The _Empalement_, whether of one or more pieces, I call that which is the utmost part of the _Flower_, encompassing the other two. ’Tis compounded of the three general Parts, the _Skin_, the _Cortical_ and _Lignous Bodies_; each _Empaler_ (where there are divers) being as another little Leaf; as in those of a _Quince-Flower_, as oft as they happen to be overgrown, is well seen. As likewise in the _Primrose_, with the green Flower, commonly so call’d, though by a mistake; for that which seems to be the _Flower_, is only the more flourishing _Empalement_, the _Flower_ it self being white; but the continuation of all the three aforesaid Parts into each _Empaler_, is discoverable, I think, no where better than in an _Artichoke_, which is a true _Flower_, and whose _Empalers_ are of that amplitude, as fairly to shew them all: As also, that the Original of the _Skin_ of each _Empaler_ is not distinct from that of the rest; but to be all one piece, laid in so many Plaits or Duplicatures as there are _Empalers_, from the outermost to the inner and most central ones. The Design of the _Empalement_, is to be security and Bands to the other two Parts of the _Flower_: To be their security before its opening, by intercepting all extremities of Weather: Afterwards to be their Bands, and firmly to contain all their Parts in their due and most decorous posture; so that a _Flower_ without its _Empalement_, would hang as uncouth and taudry as a _Lady_ without her _Bodies_. Hence we have the reason why it is various, and sometimes wanting. Some _Flowers_ have none, as _Tulips_; for having a fat and firm Leaf, and each Leaf likewise standing on a broad and strong Basis, they are thus sufficient to themselves. _Carnations_, on the contrary, have not only an _Empalement_, but that (for more firmitude) of one piece: For otherwise, the foot of each Leaf being very long and slender, most of them would be apt to break out of compass; yet is the top of the _Impalement_ indented also; that the Indentments, by being lapp’d over the Leaves before their expansion, may then protect them; and by being spred under them afterwards, may better shoulder and prop them up. And if the feet of the Leaves be both long and very tender too, here the _Empalement_ is numerous, though consisting of several pieces; yet those in divers Rounds, and all with a counterchangeable respect to each other (which also the Learned Dr. _Brown_ observes) as in all _Knapweeds_, and other _Flowers_; whereby, how commodious they are for both the aforesaid ends, may easily be conceiv’d; and well enough exemplified by the Scales of Fishes, whereunto, as to their position, they have not an unapt resemblance. The _Foliation_ also, is of the same substantial nature with the green Leaf; the _Membrane_, _Pulp_, and _Fibres_ whereof, being, as there, so here, but the continuation of the _Skin_, the _Cortical_ and _Lignous Bodies_.