Hawthorn
I do not mean to trouble my readers with the description of a tree so universally known to almost every inhabitant of this kingdom. It is generally a hedge-bush, but, by being carefully pruned and dressed, it will grow to a reasonable height. As for the hawthorn tree of Glastonbury, which is said to flower yearly on Christmas-day, it rather shews the superstition of those who entertain this opinion, than excites wonder on any other account, since the same may be found in many other places of this kingdom; as at a place called White-green, near Namptwich in Cheshire; and also in Romney-marsh. These, if the winter happens to be mild, will be in full bloom about Christmas.
Government and virtues. It is a treee of Mars. The berries, or the seed in the berries, beaten to powder and drunk in wine, are a singular remedy for the stone, and no less effectual for the dropsy. The distilled water of the flowers stayeth the lask; and the seeds, cleeted from the down, then bruised and boiled in wine, will give instant relief to the tormenting pains of the body. If coths and spunges are wet in the distilled water, and applied to any place wherein thorns, splinters, &c. are lodged, it will certainly draw them forth.