CHAP. 17.—MADDER.
There are two other plants also, which are but little known
to any but the herd of the sordid and avaricious, and this because of the large profits that are derived from them. The
first of these is madder, [Note] the employment of which is necessary in dyeing wool and leather. The madder of Italy is the
most esteemed, and that more particularly which is grown in
the suburbs of the City; nearly all our provinces, too, produce it in great abundance. [Note] It grows spontaneously, but is
capable of reproduction by sowing, much after the same manner as the fitch. The stem, [Note] however, is prickly, and articulated, with five leaves arranged round each joint: the seed is
red. Its medicinal properties we shall have occasion to mention in the appropriate place. [Note]
