The Description.

            1. There hath not long since been found out a goodly bulbous rooted plant, and termed Satyrion, which was supposed to be the true Satyrion of Dioscorides, after that it was cherished, and the virtues thereof found out by the studious searchers of nature. Little difference hath been found betwixt that plant of Dioscorides and this Dens caninus, except in the colour, which (as you know) doth commonly vary according to the diversity of places where they grow, as it falleth out in Squills, Onions, and the other kinds of bulbous plants. It hath most commonly two leaves, very seldom three; which leaf in shape is very like to Allium ursinum, or Ramsons, though far less. The leaves turn down to the groundward; the stalk is tender and flexible like to Cyclamen, or Sow-bread, about an handful high, bare and without leaves to the root. The proportion of the flower is like that of Saffron or the Lily flower, full of streams of a purplish white colour. The root is big, and like unto a date, with some fibres growing from it: unto the said root is a small flat half round bulb adjoining, like unto Gladiolus, or Corn-flag.

            2. The second kind is far greater and larger than the first, in bulb, stalk, leaves, flower, and cod. It yieldeth two leaves for the most part, which do close one within another, and at the first they do hide the flower (for so long as it brings not out his flower) it seems to have but one leaf like the Tulip's, and like the Lily's, though shorter, and for the most part broader; wherefore I have placed it and his kinds next unto the Lilies before the kinds of Orchis or Stones. The leaves which it beareth are spotted with many great spots of a dark purple colour, and narrow below, but by little and little toward the top wax broad, and after that grow to be sharp pointed, in form somewhat near Ramsons, but thicker and more oleous. When the leaves be wide opened the flower showeth itself upon his long weak naked stalk, bowing toward the earth-ward, which flower consisteth of six very long leaves of a fine delayed purple colour, which with the heat of the sun openeth itself, and bendeth his leaves back again after the manner of the Cyclamen flower, within which there are six purple chives, and a white three forked style or pistil. This flower is of no pleasant smell, but commendable for the beauty: when the flower is faded, there succeedeth a three-square husk or bead, wherein are the seeds, which are very like them of Leucoium bulbosum præcox; but longer, slenderer, and of a yellow colour. The root is long, thicker below than above, set with many white fibres, waxing very tender in the upper part, having one or more off-sets, or young shoots, from which the stalk ariseth out of the ground (as hath been said) bringing forth two leaves, and not three, or only one, save when it will not flower.

            3. The third kind is in all things like the former, save in the leaves, which are narrower, and in the colour of the flower, which is altogether white, or consisting of a colour mixed of purple and white. Wherefore sith there is no other difference, it shall suffice to have said thus much for the description.

The Place.

            These three plants grow plentifully at the foot of certain hills in the green and moist grounds of Germany and Italy, in Styria not far from Graz, as also in Modena and Bologna in Italy, and likewise in some of the choice gardens of this country.

The Time.

            They flower in April, and sometimes sooner, as in the middle of March.

The Names.

            This plant is called in Latin, Dens Caninus; and some have judged it Satyrium Erythronium. Matthiolus calls it Pseudohermodactylus. The men of the country where it groweth call it Shoftwurtz: and the Physicians about Styria call it Dentali. The second may for distinctions sake be termed Dens caninus flore albo, angustioribus foliis; that is, Dog's tooth with the white flower and narrow leaves.

The Nature.

            These are of a very hot temperament, windy, and of an excrementitious nature, as may appear by the virtues.

The Virtues.

            A. The women that dwell about the place where these grew, and do grow, have with great profit put the dried meal or powder of it in their childrens pottage, against the worms of the belly.

            B. Being drunk with Wine it hath been proved marvellously to assuage the colic passion.

            C. It strengtheneth and nourisheth the body in great measure, and being drunk with water it cureth children of the falling sickness.