CHAPTER V

_Of Barks._


1. BARKS, which physicians use in medicine, are of these sorts: Of
fruits, of roots, of boughs.

2. The barks of fruits are to be taken when the fruit is full ripe,
as Oranges, Lemons, &c. but because I have nothing to do with exotics
here, I pass them without any more words.

3. The barks of trees are best gathered in the Spring, if of oaks, or
such great trees; because then they come easier off, and so you may dry
them if you please; but indeed the best way is to gather all barks only
for present use.

4. As for the barks of roots, ’tis thus to be gotten. Take the roots of
such herbs as have a pith in them, as parsley, fennel, &c. slit them in
the middle, and when you have taken out the pith (which you may easily
do) that which remains is called (tho’ improperly) the bark, and indeed
is only to be used.