131 



riod of ourHlstorr now before us ; we have it U true many iu- 

 perior varieties, and in tho Flower and ornamental Shrub de- 

 partment we much excel them. The Art of Forcing and Pre- 

 serving Plants in Hot Houses was the offspring of the next age. 



An estimate of the greater attention now paid to Gardening 

 for the public supply, may be formed from a knowledge of the 

 cheapness of some articles. Early in Autumn (1594) half a 

 peck of Filberts were to be had for sixpence. In September, 

 (IG19) 30 Lettuces were to be bought for fourpence ; 10 Arti- 

 chokes for three shillings and fourpence, but 2 Cauliflowers 

 cost one and sixpence each. In the reign of James the I. 

 (1G0!>— 1625.) superior varieties of the Melon, a large pale 

 Gooseberry, the Lemon Tree, several varieties of Sallad Herbs 

 and Cabbages were introduced. Melons appear to have been 

 especial favourites of this monarch. " I have sent, says Sir 

 Henry Wotton, writing from Venice, in 1622, the choicest 

 Melon seeds of all kinds, which his Majesty doth expect, as I 

 had order both from my Lord Holderness and from Mr. Secre- 

 tary Calvert." And Sir Henry " sent withall a very particular 

 instruction in the culture of that plant" He sent also to the 

 Earl of Holderness "a double yellow Rose of no ordinary 

 nature, for it flowereth every month (unless change of clime do 

 change the property) from May till almost Christmas." He 

 also introduced one of our Amaranths in 1613.* 



The Tradescants were ornaments of the reign of Charles the 

 I. (1625—1648; The chief decorations of our Parterres, and 

 many of our finest varieties of Fruits were obtained to us by 

 their researches and Travels. It will bo observed however 

 from Parkinson that intertropical Plants had been very si)a- 

 ringly introduced. Real Stove Plants are rarely mentioned. 

 American Plants were more abundant, as might be expected 

 from our freer intercourse with their native country, ospecialljr 



♦ ReliquicB WoUoniania by J. Walton, Edit. 3rd. pp. 3lft— 424. 



