Happy from such conceal’d, if still do lie,
  Of Roots and Herbs the unwholsome Luxury.

The Illustrious and Learned Columna has, by observing what [50]_Insects_ did usually feed on, make Conjectures of the Nature of the Plants.  But I should not so readily adventure upon it on that account, as to its wholsomness:  For tho’ indeed one may safely eat of a Peach or Abricot, after a Snail has been Taster, I question whether it might be so of all other Fruits and Herbs attack’d by other Insects:  Nor would one conclude, the Hyoscyamus harmless, because the Cimex feeds upon it, as the Learned Dr. Lyster has discover’d.  Notice should therefore be taken what Eggs of Insects are found adhering to the Leaves of Sallet-Herbs, and frequently cleave so firmly to them, as not easily to be wash’d off, and so not being taken notice of, passing for accidental and harmless Spots only, may yet produce very ill effects.

Grillus, who according to the Doctrine of Transmigration (as Plutarch tells us) had, in his turn, been a Beast; discourses how much better he fed, and liv’d, than when he was turn’d to Man again, as knowing then, what Plants were best and most proper for him:  Whilst Men, Sarcophagists (Flesh-Eaters) in all this time were yet to seek.  And ’tis indeed very evident, that Cattel, and other [Greek:  panphaga], and herbaceous Animals which feed on Plants, are directed by their Smell, and accordingly make election of their Food:  But Men (bessides the Smell and Taste) have, or should have, Reason, Experience, and the Aids of Natural Philosophy to be their Guides in this Matter.  We have heard of Plants, that (like the Basilisk) kill and infect by [51]looking on them only; and some by the touch.  The truth is, there’s need of all the Senses to determine Analogically concerning the Vertues and Properties, even of the Leaves alone of many Edule Plants:  The most eminent Principles of near the whole Tribe of Sallet Vegetables, inclining rather to Acid and Sowre than to any other quality, especially, Salt, Sweet, or Luscious.  There is therefore Skill and Judgment requir’d, how to suit and mingle our Sallet-Ingredients, so as may best agree with the Constitution of the (vulgarly reputed) Humors of those who either stand in need of, or affect these Refreshments, and by so adjusting them, that as nothing should be suffer’d to domineer, so should none of them lose their genuine Gust, Savour, or Vertue.  To this end,

The Cooler, and moderately refreshing, should be chosen to extinguish Thirst, attemper the Blood, repress Vapours, _&c._