" Among the manifold creatures of God, that haue all in 

 all ages diuersly entertained many excellent wits, and drawne 

 them to the contemplation of the diuine wisdome, none haue 

 prouoked mens studies more, or satisfied their desires so much 

 as Plants haue done, and that vpon iust and worthy causes: 

 For if delight may prouoke mens labor, what greater delight is 

 there than to behold the earth apparelled with plants, as with 

 a robe of embroidered worke, set with Orient pearles, and 

 garnished with great diuersitie of rare and costly iewels?" 



GEEARDE, 1597. 



