THE BFLGICK, OR Netherlandish Hesperides.
CHAP I.
Of the Cause and Order of this Work.
BEing the Ordering or Management of the Limon and Orange Trees is much Increased within these few Years, by many Inhabitants of [Page 2] our Country, and would yet Increase more, if Ignorance and unskilfulness were not in the Cause.
To open the Door to this Science, this Hesperides is come to Light, offering her Golden Apples to every one, tho not without prudent Labour: Which we shall here Propound in order.
First, A short Introduction shall be given to the Knowledg of the Trees and Fruits, which are Described every one in their particular Kinds and Parts.
Secondly, The Ordering and Use of the Fruits, with their most excellent Profit and Usefulness, which are all shortly and plainly Communicated to all Managers, that whosoever is pleased to Travel in our Hesperides, to Advance this Husbandry to the higest pitch of Perfection; whereunto every one must shew himself as an Hercules, [Page 3] and bend all his Strength, that he may break through by the waking Dragon into the most inward Garden, to satisfy the sweetness of his Invited Desires to this Exercise.
CHAP II.
The Fable of
Hesperides.
UNder the Name of Hesperides is nothing else Understood by Modern Authors, but the Ordering and Management of Citron, Limon, and Orange Trees.
To Rehearse all Fictions made hereof by the Poets, seems unnecessary to us, because we only [Page 4] intend to be short.
Where this Hesperial Garden was Scituated, is as Uncertain as the Truth of the mentioned Fictions: Even as that the same was Guarded by a Dragon, Aeneid. Lib. 4. which was Overcome and Slain by Hercules, whereof Virgil makes Mention.
Hesperides is the Name of the Daughters of Hesperus, Diod. Sicul. Rer. antiq. Lib. 2. Brother to Atlas King in Africa, and were three, Aeglen, Arethusa, and Hesperthusa, and called after their Parents, Hesperides, and Attlantides.
That the Place where this Garden was Scituate, Hesp. Lib. 1. is uncertain, as is mentioned above, is also Testified by Ferrarius; for the Ancient Writers differ about it.
Plinius Describes the same with these Words, Hist. Natur. Lib. 37. C. 2. by Sertim is the great Garden of Hesperides.
The Garden of Hesperides, Strengel. Hortor. Hist. l. 2. c. 8. as some say, is Scituated in the Mores [Page 5] Country, in which golden Appels grow and are produced, which is Guarded by the ever waking and vigilant Dragon.
The most common Opinion is, that the Garden of Hesperides was Scituated in the West part of Aethiopia, Ferrarii Lib. Hesp. 1. or the Mores Country, where now are the Kingdoms of Fetz and Marocco, about the old River and City of Lixo; and here is, according to the Opinion of many, the Native Country of the Hesperial Fruits.
Of the City of Marocco is it thus Written; O. Dapper' s Africa. Near the Walls of the Pallace, about half an Hours Journy from the City, lyes a Noble Pleasant Orchard, or Garden of Pleasure belonging to the King, Called Montferat, planted with above fifty Thousand Limon Trees, and the same Number of Orange Trees, so that it is not strange that [Page 6] these Countries and Regions are supposed the Garden of Hesperides. Ferrarii Hesp. l. 9. de Cit.
By the Diligence of Palladius are the Citrons brought over out of Media and Persia into Italy, there Ordered and Raised; and thence carried further into Spain, Portugal, and other Countries, till at last our Belgium, or Netherland got its part and share.
Tho now at that time the different Variations and Kinds of Limons, Citrons, and Oranges are many, which is caused by the Navigation of the Spaniards, Portugees, who have brought several strange Sorts and Kinds into Europe.
That both the Indies are plentifully provided and stored with this Fruit, Testify the Descriptions of those who have Travelled through those Countries.
[Page 7] Linschoten saith, Cap. 49. That in Guinea are Limons, Citrons, and especially very Toothsom Oranges; and in China there are Oranges that are beyond Sugar in Sweetness.
Baldeus in the Description of Ceilon, That there are the best Oranges, Limons, and Citrons, which excell others of the whole Indies; yea, even those of Spain and Portugal, whither, as is said, they are brought by Navigation; and there so Multiplyed, Raised, and bred, that these Trees seem to be become a Native and Inlandish Plant; and as the daily Experience also sheweth by the great quantities of the Fruits which yearly are brought to us out of those Countries.
And except the Ancients had in some measure pointed out unto us the place of the Garden of Hesperides; who would have ventured [Page 8] to place it any where, A Lake in Italy not far from Brizia. but along the Coast of the Mediterranean Sea: and especially the fruitful Benacus, from whence our Hesperides must be brought with great Diligence and Pains into our Country.
CHAP. III.
Of the Kinds of the Fruits in General.
ACcording to the Number of the Hesperial Virgins are their Fruits Divided.
Aeglen, the Citron Tree; Arethusa, the Limon Tree; Hesperthusa, the Orange Tree.
This Appellation is no otherwise [Page 9] used by the Modern Writers, then to Express the three distinct sorts of Fruits.
Ferrarius hath Divided his Hesperides by these three Names; and the Reason why largely handled.
Under these three Sorts and Kinds are all the Hesperial Trees Comprehended.
The Citron Tree, brought out of Media by Palladius above twelve Hundred Years ago, Citron Tree. and Planted and Ordered about Naples, is the first in Order, hath some of the same kind, consisting of Sowre and Sweet.
The Sowre are only different in the outward Form and Shape; for the one is Oval, Long, and Roundlike; the other Calabas Fashion; and the other again of an illshapen Form.
The Sweet Citron Tree hath not so much Variety; yet 'tis [Page 10] to be Lamented, that the Intemperance of our Netherlandish Climate, doth not permit us to Set or Place Aeglen in our Hesperides: The Cruel Northern Storms she cannot resist, and the long Winter causeth her merry Leaves to fall to the Ground, and loose all the Beauty of her Head Attire: and therefore it is better to leave this tender one in her own Country, then to make her dye for Sorrow in this our hard Country, and severe Climate.
Arethusa, the Limon Tree, is stronger, and will with her Sister Hesperthusa, the Orange Tree, thrive better in this Netherland; and therefore we shall more largely speak of their several kinds; because these two do above all other Plants adorn our Belgick Hesperides.
The Limon Tree hath many sorts; [Page 11] Bauhinus reckons them nine, C. Bauhpin. Libr. 11. Sect. 6. But above all Ferrarius makes them above fifty, Ferrar. Hesp. Libr. 3. all different from one another, and at this day known in Italy, and noted by none but himself; Only some few are but as yet and at this day known in our Gardens; which we shall hereafter decipher and describe in order.
The Orange Tree was unknown to the Ancients; Pinax. Lib, 11. Sect. 6. and by Bauhinus distinguished into four sorts.
At this day is the same made known to us by Ferrarius under more kinds and are almost all found in Netherland, Hesp. Lib. 4. yet the one more fruitful then the other; We shall relate them orderly in their due place, and whatsoever shall be further necessary thereunto.
Here it might be useful to put down all the particular alterations, [Page 12] changes and sorts which are observed by Ferrarius.
But being he makes many sorts of such, as are but faulty in their Growth, & we only purpose to describe those that are found here in our Netherlandish Gardens, we have judged such long and tedious relalations unnecessary.
CHAP. IV.
Of the First Practicers Or Inventors.
WE have touched before, how that the Citron Tree (and perhaps others) were brought out of Media into Italy by Palladius, [Page 13] but who raised and ordered them first in Netherland, is not well known to us.
It is certain that this Work is in few years come to perfection here; that our Fore-Fathers an hundred Years ago, knew but little of it, appears by the Writings of Carolus Stevens in his improvement of Land, and others more.
Clusius is, according to my Opinion, among the first, who hath brought these Trees into Netherland: for there be as yet to this day some Limon and Orange Trees in being in the University Garden at Leyden which were raised by him from the Seed but only Wild and unfruitful, without any Inoculation.
This Ordering and Managing hath been known in Flanders and Brabant these many Years, Hesp. Lib. 2. Cap. 17. as Ferrarius relates to us of the Noble [Page 14] Seuer Guilielmus de Blasero at Gaunt in Flaunders, who was most eminent in this Science, and doth with Admiration take notice of it.
And such there are as yet many found at this day in Brabant at Brussels, and Antwerp, where the most Trees are raised from the Seed, and brought to perfection.
Pleasant Italy hath first furnished our Netherland out of her Hesperides and communicated to us of her Fruits.
The right knowledge of their Ordering is found out in Holland, by the Sieur John Roeteis, in his life time Secretary of the City of Amsterdam, whose knowledge in this Science hath excelled above all others, as the truth hath assured to many eye-witnesses; yet by his immature death is this Noble Amsterdam Hesperides disanulled, [Page 15] whose Fame and Renown spread it self not only in Netherland, but also in divers other Countries; so that the same was visited by many Eminent Princes, and hath had the Honor that the most Illustrious Prince Cosomus de Medicis, Great Duke of Florence, &c. was taken with great admiration at this Hesperial Plantation, when he beheld the perfect knowledge of this most Excellent orderer, and manager.
No less Eminent in this Science was the Sieur William Vanden Hewvel Merchant at Amsterdam, by whose means this affair did much increase, and all Spectators were stirred up with an inflamed desire of these Golden Fruits, wherewith the Hesperial Gardens of these Persons abounded; for through may years experience they attained to the desired end.
[Page 16] We shall give them the Honor, and are certainly perswaded that they must be numbered among the first Inventors, Viz. among those that have brought this Work to perfection among us.
And we thought good to insert their names here, To keep them out of the Grave of Forgetfulness, and to make them flourish among posterity, as Long as the evergreen Aspect of our Hesperides shall be acceptable, and delightsome to all true Lovers and Practicers thereof.
CHAP. V.
Of the
Citron Tree.
THough the Citron Tree cannot bring her fruit to perfection in Netherland, yet we shall vouchsafe her the first place in this Hesperides, in hope that some may yet find out a better means to nurse and raise up this tender Aeglen.
The shape.This Tree is of a middling bigness, the Stems or Boughs are thin and weak, armed with many pricks. But with us they are the strongest of all the sorts of evergreens of those Kinds. The leaves like those of the Bay tree, but [Page 18] much larger, jagged on the edges, of a deep green, strong scent, and better taste, the blossoms grow at the end of the boughs, close together, have thick fleshy Leaves, the out side like Purple, the inside white, under the top light saffron coloured, and hairy, of a weak scent; first sweetish but afterward bitter in the Taste; We see here an Oval long and roundlike beginning of the young Fruit in the middle of the Blossom, without which sign they are unfruitful and fall off, they that hang faster to the Tree produce no unfruitful Excrescence, but the fruits proceed from that Principle thereunto fastned.
These Citrons are Oval, long and roundlike, swelled and thick in the middle, and sometimes dinted, running sharp together at the end, and sometimes with bumps; [Page 19] so that we may observe therein a wonderful display of Nature.
The bigness and weight is not alike, Hesp. Lib. 2. cap. 3. but very different; in Calabria they commonly weigh from six to nine pound: But about Genoa they have been seen, according to Ferrarius his saying, of about thirty: the outward Pill and Rind is of a Gold Colour wrinkled and somewhat warty, the inward Pill is white and sweet, the Pulpe full of sowre Juice and Liquor, stored with many long and roundlike Seeds and Kernels.
This Plant is brought out of Media into Italy, Place. as we have said, Georg. Lib. 2. before, and is also described by the Poet Virgil.
The Citron Tree is called in Latin Malus Medica. C. Bauhin. pinax. Lib. 2. B. P. Citrium [...] Malus Citria, in the Greek [...] Malus Medica and Assyria; [Page 20] The Citron is which the Hebrews call [...] Hadar, that is fair and goodly; and they use the same in making of green Bowers: For all they that are of any ability among them will not neglect to get these Fruits against the Feast of Tabernacles to adorn the preparations therewith: For it is said, Levit. 23, V. 40. And ye shall take you on the first day boughs of Goodly Trees &c. This word Hadar is by the Learned in their Law taken for that, and among others also the Myrthus, Myrtle-Tree, which they desire not, except three Leaves stand over against one another in the length of five inches at least, thus satisfying their Superstition without any certain Evidence of truth: Even as they say that the Citron Apple was the Fruit which Adam did eat in Paradise against the Command of God.
[Page 21] The kinds of this Tree consist only in the various and different shapes of the Fruits, except the sweet; and are by Ferrarius thus divided,
- 1. Malum Citreum Vulgare.
- 2. Malum Citreum Vulgare belluatum.
- 3. Malum Citreum Cucurbitum.
- 4. Malum Citreum dulci Medulla.
that is
- 1. The common Citron Apple.
- 2. The common Citron Apple of a deformed shape.
- 3. The common Citron Apple like a Gourd.
- 4. The sweet Citron Apple.
He doth yet further describe one by the name of Malum Citreum [Page 22] Multiforme, a Citron Apple of many Forms and shapes.
But this is only a Display of Nature, not a certain and particular Kind, as is found in many Fruits.
Yet seeing we cannot▪ bring these Trees to perfection in these Countries or Climates, because the warmth or heat is not sufficient to ripen the Fruits, we intend to say no more concerning them, but to trimm up and adorn our Hesperides with such as may by a well ordering and careful management make our Gardens in Netherland, pleasant and delightful with their fruitfulness.
CHAP. VI.
Of the
Limon Tree.
A Rethusa with her Gold-coloured Fruits, shall have the first place in our Hesperides; as being esteemed nothing inferiour to Aeglen in Virtues and Pleasantness.
Form & Shape.The Form of the Limon Tree in general, is like that of the Citron Tree.
Divers ancient Writers have made no difference between these two, because they are both ascribed to one Country, Ferrar. Hesp. Lib. 3. cap. 1. Naming the same Trees Malus Medica: Others have held them for one [Page 24] kind with the Citron.
The Limon Tree grows indifferently high, hath many spreading Boughs, set with Prickles, makes not so close an Head, neither is the Wood so hard as that of the Orange Tree. The Leaves are longish, like them of the Citron Tree, yet shorter, running sharp together at the end, interwoven with many small Veins; the Blossoms are of a weak Sent: Some sorts bring forth Blossoms like to the Orange Tree, but most like to the Citron Tree. Before the Buds open themselves they are of a purple Colour, within of a fair White, beautified with yellow Threads or Streaks.
Time.They blow here in this Country in July, and yield Fruit in Autumn: being come to the bigness of a Walnut, they continue so till the next Summer, when they begin [Page 25] to grow anew, and become fully ripe in sixteen or eighteen Months after their blowing.
The Fruits are of an oval Shape, though somewhat rounder; and more drawn in; of a pale yellowish Colour, weak Sent, somewhat like the Citron Apple, and is by Art of Ordering and Dressing brought so far in bigness and fairness, that it needs not to give place to it, and especially in variety of Kinds, in which it is enlarged and increased by Sowing and Inoculating.
The Limon Tree is distinguished into Limon, Pourin, Adam's Apple, Paradise Apple, Limia, and Limas.
The Limon Tree is called in Latin Malus Limonia; and the Fruit Limon in Greek, [...].
They which are found in our Netherlandish Gardens, shall follow in their Order.
CHAP. VII.
Of the Ordering
White Limon.
AMong all the Limons, which here in this Country come to Maturity, this is none of the least.
Shape.The Tree which produces this Fruit spreads its Boughs (which are set with many Prickles in many places) wide asunder: The Bark is pale, the Leaves light Green, broad, running round-like together at the end: The full Shoots are somewhat of a reddish Colour, which afterward become fairly Green: The Blossoms consist [Page 27] of five, six, or sometimes of more Leaves, which, before they open, are of a purple Colour, and white within. The Fruits are indifferently bigg and large; of a different Shape, the one roundish, tho long and round-like, and some also Ill-shapen: The outward Pill is of a fair Yellow, smooth, and of a pleasant Smell: The inward part of the Pill is thin, the Pulp greenish Yellow, divided into eight or nine Veins or Partitions off a pleasant Tast, full of Juice and Liquor, commonly hollow in the midle, and doth bear very well.
In the Year 1670, I have cut in one day fourscore ripe Fruits, Limons, of a little Tree; so that it is in all particulars worthy the Ordering and Husbanding.
This Limon is called by the Managers and Practisers that Order [Page 28] and Husband those Plants and Fruits, Hesp. Lib. 3. Cap. 2. the White Limon: And is the Limon Vulgaris Ferrarii, the common Limon of Ferrarius.
Hath several sorts which differ one from another in Shape, but little in Tast: the greatest Difference lying herein, that the Leaves of the one are somewhat more sharp Pointed and jagged then the other; which also observed in the Fruits, which differ and are distinguished from one another in length and roundness.
We have at several times taken Notice, that the Fruits of one and the same Tree were very unlike in Fashion and Shape one to the other.
CHAP. VIII.
Of the Limon
Sbardonius of
Ferrarius.
AMong the kinds of Limons which are found in the Netherlands, this is eminent: Which, besides the two following, we have seen gathered in the Garden of the Learned Dr. Arnold Syen Med. & Botan. Professor at Leyden, in the Year 1672. This Limon Tree hath regular and well ordered Boughs, and may be kept with a fair and round Head: the Leaves are light Green, longish, sharp-pointed at the End, a little wrinkled, with the Edges [Page 30] somewhat jagged: they are without with purple Streaks or Stripes, and within White; the Fruits long and round, of an indifferent bigness, at the end of the Stalk a little dinted, where it seems to represent the shape of a little Rose, at the Head is many times a little Point sticking out, as if it were the remnant of the middle Point or Navel of the Blossom: the outward Pill is of a fair yellow Colour, Uneven, Rough, and as it were with Creases: the Tast Pleasant, with some Bitterness: the inward Pill is somewhat thin, in the Tast Sweetish: the Pulpe is pleasant Sowre, pale Yallow, divided into ten Veins or Partitions.
Among these Hesperial Plants, this is one of the most patient to endure the Injuries which are caused by the Low-Country Air.
[Page 31] Hesp. Lib. 3▪ Cap. 15.This Limon Tree is called by Ferrarius Limon Sbardonius, after an excellent Practiser of this Husbandry, called Fabritius Sbardonius, who did first produce the same at Rome out of his own Garden, being without doubt an alteration by frequent Grafting and Inoculating.
CHAP. IX.
The Deformed or Illshapen Limon
Sbardonius.
AMong the Display of Nature, The Limons are not forgotten: We give here an Instance, which shall sufficiently disannul the Position or Opinion of [Page 32] some Writers, who make many sorts of Fruits, which only consisting in different outward Shapes, do nevertheless grow upon one Tree, as this and the following Description shall show, as being fellow-Fruits of the Limon Sbardonius.
Shape.Very irregular is this Fruit, of an oblong and oval Fashion, on the one side wonderfully, or much bumping out with Claws, at the End whereof were four green Nails, like them of an Hens Foot, two lying cross one another, on the other side every one single, parted one from another, which is strange to see: Being cut in the middle, it divided itself into seven Particulars or Partitions, tho on the mishapen or deformed side wonderfully wound and twisted together. Hisp. Lib. 3. Cap. 6.
Ferrarius hints of the Limon de [Page 33] Rivo, that he hath found on it something grown out of it, having the shape of a Mans Hand, with the Fingers twisted and shut one in another, affording a strange Appearance to the Eyes of the Spectators, but they that inquire and search into the matter, shall find that these Fruits are to be accounted nothing but imperfect Creatures and Products. Limon Sbardonius, with Streaks or Furrows. We have besides seen on the same Tree of Limon Sbardonius of Ferrarius, this streaked Limon, which is like the first in Fashion, but in the length interlaced with deep Furrows, which went from one end to the other, having at the end a Point sticking out: the inward Pill was thin and narrow, and the Pulpe divided into ten Veins or Partitions. This Alteration is here exhibited to shew the wonderful Works of Almighty God, how [Page 34] that upon one Tree, one sort of Fruit is brought forth on several ways, and yet are no distinct Sorts, as many make of them, and communicate to the Ignorant, and Unskilful; which we have mentioned before, and with Ferrarius looked upon as a Display of Nature: But nevertheless, put and placed by him with different Descriptions, as different Kinds, as appears in the Limon Pyri effigie of a Pear fashion, Hesp. Lib. 3. Cap. 11. and in the description of the Limon Striatus Vulgatior, Idem. Cap. 14. that is the common Limon with Ridges, which I have taken Notice of here for every ones Caution, not to bring presently a thing to a new Division; but first to search out the Cause of this wonderful alteration, wherein we shall, show that the Blossoms which produce these Illshapen Fruits, are very imperfect in their Formation.
CHAP. X.
Of the little
Calabrian Limon of
Ferrarius.
Hesp. l. 3. cap. 5.THis Limon, Called of Ferrarius Limon Pusillus Calaber, or the little Calabrian Limon, after her Country: Shape. hath its Boughs full of little Prickles, the Leaves have the Form at the end of the Stalk, as that of the Orange Tree, and are of a dark green Colour, like that of the Laurus Leodmensis, round about the Edges a little jagged, the Blossoms are small, without of a purple Colour, within White, of a pleasant Smell: the Fruits are of the bigness of a small [Page 36] Hen's Egg, of a Fashion Oval, or Oblong, pointing out at the End, as it were with a little Horn: the Pill is of a fair yellow Colour, Thin, pleasant of Taste without, White within; the Pulpe is divided by nine Veins or Partitions, of a greenish Colour, of a sharp sowre Taste. This Fruit have we gathered ripe in the Month of August 1672, in the Garden of Sieur Peter de Wolf in the Purmer, and here described to the Life: This Plant is very Fruitful, and can well endure our severe Air, without receiving any Injury from it.
Second Sort.There is yet another of this Sort or Kind, which is likewise a pleasant Fruit; and I have a little Tree of it in my Garden, and is called of Ferrarius Limon Pusillus Calaber alter, that is, the second sort of the small Calabrian Limon. [Page 37] The diversity consisting herein, that this Fruit is in all parts much smaller then the foregoing, and may very well be taken for a Dwarf, which shews itself pleasant and delightsom to the Sight. This little Tree hath very thin tender Boughs, full of many Prickles, the Leaves are of a small Form, not unlike the Phyllerea, of a dark green Colour: the Blossoms are like them of the foregoing Sort, but much smaller, as also the Fruits, which are of somewhat a rounder Fashion, and fit to be preserved in Pickle, being very pleasant for Food.
CHAP. XI.
Shape.
Of the Sweet Limon of
Ferrarius.
Hesp. Lib. 3. Cap. 19.
Pinax. Lib. 11. Sect. 4.THE Limon dulci medulla Ferrarii, is malus Limonia Major dulcis of Bauhinus. The sweet Limon of Ferrarius, is the great sweet Limon of Bauhinus, and grows on a fair Tree, and pleasant to look upon; whose Boughs are beset with many and several Prickles, hath Leaves somewhat like them of the Orange Tree, only at the end of the Stalk they want a little Hart.
The Blossoms are also like the Orange Blossoms, fair White, and [Page 39] of a pleasant Smell, the Fruit is Large, Oval or Long, and Roundlike of Shape; the outward Pill, fair Yellow, of an Aromatick or Spicy Tast, the inward Pill thick, not unpleasant; the Pulpe is deep Yellow, divided by nine Veins or Partitions, pleasant Sweet. These Fruits grow sometimes very large, and much esteemed in hot Distempers, to use for the refreshing of the Sick. In the famous and renowned Garden of the Sieur John Roeters, have we seen the same often Ripe and Eaten them: And is well worthy our Husbandry, as well in regard of the noble Fruits, as of the fair Plant; pleasant Blossoms, and excellent Fashion and Form of the Tree: They are rarely found here in these Countries, but only among some Lovers, who hold the same in great Esteem, because they are hard to [Page 40] be got out of Italy, being highly valued there, and not often sent over among the common and ordinary Trees.
CHAP. XII.
Of the Limon Tree of St.
Remo.
The Shape.THE Tree which produceth this Fruit, is in our Garden, I have received the same among others from St. Remo; he makes irregular or disorderly Boughs, brittle Wood, covered with a dark Green Bark, the Leaves are likewise of a deep Green, of a longish round Fashion, not sharp, running together at the end; the [Page 41] Blossoms are mixed throughout with purple Streaks, of a strong Smell, like them of the Citron Tree: the Fruit is Oval or longish Round, sharp at the End, with a long Point sticking out, almost like the Nipple of a Womans Brest) behind, where they be fast to the Stalk, deep dinted; the outward Pill or Shell is deep Yellow, Rough, Uneven, and of a bitter Tast, though not of an unpleasant Smell; the inward Pill is almost a Finger breadth thick, pale-Yellow, and Bitterish; the Pulpe have we found to be divided by nine Veins or Partitions, Sowre, Sharp, and Harsh. This Fruit grows Large, and I have had them Ripe often: That which makes this Tree not beloved, is the Tenderness thereof; for he often sheds and looses his Leaves in the winter, which makes [Page 42] him look Unpleasant: We judge this to be the first Limon Ligusticus of Ferrarius, Hesp. l. 3. cap. 3. as agreeing therewith in many Particulars. This Tree doth blow very freely, which continues almost all the Year long, and we are necessitated to pluck off the Blossoms, to the end the Tree may keep his Strength and Vigour. The same is related by the forementioned Author also of the second Sort, called by him Limon Liguriae Ceriesous, which produces both Blossoms and Fruits four times in a Year.
CHAP. XIII.
Of the Pear-Fashion Limon of
Ferrarius.
WE have among many other Limons from Genoa received also this most pleasant Plant; Hesp. l. 3. cap. 11. being the Limon perellae Con [...]imilis of Ferrarius, very like the same, or a Kind and Sort thereof, because there is some difference in the Description of it.
Shape.This Tree hath tender and little Boughs and Branches; the Leaves are of a pale Green, sharppointed at the End, the Edges jagged, and behind at the End a thin longish little Hart, as a particular [Page 44] Stalk whereunto the Leafe seems to be fastned: The Blossom is of a purple-like Colour, like that of the Citron Tree; the Fruit we have seen ripe in the Year 1672; is of a longish Fashion, extuberating or rising in the Middle, and runs again somewhat narrow downward, and above at the Stalk somewhat thick, where the same is a little dinted; the outward Pill is Yellowish, rough with small Bumps and Knobs, the inward Pill thin; and the Pulpe great or bigg, full of Juice, of a yellowish Colour, divided by nine Veins or Partitions, where we found some beginnings of Seed, the Tast was very pleasant, between Sower and Sweet: This above-mentioned Limon Fruit we have first got from the Sieur Boot, Senator in the Court Provincial at Utrecht, who hath a [Page 45] fair Tree of the same in his Garden; we have likewise afterward received one among other Trees from Genoa; and use yet daily as much Diligence, as is possible to increase the number of the several Sorts and Kinds, for the Ornament of our Netherlandish Hesperides.
CHAP. XIV.
Of the
Lima.
Shape.AMong the Kinds and Sorts of Limons, called Lima, we have had as yet no other but the Sweet: the Tree hath brittle Wood, the Boughs are light Green, set with small Prickles [Page 46] in some places, hath longish Leaves, as they of the ordinary Limon, light Green, and the Edges a little jagged; being rubbed give a pleasant Sent or Smell; the Blossom is smaller then of other Limons, of a white Colour, like unto the Orange Dwarf; the Fruit is round at the end, with a little Nipple pointing out, of the bigness as an ordinary middle sized Orange; The outward Pill is very thin and smooth, of a pleasant Smell, Yellowish, with a thin inward Pill; the Pulp is of a Brimstone Colour, and divided by seven, and sometimes eight Veins or Partitions, of a very sweet Tast: this Fruit we have often had ripe in these Countries; and it is not to be doubted but other sorts of Lima would likewise thrive well in Netherland, in regard it doth endure and withstand [Page 47] the common Injuries of this Climate patiently; what makes this Tree acceptable is its Fruitfulness, and the pleasant Loveliness of its Apples; which are fit and good to cool the immoderate Heat of Burning-Feavers.
CHAP. XV.
Of
Adam's Apple, or the ordinary Black Limon.
Shape.THE Tree which produces the ordinary Adam's Apple, hath his Boughs armed with many long and strong Prickles; the Wood is brittle and apt to break; grows in no good Form, and cannot but with great Labour [Page 48] be kept to a good Head; the Leaves are dark Green, of Fashion Oval or longish Round, a little Curled, and have many times at the beginning a little Hart or Foot, as the Orange Leaves; the Blossoms come forth abundantly thereon, larger then the Orange Blossom, within White, and without with reddish Streaks, weak of Sent; the Fruit is Roundish, a little dinted at the Top and below, twice as large as the common Orange, of a perfect Gold Colour; the outward Pill is a little rough and jagged, the inward Pill moderately thick, pleasant of Tast; The Pulp is of a Brimstone Colour, pleasantly Sowre, divided by eleven or twelve Veins or Partitions; These Fruits we have had here in this County in a fair and warm Summer ripe almost in one Year, as such happened 1670; [Page 49] the Tree is known to us by the Name of the Black Limon, because the Fruits as soon as they wean, are of a black Colour.
Hesp. Lib. 3. Cap. 24.It is the Pomum Adami commune of Ferrarius, the common Apple of Adam. Here in these Countries this Tree is common among the Lovers and Practisers of this part of Husbandry, and is called in Brabant by the Gardiners the Citron Tree, but wrongfully, because it hath no affinity at all with it: Among all the Sorts of Limons, this is the hardyest to endure the Cold of these Countries, and very forward in producing his Fruits, whose Juice is found to be very pleasant in Meat; though Ferrarius seems to gainsay this in some Measure, yet Experience hath taught us otherwise.
CHAP. XVI.
Of the Orange Tree in General.
Shape.AMong the Hesperial Daughters and Virgins, Hesperthusa, which is the Orange Tree, hath the greatest Commendation and Praise, as well in respect of the Delightsomness of the Sight, as of the excellent Properties wherewith she is endued.
This Tree grows to a fit height, though diversly, accordingly to the Place and Air where the same is planted, the Root is thick and knotty, of a strong Sent, and Yellowish; divided into many [Page 51] cross-side Branches, the Stock is firm and hard Wood, within White; the Bark is dark Green, mixed with an Iron-like Colour, the Head spreads itself into many Boughs, which at the ends are divided into many little Shoots and Spriggs; these Boughs are set with several prickles, yet they perish through the Fruitfulness, and often Inoculating.
The Leaves are of a fair Green, Large, running sharp together before, behind at the Stalk is a little Foot, which hath the likeness of a little Hart, out of which the great Leaf seems to come forth, and all full of many small, and almost invisible Holes, even as the Leaves of the Hypericum; and when they are rubbed between the Fingers, they give a sweet and pleasant Smell.
The Blossoms are as white as [Page 52] Snow, made up of six or eight Leaves, beautified in the midst with small Strings, which are yellow at the end, between which the Product of the Fruit sheweth itself.
The Blossom which here in this Country appears in June, is strong, yet of a sweet and lovely Smell, especially in the Morning before the Sun is up, and in the Evening when the Sun is gon from them.
The Fruit is of a Saffron and deep Gold-Colour, of a round Form, the outward Pill is somewhat Rough, the inward Pill spungy, White, and of an unpleasant Tast: the Pulp is by several Films or thin Skins divided into eight Parts or Partitions.
These Fruits yield here in this Country no perfect ripe Seed, and grow not ripe in one Year, but require [Page 53] twenty Months for it, and then they are not inferior to them of Italy.
Hesp. Lib. 4. cap. 1.That the Orange Tree is Fruitful and Longlived, testifyeth Ferrarius, when he relates of the Tree which is to be seen at Rome in the Monastery of St. Balbina, and hath stood there five hundred Years: The same Author makes mention of more such, as among others, of the Orange Tree on Mount Aventinus, in the Dominican Monastery of St. Sabina, which is above four hundred Years old, and do yet every Year Blossom, and bring forth many Fruits.
Original▪Touching the place, whence the Orange Trees came first, it cannot well be related, being they are found in many Countries of the World, as well in the East as West Indies, and especially throughout all Italy, Spain, Portugal, [Page 54] and several parts of France.
Name.The Orange Tree hath its Original Denomination according to the Colour of the Fruit, which is a Gold Colour, and accordingly with other Hesperial Apples called Aureum Malum, the Golden Apple, or Malus aurantia major, the great Golden Orange Apple Tree.
C. Bauhin. Pinax l. 11. Sect. 4.For they being unknown to the Ancients, have not many strange Names, and they which be are these, Nerantium, Rauwolf, Arangia. Cord. in Dioscor. Arangius. Cord. Histor. and thus far enough of this.
What further belongeth to the Diversity, we shall describe in Order, for as much as we have experienced and practised in our own Gardens.
CHAP. XVII.
Of the Common Orange Apple of
Ferrarius.
Hesp. Lib. 4. Cap. 3.
FErrarius calls this in Latin Aurantium Vulgare, that is, the common Orange Tree▪ and hath three Sorts, distinct in the Tast.
For the first is Sowre, the second Sweet, the third of a Mixt, that is, of a Tast between Sowre and Sweet.
Shape.The sowre Orange, hath a sad pale and grainy Pill without, a sharp Smell, the Pulpe is Yellow, Sowre, divided by Skins into eight, and sometimes into nine Partitions.
[Page 56] I shall say nothing of the Seed here, because, as is mentioned heretofore, it doth not come in Netherland to perfect Maturity.
When these Apples hang on the Tree the Winter over, to the next Spring, they grow dry within, and the Juice or Sap returns back, to the further Nourishment of the new Fruits; therefore it is better (as well for the Trees as the Apples) to cut and take them off in due time.
CHAP. XVIII.
Of the sweet Orange Apple.
Shape.THE Tree which bringeth forth sweet Oranges, is in Shape not to be distinguished from the Sowre, the Difference lyes only in the Fruit, which hath a thin, smooth, deep Yellow, and bitter outside Pill; the inside Pill is moderately Thick, of a Brimstone Colour, the Pulpe is full of sweet and pleasant Juice, divided into eight Partitions, by particular Skins or Films; this Juice returns not back again after the Winter, as that of the sowre Orange, but is much longer kept therein.
[Page 58] Hesp. l. 4. cap. 3. Ferrarius writes, that the Gardiners about Genoa have experienced, that the place where this Tree is planted or set, is much to be regarded, if it stands well to the Sun, that then the Fruit shall be of a pleasant sweet Tast; but if the place be shady, on the contrary Unpleasant, and all shall seem to turn or change into Bitterness.
The Mixed.Because the mixed Orange Apples are not to be distinguished by the outward or inward Form, but only by the Tast; it is thought needless to give a particular Description of them.
CHAP. XIX.
Of the Orange Tree with curled Leaves, of
Ferrarius.
Hesp. Lib. 4. Cap. 5.THis Tree is called by Ferrarius Aurantium crispo folio, that is, the Orange Tree with curled Leaves, and is described by none before him.
Shape.The Italians call him, Risse the Poullè: this Tree produces Boughs which at their further or uttermost Ends are set with many naked Twiggs close thrusted together, having short thick Leaves curled together, with a little Hart at the Stalk; (though some have none) at the first coming out of these [Page 60] Leaves, they are sharp, and become afterwards roundish, are of a weak Smell, and of a pleasant and lovely green Colour; at the ends of the Twiggs the Blossoms come forth thick together as in an Heap; the Leaves of the same are a little curled to the outside, and have all a sweet pleasant Sent; the Fashion is as those of the common Sort; the Fruit is like the common Orange Apple, except that the same is somewhat of a flat Shape at Top and Bottom. The outward Pill is almost of a Saffron Yellow, Roughish, a little Bitter in the Tast; the inside Pill is thin, loose, unsavory; the Pulp is Yellow with a moderate Sowreness, pleasant of Tast, and is by several Skins or Films divided into eight Partitions.
This Tree must be diligently observed and looked unto, because [Page 61] he is apt to grow fowl, and to decay by reason of the multitude of Boughs growing close together and cross one another; and brings forth more Boughs and Blossoms, then he can feed conveniently; wherefore the Pruning Knife must be used about him, if we will enjoy the Fruits, which are very Fair, and preserve the Tree in its Vigour and Strength.
CHAP. XX.
Of the Orange Tree with Rosed Fruit.
Shape. Hesp. Lib. 4. Cap. 6.THis Tree, which is called by Ferrarius Aurantium Rosaeum, the Rose Orange, doth [Page 62] not much differ from the common Orange Tree to look upon, but only the Leaves are long and narrower; the Blossoms also are like those of the common Orange Tree.
The Fruit when it is full grown and Ripe, is of a convenient Size and Bigness, dinted a little before and behind, it shows a little Rose at the top, and about the Stalk are likewise some raised Particles, like unto a little Star, the outward Pill is of a pale yellow Colour, the inward Pill indifferently thick, somewhat Bitter; the Pulp of it is of a bright Brimstone Colour, divided into nine Partitions, of a pleasant tart Tast.
Thus have we found the same in our Garden in the Year 1672 exactly to Correspond with that of Ferrarius, and is here exactly delineated and described unto [Page 63] you. This Fruit, is by reason of its Beauty worthy to be preserved, being the Fruitfulness, besides the largness of the Apples, increases the Esteem of the Tree.
CHAP. XXI.
Of the Orange Tree with speckled Fruit.
TO have the several Sorts and Varieties together, as much as is possible, the tender Plant is well worthy to be joined with the others.
Hesp. Lib. 4. Cap. 7.This Orange Tree is in respect to the different Colour both of the Leaves and Fruits called by Ferrarius▪ Aurantium Virgatum▪ and by us the speckled Orange Tree: Shape. It is [Page 64] much tenderer then any other, as being not well able to endure the Cold; hath many tender Boughs which easily break; and spotted in divers places with some Brimstone coloured Streaks; the Leaves are in many parts lesser then those of the common Orange Tree, and have also on many of them several Brimstone coloured Spots, which is delightful to the Eye.
The Blossoms are like those of the Common, but smaller; the Fruit is, before it be ripe, orderly speckled with green and white Brimstone-like Streaks, and as by certain unequal Lines distinguished; when the Fruit is grown Ripe, then the green Streaks are Yellow, and the other turned into a Saffron Colour.
The outward part of the Pill is somewhat rough, the inward part of the Pill thick; the Pulpe [Page 65] of a Brimstone Colour, distinguished by Skins or Films into nine Partitions; which is of a pleasant sowre Tast; the whole Apple is somewhat longish-round of Shape.
Here is to be observed, that all the Leaves and Fruits of the Tree are not of that variety of Colour, but only some; and was seen of us first with perfect ripe Fruits in the Gardens of the Sieur John Roeters, in his Lifetime Secretary of the City of Amsterdam, and with Will. Vanden Henvell, both the most experienced and greatest Improvers of this Husbandry of our Time.
CHAP. XXII.
Of the Orange Tree with borned Fruit.
Shape.THis Tree is among all other Orange Trees the Lustiest to look upon, and the best to be ordered, here in this Country, as being the most hardy against the Cold, and the most Fruitful; it shoots high and large spreading Boughs; the Leaves are of a dark Green; larger and sharper at the End then those of the common Orange Tree; the Blossoms are of a pleasant Smell, and sometimes made up of many Leaves, even as if they were double; the Fruits have many wonderful [Page 67] Shapes, with points sticking out, and dinted Corners, representing the Fashion of a Man's Members, others of a Womans: Hesp. l. 4. cap. 9. Wherefore called also by Ferrarius, Aurantium Hermaphroditum, Sive Corniculatum, that is, the Hermophrodite, or Horned Orange; the outward Pill hath a fair Saffron yellow Colour, the inward Pill thick, spungy, of little Tast; the Pulp is included into ten or twelve, or sometimes more skinny Partitions, whereof some inclose the rest; the Tast is moderately sowre, not unpleasant; this Kind is desired here by many Lovers; and is found in many Gardens, where it is known by the Name of Cloister Apple.
CHAP. XXIII.
Of several Ill-shapen Fruits.
Hesp▪ l. 4. c. 5. 8. 11▪THere are found by Ferrarius several Orange Apples, which are noted by him as distinct Sorts and Kinds, as the Aurantium dulci flore; Aurantium faemineum, sive Faetiferum, & Aurantium distortum, all which I judg to be but one and the same, belonging to the foregoing Tree, viz. with the horned Fruit; for I have seen the same, and yet more different Shapes upon one Tree, also double Blossoms; for that happens often, and all this Variation of the Shape [Page 69] is nothing but a Display of Nature.
We have observed the more the Blossom is doubled, and the more Leaves it hath, that the Fruit appears also in the stranger Shape; and touching the Aurantium Callosum we have found on the common Orange Tree. The brawny or thick skinny Orange.
The same must also be Understood of the Limons, as I have shewed before in the ninth Chapter of this Book, in the Limon Sbardonius; so that in all this Variation, there are no several sorts to be made, but must only be taken for Ill-shapen Fruits.
Here might have been shewed the Diversity and Variety of imperfect Fruits, but it seemed needless to us, and judg that by this Observation is sufficiently shewed what we are to think of such Fruits▪
CHAP. XXIV.
Of the
Sina Apple, or the
Lisbon Orange Tree.
Hesp. Lib. 4. cap. 13. FErrarius calls this Fruit or Plant Aurantium Olysiponense, or the Lisbon Orange Tree, because they were first brought by the Portugeeze thither out of Sina, and were thence sent into Italy, and other Countries besides.
Shape.This hath tender thin prickly Boughs, and Leaves long, running sharp together toward the End, which being rubbed, smell Sweetly.
The Blossoms are smaller then [Page 71] those of the common Orange Tree; the Fruit is neatly round, of indifferent Largeness; the outward part of the Pill smooth and even, of a lovely yellow Colour, the inward part of the Pill thin; is for its pleasant Tast eaten together.
The Pulp, which is divided into nine Partitions, is full of Juice, and yellowish, of a pleasant Sweetness, mixed with some Sharpness.
It is observed that these Fruits degenerate, as we may see by them that are sent to us.
They of Portugal are the best in Europe for retaining of the pleasant Tast; their Gardiners inoculate them on the sweet Citron Tree, and therefore those Trees, which are from thence brought over hither, will not thrive well: those of Genoa are less esteemed, [Page 72] and Grafted on Orange Stocks.
We have now some Years since got them, and for certain Understood, that they have brought forth Fruit perfectly Ripe; and we doubt not but we shall ere long enjoy the same likewise; because the Lustiness and prosperous Growth of our Trees gives us great Hopes of it.
The Representation of the Boughs, Leaves, and Blossoms made here, is according to our own Tree, but that of the Fruit according to the Outlandish Apple.
CHAP. XXV.
Of the Orange Tree with sweet Pill.
Shape.THE sweet pilled Orange Tree produces great and thick Boughs; the Leaves are large, thick, hard, and shorter then they of the common sort, of a dark green Colour; the Blossoms are large, and spread themselves broad and wide out, and abound in Multitude; the Fruit is great and weighty; the outward part of the Pill of a fair Saffron yellow Colour, pleasantly Bitter; the inward part of the Pill is sollid and thick, of a pleasant sweet [Page 74] Bitterness (whence it is originally called the sweet-pill'd Orange Apple;) the Pulp is of a brimstone Colour, and moderately Sowre of Tast, divided by particular Skins or Films into nine Partitions.
Of the Pulp, outward and inward Pill of this Apple tempered together with Sugar, is an excellent Remedy made against the Diseases of the Stomach as Ferrarius reports of it. Hesp. Lib. 4. Cap. 16.
And this Tree is by him first called, Aurantium dulci Cortice, that is, the Orange with the sweet Pill; C. Bauhin. Pinax. l. 11. Sect. 6. and is the Malus aurantia cortice dulci Eduli. B. P. & Clus. Hist. The Orange Tree with sweet Pill: and certainly worthy to be Husbanded, as well in respect of the Fruit, as also of the Lustiness of the Tree, which is sufficiently Luxuriant in Growing.
[Page 75] The Brabanders wrongfully call this Apple, Pomum Adami, Adam's Apple, as may be perceived by the Description of the right given in the fifteenth Chapter of this Book.
CHAP. XXXVI.
Of the Orange Tree with small Fruit.
Hesp. l. 4. cap. 15. C. Bauhin. Pinax. l. 11. Sect. 6.THis small Orange Tree is called by Ferrarius Aurantium Sinense, and is the Malus Aurantia humilis of Bauhinus and Clusius, commonly called the Dwarf; it hath little short thick Boughs closely growing together. Shape.
The Leaves are like those of [Page 76] the common Orange Tree; but in all their Parts much smaller, and sharp forward.
The Blossoms (which it produces in abundance,) are also as it were, compacted and in Clusters; and are in Form like unto those of the other Sorts, though not so large.
The Fruit is of the bigness of a Walnut; the outward Pill is of a Gold Colour, not very Bitter, the inward Pill thin; and the Pulp is distinguished into eight Parcels; of a pleasant sowre Tast.
This Plant is very delightful to the Eye, and that in respect of its abundant Fruitfulness, which is also the cause of its being short-Lived, if ye do not provide against it, by taking away the superfluous Blossoms and Fruits.
Hitherto now have we been busied to describe all sorts of [Page 77] Fruits, which as yet are to be found in our Netherlandish Gardens, and mentioned by Ferrarius in his Hesperides, whom we have also followed, as agreeing with our Experience; and having observed many Variations, whether the same takes Original from our Ordering, or otherwise, we shall sufficiently know the same if we will compare our Descriptions and Representations with them of that Author; and hope further, that by the Diligence of those who Affect or Delight in these Plants, more new Sorts and Kinds may be brought into our Countries.
CHAP. XXVII.
Of the Difference in the Ordering of the Limon and Orange Tree.
BEfore we proceed to the common Ordering, I thought fit to shew here the Difference between the Raising, Propagating, and Nourishing of the Limon and Orange Tree; it hath its beginning hence.
First, That the Limon Tree is found less hardy to endure the Injuries and Cold of our sharp and harsh Air, than the Orange Tree, because the Wood is softer, and not so firm and close by much: [Page 79] There is also a Difference among the sorts of Limons.
For there are none which can better endure the Miseries and Hardships of our Climate, then those we have described by the Name of common white Limons; the Adam's Apple, called the black Limon, wherefore they are most beloved by our Affectors of this part of Husbandry, raised and propagated.
Above 1. Book [...] Chap. 7. & v. 15.But we have shewed that yet more sorts of Limon Trees may be brought to Fertility, as the Description heretofore given doth Demonstrate. Further, The Managing and Ordering is one and the same; besides that the Trees which bear sweet Fruits, require a place which stands well to the Sun, that the Apples may thereby come to a better Concoction, and more pleasant Tast, [Page 80] which shall not be, if we do the contrary.
Secondly, Is yet this, that we in Propagating use none, but the Seed of the Orange Tree, because it can better endure the Cold of these Countries, as is said before.
Even in Italy are the Seeds of Limons seldom Sown, because of their tenderness and weakness: For all Limons, which do readily take in the Orange Stock by Inoculation, are Fruitful, and more hardy against the Cold, and all other Injuries, then if they were Grafted on their own Stocks.
CHAP. XXVIII.
How we get these Trees out of others Countries.
IT will not be amiss to shew how those Hesperial Trees are come by in these Countries, for those that have not Patience to stay for them by Sowing of them.
Time.Here is to be observed Time, and Place, and Manner how we are to handle them.
It is first necessary, that the taking them up and shipping be done in the Months of December, or at furthest in January; that in May, they may be Unpackt, and Planted; for if it be later in the Summer, [Page 82] there is great Danger▪ and we run great Hazard of losing the Trees, or at least we are much behind-hand to make them Grow.
Place.The place whence they must be fetched, is St. Remo, Situated by or upon the River Nervi, whence they are brought to Genoa.
We must bring no Trees out of any other Climates to Plant or Order here in our Netherlands, because the Condition of that place, doth, above all other places in Italy, agree best with our Climate, as lying about forty three Degrees Altitude be-North the Equator.
Secondly, The best and most experienced Gardiners of all Italy are found there; neither come there streighter Stocks, nor fairer Fruits then out of this Hesperides.
If Trees be brought out of any other Countries, as Spain, or Portugal, [Page 83] it will certainly be in Vain and to no Purpose; because they cannot well endure our cold changeable and uncertain Air.
Ordering.When now the Orange or Limon Trees are taken up, at the said time, with a good lump of Earth about the Root, they must be provided with Turf, or earth Moss, that the Mass may continue whole, and no Earth fall off.
Let them be packt with the whole Head, eight or ten, more or less, according as they are in Bigness, in a sugar Chest, covered and set into the Ship in an airy place; and so they may keep good six or eight Weeks; but the shorter the Voyage is, the better.
Here must we be Cautious, that Care be taken, there be no opening, nor any Holes made in [Page 84] the Chests, lest the Rats, which often are many in Ships, spoil the Stocks, for we have had the Experience hereof to our Sorrow, that the Barks have been eaten round about from off the Trees, whereby our long Expectation was frustrated: And this is what concerneth the Transportation out of Italy, whereby our Hesper [...]s hath taken her first Rise and Beginning in Netherland.
CHAP. XXIX.
Of the Placing of the Limon and Orange Trees.
THey that will Order and Husband these Trees aright, must first make a good Choice of a fit and convenient [Page 85] standing-place, where they must be continued all the Summer.
To which end we must prepare in the Garden a Conveniency to the South, or South East, and if it be possible, right before the winter Place, or green House, and in case the Sun be very hot, as sometimes it is in May, make choice of a Place which hath a little Skreen of shady Trees before it; for generally about that time the Trees be a little Sickish; which if they are, they will not endure the full heat of the Sun, by which sometimes several Plants have been lost; for this there must remain a Space of 25, 30, or more Feet wide, according to the Measure or Largeness of the Ground or Garden.
It will be very Useful that this Place be fenced about foursquare, with an Elder Hedg, or other [Page 86] Fruit-Trees twisted together, and raised high, to prevent and take away all access of the Wind: In this manner may an open airy Shelter or warm place be made, which is very acceptable to these tender Strangers, there to receive the Beams of the Sun, which comes to recreate these Hesperial Virgins between the fruitful Fences, and cause one with an other, a Mixture Pleasant and Delightful to the Eye and Sight. The Summer Placing must be taken, if it be possible, to the South-East; and above all, reject all the West, South-West, and all the Parts of the North, because many great Storms, filthy Vapours, and hurtful Winds do frequently proceed thence; which even our own country Fruit cannot endure, much less these; and therefore must they, as much as is possible, be [Page 87] shut out; that no Distemper, or loss of Leaves, to the great Prejudice of the Growth, may be caused; for without such a fit standing Place, we shall in vain expect to raise and to bring these Trees and their Fruit to Perfection.
We find by many unskilful Practitioners and Managers in this affair of Husbandry, who take no care for the standing Place, that they commonly are furnished with pining and unthrifty Trees; Wherefore then the Warmth and keeping of the Wind from them is highly necessary, as also the Choice of the said Situation, which is observed even in Italy, and must therefore much more in these our Countries.
Ferrar. Hesp. l. 2. cap. 6.If it be possible, and the Conveniency permits, that this placeing of the Trees may be before [Page 88] the winter or green House: we shall find that these sweet Perle-Hills shall not only fill the Eyes of their Master with a glorious Sight in the time of Blowing, but also replenish and fill his Parlour with a most fragrant and pleasant Smell through the opened Windows.
CHAP. XXX.
Of the Mold, Earth, and Dung.
DIvers sorts of Earth may be used in the Ordering of them, as the daily Experience teacheth, that every one may help himself according to the Condition of his Habitation.
In Italy about St. Remo is found a yellow, fat, and heavy clay-Ground; the Brabanders have [Page 89] sandy and gravelly clay Ground, and about Haerlem in Holland the Gardiners use a well dunged sandy Ground, wherein these Trees do bring forth their Fruit in too luxuriant a manner.
In short, we may at all times prepare a fit Mold, with Sand, Earth, and Dung, wherein these Hesperial Plants shall thrive most lustily and petulantly, if old rotten Dung be not wanting therein.
It is certain, that the purer the Dung is, the better it is; we use a well dunged Earth, with white and soft Sand mixt together.
For the preparation and fitting of this Ground, all Earth or Sand is not alike fit; the toffe Clay, because of its Coldness, must be rejected, and another Earth chosen, which is brown, soft, lusty, sweet, fat, and of a good sweet Smell, which we may try by letting the [Page 90] Earth stand some hours in sweet Water; now if the Water keep its sweet Tast and Smell, it is a sign of good and fit Earth, whereas otherwise it is contrary; and Sand is necessary to it, according to this Prescript.
The forementioned Earth, Sand and Dung, divers times digged together, must lye the whole Winter, to be frozen thorough: When the Frost is done, it shall be wrought together divers times, to use it; which then will be serviceable and useful for the Work.
Ordering of Plants, l. 11. c. 2.The Preparation of the Sieur Munting is unnecessary to Rehearse, who makes his Mixture of sixteen Parts and Ingredients, because it can be done of less.
[Page 91] The Dung that is here required, must be of Cowes, Horses, or Sheep, according as it can be got; no Man needs to ty himself strictly to it, one of the three is sufficient; if it be but observed that the same be not too new and fresh, but old, the sharpness thereof being well spent and rotten.
I know that there are yet other things used for Dung, as of Hens, Doves, Shavings of Horns, Lupins, and the like; but to us the plainest way seemeth best, and Caution every one against the costly Preparation which some make, and use as one Species, Kind, of Dung to force the Orange Trees out; which is described by Munting in his Ordering of Plants in these Words. Ibid.
Take Pidgeons Dung, or Sheeps Dung, not too old, as much as you will, or of both a like Quantity, [Page 92] put it into a Glass, set it in the Sun, and pour Rain-water upon it; when the Strength thereof is drawn and gon into the same, then pour off that Water, and put a little fresh Rain-water to it, wherein a little bit of Salt-peter hath been steeped or soaked four and twenty Hours: Water therewith your Trees sometimes, and you shall find a wonderful forceing Power in the same, &c. Hitherto▪ Munting.
Certainly I can by no means judg such a forcing about this Work for good; Whereof we have seen an Instance at Amsterdam in the Year 1662, with the Sieur Paulo de Rageau, who also used such Water, wherewith he watered his Trees, and forced them thereby so strongly out, that they blowed abundantly, yet produced but little Wood and Fruit, and the [Page 93] following Year the good Gentleman found, that most of his Trees were spoiled, and some quite dead.
We do then with Reason reject these Preparations, which bring more Hurt then Profit to their Practitioners; but deem it best to follow the ordinary Way, leaving all artificial Preparation of Dung and Earth, and use a Ground endowed with all good Properties, which we may sufficiently distinguish by Feeling, Smelling, and Seeing, from the mean and bad.
CHAP. XXXI.
Of the Sowing of Trees.
THE Sowing of Orange Kernels doth in these cold [Page 94] Countries require much time, before they come to be Trees, yet this is done by many Lovers with Advantage, especially in Brabant, where be divers Persons, who by following this yearly, have obtained great and fruitful Nurseries, and hereby excited others to the same Inclination.
To do this Sowing well, we must make Choice for it of the Seed of Oranges, not of Limons, much less of Citrons, as being too tender, according to the Testimony of Ferrarius; Hesp. Lib. 3. Cap. 29. the Limons Seeds are seldom sown in Italy, because they cannot well resist the Hardships; then is it much more Unimitable in these Climates.
He that will begin this, must make Choice of the fullest, best, and ripest Seed, of fair perfectly ripe Oranges, as they come out of Italy, Spain, or Portugal; wash the [Page 95] same with Rain-water, and make them clean from all Corruption and Dirt, and afterwards dry the same three or four Days in the Shade, in the beginning of May; and according to the saying of Ferrarius, Hesp. Lib. 2. Cap. 8. we must sow them two Days before the full of the Moon, after this manner, and fill to that end a Pot with good fat and sifted Earth, put the Seed therein an Inch deep, and two good Inches breadth asunder; set the Pot to the South, in an open airy Warm, and to the Sun standing place, and sprinkle this you have sown immediately, with lukewarm Rain-water, and also every third Day; yet this Earth must not be too wet, but only moderately kept moist.
To further the springing out, Glasses must be put upon the Pots, which will exceedingly forward the Work.
[Page 96] In the springing up of the Seed it happens many times, that the Shoots come forth double, viz. two together; these Twins must we part, pull out the weakest, that it may not hinder and take away the Nourishments of the other.
These young Seedlings are frequently troubled with Earwiggs, Ants, Snails, Woodlice, which eat the same off, and hinder their Growth, wherefore there must be Provision made against them: At the third Year must every Seedling be transplanted particularly and singly by itself in a Pot, in good Earth, and put in a place as before, where they may be free and safe from all bad Winds. Without any Opposition or Hindrance they shall be at five Years old a Finger thick, fit for Inoculation; and in the twelfth Year, or less also, bring forth Fruit.
[Page 97] This is the Ordinary and certainest Way of sowing, whereby we may nurse up and raise these Trees, and from their beginning use them to the enduring of Injuries and Hardships, which may happen to them through the Inconstancy of the Climate.
Against the forcing of Orange Seed.By the art of Sowing in fresh Horse-dung may these Seeds be made speedily and strongly to sprout out: When the Seed is first soaked in lukewarm Water, wherein fresh Dung and a little Salt-peter hath lain asteep; as we have seen at Nortwyok in Holland, at Sieur Borels, that he made Orange Trees grow in one Year from Seed to the height of two Feet, and a Finger thick, fit to Inoculate the next or second Year: But assoon as the Sun did recide to the South, and declared unto us the approaching Winter; these [Page 98] tender Nurslings began to Mourn, as unaccustomed to the usual Severity of our Harvest and Winter Showers, which surprized them as being Unarmed and Unprovided against this Evil; and withal spoiled them of all Health and Thriftiness; whereupon Death at last followed.
This Forcing is good for all Forreign Seeds out of hot Countries, to dry the Plants that come forth from them to an herbarium Vivum. But is by no means advisable about the Sowing of Orange Trees, in which we must keep to the Way and Manner above Mentioned.
CHAP. XXXII.
Of Ingrafting.
THE Propagation of Fruit is mostly done on a threefold way, by Ingrafting, Ablactation, and Buding, otherwise called Inoculating.
To do this well, the Stock which is to be Grafted or Ingrafted, must be strong and sufficient in Growth, that the Cyon put in may not want Nourishment.
To which end a fit Bough or Branch is to be chosen to cut the Cyon from, (whether it be a Limon or Orange Tree) which is neither too Old nor too Young; for the Old is unfit, and the Young too tender.
Time.That we may not miss here, [Page 100] we must chuse Wood of two years Growth, because that of one year is too tender; cut the Cyon in the Month of May, to the length of two Buds; part under the lowest Bud shall be cut with a sharpe Knife on both sides somewhat flat, yet so that the most outward part of the Bark may not go off, being it must again Unite with that of the Stock.
After the cutting of the Cyon, the Stock must be sawed off at a convenient height; and observe that the Bark be not bruised, but be smooth and even: Then make a Slit in the top of the Stock, with a sharp Chissel (and put therein a Box-Tree-wood-Wedg, that the opening may not shut again) put then the Cyon in from the Top downward to the lowest Bud, so that the same sticks out a little above the Stock; close the Work [Page 101] together; so that the outmost Bark of the Cyon doth exactly answer to the outmost Bark of the Stock; guard the Slit with good grafting Wax against the Inwatering, and other Inconveniences: On this manner may we Graft upon high Stocks, and upon particular Boughs, to make several sorts of Fruits, as well Limons as Oranges to grow upon one Tree, which may likewise be done by Inoculating.
Which is most elegantly described by Virgil, Georg. lib. 2.Then at last Care is to be taken that the new grafted Cyon may have the full Nourishment, and be not robbed by the wild Sprigs shooting forth.
By means of Grafting we have seen the wild Orange Tree bettered, but it often fails.
But the Limon Tree grafted into the Orange Stock, is more sure, and will better Unite.
[Page 102] Grafting is seldom used in these Trees, except out of Curiosity, for it makes most unhandsom and ill-shapen Stocks, and is therefore by the Practitioners but little used.
Of Ablactation or grafting by Approach.Besides the foregoing Grafting, is Grafting by Approach or Ablactation, or of Sucking, so called because the young Shoot is sucked off from the Mother, or principal Trees.
We have seen it with Hercules Patronus at Zutphen, who was very experient in this Ordering and Managing, and hath happily performed and executed both these Ways of Grafting, and Ablactation.
This is done in the Month of May: Make choice for it of an Orange Stock, lustily Flourishing, and strong in Growth, place him in such manner next to the Tree from which is to be sucked, or the [Page 103] Ablactation to be made, that the Boughs or Branches can easily reach, or fully touch with their outmost ends the uppermost Top of the Stock, placed or posited by; which shall be sawed off even and smooth, at such an height as we desire; and therein is a Slit to be made, even as if we would Graft; then shall the Shoot or Twig be cut on both sides, flatwise, under the second or third Bud, after the same manner as is said before of the Cyon: Besides it must not be parted from the Bough, but left on, and joined from behind in the opening of the Stock, so that the outmost Bark of the cut Graft doth rightly correspond and answer with that of the Stock; which must be secured with grafting Wax, as also against all shaking and moving by the Wind, that the perfect Union and [Page 104] Cure may be made, which may be helped by placing a stick or two by it, and by binding the same thereunto this Inconveniency is prevented, the tender Sucker is saved from breaking, and the putter-in from Prejudice.
And after this Ingrafting hath taken, and is well United, then shall the new shot Graff be cut off close to the Stock of the Mother, that henceforth it may suck and draw its own Nourishment.
Inoculatio [...].Among all the sorts or kinds of Grafting which may be used about these Plants or Trees, there is none more proper to their Nature then Inoculation, or Grafting with the Bud; and that in respect of the hardness of the Wood; wherefore they will not well endure the two foregoing ways.
This Work was very famous among the Ancient, whose Prescripts [Page 105] are Collected together by the learned Mizaldus, Opuscul. de arborum insitione. and therefore needless here to Rehearse; but only the Modern Handling and Use which is approved by Experience, and received by every one.
Ferrar. Hesp. Lib. 2. Cap. 8.To do and perform this, the time must be observed; in the Month of July, in the Wain of the Moon, in fair Weather, when it is neither misty, nor rainy, must this work be done.
Make choice of a flourishing Shoot of two or three Years old, of a thrifty Tree, whereof ye desire to Inoculate, and to cut the Bud or Oculation, whether it be of a Limon or Apple Sina, seek a Bud which hath no Thorns to it.
After the said Twigg or Shoot is cut off, take a sharp little Knife, and give the Bud chosen on each side a cut to the Wood, and under [Page 106] and above the Bud, which remains in the middle a Cut likewise, that in Form it is like a longish square little Shield; lay the same off with the point of the Knife, or with the Thumb or fore-Finger, yet so that the Bud or Eye remains fast to the little Shield, and the same be not Rent; for otherwise it will not be good; the Leaf fastned below to the Bud shall be tipt about the middle, to guide the little Shield in the setting in.
The little Shield may yet in another manner be taken off; when (as is above said) cut, we shall lift it off with a Knife, so that a little Wood remains to the Shield, to keep the Bud the more safe; though this seems to be contrary to the common Rule, yet have we often found it good, and seen it more easily done then the foregoing.
[Page 107] This was first made known to me by the most experienced Sieur John Roeters.
The little Shield or Oculation lifted off, being approved, we shall keep the tipt Leaf between our Lips, (yet not so as that it becomes wet) till the opening of the Stock be made after the following manner.
Chuse for it an even smooth place, which hath neither Bump nor Knot; make the Cut or Incision through the Bark to the Wood, a little longer then the bigness of your little Shield, in the form of a Latin T, or like the modern Italian Gardeners have in use, as this Sign sheweth T, as appears by the Limon and Orange Trees, that come out of those Countties; but which way soever the Cut or Incision is made, it is all one, because it makes no [Page 108] difference in the Growing. Afterward lift the Bark up easily with a bony Knife, part the same on both sides from the Wood, take the Oculation by the Leafe which is left to it, join the same duly and conveniently between it, within the Cut against the Wood, thrusting the outmost Bark a little, that the Oculation may be, as it were, well and evenly clapt to the foresaid Wood.
And it is to be observed, that the top of this little Shield must touch to the uppermost against the cross Cut, viz. when it is like the Latin T: But if on the contrary it stands after the Italian way, the lowest part shall touch it, the little Shield or Oculation being well put, must be carefully tyed either with a dry Rush of a Muscovian Mat, narrow Tape, or any other soft String, beginning [Page 109] from above the Oculation, and so downwards, making the Binding to shut before, even under the Bud or the Stalk of the Leaf that is left on: then wind on till the whole Cut or Incision, besides the Eye, which may not be covered, be wound up.
We must preserve this Work with great carefulness against Rain and Inwatering, that it may not be spoiled, because nothing is more hurtful to the new inset Eye; wherefore those Trees are set under some Shed or Shelter to that end.
The Binding shall stand about three Months, till ye see the Oculation hath taken, and the Bud begins to swell; then the Binding is to be loosened a little.
Let this Work stand all Winter to the Spring, and when in the Month of April the Oculation is [Page 110] yet Green and Thriving; then it is good, and there is hope of Growing, and shall doubtless shoot out in May or June; but before it comes thus far, and as soon as we perceive that the Bud is good, and makes it self ready to sprout out, we must Cut or Saw the Stock off two Inches above the Oculation, that all the Sapp and Nourishment may come to the new Nurse-Child, and the Shoot the more strongly put forth: When the same, the following Year, is strongly shot, then take the rest of the remaining Stock away to a little above the Inoculation, and cure the Wound with Grafting Wax.
If the Oculation be put upon an high and streight Stock, we set two or three, or four Oculations round it, to make a good and regular Head: But if the Stock be [Page 111] maimed and slight, we put the Oculation at the bottom of the same, not far above the Ground; for then by means of this Inoculating we may raise streight and fair Trees; as we see this among the Practitioners in Brabant, who chuse for this those that are flourishing and thrifty, which can shoot in one Year three Foot high and more.
We must not pluck off the Leaves which stand along the new shot out Sprout, or Twigg, but leave them on till they fall off themselves; for by the Leaves is the Sapp kept in full Strength and Vigour from the bottom to the Top.
These tender Shoots may be kept streight, by putting a Stick by them, and with binding so ordered, that thereby the Platform is laid for the bringing [Page 112] forth of fair and streight Trees.
For according to the streightness and fairness of the Stock, we do here in this Country many times esteem the Tree, and this is the means to bring them to it, from their Youth while they are tender.
To Inoculate is none of the least Delights of this Practise, for we do something that seems almost unconceiveable, that an whole Tree is forced by means of a thin little Shell, and a single Bud, to leave and change its own Nature, and to bring forth other strange Fruits.
It would be convenient here, and suit well to shew how this Union is made, and this great Work performed in a small Compass, how a Tree is composed of little Particles, which are like many thin Fibres, or thin Strings, along [Page 113] which, through invisible Pores and Passages, the Nourishment, which partly consists in Moisture, ascends, where it spreads itself through the Branches, and by means of the outward Heat of the Sun, and Innate, or natural Warmth within, produces the effects of Leaves, Blossoms, and Fruits.
These long thin stringlike Passages (whereof the Bark is wholly composed) being cut asunder, as they also of the Oculation, whose openings coming then again right upon one another, the Moisture and Nourishment of the Stock is communicated to the Cyon, and through the growing Virtue joyned and united together. We see the contrary comes to pass, when this Agreement and Corresponding of the Passages fails, by misplacing of the same. [Page 114] Yet it is not our Intention and Design here to Reason and Discourse of this Matter; but we recommend this to the great Wits of Naturalists, and keep our selves to the simple Ordering.
We may by Inoculating come to much Variety of Fruits, if we be but provided and furnished with Stocks and Seedlings.
CHAP. XXXIII.
Of Propagation by Inlaying.
EVen as in all Creatures there is by Nature a Propagating Property, so likewise is the same in Trees, which are not only multiplyed by the Seeds, but also by the Sproutings out, and Suckers below at the Roots.
To further which, Art hath [Page 115] not a little added and Contributed to it, viz. by Inlaying, or Offlaying.
We have before treated of Sowing; and the other is now our present Talk, wherein we must know,
First, That an Orange Tree doth seldom sprout out at the Roots; and the Inlaying of the Boughs, by reason of the hardness of their Wood, cannot well be brought to Shoot and to take Root; Lib. 1. Cap. 2. though some say that such may be done, and among others the Sieur Munting in his true and right Exercise of Planting. For me, I could never attain to it.
But this Propagation may more fitly be done to the Limon Tree, which is of a softer Wood, and is more apt to shoot out at the Roots, especially when the Oculation stands close by the [Page 116] Ground; whether it be then, that the Inlaying be done above from the Head, or from beneath near the Ground, give the Bough a Cut from the Bottom upward; then take a Pot, in the Bottom or Side whereof is an Hole, put the Bough therethrough, and order that the Cut or Incision may come into the middle of the Pot; lay between the cutted Opening, or Slit, a little flat Stone, or something else, that it may not shut too close together, but keep open, to further the Rooting sooner.
When this is conveniently placed and set, we must fill up the Pot with good Earth, and keep it moist with moderate Watering: after the second Year we commonly find that it is rooted; which when it is fit and strong, cut off, to nourish itself, and then to be Transplanted.
[Page 117] Here is to be observed, when the Pot, whether it stands to the Head, or below upon the Ground, must be fastned, for the least Motion which happens to it, is prejudicial, and causes a fruitless and lost Labour.
These of laid Trees, (when they are of a good and fruitful Bough) shall produce as fair Limons as an Inoculated Tree, as Experience hath often taught us, and likewise withal we may easily multiply Limon Trees on this wise.
There are yet otherways of Propagation described by Ferrarius, Hesp. Lib. 2▪ cap. 11. but the Execution is Unpracticable in Netherland, because of the shortness of our Summers. We therefore omit all the rest, seeing thus may be done whatsoever can be desired from the other ways.
CHAP. XXXIV.
Of Planting, and Transplanting.
A Double Handling comes here to be Considered; the Planting, and Transplanting.
The first is done to Trees, which are brought to us out of Italy; and the other to those which stand here in these Countries in full Growth.
Before we come to this, it will be useful, that the necessary Instruments be proposed, because without them we cannot begin.
Of Tubs & Boxes.It is not practicable to Plant the Hesperial Trees in these Countries at large in the free and natural Ground, as they do in warm Climates; wherefore Art hath invented wooden Tubs, [Page 119] Boxes, and earthen Pots, wherein the Trees are Planted, Removed, and Transported. Though these Trees are by some Lovers planted at large, or in free Ground, yet it is rejected for these Reasons.
First, Because of the great Charges, which this Work requires, to defend our tender Plants against the Cold; being there is a winter-place, or green House required thereunto, which is taken away in the Summer, and in the Winter set up again; as such an one is described by Ferrarius, and found in the Garden of the Duke of Parma; but it would be too Chargeable for many to perform and make such.
Secondly, Because the Grounds are here in the winter-Season very Moist, and accordingly Cold, which is very prejudicial to the [Page 120] Trees and Fruits; Wherefore we, to avoid all this, shall follow our Predecessors, who have for many Years found out Tubbs, Boxes, and Potts for this, which are all to be taken according to the bigness of the Trees.
Tubbs.The best and fittest Tubbs are made of Rhenish-wine-Fats, or Casks, because their Matter is hard, thick, firm, and good Oaken Wood; the Hoops must be Iron Hoops, and have on each side a strong Iron Handle, to carry them, or remove them conveniently from one place to another; the Depth and Width above is ordinarily two Foot, but at the Bottom one Foot and an half: so that the Narrowness must go slenting downward, and lessen by little and little, because in the Transplanting of the Trees, the whole Mass of Earth may be the more [Page 121] conveniently taken out; and if we desire Tubbs for lesser Trees, let the Depth and Width above be one Foot and a half, and the Diameter or middle Line of the Bottom, one Foot and a quarter: and several Holes must be bored or made in the Bottoms of the Tubbs, and Pots, and Boxes, to empty the superfluous Moistness, and to free the Roots of the Trees from rotting.
The Pots must be made of good Earth, glazed within and without, or not so, according as every one pleaseth and desires; the Form and Fashion must be almost like the Tubbs, wider at the Top then at the Bottom, the Foot broad, to prevent the falling down.
Concerning the spuare Boxes, they are not in all particulars held so good, and are more chargeable, [Page 122] wherefore we thought it not necessary to say any thing touching the same; nor of the other things necessary to the Planting, as Spade, Shovel, Trowel, and the like, in regard they are sufficiently known to every one as to their Form and Fashion. Only this must be added, that wooden Tubbs are counted better then earthen Potts, because the Roots shoot round against the Sides of the Pots and Tubbs, also upon the Bottoms of the same; and so it is, that the Earth being much colder then the Wood, doth consequently hinder the Trees more, especially in the Winter.
In the beginning of this Chapter is spoken of a twofold Planting; we shall now treat of the first, viz. Of Trees which are new brought over out of Italy, or other Countries.
[Page 123] How we are to use those new got Trees,When we have got them in convenient time; presently after the Unpacking, shall all the Earth, which is about the Roots be clean taken off, washed, and cleared from all stifled and dead Fibres and Stumps; and the whole Head sawed off too within an Hands-breadth above the Inoculation, and the remaining Tops covered with grafting Wax.
Take then further, a great Tub with Rain-Water, made Luke-warm in the Sun, and let the Trees ly therein one or two Days, that they may, by sucking of the fresh Moisture, in some measure Revive again, after the long continued Draught and Hardships they have suffered in the Voyage, and afterward Plant them in this following Manner.
Planting▪Chuse Potts or little Tubs, according as the Bigness of every [Page 124] Tree shall require; fill them with good Earth two or three Hands Breadth deep, put the Tree in the middle of it, add more fine sifted Earth to it, pressing the same a little down; and in the filling up, shake the Stock up and down, to the end the Earth may the better sink in between the Branches of the Root, and the Tree stand fast and firm.
When now the Pot is conveniently filled, put the same for some Days in a shady warm place, on which the Sun doth not shine; let the same stand so long there till the Bud begin to come out: On this manner shall we accustom the Trees to our Climate, which by degrees are to be set further and further in the open Air and Sun; in the mean while the Earth is but moderately and not overmuch to be watered, Watering. to reduce [Page 125] these sick ones to new Strength again.
As soon as we begin to see the first shooting out, it may be furthered by putting Glasses over the Oculation; and taking care that no Cobwebs come to it.
It must be further observed to the Nursing up and raising, that the Vermin do not eat off the tender and first Shoots that sprout out, for hereby is caused not only a backwardness and retardation in their Growth, but also after a long pining Consumption, the Death it self of the Trees; but if this Work be managed after the foresaid manner, the Trees shall be fit at the fifth Year to bring forth Blossoms and Fruits.
There be several Reasons, Transplanting▪ which force us to Transplant the Limon and Orange Trees.
Either because the Pots grow [Page 126] too little, the Tubs rott, or they must of necessity have fresh Earth; or some Defects about the Roots do require it.
For this make choice of the Months of April, the beginning of May or October, Hesp. l. 2. cap. 12. and according to Ferrarius's Doctrine, in the Wain of the Moon, after that the holes in the Tubs or Pots are secured from being stopt, (which is prevented by laying over them some round raised pieces of a broken Pot, yet so that the Water may have sufficient way to run out) lay then beneath upon the Bottom old rotten Cow-dung, three Fingers thick, and then as much fat good prepared Earth sifted fine, as is necessary (to set the Tree upon) press the same a little down with the flat of your Hand, to prevent the sinking down, for it is uncomly when the [Page 127] Earth is too much below the edge of the Tub or Pot.
After the Tree is loosned round about in the old Tub or Pot, and taken out, then cut the superfluous Fibres off with a sharp Knife, and see whether there be yet any other Defect or Fault to be found about it, which then may be removed. You must keep the Roots from Bruises, for thereby they are hurt, and are very prejudicial to the Tree, because they easily cause rotting; whence many times a pining and lingring Sickness arises.
After this done, put the Tree then again right in the middle of the new prepared Place, fill the same up with the foresaid Earth, and press it down a little, that the Tree may get firmness; which also must not be set too deep.
After that the Earth is brought [Page 128] to a convenient height, three Fingers breadth above the Root, then put and set the new planted Tree some Days in a shady warm Place, and secure the same against all Moving, Shaking, Winds, Thrusting, or any otherwise.
Neither must ye water this Earth the same Day, but two or three Days after, and that but moderately, because otherwise it becomes sluddy and Miry, and cling'd too close together, which doth no good.
And thus must we endeavour to reduce the Trees to fresh Strength and Vigour, which we may discern by the coming forth of new Shoots.
Time of Transplanting▪The right time to Transplant, is in the end of April, or in the beginning of October, for at both times may this Work be done, though in my Judgment, the [Page 129] Spring, or forepart of the Year is most fit.
When this Transplanting is done in Autumn, ye must let the Tree stand still till the Spring, and water the Earth but moderately, till the time it is brought into the House, and then water no more, except Necessity requires it.
Changing of Tubs or Pots.When a Pot or Tub becomes too little, or is broken, ye must take the Tree out, with the Earth that cleaves to it in one Lump: is the Tub perished or decayed, cut off the Hoopes or Staves round about, and after the impoverished Earth is taken away an Hands breadth next to the knitted Net of Fibres at the Root, which are commonly at the Bottom, then order your Business further as is said above.
CHAP. XXXV.
Of Removing of Trees.
TO Remove tender Trees (which are in these Climates, and maintained in narrow Tubs and Pots) from one City to another, or places farther remote; it must be done in the Months of March or April.
If it be done by Water, that is the fittest time.
First, Because the heat of the Sun as then doth not cause any Soultryness in the Vessels, whereby the Trees might be stifled, and lose their Leaves and Fruits.
Secondly, This time must be observed, that the Trees may be at the place where ye would have them, before they come to [Page 131] shoot out, and secure them the better against all Dammage; but if the Voyage be long by Sea, the Removal must be sooner in the forepart of the Year, that the Trees may be at the designed place before the warm Weather, and not partake of the foresaid Harms.
Against Rats.In this Removing is yet another Danger, besides the breaking and spoiling of the Boughs, and stifling of them, viz. that of Rats, against which we must take Care, that the Stocks and Heads may be kept whole and unspoiled; for it may happen that this hurtful Vermine, being pinched with great Thirst, eat the Barks of these Trees, and so spoil, mangle, and Kill them, as hath happened to us.
The best means against this, is, to cause some Pots with fresh [Page 132] Water to be set in the Ships about the Room where the Trees stand, that this Vermine may quench their Thirst, and these tender Travellers be brought over in the most comely manner to their Master. If this removal must be done by Land, ye are to take Care only that they may be safe in the Waggons from breaking and hitting against something, or against one another.
Of the time to bring them into, and out of the winter Place or green House.To this belongs the removing, as into, so also out of the winter Place or green House; when the Summer begins to draw to an End, and it is come to about the eight of October, or the twenty eighth of September, the Trees shall be brought under a Shelter or Cover, in a fair, a clear Day, when the Leaves are well dry, (whether it be a Gallery, made of Reed or Straw, or otherwise, [Page 133] as a Man hath the Conveniency) letting them stand there some Days, till ye see that it begins to be time to put them into the winter Place or green House, which is ordinarily about the middle of October, or somewhat later, according as the Days are fair, and the Weather good.
In the setting of the Trees, you must observe, that they stand Airy, and as little as is possible into one another, lest, by the hanging of the Heads in one another, the Leaves and Boughs stifle, neither must they be placed too near the Stove, or fire-Place, to receive any Hurt by the Heat; and ye must make the placing so, that ye may easily come to the Trees, to help them upon all Inconveniency.
In the Spring, about the tenth of May, when it is mild and rainy [Page 134] Weather, remove the Trees again out of the winter Place or green House, into the open Air, but not at first into the hot Sunshine, because they cannot so suddenly endure the same, but lose thereby their Leaves and Fruits; therefore you must stay for a Day that it rains, or otherwise you shall bring the Trees for some Days into a shady Place, to use them again by degrees to the Air and Sunshine; how you are further to Order them in the winter Place, or green House, shall be said afterward.
CHAP. XXXVI.
Of Dunging, Refreshing, and digging about the Trees.
Ferrar. Hesp. l. 2. cap. 13.THE dunging of Limon and Orange Trees is done according to the Diversity of Climates; and because we intend to direct this Ordering according to the Condition of our Belgium, Netherland: this Work must be done in the Month of May, as soon as the Trees come out of the Winter-Place, or Green-House, and that every two or three years, according as Necessity requires.
Digg the old Earth one Hands breath or more round, with a sharp Trowel, or small Spade, out of the Tub or Pot, wherein the Tree stands, as deep as you [Page 136] can come, withal taking away the old fibrous Roots, spent and worn out Earth; this being done, fill the Tubs up again with fatdunged light fine sifted Earth, which hath been prepared some time before for it, and often wrought together with old Cow and Horse-dung, till the same be well mixed and rotten; and after the said filling up, make the uppermost Earth even, letting the same ly lightly, to further the Influence or soaking in of the Water, which by Rain or Watering comes upon it.
By means of this Dunging and Refreshing, can this noble Plant be Nourished in narrow close Vessels, with great ease, and maintained in Fruitfulness.
We have only propounded the most simple and plain Way, as being the surest, leaving the Artificial, [Page 137] which some have Invented, and Endeavoured to Recommend to the World for Wonders, but deceiveth none more than those that use it most, as we have touched upon before in part, in the Description of the Dung.
Digging about.The digging about is done yearly in the Spring, against the time that the Trees come out of the Winter-Place or Green-House, and is nothing else, but a taking away of the uppermost Earth of the Tubs two or three Fingers breadth deep, and filling them up again with other Good, instead of the spent and worn out Dung, thereby, by this maintaining, as much as is possible, to strengthen and bring Nourishment to the Earth in the Tubs and Pots.
CHAP. XXXVII.
Of Watering.
De Meg. Haleluyah. c. 4.BEing the Nourishment of Trees, and whatsoever Grows out of the Earth, consists out of the finest Particles of the Earth and Water, which spreads and disperses itself through small Pores along by little Strings, like Veins, through all their Parts, and by the natural Warmth, being strengthned with the Heat of the Sun, which pierceth from without, doth turn into the Shape and Form of those Parts to which it is brought; and being Water is Necessary, whithout which no Tree can Live; for it serves to the loosening and thinning of the said Parts, that the same may [Page 139] the more conveniently be drawn up through the opened Pores, and carried to the Place where they are turned into Nourishment.
And seeing our Hesperial Strangers want the free Use of the Earth with us, and must be contented with small and narrow close Tubs and Pots; it is necessary we lend them the helping Hand, by bringing Water to them, which by the Rain, except it be of long continuance, cannot be sufficiently given, or is hindred through the width and breadth of their Heads, which cause the Rain-Water to run most down by their Sides; wherefore the help of watering is highly requisite here.
Among all the Parts of this Ordering, this is none of the least, and we must observe; first, the Choice of Water, and secondly, [Page 140] the time when we shall Water.
What water is to be made choice of. Hesp. l. 2. c. 14. Ferrarius, (whom we here also follow) puts sweet and constantly running Spring and River-Water for the best, as being most Piercing, and wholesomest, and next to the Rain-Water, which is gathered and kept in Cisterns, or Tubs: and thirdly, Well or Pump-Water, which is commonly Cold, hath many Defaults and Properties which it carries with it out of the different Grounds, whence it Springs.
Much less in Virtue is the Water which comes out of Moorish Places; but worst of all is that of standing Lakes, and Ponds; also that which is thick, saltish, brackish, sulphureous, and of gross Parts, which must be rejected for this Use, and that only be chosen which is here above Approved, viz. that VVater which [Page 141] hath a good Smell, sweet Tast, without any Slyminess▪ which in the VVinter is somewhat Lukewarm, and in the Summer moderately Cool; for this is judged wholesom and pleasant, as well for Men as for Trees; but River, and Rain-VVater excelleth all other; when enough may be had, we shall keep to it. There be Persons that prepare several Mixtures, with Dung, Saltpeter, and VVater, to water therewith; but being we rejected that in the thirtieth Chapter, and have spoken of it before, we shall say no more to it now.
Time.VVe must order our selves according to the Difference of the Seasons to water Orange Trees.
In hot and dry VVeather, it must be done every second or third Day in the Evening, when the Sun is going down, and [Page 142] Shines no more upon the Trees; for if they be watered in the heat of the Day, it will cause a great Sickness; wherefore we stay till the Evening, by reason that the heat of the Sun having layn upon the Roots all the Day, they may thereby in some measure be Refreshed.
This watering must be done with Care, so that the Earth be kept moderately moist, and not too wet, and reduced to a dirty Myriness; we must also beware of the Stocks, lest they chill by the Water which comes against them, grow foul, mossy, and come to a pining Sickness.
We must especially observe that the Water we shall use in watering, must be warmed in the Sun before it be used, because cold-Water is very hurtful to the Trees; therefore we use Casks [Page 143] and Tubs, or wooden Troughs, which stand all the Day long in the Sun, and wherein the Water is put the Day before it is used.
The time when this watering begins and ends here in these Countries, is commonly May, to the latter end of August, or somewhat longer, according as the Days be Wet, Hot, or Cold.
We must observe this general Rule in this Affair, which is above, in some measure touched upon, viz. that we do not water these Trees too much; for if they be kept too wet, it cools and chills the Root, and the Leaves grow Yellow; too much driness is also hurtful, so that Moderation must be observed here; which we may sufficiently know by the Earth itself; for these Trees must not be over-watered.
In winter time.As long as the Trees stand in [Page 144] the Winter-Place or Green-House, they are seldom watered, except Necessity requires it; which may be discerned by the shrinking in of the Leaves, and the limberness of their Fruits, and then the watering must be but little, till the Faintness ceases, and the Fruits and Leaves return to their former State.
When this watering is to be done, we shall warm a Pot with Water over the Fire, and so temper it with cold VVater, that it is fitly lukewarm, as if it had stood a Summers Day in the Sun, for great Cold is very prejudicial to the Roots.
In the Spring, from April to May, we shall seek to cherish these Trees by a slowish Feeding, or Refreshing with VVater, which is set upon the Tubs, in flat Pots or Pans, wherein ly longish Pieces [Page 145] of woollen Selveges, which by little and little suck it in, and so thence distills again into the Earth, which thus in time begins to moisten, and give Nourishment to the Tree; but if we do water much in the Spring, the Fruit will Mourn, and fall off, which according to Ferrarius his Opinion, Hesp. l. 4. cap. 21. comes to pass, because the Trees have sufficient Moistness and Sap in them, and ascends from the Root, whereby the Fruits are, as it were, loosned, and fall off.
Hitherto now, what concerneth watering; if it be well observed in the Blowing time, and swelling of the Fruit, we shall find, that the Trees are Cheerly and Merry, and shall richly Reward the Master's Labour and Pains with Blossoms, Fruits, and pleasant Leaves.
CHAP. XXXVIII.
Of Cutting or Pruning.
A Two-fold Cutting or Pruning is used about these Trees.
First, That which is used yearly, by taking away the dead VVood, and superfluous Branches.
Secondly, The taking or cutting of the whole Head. First,
Limon Trees.The Pruning, which the Limon Tree requires, is about the superfluous VVood, which the Tree often makes, and must needs be cut off, as well in regard of the good Shape of her Head, as of the common welfare of her Fruits; for through want of this work the Limon Trees get irregular slender Heads, which render [Page 147] them Ungraceful to the Eye.
Secondly, VVe must also clear them of the dead VVood, which discovers itself in the fore-part of the Year, while they yet stand in the House; and is caused through Moistness, which falling down upon the Boughs and Leaves, produces Stifling and Moldiness, which by a sharp Property, bites and eats out the Life of the tender VVood and Leaves; and causes a pernicious Deadness, and Infects the whole Bough in a short time, if we be not careful about it, to stop the Malady by cutting off; therefore must this be taken away to the Quick, and the VVounds covered up with grafting-VVax, to prevent further Corruption.
Orange Tree.The Orange Tree is likewise subject to the forementioned Evil; wherefore he must be handled as the Limon Tree in this case; But [Page 148] yet he hath this peculiar, that he often produces at the fore-ends of the Boughs very Close, Churlish, and many small Shoots (and they especially with curled and wrinkled Leaves) which do the more strongly draw and suck away the Nourishment, and hinder the farther shooting of young Branches, and make the Trees to Blossom too much, whereby at last a Consumption is caused.
To prevent which, these superfluous Twiggs or little Shoots are in their beginning broken or taken off, and but two, or at most three left together; or if you find that too many of these Shoots or Twiggs are left, they are taken away at the ordinary time of Pruning, to the end the next new coming, may come forth the more strongly, and lustily.
The taking off of the Head.When we observe that the Limon [Page 149] and Orange Trees begin to leave Growing, and fail to shoot new Branches, which are Signs that the growing Virtue is decayed, being caused by the abundant Blossoming and Fruit-bearing; then shall ye cut the whole Head off within an Hands breadth, and Transplant the Tree into fresh Earth (as is taught before, Cap. 8.) after the Roots are well cleared: Whereby the same obtains, as it were, a new Life, and we get again likewise, instead of Trees decayed, young and flourishing ones.
The Time.This pruning Work must be taken in hand in the Spring, viz. assoon as the Trees come out of the VVinter Place, or Green House, and according to Ferrarius his Lesson, Hesp. l. 6. c. 16. in the VVain of the Moon; but for the cutting away of Sear or dead VVood, no time is to [Page 150] be observed for the taking off of the whole Head; we can prescribe no Years, because the forementioned Signs about them must be only observed.
The Instruments, we have need of for this VVork, are a pruning Chissel, a wooden Mallet, small Saw, a crooked pruning Knife, grafting VVax to secure the made VVound from dripping Moisture, and to further the Cure.
CHAP. XXXIX.
Of the Means against many Defaults and Vermine.
EVen as Men and Animals are subject to Sickness, Ails, and Enemies; so also the Trees and Plants, which must needs by [Page 151] Means be rid of them, and defended against them, if we will keep them in Prosperity and Health.
The common Distempers, which we find here in these Countries, are Gumms, growing Yellow, Lice, Rottonness, and Decay.
Gumms.Concerning the first; The same hath, or takes its Original from some ill natured cold tough Matter, which Nature seeks to throw off, or cast out at one place or other, in a tough and sharp Moistness, which Cankers and Corrupts wheresoever it runs or flows; therefore as soon as this Evil is perceived, the gummy Place shall be cut out with a sharp Knife to the quick Wood, and the outcut Wound rubbed with Lime and Ashes of Turf, mixed together with Rain-Water, to a convenient [Page 152] Thickness, and then be covered over with Grafting Wax.
This hath been often used with good Advantage on this Occasion, and is the same Means which Ferrarius Describes or Prescribes against the rotting of them. Hesp. l. 4. c. 22.
Yellowness of Leaves.Against the growing Yellow of the Leaves; which takes its Original from the ill Disposition of the inward Parts, or from the Rottenness of the Roots, and sometimes also from too much watering, whereby the Tree is Chilled, or from the long continued Exsiccation of the Earth; So is it that the same Author Recommends to bury a dead Dogg at the Roots of the Trees; and being such cannot well be done with us, because we must miss the Use of the free Earth, and behelp our selves with narrow Pots and Tubs; we have seen [Page 153] that instead thereof is used the Shavings or Scrapings of Neats Horns, rotten before, and scalded, whereby these Trees seemed to live again anew. But here Care must be taken, that the Scrapings, or Shavings of Horns, be used moderately, that the Trees may not be Damnified through the Sharpness they have in them.
But if it proceed from the Rottenness or Corruption of the Roots, it is most fit to take the Tree up, to put away the old Earth, and to clear the Root of all corrupt Fibres and Branches, and so Plant him again in new Earth, whereby the same shall shoot to a more flourishing Growth.
If it be caused by too much Wett, which Chills the Root, then the best means is that we look to the Tubs and Pots; for it [Page 154] happens sometimes that the Holes underneath are stopt, whereby the Water cannot run out, but keeps standing about the Root, and causes this Evil to it; therefore they must be opened, that there may be a due Course for the Water. Or if it happens through the Earths being too close cling'd together, or for want of Air, then the Transplanting is the next Means.
Lice.What hath here the name of Lice, we find to be much rather a Distemper, which hath its Original from the Trees being Foul, which is often caused by Mildew, too many moist Vapours in the winter Place, or green House, through the little airing, and too close standing together of the Trees (as well as an Enemy which comes upon them from without) and is rightly called the lousy Disease; [Page 155] for it is not enough that one Tree is tainted therewith, but all that stand about it become Partakers of the same Evil.
This Vermin, or Creature, if we may so call it, is in its beginning of a white Colour, of Shape longish Round; when it is perfect, it is of the bigness of an ordinary wall-Louse, of a Chessnut Colour, upon the Back beset with long Hairs, but they perish in few Days; within it is full of grayish Moisture, which is of a sweet Tast, wherefore the Ants are much about it, and like of the Sweetness.
This Wet or Moistness seems to serve this Creature for Nourishment, which it draws out of the Bark of the Tree: But it sits most upon the Leaves, and most flourishing Branches, and we cannot easily observe that it moves from [Page 156] its Place, though it doth so very slowly.
When now against the declining of the Summer, this little Animal begins to dye, and its Sap and Moisture dryeth up, it voids a multitude of white Matter, which are Eggs, Nits, or Seed, whereby it is Propagated again.
We have Experienced, that where this white Matter takes place, yea even in Vines, Peach, Laurel, and Myrtletree, that they were the next Year tainted with this Evil, and that instead of one, hundreds came to light; so that they by sucking the natural Nourishment from the Trees, killed them, as hath happened to several Trees.
This Vermine doth not dye through Cold, but endures even the coldest Winter; and what Means soever have been used to [Page 157] drive away this Distemper, the only Means is found to be, the making of the Trees clean from their Filth and Foulness, with a Spunge wetted in Rain-Water, wherewith we caused the Leaves and Boughs in the Spring to be washed and wiped, before the same began to shoot out, and hereby was this Evil quite overcome, which otherwise was sufficient wholy to destroy the Infected Trees.
We being now freed of this, have thought fit not to hide this easy and ordinary Means from others, but have been therefore somewhat longer in relating so dangerous an Ayl, and its Cure.
Rottenness.Against Rottenness in the Stocks or Boughs of the Trees, nothing else is to be used but what is said above of the Gumms.
The growing or waxing Old.When the Trees begin to wax [Page 158] Old, and they produce no young Branches, but dye by little and little from the Top; then the only Means is to take off the whole Head in the Spring, within an Hands breadth▪ above the Inoculation, that they may sprout out again, and come again by a new Growth to their first Lustiness, and Vigour, and fresh Strength, as is shewed before.
Now we are to consider the outward Enemies, which come to assault and disquiet these Hesperial Inhabitants, viz. the Aunts, Ear-wiggs, and Spiders.
The two first endammage these Trees, especially in their young Shoots and Blossoms.
Hesp. l. 2. cap. 18.Against which many Means are Invented; Ferrarius will, that we strow Ashes about the Stock, or lay about it Cotton dipt in Oyl of Stone, which by its stench doth [Page 159] drive away this Vermine. But in our time we have seen better Weapons to keep off these ill natured Guests, viz. Leaden or Latin Rings of an Hands Breadth, which were made or set together round about the Stock, and of an Inch or two deep, which are kept full of Water, wherewith the Tree being compassed about, as it were with a Ditch, this Vermin is hindred from climbing up, and defended also against these Enemies.
This Invention was first brought to light by the Sieur John Roeters, in his Life time Secretary of Amsterdam, and a great Lover of this Husbandry.
Further, others have set their Trees upon little Benches, or Frames of half a Foot above Ground, whose Feet being made of little thick short pieces of Wood, [Page 160] stand in little Troughs, which are kept full of Water, and keep these Pernicious Creatures from the Trees.
The Earwiggs, which devour and spoil these young tender Shoots, may be catcht with pieces of coarse Linnen laid in the Trees, and so kept in and Curbed.
Spiders.Spiders hurt the Limon and Orange Trees by Spinning the Leaves together, and by pulling the young Shoots together, whereby the Leaves become Black, Foul, and are hindred much in their Growth.
The only Remedy against this Evil is to catch the same, and so chasing away these Tyrants, to make these Plants free from such a filthy Crew.
Against bad Winds.Concerning other Mischances of Winds, bad Airs, thereof is taught before how they may be [Page 161] hindered and kept off.
Against Mice & Rats.When the Trees in the Winter are Housed, they are often troubled with Mice and Rats, because they cannot come by Water; wherefore it is not amiss to provide the winter Place, or green House with Traps and Pans of Water, that this Vermine may either be catcht, or their Thirst quencht, to compel them to excuse and leave the Trees, as we have seen that very much happened to Sieur William Vanden-Heuvell.
Snails & Caterpillars.What concerneth Snails and Caterpillers, it is not found in this Country, that they bring any Harm to these Plants, and therefore Unnecessary upon this Occasion, to Admonish or Mention of them: If they be found on them, the best Means against them, is to catch them.
CHAP. XL.
Of the winter Place, or green House, and its Use.
BEcause it is impossible to Order these Outlandish Plants well in these Countries, except we know how conveniently to defend them in the winter Season against the Frost and Cold, which cannot be done, if there be not a good winter Place provided.
We see that in Brabant and Flanders they use arched Cellars, to avoid the inconveniency of making Fire. But thereby they also commonly lose their fruit, which through or by reason of the little air, and moist Vapours, which the Trees receive, decay and fall off, except they be again carried [Page 163] out of the Cellar into a lightsom room, as soon as the frost is over; which is not well to be done for any one that hath a great number of Trees, by reason the labour would be too great and chargeable, because of the multitude; besides with the frequent removing we run the hazard to spoil the heads by hitting them against some thing or other.
To this Work is at least a lightsom Room required, which is free from all Cold piercing Winds, and hath Glass-Windows to the South, that the Sun Shining in the Winter, may refresh these tender Strangers, with her pleasant and grateful Beam.
What manner of Winter-place or Green-house soever we prepare, Care must be had that it stand with the open part as much as is possible to the South.
[Page 164] Here I might give the description and the dimention of several Green houses set down by the Author, but think it needless, because as the Author saith, every one may and doth make them as he thinketh good and Convenient.
Yet the Use is one and the same. Viz. for the preservation of tender plants, which cannot endure and stand out against our Cold Winter storms and Tempests.
; Use of the winter place or Green House.From the time that the Trees are set into the Green house or Winter place we must begin to take Care to watch against all Incident inconveniencies and unchanches for through carelessness more harm may be done in one night, then we can again overcome and repair in an whole year; but on what time such must [Page 165] be done, cannot be well prescribed in regard of the Months, because the Condition of the Weather must shew it.
For it happeneth many times here in this Country in some mild Winter that the Glass-Windows are whole days open, and therefore it serves for a general rule, that as long as it is fair Weather, and doth not freeze, The opening ag Shutting of the wooden windows or Shutters. the Wooden Shutters shall be left open day and night to the middle of November, and then shall they be shut before the Sun goes down; But when it is misty, misly, and frosty Weather, they shall be kept close, and it must not be tedious to a practitioner to open and shut the Windows, though often in one day, for the more the Trees are aired, the better it is to prevent all stifling and moulding.
Now when it begins to freeze, [Page 166] tho not so hard as that it freezeth within the house, then open only the Wooden Shutters, to the end, that the Sun shining into the winter place or green house may refresh the Trees and the Fruits; and against the evening before the Sun is set, the same must be shut again, that in the night they may not suddenly be surprized by the Cold.
Now when the Frost begins to increase, the Green house shall be wholly kepr shut, and we must take Care there be no holes or chinks for the Wind to come in or through, for where the same doth light, it doth great harm, and causeth Frost the sooner within doors: Nevertheless when it is a fair Sun shine at noon day, the same may be let in through the Glass-Windows, and being gone, Shut them again Close.
[Page 167] The time of making Fire.Now when it Freezeth so hard, that there is no longer keeping within Doors, without making Fire; which we may observe by putting some Pans or Pots with Water here and there in the Green-House, and when we see that Freeze; then is it time to make Fire in the Stoves; which is commonly done early in the Morning, and at Night about nine of the Clock. But if it comes to pass, that these two Fires are not enough in the Day, then also a Fire must be made at Noon-Day; and in making, this Fire, keep also this common Rule.
The common Rule to make Fire.As long as the Water doth not Freeze in the Pans; we need not to make a Fire, and when the Water doth Freeze, we must make no greater Fire, then that we see the Ice to grow loose, and that the Frost can lay no hold thereon; for if we make too hot a Fire, it shall do more Hurt, then if it came to Freeze once in the [Page 168] Green-House. It once happened to me, that the Frost took the Trees by Night, and the Leaves and Fruits were stiff, as if they had been white with the same; which was caused by the Carelesness of the Gardiner. To repair this Mischance, there was a slow Fire made in the Stove, and not an hot or great one at first; through which Sweet; pleasantly increasing VVarmth, the frozen Leaves and Fruits began by Degrees to Thaw, and to come to their former Condition; yea, I had never more ripe Fruits then in that same Year, 1668.
Moistness in the Green-House.It comes also sometimes to pass, that in the Green-House, or VVinter-Place, there hang many Drops of VVater at the Ceiling (when many Days together a Fire is made, without opening the wooden VVindows, by reason of the continual Frost,) which falling down upon the Trees, do them great wrong, viz. cause [Page 169] moulding to the Boughs, and the Fruits and Leaves to fall off; against which must be provided, and daily be taken off with a Map, and as soon as the Season doth any way permit, to open the wooden Shutters, to make these moist Vapors, which arise out of the Earth, to go away; for by reason of the Doors and VVindows being long shut close, they continue.
The time to open the Glass-Windows again.And on this manner must we order our Business in times of Frost; which now ceasing, the Windows must be opened again, to air the Trees; and further deal with them as is said above.
But to tye the making of Fire to December, January, and February, as some Authors hold, is not good in our Judgment; for it happens that whole Winters pass, and no need to make a Fire, as we have mentioned above; But it is best of all, that we order our Affairs according to the [Page 170] Weather, and do therein as we have here shewed.
I Remember a certain Accident, which in regard of mentioning the making of Fire, I cannot omit to Relate.
A certain Person of Quality, coming into the famous Garden of the Sieur Roeters, and after he had taken Notice of all things, asked that famous Practitioner and Orderer, how much Turf he burnt in a Winter, in regard his Trees looked so exceedingly fair? The Sieur Roeters not knowing the reason of the Question, Answered, that he had preserved and kept all his Trees for two Years, with about an hundred Baskets full, (which comes to about twenty four Gilders, which are about forty six, or forty seven Shillings Sterl.) and that there was some Quantity left.
How is that possible, replyed the other? My Servant hath spent above two hundred Baskets of Turf, and [Page 171] yet my Trees are dead.
At which they all Laughed, as perceiving that the overmuch Heat had stifled and dryed up his Trees: Whence we may see, that not the great Charges, but the right Knowledg, gives the best Fruits.
The time for opening again the Green-House.When now the Frost is past, and the Spring draws on, the Trees must be used again to the Air, by the opening and shutting the wooden and glass-Windows, in convenient and due time, and therein order our Affairs according as the Weather gives Direction.
For this is sure, that Mist, Vapor, Moistness, and Frost, must not be suffered in the Green-House.
The time to bring them out again.In this Work, we must continue to the time that we set these Trees again in the beginning of May into the open Air, in mild and rainy Weather; above all, take Care in the bringing of them out, that the Sun doth not too suddenly shine upon [Page 172] on them, but used to it by degrees; and then order them further, with VVatering, Pruning, and other such like Actions, as are shewed particularly in their proper Places, that they may keep their Leaves, & Fruits; and Reward their Masters Labours with Golden Hesperial-Apples, which no Practitioner shall obtain, except he hath before duly Tamed and Overcome the strong winter-Dragon.
CHAP. XLI.
Of Gathering the Blossoms and Fruits.
Unloading of the Trees.IT is necessary to the Preservation of the Trees, that we ease them of their Blossoms and Fruits in due time; for through the abundant Blossoming they are wasted and spent, lose their Strength, and totally Decay, because it is impossible to feed them all.
[Page 173] Therefore it is requisite to gather them, and to hasten their Ease, by taking away all their after, or side-Blossoms, leaving the first heart-Blossoms only for the Production of Fruit, and them, no more then we judg the Tree can conveniently Feed, which shall then become the Larger and Fairer; and by this Ease the young Shoots shall more strongly come forth, and the Trees continue in a better flourishing Condition.
The gathered Blossoms may be used for several things, as shall be shewed more largely afterward.
The time of gathering the Fruits.The Fruits, as well Limons as Oranges, must be gathered and taken off at their Time.
VVe cannot here, as is done in Italy, prescribe the right Time for every Sort, by reason of the Inconstancy and Variety of our Summers; for it hath sometimes happened that the Limons and Oranges have been [Page 174] gathered with us in warm Summers, in the Month of September, having their due Maturity, whereas ordinarily they must be let hang till the Months of February or March.
Now to be sure, the Fruits shall be gathered when they have their due Bigness and Colour, which may one Year with another differ sometimes some Months, according as the Summer proves either Cool or Warm.
A twofold Gathering is made about these Fruits, viz. Unripe, and Ripe; the first being used to make Conserves, and the other to press the Juice out of them for Food and physical Uses. Therefore, whichsoever we gather, we must go very warily about it; for to pluck them off with the Hand, would not do well, as being with Danger to spoil and hurt the Trees, because they stick too fast to the Boughs, and can hardly be parted from them without [Page 175] danger of Renting; wherefore we are Necessitated to cut them off with a sharp Knife, in such a manner, that to every Fruit is left a little Sprigg, which is for its Ornament; and in this cutting must be observed that we hurt the Tree as little as is possible: When now this cutting off is done in due time, the new coming on Fruit shall thrive the better, because they have the Nourishment then alone, which otherwise they were to share with them that are cut off.
There is nothing better for the Trees, then to Unload and Ease them, if their Welfare shall be furthered. Some let the Fruits hang long, to make a Show with them; but doubtless it is prejudicial to them, because we see, that when Limons are over ripe, they fall off, and the Oranges dry up, even as if the Nourishment were denyed them of the Mother, the Tree, to the old Fruits, [Page 176] to give it to these young comers on; whence we may clearly observe, that Nature sheweth us how needful it is for the Tree and Fruits, that we Ease and Unload them in due time, that they may both be preserved and secured against Decay and Death.
CHAP. XLII.
Of the Profit and Use of the Orange Tree.
VVHat is Honest, Profitable, and Pleasant, is Praise-worthy, and may by all Men, without Scruple be taken in Hand; that these three Properties are to be found in our Imployment, is known to every one, that doth groundly understand the same.
What belongeth to delightful Pleasantness and Honesty, that they do sufficiently testify of themselves, and is needless to shew; and therefore [Page 177] we shall only speak of the Profit and Usefulness of them.
The Benefits these Trees yield, are divers; for besides that, after they are come to their due Bigness, they may be sold for much Money, and great Gain be made by them: They are also of special Use in Physick, House-keeping, and Perfuming; whereof we shall Treat.
Many things are prepared of the Orange Tree, as well for Delight as for necessary Use.
The Leaves.The Leaves are good for a broken or bruised Shin, and heals it, when they are laid on fresh twice a Day; these Leaves chewed in the Mouth, cause a sweet Breath.
R. Dodo [...]. Herb. l. 18. c. 2.There is a Water Distilled of Orange Blossoms, which is of a pleasant Smell, and is useful for many things in Physick; chiefly to cause Sweating, to strengthen the Heart, and many Distempers more, whereof the Writings of Physitians and Herbalists are full.
[Page 178] To make this Water, the Orange Blossoms shall be gathered in the Morning before the Sun hath Shone on them, and Distilled in a Pewter Still, with a slow Fire, that they may not in the least be Burnt, for this Distilling must only be done by Steaming out; whereby we shall get, though but a little, yet nevertheless a very Pleasant and strong Water. Ye may likewise, if ye desire a greater Quantity, Distil them in a Limbeck, but then the Water shall not smell so Sweet.
The Blossoms of Orange Trees are very good to be laid in a Chest of clean Linnen, to give it a pleasant Smell.
But to draw Oyl out of the Blossoms by Distillation, is not well possible here in these Countries, because the abundance which is hereunto required, is too great; for six hundred Pounds do scarce yield two or three Ounces: Yet that we may not be [Page 179] wholy deprived of this pleasant Smell, here is afterward Taught how we shall Prepare this another way.
Brandy:To make an Extraction with Brandy from the Orange Blossoms; take to every Pint two Ounces of Blossoms, set them in the Sun to Distil, fourteen Days long; and use thereof a spoonful together, against many several cold Distempers and Aills, and especially against the Cholick or shrinking of the Guts.
To Preserve these Blossoms in Sugar, which is commonly called Confiting; they shall be gathered just before they open, and boiled in clean Rain-Water, till they be soft, and have in part lost their Bitterness; after boyl the Sugar to a convenient thickness of a Syrop, and pour the same (after it is well Purifyed with Whites of Eggs, and thoroughly Clear) warm upon the Blossoms, and let them stand cooling together; if the Syrop be too thin, or becomes [Page 180] so afterwards, ye must boil the same again to its convenient Thickness, that the Blossoms may be kept and preserved the better: This is a most excellent Remedy against bad Airs, foul and stinking Vapours, and also an excellent Dainty.
Pastilli.Furthermore of Orange Blossoms, there are made Pastilli, or little Balls, after this following Fashion: Take fifty Blossoms which are quite open, pluck them off by the Stalk, that ye may not touch the Leaves, as little as is possible, that the Sent may not be spoiled; cut the Leaves with Scissers, very small one by one. To this take a pound of the best Loaf-Sugar-Candy that may be got, beat the same fine, and put them in a little brass Bason, and add three Ounces distilled Water of Orange Blossoms thereunto, stir it with a Spatula, till it be mingled together, which then set upon Coals, thoroughly kindled, and let it boil leisurly, till, when [Page 181] taken up between your Fingers, it begins to stick to them as it were with fine small Threds; then take it from the Fire, and put the clean cut Orange Blossoms into the boyled Sugar, stirring the same together with a Spatula, till it be well mixed; then take a Board of hard Wood, which is full of little hollow Places, and strow it thick with fine beaten Sugar▪ then fill all the holes full with a silver Spoon, of this mingled Syrop, which when cold, and then taken out, the Sugar which hangs about them must be taken off with a Knife from these little Balls, and then you have Pastilli, which are very Good, Pleasant, and Useful, for many things, especially to strengthen the Heart; and against all Faintings. They are also a good. Means against all bad, unhealthful, and pestilential Airs; the same melted in Rose-Water, or Sorrel-Water, are very usefully▪ Taken and Used with Benefit in [Page 182] all malignant Agues, and other Sicknesses, which have their Original from Cold.
Oyl.There is yet an Oyl made of these Blossoms, on this manner. Take Nuts of Egypt, Pistaches, or for want of them, sweet Almonds, the newer the better, press the Oyl out of them, (but without Fire, that it may keep Sweet the longer) then take white and purified Cotton, which is free from all Spots, foul or musty Sent, otherwise it must be made Clean on this manner following, viz. It must be soaked in a Pot of strong Brine, till all bad Scents be drawn out of it, and being washed again in fresh Water, wet it again in the forementioned Oyl; yet so that the Oyl doth not drop out of it of it self; take then a new Earthen Pot, and cover the Bottom with new gathered Orange Blossoms, lay thereon a Laying of this oyled Cotton, and then Blossoms again, and [Page 183] so on a Laying of the one, and a Laying of the other, till the Pot be filled; which then cover close with a Bladder, and put it in a dry Place, not Cold, nor yet too Warm: these Blossoms shall be changed every Day, taking away the Old, and putting in fresh ones instead thereof, and that five or six Days one after another, and then Squeese or Press the oiled Cotton: which Oyl gives a most sweet and pleasant Smell, fit to be used in many Perfumes.
As soon as this hath stood some time, the Dirt and Waterishness being setled, and the Oyl Clarified from it, and become clear, you may use it as your Occasion serves.
Hesp. l. 4. cap. 24.This kind of Oyl of Orange Blossoms is taken out of Ferrarius, who had Learned it of one Franciscus Dagus, and hath been made several times by others according to this Prescript, and is found very Good.
The same Author Relates yet another [Page 184] much shorter Way, after this manner.
Take a Pound of Oyl of Nuts of Egypt, Pistaches, or of sweet Almonds, new pressed, a Pound of Orange Blossoms, pick off the Leaves of them (which only must be used) beat them in a stone Mortar, put them in a glass-Bottle, and pour the Oyl on them, and having stood three or four Days, strain the Oyl from the Blossoms through an hairy Strainer, and part it from the watry Moisture which is mixt therewith; throw the old Blossoms away, and put in fresh ones, and that to the third time; then separate and draw off your Oyl, and make it clear, to Perfume Gloves and other things: The same may be done with the Blossoms of Gessamines.
Salve of the Oyl of Orange Blossoms.There is also a Salve made of Orange Blossoms: Take white Wax, Sperma-Caeti, of each an Ounce; melt them over a soft Fire, and being taken off, put to it of our above mentioned [Page 185] Oyl of Orange Blossoms, as much as is convenient, which shall be stirred together with a Spatula, or little Ladle, till it be well mixt together and cold: It shall be cooled as soon as is possible, that through too much Heat the Oyl may not lose its Scent. You may also take instead of Sperma Caeti, or Parma Cetie, white clear Barrow's-Fat; this Salve is good against Heats in the Brest, when you Anoint the same therewith; and also against the hot Inflammations of the Gout, and such like Distempers, which arise from Heats.
Orange Apples.Orange Apples are likewise for many Uses, and have many Virtues; the Pills are dryed, preserved Wet or Dry; and Oyl is also Distilled from them. The small green Apples, of the bigness of a Pease, are put upon Strings, and worn by Gentlewomen for Necklaces, and about their Wrists, because of their good and sweet Scent.
The Pills of Oranges are of great [Page 186] Use in the Art of Physick, and are of a warm Property: dried and powdered, they are very Useful against the Collick, and other cold Distempers, taken in a little warm Wine, cause Urine, and Sweat; you may use this Pouder from a Scruple to a Dram. Schrod. in Pharmacop. Med. Chimic. l. 4. c. 45.
Conf. of Orange-Pills.To Confite Orange-Pills, or to Preserve them with Sugar: You shall take Pills of fresh ripe Oranges; take out the inside White, and let them ly a-Soak some Days in fair Rain-Water, that the Bitterness may be most out of them; then boyl them in other Rain-Water, till they be soft; the Syrop must be conveniently boyled, and after the Pills are well drained, put them into it, and keep them for Use. Will you Confite them dry; take the Pills, after they have layn some time in the Syrop, out of it again, and put them into a warm place or Stove to dry.
And to Candy them, you must only [Page 187] boyl the Syrop higher, then if you would preserve them wet.
These preserved Orange-Pills strengthen the Heart against all Faintings, warm the cold Stomach, and resist all bad and pestilential Airs.
To make an Oyl; take of fresh Orange-Pills fifty Pounds, and put them all in a Vessel, stamp them close together, and let them rot well; put them in a Limbeck, and pour a good quantity of Water upon them, and being Distilled with a moderate Fire, there comes over with the Water a clear and strong-scented Oyl, which you must part from the Water, and keep for Use against all cold Ails, as well of the Stomach, as of other parts of the Body.
The same is also outwardly Applied against Cold, and stifned Sinews, by Anointing them therewith.
Juice.The Juice of Oranges hath divers Virtues, according as they are either [Page 188] Sowre or Sweet: the last are Warmest, and are fitly Used in the hot Distempers of the Lungs, as cooling moderately. They that are of a moderate Tast are very Pleasant; but the Juice of the Sowre is more cooling; and there is a Syrop made of them to mix among all other Medicines against all malignant Feavers.
The Juice used with Meat, gives it a pleasant Relish; the same is put into Meat by the Turks instead of Verjuice.
It is also very good against the Scurvy, causeth a sweet Breath, as our Seamen can sufficiently Testify; wherewith we shall conclude this; and touch a little upon the Use of the Limon Tree.
CHAP. XLIII.
Of the Use of the Limon Tree.
IT may perhaps seem Strange to some, that we place the Use of the Orange Tree before the Limon Tree, though the last be Described first; it is because the Orange Tree is more Beloved with us, and commoner, and therefore we give the same the Precedency.
We come now to the Limon Tree, whose Fruits are not only known in the Art of Physick, but also in the Housekeeping, and doth wholly agree in Virtues with the Citron Apple, as its Tast sheweth; being also divers in Operation, for the Sweet excel the Sowre in Warmth.
Pills.The Pills of the Limons are Preserved or Confited with Sugar after the same Manner, as is heretofore [Page 190] said of the Orange Apples, to use them for Physick and Dainties.
Theat. Fungorum. p. 2. c. 3.The outside of the Limon Pills is a very good Remedy for those that have eaten bad Mushrooms or Fungi, as Franciscus van Sterbeeck writes. Being Distilled with Brandy, it is called in the Shops Limon-Water: As they also do with Orange Pills; is much drunk in the cold Northen Countries, yet most out of Wantonness, though it be not Unuseful against cold inward Ails.
And for this Drink are yearly many thousand of Pounds of Orange and Limon Pills used, which are sent hither into these Countries out of Italy. Oyl. Out of▪ these Pills is an Oyl made, even as that out of the Orange Pills.
S. Bauh. Hist. Plant. l. 1. [...]. 28.You may squeese a sweet smelling Oyl with your Hand out of the fresh Limon Pills, which is exceeding good to strengthen the Heart, and to amend the Sight.
[Page 191] Seed and Juice.The Seed is also used in many Medicines, but the Juice is best known, as well in the Cooks, as the Apothecaries Shop; and is experienced with great Benefit against the Scurvy, and its Concomitants; wherefore it is much used by Seafaring Men against this Distemper. Of the Juice is a good Syrop made with Sugar, against hot burning Feavers.
The Water which is distilled out of the Juice of Limons through Balneum Mariae, in a glazen Still▪ is good to take away all Spots out of the Skin, as also the Freckles of the Face, and kills all Worms of the Body, when it is Drunk, which the Juice doth likewise, when ye take an Ounce of it.
Matthiol. in Diosc. l. 1. c. 231.The Juice of Limons resists all Poison, and venemous Creatures; the Limons are kept in Pickle, and stewed with Meat, which is a pleasant Sawce.
[Page 192] The small Limon of Calabria is preserved and kept in its own Juice or Liquor, to be eaten so.
And they are further on several ways Limonaded, which affords a pleasant and cooling Drink, for which,
Take Barley-Water one Quart.
Squeese therein the Juice of four or five Limons, sweeten it with Sugar as much as is necessary: This well stirred together, is the most pleasant and cooling Drink which can be desired.
To make Pastilli of the Juice of Limons; Take
Of the Juice of small Calabrian Limons one Ounce. Ferrar. Hesp. l. 3. c. 1.
Of clear white Sugar-Candy, two Ounces.
Of Oyl of Cinnamon eight drops.
Let the Juice of the Limons drop through a close piece of Cloth, or Strainer, that it may be Clear, and boyl it with the Sugar to a convenient Thickness, that so it may be [Page 193] poured out for Pastilli; putting the Oyl of Cinnamon last of all to it.
These Pastilli are a very pleasant Dainty, and cause a sweet Breath.
Out of this Juice of Limons is a Syrop made on this manner;
Take of the Juice of Limons six Pounds; Pharmacop. Augustan. Class. 1.
Of white Sugar, three Pounds.
Make hereof a Syrop by convenient Boyling. This Syrop is much used in Physick, in hot Distempers, burning Feavers, and Resists all pestilential Infections, and is used with good Success and Benefit against the Worms in the Belly.
Further, the Virtues of the Limons are altogether like those of the Citron, and are without any Error, Used promiscuously one for the other.
This is all what was in short to be said of this Matter, leaving what may yet be brought to light by the diligent Scrutiny and Experience [Page 194] of others, to them, whose Desire and Mind tends to a farther Enlargement of this Affair whereof I have Treated.