38. While some have disputed whether _Theophrastus_ knew the Scarlet Berry, others may doubt whether that noble tincture were known unto the Hebrews, which notwithstanding seems clear from the early and iterated expressions of Scripture concerning the Scarlet Tincture, and is the less to be doubted because the Scarlet Berry grew plentifully in the Land of _Canaan_, and so they were furnished with the Materials of that Colour. For though _Dioscorides_ saith it groweth in _Armenia_ and _Cappadocia_, yet that it also grew in _Judæa_, seems more than probable from the account of _Bellonius_, who observed it to be so plentifull in that Country, that it afforded a profitable Commodity, and great quantity thereof was transported by the Venetian Merchants. How this should be fitly expressed by the word _Tolagnoth_, _Vermis_, or _Worm_, may be made out from _Pliny_, who calls it _Coccus Scolecius_, or the _Wormy Berry_; as also from the name of that Colour called _Vermilion_, or the _Worm Colour_; and which is also answerable unto the true nature of it. For this is no proper Berry containing the fructifying part, but a kind of Vessicular excrescence, adhering commonly to the Leaf of the _Ilex Coccigera_, or dwarf and small kind of Oak, whose Leaves are always green, and its proper seminal parts Acrons. This little Bagg containeth a red Pulp, which, if not timely gathered, or left to it self, produceth small red Flies, and partly a red powder, both serviceable unto the tincture. And therefore, to prevent the generation of Flies, when it is first gathered, they sprinkle it over with Vinegar, especially such as make use of the fresh Pulp for the confection of _Alkermes_; which still retaineth the Arabick name, from the _Kermesberry_; which is agreeable unto the description of _Bellonius_ and _Quinqueranus_. And the same we have beheld in _Provence_ and _Languedock_, where it is plentifully gathered, and called _Manna Rusticorum_, from the considerable profit which the Peasants make by gathering of it. [Sidenote: _Oaks, in_ Gen. 35. 4, 8. Josh. 24. 26. Isa. 1. 29. Ezek. 27. 6. Hosea. 4. 13, etc.]