all the kinds of Esculent Grains, as Oat-Grass, Rice-Grass, Wheat-Grass, Rye-Grass. And accordingly, that they may be more profitably sown in one Ground, than in another; and used with distinction, for the higher, or more wholsome feeding of Cattle. A Rush, though it seems an imperfect Plant, yet besides its Flower, hath also a plentiful brood of Seeds of a Conick Figure.

12. §. Some Seeds are Cylindrick, as that of St. Johns-wort, as also of Tutsan, and some other like Plants, with some little diversity in the Shape or Surface of the Seed. Tab. 73. That of Vervain, is in a manner, half a Cylinder: the true Seed lying in the Covers, like a Child, in a Cradle without an head.

13. §. Others are rather Conico-Cylindrick, as that of Jacobæa; Tab. 73. having a Coronet on the top, and several furrows by the Length round about. Answerable to which, is that of Erygerum; in Shape not unlike to a Rowling-pin.

14. §. Some are Plani-Conick, as that of Nettle, which is shaped somewhat like the end of a Speer. That of Eye-bright is more Eliptick; with several Ridges running by the Length; and joyned together with short pieces transversly, as in the looping of Lace. Tab. 74. That of Wormwood not very unlike a little flat Essence-Glass: in which, the Fibres are produced by the Length, as the Ridges are in Eye-bright. And so in Yarrow, which is also encompassed with a Membraneous Rimm. That of Dandelyon, is Plani-Conick towards the Base. And so those of Lettice, Sonchus, and some others. To which, those also of Hieraceum, Tragopogon, Scorzonera, &c. with respect to their Surface, do all allude.

15. §. And some are Conico-Triangular. Of which, that of Sorrel is Conick at both ends; the sides equal; and upon every Angle, hath a narrow and sharp Rimm. As also that of Anagallis; but the Sides are Spheri-conick, and so the ends are blunt. Tab. 74. They are also pounced with many little round Cavities. But have no Rimm upon the Angles.

16. §. The Seed of Nigella is Triangular, and Conick only at the Top. On every Angle, hath a narrow Rimm; the three Sides equal, and Spheri-conick; surrounded with seven or eight Ridges by the girth, joyned together in some places with others transversly. Tab. 74. That of Arsmart, is also Triangular and Conick at the Top. But one of the Sides is almost equal to the other two; which stand low. That of Knot-Grass hath three Sides, one less than another; being as 5, 3, and 2, or thereabout.

17. §. The next (which I take to be the Seed of a sort of Bugloss) is very oddly figured. The Base, oval; the Top, conick; the Back, swelling and round as an Egg; Tab. 74. the Belly also swelling, but rising up into an obtuse Angle highest in the midle, somewhat like a Breastpiece of Armour: and is encompassed with a Rimm sloaped upward.

18. §. That of Moldavian Bawm, is Triangular, and Conick only at the Base. The place where it is fastned, shaped like the Beard of a Dart. Two of the Sides are Plani-conick, the Third Spheri-conick, Tab. 74. and near as big as both the other two. The Head flat, with a Rimm erected upon each Side, so as to make a Spherical Triangle. Approaching to this, are those of Sage, Horehound, Clary, &c.

19. §. That also of Bellis Tanaceti folio, hath two Sides Planiconick, and a third Sphericonick. Tab. 74. The two first have several Ridges running to the Base. Which is not perfectly conick, but a little dilated into two obtuse Angles. The Head Triangular, with one Side convex, the other Two straight, a little hollowd, and having a small pinacle in the Center.

20. §. That of Stæchas Arabica, as the former, saving, that the Head is oval, and the Base sloaped into a little Triangle. That of Wartwort or Sun-Spurge, hath a very complex Figure. The Belly consisteth of two Planiconick Sides, as the former; the Back, Sphericonick. Tab. 74. The whole Seed, in a manner, Conick-oval. Yet the Base and Head both flat. In the midle of the former, a Peg by which the Seed is fastned; and of the latter, a poynted Knob. The midle of the Belly-Sides, hollowed, so as to make a flat Rimm of equal Bredth; and the hollows filled up with Bladders like those in all the Parenchymus Parts of a Plant.

21. §. Lastly, there are some Seeds which are square. Whereof some are straight, as that of Fox-glove; Tab. 74. which hath also an even Surface: And that of Blattaria, in which there are several little hollows in even Rows. And so in Brounwort.

22. §. And some Convex, as that of Chrysanthemum Americ. ’Tis Quadrati-conick, or square and sharp at the Base, and big at the Head. Tab. 74. The Sides all plain; and a thin Rimm erected upon every Angle. As also on the four Sides of the Head, which is flat, with a little Pinacle in the midle.

23. §. The Seed also of Tansey, is a Conick and bended square not with the Angle forward, as the former, but the Side. Tab. 74. And in the place of every Rimm, hath a round Ridge. Somewhat like to this, are those of Febrifuga, Mayweed, and some others. Thus far of the Figures of Seeds.

CHAP. II.

Of the NUMBER and MOTIONS of Seeds.

ATURE hath secured the Propagation of Plants several ways, but chiefly by the Seed: for the Production of which, the Root, Leaves, Flower, and Fruit, do all officiate, as hath been shewed. And according as the Plant, or the Seed it bears, is more liable to be destroyed, Provision is made for Propagation, either by a greater number of Seeds, or other ways. So the Seeds of Strawberry, being gathered, or eaten by Vermin, with the Fruit; the Plant is therefore easily propagated by Trunk-Roots. So Poppy, being an annual Plant, is highly prolifick: for instance, the White Poppy; which commonly bears about four mature Heads, in each of which, there are at least ten Partitions, on both sides whereof, the Seeds grow; and upon ¼ᵗʰ part of one side, about 100 Seeds; that is, 800 on one Partition: which being multiplied by 10 (the number of Partitions) makes 8000; and 8000 again by 4 (the number of Heads) makes 32000 Seeds, the yearly product of that Plant.

2. §. So in Typha major, the Seeds being blow’n off and sow’n (as the Eggs of many Fishes spawn’d) with great hazard, they are strangely numerous. For as they stand altogether upon the Spike, they make a Cylinder at least six Inches long, and near ⅝ᵗʰˢ of an Inch in Diametre, or an Inch and ¾ about. Now 9 of these Seeds, set side to side, as they stand on the Spike, make but ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch; so that 72 make a line of an Inch in Length. But because upon the Spike, the Hairs belonging to the Seeds come between them; we will abate 10, and count but 62. To which ¾ᵗʰˢ of 62, that is (without the Fraction) 46 being added, makes 108 for the Circuit of the Cylinder. And the Cylinder being six Inches long, there are six times 62, that is, 372, for a Line the length of the Cylinder. Which number being multiplied by 108, produceth 40176 the number of Seeds which stand upon one Stalk; and so, upon three Stalks, which one Plant commonly bears, there are in one year, above a hundred and twenty Thousand Seeds.

3. §. SO SOON as the Seed is ripe, Nature taketh several Methods for its being duly sow’n: not only in the opening of the Uterus, as in some Instances⁠[69] hath already been seen; but also in the make of the Seed it self. For First, the Seeds of many Plants, which affect a peculiar Soil or Seat, as of Arum, Poppy, &c. are heavy and small enough, without further care, to fall directly down into the Ground: and so to grow in the same place where themselves had their Birth.

4. §. But if they are so large and light, as to be exposed to the wind, they are often furnished with one or more Hooks; To stay them from straying over far from their proper place, till by the fall of Leavs or otherwise, they are safely lodged. So the Seeds of Avens have one single Hook, those of Agrimony and Goose-grass, many; Tab. 72. both the former, loving a Bank for warmth, the latter, a Hedge for its support.

5. §. On the contrary, many Seeds are furnished with Wings or Feathers. Partly, with the help of the Wind to carry them, when they are ripe, from off the Plant, as those of Ash, Maple, Orach, &c. lest staying thereon too long, they should either be corrupted, or miss their season. And partly, to enable them to make their flight, more or less, abroad: that so they may not, by falling together, come up too thick; and that if one should miss a good Soyl or Bed, another may hit. So the Kernels of Pine have wings not unlike to those of some Insects; yet very short, in respect of the weight of the Seed; Tab. 72. whereby they flye not in the Aer, but like domestick Fowls, only flutter upon the Ground. But those of Typha, Dandelion and most of the Pappous kind, with many more, have very long and numerous Feathers, by which they are wafted every way, and to any distance necessary for the aforesaid purposes.

6. §. Again, there are some Seeds, which are scattered not by flying abroad, but by being either Spurted, or Slung away. The first are those of Woodsorrel; which having a running Root, Nature sees it fit to sow the Seeds at some distance. The doing of which is effected by a white thick and sturdy Cover of a Tendinous or Springy Nature, in which the Seed lies within the Case. Tab. 72. This Cover, so soon as it begins to drye, bursts open on one side, in an instant, and is violently turned inside outward, as you would turn the Gizard of a Fowl; and so smartly throws off the Seed.

7. §. The Seeds of Harts-tongue, and of all that Tribe, are Slung or Shot away. The doing of which is performed by the curious contrivance of the Seed-Case; as in Codded Arsmart, and some other like Plants. Only there, the Spring moves and curles up inward; but here it moves outward. I shall describe it, as well as the Weather (which when I observed it was cloudy) would permit. Every Seed-Case, as it appears through a good Glass, Tab. 72. stands upon a Pedicle from ½ an Inch to an Inch or more in Length; at the bottom about as thick again as a Horse-hair, and a little thicker at the Top, on which stands the Case, of a Silver Colour; about the bigness of a Cherry-Stone, of a Spherick Figure, and girded about with a sturdy Tendon or Spring, of the Colour of Gold: the whole Machine looking not much unlike a little Padlock. The Surface of the Spring resembles a fine Screw, or some of the Aer-Vessels in the Wood of a Plant. So soon as by the Innate Aer of the Plant, or otherwise, this Spring is become stark enough, it suddenly breaks the Case into two halfs, like two little Cups, and so slings the Seed.

8. §. These Cases grow in oblique Furrows or Trenches on the back side the Leaf, from ¼ of an Inch to an Inch in Length, and about ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch broad. Tab. 72. In one of these Trenches an Inch long are more than 300 of the Cases above described; and allowing but 10 Seeds to every Case, above 3000 Seeds. Which being multiplied by the number of Furrows in one Leaf, with allowance for the lesser Furrows; and that summ by the number of Leaves commonly growing upon one Root, comes to above Ten Hundred Thousand Seeds, the annual product of this Plant. The Seed is of a Tawny Colour, through a good Glass about 1/12ᵗʰ of an Inch long, flat, and somewhat oval. Of these, ten Thousand are not so big as a white Pepper Corn.

CHAP. III.

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

HE next step of Natures Managery, relates chiefly to the Growth of the Seed when it is sow’n. For which purpose, the outer Covers are somewhere furnished with Apertures sufficient for the reception of Alimental Moysture from the Ground; and Divisions, for the shooting forth of the young Root into it. As in the Seed of a Gourd, at the Bottom; in a Bean, on the Side; and in a Chestnut, at the Top: Tab. 72. in which places the Radicle or young Root always lies and puts forth, in the said several Seeds. And the Seed of Palma Christi; Tab. 72. which falls to the Ground not only in the usual Covers, but also in the Seed-Case, for the more plentiful admission of Aliment, hath a double Aperture. Not much unlike to this, is that found sometimes in larger parcels of Euphorbium; for which Cause, I suspect it to be the Gumm of a Plant of the Tithymal kind.

2. §. If the Cover of the Seed be stony and very hard, it is also distinguished into several Pieces; whereby they easily cleave asunder without much resistance to the eruption of the Root. So the Shell of a Hazel-nut easily cleavs on the edg; and the cleft begins best at the poynt, where the Root stands and shoots forth. Tab. 75. The Shell of some Walnuts cleavs into three Parts; and the Stone of the Bellerick Myrobalan into five: that so, being very thick and hard, if one piece should not yield, another may not fail to do it. And the Covers or Husks of some sorts of Grain, as of Millet, are only folded or laped one over another, the better to give way to their tender Sprouts.

3. §. Besides the Kernels of Plums and some other Fruits, there are very many Seeds, even of the smaller sort, which have also stony Covers; as of Carthamum, Myagrum monospermon, Beet, Borage, Lithosperme, Amaranthus, Violet, &c. Sometimes, for the reception of the harsher and less matured Principles from the Seed, in its Generation, as in Borage. Commonly, to keep it warmer before and after its sow’n. For which purpose, the outer Covers of some Seeds, are as it were Lined with Fur: in that of Great Maple, Short; of Gossipium, Long. And if the Seed requires a longer stay under ground, the hardness of the Cover serves to stint the Aliment; lest too much, should either rot it, or cause it to germinate, before its proper season, or full time for a more Masculine Growth.

4. §. On the contrary, many Seeds, as those of Clary, Garden-Cress, and others of that Tribe, have their upper Covers faced with a Mucilage: which being easily receptive of any Moysture in the Ground, gradually swells, till it lies like a Gelly round about the Seed. Either for a more plentiful supply of Aliment; or at least, to soften the Covers, the better to accelerate the Growth of the Seed.

5. §. The process of Nature in the several steps of the Vegetation of the Seed, hath formerly been explained.⁠[70]

6. §. THE COVERS of all, or at least the far greater number of Seeds, are Three; some way or other derived from the Pith: as shall hereafter be seen. And sometimes, Four: even those of ston’d Fruits, have Three, besides the Stone. In that of Gossipium, there are Two Coats under that lined with the Cotton. The Seeds of Cucumer, Goats-beard, Broom, Scabious, Lettice, &c. although so small, have plainly Three Coats. Tab. 75. But in some of these, and many more, there are only Two distinctly visible, except in the State of Generation.

7. §. In the Upper Coat, the Seed-Vessels are disseminated. The Second, is first a meer Pulp; but afterwards shrinks up and sticks close to the upper. The Third or Inmost is more dense; and if it be thin, for the most part, transparent; whereby the Seed seems sometimes to be naked while it lies therein; as in Almonds, Cucumers, and the like. Tab. 76. For this sticks not to the midle Coat, as that doth to the outer; but commonly, remains entire, after those are stripp’d off, being as it were, the Smock of the Seed.

8. §. In Melissa and some other small Seeds, it comes finely off upon soaking in warm Water or on the Tongue. In Fenugreek, ’tis soft, and of an Amber-Colour; and being moystened, looks almost like fine Glew. But commonly, ’tis a pretty tough Membrane, and often with some thickness, as in Plums, Borage, Scabious. Yet always extream thin at the Tip of the Radicle; the more easily to break and yield to it, as the Secundine to the Fœtus, when it first shoots into the Ground. And sometimes, as in the Seeds of an Orange, it hath at one end, the resemblance of a Placenta. Tab. 75. But of this, and the two upper Coats, I shall give a further Description in the last Chapter.

9. §. AS ALL Seeds are ex Ovo; so there are many with thin Covers, as of Orach, Spinage, Beet, and the rest of that Tribe, &c. which besides the Albumen or clear Liquor out of which they are bred; have also, a Vitellum, or a Body thereunto Analogous: being neither part of the Seed, nor part of the Covers, but distinct from them both. With respect to the Bulk of the Seed, very large, as white as Starch, and pretty friable, like good Rice or Barley: Tab. 75. of a roundish Figure, and grooved on the Girth, so as to have a double Edge; Whereby the Seed, which is long and slender, lies round it, as a Sack of Corn upon a Pack-Saddle or a Rope upon a Pully-wheel. Upon my first notice hereof, it seemed to answer to a Placenta. But upon further consideration, the Analogy doth not hold betwixt them. For the Placenta lies without the Membranes in which the Fœtus is conteined: whereas this body lies within the Covers contiguous to the Seed, and so becomes its first and finest Aliment, as the Yelk doth to the Chick. For which purpose, as in the Generation of the Seed, it is a pure Milky Chyle; So in its Vegetation, it is converted into the like again.

10. §. The same Body for Sustenance is observable in the Seeds of Rhapontick, Dock, Sorrel, and the rest of that kindred, with this difference; Tab. 75. That whereas in Orach, &c. the Seed only lies upon it; here, the main Body or Lobes of the Seed are immersed therein, the Radicle standing naked or above it. So that the said Lobes, and therein the Seminal-Root are beded herein, as in a Tub of Meal or a little pot of pure refin’d Mould, necessary for the first Vegetation of the Radicle.

11. §. BY THESE midle Steps, Nature proceeds from the Thiner Covers of Seeds; or those, which after the Generation of the Seed is finished, shrink up; to the Bulky Kind, or those which keep their Bulk after they are dry. Wherein, not only the Lobes, as in Dock, but the whole Seed is immediately lodged. Different in Substance, Shape and Bulk; but always many times biger than the true Seed within it: for which it is commonly mistaken; but is no more the Seed, than is the Stone of a Plum, the Kernel.

12. §. In the Barbado Nut, ’tis White, Soft, Conick-oval, and taking all its Dimensions, 8 or 10 times bigger than the Seed within it. In Ashen Keys, ’tis of a sad Colour, hard, yet somewhat Oyly, Oval and flat, and of the same Bigness as in the Barbado Nut, with respect to the Seed. Tab. 76. In the Fruit commonly called Nux Vomica Officinarum, ’tis of the Colour and Hardness of a Cows-Horne; and makes almost the whole Body of the Fruit, being about 14 or 15 times the Bulk of the Seed. Tab. 77. In Goosgrass or Cliver ’tis of the like Horny Substance, but shaped somewhat like a Bonet with the Rimm tuckt in. And so in a Coffee-Berry; but rowled or foulded up into a kind of Oval Figure, with a Notch or Rima through the Length, where the two Ends meet. With other diversities which will best be understood, when I come presently to the Description of the Seed herein contained.

13. §. With respect to the use of this Cover, it is observable, that where there is a Stone or Shell over it, as in the Barbado Nut, it is soft; but where there is none, as in Nux Vomica, Ash, &c. ’tis hard; and so it self instead of a Stone. As also, That it becomes hard, only by the proper Nature of its Parenchyma, and the exquisite smallness of the Bladders of which it consists. Whereas a Stone, is also hardened by the Lees or Tartar of the Sap which sinks into it, and thereby petrifies it⁠[71] as hath been said. So that whereas a Stone, as it lies in the Ground, only cleavs in certain Places, but continues hard: This Cover, like some Horns, upon the due accession of Moisture, doth gradually become soft. Whereby, as while it is hard, it performs the Office of a Stone, in guarding the Seed til the proper Season for its Growth: So afterwards when it is soft, it answers, as in Orach or Dock,⁠[72] to a Vitellum, from whence the Seed receiveth its first and purest Aliment.

CHAP. IV.

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

AVING discoursed of the Covers, I come next to the Seed or Fœtus it self. Of the Shape and Posture whereof, I shall give some Examples, first, among those with the thinner sort of Covers; and then, of those with the Bulky one: where I shall speak only of the Lobes, or Main Body, and the Radicle. Next, I shall describe the several sorts of Nodes or Buds of Seeds. And lastly, the several Parts, of which the Lobes, Radicle, and Buds are compounded.

2. §. Among Seeds with the Thinner Covers, are those of all sorts of Corn and Grass. Of a different make, from that of most other Seeds: The Main Body being not divided into Lobes, but one entire Piece, doubled in the form of a Pair of Lips. And whereas commonly, the whole Seed is very Soft and Oyly; here, only those two minute Parts, which become the Root and Stalk, are so: The Main Body being of a different Substance; when the Corn is ripe, hard and friable; but when it is sown, easily colliquable into a kind of Milk or Chyle, so that, in some respects, it hath a near Analogy to a Vitellum. For as that is gradually melted into a sort of Chyle, and by the Branches of the Ductus Intestinalis carryed into the Bowels of the Chick: So is this, into a like Substance, and by the Branches of the Seminal Root (formerly describ’d) conveyed to those Parts, which become the future Plant. B. 1. Ch. 1.

3. §. Of Relation to this Kind, the Seeds of Dates, and of some other like Plants, may be esteem’d. For that which is commonly called the Stone, seems indeed to be the Main Body of the Seed, doubled or folded up in the same manner as in Corn. To which that Part which becomes the Plant, is annexed. Tab. 75. But whereas in Corn, ’tis placed at the Bottom of the Main Body; here it lies in a small round Cavity in the middle of the Back. The Stone, or Main Body, where this Part grows to it, is not so hard, as more remote from it: and is therefore probably in some part dissolved, by lying in the Ground, as in Corn.

4. §. But for the most part, the Main Body is divided, as hath been said, into two Lobes; and those in Substance Homogeneous to the other Part or Parts, plainly distinguished in most Kernels and other large Seeds; Tab. 75. and not difficultly in many lesser ones, as in that of Viola Lunaris, Scabious, Doves-Foot, &c. if slipped out of their Covers before they are full ripe.

5. §. In Hounds-Tongue, they are of a circular figure, and very large in Proportion to the Radicle. In Cucumer, oblong, with some visible Branches of the Seminal Root; and the Radicle somewhat bigger. Tab. 75. But in Scorzonera, very long, like the Leggs of a Pair of Compasses: and the two first, or dissimilar Leavs of the Plant into which they are converted, are of the same Shape. Of these and many more, the Radicle is short and pointed; and lies in one straight Line with the Lobes.

6. §. In Viola Lunaria, they are very large; and the Branches of the Seminal Root, fairly apparent, so as to resemble a Pair of Leavs. The Radicle pretty long, equally thick from end to end, and couched down upon the two Lobes, Tab. 75. each of them having a little Shoulder for it to lie upon. In Woad, where it hath the like Posture and Shape, as also in Chamælina, Eruca, and many others, it is very Bulky, being bigger than both the Lobes put together.

7. §. Of this Part, I think it may be observed, That commonly those Seeds, wherein it is very small with respect to the Lobes, produce a Perennial Plant: And so, vice versa, where it is very large, an Annual one. In the latter, the Seminal Virtue being more vigorous, and so tending more hastily to the Business of Generation, followed with the Death of the Plant.

8. §. IN THE former Seeds, the Lobes lie flat one against another. Tab. 75. But in Garden-Radish, they are folded up, so as to receive the Radicle into their Bosome: as when a Chicken tucks his Head under his Wing.

9. §. In Holyoak, the Lobes are plated upwards, and re-plated down again. Tab. 75. Being most agreeably composed to the Shape of the Covers, as those are to their Posture on the Plant. In Maple, they are plated one over another, and so rouled up.

10. §. In the Cotton-Seed, which consisteth almost wholly of two very broad and thin Lobes or Leaves, the Folds are yet more numerous; Tab. 75. all curiously reduced to an exact and solid Oval.

11. §. It happens now and then, that instead of two, there are three Lobes, as in the Kernels of Plums, Apples, and other Fruits, and the smaller sorts of Seeds, will spring up sometimes with more than two dissimilar Leaves, originally the Lobes of the Seed. These are observed by some, more frequently to produce a double Flower, which may be, because the Seminal Virtue in such Seeds, is increased by a third Part.

12. §. IN many Seeds, the Radicle is of one and the same Colour from end to end. But in others, as in the Lupine, it is observable, That the upper and greater half, is White; the Lower to the Point, hath a kind of Horny Gloss, and seems to be of a somewhat different make. Tab. 75. Whereby it comes to pass, that after the Radicle is shot forth a little way, only this lower half descends and becomes the Root: The upper half is produced or raised above ground, as a Pillar upon which the Lobes, or dissimilar Leaves are erected.

13. §. This Seed, on the out side of each Lobe, and near the Radicle, hath a very small and round Node, like a Navel; whereof, in the first Book: the whole Seed looking not much unlike a Pidgeons Head; Ch. 7. the Radicle resembling the Bill, and the Navel the Eye.

14. §. IN the Seed of Garden-Orach, Tab. 75. both the Radicle and Lobes are very long and slender, and lie almost in a compleat Circle round about the Vitellum before describ’d. The Lobes of Rhapontick are shaped like the Bitt of a Spade; Ch. 3. and the Radicle stands erected above them like the Handle.

15. §. OF SEEDS also with the Bulky Cover, there are many not divided into Lobes; being in a manner, all one Piece; as all of the Bulbous-Kind. In some of which, though the inmost Cover be thin; yet compared either with the other Covers, or with the Seed it self, it may very well be accounted of the Bulky Kind.

16. §. In Flag, it is above twenty times bigger than the Seed within it. Consisting of Bladders all Radiated towards the Seat of the Seed. The Seed it self is shaped somewhat like a Penknife. Tab. 76. The lower Part which becomes the Bulb, as the Haft, is thick, and cometh near to a Cylindrick Figure, and the end, round. The upper Part which becomes the first years Leaf, as the Blade, is rather flat, double edged, and pointed, and the Point a little bent. The Fibers and Bladders of which it consists, are all disposed into Parallel Lines running by the length. In Lily, where this Cover is thinner and more Transparent, without being cut, but only held up against the Light, the Seed may be seen within it.

17. §. BUT THE greater number of Seeds also with the Bulky Cover, are divided into two Lobes; which, for the most part, resemble a pair of little Leavs. In the Purging Nut of Angola, the Shell being taken off, the upper Covers (dry’d and shrunk up) seem to be but one. Tab. 76. In these, the Spermatick Vessels are Branched. Under these, lies the Thick and Inmost Cover; which being cut down the middle, exhibits the true Seed: Consisting of a couple of fair Leavs, Veined, and as white as Milk, joyned together with the Radicle at their Base; and let into a Hollow, made in the Cover, of an answerable shape. The like is observable in the Barbado-Nut, Ricinus Americanus, and some other Indian Fruits; with some little difference in the Shape of the Root and Leavs.

18. §. IN the foregoing Fruits, the Bulky Cover is very soft. But in the Nux Vomica Officinarum, ’tis near as hard as a Date-Stone. Tab. 76. In this, besides the hollow made for the reception of the Seed, or the two Leavs and Root; the Sides are separated or distinct almost to the Edge of the Cover round about, especially towards the Root: So that it may not unaptly be compared to a little Pouch with the Sides clapt together.

19. §. IN this and the Nuts above mentioned,the Seeds are all very large. But in some other Plants, they are extream small, so as to be hardly visible without a Glass; Tab. 77. as in Staphisagria, Peony, &c. In Staphisagria, the Thick or Inmost Cover, is commonly a Spherical Triangle, conick towards the Base. At the poynt of which, there is a little Cavity, in which the Seed, about as big as a small pins head, is lodged. The Root whereof is a little poynted, and the two Lobes rounded at the Top.

20. §. In Peony, the same Cover is Soft, White, and of an Oval Figure; Tab. 77. the part used in Medicine. Usually thought to be the Seed it self. But is near two hundred times biger than the true Seed, which is almost invisible. It lies in a little Cavity near the bottom of the Cover; with a thick and blunt Root, and two poynted Lobes or Leavs.

21. §. IN the Coffee-Berry, the Seed lies in the Inner or Cartilaginous Cover (formerly described) Ch. 3. where one would not expect to find it, sc. near the Top or Surface of the Back. Tab. 77. The Lobes of the Seed are veined like two very minute Leaves, and joyned to a long Root like a Stalk. The end of which comes just to the bottom of the Cover, ready for its exit into the Ground.

22. §. In Goosgrass, where the Inner Cover is also Cartilaginous or Horney, Tab. 77. the Seed is postured in much a like manner, and looks just like a couple of poynted Leavs with a very long Stalk.

23. §. THE Seed of Stramonium, is also inclosed in a Bulky Cover. Which being soaked in warm water, and very warily cut about the edges, with a Rasor, the Seed may be taken out of it entire. Tab. 77. Shaped like that of Orach, but much longer. For the Reception whereof, the Cover is formed with a hollow, which runs round about it near the Edge; where in the Seed lies like a little winding Snake.

CHAP. V.

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

ROM between the two Lobes, rises up the Stalk of the Plant. The original whereof, either to the naked Eye, or by a good Glass, is always visible in the Seed.

2. §. In many Plants, Nature sees fit only to lay the foundation hereof in a small round Node; where upon the Leavs, in the Vegetation of the Seed, are superstructed: as in Viola Lunaria, and others.

3. §. But in the greater number of Seeds, is formed a true Bud, consisting of perfect Leavs; different from those, which grow upon the Stalk, only in Bigness; and so far in Shape, as the same Parts of an Animal Fœtus, in its several ages in the Womb. In many Seeds, as well small as great, and as well of Herbs as Trees, it is very apparent. But oftentimes lyeth so deep between the Lobes as to be almost undiscernable, as in Maple.

4. §. The Leaves of the Bud, in different Plants, are of a different Number; in some, Two; in others, Four, Six, and sometimes more. In the Bay-Berry, they are only two; very small, but thick or fat, and finely veined. In the Seed of Carduus Benedictus, Tab. 78. they are also Two; almost invisible; broad at the Bottom, poynted at the Top, thick or fat, yet plated inward, and postured a little distant one from the other; for the two next to rise up between them. The like may be seen in Carthamum; and so, I suppose, in all the Carduus Kind.

5. §. In some Herbs, although the Bud consisteth but of two perfect Leaves, yet they are very conspicuous. Tab. 78. Not only in larger Seeds, as in the Phaseolus or French Bean; but in those which are small, as in the Seed of Hemp. In this, the two Leaves are both plated, and so set Edge to Edge, with mutual Undulations. Of that Length, as to be extended beyond a third part of the Lobes.

6. §. In the Seed of Sena, the Bud consisteth of Four Leaves; Tab. 78. of which, the greater pair is the outer, and guards the less. Shaped not much unlike those in the Seed of Carduus; but are a little more visible.

7. §. In the Bud of an Almond, we may easily count six, or eight Leaves, and sometimes more; the Inermost being laid bare by a dexterous Separation of the Outer. Tab. 78. These are by much the greatest, doubled Inward, and so laped one over another; whereby they embosome all the rest, as a Hen spreads her Wings over her Chickens. The like is observable in many other large Kernels, as also in the Garden Bean, and some other Plants. With respect to which, I have taken leave⁠[73] to call this Part the Plume.

8. §. THE LOBES of the Seed, and so likewise the Radicle and Bud consist of a Skin, Parenchyma, and Branched Vessels: all which I have formerly described.⁠[74] I shall now add the following Remarques.

Tab. 79. 9. §. And first of the Skin, which in some Seeds, as the French-Bean may easily be separated from the Parenchyma: especially if the Bean be soaked in water for some days; for then it will slip off, like the Skin in any part of ones Body where it is blistered. ’Tis woven into Bladders, as the Parenchyma; but into smaller ones, and upon the Lobes of a Garden Bean, all radiated towards the Center. With these Bladders, there are also mixed a sort of Lignous Fibres, incomparably small, which give a Toughness to the Skin, and by which the Bladders are directed into Rays.

10. §. The Bladders of the Parenchyma, as is said, are much larger than those of the Skin, especially in the Lobes. In those of a Garden Bean, somewhat oval, about ⅛ of an Inch Diametre by their Bredth, Tab. 79. and directed towards the Branches of the Seminal Root. In the Radicle, they are twenty times smaller, than in the Lobes: and so in the Plume.

11. §. Throughout the Parenchyma run the Branched Vessels, Tab. 79. which in the Lobes make the Seminal Root; in the Radicle and Plume, the Wood of the Root and Stalk. In all of them, distributed as hath been⁠[75] formerly shewed.

12. §. I shall here further note, That the utmost divisions are no where extended to the Circumference of the Lobes, Tab. 79. but are all inosculated together at a considerable distance from it, as in the Leaves of some Plants.

13. §. In the Lobes they all meet in one solid Nerve. But in the Radicle, are dilated into a hollow Trunk, filled up with a Pith; composed of Bladders somewhat bigger than those which make, as it were, the Barque of the Radicle. Tab. 79. In the Radicle of a French Bean, the Pith is very conspicuous.

14. §. The Vessels are of two kinds, as in the other Parts of a Plant; for Sap, and for Aer. Not running collateral, as Arteries and Veins; but the latter every where sheathed in the former. From the Aer-Vessels it is, that if a Bean be steeped in water, and then the Radicle cut transversly and pressed, it will yield Bubles as well as Liquor. Tab. 79. These Vessels are admirably small, yet through a very good Glass become visible.

15. §. The Liquor conteined in the Seed, when full ripe is chiefly Oyl; generally, found in a greater proportion here, than in any other part of a Plant. Being as the Pickle, in which the Seminal Virtues, i. e. the more volatile and active Principles of the Seed, are immersed for their Preservation: and to curb them from too great a Luxuriance in the Vegetation of the Seed.

CHAP. VI.

Of the GENERATION of the SEED.

S I made choice of a Garden-Bean, to shew the manner of the Vegetation of the Seed: so I shall take an Aprecock, as very apt and convenient, to observe and represent the Method which Nature taketh in its Generation.

2. §. In order to do this, the first thing that is to be done, is to make a fit Uterus. Both to keep the Membranes of the Fœtus warm, and succulent, till it be formed: and to preserve and secure the Fœtus it self afterwards, till it comes to be born into the Ground.

3. §. For this purpose, the Pulp and Stone of the Fruit are both necessary; but primarily the Stone: the Meat or Pulp being no otherwise necessary, but because the Stone cannot be made without it; the petrifying of that Parenchyma which is the Ground of the Stone, being effected, by the sinking or the Tartar from the Pulp thereinto.

4. §. And that, at the first, the Ground of the Stone, is a distinct, but soft Parenchyma; is evident in the cuting of a young Aprecock. Of which, also a slice cut off, with a Rasor, and viewed through a good Glass, sheweth it to be composed of Bladders, as the Pulp it self. Tab. 82. Only, whereas many of those of the Pulp are large, now about as big as a white Pepper-Corn: these are no bigger than a Mustard-Seed. But as the Parenchyma hardens into a Stone, these Bladders are all gradually filled up, and disappear.

5. §. This Parenchyma is derived immediately from the Pith, as the Pulp is from the Barque; and makes the far greater part of the Stone. ’Tis covered all over within, with a very thin Lining; derived, not from the Pith but the Parenchyma which covers the Seed-Branch, upon its first entrance within the hollow of the Stone. This Lining is of a close substance; yet composed of Bladders, exquisitely small and hardly visible. By which means, it soon becomes a very hard and dry Body; Tab. 80. and is hereby fitted, both to promote the induration of the rest of the Stone; and the seasonable drying, and so, the shrinking up, of the Covers of the Seed, to make room for its Growth.

6. §. The Stone being made hard and dry; it could never be so sufficiently softned by lying under ground, but that, it would keep the Seed a perpetual prisoner, unless it were also made pretty easily to cleave in two. For which purpose, the Skin of the Fruit doth observably conduce. Tab. 80. For in a Slice of a young Aprecock cut transversly with a very sharp knife, it may be seen, especially with the help of a Glass, to be doubled inward from the two Lips of the Fruit, and so to be continued, not only through the Pulp, but also through the Stone it self, into the hollow of the same, where it meets, and is united with the Lining thereof. Whereby, as it further helps to the drying and hardning of the Stone; so also renders it cleavable in that part, where it runs through it. And therefore, whereas towards the Stalk, it goes no farther than to the Seed-Branch, and so but half way through the Stone: towards the Top of the Fruit, where the Radicle stands, and where the Stone begins to cleave, it runs quite through it.

7. §. Nature having thus provided a convenient Uterus, She next taketh care about the Membranes of the Fœtus. These are Three apparently distinct, and in many respects different one from another.

8. §. The outer Membrane is derived from the Parenchyma which surrounds the Seed-Branch; which, upon its entry into the hollow of the Stone, is expanded, as it were, into two Bladders, one within another; Tab. 80. whereof, one becomes the Lining of the Stone; the other, this outer Membrane: as is best seen by cuting a young Aprecock, when it is about half an Inch long, down through the midle, or from the Seat of the Flower to the Stalk, between the two Lips.

9. §. This outer Membrane, at this age, hath a good full and frim Body, about 1/12ᵗʰ of an Inch thick, or through an ordinary Glass, half an Inch, where it is thickest, as at the Sides and the greater end: the Poynt being thinner, for the more easy eruption of the Radicle into the Earth. Tab. 80. Composed of Bladders, through an ordinary Glass, about as big, as a Colewort-Seed.

10. §. Throughout this Membrane, the Vessels conteined in the Seed-Branch are distributed. Beginning a little below the smaller end of the Coat or Membrane, they thence fetch their circuit both ways round about, just beneath the Surface of the Membrane, and at last, meet in the midle of the greater end, where they are all inosculated, so as to make a kind of umbilical Node. Tab. 80. From whence they strike deeper into it, and at last, into the midle Membrane, in which they presently become invisible. By these Vessels, the Sap is brought and spewed into the midle Membrane. So that the outer Membrane seemeth, in some respects, to be answerable to the Placenta in Animals.

11. §. The midle Membrane, is derived from the bottome of the Outer. From whence especially, but also round about, the Bladders hereof (all angular) are more and more amplified towards the Centre; most of them being at least two hundred times biger, than those of the Outer Membrane: Tab. 80. whereby it looks, through a Glass, not unlike a Coome full of Hony; or in regard of their great transparency, like a company of little Crystal Pans full of a pure Lympha.

12. §. This Midle Membrane, is properly so called, from the state and condition it hath, upon the Augmentation of the Seed, at which time, it obteins the nature of an Involucrum. But originally, it is every where entire, without any Hollow, filling up the Cavity of the Outer Membrane, like a soft and delicate Pulp. After a short time, there appears in it a small Ductus or Chanel; which runs from the bottom to the top, like an Axis, through the midle of it.Tab. 81. At first, no wider than to receive the Hair of a Mans Head; not visible, except in a slice hereof cut transversly, and viewed in a Glass. Being grown a little wider, it may be seen, if the Membrane be dexterously cut by the length. At which time, it is also dilated into two Oval Cavities, one at each end: which are as two little Cisterns, whereinto a most pure Lympha continually owzeth, and is therein reserved for the nourishment of the Seed; and through the Chanel which runs between the Cisterns is emptied out of one Cistern into another, according as the Seed or the Inmost Membrane hath need of it; i. e. as the Weather and other Circumstances do more or less accelerate their Growth, and so render the Lympha useful to them.

13. §. A few days after this, the Innermost Membrane begins to appear; growing, like a soft Node or Bud, out of the upper Cistern; to the lower end of which it is joyned by a short and tender Stalk, Tab. 81. from whence it is produced into a Conick-oval Figure, answerable to that of the Cistern.

14. §. This Membrane, though soft and full of Sap, yet being compared with the midlemost, is a close and compact Body, composed of Bladders above 300 times smaller than they are in that. Whereby, as the Seed is so well guarded, as not to be supplyed with any part of the Lympha, but the purest: so neither with any more of this, than will suffice, without the danger of making an Inundation out of so great a Lake.

15. §. This Membrane, if it be pulled with a most steady hand, and very gently, upwards, it will draw a small transparent String after it to the bottom of the Midle Membrane: The said String though for the greater part, Parenchymous, yet being strengthened with the admixture of some Lignous Fibres; not otherwise visible in either of these two Membranes. So that they seem, to be a small portion of those which are inosculated at the bottome of the Outer Membrane, and thence produced through the midlemost, underneath the Chanel, till at last they break forth into the upper Cistern, where they form this inner Membrane: a piece of close-wrought Work, suitable to the incomparable fineness of all the Stuff out of which it is made.

16. §. The same Membrane is originally entire, as the Midlemost: but being grown to about the bigness of a Carvi-Seed, becomes a little hollow near the Cone. And the Lignous Fibers abovesaid, Tab. 81. fetching their compass from the Base, shoot forth into the Cone; and so make a very small Node therein, for the first Essay towards the Generation of the Seed. The said Fibers being thus spun out, to the utmost degree of fineness for this purpose.

17. §. This Node, being grown about ⅕ᵗʰ part as big as a Cheese-Mite; it begins next to be divided by a little indenture at the Top. Tab. 81. Which growing by degrees still deeper, the Node is hereby at length distinguished into two Lobes or thick Leavs.

18. §. So soon as these are finished, their Basis begins afterwards to be contracted, Tab. 81. and so to be formed into a Radicle or that part of the Seed which becomes the Root. As the Stalks of Fruits do grow lesser, while the Fruits themselves are expanded. So that in this estate, the Radicle is, as it were, the Stalk of the Seed.

19. §. At this time, the Seed being extream small, the Lobes are not so manageable as to be separated one from the other. But it is most reasonable to suppose that so soon as the Radicle is finished, the next step, is the pushing forth of another Node, between the Lobes, in order to the making of a Bud, and so the perfection of the Seed.

20. §. This being done or in doing, the Radicle or Stalk of the Seed, containing still more and more at the bottome, hangs at the Inner Membrane, only by an extream small and short Ligament or Navel-String. Which at last, also breaks; and so the Seed, as Fruits when they are ripe, falls off and lies loose in the Iner Membrane; Tab. 81. this gradually shrinking up and so becoming more hollow, to make room for the further Growth of the Seed.