The KERMES BERRY. Coccum s. Granum Infectorium. Commonly, but absurdly, so called; as not being a Fruit, but only a round Ball or Button, nourished on the Boughs and Leaves of the Dwarf-Ilex, or the Ilex Coccigera; a kind of Shrub, in France, Spain, and Italy, with prickly Leaves, like a little Holly-Bush. This Berry when fresh gather'd (which is at the end of May and the beginning of June) is full of a Crimson Juyce, or Pulp, so called, which, for the most part of it, is a heap of small red Mites. And containeth also, as is probable, one or more Maggots, which feed upon the Mites.

The said Juyce or Pulp (as it is called) is made use of for the Confection of Alkermes, and other purposes. For the Deyers use, the Berrys are spread abroad upon Linnen, and to prevent heating, turned twice a day. When the Mites creep out and cover the Berrys, they are sprinkled with Vinegar, and rub'd a little, and so separated by a Searce; repeating, till the Berrys yield no more. Of this Pulp, Powder, or Heap of Mites, are formed little Balls, and so exposed to the Sun to dry. The use of the Vinegar, is to kill or weaken the Mites and Maggots, which otherwise would turn to little Flys (rather Bees.) The empty Husks, being washed with Wine and dry'd, are put up in (a) Phil. Trans. N. 20. p. 363. Sacks, either alone, or with a quantity of powder in the middle. This Account I have drawn up out of the Observations communicated by Dr. William Croon (a) from Mr. Verny an Apothecary at Montpelier, and those of Mr. Lyster, (b) (b) Ibid. N. 87. p. 5059. which illustrate each other.

To the Remarques above mention'd, I shall add one more, which is, That as the Pulp or Powder, so called, is a Cluster of small Animals: so the Husk it self is an Animal Body, as it were grafted on the Stock or Leaf, whereon it grows; and so converteth all the nourishment it deriveth thence (as Bread eaten is turned to Flesh) into its own Animal Nature. And that the said Husk is really an Animal Body, appears by that fetid scent it gives, like that of Horns, Hair, and the like, upon its being burnt. A property, which I find belonging to no Plant whatsœver, except to some Sea-Plants, as in the following Section shall be instanced. So that, though in compliance with the Vulgar Opinion, I have placed it here, yet ought it to be treated of amongst Animals.