Acetaria

Excerpt: ...which later Seaſon many prefer, the Sap of the Herb, tho' not in ſuch exuberance, yet as being then better concocted, and ſo render'd fit for Salleting, 'till the Spring begins a freſh to put forth new, and tender Shoots and Leaves. This, indeed, as to the Root, newly taken out of the Ground is true; and therefore ſhould ſuch have their Germination ſtopt the ſooner: The approaching and prevailing Cold, both Maturing and Impregnating them; as does Heat the contrary, which now would but exhauſt them: But for thoſe other Eſculents and Herbs imploy'd in our Compoſition of Sallets, 72 the early Spring, and enſuing Months (till they begin to mount, and prepare to Seed) is certainly the moſt natural, and kindly Seaſon to collect and accommodate them for the Table. Let none then conſult Culpeper, or the Figure-flingers, to inform them when the governing Planet is in its Exaltation; but look upon the Plants themſelves, and judge of their Vertues by their own Complexions. Moreover, in Gathering, Reſpect is to be had to their Proportions, as provided for in the Table under that Head, be the Quality whatſoever: For tho' there is indeed nothing more wholſome than Lettuce and Muſtard for the Head and Eyes; yet either of them eaten in exceſs, were highly prejudicial to them both: Too much of the firſt extreamly debilitating and weakning the Ventricle, and haſtning the further decay of ſickly Teeth; and of the ſecond the Optic Nerves, and Sight it ſelf; the like may be ſaid of all the reſt. I conceive therefore, a Prudent Perſon, well acquainted with the Nature and Properties of Sallet-Herbs, &c. to be both the fitteſt Gatherer and Compoſer too; which yet will require no great Cunning, after once he is acquainted with our Table and Catalogue. We purpoſely, and in tranſitu only, take notice...