Of Fennell
The Description. 1 THe Fennell, called in Latine, Faeniculum, is so well knowne amongst us, that it were but lost labour to describe the same. 2 The second kinde of Fennell is likewise well knowne by the name of Sweet Fennell, so called because the seeds therof are in taste sweet like unto Annise seeds, resembling the common Fennell, saving that the leaves are larger and fatter, or more oleous: the seed greater and whiter, and the whole plant in each respect greater.
The Place.
These herbs are set and sowne in gardens; but the second doth not prosper well in this Countrey: for being sowne of good and perfect seed, yet in the second yeare after his sowing it will degenerate from the right kinde, and become common Fennell.
The Time.
They floure in June and July, and the seed is ripe in the end of August. The Vertues.
The pouder of the seed of Fennell drunke for certaine daies together fasting preserveth the eye-sight: whereof was written this Distichon following: Of Fennell, Roses, Vervain, Rue, and Celandine, Is made a water good to cleere the sight of eine.