350 NATURAL HISTORY. 



cubits deep : and that it is the root that continueth 

 fit longest to be set again, of any root that groweth. 

 It is a cold and acid herb, that, as it seemeth, loveth 

 the earth, and is not much drawn by the sun. 



673. It hath been observed, that some herbs like 

 best being watered with salt water : as radish, beet, 

 rue, pennyroyal ; this trial would be extended to 

 some other herbs ; especially such as are strong, as 

 tarragon, mustard-seed, rocket, and the like. 



674. It is strange that is generally received, how 

 some poisonous beasts affect odorate and wholesome 

 herbs ; as that the snake loveth fennel ; that the toad 

 will be much under sage : that frogs will be in 

 cinque-foil. It may be it is rather the shade, or 

 other coverture, that they take liking in, than the 

 virtue of the herb. 



675. It were a matter of great profit, save that 

 I doubt it is too conjectural to venture upon, if one 

 could discern what corn, herbs, or fruits^ are like to 

 be in plenty or scarcity, by some signs and prognos 

 tic in the beginning of the year : for as for those that 

 are like to be in plenty, they may be bargained for 

 upon the ground ; as the old relation was of Thales, 

 who, to shew how easy it was for a philosopher to be 

 rich, when he foresaw a great plenty of olives, made 

 a monopoly of them. And for scarcity, men may 

 make profit in keeping better the old store. Long 

 continuance of snow is believed to make a fruitful 

 year of corn : an early winter, or a very late winter, 

 a barren year of corn : an open and serene winter, 



