THE Secrets and wonders of the world. A BOOK RIGHT rare and strange, containing many excellent properties, given to Man, Beasts, Fowls, Fishes and Serpents, Trees, Plants etc.  
Abstracted out of that excellent natural Historiographer Pliny. Translated out of French into English.  
At London ❧ Printed for Thomas Hacket, and are to be sold at his shop in Lumberd street, under the Pope's head. 1585.   

To the worshipful and his very good friend Master Richard Candler, as one that wisheth the favour of God long & happy life, increase of worship, with continual health and felicity.  
SO it is worshipful Sir, I have devised with myself many times how to gratify you with some token of my good will towards you, but wealth and ability lacking to accomplish my desired pretence, yet now at the last, I have presumed knowing your wont courtesies towards all men, to dedicate this Abstract of Pliny's desiring you to take it with as good a will as I have meant it, till hereafter that some seriusser matter come to my hand, and thus I bid you most heartily farewell in the Lord, who keep you and all yours, prosper and preserve you in all your good and godly enterprises. Amen.  
Yours to use. T. H.   

To the Reader.  
HEre hast thou gentle Reader, set forth unto thee this Book, named The Secrets and wonders of the World, abstracted out of the sixteen first Books of that excellent natural Historiographer Pliny, for the strangeness and worthiness thereof, I refer thee to thine own judgement, requesting thee to take this in good part, & shortly shallbe by Gods grace, set forth unto thee three worthy and learned books, the first is of the situation of the world, writ by Pomponius Mela, The second is a perfit Peregrination and true discovery of Graecie, Turkey, Arabia, and Syria, with the manner of their Cities, and their Antiquities: The third is, julius Sollinus Pollihistorie, the which books thou shalt find both to be pleasant and profitable, And thus I bid thee farewell in Christ, who keep us. Amen.   

❧ The Secrets and wonders of the World, abstracted out of the principal of the natural Historiographers.  
PLINY the natural Historiographer, was borne under the Emperor Tyberian, and died under Titus, the Emperor that destroyed Jerusalem, after the death and passion of our Lord jesus Christ, in which time he did attribute his works. In the first book (which is brief,) he maketh his preambles. In the second, he treateth of the world, and of other matters.  
He describeth that the world is alone and round, naturally unmovable, although that there are certain places movable, and that may move, by the concavities of the earth, being full of wind.  
There are four Elements, the Earth, the Water, and the Fire above the Air, near to the first firmament. Which is fire natural, and therefore there needeth no wood to continue the same.  
Under the Earth are the Planets, which are called Strayers, and yet they move less than the others, but it is of the mutation of their influences, & of the Firmament: among the which is the Sun rector and the guider of the other Planets, principal governor of nature.  
The other Stars are not attributed (as some do think, as the greatest and clearest to the rich: and the least to the poor, and the obscure and dark stars, to those that of nature are infected. For we have no such society with the Stars, that they should die with us, and therefore they are equally divided, serving to each one.  
The Moon hath her Planet coming before her, as the Sun hath the day Star, she doth increase and diminish, and sometimes is at the full, a●d sometimes she hath horns, even as the Sun doth give and take away her clearness.  
The earth is between them both, the Moon is in the first heaven, the Sun in the fourth, and when the one is high, the other is low, and the other Stars are more higher in the Sky, and therefore they seem less than the Moon. The obscurity and darkness of the Moon, cometh by the humours of the earth that is drawn or sucked up from the earth.  
By the Geometry of this world, the Stade which is forty rods, doth contain 125. paces, the which are 525. foot. Sometimes there hath been seen in the appearance, three Suns, and three Moons.  
In the Air it raineth sometimes naturally Stones, sucked up by the vapours of the earth, sometimes Frogs, and some time blood in divers figures.  
The Heliotropium in his flower, doth turn every day and follow the Sun.  
The Ant doth never begin to hoard up but in the full Moon.  
The nature of the winds are divers, according to the diversity of countries, and they proceed of the earth, and of the vapours of the same, which causeth sometimes in many places Earthquakes.  
The Thunders and Lightnings, do never fall in the winter, for the coldness of the air doth keep them in and chokes them, and therefore they fall in the Summer, and many times they mar the Wine, without touching the vessel.  
There was a woman at Rome, whose child was slain within her womb, by thunder and lightning, and the woman had no hurt at all.  
Three things there are that never feel any harm by thunders and lightnings: the Laurel tree on the Earth, the Eagle in the Sky, and the Seacalse in the Sea, for they never fall upon their skins, therefore best assured are they that are so clad.  
Naturally there are signs and tokens in the earth, the Sea, and the Air, and therefore it hath reigned sometimes Blood, Stones, Wool, yea great stones accumulated in the air by the coldness thereof.  
The Rainbow is not seen in a close and rainy day, but the Sun beams entering into the concavities of the Earth, do reflex the Sun, and make variety of colours, by the mixture of the clouds in the air, and is seen most commonly in the Summer. Also there are never lightly seen above two Rainbows.  
The earth is the mother of all living creatures. In the air is seen many time's darkness & clouds, the hails are derived of the waters, but the earth is lowly, serving to all creatures, she bringeth forth Corn, Wine, Fruits, and all kind of things pertaining to man. She bringeth forth Iron, Led, Gold, Silver, precious Stones, and Herbs, serving unto man's health, yea, if that a Serpent chance to bite any person, the earth will not receive that Serpent when it is dead.  
The earth is compassed round about with waters, the which is more known by experience, then by arguments, and some part thereof is not inhabited towards the North, because of the great cold.  
another part is not inhabited because of the extreme heat, towards the South.  
The middle of the earth is the Sentry, to the which most weightiest things do take hold.  
In some places there is no shadow of the Sun, specially in Alexandria the great, where as there is a deep well without shadow.  
Anaxemenes Milesius, was the first founders of Dial's.  
There are many signs of movings, and mutations of times, without great appearance, as in the Sea, when that without wind, the waves do rise and rage. And in the Sky, when that there is a long stripe or line: and when that the well waters are troubled.  
Two mountains have been seen naturally hit and touch one another, as if they had fought, the waters meeting together to strive and marvelously to increase, and beasts to die.  
In Asia twelve Cities were subverted by the Earthquakes, without perceiving thereof at Rome.  
Near unto Rome there are two hundredth acres of ground, the which doth shake when there are horses running thereon.  
In the isle of Paphos there is a place where there did never fall rain. And in the same Isle Nea in the City of Troados, the sacrifices do never putrify nor rot.  
near to Harpasa a town in Asia, there is a great Mountain, that one may shake with their finger, but if you put your whole strength to it, it remaineth unmovable.  
There are two Mountains near to the flood of Nile, the nature of them are divers, for the one retaineth iron, the other casteth it off, in such sort, that if any of their shoes be clouted with nails, that go upon the said hill, they can neither go nor stand, but are cast off: and on the other hill, their shoes will stick fast.  
In the City of Charagena, there is a certain ground that healeth all kind of sores and diseases, the Sea doth purge in the full Moon: and the fluctuations of the Seas, cometh by the Sun and Moon, the which causeth it. In the high Sea there never falleth snow, the Sea is most hottest in Winter, and saltest in Summer. Of fresh waters there are divers sorts.  
In Dodone is the Frountaine called jupiters' Spring, which doth kindle firebrands, it diminisheth at Noon, and increaseth at midnight, and then afterwards decreaseth, and faileth at midday. There are many hot waters, because of the smoke & closeness of the hills, from whence these hot water's spring.  
There are Springs that will make black Sheep become white, and other waters that maketh white sheep become black, by continuance of drinking, and others that the ewes that drink in them their milk will become black.  
At Lincestis, there is a Fountain of water, that will make them that drink thereof drunken.  
Also in Paphlagonia, and in the field Calenus, in the isle of Andro, there is a Fountain or Spring, that rendereth wine every year in the Nonas of januarie.  
In a field called Carrimensis, in Spain, there is a River that will make the fishes that are therein, to seem of the colour of gold, and if they are put into any other water, they will seem as other fishes.  
Among the marvels of fire, the Mountain called Ethna, in Silicia, burneth continually, the flames whereof are seen above the hill top. another hill that is called Chimaera, burneth in like manner, the fire of which hill is sooner quenched with earth or with hay, then with water.  
In the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth books, Pliny describeth the earth, the waters and the Islands, and divideth the world into Asia, Africa, and Europa. Asia containeth the half of the world, in the which is Armenia, Capadocia, Albania, Suavia, where as there is no metal but gold. Seithies, where as is the sweet Sea, and there are trees that bring forth silk, ready to spin.  
India, where there are people very rich, they labour with Elephants, and go to war with them. Their king hath ordinarily six hundredth thousand footmen, thirty thousand horsemen, & nine thousand Camels to his gauges, and to his daily cost, and when they be so old that they can scarce see, nor can live no longer, they cast themselves into a great fire.  
Beyond the Indians, is the isle called Taprobane, where as is the green Sea, and there is planted precious stones, with metals of gold and silver.  
The men of that Country are more greater than others, they sell their merchandise by making of signs, the Moon never shineth with them above six hours, they have small edifices or buildings, & their victuals never waxeth dear: for their God they have Hercules. They do elect and choose an old man to their King, which hath no children, and if he chance to have any whilst he is king, they do kill them, to that end that the kingdom be not inherited by their elected king: they do constitute. thirty. governors, without whose assent none can be condemned to death. If their king doth misdo, they do punish him, or depose him from the crown.  
This nation taketh great delight in the chase of Tigers and Clephantes, and doth abound in corn and fruits, they do delight to fish for shell fishes, which are there very great, in so much that one may hide themselves in their shells.  
Alexandria the great was founded by the great king Alexander, and near unto that is the red Sea, by the repercussion of the Sun, that doth so colour it, or else for that the mood and the gravel is such, or for that it is the nature of the water.  
Also Syria and Arabia, whose people are tanned and hairy all save the head, and they are appareled with the skins of fish.  
There is also Mesopotanie, Babylon, Assiria, Arabia: the flood of Tiger, hath his original in a fountain of Armenia.  
In the isle of Sagaros, there can no Dog live, for as soon as he entereth into the isle, he turneth round till he fall down dead.  
The Sabiens are rich with the fertility of their Forests, with metals, Honey, and Wax.  
The Candeans live with Serpents, and in the isle of Gagaudes was first found Popeniayes.  
Idumea, juda, Jerusalem, Galilee, Sirie, Palestin, which was the first founder of letters, and at the first, in steed of letters, used certain figures of beasts.  
Also there is a Nation called Hesseneans, living without wives, and without lechery. When they are dead, they are cast into the Sea, they live without money, and grow of the dead.  
Of the Ethiopians there are divers forms and kinds of men. Some there are towards the East, that have neither nose nor nostrils, but the face all full. Others that have no upper lip, they are without tongues, and they speak by signs, and they have but a little hole to take their breath at, by the which they drink with an Oaten straw.  
There are some called Syrbote, that are eight foot high, they live with the chase of Elephants.  
In a part of Africa, by people called Ptoemphane, for their king they have a Dog, at whose fancy they are governed, to whom they do prognosticate their doings, and their conduct in war.  
Towards the West there is a people called Arimaspi, that hath but one eye in their forehead, they are in the desert and wild Country.  
The people called Agriphagi, live with the flesh of Panthers and Lions: and the people called Antropomphagis which we call Cannibals, live with humane flesh.  
The Cinamolgi, their heads are almost like to the heads of Dogs.  
Africa anciently called Libya, doth contain the moors, and the pillars of Hercules, (among the sloods) there is Onylus that doth engender Cocodrils.  
There are goodly Forests with unknown trees, some of the which trees bear small threads, of the which is made clothing of Cotton.  
Cyrene's and Syrtes, make their houses of salt stones, cut out of the mountains, there is the mountain of Giry, the which doth engender and bring forth many precious stones.  
In Libie, which is at the end of the Ethiopes, there are people, differing from the common order of others, they have among them no names, and they curse the Sun for his great heat, by the which they are all black saving their teeth, and a little the palm of their hands, and they never dream. The others called Troglodytes, have Caves and holes in the ground, and have no other houses. Others called Gramantes, they make no marriages, but all women are common. Gamphasantes, they go all naked.  
Blemmy is a people so called, they have no heads, but have their mouth and their eyes in their breasts. And others there are that go more by training of their hands then with their feet. There are gathered the spices, and there is nothing that they are afraid of, but of great dogs that will bark at them, and bite them.  
Africa beginneth beyond the Realm of Spain and Grenado, and is divided in the Sea of Europa, as between Dover and Calis, there beginneth the Kingdoms of Feoz, of Tunis, of Barbaria, of Carthage, & of others of the Ethiopians.  
Europia beginneth from the Sea Meditarene so called, because it is a flood in the midst of the world. Upon this Sea that divideth Asia and Europa, the King Xerses caused to be made a bridge of ships, such a number he had for the war.  
Europa containeth Rome the ancient City, the plentiful Italy, Venice descended of the Trojans, Grece, Thessalia, Acaia, Macedonia, and Thessaly, where as is a flood called Peneus, navigable in the midst, for into the said flood entereth the River of Orcon, but his water swimmeth above the other, without mingling together as doth Oil. Italy hath the noble River of Post, beating veins of gold.  
In the Isles of Pont, there are people that live with the eggs of wild foul, others that have feet like horses, whose ears are so great and so long, that therewith they cover their whole bodies.  
Europe doth contain Germany, which is high and base Almain, Burgony, Savoy, Britain, Gaul that is divided into three parts.  
From the River Lescault to the River of Sayne is called Gaul the fair, from Sayne, to Gyrrond, is Gaul the ancient, and containeth Lionois, and from Girronde to the hills of Pirennes, that divideth Spain and France, is Aquittaine.  
Spain also is of Europia where as is Cathelognia, Araragon, Castilian, Portugal, Syvell, Andelosia, Leon, Galicia, and the kingdom of Granado, even to the Sea.  

The seventh Book treateth of man.  
THe world hath brought forth many things, of the which man is almost the least. He hath clothed the Beasts, Birds, Fishes and Trees, with skins, feathers, scales, bark, and otherwise. But man cometh forth all naked ready to weep, and lightly before forty days, he doth not laugh: he that ought to reign over the beasts on the earth, is at the beginning weaker than any, he knoweth nothing without he be taught, neither to speak nor to go; and naturally doth nothing but weep.  
Naturally the beasts seek their living, fly from their enemy, swim, with many other things given them of nature. The Lions do not war between themselves, the Serpents do not bite one another, but men study how to destroy one another by wars, and dissensions.  
Men never lightly in all points resemble one like another in their faces, the which cometh by the diversity of the cogitations of their parents, the which maketh their similitudes so far unlike: and therefore the brute beasts that have no such varieties in their thoughts, engender none but their like.  
Men there are called Arimaspi, that have but one eye in their forehead, which incessantly war against the grisons about metals, and they find in the ground gold and other metals. Those that are toward the end of the West, drink in dead men's skulls.  
In Albania, some have their eyes yellow, that cometh to them in their youth, & they see better by night then by day.  
In Africa in some places there are a great multitude of Serpents, whose properties they use for the trial of their wives chief, after this sort.  
If the husbands will have probation of the honesty of their wives: they will present their children before the Serpents, which will sty away if that the children be egitimate, but if that the Serpents remain and fear not, then are they bastards.  
When they are bitten with Serpents, they put their spittle upon the place for to heal it, specially their fasting spittle, for the Serpent feareth man's spittle as hot water.  
In India there are high men, and also marvelous high beasts, as for a witness there are Dogs as great as Asses, trees as high as an Archer can scarce shoot to the top, and under the shadow of one Fig tree, may a hundredth horses stand, because of the fertility of the land, the temperance of the air, and the abundance of waters, there are men five cubits in height, the which never use to spit, nor are troubled with the pain of head, eyes or teeth, and are seldom sick.  
Others there are in the Mountains, with heads like Dogs. In a part of India the women never bear children but once, whose children wax strait way old.  
And others called Sciopedae that have their feet so broad that when they are laid, they cover them therewith from the heat of the Sun, and they be very swift in running.  
Some toward the East have no heads, but have eyes in their shoulders, and others called Epithamai Pigmei, that are of one yard high.  
In the farther part of India towards the East near to the River of Gangis, there is a people clad with leaves, that live by smelling, they never eat nor drink in their journeys, they bear flowers and roots to smell at, and they are easily killed by filthy smells and savours.  
There are little men called Pigmei, among which the highest pass not the height of two cubits, having a wholesome air and pleasant country where they dwell, the which men are molested with Cranes, as writeth Homer, therefore it is no marvel though often times they are carried away with those Cranes.  
In the spring time the Pigmeis assemble together mounted upon Sheep and Goats, armed with darts and arrows, for to descend down to the sea, and for the space of three months, consume and break the Crane's Eggs, and kill the young ones, otherwise they would so multiply, that those little men should never rest in quiet.  
Some there are in the valleys called Pandore, that live two hundredth years, in their youth having white hair, in age their hairs become black.  
There is a people that liveth but forty years, whose wives do bring forth children at the age of seven years.  
There are people that have long hairy tails growing. These things and others hath nature made monstrous, for our examples.  
Among the women there are divers childings, some have had six children, some eight, and some nine, and sometime children of divers kinds, which are called Hermaphrodites, which are both man and woman.  
There hath been that have had in their life time thirty Children, and among the marvels of the world, a child being new borne did enter again into his mother's womb, in the City of Saguntra.  
And it is no fable nor tale, to have seen women and maids transformed into men. The females are sooner engendered then the Male, and become soon old, the Females do move in their mother's womb, most on the left side, and the males on the right side.  
And Pliny reciteth to have seen a maid, on the night of her marriage, to be naturally transformed into a man, and incontinent her beard to grow, and she to be married again to a woman.  
If that a woman bring forth two children at one burden, lightly there is short life, either to the mother, or to one of her children, and if they be both Males, or Females, then are they lightly of a short life.  
Among the women there is no certain time prefixed of their travailing with child, for some be delivered in seven months, some in eight, and most commonly in nine months. Also sometime at ten and eleven months.  
Before the seventh month the child hath no life, the tenth day after she hath conceived. Pain in the head, a shadow or mist before the eyes, no taste nor relisse in meats, and a undigesting stomach, are signs of conception. That woman that bringeth forth a Male child, hath better colour, and easier deliverance.  
Miserable is the condition of man. For the Princes by this means have their original, and are subject to Fortune, and hath nature as others.  
We read of a Roman Prince that died in the morning in pulling on his hose, an other died with the stinging or biting of a Grape, an other was choked with a hair, in eating of Milk.  
Scipio Affricanus was the first called Caesar, for that (Caesus fuit matris Vterus) his mother's womb was opened, for him to pass out.  
Of those that are cripple, lame, and conterfeite of nature, cometh whole limmed and perfect children, in their members: and sometimes of perfect and well proportioned people cometh lame and unperfect children.  
A woman doth not bear children after fifty years, there are many that cease at forty.  
As touching men, we read truly of a Prince, which at the age of four score and six years begat a child.  
When Cato was borne, his father was four score years old.  
Unto children their teeth come commonly at seven months, the seventh year they renew, for then their teeth fall, and there cometh to them others, and some are borne with teeth. And if that a dead body be burned, the teeth will never burn but remain whole. Unto some their teeth fail them at middle age, commonly a man hath thirty two teeth, and he that hath more, is esteemed to be the longer liver.  
Zoroaster did laugh that day he was borne, yea that with the very force of laughing he did reject the hand that was upon his head, for the placing and fashioning of his head, and settling of his brains.  
A man is as long from the foot to the head, as the extending or spreading abroad of his arms, counting from the great fingers.  
Men do way more than women, the dead body's way more than the living, and those that are a sleep, way more than they that are awake.  
Some live without marrow in their bones, and therefore they never thirst, and for this cause women drink less than men: and such do never sweat.  
It is recited of Crassus the Senator, that he did never laugh. Socrates the great clerk, was never seen merry nor joyful, nor angry at one time more than at an other, and therefore men's complexions are divers.  
In Rome hath been seen a Princess called Antonia Drusi never to spit, Pomponius never to belike. The strength of men hath been great, and more in one than another. It is read of one that with one hand did hold a Chariot, that three horses could not make to go for wards nor remove.  
Hercules, did carry his great Mule on his back.  
Fusius Saluius did bear two hundredth on his feet, two hundredth in his hands, and two hundredth on his shoulders, so being laden or charged with six hundredth weight, went upon a ladder.  
Pliny writeth to have seen one named Athanatus, to have a jack on his back weighing five hundredth weight, going to aplay with shoes on his feet weighing fifty pound weight a piece.  
Milo set his foot in a place, from which place, there was no man able to make him go back or remove. If that he held a staff in his hand, there was no man able to take it away or writhe it out of his fist.  
For running there hath been many light and nimble men, that would run a thousand a hundredth & threescore furlongs a day and more.  
Also there are some that have their sight very singular.  
We read of a man called Strabo, of the country of Sicilia, that is toward the East, to reckon and count the ships that parted from Carthage for to enter into the South sea.  
Cicero did recite that he did see the Iliads of Homer in verse written, being included in a Nut shell, so small were the figures.  
Marmecides made a Cart, or Wagon so little, that a fly did cover it. And he made a ship that a be might cover it with both her wings.  
For a truth there have been people that have heard battles and fight fifty Leagues of, for they have counted the time and hours of the assaults. The memory hath been very singular to some.  
Cyrus' King of Persie, had the memory to know and call every one of his army by their names.  
Methridates the king did talk one day to his people, in two & twenty languages without stutting or stammering.  
Others lose their memory by fantastes, or otherwise have forgotten their understanding.  
Messalla the Orator, did forget by grievous sickness his sciences yea his own name (in such sort) that he knew not from whence he was.  
marvelous was the memory of julius Cesar, the which named to four Scribes or writers at one time, and in the mean time, he read, writ, and heard, and if he had no other affairs, he would name to seven. He fought 52. battles.  
And Marcellus 40. Cesar in his battles is reputed to have slain of his enemies 1192. thousand men.  
Pompeus did spoil and take from the Pirates, and sea robbers, against whom he was sent by the Romans 876, ships. Moreover Cesar had this constancy, that the letters that Scipio did send him for to betray Pompeus, he cast into the fire, without reading them.  
Cato was accused to the Senators 42. times, and always absolved. Sicinus dictator of Rome sustained six score battles: he had five and forty wounds before, and not one behind. Sergius was a worthy warrior, he delivered Cremona from the siege, kept Placentia, took in France twelve Castles and Towns. He had his right hand cut off, and he made one of Iron, with the which he fought four battles.  
Pitiful things are found worthy of memory, thorough all parts, among the which, it cometh to my remembrance, of a woman taken in Rome, for to die for offence, and being put into strait Prison there to be famished, her daughter had licence of the jailer to go see her every day, but she was searched for fear lest she should bring her mother food.  
In the end it was found, that every day she did give her mother suck with her breasts, and for to satisfy her, she came daily.  
The Senators having intelligence thereof, did pardon the mother for the virtue that was in the daughter, & did appoint them a living during their lives. marvelous are the operations of humane creatures, among others only of paintings, that do resemble the living so near, that there resteth nothing but the speech.  
The king Attallus bought a table or picture of a Painter, which cost a hundredth Marks. Caesar bought two for eight hundredth Marks.  
Man's age hath been reputed great among the ancients, which do name Princes and Kings to have lived eight hundredth years, and a thousand years, but it is by the variety of years, for so me make the Summer a year, and the Winter another year, and others make three months a year, as the Arcadians, and you must not stay nor judge things by the constellation of the firmament.  
For in one present hour many are borne as well servants as masters, Kings and Magistrates, whose Fortunes are all divers and contrary.  
Many examples we have of sicknesses. Publius Cornelius Rufus, in dreaming to have lost his sight, became blind and lost his sight. Some there are that live but till middle age, and others that die in their youth, and nature doth give a man nothing better than short life.  
To live long the senses & understanding become blunt, the whole members feel dolour, the sight, the hearing, and the going fail, the teeth also, and the instruments of meats: therefore age is but pain, and there is a time prefixed to live.  
We read no better example then of Zenophilus the physician, that lived a hundredth and five years without sickness. The signs of death, are to laugh in the furor and grief of the malady or sickness, to be busy in folding or doubling the clothes of his bed with his hands, to void from one in sleeping behind, a fearful look, with other things, and therefore seeing that by experience we see innumerable signs of death, therefore there is no certainty. Sicknesses are divers both to old and young.  
Sirius died by the multitude of Serpents proceeding from his body.  
Some have had an Ague all their life time. Maecenas was seven years in the end of his days without sleep.  
Antipater lived long without sickness, saving that every year on that day that he was borne, he had the ague.  
We read of one that lived 157. years, that slept in his age 57 years, and wakened as though he had slept but one hour. Others that have returned a foot from their grave, when they were borne to be buried.  
Pompeus caused a man's head to be smitten off, which when it was laid again to the body, did speak an hour, both to the master of the house, and to many others of the house. Death bringeth repentance. Some die for joy: men in the hearing of joyful news, of victories, and women to see their children.  
The father of julius Caesar died in putting on his hose, and felt before no harm. Some in drinking, some in writing, and others in divers manners as we daily see by experience. Anciently the use was among the Romans to bury the dead, but for the often battles of the Romans, that had all the world in their subjection, they use to burn the dead.  
Among men Liber Pater found first the means to sell and buy, also Diadems for kings, and for triumphs.  
The Lady Ceres found the means to sow corn, and to grind it, and therefore she was called a Goddess. For before they used Acorns.  
The Assyrians found first the mean to write letters, but the invention hath been since the beginning of the world.  
Two brethren in Athens found first the means to make houses and bricks.  
Gellius Doxius invented lathing and loming of walls, for before they had Caves and holes in the ground, and they took example of the swallows, which do make their nests.  
Cynira son to Agriope, found out metal of copper, brass, & of lead, he made first many hammers therewith. Danaus' was the first in Grecia that made wells, & digged for water. Thrason made the first walls & towers. The Lydians found the means to dress wools. Arachneus found the means to make Linen, & Canvas. The Egyptians the art of medicine. Lydius to mingle & temper metals together. Erichtonus found silver. Cadmeus gold in the mountain of Pangy. The Ciclopians were the first workers of small Iron work. Corebus the Athenian made earthen pots. Theodore the Samyan made the first keys. Palamedes the measures & weights. Phrigies the charet & wagons. Penius the first trader for Merchandise. Aristeus to make oil and honey. Briges of Athens did first yoke Oxen to Cart and Plough. The Lacedæmonians found Harness, and habiliments for war, Lances, Spears, swords, Bucklers, etc. Cares the bow & Arrows. The Phenitians the cross bows. Belerophons' first mounted upon horses. Palamedes in the war between the Greeks & the Trojans, found the order of standards, signs, penuons, streamers, to give warning & to keep watch. jason did first sail on the Sea in long Ships, or Galleys. Before the time there were made little ones of wood, & hides: & since that time some have added to them masts, sails, cables, tackelings, & many other things, that we see by the experience to be necessary. The first Dial's were made at Rome with water, according to the course of the Sun, & since they are reduced to houses & Churches, as it is seen at this present, which was very agreeable to the Romans. Finally, among all the knowledge the man hath (Pliny) thinketh this to be the chiefest point, for man to know himself, of what estate soever he be.   

The eight book treateth of beasts that are on the Earth.  
IN the Earth there is no beast greater than the Elephant, they have knowledge to understand their Country speech, they have obedience and understand their duties and charges, they never pass the Sea till that their master or governor doth promise to bring them home again, they kneel down for to be laden; & carry the Lady's litters in fear, prudence & equity: their teeth are of ivory, with their other bones there are made goodly works, they are full of clemency, & if they chance to find a man strayed out of his way, they know it, and will lead him through the Forest into his way: but if they find a company of men seeking to chase them, then naturally they know their enemies, as other beasts do. The Females never have but one young in their lives, they live 200. & 300. years, they love the shallow & clear waters, for because of their greatness they can not swim, they eat stones & earth, they fear cold, they will cast to the ground with their fronts or foreheads, trees for to eat the fruit. Among the beasts they hate Mire, & Rats, and they will not feed where as they have run & tasted. They increase in the borders of Africa, & the greatest in India, where as there are Dragons so puissant that they sight to the Elephants. They are tanied by famine, & when they are tamed, they carry Castles on their backs in stead of saddles, wherein there may stand six or eight men, & toward the East they make in them the most part of their battles, although that they being wounded or hurt do retire. There were Elephants at Rome, but they were slain with shot, for the Romans would not nourish them, nor give them to Princes. The Ethiopians make them their venison, & they kill them with shooting & casting darts, which they cast on them standing in trees, where the Elephants use to pass, or else they take them in holes or caves in the earth covered above, they never lie down, but sleep leaning against great trees, & they that know their repair, will saw the tree so far, that when they come to rest them against the tree, it breaketh, & they fall down, than they kill them, (for being once down, they can never rise again.) The blood of Elephants is very cold, & therefore the Dragons & Serpents in the country do assemble under their ears & on their bodies, & suck from them so much blood, that they therewith die.  
Dragon's there are in Ethiopia, of ten fathoms long, and in India, there have been found Serpents of a hundredth foot long, and some will fly in the air to catch birds in flying.  
In Africa there are a great number of wild horses, and in Asia great Asses like unto Mares, but for their long ears. So writeth Aristotle the wise, which was appointed by Alexander the great, to describe the diversity and nature of beasts.  
The Lion is full of nobleness & clemency, the Lioness for the first time bringeth forth five, the next year after four, then three, and when she bringeth but one, than she ceaseth. The young ones are two months without moving, and six months before they can go, they do sooner assail men than women, and never young children, unless it be for great famine.  
In their age they love and follow men, when that they can no more seek their prey, and they live till their teeth fall out. By their clemency they demand nothing of those that prostrate themselves before them, and their ire is mitigate by prayers, as we have seen by the experience of women that name themselves strangers, and poor vagabonds, but they are fierce to those that strive against them, their tail doth demonstrate their amity and furor, as doth the ears of horses. When they are chased they never hide them, they know and pursue among others those that hurt them.  
The female if that her young ones are taken, closeth her eyes against those that chase them, to the end that she fear not their weapons.  
Hanus was the first that daunted or tamed their fierceness, and they are taken in holes that are made of purpose in the ground. In Syria they are all black.  
The Panthers are also full of clemency. We read that if the Female meet a man strayed or lost in the woods, that fleeth for fear of her, she will compass him moving with her tail, showing unto him a sign of amity & love, and after that he is assured, she will lead him into a cave or hole, where as are fallen her young ones by misfortune, which the man pulleth out, and then she tumbletly and playeth before him to give him thanks.  
The Tigers are very light and nimble, therefore those that steal their young ones, as soon as the female findeth them lost, she smelleth their way and runneth after them, and when she is spied of those that have their young ones, they let one of them fall, the which she taketh up, and carrieth it to her repair, and in the mean time, they escape with the rest, and bring them to their ships.  
Camels they are driven to pasture toward the East as we do sheep.  
Wild Dogs have hands and feet almost like men.  
In the North part there are marvelous swift beasts, which have the upper lip so long, that when they will feed they go backward.  
The Wolf before he be seen, will easily draw from a man his breath, they couple not with the females, but xii. days in the year. There are wild Wolves, which in eating of their prey, if they turn once about, forget their prey, and go again to seek another.  
Among the Serpents the Bassalicke doth infect and kill people with his look.  
There are innumerable kinds of others, whereof some have double heads at both ends, for to cast venom. For the biting of an Aspis, there is no remedy but to cut that that he hath touched.  
The Cocodrils are engendered in Nylle, a River of Egypt which have four feet, the skin very hard, and they have no moving but the upper lip, and they make as many eggs as Geese, and they have sharp claws for their defence, in the day they remain on the earth, and the night in the waters, when they open their throat in sleeping, there are little birds called Trochilos that will pick and cleanse their teeth, in the which they take great delight.  
The Stork doth show the manner how to take glisters, for by her nature she filleth her neck with water, and behind with her beacke, maketh infusion into her belly for to cleanse her.  
And many other beasts naturally know the herbs that for them are most proper.  
The Swallow knoweth how to find an herb called Chelidonia, which serveth for her young ones, when their eyes are endamaged.  
Of little beasts we find Cities destroyed and people driven away. In Spain with Coneys. In Thessaly with Moles. In France with Frogs. In Africa with Locusts. In the isle of Ciclados with Rats. In Italy with Serpents. In Ethiopia with Scorpions.  
Hyena is said to be a beast of double nature, Male and Female, they will hearken at the Cottes of shepherds, & learn the proper name that a man is called by, and calling him, when the man is come forth, they will straightway kill him, and they will call Dogs. They are found in Africa, which is the cause of so many wild Asses, that they engender, the Males do correct the young ones by biting, they will cut the trees along the Rivers, as with a knife, they have tails like to fishes.  
Dear that are oppressed with Dogs, if they can find no water for their refuge, than they retire to man: the Female bear eight weeks, and oftentimes two, and for to bring them forth, they seek secret places, not near the high ways accustomed by men.  
The Hind teacheth her young ones to run, to fear, and to leap, the Males that have left the Females, have their mussel black, when they know themselves heavy, they seek secret places, they will stand still to hear the cry of the Dogs, they run with the wind, to take away the smell of the trase, they rejoice to hear whistling, and to hear a noise of singing.  
Moreover the heart is simple, and all things are to him marvelous, if that he see a man with a bow, or a cross bow, he looketh more on them, then on the man, the Males have horns, and in the spring time they cast their horns, that day that they lose their horns, they hide themselves as all astonished & sorrowful, as they that have lost their armours.  
It is said that the right horn can not be found, for that they hide them in the ground. At the burning of the horns, the Serpents fly away: their horns grow till they be three score years old, and the said time passed, there cometh up others like, and then they never fall after that: there is no knowledge of their age, but their age is known, by their teeth, they being without horns feed in the night and when their horns begin to come, they will butt and run against the trees, they live a hundredth years, they never have the Fever or Ague, and therefore some dames always delight to break their fast with Venison, by the which means they have lived a hundredth years without having the Ague.  
chameleon liveth not but by the air, and changeth his colour according to the thing he toucheth, saving white and red, they engender in Africa, and in India.  
The Bears do join with the Females, in the beginning of Winter, not as other four footed beasts do, for the Male and the Female lie down embracing, and after that they do retire in sundry caves, and the Female doth bring forth her young ones within thirty days, and most commonly bringeth five, which have the skin white, deformed without hair, and eyes, and there appeareth but their claws, in licking of them they are figured.  
There is nothing so little of man, as to see the Bear bring forth her young, she hideth her four months, and the Male forty days, they couch or lie upon soft leaves, and the first fourteen days they sleep so sound, that you shall scarce waken them with strokes, than they fatten much, and their fat or grease is convenable to many medicines, also to keep hair from shedding.  
They being weakened for the most part stand up, and live with the licking of their fore feet, they warm their young against their breasts, they have little blood about the heart, and less in the body, they have little eyes, and as feeble or weak heads as the Lion hath strong, therefore they defend their heads with their fore feet, when they fall and leap from the Rocks, or when they are baited with Dogs. The Dogs among all other beasts that unto us are common, are most faithful.  
We have true histories of men that have been defended from thieves by their Dogs, others have fought to revenge their masters death, and constrained the murderer to confess the deed.  
Two hundredth Dogs did rescue by force the king Garamantus, being taken by the hands of his enemies.  
Many people have assembled Dogs together for the war. We read of Dogs that have cast themselves into the fire, when in times past their masters body have been burned.  
We read also of a Dog of Nicomedes the king of Bythinia, to have almost torn the Queen in pieces, for that she played familiarly with the king, the Dog thinking it had been for harm.  
A Senator of Rome, was defended by his Dog on a night, returning to his house, from the hands of those, that would have put him to death.  
At Rome a prisoner's Dog would never departed from the prison door, and when his master was dead, he would eat nothing, and when bread was given him he brought it to his masters mouth. The same Dog was seen openly to hold up his masters body being cast into the River of Tiber. They know their master, and understand his voice, above all other beasts they do best know a man's voice, and their names, they do remember the ways and journeys be they never so far off, and there is none of so long a memory (except man.) In their chase they have great diligence, specially hounds.  
In India they tie proud Bitch's to trees, and the Tigers do cover them, by the which means, cometh fierce and cruel Dogs.  
The king of Albania did give to Alexander the great, a Dog of marvelous highness, which would take Lions and Elephants. The Females have whelps three times a year lightly, and they carry them two months, they are borne blind, they can not see till seven days after they be whelped: If she bring but one whelp, it seeth not till the ninth day, the better whelp is that that the Bitch bringeth out first, or that that seethe last.  
Horses are faithful, and full of great knowledge, for they know their masters, and they that attend on them. Many are singular in their doings, the Males live till fifty years, and the females less, at six years the males grow no more, and the females but five years. Among the beasts they have least fertility.  
The most egrest and fiercest Horses, put their nose mussel deepest in the water to drink, and have almost as many diseases as men. Ass' there hath been bought for four hundredth Crowns.  
In Acaia they are much requested to have Mules. They fear cold, the Males are very slow in their work, they do bear as do Mares, and in thirty months the young ones are ready to help themselves. After they are horsed they must be constrained to run, or else they would reject the seed by making water.  
The females bear all their life, which is thirty years, they be afraid to wet their feet, and they never drink but in small and shallow waters, where they are accustomed to drink dry footed, the Females do hide themselves when they bring forth, in dark places, that they be not seen of men, they will not pass the bridges when the Sun shineth in the water, it is marvel that they run not mad for thirst, for he that daily changeth their water or River accustomed to drink at, must constrain them perforce to drink.  
The little Mule is engendered of the Ass and of the Mare. The Mules that cometh of a Horse and of a she Ass, are beasts full of strength and labour.  
The Ass that covereth the Mare bringeth forth afore her time, if she before have retained the horse, but not else, the seventh day the females should be filled, after their foal is borne, the Males fatigated of labour, doth sooner replenish the Females.  
Some of them are not like to their Sires, and the Mule of her nature is barren, saving that in Capadocia they bear, by force of drinking wine, often times the Mules cease from casting or striking.  
The Athenians knowing for a truth a Mule to have done service fourscore years, did ordain, that in the fields none should disturb him, neither in the corn nor otherwise.  
The Oren live twenty years, and the Kine commonly fifteen years, at five years they have taken their strength: it is said that to wash them with warm water they will fatten, the strength of the Bull is at three years: for to make them draw, it is good to yoke them with a drawing Over, for he will teach the other.  
In times passed among the Romans, it was esteemed as great offence to kill an Ore, or to steal one, (because of their ploughs,) as it was to kill a man.  
The Bull requiring combat, showeth magnanimity of courage and gentility, he turneth the head, lifteth up the cares, remaineth on his forefoots, and maketh the dust to die with his hinder feet.  
At Rome hath been seen an Ore speak. The Ore of Egypt hath a kernel called Apis under his tongue, and a white spot on the right side, which groweth as the horns of the Moon. The nature of sheep is that they live not above nine or ten years, the Males couple with the Females in the midst of May, till the midst of August, the Females bear a hundredth and fifty days.  
The Ram if the right genitory be bound, maketh all Females, and if the left be bound in the season, maketh all Males. If ye look under the Tup or Rams tongue, he doth engender Lambs of the colour that the veins are, if they be of divers colours, he engendereth Lambs of divers sorts.  
Also the mutation of waters, doth varefie the colour of Lambs, also the winds. It is esteemed not good to cut or geld Lambs before five months, and commonly the Females bring forth not above four Lambs.  
goats conceive commonly two kids, and sometime four, they bear five months as do sheep, they become barren with fatness, & they engender not before the fourth year, they conceive in November, for to be delivered in March, when the trees begin to bud: the Goat feareth cold, every one of these beasts have not horns, but the milk of those that have no horns, is fatter than those that have, and those that have horns, their age is known by the knots in their horns, they aspire through the ears, and not by their nose, and they are never without Fevers or Agues, because of the heat of their bodies, which maketh them much subject to lechery, they see as well by night as by day, they have all deardes on their chin, if one of them be taken or driven, all the rest will marvel thereat, if they crop or bite a young tree, it dieth, and if they lick an Olive tree, it will dry away.  
Among the swine the Sow doth farrowe two times a year, and sometime they have twenty Pigs, but they cannot nourish so many: the tenth day the Pigs have teeth: in once knowing the Boar they are filled, but they double it for fear not to have retained.  
Some think that if they lose an eye that they will soon die, otherwise they live till fifteen or twenty years, the most fattest have lest milk, they willingly wallow in the dirt and mire, and couch most on the left side, they fatten in six days, they know their masters house, and defend one an other, for if that one cry, all the rest will run thither.  
Among the wild Boars, the male hath great pain to acquaint him with the Female, and she hath great dolour to make her young ones: they are borne with teeth, and are black.  
In Arabia they can not live, neither wild nor yet tame.  
Apes do approach much to the sense of man, and their kind is, to have no tails, these kind of beasts, are much affectioned to their young ones, they keep them or hold them always between their arms or legs, before their breasts, whereby many times they kill them: they have beard on their chin. And some in Ethiopia have tails, that can live no where else.  
Of Hares there are divers kinds, in the high Mountains, there are white ones, & in Winter they live with snow. It is said that a Hare is as old as there are purgings or voidings in her belly, they have both kinds, and engender one with another, and the Hare alone is meat unto men, beasts and fowls, and therefore he is ever in fear, and goeth more by night then by day.  
Coneys are of another kind, the Males have great desire to eat the young ones when they are borne, but the Female hideth them, and they make great multiplication.  
Many sorts of beasts there are on the earth, that do mingle one kind with another.  
Among the beasts, Origes have the hair long always, tending towards the head, and of other beasts the hair tendeth towards the tail.  
Mice are engendered on the earth. We read that when Hannibal had besieged a Town, a Mouse was sold for two hundredth Crowns, the seller died for famine, & the buyer did escape the hunger. The old Mice are nourished of the young ones, by great clemency.  
In Africa there is neither Dear, wild Boars, Goats, nor Bears. In other places neither Wolves, nor Foxes. In some places there are no Hares, in other places no Coneys. And in other places there is great diversity of beasts, that are not in other places.  
The Scorpions or Serpents do sooner hurt strangers, than the Country inhabitants.   

The ninth Book treateth of Water beasts, and of Fishes.  
IN the Sea there are many great beasts, aswell as on earth for the moisture thereof, and because it is more larger and bigger. Also there is many monsters and diversity in many fishes, for they couple in many kinds, and there is the similitude of all kind of beasts on the earth, and rather more.  
Whales are the most greatest and grossest beasts in the Sea, there are of two hundredth yards long. In many places there are rib bones of Whales of twenty yards.  
Alexander the great was afraid to meet them, lest his Navy should have perished. In the Sea there are Eels three hundredth foot long.  
In the night there cometh many fishes out of the Sea, that will eat the corn in the fields, & after return again.  
There is in the Sea Mermaids that have been seen, and some that have the shape of men, and their voice like unto men's voice, having the body of man's shape, and the lower parts scaled like fishes, with a tail.  
And there are Wolves, Horses, Asses, Hogs & other sea beasts, as on the earth. If the fishes aspire and respire as other beasts, there are divers opinions.  
Pliny doth believe that the most part sleepeth & respireth, except those that have no liver, and in steed of blood have humour.  
The Dolphin is the most swiftest fish in the Sea, and most hardest to be taken: every one followeth his like, they have young in ten months in Summer, and nourish them as do the Whales, the old ones carry the young ones, and there is always a great Dolphin, that followeth the little one, they have the tongue moving like a Hog.  
Above the nature of other fishes, they love young children, and the sound of Instruments, they live three hundredth years, and they have their greatness at ten years, they rejoice when one calleth them Simon, and they love humane voice.  
Many examples are both seen and read of little children, that they have carried by Sea on their backs and brought back again without doing them any harm.  
Shell fishes are so great in some places, that with their shells they cover their houses.  
The beasts of the Sea have divers clothings, some are covered with leather, and with hair, as the Sea calf, some only with leather as the Dolphins, others with great thick and hard shells, other softer shells, as Oysters, Cockles, and Muscles, that have no heads, others with sharp prickles, as the Ecchinus called the Sea Porcupen, others with scales, as carps and many other fish, others with rough skins with the which they shave fine wood and ivory, some with soft skins, and others that have none.  
The Sea calf which is clothed with skin and hair, they join Male and Female together as Dogs, and they never have but two at a burden, they nourish their young ones with their paps or tettes, and are delivered on the land, and within twelve days after they bring them to the Sea.  
The Sea calf, is more grieved and more constrained to sleep then any other beast, and therefore their skin put on a man's head, doth provoke him to sleep.  
Great is the diversity of beasts, in some there is neither bone nor thorn, and of many kinds there is no male.  
Among the fishes the Females are greater than the Males, there are some that have their scales tending towards their heads, clean contrary to the nature of others.  
Some there are that go always to sleep upon the dry land.  
The Whale maketh her young ones alive without eggs.  
Eels live commonly eight year, they will live six days without water, specially when the wind is at West, and less with other winds.  
In Winter they covet deep and clear waters, and swim in the bottom, they feed in the night, and they of all other fishes, slote not above water when that they are dead. In the Lake of Verone they are taken by thousands. Some kind of fishes rendereth their young ones alive, others that fly by the Sea, as the Sea swallow.  
Some make eggs and cover or sit on them, as do the fowls in the air, so doth the Sea kite, a foul called Lucerna, of the property of his name, seeketh the main Seas, whose tongue shineth or glistereth, as may well be seen in a fair and calm night.  
The Dragon of the Sea, as soon as she is taken and brought to land, she maketh incontinently an entry or hole in the sand, that she might be lost. Some fishes have no blood, and have their heads in their bellies between their feet, & with their feet they cast meat into their mouths.  
The Sea Locusts hide themselves for the space of five months, and swim in the spring time, they battle between themselves with their horns.  
If they be put alive into hot water for to seeth, they will be tender.  
The Sea Crevices live in Rocks and stony places, & there are very great ones.  
In Summer and in the Spring they fatten, and in the full Moon, and they augment & diminish with the Moon, they are of a long life, & they have all eight feet. The Females have the first foot folded or double, and the Males single, and they creep as much backward as forward.  
Cockles have two little horns wherewith they feel the way, for they have no eyes.  
The fishes join Male and Female, joining their bellies, than the female runneth or swimmeth away, touching with her mussel the belly of the Male, and the Males eat the Females Eggs, for if all the Eggs should profit, the Sea, Rivers, and Ponds, would be filled with fish, there would be such an innumerable multitude.  
The Sea Mouse maketh her Eggs on the land, and covereth them with earth, and thirty days after doth uncover them, and bringeth her young ones into the Sea.  
Some fish live three score year, as by the experience of marks put on them. Some fishes there are that live on the land, when that in Summer, the Rivers and poudes are dried up, and some will go feed in the corn, and on the land, tarrying for the water, and such is the nature of some, to live on the earth with worms.  
There are certain fishes with sharp prickles on their backs, that will cut the line of fisher's Nets.  
Other fishes that are called Sea stars, do burn other fishes by their great heat.  
In the Sea there is war among the fishes as among the foul in the air, for one feedeth not with another.   

The tenth Book treateth of the Fowls of the Air.  
IN Africa and Ethiopia, there are birds that are called Struthiocameli, as high as a man on horseback, which do not forsake the earth, but run faster than horses.  
The Phoenix liveth in Arabia, I say not that he is alone, but never man saw him eat, he liveth six hundredth years, and in his age maketh a Nest of the branches of spice trees, wherein he dieth, and of his bones cometh a worm, the which afterward natarally becometh a Phoenix. He is as great as an Eagle, the feathers about his neck are of the colour of gold, the tail yellow, and the surplus like to Azure.  
eagle's there are of six kinds, some live with their prey on the earth, other in the water, that fish with one foot, they have the knowledge to take Whelks, and other shelled fish up into the air, & then let them fall, to break their shells, for to have the fish, they cause their young ones to look up into the Sun beams, and cast those out of the Nest that will not behold the Sun, as bastards: they die in their age, because that their upper bill doth grow so long that they can not eat, they fight against Dear and against the Dragons, and in flying they cast dust that they take up on the land, in the eyes of Crows & other beasts for to blind them.  
The Cuckoo resembleth to the colour of the wood Dove, they are killed of others of their kind, they change their voice, and come in the spring time, and do always bring up their young ones in other birds nests, specially in the nests of stock Doves, she never lightly maketh above one egg, and very seldom two, because she knoweth that she is hated of all other birds. They think themselves very fair, and dispraise others, and there is no flesh sweeter than theirs.  
The Kite is always a revenging foul: it seemeth by the removing of their tail, that they that have learned to guide or govern the ships by the Helm, have learned by her. crows will break or crack nuts, with often letting them fall in flying.  
The Ravens engender by the mouth, as some suppose, as do Doves: it is an evil token or sign when that they cry as though they were choked.  
The night Owls do defend themselves from other fowls, with their bill and claws, because they are hated they fly in the night, in winter they sleep two months, and they have nine manner of voices.  
Among the flying beasts, some have fingers and nails, and other flat & broad feet, as Geese, Ducks, Swans, and others living for the most part in the waters.  
The proud Peacock spreadeth abroad his feathers, specially against the Sun, to make them shine, & then putteth them down together: his tail sheddeth as the leaves on trees, and cometh again with the spring, when he hath no tail, he doth hide himself as ashamed, at three years his tail beginneth to colour, and liveth xxv. years, his feet are fowl, and his voice fearful.  
The Cock knoweth the stars, & when the day dawneth he riseth, and goeth to rest when the Sun is set, by his crowing he giveth warning of the hours in the night, and waketh those that go to their labour, he is king of beasts that are in the house of his bigness, & fighteth with his spurs: if he have the mastery, he will sing or crow, if he be vanquished, he hideth himself: he is stout in his going, and maketh the Lion afraid: he beholdeth the Sun more than any other bird: if he be carved or gelded, he will not crow, being carved he will soon wax fat. The Goose keepeth the Romans Capitol, it hath been recited of a Goose that hath followed his master from Swecia, to Rome: their feathers are plucked twice a year, with Goose grease is made many good ointments.  
Cranes they fly high, they do elect one whom they follow, there are among them sergeants, which make them keep order in their assemblies, in the night they sleep the head under their wing, and one leg under their feathers, and sustain themselves with the other. Those that are appointed to make watch, hold a stone in one of their claws, for to waken those that sleep, when he letteth the stone fall into the water.  
The Storks go their ways in the Summer, and none knoweth whether, nor from whence they come, aswell as Cranes, the one cometh in Summer, and the other in winter, they assemble for to take their flight, but no man ever saw their congregations, for that is done in the night, without noise. They assemble in Asia at a certain day, & he that is last come, is killed and torn in pieces, and then they take their flight. The Swans eat Serpents, and therefore there is as great pain to kill them, as to kill a man, the young ones do nourish the old.  
The Quails come by night, and in danger of mariners when they approach the land, because of their great multitude. In time of rain, or of a great wind, they never pass the Seas, in winter they cast their feathers, so doth the Turtle.  
swallows live with flesh, they are so swift, and turn so suddenly, that no other fowls can get them for to feed on, and they will feed in flying.  
Swallows tarry but half a year, some change their voices, and their feathers mount every year. The jay loveth to steal Gold and Silver. In some places there are no Partridges. In Rhodes there are no Eagles.  
At Rome in the house of Hercules, there entereth neither Dog, nor flies.  
And so it is, that in many places there is great diversity of birds.  
Along the Sea coasts in some places there are birds that live with fish, and every one of them maketh seven Nests, and in every Nest young ones, but their Nests are so hard, that they can scarce be broken, and there is no way into the Nests but one little hole for the Dame to come in and out, and their Nests are of Thorns, that are ranged one against another, with earth and feathers, and they are seldom seen. There are Swallows of divers kinds, there are some called Marlions the make their nests six foot in the ground. Birds have marvelous great industry, and knowledge in making their Nests, with feathers, earth, and chaff, hair, wool, moss, and such like.  
Also they carry water to temper it, and to fortify it, by the which means their young ones are sure and safe against the rain, the dames do cleanse and make clean the nests from ordure, when their little ones are young, and when they become great, they force them to come forth of their nests for to be clean.  
And in India, some fowls seek Hares skins to make their nests.  
The Partridge so maketh her nest, that the wild beasts can not find them, and where she layeth her Eggs she hatcheth not her young, fearing that her oft frequentation should be known.  
The Female for the intemperancy of lust of the Male, seeketh to deceive him, because if she be upon the nest, he will break her Eggs. The Males do fight, for the Females. At the cry or singing of the Female, the Male runneth so blinded, that he will sometimes strike against the fowlers head, he is so much subject to imbecility, more than any other bird.  
The Female when she heareth any approach her young ones, she feigneth to have her wings broken, that she can not fly, and crieth that she may be heard, for to retire the people and Dogs, to the end they find not their nests, and she flieth a far of from her little ones, and they live, by common estimation, till sixteen years.  
The Doves are chaste and leave not their dwelling or remaining place, if they are not without makes, they do suspect adultery: by this means they quarrel with their throat, and fight with their bill, then they flatter with their feet. The Male is as careful toward the young ones, as the Female: at the first they bring their young of the salt of the earth, for to temper their appetite, and they conceive by the bill. The Pigeons and Turtles drink as do horses, without often pulling their bill out of the water when they drink: they live about eight years, but the wild Doves live thirty years.  
The Sparrow liveth not above a year, and the Female liveth somewhat more, because of the frequentation that they have together.  
Birds fly in divers kinds, some go, some leap, some run, and some cast their feet forward before they fly, as Cranes and Sorkes, and there are none but Drakes, that fly bolt upward at the first leap, others advance them before they fly. Some have no feet, and have no rest but in their nest.  
hens have understanding, and when they have laid an Egg, they cackle and make a noise.  
The Cardnelis doth those things, that she is commanded.  
The Popingay can speak humane speech, they come from the Indians, they have their head as hard as their bill, they live most commonly with Acorns, and they speak best that have five claws on their feet, they are taught secretly where as there is no other noises but the teachers.  
Crows have been seen speak, and call noble men by their names, specially one in Rome, which by that means was solemnly buried.  
It is easier to tame a Lion, an Elephant, or any other great beast or foul, then to tame a Mouse or a Swallow.  
Strabo was the first that did cage birds, which before had liberty in the Sky: he taught the way to fatten Capons, with meal and milk.  
Among the birds many have four feet, and some lay many eggs, some four, and some two. They join together in two manners, the Cranes, with their height. And Hens and other Females the Cocks tread them down. Some eggs, and the most part are white, others coloured, and others red, as the eggs of pheasants: and all kind of eggs within are of two colours, white and red.  
Eggs of fishes are round, and they have no white, she Eggs of feathered fowls living on the water are round, and of others long: the young ones come out of the shell at the round end.  
Horace saith that the longest eggs have the best savour, & that Hen is best and most tenderest, that layeth round eggs,  
Some birds engender at all times, as Hens that lay every day an egg, some two at a time, and some so many that therewith they die.  
In some places Doves engender ten times in a year.  
In Egypt the Turtle twice a year, and other birds but once a year.  
As touching Eggs, there is a red drop in the midst of the yolk, the which maketh the birds heart, and it is the first form, and of the white is form the body, and within the Egg the head is greater than the body, and liveth with the surplus of the yolk: the twenty day he hath life and crieth within the Egg, and then the feathers begin to come.  
The young one in the Egg lieth after this sort, it hath the head under the right foot, and the right wing upon the head, and they grow on their feet, contrary to the nature of other beasts.  
Ye ought not to give a Hen above xxv. Eggs to cove on, and those Chickens that are hatched about the beginning of the year, are the best.  
For to set Hens to brood, take eggs of ten days old, for they are better then older, or more fresher, and ye ought to put odd: when the Hen hath coved four days, in looking on them in the Sun, ye shall know whether they be good or no, or in putting them in warm water, for the good Egg will sink to the bottom, and those that are putrefied and nought, will flotte and swim. If the eggs are never so little craised the are set, they will never prove.  
It is best to set Hens to cove in the new Moon, for if they are set in the wane of the Moon, or at the full, they will profit little. When the weather is hot, Chickens will come within one and twenty days, and if it be cold, not till five and twenty days. If it thunder the eggs that are coved will be lost, & also at the voice of the Rite or Puttock.  
The remedy against the thunder, is to put a nail in the hens nest, or else of the earth of a Cart wheel.  
It hath been recited of a Cock, which after the hens death hath achieved coving, and by this means to cease from crowing.  
The Duck marveleth at the first to see her ducklin's, but after most carefully she calleth them together, and lamenteth if she see them drowned in the water, and some there are that can make Chickens come in warm water, as well as if the Egg were coved.  
The pip cometh lightly unto pullen, between harvest and the vintage: for a remedy therefore, it is good to let them hunger, and to give them little meat, or to give them to eat Garlic and butter.  
Doves they lay two eggs, and if they lay three they will hatch but twain, they bring forth a Male and a Female, the Male first, and two days after the Female.  
The Male is hatched in the day time, and the Female in the night, the young Pigeons come forth of the shell twenty days after they are hatched, and the Female layeth eggs within five days after that she hath known the Male. In summer oftentimes they have young ones thrice in two months, for if the weather be hot, they conceive in eighteen days, and therefore in the nest is found many times eggs and young ones. And Pigeons conceive at five months.  
The Peacock at the age of three years bringeth forth young ones, the first year one, & every year after she increaseth, the Male breaketh the eggs to have the Female at his pleasure, & therefore she hideth her eggs, and for one Male, she hath five Females: in thirty days she bringeth forth her young ones. Geese conceive in the water, they make their eggs in the Spring: it is necessary to give them nine or eleven eggs to cove, at xxv. or thirty, days they are hatched, commonly Swans or such like, cove thirty days, the female Crow olone coveth, and the Male feedeth her in the nest.  
The Bat hath the members and wings as feathers, she bringeth two young ones, the which she nourisheth with the milk of her breasts.  
Viper's do wind one about another in conceiving, that they seem to be but one Serpent, & the Female conceiveth by sucking the Males head, which she putteth into hers.  
Some Serpents make her eggs on the ground, and then covereth them with earth, and the next year after bringeth forth their young ones.  
Men are more proner to lust and fornication in Winter then in Summer, and women more in Summer then in Winter.  
Beasts have society, and know when the Female will have the Male.  
Among the four footed beasts, their smelling bringeth the operation of lechery.  
The greater the beasts are, the fewer young they bring forth, and the longer they bear them.  
All beasts are replenished with the Male at one time though they bring never so many, and the young ones lie in the females belly the joints or knees against the belly.  
But a young Child in the mother's Womb hath his face between his knees, and is like a City.  
Rats and Mice do engender by licking one another, and it hath been seen that one hath made six score, so it cometh to pass that by this means there are so many both in the fields, and in men's houses.  
The Salamander in touching the fire doth quench it as if it were Ice, and notwithstanding that she casteth by the mouth, which is like milk, if it touch any part of a man, the hair of his skin will fall away, they grow as the Eagle in the water, and among them there is neither Male nor Female, and they never conceive nor make eggs nor yet have young.  
Man's sense is perfect, but in seeing, the Eagle doth surmount him.  
The Vulture to smell, and the Mole to hear, what soever is on the earth.  
Fishes doth both smell and see, and yet have neither ear nor hole in the head.  
Some fishes get their prey with their teeth, others with their feet, and others with sucking and licking according to their nature.  
Some live by sucking of venom, as Serpents, and Spiders, that have neither blood nor heat, nor sweat, and to them needeth no meats.  
Wolves do often times live with earth.  
Beasts do fatten with drinking, and therefore salt for them is necessary.  
Those beasts that have their teeth close, do lap as Dogs in their drinking, and they that hold their teeth together do sowpe hume as do Oxen and Horses.  
The Bear in drinking seemeth to bite the water.  
In Africa wild beasts drink not in the Summer for default of water, and there are certain beasts that never drink, and yet they have always thirst within the body.  
There is that have a bladder full of liquor, in drinking thereof one shall endure long without thirst.  
Birds have both amity and war among themselves as well as beasts on the earth.  
One robbeth from the other their nests, young ones, Eggs and meat.  
All beasts having heart will sleep, both on the earth and in the water.  
A child new borne (to let him sleep long) is to him nourishment, as he grows to age he sleepeth less, and young children dream in their sleeping.   

The eleventh Book treateth of little Beasts.  
NAture hath made more marvels, and hath given more sense and understanding to little beasts, worthy of more greater memory than the great. They have no blood, but in steed of blood have humidity and moisture in the body, which maketh them give both sound and voice, to aspire and respire, they have neither heart nor liver, but only certain bowels, and have eyes & other sentements and feelings, their head moveth not without the body, unless it be pulled off.  
Among the which, the good flies or honey Bees have sense, and labour for the public profit, they have among them Princes, and conductors of their counsel, and manner how to behave themselves in their frequentations. In the winter they are hidden, for that they can not resist the Snows, winds, and frosts, they make honey and wax, when they go to their work they never lose no time.  
First they wipe or rub their Hive with things that are bitter, as the Gum of trees, and other things for to take the taste from other beasts of the sweetness of their honey: after ward they make their chambers or dwellings, than they make their young ones without corruption, and after that they make their honey and wax, of flowers, and provide food for winter, otherwise bitter meat full of humour separated from honey.  
On nights in their voyage, when they are from their wont place to rest, they lie their belly upward, to keep their wings from the dew. The manner of their works is to remain some of them at the gate or door of their Hive there to keep watch, as the custom is of a Castle: in the night they rest till the morning, except those that are appointed to watch, of the which one of them in the morning goeth about making a sound or noise, as it were a Trumpet, and then every one departeth and flieth away if the day be fair, otherwise they continue in their house, & they know the disposition of times, the young ones go or fly abroad into the fields, & the old ones remain to make the work, or to divide the rooms within. Some bring the flowers to the entry of their place, others do discharge it, & carrieth it in, others bring water in their throat for to temper or give moisture to their works, and they divide their offices.  
Some do garnish, some pollishe, some suck, and others make ready food of that which is brought in, for they live together, and do not separate, to the end, that equally their food be divided: they make double alleys or paths, some to come in at, and some to go forth by: the most honey is in the highest room.  
If there chance to rise a great wind whilst they are in the fields, than they fly close to the ground along the hedges, and they take a little stone or earth to be more weightier, to the end the wind bear them not away, and load their flowers in their fore feet against their breasts.  
Those that are appointed masters or overseers of their house, will chastise those that are negligent and slow.  
They never file nor make filth in their Hive they are so clean. In the night their watch being set, they retire into their lodging, and make a murmuring or noise, still diminishing till that one maketh the last sound or Trumpet, flying in the midst of them, and then they cease off all till the morning. First they make their common houses, and then the house of their king or Captain whom they do elect and choose.  
Among these good flies, there are others more greater without sting, which serve at the works, and to chafe or warm the young ones between their feet, and they are straightly corrected, and if they fail, without any remission.  
These make their king a fair house, pinacled like a Castle, separated from other houses.  
The lodgings of the common sort, have six rooms or corners for the work of their six feet, and they make them in close, dark, or rainy days, and at such times they fill the upper Cells with honey, and in a fair and clear day, they go to the fields.  
The manner how the young ones are borne, there is great difficulty, for they never cover one another. There was a Roman that made a hive of clear lantern horns for to see their works, & it seemeth that they make little worms, that become flies, and before that they have feathers, there is nothing that the dame desireth more to eat, when their heads are pulled of.  
Their king is chosen in every swarm or company, and they choose him that is greatest: he is known, for he hath a spot in the forehead. If he go or fly to the fields: the others follow him as his guard, and he goeth not out of the Hive, unless that all the rest do follow.  
If he have a wing broken or perished, he goeth not out of the Hive, he only taketh no pains, but admonisheth them of their work. If by advise of counsel he cometh forth, every one putteth their pain to serve him, and will carry him if he be weary. If he have a sting, yet he useth it not. When they intent to departed and leave the hive, certain days before, they murmur and make a noise, and fly their way by tempests.  
Oftentimes they be at strife for their bonds & flowers, or if one Hive have no food, they will spoil another, and their king doth defend them.  
If there want victuals, they kill or drive away those flies that have no sting. If their sting be once broken, they are tamed or faint hearted, as a gelded body, and can profit no more, such have places a part for to retire them.  
They hate sheep, for they can scarce get out of their wool. Also they hate Crabs or Crevices, and if there be any sodden near to their place, the smell of them will make them die.  
They have many diseases, and if any of them die, they bring him out of their rooms, and cast him out of their Hive as making of funerals.  
If their King die, they do more, for than they make such dolour and sorrow, that they do nothing. By this and by to much taking off of their honey, they die often times.  
They have sense and understanding to hear, and do rejoice, and at the sound of a Basan they will assemble.  
When their work is finished they fly abroad, then return to their Hive or house. Their age is seven years, they never touch any Carrion, as crows Kites, and other flies do. Their honey cometh as it were a sweat from heaven, spittle from the stars, or liquor from the air, when in the spring time the said moisture falleth on the leaves and the Dew, and the Bees receiveth it, and carrieth it into their Hive.  
The honey at the first is as clear as water, it boileth like new wine, and purgeth, the twenty day it fatteneth, than it hardeneth, and casteth a little skin like a scum, there is ways how to get the honey, for want of food causeth the Bees to disperse and fly their ways, or die, and to great abundance maketh them unprofitable, for they labour no more than is necessary or needful, & therefore the twelfth part is their portion that they ought to leave them.  
Of honey is made many medicinable things, serving to each one. Some leave the tenth part, and if it be not full but almost empty, ye ought not to touch it.  
That honey that cleaveth together or thréedeth, is not good, but when incontinently it breaketh in taking of it, it is a good sign.  
Also the good smelling honey that hath a colour like gold, and sweet in the taste, is a sign of goodness. The wild honey is not so good as the other.  
Spiders or Spinners have within them such fertility, that they spin beginning in the midst, and they make threads very subtle. They make their young ones like worms.  
Scorpions towards the East are very venomous, and they make little worms like Eggs, of which cometh their young ones, but in Italy they do little harm. They bite or sting with their tail.  
Locusts or grasshoppers make eggs, they go on the ground with their claws. The Parthians do eat them.  
Also Aunts make eggs, of the which grow their young ones: and as the good flies do congregate their works, so they hide their food in that earth, for to live with in the winter. They have knowledge how to divide that great grain acorn, and they dry them that are wet in the Summer, they work by night in the full Moon, one cometh to an other for their burdens, and it seemeth that in them is mutual love in the diligence of their work.  
Among other beasts they bury one another when they are dead.  
The Butterfly cometh of a little worm in three days, she groweth also of wood wherein is humidity.  
There are beasts full of blood that die so soon as they are full, for behind they have no issue, they are engendered under Oxen, and some time on Doggess.  
In Cypress there grow in the furnaces, of flies great flying flies, called Piralis or Piransta, that die when they are out of the fire. And some there are called Hemorobios, that die that day that they take life. Dead flies if they be hidden or buried in ashes, will revive. All beasts have their horns hollow saving at the very end, except the Deer.  
Asses in India have one horn. Man alone hath his ears unmovable. Hare's sleep with their eyes open, so do many men which the Greeks call Corybantia.  
The eyes of young Swallows will come again, if they be pulled out.  
The eyes of man principally doth show love, furor, folly, and wisdom.  
Great eyes signify small wit or discretion. The heart liveth first, and dieth last.  
A man hath eight ribs on a side, the Hog ten, the Serpent thirty. Among fowls the Bat hath teeth and no other. Man groweth till he be xxi. years old. Blood preserveth the life of every person: that being gone: no remedy but death. They that have the thickest and fattest blood, are the strongest. They that have it most fine and clear, are the wisest. They that have least are fearful.  
The blood of an Ass is most fattest. The blood of a Bull will soon wax hard. The blood of Dear and Goats is not thick nor hardeneth not.  
Man alone will change his colour even in a moment. The man that is hairy, is inclined to fleshly lust.  
If a man's hair doth not grow nor his beard, it is a sign that he is barren, so is the woman that hath no hair growing on her body.  
The hair of a man's beard cometh not as the grass in the field that is mowed, but it proceedeth from the root.  
There is no Male that hath any appearance of breasts but man: a woman hath two in her stomach, the Cow hath four in her belly, Goats & Sheep two, the sows ten, and some twelve. Every Pig knoweth the dug that they have been nourished with.  
Whales, and Sea calves nourish their young ones with milk of their breasts.  
A woman's milk is unprofitable before the seven months. A Cow hath no milk before she hath had a calf. The Ass hath milk when she beginneth to bear. And to let the young Ass take the dams milk before two days, is dangerous.  
Certain Dames of Rome did bathe themselves in Ass' milk, for it maketh their skin smooth and white.  
Milk of Goats is worse to make cheese than the milk of Cows. The milk of beasts having above four breasts, is unprofitable to make cheese, and that of two breasts is better.  
The chiefest and best chéeses are made in Italy.  
Zoroaster lived twenty years with cheese without feeling age.  
Man hath two feet of one length and measure, and two arms with two hands. The thumb and the little finger are of one measure, the other two also of a measure, & that in the midst is longer. Every finger hath three joints, and they shut or bow inward & not outward, the thumb hath but two that bow in like manner.  
The Ape is the beast that most approacheth the fashion of feet, hands, nose, and ears to man, for with the foreféete he feedeth, and hath the bowels like to man's.  
At three years man hath taken half his growth of height. He hath the knees and arms contrary in bowing, the one forward the other backward.  
Beasts that engender their like, bow their knees backward, and those that make eggs, forward. nails grow unto each one, yea unto dead men as well as their beards.  
Birds that have claws and one at the heel, stretch their feet toward their tail in flying.  
All beasts have feet in number equal. Flies have sire and so have Locusts or grasshoppers that leap, because that their hinder feet are long.  
The genitors of Wolves, Foreste, and Rams are of bone. Boar's have them joining, and Sheep have them hanging.  
The tale of fishes serveth to conduct them, & so it doth to other beasts, and all have tails except man and the Ape. Those beasts have voice that have lungs and arteries. Others make but a sound or noise, and murmur inward.  
A Child never rendereth voice till he be wholly out of the mother's womb. They that soonest speak latest go.  
The voices of men are divers, as well as their similitudes and likeness, and we understand them before we see them. The voice of men is more graver than the voice of women. Members that grow out of time are unprofitable, as the sixth finger.  
There was one that had two eyes behind the head, but he saw nothing. It is a vain thing saith Aristotle to judge any person by signs. oftentimes cometh judgements of short life, that is to wit, few teeth, very long fingers, colour like to lead, and other things.  
The contrary signs of long life is to crook the shoulders, on one hand two strikes along, to have more than xxxij. teeth, great ears.  
Great fore heads signifieth a stout and manly courage, little forehead, lightness, a round forehead, wrath. If the brows be strait it signifieth imbecility. If they bend towards the nose, hastiness. If they bend towards the cheeks, signifieth a mocking person. If they bend wholly toward the eyes, malice and envy. Long eyes signify malice. The greatness of the ears signifieth a foolish babbler. The breath of a Bear is nought, and worse a Lions.  
The Serpent flieth the breath of the Elephant, and the burning of Hearts horn.  
The honey Bees oil being cast on them, die. The Scythians in their wars, temper their Darts heads in humane blood, and in Viper's poison, and if they strike any therewith, there is no remedy but death.  
The best food for man is to eat but of one meat at one time or meal, the accumulating of savours is pestiferous, and Wine maketh a smelling or stinking breath, if it be not tempered. With great difficulty shall a man digest that which is taken greedily, excessively, or hastily.  
There is more pain in the stomach to digest in Summer, then in Winter, and in age more than in youth.  
The vomitings that are made after excess, maketh the body cold, are hurtful to the eyes and teeth.  
A man's body groweth and wareth gross, to use sweet things, fat meats, and good drinks. A man may easily live seven days without drink.  
Butter assuageth hunger and thirst: nevertheless things excessively taken are hurtful, & therefore it is good to diminish that away which hurteth.   

The twelfth Book treateth of sweet smelling Trees.  
Trees have life which they take of the earth. There are many strange trees in divers countries, which unto some are unknown.  
In some places they water fine trees at the foot with wine, the which profiteth much the roots.  
The Parthians which have trees bearing wool, of the which is made fine Cotton cloth, as it is said, have a tree bearing Apples, but the fruit is not to be eaten, but they have a marvelous smell, so have the barks, the which being in your Chest among your apparel, casteth a sweet savour or smell: and this tree hath always fruit, some growing, some dying, and some ready to gather, and the grafts of this tree will take in no other country.  
In India there is both wood & trees that will not burn in the fire. There hath also been seen a Fig tree of a great height, the branches of the same tree to spread sixty paces, and it hath leaves so broad, that the Sun beams can not by any means enter between, and therefore the fruit of this tree can not die, but the shadow of the same is very delectable.  
There is also in the India's, Apple trees which have the leaves three cubits long, and two broad, bearing such great fruit, that four men can scarce eat one Apple. The trees name is Pala, the Apples name Aripa.  
Pepper groweth on little trees as doth juniper.  
In the India's it is sometimes mingled with juniper berries of that Country, which have some strength, but no such taste: it groweth almost white, but for to last it is dried in the smoke, which causeth it to be black, and with the shrubs of the same tree dried in the Sun, is made long Pepper.  
There are other trees which in the morning after the dew, rendereth a certain kind of honey.  
In Arabia there are trees which never cast their leaves. Others that have their flowers, that beginneth in the morning at the Sun rising to open, and at high noon they are opened, & after noon they begin to close, and so remain all night till the morning, and the Paysauntes of that country say that the tree sleepeth.  
There is the tree of Nardas', the which casteth a marvelous sweet smell or odour.  
And in Arabia of Trees grow Frankincense, and Myrrh. Frankincense groweth in a Forest of Arabia, in a fruitful ground, full of Fountains pertaining to divers persons.  
It is a hanging matter among them to steal any thing.  
The men do purify themselves, and abstain from women for a certain space, to take or gather the Frankincense, otherwise they can not profit.  
On this side the Sea it is mingled with a kind of Rosen which is like, but the difference is known by the colour, by the breaking, and by the fire, for Frankincense will sooner burn, and is sooner broken with your teeth.  
Also there is in those woods of Arabia, trees bearing Myrrh, and the Mastic.  
The Sabians burn no other wood, wherefore they are weary of their smell.  
In the Sea of Arabia groweth the Marget's and other precious stones.  
Cinnamon is the bark of a little tree, which groweth in great quantity in base Ethiopia, in full places among the bushes, the best is that of the highest branches, the worst is that that is nearest to the root. When there is any dew in the Summer it is gathered by great difficulty.  
The tree hath no smell when it is green, & it is gathered from the Sun rising, to the Sun setting.  
The ships remain six months for their: fraught. That that is carried into this country of Ethiopia to sell them, is Glasses, vessels of Copper, and Brass,  cloth, and Linen.  
The worst bark or pelle, is that that is soft and white.  
Balm groweth only in the province of juda, in two Gardens of the Kings, the one containing about ten Acres, the other less, and it cometh of little trees not four foot long, growing after the manner of a Vine, it resembleth and is near to the taste of Wine, red in colour and fat, the fruit is cut with a knife of glass, stone, or bone, for the branch dieth to be cut with Iron, and it is cut to take away the superfluities, then in the season the bark is only cut, and then cometh out the sweat by small drops. This experience is true, that if any of it be spilled upon any apparel, it will never stain.  
There is danger in Worms, for they will mar the tree. Alexander the great in a summers day filled a little Vial of one tree.  
Ginger groweth in the earth, and is roots.   

The thirteenth Book treateth of strange trees.  
THe sweet ointments, perfumes, and smellings, are made of these trees. Some for the pleasure of others buy them dear, for they that carry them, have not the smell & pleasure, but it is for the smell of others, which is great vanity.  
Palms are in divers kinds, and there are none fruitful but toward the East, for they make wines: and as in trees and leaves there are Male and Female, so there is also in these.  
The Male buddeth within the root, and the Female outward.  
They bear every year Apples, and when the tree is cut the root casteth again.  
The Cedar groweth in Syria, of which cometh the sovereign root. That that flourisheth beareth no fruit, & that that fructifieth beareth no floor, and the wood lasteth perpetually.  
The Fig trees in Egypt are like to Mulberry trees, the fruit cometh four times a year, against the wood and not against the branches.  
There are many unknown trees, specially those that have the good Gum. There are made cords or Ropes of this tree.  
At Rome have been found books of Philosophy in a Sepulchre between two stones covered with Cedar wood that had lain there five hundredth thirty five years without harm, for the Cedar never rotteth, and there is no wood so good to make works.  
There are Cedar trees so high, that ye can not see the tops, and so great that there was presented to Tiberius Caesar, a table that was four foot large, & sixty foot long.  
Lotten or Celtis is a tree in Africa, the fruit of which is so sweet that it healeth all pains in the belly, and out of that fruit being bruised or priest, cometh wine that will not continue above ten days.  
Pomegranates there are of divers kinds, sweet, sour, and winish. The pell of the sour ones, are good and best to tan skins, and the flowers are good for Dyars.  
The Thorn that is called Royal, groweth in one day, and keepeth wine from being nought.  
Citisus is a singular tree, the wood is good to all beasts, as well Sheep as others. If ●●e sodden in water, it rendereth to Nurses that drink it, plenty of milk, and maketh the children more sure and more greater, and maketh Hens to lay eggs. Upon the flower of this tree a fly will never sit.  
Many other strange trees there are in the Sea, that will break like glass, & others that are as hard as stones, and many other trees that are in the Islands of the Sea, which we have not here, and which unto us are also unknown.   

The fourteenth Book treateth of Trees and fruitful plants.  
IN times past men were wont to have many pleasant trees, of the which now there is no mention, for every one studieth covetousness.  
The Wine groweth of wild plants, and among all other plants it is the principallest fruit, and there are many kinds, and every year it must be cut, or else otherwise it would compass a whole Town.  
Wine is the blood of the Earth, it being taken within a man's body is hot, and without it is cold, it is both comfortable and profitable to a man, if it be taken measurably, otherwise it is very hurtful.  
Alexander the great did vanquish the whole world, and yet could not so well keep himself, but was overcome with the force of Wine.  
Wines is not permitted to the wives of Rome.  
We read that King Romulus did pardon and forgive a Senator of Rome called Ignatius Mecenius, which had killed his wife with a Club, for that she was found drinking wine out of a tun.  
And therefore Cato did ordain that women and maidens should be kissed of their parents and kinsfolk, to the end they should know whether they did smell of Wine or no.  
Marcus Varo writeth of a Consul which never made banquet, nor had at his table more at one time then at an other, for fear of to much drinking.  
In times passed at Rome the price was set on wine, to the end that little should be drunk, but since Caesar made great banquets, which gave occasion to make provision at Rome for all kind of wines. Wine alone serveth to make medicines.  
There is wine made of Pears, Apples, and of other trees, which they use toward the East.  
Some make Wine of herbs, of water and honey sodden, which in Wales is called Metheglin, that will last five years, or with Honey and Vinegar, which is called oxymel.  
The small wines ought to touch the ground for to be the better kept, but not the good. The flower of white wine is good, and that of red is nought. By drunkenness men reveal their secrets, and make debates.   

The fifteenth Book treateth of Trees bearing fruit.  
THe Olive tree groweth not near the Sea, nor in places to hot nor to cold: they must be cut like Vines. The Olive oil is of a better savour when the Olives begin to ripe, but there is not so much when they begin to be black, but that is the time to take them, and of their ripeness. There is more pain to make Oil then wine.  
The Olive hath stone, oil and flesh, the green are bitter, by drying they become less though that the heat is cause of oil. The liquor of the Olive is the oil, but it lasteth not as doth wine, for it is best the first year.  
Some there are that tarry till the Olives fall from trees, for it hurteth the trees again the year following, to be cut, broken, or smitten.  
Olives before they are ripe will be kept with salt, after that they have been in hot water.  
If the Olive be not clean, it is washed and dried, three or four days and seasoned with salt.  
There is Oil made of many things, of Nuts, of Acorns, of small grains, of sweet smelling trees, of Gum that serveth for medicines, of Almonds, chestnuts, and divers other things, according to the countries. Apples and Pears ought to be kept in a dry and cold place, and for them the North wind is good and no other winds, when the weather is fair, they should be put on hay, separated one from another for to take the air, and they ought to be gathered before the full Moon.  
Nuts make a sound or rattling in falling, when they are ripe, and among other fruits they are parted in four within, with a little skin between both. They will keep green, being put in earthen pots, in the earth, and with them is made good Oils.  
chestnuts, are a kind of mast, and it is marvel that nature hath so closed them in shells.  
Mulberries stain a body's fingers, and they are of three colours, at the first they are white, after that become red, and when they are ripe than they are black.  
Cherries will keep dried with the Sun, as Olives. There are many relessings in fruits, as sweet, waterish, sour, bitter, green, salt, brackish, fat, and divers others, among the which there are that have many tastes together.  
The wines are sweet and sour, pricking. Milk is sweet and fat, but there are three principal Elements, without savour and without smell, as water, fire, and the air. The Laurel is dedicated to triumphs, and Emperors bear thereof on their heads, principally because it keepeth the persons from thunder.   

The sixteenth Book treateth of wild trees.  
THe Acorns cometh of Oak trees of divers sorts, for some there are better than others, and in time of famine the good Acorns dried may be grinded to make bread. Acorns be most sweetest when that they are new, and roasted in the embers.  
The Oak is best for to build withal, either houses or ships, because it will longest last.  
If an Oak tree be smitten with the thunder, it beareth few Acorns or none, and is so bitter, that no beast will eat thereof but Hogs, and when they are very hungry.  
The beech tree, beareth a kind of mast the which rejoiceth the Hogs being fed with them, their flesh is soon sodden, and very profitable for the stomach.  
Taxus is a tree like unto a Pine tree.  
In Arcadia it is so venomous that no beast dare sleep under the shadow of it, nor eat thereof.  
The Cups that are made of this wood, to put Wine in, are venomous.  
It is said that the venom of this wood ceaseth, when there is nailed therein a nail of brass.  
An Eshe tree, the leaves thereof is mortiferous to Mares, but it hurteth not the beasts that shadow under it, to drink the liquor of it, is good against the biting of Serpents, for never Serpent resteth under the shadow thereof, and he that will compass a Serpent about a fire with the leaves of this tree, the Serpent will rather take the fire then escape through those leaves.  
The Tilia of some called the Teybe, hath Male and Female, for the Female alone beareth flowers and seed. The juice of the bark and leaves is sweet, but no beast will eat of the fruit, between the bark and the wood there are many little thin pelles or skins, with the which are made Ropes.  
The Maple if it were so great and so high as the Cedar, should be preferred because of his properness.  
With this tree is made Tables being of a blackish colour.  
The Box tree spreadeth very large and thick, and is very proper because of his shadow.  
There are certain wild trees, that never lose their leaf, as the Cedar, the juniper, the Holly tree, and others.  
The juniper for his leaf hath a sharp prick or thorn.  
There are certain places in Egypt whereas some trees will not grow.  
Other trees there are that leave their leaves sooner than the rest, and the difference thereof cometh, for that their fruit is sooner ripe than others: but Almond trees, the Esshe, and others, have their fruit with the first, and cast their leaves with the last.  
The Mulberry tree bringeth her fruit late, and falleth her leaves with the first.  
The trees after the manner of beasts do conceive in januarie with the wind, some sooner than others, and after a strait wind, beginneth the flowers to appear, and nourish the fruit.  
Vines in some places beareth twice a year. The roots are divers according to the diversity of trees.  
Esculus as writeth Virgil is a tree, that hath such profundity or deepness in the earth, as it hath above the ground in height.  
The Ciper tree is flow in growing without the ground be fat and fertile, than it spreadeth very large and long. And thus to conclude, I finish this abstract, till further occasion shall serve, giving God most hearty thanks for these his benefits and gifts given for the use of mankind. To whom be all honour and praise for ever and ever Amen.   
FINIS.