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Of Indian Swallow-Woort

The Description.

THere groweth in that part of Virginia, or Norembega, where our English men dwelled (intending there to erect a certaine Colonie) a kinde of Asclepias, or Swallow-woort, which the Savages call Wisanck: there riseth up from a single crooked root, one upright stalk a foot high, slender, and of a greenish colour: whereupon do grow faire broad leaves sharp pointed, with many ribs or nerves running through the same like those of Ribwort or Plaintaine, set together by couples at certaine distances. The floures come forth at the top of the stalks, which as yet are not observed by reason the man that brought the seeds & plants hereof did not regard them: after which, there come in place two cods (seldome more) sharp pointed like those of our Swallow-woort, but greater, stuffed full of a most pure silke of a shining white colour: among which silke appeareth a small long tongue (which is the seed) resembling the tongue of a bird, or that of the herbe called Adders tongue. The cods are not only full of silke, but every nerve or sinew wherewith the leaves be ribbed are likewise most pure silke; and also the pilling of the stems, even as flax is torne from his stalks. This considered, behold the justice of God, that as he hath shut up those people and nations in infidelity and nakednes, so hath he not as yet given them understanding to cover their nakednesse, nor mater wherewith to do the same; notwithstanding the earth is covered over with this silke, which daily they tread under their feet, which were sufficient to apparell many kingdomes, if they were carefully manured and cherished. The Place.

It groweth, as before is rehearsed, in the countries of Norembega, now called Virginia, by the honourable Knight Sir Walter Raleigh, who hath bestowed great sums of money in the discoverie thereof; where are dwelling at this present English men.